Okabashi footwear is a new addition to my wardrobe. Their company has a trilogy of design divisions which include the original Okabashi, Oka b and Third Oak. To my surprise, I actually found the basic Okabashi style at my local CVS store.
Whenever I discover a new product, I like to research it thoroughly. In this case, I found out what makes Okabashi footwear so unique. This discovery actually came as quite a surprise to me. Here’s why.
The introduction to the concept of Okabashi shoe for women and men from their website Okabshi.com
In addition, discovering them was very exciting because there are three style themes to choose from not just the one basic type style. My introduction was initially to this basic Okabashi summer shoe. The reason was that I was looking for my summer minimal type shoe. Fortunately, I found two simple pairs at CVS my go to source for them.
Okabashi basic styles found at CVS, women’s cruise and breeze footwear
Oka b Continuing with my research, I discovered another style. At first, I thought it was discontinued but then I found this style both new on Amazon as well as new and second hand on Poshmark.
In fact, this style is my favorite. That’s because they are is most decorative and colorful. If I had the budget, I would buy them in many colors. Here are two that I love.
Two versions of the decorative Oka b style footwear from Okabashi.com
Third Oak Ultimately, the third and final style in the trilogy of Okabashi footwear is their Third Oak Collection. Although the simplest, they are the sleekest and sophisticated of all even though they are flip flops. In addition they are available online as well as in higher end retail destinations. Here are examples of what they look like. By the way, some even include a dust bag.
Third Oak Scout flip flops in three of their color themes, Moss Gold, Toffee Copper, Blush Pearl
IN CONCLUSION
If their history and story interest you, I have included an abundance of sources and resources below. In fact, this is an award winning story of how one company survived adversity. In addition, their survival is part of a technical marvel. Okabashi not only eco-friendly, made in the USA, guaranteed for two years, machine washable and an affordable, attractive purchase.
Okabashi is the name of my latest favorite healthy brands of shoes. Actually the name is inspired by the Japanese concept of wellness. As a matter of fact, I have worn several brands of healthy shoes over many decades over my lifetime to date.
My three favorite healthy brands of shoes all available on Poshmark.com
The three brands of healthy shoes are specifically Birkenstocks, Merrell Encore Breeze clogs, and Okabashi. As much as I love all three brands, Okabashi shoes are the most unique in of all of them for the following reasons.
Okabashi Intro
1. made in the USA
2. easy care
3. are eco-friendly
4. are very reasonably priced
The introduction to the concept of Okabashi shoes from their website Okabshi.com
Birkenstocks from the Past
Let me just mention briefly that I no long wear Birkenstocks for one reason. One pair that I got caused a callous on the outside of my foot. As a result, they never were comfortable. The callous took years to soften, as well. Although I am sure they would be fine now, I wanted to try other brands. But I see they are on Poshmark.com and much more affordable now, too.
These six pairs show the latest styles of Birkenstocks.
Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs Abound
This brand and style are still an integral part of my wardrobe. Actually a recent buying spree resulted in several very affordable additional pairs for me. Read about this on my blog entitled, Poshmark Fair Prices.
These six pairs of shoes show the latest colors of Merrell Encore Breeze clogs.
Okabashi Revealed
I have purposely waited to reveal the appearance of these shoes until they end. That is because I wanted my readers to be surprised. Besides all the benefits mentioned at the beginning of this post, they are very attractive. In addition, they come in great colors. So here they are. Besides an image, here is the website too, okabashi.com.
Health and Healing project graphics are great fun to make for all my fermented beverages. In fact, I enjoy making Health and Healing projects graphics almost as much as making fermented food and beverages themselves.
In order to keep track of what I am doing with all my projects, I create promotional and identity graphics. At left, for this project, I have created a menu of the fermented food and beverages I am making.
Do you notice something significant between the above two examples of Health & Healing graphics? The current piece, the menu happens to be computer generated while the vintage piece or flyer was completely freehand drawn by me.
At the time the flyer was created, I did not have access to a computer. Currently, all my graphics is computer generated. In reverse, my current Health and Healing projects themselves draw upon vintage, handmade formulas and recipes.
Illustrations work by Susan Branch, Beatrix Potter, and Mary Engelbreit
As much as I would like to create lovely handmade illustrations of my current work, the computer is easier for me. Unfortunately I do not have the skill of other artists like Susan Branch, Beatrix Potter and Mary Engelbreit to manifest handmade marvels.
Ali’s Kombucha kitchen
CAPTURING THE ESSENCE
There is an essence to all of this. It is actually captured by the senses through the ethereal vibration of it all. There is the visual, the aroma, the taste, the feeling. Although I cannot capture some of these qualities, ultimately the products is essential.
It is my sincerest desire that you will experience something special through my Health and Healing project graphics. May that be the quality of transporting you to the products themselves. Ultimately that is where the benefits and the joy reside.
Poshmark fair purchasing prices are one of the reasons I love to shop their online store. In fact, this blog post highlights my results using the example of purchasing five pairs of my favorite brand/style Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs. The contributing factors include condition, color, size and the purchase price.
Merrell Shoe company logo
Recent Purchases The body of the blog post describes my recent purchases over a period of a month. These five pairs of Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs ranged in price from $5 to $24. The purchasing factors included prices reflected by condition as well as desired colors. Actually most of the pairs looked next to new. Besides that, an abundance of desirable colors in my size were available. What a feast was at my fingertips.
Price Range Keep in mind that some of the shoes were in better shape than others. As a result, the final cost reasonably reflected that. Most amazing is the fact that new full price Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs cost over $100 +tax and shipping. That can be many times more than what I found on Poshmark
Each of these new pairs of Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs retails for almost $105.
Denim Clogs I could see in the pictures that the denim ones were not in the best shape. But I wanted this color so I bid very low. To my delight, I now have denim Merrell clogs for $5+shipping.
My bid of $5 plus shipping was accepted for these denim Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs
Denim Clogs Again by Mistake Due to the sellers poor color photos and an incorrect color description, I purchased a second pair of denim clogs. Their condition is substantially better than the first so I will have new looking denim clogs for years to come.
These denim Merrell Encore Breeze clogs have been on my kist for a long time.
Burgundy Clogs The burgundy clogs were in similar shape to the $5 denim pair so I bid $6. My wardrobe now includes them also. So far my Poshmark fair price system is working. This means that the price of each pair of shoes reflects the factors I required.
My bid of $6 plus shipping was accepted for this pair of Ruby Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs
Silver Mist Clogs To continue, my list for fall includes neutral as well as autumn colors. Two pair fit the bill. Because their condition is closer to new, the cost is greater. But the quality and price are still outstanding. As a result, I was able to purchase a pair for $24+5.95. So far fair purchasing prices have resulted in three pairs of Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs for a total of $35+shipping.
I paid $24+$5.95 shipping for these silver mist Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs.
Brown Clogs So far, I have purchased five pairs of Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs for around including shipping. In contrast, the cost of one new pair of these shoes would cost $100+ tax and shipping each for a total of over $500.+
I paid $12+ shipping for these brown Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs
Still to Come One additional thing I need to mention is color availability. This means that a newer color increases the price. For example, I would love to have a pair of clogs in the green family for autumn. But the newer shade of green they come in is called olive. So any pair I find thus far in this color is still too pricey. Everywhere I have looked to date is way above my budget. Therefore I will wait until the color is not so new. At that point the price will reduce to a negotiating point where I can start my biding.
The Merrell Encore Breeze clog in olive
In Conclusion The five pairs of clogs listed here clearly illustrate how it is possible to get Poshmark fair prices. Even if a particular seller prices something too high the average cost of other shoes placed in a reasonable price range will adjust the prices. As you can see my system works very well in purchasing great merchandise with Poshmark fair prices.
In other words, it was possible to get five pairs of Merrell clogs on Poshmark including shipping for about the same price as one new retail pair. Why spend more retail when Poshmark provides so much more for so much less? I can’t think of one good reason. This is why I love to shop on Poshmark.
Buying second hand is growing in popularity these days. In fact, there are numerous very good reasons for buying second hand. In this blog post I will attempt to explain some of them. Of greatest importance is the fact that we are actually bordering on a global crisis that needs a permanent antidote not just a booster for a passing phase.
Discover the Apple Certified Refurbished promise from apple.com
Economy is one of the main reasons to buy second hand. Actually many people cannot afford to pay their bills and buy necessary things. As a result, second hand options can be a lifesaver as far as cost goes. For example refurbished products like computers are significantly less expensive than new ones. But the quality can be almost like new.
New cars specifically are known to lose thousands of dollars in value the moment they are driven off the lot. Thus economy is a great reason to buy a ‘previously owned’ product. In fact, in the movie Driving Miss Daisy, every time Jessica Tandy got a new car, her chauffer played by Morgan Freeman would purchase the car her son traded in for her new one.
Ecology is another reason to buy second hand. The United States for example is known for its garbage. Things are disposed of long before it is necessary. Quality items are needlessly replaced with the latest (often poorly produced) items. In fact there is so much garbage that the planet is choking with it.
Actually, there is almost nothing that man has made that cannot have a second life either in whole or in part. In other words, we are unnecessarily creating mountain of garbage and trash instead of practicing reduce-reuse-recycle.
Garbage: The Back End of the Renewable Economy from huffpost.com
The Production/Consumption Cycle
Ending the Over-Production/Over-Consumption Cycle Our economy runs on a very toxic system known as the production/consumption cycle. In other words people have to produce and people have to consume to keep our current economic cycle going. Unfortunately this system involves overproduction and overconsumption. Gluttony, too much garbage, and national debt are the result.
madaleinehome.blogspot.com/2019/11/yellow-car-cartoon-pictures.html
New products may seem preferable, even justified conspicuous consumption. But are they worth it? In fact, they are often poorly made. The result may well be a flashy but short-lived ride to the garbage dump.
Both necessity and over-consumption may lead consumers into debt. Thus, we need to incorporate additional components into our current production/consumption cycle for economic solvency. One of these additions is called ‘buying second hand’. As a result, this can be part of a permanent cure, not just a temporary band aid to our current broken system.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle-Inspire Health and Spirit from Inspire Health and Spirit.com
Challenges and Solutions There are items to buy second hand and other things to stay away from.
What to Buy Second Hand There are some great second hand suggestions from buying second hand from Best Second-Hand Deals on Buzzfeed.com.
Buying second hand from Best Second-Hand Deals on BuzzFeed.com
What Not to Buy Second Hand Stay away from non-perishable packaged and canned items with expired dates on them, the same with OTC medicine, etc.
7 Tips for Eco-Conscious Living Without Sacrificing Comfort and Style
On the whole though there is much more that does fit into the reduce, reuse, and recycle cycle. Therefore do everything possible to to participate in this system by buying second hand. As a result, it will help you and the planet.
Since 1937, the NYC Public Retail Markets serve as culinary gathering places. Originally a 10-market system, these markets were constructed by the City of New York itself. The continued goal is to provide the public with an affordable supply of fresh food. Today, six remaining markets serve as a thriving testament to the food history that enriches New York City.
(Left) Typical scene of Lower East Side St peddlers and (Right) Mayor LaGuardia opens the First Avenue Retail Market, 1938 (Museum of the City of New York).
Mission At NYC Public Retail Markets, the central mission is to foster shared prosperity, equity, and empowerment across the city. In doing so, this strengthens neighborhoods and creates entrepreneurial job opportunities as well.
the Arthur Avenue Market in the Bronx and La Marqueta in East Harlem
Commitment Actually, the commitment is to make these markets not only world-class destinations. But it is also to provide access to affordable, healthy food—all as well. In addition to that preserving each market’s cultural heritage is also crucial.
Gourmet Glatt in Brooklyn and Moore Street in Brooklyn
The Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs color story offers an idea of what colors were most popular at what times in fashion color trends.
Their Appeal I attribute this to the prolific amount of Merrell Encore Breeze clog colors over the years. In fact this is confirmed by the fact that the only other shoe might be the Converse brand. In fact, I think I have an even number of both. For preference sake I am using The Merrell clogs as my time/color/detail litmus test.
Standard colors For simplicity, I have limited all the Merrell Encore Breeze clogs to the same pattern, fabric, and trim. To start here are the standard/basic colors.
The Merrell Encore Breeze clog history has an immense variety of colors dating them like a timeline. Shoe here are two standards, Black and tan.
Patriotic colors Built upon that in the last 10-20 years, Merrell Encore breeze shoes came in patriotic colors such as red and royal blue.
The Merrell Encore Breeze clog history has an immense variety of colors dating them like a timeline. Shoe here are two patriotic colors, red and royal blue.
Neon colors Besides the patriotic colors, Merrell stepped into the neons. For example came magenta and orange. When these became available, I loved them. Of course, I had to buy them. They may have even been full retail price.
The Merrell Encore Breeze clog history has an immense variety of colors dating them like a timeline. Shoe here are two neon colors, orange, and magenta.
Nearly Neon Merrell had a toned down phase to nearly neon But. I am not certain if it came before or after full neon. Either way, they are great colors as well.
The Merrell Encore Breeze clog history has an immense variety of colors dating them like a timeline. Shoe here are two nearly neon colors, turquoise, and lime.
Sprinkled in Time and Current Subtle Tones There are so many additional colors and themes that it is not possible to know where they have been sprinkled in time. But one thing is for sure. There is nothing like them. From then, now or the future. The current subtle tones are exhibited below.
The Merrell Encore Breeze clog history has an immense variety of colors dating them like a timeline. Shoes shown here are current, subtle tones.
Researching a general history of pencils reveals how long this story is but also how recent it has become to its ending as a primary writing tool. Especially now that we have access to personal computers of all shapes and sizes for just about every task, pencils have become somewhat archaic for everyday use. But there is an exception to this rule.
Writing TabletsDouble Sided Old School Slate/Chalkboard-EbayLet’s go back a bit in the history of writing before pencils were available. I refer in fact primarily two types of writing systems.
Chalkboard One was only a few centuries ago using chalk as the writing instrument over slate as the surface. (Left)
Ancient Tablet Then the other was from ancient Rome using wax covered wood as the writing surface with a stylus as the writing instrument. (Below)
History of the Pencil This section is quoted from Wikipedia.
Special Pencils For everyday use the pencil is somewhat of a dinosaur. As mentioned earlier, the primary system is once again a tablet or a pad. But now it is a computer not slate, wood, wax or clay.
But in one situation, there is still a need and use for the pencil. This is in the area of drawing also known as art or illustration. In this area there are some very special pencils. For example, there is the Blackwing. The original ones are shown below costing $1,520 for a dozen.
1Dozen Brand New – Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602 Pencils with Original Box Perfect Brand New $1,520.00 Extra 5% off with coupon or Best Offer + $8.00 shipping on Ebay
Today is an ‘I like red’ day. In fact I have been having lots of those days, lately. If there is something I have in red, I wear it. If I like something but don’t have it, then I like to find a photo and write about it. Therefore here is how I do it.
wiki color wheel on yahoo.com
Merrell Clogs It just so happens that there are two items on Poshmark that I love. In fact both are red. One is a pair of shoes and one is a purse. Right now I can neither afford nor find them in the right size or an affordable price. So here is the next best thing.
For example Merrell Encore Breeze clogs are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. They actually used to come in all sorts of bright colors. But no more. So I did find the perfect color on the account of filli58 on Poshmark. Unfortunately, they are too small. Therefore, they are part of my ‘I like red day’ blog post list.
Merrell Encore Breeze Red Rose Mesh Mules Clogs Womens Size 5.5 on Poshmark
In another situation, I found an Arcadia bag in the color I like. In fact, I know that I like it because I have one in another color just like it. But again, it’s a no go. At over $100. it can only be a dream for now. Therefore it goes into the I’ll write about it category. So here it is, gorgeous for all to see.
Arcadia Handbag This beauty comes from the Poshmark account of ‘nmartinyuk’. In fact, I know it would coordinate perfectly with the Merrell Encore Breeze red clogs as well as anything else I’d need it to.
Arcadia red tan trim satchel shoulder bag on Poshmark
So I am going to head off to my real and imaginary closet. Actually, that is where I will find just what I want to complete an I like red day outfit. You are welcome to join me.
My Real and Imaginary Closet
The magic of what is behind these closet doors is the real as well as the imagined. Between what is really in my wardrobe in addition to what I wish could be behind these closet doors is the complete wardrobe of whatever I imagine.
For example, the Merrell clogs are the right size in addition to the gorgeous Arcadia bag is the right price. When I open the doors, my completed ensemble is complete, real as well as imaginary.
magic folding doors from deviant.com
Favorite food shopping is very easy and convenient for me.
That is because the stores I love that carry the foods I love are right in my neighborhood. Otherwise, I can always get most things on Amazon.com, quickly and at a discount like my favorite Frankies 457 Court St (Brooklyn) olive oil. But let’s stay in my neighborhood, for now.
Google map of the locations of the stores highlighted in this blog post
Ethnic Food Is My Preference. In fact, I prefer it to most American food. Fortunately there is enough of what I like. Therefore I can minimize my intake of the Standard American Diet. Instead, I can indulge in international, gourmet products I love at a discount.
Gala Fresh Farms
There are so many delicacies right here at Gala Fresh Farms in Baldwin that I can’t name them all. So I will focus on two of my most favorites. In fact, here’s a picture of them. My favorite Vantia Food Products imported from Italy and available at @GalaFreshFarms
Anchovies and Cheese Both are so mouth wateringly delicious. The anchovies are actually only lightly salted, even sweet. Therefore, I can enjoy their flavor without getting a mouthful of salt.
In contrast with their wonderful mild flavor is the spicy Italian Primo Sale Fantasia sheep cheese. Olives, arugula, and red pepper are a great addition to the robust flavor of this cheese gem. By the way, the store carries fresh semolina bread to make these choices a complete meal.
Home Goods
This addition to the neighborhood has been a spectacular success. Actually before it become HomeGoods, Rockville Centre NY, there was a less than successful supermarket. How grateful everyone is for the upgrade. In fact, it has made a world of difference to shopping in town.
Cerignola Olives and Lupini Beans Here are two set of my favorite treats from Home Goods. That is to say, first my favorite Italian salty vegetable snacks. In fact, there is nothing healthier when I am in the mood for a salty even astringent taste. Actually the border of this post is a row of bowls of red and green cerignola olives.
A jar of my favorite Bella Contadina cerignola olives and a jar of the same brand of lupini beans
Baklava and Turkish Delight Next I present my favorite Greek sweet treats. Baklava is nutty and sweetened by honey so it it not too sweet. In addition, turkish delight is chewy, tasty but not to sweet either.
My two favorite Greek sweets both available at Home Goods.
Your appetite must certainly be wetted by now. In fact, this was just a very brief introduction. So take a gastronomic tour of Rockville Centre/Oceanside/Baldwin Long Island or your own neighborhood. What was once homogenous middle class neighborhoods have become much more gastronomically diverse and delicious. In conclusion living in the suburbs can include favorite food shopping experiences.
1Dozen Brand New – Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602 Pencils with Original Box Perfect Brand New $1,520.00 Extra 5% off with coupon or Best Offer + $8.00 shipping on Ebay
