Get ready for a new PR when you lace up the Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes. Climate control for your feet when you’re beating the pavement or racking up the electricity bill on the treadmill. Just what you would expect from a running shoe made by Ecco, lasting comfort and performance while not compromising the look. Theyre so versatile you can rock them at the gym or all day at work. The Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes offer a chic look combined with superior performance.
How Many Shoes Does One Woman Need?
Can you put yourself into the “Imelda Marcos” category of owning hundreds of pairs of shoes or are you in the “Sandie Shaw” category of bare foot when ever possible? I have to admit to being rather patial to shoes and would buy more if funds and my husband would let me! Equally I love to walk bare foot through the sand and in the summer, at home, I am often shoeless. It isn’t that straight forward. Many women in the western world don’t just buy shoes for practically reasons, in fact for quite the opposite reason. a practicality. Shoes are a way of expressing our characters. Some of Georgina Goodman’s shoes are impractical to wear, but beautiful pieces of contemporary art.
Think of the woman in the film “In her Shoes”. She has rows and rows of beautiful shoes at the back of her closet. They are virtually all un-worn but she buys them to cheer herself up when she is down. She enjoys the pleasure of ownership!
We need shoes for many different occasions. Smart shoes for work, hiking boots for walking the dog, wellies for gardening, trainers for running or going to the gym, slippers to keep our feet warm at home, flip flops for the summer, fashion boots for the winter…..and so on. Then we may need a pair of black shoes and a pair of brown shoes for work. The list is endless. So even if you put yourself down as a “SandieShaw”, I am certain you have at least 6 different items of footwear.
The style of shoe you wear can either make or break and outfit. Even if everything else is perfect, wearing an inappropriate shoe or one that doesn’t suit the wearer can ruin the overall look. There are a few basic rules to consider when choosing shoes.
If you have short legs or wide ankles, try and avoid a loafer shape or ankle straps, it will only draw attention to an area you may wish to disguise. A heel of some description will elongate legs and make calves and ankles look slimmer. Try and match your shoes to your hemline and hosiery.
When buying boots, try and avoid the top of the boot finishing on the widest part of your leg unless you are wearing them with a long skirt or trousers.
If you find walking in high heels difficult, either practise or don’t wear them! It is not a good look, hobbling along in heels you cannot cope with.
Match your shoe to the occasion. Simple but elegant for work, flip flops for the beach, casual shoes for the weekend, a really good quality pair of trainers for running or for going to the gym, not for wearing with jeans.
Leather is better than synthetic material if you have a problem with foot odour. Alternate shoes so you give them time to air in between wearing them and look after them with good quality polish.
According to figures I found on the internet, the average American woman owns 40 pairs of shoes. Which ever way we try to justify the number of shoes we need, 40 is way over the top. I would say that women buy shoes not only for reasons of necessity but for the pure pleasure of owning a beautiful pair of shoes.
About the Author
Joanna Steele-Perkins is a senior image consultant with Colour Me Beautiful image consultants.
Based in Taunton, Somerset, she is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers. She offers advice on all aspects of personal image and her services include colour analysis, style consultations, make-up lessons and bridal advice.
cheap 5th year aniversary gift for my perfect girl?
what can i give or do to my girlfriend that is $10 worth or less.. practically something that is DO IT YOUR SELF thingy..
her room is full of my drawings and paintings, made her cards of all sizes.. home made chocolates last month.. a nice dress.. shoes.. jewelry.. bonsai..
i also tried writing a poem for her the other year.. i body massaged her.. foot spa.. cooked and baked for her…
im running out of ideas.. =P
You are sooo cute! You could make her some bath salts and a sugar scrub in her favorite scent or yours, for her bath. If you are interested email me and I will give you directions. Its cheap and so easy.
Get ready for a new PR when you lace up the Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes. Climate control for your feet when you’re beating the pavement or racking up the electricity bill on the treadmill. Just what you would expect from a running shoe made by Ecco, lasting comfort and performance while not compromising the look. Theyre so versatile you can rock them at the gym or all day at work. The Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes offer a chic look combined with superior performance.
Get ready for a new PR when you lace up the Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes. Climate control for your feet when you’re beating the pavement or racking up the electricity bill on the treadmill. Just what you would expect from a running shoe made by Ecco, lasting comfort and performance while not compromising the look. Theyre so versatile you can rock them at the gym or all day at work. The Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes offer a chic look combined with superior performance.
Lelli Kelly Shoes
Lelli Kellys were first launched in Italy in 1992 and have always been focused on style, quality and technology. These are the key factors of all Lelli Kelly girls shoes and the a main reason for their ever growing popularity. The company’s main aim has always been to create Lelli Kelly girls shoes which start latest trends rather than follow them and this strategy means that Lelly Kellys are now at the forefront of the childrens footwear market.
Communication has also played a major role in building Lelly Kellys as a must have item. Television, press and promotional material have all been used to build the brand and in Italy there was an investment of 15 million Euros into communication and this has supported the rapid growth of Lelli Kellys, not just in Italy but across the whole of Europe.
Lelli Kelly girls shoes are delicately embroided with beads and sequins making them every little girls dream shoe and with a range of patterns and styles there is a Lelly Kelly shoe for everyone!
Lelly Kellys have thoroughly researched girls’ enviornments and activities so that a Lelli Kelly shoe will perform and meet these high demands. To do this Lelly Kelly girls shoes are specifically designed to meet the European quality standards. In Lelli Kellys the inner sole is made from luxurious, perforated leather while the outer sole is light and anti skid making them perfect for walking and running.
Every Lelli Kelly shoe features a special insole which contains Latex Foam to absorb any respiration and turn it into a gel. The Latex Foam is placed just underneath the perforated leather insole and ensures that your child’s feet will stay dry and fresh in all conditions. Thorough research has proven that the technology inside a Lelli Kelly shoe promotes the healthiest environment for your child’s foot.
It’s important to understand how the Latex Foam and Dryz in Lelli Kellys works; Initially the body heat will start the odour absorbing agents in the Latex Foam and Drys working. These unique agents absorb a huge humidity percentage up to 160 times their weight therefore keeping the feet dry and comfortable.
The genuine leather perforated insole featured in Lelli Kelly girls shoes wicks away any respiration from the foot and the antibacterial agents in the Latex Foam and Drys then eradicate and odour causing bacteria. A patented foam substance then absorbs any moisture and pulls it away from the foot and into a gel, this moisture then escapes through the holes in the sole of the shoe throughout the day and evaporates althogether once the Lelli Kellys have been taken off.
All Lelli Kelly girls shoes are extremely fashionable and girls are sure to love them. Every Lelli Kelly shoe comes with a free gift making them even more desirable and while every little girl can have their dream pair of shoes you will be safe in the knowledge that Lelli Kellys are working at keeping your child’s feet healthy and comfortable.
Im going to Poland for a month to visit a friend. Im Russian and grew up in Canada. My parents say that europeans dress a lot differently then Canadians. They dont wear sweat pants, running shoes often..etc. They say they wear heels, jeans, basically look well put together. Im flying in december so itll be cold.
Any suggestions or whats in style in POLAND?
haha im deff not emo – I have nice cloths. Just canadians tend to wear sweats and running shoes …”comfy” cloths. They arent ashamed to walk around in PJ’s which is funny. but ya I do think canadians have a bad style – compared to europeans.
You are correct about European style being more formal. Do not wear sneakers (AKA trainers) unless you are engaged in athletic activity. Avoid wearing sweat pants, t-shirts, or anything too casual in public. Wear fashionable and fitted (i.e., not loose) clothing. Fitted jeans, cocktail dresses, business suits all will work depending on your plans. I recommend bringing a pair of flat shoes for walking, and several pairs of stiletto heels for nightlife. You can wear makeup, but don’t overdo it. Upon arriving in Poland, I recommend going to a salon to have your hair, makeup, and nails done in a continental European style, which is very different than what is commonly seen in Canada, the US, or Britain.
Have fun.
Part 1 of 2 Alistair Brownlee Winning Triathlon 2009 – London
Get ready for a new PR when you lace up the Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes. Climate control for your feet when you’re beating the pavement or racking up the electricity bill on the treadmill. Just what you would expect from a running shoe made by Ecco, lasting comfort and performance while not compromising the look. Theyre so versatile you can rock them at the gym or all day at work. The Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes offer a chic look combined with superior performance.
You don’t have to choose between cushioning and stability with the Nike Air Alaris+ 3 MSL Running Shoes for men. This running shoes a combination of support and comfort for the moderate over pronator. The breathable open mesh upper with synthetic overlays help secure your foot in the best placement.
The Puma Complete Concinnity IV is lightweight speed running shoe that features the PUMA Evertrack rubber outsole to save weight and help you run your fastest. Reflective accents for safer pre-dawn or night runs.
Superior comfort meets classic style in the official Air Force edition of this durable high-mileage trainer. As the newest edition to the legendary 990 series, the 993 features ABZORB SBS advanced cushioning in the forefoot for responsiveness you can feel for miles. The addition of ABZORB DTS in the heel plus a full length ABZORB insert will cushion each step to help you love running even more! Personalize this running shoe with a custom message to reflect who you are and where you're going.
Superior comfort meets classic style in the official Air Force edition of this durable high-mileage trainer. As the newest edition to the legendary 990 series, the 993 features ABZORB SBS advanced cushioning in the forefoot for responsiveness you can feel for miles. The addition of ABZORB DTS in the heel plus a full length ABZORB insert will cushion each step to help you love running even more! Personalize this running shoe with a custom message to reflect who you are and where you're going.
Recreational Running: How to Avoid and Manage Running Related Injuries
Most runners whether recreational or professional will agree with me that they have been forced out of running one or more times by running related injuries. Whereas it is a fact that running injuries happen, preventing them is worth all the effort and when they happen, knowing how to deal with them is crucial. Recreational running is a fun sport and anybody who is physically able can pursue it regardless of age. It is one of the most effective ways to lose extra body weight and keep it under control. Recreational running has also become a great social activity in our society today. Everyone who has incorporated it in their lifestyle knows the health benefits associated with it. Due to the increased number of people currently engaging in fun running, there are now more cases of running related injuries than there were few years back. I get asked all the time how one can deal with these injuries and since every case is different we are going to look at general ways to avoid or manage running related injuries.
Build your mileage gradually: It is human nature to try and accomplish as much as possible in life within a short time. For running unfortunately, doing too much too soon will only hurt you and discourage you from pursuing your favorite sport. This mainly applies to beginners more than advanced runners. It is important to remember that your body has to adjust to accommodate the any increased physical stress and it can only do so gradually. An increment of around 10 percent of your weekly mileage is enough after every 3 – 6 weeks. In other words, if you are doing 15 miles per week and you want to increase your mileage, you do not need to go past 16.5 miles per week. Bear in mind that your body will need up to 4 weeks to accommodate the increase comfortably.
Avoid running on hard surfaces: Most injuries associated with running are as a result of running on hard surfaces. I am sure there are trails or parks almost every location and making good use of them is paramount. If you like running along paved surfaces, at least make an effort to run on grass or dirt roads or trails once or twice every week. A good time is when you are doing one of your longer runs; it is refreshing to your legs. It is also important to avoid uneven surfaces as these may mess up the alignment of your body especially your legs and back.
Choose the right running shoe: I cannot stress this enough, but the condition of your running shoe greatly determines the number, type and frequency of running related injuries in your running pursuits. In other words, if you choose the wrong shoe type for your feet, the chances are that you be hurt even if the shoes are new. Sometimes you may have the right type of running shoe, but you have exceeded the mileage requirement for the shoe. If you are a beginner and you are not sure what type of running shoe to buy, get advice from running shoe expert or your trainer or more experienced runners. Avoid buying cheap shoe simply because of the price, it may cost you a fortune to treat injuries or even worse case stop you from running altogether.
Supplement recreational running with other activities: Our bodies need a break from running especially when we are tired. Since taking a break has its place in our running schedules, I recommend doing other activities that will yield similar benefits as running, but put less stress in our bodies. Swimming and biking are the two most common and effective supplements to running. Both of these activities lift the pressure away from your legs and in the process allow them to recover without you really taking time off from working out. If swimming is not enough, try running in the pool, this will surely give you a great workout. Swimming and biking are also great for rehabilitation after sustaining an injury.
Take time off from running: As mentioned earlier in this article, our bodies need time to accommodate the physical stress that we are inducing through running. The principle behind training in any sport is to improve performance. This happens through recovery and adaptation. The simple explanation of this fact is when you run you are stressing your muscles and other body systems and they can only be stressed to a certain level. Once that level is reached, fatigue sets in and if you do not stop, your body will break down. The best way to avoid breaking down due to fatigue is to take one or two days off every week from running. If you neglect taking time off, you are calling for trouble, you will get burnout or injured and you may not have a choice but to quit running.
Eat healthy and hydrate well: Most people use recreational running to lose extra weight or control their body weight. Due to bad advice, I have seen people running and still eating wrong foods and drinking highly dehydrating drinks. If the whole idea of running is to be healthy, then it does not make sense to counter that effect with bad eating habits. There is no right or wrong, I believe moderation is the key. Eating a desert once in a while is great and fun, eating it after every meal – well, you can answer that for yourself. It is a fact that carbonated drinks when taken excessively only help to dehydrate your body. Drinking water and non-carbonated sports drinks are highly recommended. Supplements and vitamins also go along way in keeping you away from injuries. So remember always to eat enough to supply just enough energy to meet your daily demands, but not excess that will be stored as fats. Extra body weight makes your body more susceptible to injuries.
Get body massage and bone adjustment: Body massage and bone adjustment are necessary components of recreation running. When you workout, there is wear and tear of the muscles and tissue in your body resulting in waste products such as lactic acid. When these waste products build up in your body, they make your muscles and tissues stiff and as result vulnerable to injuries. Getting a full body massage often will help to get rid of this stiffness. The alignment of the bones may also become bad due to bad running surfaces. Visiting a chiropractor once in a while is a great idea in avoiding bone alignment related injuries.
The injury prevention ways suggested here will only help if you follow them. However it is not an exhaustive list. These are just suggestions that have been proven to work for both professional and recreational runners alike. The best advice when pursuing any sport is to be proactive in avoiding injuries, they are very expensive! Recreational running is fun.
About the Author
The author has masters in sports and leisure management. He is a former professional track and field athlete. He is currently coaching and counseling athletes and recreational sports individuals of all ages. For more information visit http://www.recreationalsportsforlife.com
Does anyone know where I can find a pair of cheap, tough running shoes, esp. ones that help prevent blisters?
I live in the UK.
Running shoes won’t prevent blisters, however badly fitting running shoes can cause them.
If you look in the phone book, or Yell you will find a specialist running shop in your area – most places have one nearby. I would recommend going there to see their range and talking to the staff there. Try a few pairs on and if the shop is good they will let you have a practise jog in them – either on a treadmill in store or on the road outside. Pick shoes that are the correct size and feel comfortable.
While you are there you could get a couple of new pairs of running socks – look for padding where you get blisters (you might be able to get a discount for buying shoes and socks together – why not ask?)
Preventing future blisters – well you can wait until the area is fully healed before you run again (else you are just making a problem worse), or cover it with a plaster before you go out or both. Make sure your socks arn’t wrinkled in the areas that rub, and if you do a lot of up hill or down hill try running on the flat for a while. New shoes can helps and new socks – so see a running shop for advice and what fits your feet
I can’t tell you a running shoe that is good for your feet, only which ones are good for my feet.
Superior comfort meets classic style in the official Air Force edition of this durable high-mileage trainer. As the newest edition to the legendary 990 series, the 993 features ABZORB SBS advanced cushioning in the forefoot for responsiveness you can feel for miles. The addition of ABZORB DTS in the heel plus a full length ABZORB insert will cushion each step to help you love running even more! Personalize this running shoe with a custom message to reflect who you are and where you're going.
Superior comfort meets classic style in the official Air Force edition of this durable high-mileage trainer. As the newest edition to the legendary 990 series, the 993 features ABZORB SBS advanced cushioning in the forefoot for responsiveness you can feel for miles. The addition of ABZORB DTS in the heel plus a full length ABZORB insert will cushion each step to help you love running even more! Personalize this running shoe with a custom message to reflect who you are and where you're going.
Get ready for a new PR when you lace up the Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes. Climate control for your feet when you’re beating the pavement or racking up the electricity bill on the treadmill. Just what you would expect from a running shoe made by Ecco, lasting comfort and performance while not compromising the look. Theyre so versatile you can rock them at the gym or all day at work. The Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes offer a chic look combined with superior performance.
South Charlotte Real Estate-Ardrey and Blakeney Real Estate-Ballantyne Real Estate-South Charlotte Schools
South Charlotte real estate has always been a safe bet. Whether it was south Charlotte close to uptown (like Myers Park), or further south in Charlotte, down near Ballantyne. It seems that the Ballantyne development had grown so fast, that it has gushed over its original borders. This new hot spot is Blakeney, located in the vicinity of Ardrey Kell and Rea Road.
Ballantyne was so popular from the onset, it was a natural to re-create parts of it, just two miles down the road. The land was available, the infrastructure was in place, and walah!, we have a brand new pedestrian friendly shopping center. Complete with a Target store, Black and White, Victoria’s Secret, Anne Taylor’s Loft, it goes on…Boardwalk shoes, Marshalls, another Harris Teeter (our #1 grocery store) and some incredible restaurants…131 Main, Encore, Brixx pizza, of course the list goes on. This development is much more “kid friendly” with out door built in running space and fountains near some of the outdoor eateries.
Here, you will find another great selection of Charlotte homes and neighborhoods to choose from. Not quite as pricey as Ballantyne (close). The real estate in this area includes it all!; patio homes, custom homes, single family residences, townhomes, condos and apartment dwellings. From a community stand point, the Blakeney area tends to have more of a focus on swim neighborhoods and a little less focus on golf course neighborhoods.
Blakeney was created to blend itself in with the Ballantyne development. This has been done beautifully. Boulevarded streets, with young trees and plantings (eventually, these will take our breath away-like Myers Park trees do!), neighborhoods with heavily landscaped berms backing up to the main roads, and lots of busy families scurrying about to the nearby soccer fields and such.
(AS A SIDE NOTE:The area is also close to one of many Greenway Park system entries. If you like the great outdoors, seek the Greenway Park system out as a “must do”. These are Mecklenburg Park trails with wooden bridges and small benches carved out along the way, all under a canopy of trees with batches of sunlight here and there. The trails are typically rambling along side creeks and streams, with an occasional pond or field popping up. Take your bike or take a hike. These are just great and can be found throughout the city of Charlotte! It’s another place to scurry of to.)
Like the Ballantyne development, this area of Charlotte continues with the top notch schools of Ardrey High School; J.M. Robinson and Community House Middle School; McKee Road, Hawk Ridge, and Polo Ridge Elementary Schools. Home values continue to climb as the schools continue to be sought out. If you purchase your Charlotte real estate here, you won’t end up disappointed with your decision. Again, it’s a safe bet.
The home values for Blakeney may not be as pricey as Ballantyne, but they are not cheap. I suppose all is relative, so, here is a sampling of what you can expect in this area for getting a vague idea of pricing as if you are looking for South Charlotte homes for sale (as of July 2009):
Single family homes will range from about $200,000 to 1.2 million (Ballantyne tops off around 3 million). There you have it! The median range for the area is aobut the same as Ballantyne-$250,000 to $500,000. Here, you will have more homes in the price range to actually choose from.
Townhomes and condos run higher, most are newer than the Ballantyne’s and quite upscale. Ranging anywhere from $150,000 all the way up to $800,000. The median being around $200,000.
I realize these are rather broad strokes, but, better than no strokes at all. If you are interested in Charlotte NC real estate, please feel free to contact us, and we can certainly guide you with your real estate endeavors and fine-tune some numbers specifically for you.
About the Author
Claude Cross is Broker/Owner of Homes By Cross. Specializing in Charlotte NC Real Estate and Relocation since 1994.
Get ready for a new PR when you lace up the Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes. Climate control for your feet when you’re beating the pavement or racking up the electricity bill on the treadmill. Just what you would expect from a running shoe made by Ecco, lasting comfort and performance while not compromising the look. Theyre so versatile you can rock them at the gym or all day at work. The Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes offer a chic look combined with superior performance.
Using Minor Orthopedic Shoes
There are many people who come home from work and find their feet aching terribly. This is fairly common especially if they work on their feet. Many people experience foot problems. There are actually many reasons for this. Experts, however, often blame the problems to wrong choices of shoes or wrong shoe sizes.
The Need for Orthopedic Footwear
Many people choose fashion over comfort. Women would often choose to wear high heeled shoes which are not really advisable for proper foot care. The foot is squeezed tightly and the arch of the foot is brought up unreasonably high. Men also have their own shares of foot problems; although, they only stick to two kinds of shoes – everyday shoes and running shoes. These shoes are often too tight as well and they ultimately cause foot problems. This is where minor orthopedic shoes help. They correct these minor foot issues and they relieve the pain.
These days, orthopedic footwear is prescribed to anyone suffering from foot problems. These are not just for old people anymore. Neither are they prescribed solely to people suffering from major issues. There are many people who are advised to use corrective footwear in order to help them with whatever is ailing them.
The Benefits Derived
There are many kinds of foot problems that can be corrected by minor orthopedic footwear. Some of these problems include painful heels, tired feet, flat feet, bunions, calluses, corns, ingrown or thick toe nails, athlete’s foot, dry foot, warts, hammer toes and diabetic foot problems.
These special shoes offer arch support that is not usually offered by traditional kinds of shoes. A great arch support helps in ensuring proper foot position when walking, running or standing. Foot shock resulting from movement is also better absorbed. Aside from the arch support, orthopedic shoes also offer extra width, so there is more space for the feet. You will feel more comfortable and your feet will be more relaxed when walking or standing.
Orthopedic Foot Products in the Market
Fortunately, there are many products in the market that offer comfort. For instance, instead of just buying plain Crocs, you can look for CrocsRx shoes. These products offer relief of foot problems like heel pain and plantar pain – actually, they just generally sooth aching feet. Aside from this brand, there are other companies like Aetrex Shoes and PW Minor Shoes that offer really comfortable walking shoes designed to fit any kind of foot. You’d feel more comfortable if you are wearing shoes with good support and cushion.
There are still other companies that offer minor orthopedic shoes. Many people find out too late that they could have avoided a major foot problem if they bothered with orthopedic shoes. There are many activities that you’d enjoy more if you could walk and move more comfortably. Boxer Dogs shoes and Apis Footwear, for example, are great if you are always on the go. If you love to play golf, you may benefit from Bite Shoes, a brand owned by Crocs.
You need to make sure that your shoes fit you perfectly. You don’t really have to forego style and fashion in favor of comfort. You just have to make sure that you have the right shoes to go along with your lifestyle and if you need to provide your feet with corrective footwear, make sure you get one to avoid any complications.
How can I prevent my toes from falling asleep while I’m running?
It’s not an issue of my shoes being too tight, because I used to run in much tighter shoes and never had this problem before. Am I tying them wrong or something?
Would it matter that I’m using motion control shoes? (I have flexible flatfoot.)
This could be caused by a couple of things. If it’s mainly your big toe that goes numb you may be overpronating. That is, allowing your foot to collapse inward as you plant your weight on it. Concentrate on rolling along the outside of your foot and see if that helps.
If not, your laces could be too tight. Relace your shoes and skip the holes over the bone on the top of your instep.
Nike+ Plus Sensor Problems or Broke- What to do to fix it?
Built with unparalleled support and sensitivity, the TrekSta Evolution Trail Running Shoes – Women’s will change your whole experience on the trail. Once on your foot you’ll have a hard time telling where the foot ends and you begin.
Built with unparalleled support and sensitivity, the TrekSta Evolution Trail Running Shoes – Men’s will change your whole experience on the trail. Once on your foot you’ll have a hard time telling where the foot ends and you begin.
Get ready for a new PR when you lace up the Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes. Climate control for your feet when you’re beating the pavement or racking up the electricity bill on the treadmill. Just what you would expect from a running shoe made by Ecco, lasting comfort and performance while not compromising the look. Theyre so versatile you can rock them at the gym or all day at work. The Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes offer a chic look combined with superior performance.
Get ready for a new PR when you lace up the Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes. Climate control for your feet when you’re beating the pavement or racking up the electricity bill on the treadmill. Just what you would expect from a running shoe made by Ecco, lasting comfort and performance while not compromising the look. Theyre so versatile you can rock them at the gym or all day at work. The Ecco Women’s Sola Running Shoes offer a chic look combined with superior performance.
Designing a Restaurant Menu
When you’re a start-up business with a shoe-string budget, that photocopied sheet with a simple list of your dishes was enough to get by. But as your business grows and becomes more successful, the time will eventually come when somebody says, “Isn’t it time we got a more professional-looking menu?”
Yes, indeed, a full-featured, laminated menu just like the big restaurants use will definitely be necessary in most cases, if your restaurant is to be taken seriously. Even if you don’t go for the large, laminated book-style folding menu, there are many alternative styles to choose from.
To get one thing out of the way right away: you are probably better off getting a professional graphics designer for this number. Designing a menu has many skills in common with designing a website, and your restaurant may not have somebody computer-savvy enough to figure out how to do it, let alone the artistic skill to make it look good!
But if you are up to the challenge, you will need: A computer with design and editing software, a separate graphics program, digital photos of servings, clip-art, and either a printer capable of high-resolution color printing or a print shop which will publish your design. If you hired a logo designer to brand-mark your signs and logos throughout your business, you’ll want your company’s logo on the menu as well. Oh, yes, and a spell-checker!
You’ll need to design a color scheme, come up with a style and theme, decide what sections the menu will include, and plan the layout. In addition to the main menu, you may want to create place-cards or table tents advertising seasonal specials and such. There are paper and publications standards in the printing industry, with standards designated as A4, A5, and so on, so check with the printing company who will be publishing your design.
This whole project doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg. Remember that simple, casual diners, coffee shops, cafes, and other small establishments do very good business without making a big production out of their menu. Here are some simpler design formats which almost anyone can learn to use:
HTML – Not many people think of it, but this is a document standard, after all. HTML, being the language of the World Wide Web, is capable of handling text in many sizes, layout formatting, and images. This is not recommended for fancy designs, but it can be enough to squeak by in some cases. Any web-page editing software can help you run up a layout. But there are some problems with this format: HTML can’t do custom fonts because they can’t display in your web browser, it isn’t good at keeping pages to a size standard, and is not powerful enough to handle more demanding layouts.
PDF – This is the most commonly used standard. The Portable Document Format is widely used for all purposes throughout the printing industry. A sophisticated PDF editor can design anything from a business card to a newspaper. It uses rigid page design and the editors for PDF have all of the standard sizes selectable from the menu. It can handle any font, image, and layout you throw at it, and is also likely to be preferred by the print shop. The only downside: PDF editors are expensive. Proprietary software patents have choked out most of the competition, resulting in a highly monopolized industry.
SVG, XML – This is the second most commonly encountered standard, and in fact much of the printing industry is starting to use this format more widely. They are each capable of the full set of PDF features, and even add some new tricks that PDF can’t do. SVG stands for “scalable vector graphics” and XML is the parent of HTML, being the original document mark-up language.
SVG and XML combine in the same document. SVG is not only a means of producing a document, but is a graphics language as well, so you can draw in it! Software for editing SVG and XML documents is widely available as free and open source software, and in every case the free software is at least 99% as powerful as the expensive commercial version. The only downside here is that it takes some extra learning to use and understand SVG and XML. For example, web browser have been able to render SVG and XML elements for years, and yet you don’t see much of it on the Internet, because there just aren’t that many people skilled enough to use it. You don’t exactly have to have a computer science degree – but it won’t hurt!
Whatever document format you use, you will have many considerations in planning your layout. If you use photographs, you will need to have a professional photographer to snap photos of your food and provide you with the images in digital format so you can include them in the menu. You will want to pick a font and layout consistent with your restaurant’s atmosphere and your business image.
You will want it to be attractive as possible, but not be so “busy” that it is difficult to read. And using clip-art is convenient and easy, but will make your design look like a tired cliche. Using custom-made graphics, on the other hand, will require digital graphics design skills that aren’t too common in the general public. You might also want to provide versions in different languages, and a braille menu for the visually impaired.
It is quite challenging for someone with little design experience to undertake this task; there is much more to design that is left out of this article. Remember that menus define your restaurant; it is the first product that your guests will get to see. Making a good impression here is important.
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