Monday Musings- Shoes, Eggs, and Travel Outfit
Happy Monday, ladies. This week’s musings are more random than ever, which I think is a sign of either genius or stress 🙂 I’m guessing the latter.
What’s Your Fav?
I’ve been logging more miles on the treadmill lately, and as a result, my feet aren’t happy campers. Yesterday, I had to give them a break and just do some yoga at home. I’ve ordered a few different pairs of casual sneakers and these M. Gemi driving loafers that Elizabeth recommended last week. They were already in my cart, so her recommendation sealed the deal…fingers are crossed they fit.
I love my Munro loafers and ballet flats, but I know our feet are all so unique they won’t work for everyone. I wondered what your favorites are. Do you have an especially comfortable brand of loafer or ballet flats to recommend? I’d love to do a round-up for you as a resource. BTW, my new AGLs showed up and don’t fit, so back they go. I checked the size against my old pair, and it’s the same, but I’ve obviously stretched the heck out of them as my feet have gotten wider with age. Sheesh.
Checked bags
I’ve only checked a suitcase once in 20+ years, and that last time it went badly. After I got to my gate, they canceled my flight, and it took me days to get my bag back. Luckily I was going home, but still! It confirmed I was better off just going carry-on. I will have to break that rule for my trip to Miami next week, and I’m sort of nervous about it. I know people successfully check their bags all the time, but I’ve only had disasters doing it. I’m bringing some outfits to shoot for the blog and just can’t get it all in my carry-on.
I often pack my hats inside my carry-on, but I decided this hat clip looked like a great idea because it will hold several hats simultaneously. I hope it arrives in time for my trip.
Cooking failures
I’ve become a fan of Egg bites lately but am struggling to make them successful. Starbucks does a fab job with theirs, and I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong, so I hope to get some ideas from you. I’m using four whole eggs, and the rest are egg whites. I put chopped red pepper, a tiny bit of red onion, and spinach in each cup, then top it with beaten eggs. Maybe, I’m putting too many veggies in mine??
My non-stick muffin pan is proving to be a disaster for these things. For my first batch, I sprayed the heck out of the pan, but they stuck, and I lost 1/3 of each one glued into the pan. Then I tried using muffin liners which turned the inside of the pan bright blue, so I worried they’d done the same thing to the eggs. They were also a nightmare to peel off the eggs, so we only ate the center and wasted a ton of the “bite”. These things aren’t large, to begin with, so I want to be able to consume all of them. I’ve been googling options lately and discovered food-grade silicone liners. Have any of you tried them? Everything I read seems to indicate they’re safe to use. I love crowd-sourcing ideas from you ladies, so any advice is welcome.
Outfit of the week
I have travel and what to wear on my mind this week. This one features the Eileen Fisher crepe pants that I never travel without. I have them in several colors, many over 15 years old. They’re super comfy, never wrinkle, and are machine washable.
The sneakers look super comfy, and the no-shoe socks will come in handy if you’re not TSA Pre and have to take off your shoes to go through security. Airpods or noise-canceling headphones are mandatory when I fly, and layers for fluctuating airplane temperatures.
Have you got any upcoming trips?
Sorry to hear about your foot fatigue. A new pair of athletic shoes might be a good fix.
As for the egg bites. I use a silicone pan and fill the cups 2/3 full then set the pan in a 9X15 baking pan with a couple of inches of water. They pop out easily and are cooked to perfection…they freeze well too so you can make a bigger batch.
Have fun in Miami!
Leslie
Hostess of The Humble Bungalow.
Brilliant! Thanks, Leslie. I hope we get to see each other this summer.
We have our third cruise to Alaska coming up in a couple of months (we love to cruise!) and I can’t wait to start packing! I always wear sneakers on the plane and for walking around town (in this case, Seattle) before we embark and Dr. Scholl’s Madison slip-ons are my favorite right now. For a bit dressier look, Rothy’s The Point are my favorite. I have both styles in several colors. I always check a bag due to TSA limits as I can’t do without my products, but we use luggage trackers. We’ve had Gegos for the last couple of years with pretty good success (as far as tracking goes), but we just purchased some SmartTags (for Samsung) after I read about how great Apple AirTags work and, so far, they seem to be pretty great! It really gives us peace of mind being able to know exactly where our bags are at all times. I also puchased a hat clip, a Klipsta, before our trip to Hawaii last fall as I usually wear a sun hat when out and about, and I knew I’d have to take off my hat when we visited Iolani Palace. I just removed my hat and clipped it to my bag and it worked great, so I think that that’s a very good purchase. Have a wonderful trip, Jennifer!
I’m a daily walker with plantar fasciitis and I wear these SB Sox Plantar Fasciitis Relief Soxs (Amazon) every time I walk; I also switch out my New Balance sneakers each day, never wear the same pair two days in a row. I get relief from flare ups by using a Tens machine that my podiatrist recommended. As for egg bites, I gave up on the cups and instead make mine in an 9 x 12 Pyrex dish; I cut them into squares and take them on the golf course with me. They are not portion controlled but still a good source of protein!
Good idea! Cutting them is easier than portioning into muffin tins.
Favorite loafers of all time are Sam Edelman Lorraine. They don’t look comfy but I swear I can walk all day in them. I have had some luck with Rockport ballet flats, with the total motion hidden wedge, and also Vionic ballet slippers. For aerobics, or for walking I always choose New Balance. And I don’t use them for anything but walking outdoors or exercise class. That way they last longer.
Never in years of traveling have I had a luggage problem. I will say however the only time I check bags is on the way home, when it really does not matter so much that it arrives with me. We’ve made several trips to Europe of two weeks with a European size carry on (they are smaller) and a small frameless backpack each, plus a purse of reasonable size for everyday carrying for me. No issues, but we usually rent apartments and have a washer at least, if not a dryer.
Your carryon caught my eye. I’m needing a new one, so I’d like to hear more about yours. I’ve been using silicone muffin pan liners and they work well. As far as I know, they’re safe, but that’s a concern for me as well.
I finally bought a new one by Mono’s and really like it. Its only drawback is it doesn’t have the capacity to expand if you need extra space coming home from a trip. Otherwise, it’s fabulous! I will share more soon.
What a well-timed post for me! Leaving tonight for a short trip to Punta Cana. Driving through the night down to Chicago for a 5 AM flight. No worries about in-flight entertainment, I’ll be studying my eyelids! I always travel with a carry on, mainly because I hate lugging a big suitcase around but have also had checked bags that went on their own adventures without me. Does it irk anyone else that some airlines charge more for carry-on’s as they do for checked bags? After all, we’re doing all the work! Being a free spirit I’m primarily just taking a couple swim suits, my Hawaiian Rip Skirts, a few tee shirts and my new Quince jumpsuit. Easy peasy! While a splurge for me, I love my Tieks and find them to be very comfortable. Have even bought a pair from Poshmark to match a certain outfit. Looking forward to your future travel posts. There’s always more to learn from one another!
I visited a running shoe store last summer after my husband thought I was pronating a bit as I walked. They actually measured my foot (first time that has happened in years), had me stand on a computerized pad that generated a display of my foot, and watched me walk. It turned out that I pronate very little, but they had me try on a variety of running/walking shoes. I bought a pair of Brooks, but they told me the New Balance brand is very similar. I made my choice mainly on the color of the shoes! 🙂 The Brooks have a wide toe box but still fit my. more narrow heel well. They are very comfortable during my walks.
I can’t wait to see your posts from Miami! I also follow Tania and Jolynne, so I will live in the sunshine vicariously through the three of you.
Ups your clothes to hotel and take carry on bag with essentials like meds. Pre arrange with hotel.
I’m looking into that tomorrow. Thank you!
Fed ex and UPS is a good idea. Maybe try two luggage options, one being carry on?
I would switch to a bike when my feet hurt. I have latex allergies, so some comfortable shoes I can’t wear.
I can wear, Nike exercise shoes, Ecco, Clark’s ( older shoes were made better), Aquaitlia, La Canadian. I have narrow heels and a wider forefoot, all ballet, loafers, and pumps fall off.
I’m a disaster in the kitchen, no advice from me…🤷♀️
Bikes aren’t my fav but that’s what I’ve been thinking about trying.
Recumbent sit down bikes at the gym are wonderful.
If you are flying direct to Miami, you shouldn’t have a problem. I live in Naples and fly frequently to Westchester Airport on Jet Blue and never have a problem!
I have to change planes which I suspect is where I might have an issue
I have a pre or recumbent bike at home. Very comfortable and worth the investment.
Good to know. I will have to try one
Same here! Loafers RARELY work, ballet flats and pumps NEVER! So frustrating…
Has anyone tried Vivaia shoes, similar to Birdies/Rothys/Allbirds w/ knit fabric, lots of interesting styles?
They target me as a person w/ bunions.
I wear size 11 (!), have bunions and found Vivaia shoes to gap along the sides of my feet. But they were quite comfortable!
They sound great!
Enjoy your trip!
Regarding shoes, I second the suggestion by Yvonne to be fitted at a shoe store that specializes in running and walking shoes. The best ones not only measure your foot, but watch while you walk on their treadmill to see how you land, if you pronate, etc. then make a personalized recommendation.
Do you have a sous vide? It’s my impression that’s how Starbucks makes its egg whites. A few years ago I made them in a sous vide using 4 oz. Ball jars and lids. Just popped them in the fridge when done. Thanks for the reminder to try this again.
I’d never heard of a sous vide! Had to google that one. They sound fascinating.
I like the idea of the egg bites. Quick and easy to warm up in the morning! On our recent travels I put Apple Air Tags in each of our suitcases. Luckily we have never lost a suitcase. I don’t like to mess with the carry on bags.
I am a daily walker and boy have I had to learn a lot about my feet and what shoes work. My Podiatrist said to always buy a half size bigger for walking shoes. I also need a bigger toe box. It really helps to get fitted. Have a wonderful trip.
I’m also leaning forward onto the balls of my feet when I walk, which is adding extra pressure. I think a podiatrist trip sounds like a great idea. I haven’t seen one in many years.
You may need more padding in the forefoot if you have a heavy foot strike.
I think you’re right
You might try when baking egg dishes to put the pan in another pan filled with water. My eggs cook better and don’t stick.
I like Clark, Ecco, Sacony and Vionic shoes for comfort. Clarks nearly always fit my foot perfectly. I’m 75 and don’t have foot issues. Most shoes aren’t made as nicely as they used to be, but sadly, most things aren’t. Looking forward to your posts this week. There are some yummy colors for spring!
The egg bites! I love Starbucks but I’ve never attempted to make them at home. I’ve bought the Costco version and they’re ok but not as good. There are some great ideas here this morning.
I have a favorite pair of flats that are cream with black patent heel and toe trim by White Mountain which I love. They’re super supportive and comfortable and can go polished casual or a little dressy. I love them for travel with nice black leggings and a long cardigan and simple accessories including a lightweight crossbody bag that I can put in my larger “personal item” that also contains some essential items.
As for travel, we do long trips annually and it’s a challenge to pack for an extended stay.. We’ve only had a few issues but it’s never nice. I like the idea of the air tags.
I hope your trip is perfect in every way!
You ladies always have the best ideas. Your travel outfit sounds much like what I wear.
After several surgeries and breaks, my feet require comfort and support. I recommend On running shoes. I have 3 pairs now. The ones I use every day walking on the treadmill are these: https://www.on-running.com/en-us/products/cloudnova-26/womens/navy-white-shoes-26.99114. But I do still have days my feet hurt too much to walk. Also, I add Superfeet insoles to all my shoes. There are many different Superfeet insoles so I’d recommend going to a running store that sells them and they can help you figure out which ones will work best for you.
I just ordered a pair of those. I hope they’re comfy. Thank you
Hi Jennifer,
Love your travel outfit! We have not visited FL, on our travel list though.
Good luck, must try the egg bites! Thanks for being so humble and honest, it is the reason I read your blog first thing every morning.
Safe travels my friend!
Thank you, Mary Ann! I love this community of women and I’m so glad you’re here.
Perhaps try a carbon steel muffin pan. Once it’s seasoned, it should work fine. Chef Erica Wides (@funnypeoplemakingfood on IG – highly recommend!) turned me onto carbon steel. Another non-toxic option would be ceramic.
Looking forward to seeing your trip outfits and I hope you’ll have a great time.
Her account sounds great, too!
I use Circulon baking pans of all types and everything just seem to slide right out of them without sticking. Perhaps that would work for your egg bites.
Good morning Jennifer, I am enjoying reading A Well Styled Life! My advice to you in making egg bites would be to Sous Vide them. They turn out amazing and they taste better than Starbucks! If you do some research on this method of cooking you will find that you can sous vide almost anything!
Have a wonderful trip and I am looking forward to hearing all about it! Sherry
Good morning, Sherry. You’re the second person to mention the sous vide. I’m going to have to check into them. They sound fascinating.
Jennifer, my grandchildren love the Starbucks egg bites and my daughter bought an egg bite maker. I think she ordered it on Amazon. They cook evenly and look just like the Starbucks ones and she can control what goes in them.
I have foot issues with bunions. I walk everyday and so as of right now I am wearing On Cloud, I like them but they can be pricey. I also need dress shoes and a nice pair of sneakers to wear out on the weekends. Its hard to find shoes the older you get.Thanks for everyones recommendation.
If you have ball of foot issues, i recommend Fitflops with their heavily cushioned soles. You need to read about their various soles to get the most cushiest ones. Also, I highly recommend Hoka sneakers, but, again, read to find a Plush sole.
Being a FL girl, its usually either Nikes or sandles. When my feet are really yelping, the most comfortable are fitflops – the only thing comfortable with a flare up of plantar fascititis. I use a silicone cupcake tray – no spray necessary & just throw in the dishwasher. I’ve never had lost luggage, knock on wood, but always anxiety causing to wait for checked luggage on the conveyor. Hope you have a fabulous vacation & trip.