J-41 Footwear

Spring is almost here!

2011-02-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

J-41 is so excited for Spring! Check out some of our awesome new styles :)

go or visit our website or our facebook page to see all styles and colors!

Wordless Wednesdays: The Violinist

2010-11-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday: Quiet Church

2010-11-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday: What will your costume be this Halloween?

2010-10-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

Touring Bosphorus Strait with J-41 Istanbul

2010-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

This wordless Wednesday, we travel Istanbul, Turkey with the eco-friendly and stylish Istanbul-Vegan by J-41™.

A little about the beautiful city where our J-41™ Fall boot got it's name...

Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait is a channel of water 20 miles long, connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. The Bosphorus Strait divides the city into a European side, comprising the historic and economic centers, and an Asian, Anatolian side which makes Istanbul the only bi-continental city in the world. The confluence of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus at the heart of present-day Istanbul has deterred attacking forces for thousands of years and still remains a prominent feature of the city's landscape.

Classic Wisdom

2010-10-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

In most cultures it is believed most wisdom are from our elders.
Even without hearing their lifetime tales, you can still feel a lot of stories being told with their smiles. I hope this makes you smile today and reminds you of a wise elder close to you!

The Most Famous Silhouette

2010-09-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

One large circle with two smaller circles on top in the appropriate place...
This, , might be the most well-known silhouette in the world. Let's go through this week's wordless Wednesday with Mickey. My kids love it as much as I did when I was a kid!

Museum's Greatest Collection

2010-09-22T03:14:00.000-07:00

Walking, thinking, watching, listening...visitors to the museum distinguish by country, culture, race or religion. All museums have quite the collection of people.

Beach Night-A Quiet Sea You've Never Seen

2010-09-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken at the Sunny Isle Beach, Miami. Most don't try to capture the beauty of the beach after the sun goes down, this is definitely another point of view enjoying the beach life.

*Photos taken by intern, Ken*

Celebrate Grandparent's Day!

2010-09-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have celebrated this unofficial holiday last weekend with your grandparents, but if you didn't know National "Grandparents Day" is celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. If you missed it, and want to have an excuse to get together to celebrate with your family you may have another chance... in Japan, people celebrate their version of grandparents day on the third Monday of September (9/20) as the "Respect for the Aged Day". Well, it’s never too late no matter what day of the year, grab your kids and head over to Gramma's house! Here are some great little gift ideas for grandparents day...

Is Grandma and grandpa coming to you? Surprise them by breaking out the family recipes and make them a delicious meal. Nothing feels better than having your family together enjoying a homemade dinner.

Maybe you can get them an iPod filled with music your grandparents would enjoy. Pick their wedding song, the favorite album they drove you crazy with growing up, or hey, maybe your grandparents are hip and like Lady Gaga. I am sure either way this would be a fun gift from the grand kids!

Forget buying the card, make one! Grandparents are always proud to hang a handmade card on their fridge no matter what age their grand kids are. Get creative... what its not Van Gogh? or Hallmark? Believe me in your grandparents' eyes this is their grand-kids' "masterpiece"!

Think about useful things your grandparents will need this Fall. Perhaps some Fall accessories like a stylish new scarf, hat and gloves set.

Purify your indoor air... Naturally :)

2010-09-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Although we aren't all born with the "green thumb", some of us want to live healthier, and somewhat "greener" these days so making the attempt at a greener thumb may pay off. NASA actually discovered (with help from the ALCA) that houseplants can actually help to purify the air indoors.

While NASA was trying to figure out how to purify the air for extended stays in orbiting space stations, they learned that certain houseplants can purify common pollutants from the air- which was a huge tip for those of us still here on Earth! Whether or not your house is new or old there are several contributing factors to potential air pollutants- air conditioning, heating, and synthetic building materials, etc. With most new buildings/homes they are created air tight to be more "energy efficient". Although being energy efficient is spectacular, you are not getting the freshest, cleanest air possible. So give your green thumb a go, what a better way to purify the air for yourself and your family- and you will have some beautiful greenery inside to help you deal with the upcoming fall weather.

Here is a list of some of the common houseplants that are the most effective at removing indoor air pollutants...

1. Philodendron scandens `oxycardium', heartleaf philodendron

2. Philodendron domesticum, elephant ear philodendron

3. Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana', cornstalk dracaena

4. Hedera helix, English ivy

5. Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant

6. Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig', Janet Craig dracaena

7. Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii', Warneck dracaena

8. Ficus benjamina, weeping fig

9. Epipiremnum aureum, golden pothos

10. Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa', peace lily

11. Philodendron selloum, selloum philodendron

12. Aglaonema modestum, Chinese evergreen

13. Chamaedorea sefritzii, bamboo or reed palm

14. Sansevieria trifasciata, snake plant

15. Dracaena marginata , red-edged dracaena

*For an average home of under 2,000 square feet, the study recommends using at least fifteen samples of a good variety of these common houseplants to help improve air quality. They also recommend that the plants be grown in six inch containers or larger. (But I think starting out with one or two to get the hang of having plants is a great start- your collection of plants can then grow from there!)

S'mores Brownies

2010-08-31T20:55:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, we shared some fun camping ideas, tips, and tricks. A few days after getting home from my camping trip, I was craving s'mores. Unfortunately, starting a fire in my backyard wasn't an option - so I made these delicious s'mores brownies. Not exactly like s'mores in every way, but they were so delicious, I had to share.

What you'll need:

1 box of brownies (or an awesome recipe for brownies if you have one. Please share!)
7-10 graham crackers, crushed
2 cups mini marshmallows
1.5 sticks butter

Melt the butter in a 9x13 baking dish.
Add the crushed graham crackers to the bottom of the dish, make sure they are evenly spread over the bottom.
Mix together all the ingredients for your brownie mix, and pour over the graham crackers.
Bake according to brownie box instructions.
Take out the brownies and set the oven to broil.
Sprinkle the 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the brownies, and stick in the oven for 3-5 minutes. (don't over do them!)
Enjoy this delicious treat!

Healthy Snacks and Desserts to Pack in Your Kid's Lunch

2010-08-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

No kid wants to open their lunch box and discover a bag of celery, and an apple for dessert. We know how important it is for them to get the vitamins and nutrients that fruits and vegetables provide, but we also know how hard it is to get them to eat fruits and veggies, especially when they're not under your watch!

Here are a few ways you can sneak in some healthy snacks and desserts.

Snacks:

Whole grain crackers with cheese - Laughing Cow Light Wedges are fun and tasty when paired up with their favorite crackers.

Rice cakes and a banana - they won't mind this healthy snack, especially if you pack along some peanut butter in an extra container.

Fruit kebabs - You'd be surprised what your kids are willing to eat as long as it looks fun. Just make sure they ends of the kebabs aren't sharp :)

Trail Mix - The combination of oats, nuts, and raisins will keep them happy and satisfied.

Desserts:

Fruit "ice cream" - if you have a juicer, juice up any good combination of fruits and freeze in a container with a lid. It makes a great substitute for ice cream, and will stay mostly frozen if you add in an ice pack.

Carrot Cake - A perfect way of sneaking in those veggies, without them having a clue!

Zucchini Bread - Delicious and nutritious! Especially if you've made it from scratch!

Hopefully these ideas will get the ball rolling as the new school year comes around :)

Have a great weekend!

Back to School Tips!

2010-08-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

Your kids are already excited for their first day of school. They know exactly what backpack and new sneakers they want for the new year. But we know that what's on their minds may not be
exactly what's on yours. Transitions are stressful, and this is a big one for your kids. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to stay calm and organized :)

Make a master calendar - Let your kids decorate it so they feel they are a part of it. Make sure everyone knows to inform you of important dates, and make sure you record them. It's much easier to prepare for the weeks ahead when you know what's going on and where.
Prepare before you shop! - You'd be amazed at how much you can save during this time of year if you just look around. Now isn't the time for impulse buys. Come with your coupons, and a list of what they need.
Make Folders - Trying to keep track of all the different school forms coming in will only create an even bigger mess. Instead, keep a folder for each of your children, and sort the forms and memos as they come in. Easy access for later :)
Make sure they're prepared - The last thing you need is a note from the school telling you your kid needs a short or check-up. Make sure all medical needs are taken care of before school starts. Sure, appointments will come up during the year, but the more you try and get things out of the way, the better!
Most of all, try and let the kids have fun. School is very exciting, especially when they're young. Let the little things go, and help keep those cute smiles on their face :D

Giving Back Before Going Back.. to School, that is!

2010-08-23T19:53:00.001-07:00

The new School year is right around the corner.. can you believe it?? Now is the time when everyone is scrambling around trying to get everything needed for the new year...supplies, new clothes, a back pack, etc. But maybe while we're all buying school supplies for ourselves, we could think of other, as well.

This year, give back! One of the best gifts a child can receive is an education. Many children are underprivileged, and don't get new supplies when the school year rolls around. This year, Staples is sponsoring a school supplies drive. You can simply drop off any unused school supplies at any Staples store nationwide, and they will be donated to underprivileged students - that was easy ;)

Find out more info at this website. http://www.dosomething.org/dosomething101/home

Camping Do's and Don'ts

2010-08-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Camping is always fun and exciting. Make sure you follow these do's and don'ts for maximinzed fun and safety :)

DO's:

Do use a checklist - When you're getting packed up for your trip, you want to make sure you have everything you need and want.

Do plan all meals and snacks ahead of time - You should never go hungry on a camping trip, after all, you'll need the energy for your long hikes =]

Do bring bug spray - We all know what it's like to come home from a camping trip covered in itchy bites. Avoid it by using a good bug spray such as OFF or Repel.

Do hike in groups - Hiking alone isn't a great idea. It's best to have at least one hiking buddy in case of emergency (and of course to keep you company:).

Do wear appropriate attire - We all love dressing up, but camping is the one time you really have to dress appropriately. It's best to wear long pants to avoid ticks, and don't forget a hat for those sunny hikes.

Do remember to have fun! There are many things to think about when camping, but the most important thing is to have a great time with your family or friends.

DON'Ts:

Don't leave a campfire while it's still hot - It is very important to completely extinguish your campfire before leaving your campsite so that it doesn't spread.

Don't leave trash behind - Here at Jambu™, we all know how important it is to keep our earth green. Throw away what you need to, and recylce what you can.

Don't drink from lakes - The lakes sure are beautiful, and they can look crystal clear, but they also contain bacteria that our bodies don't know how to handle.

Don't leave food out - The last thing you need while camping is unwanted animal visitors. Make sure everything is packed up so the bears don't come looking for some dinner.

Camping Recipes

2010-08-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

A great part about camping is making meals as a family. We all know how hungry everyone gets when they can't grab the easiest thing out of the fridge. Here are a few recipes to keep you full on your adventurous camping trip :)

Breakfast Scramble:

1 lb Bacon - (Fry and crumble the bacon before your trip)
1 Pack of Frozen Potatoes
12 Eggs
1/4 Cup Onions (Onions can also be chopped beforehand)
1/4 Cup Milk
Salt & Pepper

Melt the bacon grease. Use a large iron skillet for the process. Then, add the onions. Follow it up by adding potatoes and cook until brown. Now, add the crumbled bacon. Whisk eggs and milk together whilst the potatoes get cooked. Wait until the egg mixture gets slightly foamy and then pour it over the browned potatoes. Turn the mixture every few minutes until eggs are done. This recipe can be cooked on an open fire or a camp stove.

Fish for Lunch:

If you happened to go fishing and caught something good, fish makes a great lunch while camping.

Fresh fish
1 lemon
1 small onion
Pam cooking spray
Aluminum foil

Clean the fish and spray the aluminum foil with Pam. Now, place the fish on foil. Slice the onions and lay a few slices on each fish. Fold the foil and place on the campfire. Keep a check on it till it cooks. The fish will appear flaky when done. Yum!

Hot Dogs Over the Fire for Dinner:

All you need is hot dogs, buns, a stick and some fire. Roasted hot dogs are the best kind you'll get. The kids will love joining in on the roasting process (even if they do hold it over for a little too long). No matter what, they'll be better than ever!
Don't forget about Dessert!

Of course, everyone's favorite is the classic s'more. But we thought we would share another great recipe for dessert - The Banana Boat

2 bananas
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup miniature marshmallows

Slit each banana lengthwise through the peel, making sure not to cut all the way through to the other side. Stuff the bananas with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Wrap each banana in aluminum foil and cook over a fire. Eat with a spoon.

Enjoy!!
Share any of your camping recipes - we'd love to hear what you do!

How to Start a Campfire

2010-08-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about summer is camping trips. Nothing beats the adventures nature has to offer. My family always takes a three day camping trip during the summer, and one thing we love most is sitting by the campfire and spending quality time together (eating s'mores of course!). One task we always left to the men in the family was starting the campfire. So this year I looked up how to do it myself - here is what I learned.

First, you need to collect wood. It is important to have different sizes of wood - you need everything from dry leaves and twigs to pieces of wood 2-6 inches in diameter.
Set the twigs and dry leaves in the middle of a fire pit. Then create a tepee with medium sized sticks around. Create a wall of larger sticks around the tepee until they reach the tepee's height. Place more sticks across the walls to cover the tepee. Light a few matches and carefully drop them into the pile of dry leaves and twigs. Allow the fire to grow, and once it does, add larger pieces of wood to keep it going. Sit back, and enjoy the fire you built all on your own!

Don't forget to bring some good stories to tell and ingredients for s'mores - happy camping!

National Wiggle Your Toes Day

2010-08-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

That's right, its true, August 6th is National Wiggle Your Toes Day! Today is the day to kick back and give your little toes some freedom. Let your foot loose from those confining sneaker's or shoes your wearing and wiggle away. The best way to wiggle your little piggy's is in the water, so chill out by the pool, on your dock or at the beach.

Fun Toe Facts:

-Marilyn Monroe had 6 toes on one foot.

-Big toes carry about half of our body weight when we walk or run.

-The Big toe is made up of two bones while all the other toes are made up of 3 bones.

-Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour once deemed "toe cleavage shoes"

as a part of a Voguette's "unwritten dress code".

-Explorers found a mummy in Egypt with a leather and wood contraption that is believed to be a prosthetic toe. The "Cairo Toe" dates back to between 1069 BC - 664 BC

and predates theearliest prosthetic by at least 700 years.

-Joseph Stalin, Dan Aykroyd and Ashton Kutcher were all born with webbed toes (The technical term for this condition is called syndactyly)

Wiggle away and have a fun weekend!

It's an Ice Cream Sandwich Kind of Day...

2010-08-05T13:11:00.001-07:00

Today it was 92 degrees. It was so hot I know we all have one thing on our minds... you guessed it, ICE CREAM! We all deserve a sweet refreshing cool treat on these hot day, and I can not think of anything better than a delicious ice cream sandwich.

This is an easy creation you can do at home for your family or to serve at a party. Simply whip up a batch of your favorite cookie dough, but instead of dividing it into individual cookies, roll it out and bake it as one big sheet. Using any old cookie cutter's you have laying around cut out two cookies for each sandwich while the cookie is still warm. Let cookies cool and add a dollop of ice cream between your cookies and you have the cutest summer snack. This treat is better than anything you can get at the store, hands down.

Don't be afraid to get creative and roll your ice cream sandwich in nut, sprinkles, granola, chocolate chips etc.

How to Make a Recycled Birdfeeder

2010-07-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

To end off the week, we thought we would share another great way for kids to be creative this summer. Below is creative and eco-friendly way to make your own birdfeeder!

What you will need:

A clean empty bottle (2 Liters or more)
Permanent markers or paint
One or two skewers or unsharpened pencils
String or wire
Scissors or craft knife
Bird food :)

How to:

Cut holes around the bottle - make sure they are large enough for birds to come in and out. You can leave flaps of plastic towards the bottom for the birds to rest on.
Decorate your bottle with the markers or paint - make it colorful so it looks great in your backyard :)
Stick one or two skewers at the bottom as another place for the birds to rest.
Punch a hole in the cap of the bottle and add a loop of wire or string so it can be hung from a tree.
Add the bird food and enjoy the chirping birds eating in your own backyard :)

We hope you and your family enjoy this green bird feeder all summer long :)

Quick Kid Friendly Recipe (:

2010-07-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

Kids are always asking for fun things to do in the summer. Instead of having to take them somewhere to be entertained, let them have fun right at home!

This is a super easy, no bake, dessert that your kids can do all on their own - all you have to do is get them the bowl from up top :)

What they will need:

12 Oreo cookies
1/4 cup milk
8 tablespoons of crunchy peanut butter
A spoonful of honey

Have them crush the Oreos in a bowl. Then add the rest of the ingredients and mix until it is all combined. Let them roll the mixture into balls and/or any fun shape they desire. Add sprinkles as a decoration. Refrigerate on a plate for a least 30 minutes.

Enjoy this tasty treat with your family - your kids will be so proud they did it all themselves :)

Bedazzle Your Shoes!!

2010-07-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we finally made it to the summer season? If you are lucky enough to live in a warm state like California or Florida, you’re no rookie, but for the rest of us, we have finally approached the sweet summer air.

Now that summer has arrived, your children need to turn the television, video game, and computer off and celebrate the season. Encourage your children to decorate a pair of flip-flops. This exciting, crafty activity will have your children up and running for days.

So… ready to paint those nails and put on some sandals?

What You Need:

new or old pair of plain flip-flops
hot glue gun (care not to burn yourself!)
Various decorations for example, ribbon, fabric, rhinestones, beads, or any recycled item around the house.

What To Do:

Lay down an area of newspaper where you will be decorating your flip-flops.
Make sure your flips-flips are clean and ready to be bejeweled.
Now that the flip-flops are clean and ready to go, have you child get a sense of what she/he wants the decorated flip-flops to look like.
If the glue gun is hot enough- start gluing! Let your child’s imagination prosper.
Once you are done gluing, have your brand new decked out flip flops lay out for an hour.

Its time to slip on your J-41™ outdoor comfort shoe’s and allow the memory foam footbed to engulf your feet! We hope you enjoy you’re J-41™’s and your children’s jazzed up shoes!

How To Make A Recycled Vase

2010-07-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite ways to decorate the house is with fresh flowers. There is nothing more beautiful than to watch flowers you've bought grow in your own home. As a way to end our "going green" week, we thought we would share a way to make an eco-friendly and reusable vase.

What you will need:

A rinsed out milk carton (any size)
Wrapping paper of your choice
Scissors
Double stick tape

How to:

First, cut off the top of the milk carton. An easy way to do this is to completely open the top, then cut down and around. If you want, you can make a cool rim (zig zags, wavy, etc.) Make sure to leave the bottom half at the height you want. Discard the top. Wrap the wrapping paper around the entirety of the vase and stick it on with the double stick tape. Fill it up half way with water, and add your favorite flowers. Voila! There it is - your very own recycled, reusable vase!

Have a great weekend and don't forget to check back next week!

2010-07-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Got an old Vinyl Record kicking around the house that you no longer listen to? Don’t waste it, recycle it into a trendy, super cool bowl. Serving bowls are crucial item is most households. Whether your serving your own children or guests, this vinyl record bowl would be a perfect, eco-friendly, yet chic bowl to eat from. Also, this would make an awesome gift for the music lovers. They are so funky, yet incredibly simple to create.

Here’s how you do it…

You will need:

A Vinyl Record
A heat proof metal bowl
Oven mitts
Baking Sheet
Oven

How to:

Preheat the oven to around 200-250 degrees (low low temp).
Place the metal bowl upside down in the oven.
Gently place the vinyl record on top of the bowl - be sure that the record is centered on the metal bowl. Set the timer for about 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, check on the record (it may need another minute or two). When the record starts drooping down, put your oven mitts on and remove the metal bowl and record. Immediately place the diminished record into the metal bowl. With only about a minute to do so, use your hands to shape the softened record to the form of the bowl.
Have the album air off for a few minutes. Once the record cools, remove it from the metal bowl, and there you have it! Your very own Vinyl Record Bowl. Isn’t it just awesome?

My vinyl record bowl sits right on my coffee table. This always reminds me of our need as a whole not to just very carelessly consume and toss the un-worthy, we can make use of these items in a fun, yet easy way!

5 Must Needed Green Items

2010-07-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

This summer we wanted to focus on being green... while saving some green($)! Luckily your cute J-41™ shoes your wearing are made from partially recycled rubber, and the packaging is 100% recycled... so your already on the right track! Its so easy to forget the little ways to stay green on a day to day basis, but think about how it effects your pocket. Something as simple as using a reusable water bottle every day vs buying a bottle of water on your way to work- your saving an average of $10 a week and 5 plastic bottles, just by using a reusable water bottle. You can even get a discount at Starbucks™ if you bring you own reusable mug! Get on board and start saving both mother earth and your green!

Buy yourself a pair of J-41™'s. Made of partially recycled rubber, these Eco-friendly shoes will have both your feet and the environment thanking you!
Thermos/Mug/Water Bottle: I told you this was going to be easy. Having a trusty water bottle, thermos, or mug that you can carry around and fill up with water or coffee at various establishments will cut down on phenomenal amounts of waste over the years—especially if you drink as much water/coffee as I do.
Tote bag: Put an end to the paper or plastic eco conundrum once and for all—get yourself a reusable tote bag and don't let either pile up in landfills.
Clothesline: Our culture dictates that convenience and expedience come first?hence the clothes drier being a staple of the American home. But it shouldn't be. Why pay for and suck down electricity (or fork over a bunch of quarters at the Laundromat), when you can dry your clothes for free? Sure, it might take a bit longer, but using a clothesline is cheaper and greener.
Smart Strip: These handy surge protectors will stave off the effects of vampire power—how plugged in appliances drain electricity even when turned off. Smart strips vary in affordability, with some models priced as low as $14.95—and the savings in electricity will more than make up for the cost. These are a must for any green home.
Water Filter: Combine this with numero uno, and you'll never have to buy bottled water again. This is one of the most important items every environmentally conscious soul should own—it turns your tap into an endless fountain of fresh tasting water, and cuts the waste out of your water.

What are you doing to stay green? Leave us some feedback, we would love some tips from you! Have a great day!

Exercise Tips For The Less Active

2010-07-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

Exercise to most of us is more a chore than something to do for fun. Here are some tips that will help motivate you to keep up with your exercise before those extra couple of pounds creep up on you. (They really do help!)

Slip on your Jambu™'s! These women's comfort shoes provide your feet with a comfort haven due to their Memory Foam Footbed™. This will give your feet the needed comfort so that you can workout extra long!
Don't get intimidated by the prospect of a daily exercise regimen. You don't have to run a marathon. You need only get your body moving each day. Once you tone your muscles, you'll naturally find yourself wanting to do more challenging workouts.
Reframe the way you think about exercise. Begin to think of each workout as a gift you give to yourself instead of just another "should," "ought," or "must."
Make sure you enjoy your exercise program. Some people like classes. Some people don't. Choose what's right for you so it becomes something you actually look forward to.
Make sure your workout is convenient. Schedule it for a time of day when you typically feel the most energetic. Have your gym bag packed and ready to go by the door or in the car.
Make your workout weather-proof. If you run or walk outside, get the right workout gear so weather conditions are never an excuse.
Make sure you're doing it right. One reason for wanting to quit exercising is injury or pain. Check with your doctor before you start an exercise program so you know you're safe in the workout you choose. And check in with trainers, too, if you're working on equipment at the gym or trying a new sport.
If you're having a low-energy day, tell yourself you have to exercise for only ten minutes. That will get you moving, and once you're in the exercise groove, you'll usually want to finish your workout.
Go with friends. Start a group for walking, running, or training. The camaraderie (and peer pressure) can do wonders for your daily motivation.
After a really good workout, write a few notes in your journal about how good you feel. Use it as a reference the next time you don't want to begin.
Start with small goals. If you want to run for 30 minutes, for example, start by walking fast. When you can do that, make a goal to spend those 30 minutes running for one minute, walking for one minute. When you build on these smaller goals, you'll be running in no time. And you'll give your confidence a boost, too.
Recognize that some days it will be easier to exercise, and some days you'll have to struggle through the workout. This has to do with a lot of factors, including mood, hormones, the glass of wine you had last night...Take the pressure off by understanding the fluctations. And exercise anyway.
Try behavior modification tapes.
Use a visible reward system. The effects of exercise are cumulative and long-term, so sometimes it helps to see your results on a daily basis. After each workout, put a big red star on the calendar as a symbol that you completed the day's workout. Take photos of yourself every month in your workout gear so you have a visual record of your results, too.
Get to the bottom of your exercise aversion. For women, if it's the run-of-the-mill gym you can't stand, try a women-oriented fitness center, such as Curves. This is a fast-growing fitness phenomenon, and many women feel like their workout becomes a 30-minute vacation--like a girls' night out at the exercise machines.
Be gentle with yourself. Take a day off at least once a week. And if you do skip a few workouts, don't beat yourself up, but do get right back in the routine. The fewer consecutive days you skip, the more likely you'll be to make your workout a lasting gift you give to yourself.

We hope that these help you boost your self esteem, help you stay with your workouts, and achieve that body that you've been waiting for!!!

Workout Week Get Your Fitness On!

2010-07-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

This week, we decided to share our most effective ab workout to the readers at home. This simple yet extremely effective workout will help all you women out there achieve the stomachs you always dreamed about. Working out isn't always fun (we definitely know that!) but it increases your energy and stamina that you'll need for the rest of the day. (Especially for those rug rats running around.) So, take just 10 minutes out of your day to perform this exercise and in just a few short weeks you'll see breathtaking results!!!

Bicycle Exercise

How to:

Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. Put your hands beside your head. Bring knees up to about 45- degree angle and slowly go through a bicycle pedal motion. Touch your left elbow to your right knee, then your right elbow to your left knee. Keep even, relaxed breathing throughout.

Lie on the floor and lace your fingers behind your head.
Bring the knees in towards the chest and lift the shoulder blades off the floor without pulling on the neck.
Straighten the left leg out while simultaneously turning the upper body to the right, taking the left elbow towards the right knee.
Switch sides, bringing the right elbow towards the left knee.
Continue alternating sides in a 'pedaling' motion for 1-3 sets of 12-16 reps.

Not only do these workouts help build strength and provide extra energy, they strengthen your core and protect your spine. This week, we will be providing you with more exercise information, so stay tuned and tone up!!

Meet the J-41™ Designers!

2010-07-08T20:28:00.001-07:00

Hanna :)

Monica :)

Now that you've seen a peek of our fabulous fall styles, we thought we would share the brains behind this operation... meet our two wonderful designers! We decided to interview the designers - here is what they had to say. Readers... meet Hanna and Monica the design team behind J-41™.

1: Where did you do to school? what type of degree do you have?

Hanna: I have BFA degree in Painting/Fine Art and also ASS degree in Accessories Design from FIT.

Monica: I have my Bachelor of Fine Arts, Accessories Design (after taking one more class), Associate of Applied Science, Fashion Design, and a Certificate in Millinery Techniques

2: Why did you choose to go into shoe design?

H: In my opinion, shoes are the most interesting and complicated item among all fashion items. You have to have a design mind in between a fashion designer and an industrial designer. In other words, to be an excellent shoe designer, you must be born with fashion blood as well as an engineer's mind. You must be able to cater to what you imagine in your mind for your collection.

M: I want all the women to wear comfortable shoes with style.

3. What is your inspiration for J-41™?

H: I’m looking at everything which could inspire me across Hi-end fashion and Natural beauty. I love to watch old classic movies to get inspiration since I’m very much into vintage fashion these days from 40th to 70th. I also look at what other people are doing to find out what our niche market is.

M: What would our customer want affordable but comfortable.

4.Where are you from? and did that place in anyway inspire what you are doing now?

H: I’m originally from Korea and I have been living in NYC for more than 10 years. I do travel everywhere in the world pretty much to get inspiration from East to West. The cities that I cover on my foot every season for inspiration is the major cities in the world such as NY, LA, SF, London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Milan, Hong Kong and Seoul.

M: I am from Korea but I have been living in New York for most of my life and all the women I talk to say “I need comfortable, but stylish shoes”.

5. Tell us something interesting about yourself:

H: To be honest with you, I’m not one of the true J-41™ customers that we’re targeting. There are only a few styles from the line that I want to wear with my outfits. I’m a true metropolitan girl, born and raised in a huge cosmopolitan, which means I don’t quite understand what the real suburban or outdoor life style is... However, the way I approach it in designing my product has been really working well for our customer since I have a different way to interpret trends and functions in shoes and to be able to create our unique flavor into this type of comfort/outdoor product. I think this is the main reason to be successful!

M: I really love to travel all over the world and meet all different types of women. I've realized that all women are alike - they love shoes =)

6. Do you have any big future plans for J-41™ designs?

H: Of course, I want to build this brand as one of the most influential and pioneered brands in this new growing category so that everybody will recognize this as a leader in the footwear industry. I want to see our brand selling everywhere in the world... Even my hometown Seoul, Korea!

M: In the future I hope all the women in the world will love our style and feel comfortable in it.

We hope you enjoyed learning about our great designers as much as we did!

Comment on this blog to let them know what an amazing job they're doing!

More J-41™ Fall 2010 Previews!

2010-07-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

This Fall, J-41™ is offering some really cute choices. We decided to show you a few more of our favorites.

To the left we have the 'Istanbul' in black and in brown. This adorable wedge 'bootie' can add to any Fall outfit. Made of leather and suede with the perfect touch of cut out accents and subtle stitching, this design is flawless. With an inner zipper closure, you can easily take them on and off (although you probably won't want to). Its memory foam foot bed allows for long lasting comfort all day long.

To the right you will find the 'Venice' in black and brown. The Venice is a comfortable fashion forward rendition of the clog. This 2.5 inch wedge is made with a partially recycled rubber outsole, a lightweight midsole, and a memory foam foot bed for extreme comfort. Easy to slip on and off, this is a real winner for women on the go. The stylish embezzlements, as well as the criss-cross stitching on the face of shoe make the Venice versatile and great for any wardrobe.

As you can see, these two shoes are must-haves this Fall. Which do you like and why? (you don't have to pick only one ;) Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Don't forget to look back this Friday to meet the designers behind these beautiful shoes!

Fall 2010 Preview!

2010-07-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

Fall is right around the corner so we wanted you to be able to get your wish lists started early, which is why we decided to give you a sneak peek into our Fall 2010 collection. Today we are revealing the "Ocean" on the left in brown and the "Galaxy" on the right in black.

The "Ocean" is a slip on sporty wedge design created for that stylish woman that believes comfort is a must. The J-41™ "Ocean"comes in black or brown with a suede/leather upper. It has detailed embroidery on the strap adding a elegant touch. The strap has velcro for an easy adjusting fit. The footbed cradles the foot to ensure all day comfort. The wedge adds a little bit of height, which us woman crave, without having to wear unstable heel. It's perfect for work or play.

The "Oasis" is an all vegan shoe for you animal lovers out there. It is made with a Jeep® engineered traction outsole™. The "Oasis" has heel and toe bumpers for added protection from the elements. It's intricately detailed with colorful embroidery, small studs, and geometric cut out for those of us who enjoy the little pretty things in life. There is a velcro strap for easy on-off, perfect for those women on the go.

The "Oasis" and the "Ocean" are just two of fabulous styles we have coming... Stay tuned all week for more Fall 2010 previews!

Which shoes are more "you"? What would you wear them with? What type of Fall activities do you see yourself getting into in these?

Everybody's Favorite: July 4th Fireworks

2010-07-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

They were first authorized by congress for July 4th, 1777, and ever since then, entire communities have gathered together on 4th of July night to watch beautiful fireworks light up the town. Here are a few fun facts about fireworks that you may not have known

Legend has it that the Chinese made the first fireworks in the 800s, filling bamboo shoots with gunpowder and exploding them at the New Year with the hope that the sound would scare away evil spirits.
Early fireworks were exploded for the sound until chemicals were added for color, starting in Italy
in the 1830's.
Disney World has more than 1,000 fireworks shows every year.
The most difficult color to create with fireworks is blue.
The world's largest single firework was set off at a festival in Japan in 1988. The shell weighed over 1/2 a ton and the burst was over a kilometer across.

Everyone here at J-41™ wishes you and your family a happy 4th of July - we hope you get to see a beautiful fireworks show in your town! (If not, enjoy the one below ;)

Not Your Traditional July 4th BBQ

2010-06-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

Were were browsing through some fun July 4th traditions, and came across one of America's favorite - Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Every July 4th since 1916 (with the exception of two years as a protest against wars), American's have been tuning into this event to watch 20 individuals compete in the historic 12 minute contest at Nathan's flagship restaurant on Surf Avenue in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

The tradition supposedly started when four immigrants had the first hot dog eating contest to decide who was the most patriotic. Ever since then, this has been an annual event to celebrate our independence.

Last year, Joey Chestnut set a new record of eating 68 hot dogs (and buns!)

We thought this was a fun and unusual way to spend the 4th of July - tell us what type of exciting plans you have for this year's celebration.. have you heard of any unusual traditions? do share!

Don't forget your Jambu's™ :)

2010-06-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

On July 4th, 1776, the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. This fourth of July, we will be eating smoothie pops. (and I'm so excited about it!) After you slip on your comfortable J-41's, you should follow this simple recipe to make this delicious treat.

What you will need:

5 strawberries, washed and hulled
1 medium banana
4 ice cubes
1 cup strawberry yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup fruit juice
Popsicle sticks

Instructions

Slip into your J-41's so that your comfortable while preparing these treats
Mix all the ingredients in a blender until smooth
Pour into 3 oz. paper cups, cover with plastic wrap, and insert popsicle sticks
Freeze for at least 5 hours

This makes 12 pops. We hope that you and your families have a wonderful fourth of July while eating these refreshing pops. :)

2010-06-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

Sailing has been around for thousands of years. As summer starts, we would like to give you some ideas for outdoor activities to do with your family. Sailing is a great activity that allows you to get outside, be active while spending time with the ones you love. Although, sailing is not the easiest outdoor adventure, the challenge can be fulfilling. Here's some basic tips to help you and your loved ones have an enjoyable sailing trip.

Slip on your J-41's (Maybe our Aquarius Water-Ready shoe!)- these shoes will help your feet grip the boat so that you keep your balance

Choose calm, uncrowded waters

Choose a small boat

Begin on a boat rigged with one sail

Follow sailing basics for safety- which include wearing a flotation device and knowing how to swim

Research tide, wind and weather conditions

Become familiar with sail control- which means taking advantage of the wind and weather conditions. The sail should be flat when there is light or strong wind and angled for moderate wind.

Capsize on purpose- this should be done in a controlled environment, this will come in handy when dealing with real-life events

Respect the boom- this will help avoid any injuries such as getting knocked in the head

Learn basic sailing terms- such as port, startboard and other simple concepts

Practice makes perfect!!

We hope that you are comfortable in your J-41's while you sail away with your family!

Sumer outfit Ideas

2010-06-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

The J-41™ Saturn's are a great summer shoes. With a peep toe front, and the a cute floral motif, they can really look great with any outfit. They come in a few different colors, so they match your whole closet! Here is a cute casual look, for those days when your adventure is put on hold.

You already have your favorite pair of skinny jeans that you love to wear on a casual day. Add a cute white tank and a boyfriend blazer to complete the look (You'd be surprised how feminine a boyfriend blazer can be!) With the right necklace, and a couple other accessories, you'll be loving you new chic, but casual look =)

Summer Memories

2010-06-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

As the summer starts, we would like to pass along some family traditions. (We hope you like them just as much as we do!) This is a simple yet creative way to keep all of your wonderful summer memories together. (You don't want to miss any of course!) A three-ring photo binder is a way to catch your summer adventures without loosing them throughout the years. These simple steps will ensure that you will do just that.

You'll need:

A pair (or a couple!) of J-41's™

A three-ring binder

Photographs

Decorations (recycled paper, stickers, jewels, etc.)

Instructions:

There are many ways you can decorate your binder. Some simple tips include hole-punching your pictures into your binder, adding embellishments to both the front and back of your binder and to your pictures, and adding paper to separate the different summer events.

We hope that you continue your adventures in our J-41's™ and have a wonderful summer!

Father's Day Recipe: Make Your Own BBQ Sauce!

2010-06-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

We all know how men love their grilling. Father's Day is a great time to get the fire started, and have a family BBQ. We thought we'd share a recipe for homemade Barbecue Sauce. Have your man make it; he'll be proud to have made it himself instead of buying the stuff from the store :)

Yield: 5 Cups

Time: about 45 min

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons dark rum or whiskey
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon pure chili powder
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
4 cups ketchup
course salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients, except for the ketchup, in a large, deep sauce pan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

2. Cook until completely dissolved, stirring constantly (about 5 min).

3. Add ketchup and bring to a boil. Lower heat and cook, uncovered, for about 30 min - stir every 5-10 min. The sauce should look dark and thick.

4. Use right away or store in jars and refrigerate. It will last for a few months.

Enjoy this delicious sauce on burgers, ribs, steak, or chicken. Please share any great grilling tips, trick or recipes - We'd love to hear what you do!

Gift Ideas for an Adventurous Father's Day

2010-06-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

It seems like every year when Father's Day comes around, gift ideas are always a problem. This year, we wanted to offer some fun gift ideas that will allow the whole family to Adventure On™.

Get Dad a new bike! Thankfully, Father's Day is in the summer, so there is plenty of time to enjoy a nice family bike ride. A new bike for dad will get everyone excited for a fun day out on the trail.
You already have your favorite J-41™'s which use Jeep® technology for superior traction. Now would be a great time to get your man a great pair of hiking shoes. Take him to his favorite store, let him choose the best pair - and go hiking! It's a great and fun way to exercise together.
Another great summer activity is fishing. If he doesn't already have one, get Dad a fishing pole. He'll be happy to bring along the family so he can brag about his "great catch" later :)
Plan a whitewater rafting trip. Talk about real adventure! Whitewater rafting is one of the most fun ways for a family to bond and work as a team. He won't be able to use this gift next summer, but the laughs and memories will last forever!

Hopefully with these gift ideas, your family will be celebrating Dad in the most adventurous ways possible :)

Planning a Hike on Father's Day

2010-06-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again ladies... Father's Day! Its not an easy task to buy the perfect gift... we usually go for something "safe" like a tie, or a new golf polo. Not this year... forget about that boring gift and create an adventure with your special man that you know he will enjoy. This year the idea is to spend quality time with them doing something that HE likes. Some ideas that we thought of were fishing, hiking, bike rides, a afternoon grill out, or a simple walk in the park. For our Father’s Day, we’re going on a small hike somewhere close to home. You can even make him a card with a hand drawn map inside (or have the kids do it) of the trail you want to hike. Make it a surprise, get the family involved to plan each detail- get creative!

When preparing for the hike remember these important factors...

Select a route- get the whole family involved, consider where you’re walking, the best place to rest along the way and choose a path that will be relaxing and challenging at the same time.
Make it fun- plan an “energy” stop. Pack something delicious yet refreshing so that everyone can refuel. Look around and take pictures of your surroundings.
Be safe and comfortable- Wear proper footwear (such as your J-41™ shoes so that your feet won’t hurt) on the long adventure. Wear sunscreen and bring a hat. Bring lots of water so that no one in the group will get dehydrated. And last, don’t over pack. If you over pack you will become more tired from carrying the weight from your backpack.

Stay tuned for more tips on how to be adventurous on Father’s Day in your J-41’s. :)

Fun for the weekend... a do-it-yourself Kite project

2010-06-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

We’ve been brainstorming inexpensive ways to spend time with your family. We all remember being young at the beach or the park flying the colorful kite that we made with our families. So to pass along our family traditions, we would like to give you a way to spend time with your family outdoors, have fun and enjoy the beautiful weather (in your J-41’s of course!!). Building a kite with your family is just that.

There are many different kinds of kites. For our example we’re going to explain to you how to make a diamond kite.

Materials and Tools:

* Construction paper (recycled preferably, BE GREEN!!)

* Crayons

* Hole punch

* Reinforcement rings (those crazy little white circle stickers for loose leaf paper)

* Scissors

* Spool of lightweight string

* 24 in. piece of yarn

* A few gentle breezes

Directions:

1. Trace a diamond shape on construction paper.

2. Cut it out.

3. Decorate as desired.

4. Punch one hole on each end (top and bottom only).

5. Surround each hole with reinforcement.

6. Securely attach yarn to narrow end to form tail

7. Securely attach string to wide end

8. Take outside and fly

While wearing your comfortable J-41 shoes we want you to enjoy the weather while you can. So, get out and fly this simply made kite and enjoy the time with your family.

Make Your Own Picnic Blanket!

2010-06-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

Picnics are a great idea on these beautiful summer days. They're a fun and simple way to pack up a lunch and spend time with the family or friends.. what more could you ask for? But before you go, make sure you have everything on the check list! Here is an easy way to make your own picnic 'knot blanket': (no sewing!! :)

First, decide what size blanket you want. (A good size would be 6' x 6')
Next, go to the fabric store and pick out two different fabrics - you want the fabrics to be lightweight and very colorful! Try to get the colors to match and the weight to be the same.
Once you have your fabrics, place one on top of the other. If you chose patterned fabrics, make sure they are facing out.
Pin the two fabrics together (Make sure they are no less than 6" from the edge. 2-3 pins per side will be enough.)
Now, get your scissors ready! Cut a 4"x4" square off of each corner, and remember to always cut both fabrics at the same time.
Cut the strips you will be tying together. Make them about 4" long and about 1" wide.
Grab a corner and start knotting! Tie the top strip to the bottom strip in a double knot. Tie every other strip like that until you've gone once around the blanket.
Finally, turn the blanket over and do the same to the remaining untied strips. (This will give it an even, balanced look)

That's it! you've done it - now kick off your J-41™'s, and enjoy your home made picnic blanket!

Sweet Summer Treats

2010-06-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

As the weather gets nicer and the school year is ending, we thought it would be a good idea to relax with some sweet homemade treats!

We are going to give you a simple recipe for delicious homemade lemonade and granola. These are great little treats to bring on your outdoor adventures. So, take your kids out and enjoy this refreshing beverage while you snack on an all natural granola.

Here is just one of many ideas for making a delicious mint infused lemonade:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup fresh mint leaves
juice of 2 oranges
juice of 6 lemons
4 teaspoons grated orange peel
fresh orange or lemon slices and sprigs of mint for garnish

Preparation:

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil and boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
Place mint leaves in a small bowl; add sugar syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, and grated orange peel. Cover and let steep for 1 hour. Strain into a 1-quart container; cover and keep refrigerated.
To serve, mix 1 part lemon mint mixture with 2 parts water. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon or orange slices and sprigs of mint if desired.

This recipe makes about 1 quart syrup, or 3 quarts of lemonade.

Next, is a recipe for a do-it-yourself mix that can be customized with whatever combinations you enjoy. (We've included our favorite combination.)

Ingredients:

6 c. old-fashioned oats
1 1/4 c. nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts, etc., coarsely chopped
1/4 c. seeds, such as sunflower, pepitas, etc.
1/3 c. flaxseed meal, wheat germ, or a mixture of the two
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 large egg whites
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 c. sweetener, such as honey, agave syrup, or molasses
1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil
1 c. dried fruit, such as sour cherries, cranberries, currants, raisins, apricots, figs or pineapple, coarsely chopped

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Combine the oats, nuts, seeds, flax and/or wheat germ, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and the salt until frothy. Whisk in the sweetener and the olive oil. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, and stir until the oats are evenly coated.
Transfer mixture to two rimmed baking sheets and spread flat.
Bake for 20 minutes, then gently flip with spatula, moving granola from the outer edges to the center of the sheet. Continue to cook until golden, about 10 minutes more. (if granola starts to brown, too much at the edges, stir those parts into the middle.)
Cool completely on pan, then transfer to a bowl and gently stir in the dried fruit.

Take these simple treats on your outdoor adventures. Enjoy the beautiful weather in your J-41™ shoes. We hope you enjoy these simple recipes and we hope you stay tuned for more treats coming your way! :)

J-41™ Adventures in Vallarta - by Travel Blogger Kate Rambles

2010-06-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

What a gal needs when navigating the rough terrain of a foreign port is a decent pair of shoes. I was set to find out if my bumble-bee, J-41™ Intrepids were up to the task.

For years I’ve tried to come up with shoes that are good for airplane travel; i.e. easy on/easy off, yet something that is supportive and does not slip off while one wrestles with baggage and treks through miles of airport terminals. My Intrepids did the trick; they easily flipped off and on going through security and once again when I was on the plane.

Sure, they worked well cruising the urban streets of California, where the sidewalks and streets generally aren’t too bad, but how would they do on the cobblestoned streets of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? The answer: amazing. In fact it wasn’t until I stupidly stepped out one evening in thin flip-flops, (grimacing with every step and praying to Aztec gods that I wouldn’t break an ankle), that I could fully gage the extent of comfort and support afforded by my J-41™’s. Not only that, they are so light on the feet that I’m not even aware of their solid foundation.

In the mornings I like to walk down to the shore and stroll along the water’s edge. The Intrepids handled the sand with ease before I kicked them off. (Walking in sand barefoot will remain preferable to walking in even the best shoe). Leaving the beach and returning to the pavement I simply stepped right back into them without having to sit in gunk to tie and untie shoelaces.

I climbed up 100 steps to get a look at Elizabeth Taylor’s house high on the hill overlooking the Bay of Bandeiras. My feet didn’t register any complaints going up and I felt secure negotiating the steep, cobblestone streets on my way back down the hill.
In the Vallarta Botanical Gardens I confidently hiked up and down narrow, often damp trails, feeling at one with the earth. My Intrepids were so quiet and unobtrusive that I barely disturbed the birds and lizards along the way.

On most days I put in at least four hours of walking. The third day I was here I discovered something astonishing; even in this tropical heat and humidity, and even when not wearing socks, my feet never sweat in these shoes!

I still have lots more to explore so will Adventure On with my trusty J-41™’s.

Check out Kate's blog at http://katerambles.blogspot.com/