But my world has just been turned upside down.

I had read about Newton shoes before, but I wasn’t too sure about trying them out.  I overpronate, and I worried they wouldn’t have enough support.  A couple weeks ago, I went to a local running store and tried them on.  We popped a supportive insert in, and I was sold. 

They’re easily the most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever worn.  On top of that, they’ve completely revolutionized my running. 

With a name like Newton, perhaps you can guess – there’s a lot of science behind this shoe.  12 years of research and 9 patents make it completely unlike any other.  The key is the midfoot lugs.  For someone like me, they help to train you to land on that your midsole.  It’s much more efficient than a heel or toe strike, and leads to fewer injuries. 

But the lugs move.  Independently.  When you land, they recess into the sole.  As you start to lift your foot, they push you forward.  Don’t believe it?  Check out the tests.  Newtons have less impact, higher energy return and better cushioning than all the other shoes tested (by a third party).

They say you’ll be running better in no time, and they mean it.  For my first few minutes running yesterday, I stuck with my old habit – the heel strike.  It was inefficient.  I was tired.  For my next running interval, I let the shoe lead. 

Holy cow.  Suddenly running was less of a chore, easier and fun.  For the rest of my workout, I ran longer than my predetermined running intervals.  I felt like I had gained weeks of fitness.  I felt phenomenal.

On top of all this, they’re a responsible company (which sometimes matters to me more than my own comfort).  A significant portion of the shoe is recycled, and they  work with a multitude of charities.

My only regret?  I got a trail shoe from another company.  I don’t know how I can go back now that I’ve discovered running nirvana.

[all images via Newton]

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Case in point:  this uber cute owl.  Not only is it just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, it’s also hand-made by a collective of knitters in rural Kenya, imported by a company that monitors their working conditions, and sold by a company that only sells sustainable items.

And look at these sting rays!  What an unusual choice!  I love it.  This is also a fair trade item, made in Nepal.  Look at the bellies!

Hilarious!  Apparently these were designed to be chew toys, so if  you have a pet that appreciates oddities, this would be a perfect gift.

Branch has plenty for adults, as well.  Most of their furniture is typically out of my price range (a side effect of being well-made of sustainable materials), but they have a lot of stellar house wares and accessories.

One of my favorites is the (not exactly affordable) off pitcher and cup.  Gorgeous, a bit quirky, and 100% sustainable.  It suits me perfectly.

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I love the little glass vials they come in.  I’m quite fond of glass containers these days.  Also uber cute, these tiny tiny terrariums (also available in itty bitty).

In fact, everything on this site is cute!  And friendly to plant killers.  Perhaps I’ll have to consider one of their air plant subscriptions…

[all images via Tortoise Loves Donkey]

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Nissan Thermos with tea infuser - $22.99

Several years ago, it returned with a vengeance.  My mom, brilliant woman that she is, got me this guy for Christmas.  At the time, I liked it.  But I had absolutely no inkling of the love that would grow between me and my Thermos – the bond that would soon be forged.

That week, I took it for its first test drive.  On a positively frigid winter day in Milwaukee, I left it in the car – full of tea but uncovered – for nearly two hours while I met a friend.  Upon returning to the car, I found my tea still piping hot.  It was love.  Over the years, that love has solidified.  I talk to anyone who will listen about my Nissan™ Thermos®.  In all, my four-member family has five of these so far.

I can’t recommend these highly enough.  Leak proof, sexy, BPA free, virtually unbreakable (though I haven’t tried to drive my car over it yet) – what is there not to love about it?  The vacuum insulation ensures that, while your beverage stays piping hot (or ice cold), your hands will stay comfortable.

This particular Thermos® is officially rated to keep drinks hot for 6 hours/cold for 10 hours.  Others, such as this one, have higher ratings.  Your beverage will still be temperature-appropriate long past the rating, though.  Over at this site (a hunting site, of all places), there’s a pretty good analysis of a Nissan Thermos, as well as other containers.

On top of all this, the company started an organization to help bring clean water to the millions of people who don’t currently have access.

I have to confess, though, I’m most excited about the Hannah Montana container.

Want one?  Buy it here or here.

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