I recently learned about Okabashi, a line of affordable and environmentally friendly casual footwear made in the United States since 1984. ...

I recently learned about Okabashi, a line of affordable and environmentally friendly casual footwear made in the United States since 1984.

Please Note: I received a pair of Okabashi shoes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

I like that idea that all Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, arch support and ergonomic foot beds. As someone who's on my feet for most of the day those features are REALLY appealing.

But that's not the only cool thing about the Okabashi brand

Okabashi has teamed up with Better World books to celebrate Holidays with Sole. Starting November 1, 2011, for every pair of Okabashi shoes purchased online through December 31st, Okabashi Brands will donate a pair of shoes to a homeless student in need.

Better World Books will also be conducting a parallel program by donating an age-appropriate book for every book sold on their website. Donations will be distributed to Atlanta area schools in late March.

And if that's not enough motivation for you to buy a pair of Okabashi, then maybe knowing that Okabashi operates a clean manufacturing facility which only produces 100% recyclable shoes will be.

Other Okabashi’s unbeatable features:

• 100% recyclable and contains 30% recycled material (Good for the Planet)
• Supportive with a massaging insole that helps relieve foot and back pain. (Good foot relief post workout)
• Guaranteed for 2 years ( Good for your pocket!)
• Made in the USA -Buford, GA to be exact! (Good for the U.S.)
• Dishwasher-safe and machine washable (Good for clean shoes)
• Antimicrobial and odor resistant (Good to prevent bacteria)
• Anti-slip (Good for slippery surfaces)
• Completely water proof (Good for longevity)
• The ONLY shoe endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (Good to be noticed!)

PLUS their available in a wide range of styles, colors and sizes. Now go shopping!

To learn more about Okabashi visit - www.okabashi.com

To learn more about Better World books visit - www.betterworldbooks.com

During a Disney Dreamers Academy event hosted with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the program, I met ...

During a Disney Dreamers Academy event hosted with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the program, I met with current Disney's Dreamers and learned how high school students can submit applications for the 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy.

Note: I was invited as media to this event. Any views expressed are always 100% my own.


During the event, Steve Harvey, speaking on the program, said, “Disney’s Dreamers Academy gives hope and inspiration and exposes youth to a world of possibilities. The fifth year of this program will prove to be the best yet. We are excited about another opportunity to transform lives and give students an inside look at what their future can hold.”

I learned about the history of the Disney’s Dreamers Academy. Since its launch in 2007 Disney’s Dreamers Academy has shown a world of possibilities to hundreds of teens.

Every year, Dreamers participate in “immersive” workshops that allow them to take a plunge into real-world career scenarios. With a focus on hands-on experience and training, Disney’s Dreamers Academy encourages youth to DREAM BIG.


I also learned about the application process. The students will be selected by a panel from the communications, education and entertainment industries who will judge nominations from parents, teachers, mentors and youth. Participants will be announced in early December 2011. Applications can be submitted through Oct. 31, 2011.

In March, 2012, 100 high school students ages 13-19 from across the United States will gather in the world’s most creative classroom, Walt Disney World Resort, for a weekend of special events, educational workshops, personal enhancement and professional enrichment.

Participants and a parent or guardian will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for the 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy March 8-11, 2012.

For more information visit - www.disneysdreamersacademy.com