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

As a mom of a little boy I'm VERY familiar with the LEGO's brand. Like most families, I've wondered what to do with all those LE...

As a mom of a little boy I'm VERY familiar with the LEGO's brand. Like most families, I've wondered what to do with all those LEGO pieces we keep collecting. I recently learned about The LEGO Ideas Book and think it has some great solutions.

The LEGO Ideas Book (Hardcover)
Author: Daniel Lipkowitz
Price: $24.99
Age: 7 - 15 years

The LEGO Ideas Book is packed full of tips from expert LEGO builders on how to make jet planes reach new heights, create fantastic fortresses, swing through lush jungles, have fun on the farm, and send space shuttles out of this world!

The book is divided into six themed chapters:

• VEHICLES of all shapes and sizes
• BUILDINGS, from houses and farms to furniture and bridges
• SPACE, with attack ships, moon buggies, and aliens
• CASTLES to defend or invade
• FANTASY, including pirate ships, robots, and jungle temples
• PRACTICAL MAKES, from picture frames to treasure chests

Each section will have basic templates of key models (for instance, car or castle) and following spreads will show how to vary the models and adapt your own (for instance, adapting a car into a racing car or adding a drawbridge to a castle).

There will also be feature spreads focusing on Master Builders, who will share their top tips. The book includes all-new models and ideas and all-new artwork/photography.