GeekSugar

Red USB Santa Boots: Love or Leave?

GeekSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:06:10 PST

Here's a simple and geeky way to keep your footsies warm during the cold winter months-USB Santa Boots from Thanko! Featured on 7Gadgets, these perfect-for-Christmas slippers look like UGGs with a holiday twist. Each boot connects to a USB cable that plugs into your computer to keep your feet nice and toasty. For some reason they look like they'd lose their appeal after a few wears, what do you think? Love or leave em'?

Winter Running Woe: Numb Toes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:02:06 PST

If you'd rather skip a run than hit the treadmill, then there's no doubt you're continuing with your outdoor runs even through this brisk and snowy Winter weather. That doesn't mean you're not dealing with some discomfort along the way. I've given you some tips on how to beat burning lungs, but if it's your feet that are bothering you, here are some ways to avoid numb toes.

First, consider your socks. You can't get away with wearing the same thin, ankle-length wicking socks you sported in the warmer months. Splurge on some thicker knee-highs; socks made of wool will keep your feet warm and dry. Be sure your socks aren't too tight as that can cut off circulation (go up a size to be sure). You can also try compression socks to improve circulation in your feet and legs.

If you're already wearing thicker socks, you'll probably want to go up half a size in your sneaks to accommodate the extra fabric. If you don't, the snug fit of your shoe might be the sole cause of your tingling feeling. Choose sneakers designed for colder, wetter weather (think waterproof Gore-tex) to protect your toes from the snow. Tie your shoes slightly looser because as you warm up, your feet will swell, and too-tight laces can cause that annoying numb sensation.

Continue reading for more tips on avoiding numb feet.

Big Miracle Set Visit: Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski on Not Freezing to Death in Alaska and Their "Once in a Lifetime" Gig

Becky Kirsch — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:58:47 PDT

Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski braved the Arctic temperatures of Alaska for their new movie, Big Miracle. Barrymore, Krasinski, and their costars weren't the only ones who experienced the frosty temperatures up north, though. I visited the icy set last year during filming, where I chatted with the cast (which also includes Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, and Dermot Mulroney), watched a scene being shot against the gorgeous Alaskan backdrop, and sampled the most delicious hot chocolate I've ever had.

The film (formerly titled Everybody Loves Whales) is based on the sensational true story of three California whales that were trapped in the Arctic Circle in 1988, and how the event went from being a local news report to a national effort to set them free. Leading the charge is Adam (Krasinski), a struggling reporter who thinks he's hit the big time when he initially discovers the whales. In no time, his activist ex girlfriend Rachel (Barrymore) heads to Alaska to lend a hand and make her voice heard. It all snowballs from there (pun intended), and eventually the cause spans from the residents of Barrow, AK all the way to the White House.

The cast joked about their dependence on disposable hand and feet warmers (or "hotties" as Barrymore prefers to call them), talked about why they loved the interconnecting storylines (you can just think of this movie as the Love Actually of the whale genre), but more than anything else, they seemed to genuinely love their fellow cast members. Here's what Krasinski and Barrymore had to say about making the film:

What drew you to the role?
John Krasinski: For me, the opportunity to play a whale is a once in a lifetime gig. And to actually play a human and a whale at the same time. . .No, I was immediately drawn to the project. First because of Drew, I knew that Drew was going to be a part of it and I have always wanted to work with her in a very, very, very major way. When you read the script it's one of those movies that hits this pocket of very unique and special project. There's a little bit of romance, little bit of comedy, little bit of drama, and it doesn't really fit into any certain realm that people are used to. And in doing that, it becomes this amalgam of really, really special story telling. And the fact that all of it's true is incredible. I was just blown away by a bunch of people coming together for whales, and then realizing there's so much more to be said.

Drew Barrymore: I love collective experiences and I think it's very good to make films that are personal to you, and you know what they are, but I think it's for certain types of people, and you know the people that you're making it for. There aren't a lot of films that you got to make that are very diverse and for a large group of people. We all want to be a part of something that makes us believe that good things happen in the world. And that people actually put aside their agendas and came together on something that was really extraordinary. The fact that there is levity to the really weighty, cool, important message that's in this movie makes it not medicine. It's just a beautiful story and incredible things happen. And because it's true, we know that it happened, it gives us that hope that we need in life. I need this kind of hope in life. I need movies like this.

To see what they had to say about staying warm and standing up for a cause, just keep reading.

5 Must Dos For Hiking in the Rain

Michele Foley — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:34:10 PDT

Even in the Summer, rain happens; but, don't let that stop you from going on a hike. With some careful planning and the proper gear, you'll be set to enjoy a hike in the rain wherever you may be. Always check the weather before heading out, and if rain seems imminent, follow these simple hiking tips to keep you safe and dry.

Wear waterproof and moisture-wicking clothing - Having a top layer of waterproof clothing is essential when hiking in the rain. A good waterproof jacket and pair of pants are what will keep you from being a cold, weighted down, soggy mess. To keep warm, wear a layer of moisture-wicking clothing under your waterproof gear. I'm a fan of a wool; in the off chance that your bottom layer gets wet, wool dries fast, and even when wet, it will keep you warm. To keep your head and face dry, pick a jacket with a hood or wear a wide-brimmed hat. When buying hiking gear, make sure the label reads waterproof - you'll end up soaked if you hike in gear that is merely water-resistant.
Wear waterproof shoes that have sticky rubber soles - Given that you'll be splashing around on wet trails and walking through puddles and small creeks, you want to wear shoes that will keep your feet dry. Look for hiking, approach, or trail running shoes that are waterproof and have sticky rubber soles. A specialized sticky rubber sole helps add extra grip to the bottom of your shoe, which proves especially helpful in uneven terrain.

See more tips on hiking in the rain after the break!

Enter to Win a $300 Merrell Gift Card and Its Barefoot Adventure Contest!

Sponsor — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 03:00:00 PDT

In case you missed it, Merrell wants to outfit three lucky winners with stylish and practical gear to get you ready for Spring and all the great outdoor adventures that come with warmer temps. To enter for your chance to win, just leave a comment telling us where your feet would lead you if the options were endless. Additionally, don't forget that Merrell is doing an in-store giveaway of its own. By trying on a pair of Merrell Barefoot, you'll be entered to win one of three awe-inspiring trips, along with head-to-toe Merrell gear! Don't forget to leave a comment here!

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DrSugar Schools Us on Skin Cancer

DrSugar — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:37:50 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's schooling us on skin cancer.

Given that summertime is right around the corner and with warmer weather blessing a good part of the country, I figured it was a good time to share some knowledge about how to recognize skin cancers and how to prevent them.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and is now the most common cancer among people 25-29 years old. Anyone can get melanoma and it can develop anywhere on one's body. Most often, however, according to the Mayo Clinic, it develops in areas that have had exposure to the sun, such as your back, legs, arms, and face. It can grow on areas where there is less exposure to the sun, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, eyes, and fingernail beds.

Learn the signs of melanoma.