MORE THAN BOOTS
Ugg continues to grow its product line. This season discover the Australian company’s Tawnie sandal with a 4½-inch, jute-wrapped platform wedge and suede upper. In true Ugg style, these sandals include the Poron®-cushioned footbed for maximum comfort. Slip them on all summer long. Pictured in Koi. Other colors are available. $130 at Nature’s Garden Natural Foods and Shoes, 4360 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, 610.779.3000, naturesgardenonline.com.
MAD FOR METALLIC
These metallic sandals are sure to attract some attention this summer. The birdcage design on the Maida2 by Donald J. Pliner will keep your feet cool and comfortable. A rear zipper provides easy foot entry, and the padded footbed gives extra cushion while you saunter in the 3½-inch wedge heels. Made in Spain, $240 at Charlotte Shoppe, 4600 W. Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, 610.678.4800, charlotteshoppe.com.
CASUAL COOL
The ultimate summer sandal is the Taiven Wedge by Sbicca. Based on the California lifestyle, this line features comfortable shoes in the finest materials and the latest trends. The unlined latigo leather in these wedges is vegetable tanned, so no chemicals are used! The flexible leather and double-padded bed will make this your “go to” summer sandal. $75 at The Store at Bell Tower, 18 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, 610.372.6379, belltowerstore.com.
FAB FASHIONS FOR KIDS
The little lady in your life will love the Jewel by Nina Kids. Wearing the brightly colored bling on this thong sandal makes every summer day fun. The memory foam insoles provide extra comfort. Wear them to the playground, to the beach or to a summer tea party – then wipe them clean. $55 at Jumping Jack Shoes, 840 North Park Rd., Wyomissing, 610.371.0788.
SWITCH IT UP!
Make summer traveling easy by packing just one pair of shoes – Switch Flops by Lindsey Phillips. Various patterns and colors of straps are available. In seconds you can take these black-heeled flops from beach bar casual to wedding reception ready. Belle Black flip-flop, $36.99. Straps, $10.99. The full line of SwitchFlops is available at Coventry Corners, Berkshire Mall, 1665 State Hill Rd., Reading, 610.376.0445, coventrycorners.com
SPARKLE & SHINE
Add a little glam to every occasion with these silver thong-styled sandals by Dyeables. Whether you’re off to a summer picnic or a night out on the town, these shoes work for all occasions. The twinkling rhinestone accents add fun, yet the elegant 1-inch wedge heel and lightly cushioned footbed add comfort. Available for $59 at Bella Jules, 700 Penn Ave., West Reading, 610.208.0600, bellajulesboutique.com.
Treat Them Well
Keep feet happy with the Dr. Scholl’s For Her Rub Relief Stick. It instantly forms an invisible barrier between you and your sandals to help prevent rubbing and irritation. $5.99 at Target.
For tired toes, try the Piggy Pick-Me-Up, a peppermint infused blend of oils and Mediterranean sea salt that exfoliates, invigorates and softens feet. Handmade at Paisley & Company, 275 West Main St., Kutztown, 484.646.9515,
Make that summer run more enjoyable by keeping your feet dryer with a pair of Feetures! Elite moisture-wicking socks. $11.99 at A Running Start, 705 Penn Ave., West Reading, 610.320.9097, arunningstart.biz..
PUT YOUR BEST FACE–AND BODY – FORWARD
Create customized skin treatment with DermaFuze™ at Advanced Skin Care & Laser Center. Using the latest crystal-free microdermabrasion and LED light therapy, DermaFuze™ moisturizes and treats acne, mild scarring and fine wrinkles. Reshape your body and tighten skin with the region’s only Exilis. The machine uses radio frequency and feels like a soothing warm massage with no down time following the treatment.1260 Broadcasting Rd., Wyomissing, 610.374.1400, ComiteSkin.com.
DRIVE-IN DELIGHT
Summer isn’t complete without a stop at Boehringer’s Drive-In, which has been serving the area for more than 75 years! This hot spot is well-known for its various flavors of homemade ice cream, including black raspberry, pineapple, chocolate almond amaretto, peanut butter, peach and traditional faves like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Burgers, fries, hotdogs and sandwiches are some of the other yummy treats served up. (Reminder: cash only is accepted). Rt. 272, Adamstown, 717.484.4227.
RIDE IN STYLE
Heading to a Phillies game or a summer concert? Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, bachelor or bachelorette party? Take the experience to the next level with Infinity Limousine, a locally owned and operated company. Infinity offers reasonable rates, professional chauffeurs and comfortable vehicles including Cadillac sedans, passenger vans, Lincoln Town Car stretch limos, Lincoln SUV stretch limos and a limo bus. Infinity Limousine, 2619 Leisczs Bridge Rd., Ste. 100, Leesport, 610.685.4333,
FIGHT THE FRIZZ
Summer can be tough on your tresses. Reduce or eliminate frizz, while repairing your hair and giving it body and shine with Moroccanoil. The products contain keratin and all-natural Argan oil, which is absorbed into the hair. This is different from other products that just coat the hair. Great for all hair types, the full line of Moroccanoil products is available at “It’s All the Rage” Hair Designs, 1213 Penn Ave., Wyomissing, 610.375.0816, www.itsalltherage.biz.
PONG IN THE POOL
Treat visitors to an exciting game of beer pong…in your pool. The inflatable PortOPong raft has recessed cup holders set in perfect rack form and keeps cups steady in the water. And since it deflates, it’s great for games on the go, so take it with you camping, tailgating, or to the beach. PortOPong is available for $45 at Apollo Pools & Spas, 3711 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, 610.779.1228, apollo-pools.com.
MAD FOR MOJITOS
Unwind with an orange mango mojito at ViVÁ Bistro & Tapas Lounge. A splash of citrus topped with some tropical mango, this refreshing and crisp beverage is perfect for a summer day. The mojito is $6.50/alcoholic and $5.25/non-alcoholic. ViVÁ offers Happy Hour every Thursday-Saturday from 5:30-7:30pm, which includes half price ViVÁ mojitos and signature martinis along with other discounts. 901 Hill Ave. & N. Park Rd., Wyomissing, 610.685.5299, vivagoodlife.com.
Home Remedies
Frozen grapes are a delicious, healthy treat to enjoy in the summertime. Visit a local farmers’ markets for a wide selection of fresh fruits and veggies! West Reading Farmers’ Market along Penn Avenue
is open Sundays, 9am-1pm.
Rejuvenate tired eyes with cucumbers. Cut a few slices, lie down, put them over your lids and relax! Or purchase an eye-gel mask like one by Earth Therapeutics available at Ulta, 2755 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing, 610.372.9939, ulta.com.
Enjoy a night of family fun making homemade ice cream! Make frozen desserts or drinks with a Cuisinart Yogurt/Ice Cream Maker. Models start at $79.99 at Reading China & Glass, VF Outlet Center, 739 Reading Ave., West Reading, 610.378.0413.
LAUREN HAYMORE
Fans describe her voice as smooth, sultry and powerful. Lauren covers a wide variety of artists from Joni Mitchell to Adele to Gnarls Barkley. Originally from the Atlanta area, Lauren studied music at the University of Georgia. Today she attends Penn State Berks for Global Studies. She performs every Monday at Café Harmony and participates in the 1st Thursday Free Concert series in West Reading, where she will perform on July 5. Learn more at laurenhaymore.com.
DAN ASCANIO
A Reading native, this singer/songwriter/musician believes that music should make you move. Writing songs based on personal experiences, he is influenced by the soulful vocal styles of Michael Jackson, Hall & Oates and Stevie Wonder. Last August, Dan released his first full-length album, What Could Be, which he self-produced. Find it on iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby and at his shows. He performs locally at Reverb, Café Harmony and Good Eatz. For a schedule of shows, visit danascanio.com.
THE DANCE HALL DOCS
The style of this dynamic 10-piece dance band is reminiscent of the ‘70s/’80s horn bands. Led by Freddy Moreadith on drums, percussion and vocals, they play funk, pop, jazz, R&B and soul. While performing mostly private gigs, the Docs have participated in the Berks Jazz Fest and appear at Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base and Canal Street Pub and Restaurant. See them at the Governor Mifflin Community Days in Shillington on July 5. Visit dancehalldocs.com for more info.
ON THE WAY HOME
This Neil Young tribute band takes its name from one of the artist’s songs. The five members of the group exclusively perform Neil Young’s music, which they are passionate about and describe as “profound, very heartfelt, wild and pure!” Recently headlining West Reading’s Art on the Avenue in June, this month they will perform at The Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Ale House on July 13 and at The Unitarian Universalist Church, Reading, on July 28.
REMINISCE
Jeff Miller, an accomplished keyboardist, guitarist, producer and composer, and Brad Weisman, vocalist and songwriter/producer, first performed together in a high school band. They were founding members of Simon Apple. Brad later chose a career outside of music while Jeff continues his professional music career with Simon Apple. They reunite as Reminisce, covering well-known songs from today and yesterday including artists like Michael Bublé, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow and Frank Sinatra. For a performance schedule, visit songsofyesterday.com.
Make Your Own
Students of any age and skill level are welcome at Richmond Street Music Lessons where affordable group and individual instruction is offered for guitar, bass and mandolin. Appraisals and repairs are also available. 16 S. Richmond St., Fleetwood, 610.496.8796, richmondstreetmusic.com.
Beginners: get your start by renting high-quality instruments from Zeswitz Music. Private instruction is also offered. Zeswitz brings their services to area schools. They invite new music instructors to join their team. 100 Gibraltar Rd., Reading, 610.406.4300, zeswitzmusicpa.com.
A variety of music-related services are offered at Meadowood Music, a stringed instrument specialty shop. Proprietors Mike Andrews and Paula Taylor are performing musicians, too! 8521 Allentown Pike, Blandon, 610.916.1285, meadowoodmusic.com.
