Any true fashionista knows that high heels are not “just” high heels . There are different kinds of high heels: Pumps, stilettos, platforms. But one of the more stylish kinds of high heels are known as French heels, named after their country of origin.

Origin of French Heels

Originally, shoes sporting higher heels were introduced in order to allow ladies to walk high enough off the ground so that their skirts remained out of the mud. However, Catherine de Medici, from the rich and famous Italian family, brought a fashion of high heels to France in 1533. But it was more than 100 years after Catherine de Medici first introduced high heels as a fashion statement that French heels were developed. And they were developed to help a man get over his Napoleon complex (of course, this was before there was a Napoleon).

King Louis XIV (1638-1715) was a rather short man. In order to achieve a height he considered respectable, he wore special high heels. His shoes were made of leather dyed red and hand painted with scenes from his triumphs on the battlefield. The heels themselves were constructed of cork and also covered with red leather. Due to the king, sometimes French heels are also referred to as Louis heels. They are five inches tall and curved so that they came down from the back of the heel, inward toward the shoe, and then outward away from the shoe for a serpentine look.

Modern French Heels

Today rather than cork, many French heels are made from plastic. The upper is made of plastic, leather or fabric, while the sole is made of a hard plastic material, although some soles are now being made of more supportive and springy materials that provide better cushioning. Additionally, not all French heels are as high as Louis’s. Some of them maintain the curved heel shape, but on a shorter scale.

French heels can make a great fashion statement in any circle. And they are more practical for professional and everyday use than their straighter and higher cousins in the world of high heels.

If you enjoy the wind in your hair and the sound of water lapping against the sides of a canoe, there is no better place to find your perfect vacation than Michigan’s upper peninsula. Beautiful regardless of the season, but most striking in late spring and early fall, the Sylvania Wilderness encompasses nearly 20,000 acres of old-growth forest and upwards of 30 beautiful lakes.

As most enthusiasts know, canoeing is just as much about the scenery as it is about the activity itself. You can jump in a canoe in just about any body of water in America, but surrounding yourself with gorgeous foliage and countless vistas is an experience you will never forget. The Sylvania Wilderness is true wilderness, preternaturally quiet with a degree of seclusion that you will find in few other places in the U.S.

There are few signs in the Sylvania Wilderness, according to their web site , which means that you must always bring a map and compass with you on day or overnight excursions. Boats with motors are not allowed in the lakes or portages, so canoeing is the best way to get around. It is also advisable to travel with someone who is experienced in wilderness travel if you have never done it before.

It is also important to realize that in Sylvania Wilderness you will encounter all forms of wildlife, some more pleasant than others. There are laws that protect certain species, such as the loons who live on the islands, which means that you need to familiarize yourself with the rules before you take a trip. Black bears are also common in these woods, so protect yourself from an unfortunate visit by keeping your campsite as clean as possible.

If you enjoy the idea of Sylvania Wilderness but aren’t wild about the idea of getting lost in the woods, your best bet is to enjoy a day trip and to plan your itinerary carefully. Next to Sylvania is a recreation area, which is closer to civilization and includes public beaches and modern amenities. From there, you can visit any number of lakes and portages for canoeing pleasure, safely rejoining civilization when you are ready.

Learn about the features, pros and cons of the YMCA Tri-City Skatepark in Edina, Minnesota.

The Midwest has a lot of great skateparks to visit. However, if you live near Bloomington,Richfield or Edina, Minnesota, or if you are visiting the Mall of America, then you will want to make plans to stop by the YMCA Tri-City Skatepark located at 7355 York Avenue S., Edina, Minnesota. This park was set up to serve the skaters of the three cities mentioned above so it will have plenty of traffic, however, it is a large enough park to accommodate a good population of skaters so you don’t have to worry about being crowded out by locals or tourists.

The Basics

First of all, the cost for using this park is $8 for non-members and $4 for members and residents of the tri-city communities of Bloomington, Richfield and Edina. Next, you are required to wear full pads and a helmet. You will also be required to submit a waiver if you are under 18 years of age. Finally, this park is operated and managed by the Southdale YMCA so their rules rule the park. This means that you will need to keep your bad language to a minimum, wear the proper safety equipment and be somewhat courteous to the other skaters using the park.

The hours of operation for this park are going to depend a lot on the weather. The skatepark closes its doors during bad weather for the safety of the skaters. So if it is raining, thundering,
too windy or snowing, don’t bother showing up. Summer hours of operation for this park run
from June 6 through August 31 and are 9 a.m. until sundown on Monday and Wednesday, noon to sundown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and noon to eight p.m. on the
weekends.

The Features

This is a good sized skatepark with about 17,000 square-feet of skateable terrain. It is an all concrete park that was put together by Grindline. The depth of this park ranges from four feet to 12 feet, it has a couple of over-vert pockets and several other common skatepark features such as ridges and ramps. The design of this park is in-ground, which is uncommon to find in the Midwest, which is just another reason to visit this park.