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Buzz Feed
5 hours ago
- Business
- Buzz Feed
30 Sandals From Walmart You'll Wear Again And Again
A cork wedge sandal because platforms always look more intense than they feel! Thanks to their corked soles, platform boots like these feel shorter than they appear. You'll be able to peruse for a bit while feeling like you're wearing a kitten heel! Promising review: "These look great, feel comfortable, and seem like they'll last. I thought maybe the heels would be too high, but they're about 2", so they're fine for me. They cheered me up quite a bit as I tried them on in between snowstorms! Can't wait to wear them. Come on April!!!" —SusanPrice: $11.01 ( available in sizes 6–11) A barely-there flip-flop that's giving The Row for under $10! These thin straps will up the ante on all your looks while feeling as comfy as the flip-flops in your current rotation. Promising review: "These were exactly what I was looking for. Simple, no fuss flip-flop, yet much cuter than your regular FF. Dainty and pretty. Great for dresses and shorts." —AnnieParishPrice: $8.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and five colors) A lace-up heel with a block heel so thick, you won't have to worry about wobbly ankles. Plus, it'll be super secure for long nights thanks to its lace-up design that grabs onto your foot! Promising review: "YOU NEED THESE SHOES. I have them in black and red and just ordered the tan ones, too. These heels are so comfy and the perfect height. I have worn them everywhere to prom and to church on Easter Sunday. They run true to size and fit so nicely. WORTH IT!" —MacyPrice: $42.99+ (available in sizes 5–10.5 and 15 colors) A pair of leather two-strap sandals that sits at the epicenter of cute, comfy, and supportive. You'll shed a happy tear every time you put them on, thinking about how far the footwear industry has come in making things both stylish and wearable. :,) Promising reviews: "These sandals look just like Berks but are a fraction of the price. I have only worn them a couple of times, but they were comfy and cute. I got black and off-white. I expect to live in them this summer!" —SaavyGal"I love these!! Got these for my daughter's Easter basket, and I know she'll love them. She really wanted some Birks, but they are just too pricey. These Project Cloud slides are close enough, though. Tried them on because we are pretty much the same size, and they fit perfectly! And super comfy!!! Like walking on a cloud! Of course, I haven't worn them around, but hopefully they'll hold up on my 14-year-old daughter." —Walmart CustomerPrice: $34.90 (available in sizes 5.5–11 and four colors) A pair of super cute strappy sandals, just in case you're a fan of the springy Birkenstock version but want the shoe to align with your budget *and* style. These look very cute and have adjustable straps to hold your feet in place. A pair of buckle block sandals that you can wear whenever you want to feel like you're wearing comfy slippers but still want to look put together. AKA, wear them to the market, the coffee shop, or while going on a post-dinner stroll. Promising review: "Stylish, comfortable, and true to size at a good price. Love Madden NYC! Thanks, Walmart! You are my favorite store!" —AlexPrice: $19 (available in sizes 6–11) A pair of slide sandals, because your current home shoes deserve an upgrade. These feel like *literal* clouds on the feet as you do chores or cook an involved Sunday dinner. Promising review: "Comfortable, my goodness, my feet feel as if I'm walking on clouds. I have looked everywhere and purchased many slides, but these slides are the best. Fits perfectly." —CheyennePrice: $12.99 (available in sizes 5–13 and 11 colors) A chic leather sandal you can slip into whenever you need a versatile, goes-with-everything shoe that can be worn to a fancy outing or a casual workday. Promising review: "Very comfortable and true to size. I'll be ordering more colors. Highly recommend." —BethanyPrice: $39.95 (available in sizes 5.5–11 and three colors) A Madden NYC platform sandal that adds a beacky look to your outfit and bounce to your steps with a platform-like (seriously, these are thicc) cushy sole. Promising review: "Stalked these until the natural color came back in stock. If you are debating, pull the trigger and purchase. You won't be sad. And I have a very wide foot and they fit great." —LisaPrice: $28 (available in sizes 6–11 and three colors) A pair of yoga mat sandals so that your toesies can feel plush and cozy while you catch up on your favorite book in the backyard. Promising review: "These are the best summer flip-flops! These are extremely comfy with great support! Super cute and you are able to wear these with a cute summer dress or dress down with shorts and a T-shirt! I want to get these in black!" —RachaelPrice: $11.99+ (available in sizes 6–12 and six colors) A pair of wedge flip-flops that conform to your feet while you serve your best 2000s glam look. They're also quite handy to keep in your bag when you know your feet won't last all night in stilettos. Promising review: "These flip-flops are cute, comfortable, and inexpensive…even have a small wedge. Perfect for me!" —anonymousPrice: $12.98 (available in sizes 6–11) An open-toe low-wedge sandal with comfy foam soles *and* a zip-up ankle strap for added support and comfort. Promising review: "Love the shoes — comfortable and stylish." —valeriePrice: $28.99 (available in sizes 6–9.5 and six colors) A T-strap sandal that is the best way to spruce up any outfit with little to no thought required. Blue jeans and a white tee? Check. Floral dress and a light wrap? They go with that. Structured shirt and slacks? Yep! Promising review: "I like the secure fit. The look of the sandals is perfect for a casual picnic with family or formal dining. The fit is secure and very comfortable." —RuthiePrice: $9.03(available in sizes 6–10) A rope thong sandal, because it totally looks like something from Teva without the hefty price tag. These will securely wrap around your feet as you speed through your day full of errands, hang outs, or leisurely walks around the neighborhood. Promising review: "As someone who went from wearing flip-flops all the time to L-foot drop 10 years ago from back issues, I miss flip-flops. Having found one pair with a soft, cushioned sole, I've been longing for more! THESE work! I need to stock up before they are gone!" —justme67INPrice: $14.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and four colors) A thong sandal to prove that tying together a chic outfit doesn't have to mean contorting your toes into an uncomfortable heel. This sandal has a slight kitten heel to add cute, stylish vibes to your look without the pain of a stiletto. Promising review: "Cute, comfortable, and timeless. These will be easy to pack for summer vacays and will match so many outfits." —CheriPrice: $19.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and two colors) A pair of slides with cute hardware, which will stow into your carry-on bag *beautifully* during travel. You can wear these practically anywhere as you're jet-setting (the beach, restaurants, or gelaterias), and continue wearing them to work once you land back home! Promising review: "These shoes are comfortable and easy. I live in a very hot climate; these are dressy enough for work, but casual enough to wear anytime. I bought a version of these last year, and I got a lot of use out of them. I have them in white, black, red, and brown now." —WalmartWilmaPrice: $9.68+ (available in sizes 6-9,11, and four colors) A buckle EVA slide that you can easily glide into while running your morning errands. They have a supportive sole and adjustable buckles, making them feel like slippers that are actually socially acceptable for out-of-the-house wear. Promising review: "I buy these shoes every year. They are convenient for me in the summer months to slide on and off. Some of the best summer shoes I have ever had." —PaulaPrice: $9.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and four colors) A strappy toe thong sandal, just in case you want the look of a fancy dancing shoe without the painful heel. Consider this an upgrade to those flip-flops that you switch into at weddings. (Oh, and they obvi double as a way to add pizzazz to your everyday outfits!) Promising review: "Great neutral casual sandal, and the memory foam sole was extremely comfortable! Would definitely purchase they were available in more colors!" —MeredithPrice: $9.98+ (available in sizes 6–11 and two colors) An espadrille wedge sandal because if you can't visit Spain soon, you can still dress like you're a Catalonia native. Espadrilles hail from Spain, and people love wearing them as a cozy and breathable alternative to leather shoes. Promising review: "True to size, I wear a 7. I have narrow, slim feet, and these fit perfectly. It's hard to find shoes for thinner feet. The straps hold the shoe in place nicely. The height is not too high, making it comfortable to walk in. I wore these for about 5 hours at an event, and my feet did not hurt." —AgathaPrice: $16.41+ (available in sizes 6–11 and two colors) A horse-bit hardware slide that'll provide cushy support with its soft sole. And the fact that they look like a handmade Etsy find doesn't hurt either! Promising review: "I LOVE these sandals! Perfect fit for size 9 which I ordered. The footbed is soft and these sandals will be perfect for long walks. They are also very stylish and the price was amazing. I love these sandals so much, I purchased the other color option right away." —KristinPrice: $12.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and two colors) A Madden Girl footbed sandal, which comes with tons of upper materials, like a faux woven raffia or a faux suede! It's a great, unique option if you want to upgrade your current leather upper-meets-cork-sole slide. Promising review: "These sandals are so pretty and very comfortable. The price makes this purchase a win ~ win ~ win! I can always count on Steve Madden products for quality of workmanship." —JoAnnPrice: $29.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and 10 colors) A platform slide with a thick sole that absorbs shock. It's great if you plan on traversing an old Roman city (hi, marble floors) during the warmer months — or, ya know, traversing your city's downtown during your Sunday off. Promising review: "This is a great sandal. Quality is excellent. Looks like a $100 shoe. Looks very high-end. Exceeded my expectations!" —AudraPrice: $13.73 (available in sizes 6–11) A faux-leather wavy flat sandal if you want the look of leather flats but still need something breathable. The itty bitty heel provides juuust the right amount of support for people with higher arches. Promising review: "I purchased a pair of these sandals in the shade 'bone' for spring and/or summer occasions such as outdoor cookouts, going out to explore the town at the beach, or semi formal occasions in which I don't want to wear high heels, but still want to feel a bit more put together and trendy. I'm usually a size 8 1/2 and purchased my pair in that same size. It fits well and has a slightly cushioned sole for heel support. They're very cute!" —CuriousCapybaraPrice: $14.99 (available in sizes 6–11 and five colors) A comfy, cushy slide with TWO foot-conforming, adjustable straps so that you can tighten or loosen your shoes depending on your comfort needs. (This means, yes, you can totally wear these with bare feet or with socks!) Promising review: "I purchased these after seeing an influencer post about them. They look light high-end boutique sandals. I am normally a 7 and ordered a 7.5 after reading reviews. I adjusted one of the straps, which made the shoes very comfortable. I highly recommend." —anonymousPrice: $22.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and in two colors) A close-toed sandal because everyone needs a cute, versatile, shoe that feels weightless. These are especially great for people who work on their feet for long hours as the wide toebox allows for natural swelling, and the vented design lets the air in! Promising review: "For the price, I didn't expect much. To my surprise, they are the most comfortable sandals with great arch support. Cloud walkers, to be exact. I'm reaching for them every day, and you will too." —FlgirlPrice: $23.99 (available in sizes 5–11.5 and two colors) A geo slide sandal with a molded, contoured footbed and a velcro strap for a perfect fit! This has a bouncy rubber sole, making it super walkable. If you need a shoe that can last through your commute *and* look great during the workday, this is it. Promising review: "If you have wide feet, these are for you. I normally wear a 7/7.5 wide and these in a 7 fit me well and are very lightweight and comfy!" —biancaPrice: $14.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and three colors) A minimalist woven slide so you can serve Scandi-minimalism anytime, anywhere. These will look amazing with a starchy oversized button up, some breathable basketball shorts, and all the chunky gold jewelry in your collection. Promising review: "Absolutely love these shoes. I expected some inexpensive flip-flops. Instead, I got a very high-quality shoe that I can actually wear to work. Very comfortable as well. Soft on the inside." —KimberlyPrice: $12.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and three colors) A toe-loop sandal, because it looks like a straight up work of art that you can wear on your feet day in and day out. And you'll want to, too, thanks to its soft sole. Price: $12.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and two colors) A block-heel sandal to prepare you for wedding season! The trick to nailing weddings is to wear shoes that you can *actually* see yourself wearing for hours on end. With their glitzy finish, cushioned sole, and supportive ankle strap, these are a great option. Promising review: "Worn at a wedding function, stayed comfortable throughout the venue, and reception with a DJ dance to follow. I would purchase again." —DebraPrice: $22.98 (available in sizes 6–11 and four colors) And a flip-flop with a sneaker-like sole will be a sight for sore eyes (or feet???) after going for a long-distance run. You can totally toss these in your gym bag to help your feet recover! Promising review: "I was skeptical about these sandals, but they are sooo comfortable! My sister has painful nodules on the soles of her feet, and I had her try them for an afternoon while we were outdoors, and she loved them! She's ordering a pair for herself, too! They have good arch support and are thick enough to allow for walking on gravel without any issues." —FloridaMomPrice: $15.99+ (available in sizes 5–13 and five colors) Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart's grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tips to be well-prepared for a successful home purchase
Spring is considered peak homebuying season, as buyers often seek to purchase a house and move in during the summer before a new school year begins. To help homebuyers navigate the homebuying process and achieve a successful purchase, the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors (R-BAR) is providing essential tips. 'Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a person will make,' said R-BAR President David Snyder. 'It's crucial that buyers are well-informed and well-advised throughout the homebuying process. As the peak homebuying season gets underway, members of R-BAR are ready to help homebuyers through the process from search to settlement. 'Not only are Realtors experts in advising clients through real estate transactions, but they also adhere to a professional code of ethics that emphasizes protecting client interests.' R-BAR recommends that homebuyers: • Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Understanding your budget and how much you can borrow is the first step in the homebuying journey. • Work with a Realtor: A Realtor can provide invaluable guidance throughout the process, from finding the right property to negotiating an offer. • Determine needs and wants: Making a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves will help narrow your search. • Research neighborhoods: Consider factors such as schools, commute and local amenities to find a neighborhood that fits your preferences and lifestyle. • Be prepared to make an offer: In a competitive housing market, it's essential to be ready to make an attractive offer when you find the right home. • Factor in additional costs: Beyond the purchase price, remember to budget for closing costs, property taxes, insurance and potential maintenance expenses. • Understand seller disclosures: Carefully review the seller's property disclosure statement with a Realtor to be aware of any known issues or defects with the property. • Schedule a home inspection: A professional home inspection can reveal potential problems with the property that may not be immediately apparent, allowing you to better understand the home in general and make an informed decision. 'By following these steps, with a Realtor by their side, homebuyers can feel more confident as they navigate the complexities of homebuying,' Snyder said. A 2024 consumer survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that 9 out of 10 home purchases are made with the professional services of a real estate agent, demonstrating that consumers prioritize agent expertise in the real estate process. Consumers considering buying or selling a home can search for a Realtor in their area at Consumers can learn what's new in the home buying process at


Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Man, 19, abuses two schoolgirls after becoming warped by corrosive and destructive porn when he was a schoolboy... but AVOIDS jail
A 13-year-old boy influenced by 'corrosive' extreme pornography horrifically abused two schoolgirls, a court has heard. Prosecutors told how the boy had forced the girls, also aged just 13 and 14, into bondage and strangled them during sex which they did not consent to. The boy, who had been introduced to BDSM pornography at the age of 12, had been looking online for 'extreme bondage, domination and anal sex with young schoolgirls.' Despite admitting 22 sexual offences, the defendant, now a man aged 19 - who cannot be identified to protect the anonymity of his victims - has been spared jail by a judge, who warned of the 'destructive' influence of such material. It comes after the UK was thrown into a panic about the misogynist and highly sexualised attitudes of young children following the release of Stephen Graham's four-part Netflix drama Adolescence. In the show, a 13-year-old schoolboy describes how he receives nude pictures of a girl in his year who he later murders, after being exposed to extreme online content. Reading Crown Court heard how, in March 2021, the first victim to come forward disclosed to a member of staff at her school in Maidenhead, Berks., that she had been 'physically and sexually abused' by the boy for the last five months, the court heard. Shaun Esprit, prosecuting, said the girl, aged 14 at the time, told police the boy would hold her down by her stomach or her arms to abuse her. She described how he would grab her breasts and pull her around aggressively. The girl said the boy, also aged 14 at the time, would pick up condoms and say to her 'come on, let's have sex'. 'She felt she was too young, but the defendant would get angry', Mr Esprit told a judge. 'Most of the time she would say 'no', but she learned this would have no effect. 'The prosecution's allegation was that [the first victim] was asleep on more than one occasion when the defendant had penetrative vaginal sexual intercourse with her', Mr Esprit said. The girl described how the boy would tie her up with ropes, which she said 'were like shoe laces', which he already had in his bedroom. 'Over the course of the relationship, the defendant encouraged [the first victim] to send him photos of her in an increasingly undressed state', Mr Esprit said. The girl also disclosed how the boy had tried to continue the abuse while they were at school together, often in full view of other pupils. 'In the canteen, she would be sat with friends and he would put his hand up her skirt or her top, he would touch her between her legs', Mr Esprit explained. 'She said he did it a lot even though there were people around, she would push him off, she always did.' Mr Esprit told about the manipulative and abusive methods the boy would use to keep the girl in a relationship with him, stating 'he regularly threatened to cut himself, kill himself or hurt her'. He also put hot plates on her to burn her stomach, put his fingers down her throat to force her to be sick and gave her a razor blade so she could cut herself, the court heard. 'His mum was around when she was screaming, telling him to stop, but his mum could not do anything', Mr Esprit told the court. 'When they broke up, he told [the first victim] he would kidnap and kill her, her family and friends', the prosecutor added. 'He spoke about killing her and keeping her body.' Mr Esprit told the court: '[The first victim] recalled an occasion when the defendant covered a flannel with a chemical of some kind and placed it over her mouth. She felt dizzy and sick and thinks she may have passed out.' Police investigating the first set of allegations discovered the defendant had previously been in a relationship with another girl, when both of them were aged 13. When they interviewed that second victim, she described how, around a month into the relationship, whenever she went to the boy's home something sexual had happened. 'She refused initially', Mr Esprit explained. 'The defendant would gent very angry, punching the bedroom walls and saying she did not love him. Because she wanted to please the defendant, she usually gave in and allowed it to happen. The second victim told police they had sex 'more times than she could remember' and that she had been 'strangled and choked' by the boy. Mr Esprit said the boy had also encouraged the 13-year-old girl to send him pictures in an underwear and a bikini, which he had screenshotted on his own phone. When the boy was arrested in the summer of 2022, he gave a prepared statement where he denied raping the first victim and said: 'I admit some of the messages I had sent her do come across as controlling. It is a symptom of my autism and way I communicate.' Police seized the defendant's phone and conducted an examination which found he had made internet searches for hardcore pornography. The boy had also searched the internet for 'how long can you get for rape?', Mr Esprit told the court. James Partridge, defending, said the boy had been diagnosed with ADHD, high-functioning autism, depression and anxiety. 'His behaviour may not have been considered acceptable to others, the defendant may not have understood he did anything wrong', Mr Partridge said. Appearing in court in person, the first victim to come forward told Judge Alan Blake: 'He took everything from me, took my first kiss, took my virginity, took my teenage years, took away my innocence. 'He destroyed everything good about me', the girl added, explaining she now does not feel safe around men. The second victim to come forward also appeared in court and told the boy: 'You broke me. I was 13, a child, you took a piece of me away from me. You never loved me, you just wanted someone who could live in your fantasy, someone you could control. I still do not know where that part of me went.' Both victims told how they had never consented to the sexual acts which took place and spoke of their disappointment that the boy had admitted to 20 offences of sexual activity with a child and two offences of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The boy had initially admitted the offences on the basis that the victims had consented to all the behaviour, which the prosecution did not accept. Prosecutors had planned to bring the boy to trial and to pursue an allegation of rape against him, but on the day of his trial in February this year, the boy withdrew his basis of plea and accepted the victims did not consent. Sexual activity between under 16-year-olds is often charged as sexual activity with a child under 16, rather than rape. Though the age of consent is 16 in England and Wales, the boy could have defended a rape charge on the basis that, though the victims did not in-fact consent, he reasonably believed they had consented, a defence which is not available to a charge of sexual activity with a child under 16. Judge Alan Blake, sentencing on Friday, told the defendant: 'The victims did not have the maturity or understanding at the age they were to know how to deal with your sexual desires. They went along with what you wanted. 'Whatever you may have thought at the time, neither victim was able to make and express an informed choice about what they did and did not want to do. It is important for them and for you to hear that they bear no blame for your offending.' The judge said he was concerned to hear the boy had a 'continued interest' in BDSM pornography, which he warned was dangerous for young people. 'Your attitudes towards sex was distorted and wrong', the judge told the defendant, 'no doubt influenced by the extreme BDSM pornography you were searching for and watching, apparently having been introduced to it at the age of 12. 'That plainly influenced your attitudes and desires', the judge added, pointing to the behaviour involving butt plugs, bondage and pressure on the necks of the victims. 'That behaviour shows how corrosive and destructive it is for someone as young as you were to be exposed to that material. It affects you but then that distorted view affects your sexual partners.' But Judge Blake explained that primarily due to the age the defendant had been at the time he committed the offences but also because of his psychological issues, he would not send the boy to prison. The boy was sentenced to a two-year community order, with a requirement to complete a 26-day accredited course to address his distorted sexual attitudes, as well as 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours unpaid work. He was also slapped with a five-year restraining order. Judge Blake concluded by telling the victims: 'No sentence can turn the clock back and undo what you have experienced.' Referring to the worries they expressed in their victim impact statements, he added: 'While no doubt damaged, the good in both of you is inherent and will survive and cannot be destroyed.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
PHOTOS: Air Dot Show thunders over Harrisburg
Above: abc27's Allie Berube takes flight with the Blue Angels HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Air Dot Show tour thundered into Central Pennsylvania Saturday for the first day of the two-day event. It's the national tour's first stop in Pennsylvania and brings the U.S. Navy Blue Angels back to the Harrisburg area for the first time in decades. Berks native to lead F-16 Viper Demonstration Team at Harrisburg air show This is at the Harrisburg International Airport near Middletown. abc27 News Photographer Carmine Scicchitano was there and shares these photos: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Berks native to lead F-16 Viper Demonstration Team at Harrisburg air show
(WHTM) — Later this month will mark a special homecoming for a western Berks man has he leads a U.S. Air Force demonstration team over the skies of central Pennsylvania. U.S. Air Force Maj. Taylor Hiester was tapped to lead the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team in 2024, leading a team of nine hand-selected and highly trained specialists, the Air Force says. He's been an F-16 pilot since 2017, eventually becoming an instructor pilot at Shaw Air Force Base near Sumter, South Carolina. He grew up in Robesonia and graduated from Conrad Weiser High School and his first flying lesson was nearby at Reading Regional Airport in Bern Township. 'As a kid who grew up learning to fly at the Reading Airport, dreaming to fly the F-16, it's surreal to have the opportunity to serve as the Air Force's F-16 demonstration pilot and perform for the place and the people that I call home,' said Hiester. On May 24 and 25, he will lead the demonstration team, piloting the F-16 Viper over Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown for the 2025 Air Dot Show Central Pennsylvania. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices He will be joined by his family at the air show, the Air Force said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.