Powder Play Lip Color By Flower

Weeks ago Flower by Drew Barrymore lunched a new powder to cream lip color. Once applied to the lips with a wand, Powder Play -- the lightweight powder, transfers into a soft moisturizing cream. The new product softens and soothes lips while leaving them with a pop of natural color, as well as, a soft, powdery look that overwhelmingly customers like.

Customers approve of the smooth texture; and report it does, indeed, moisturize lips while the flattering pigments have real staying power. The Powder Play Lip Colors endure like matte lipstick without drying out lips as matte lipstick tends to do.

The retailer calls each powdery shade a perfectly imperfect soft focus of color.

I'm only now featuring Flower's new item launch because who is wearing lip color under their face masks nowadays? Before COVID I wore lipstick every single day, but haven't touched it much over the past year. Now that the COVID vaccines are rolling out under a new administration, perhaps we can get excited about makeup launches again! 

This newest formula from Flower -- an awesome and affordable beauty brand -- is highly rated with tons of 5 star reviews! (Watch out expensive luxe makeup, there's a new beauty sharif in town for less!!!) The cost is $10, and Ultra is now offering a $3.50 coupon here for spending $15.

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Brain Health: Do These 4 Things Every Day

Photo: Ashley Productions

According to an article in ARRP magazine (April, 2020) about Brain Health, there are 4 things we all should do every day to keep our brains functioning and healthy:

1) Spend time with friends and family, involving our brains by discussing current events and new ideas.

Go here to see this book.

2) Read or write.

3) Exercise. It could simply be brisk walking.

4) Practice a new skill, especially one that involves working with your hands. This could be gardening, playing an instrument, or fly-tying.

What stumped me was the last suggested activity: Fly-tying. I had no idea what it was. It is the process of making artificial flies used for fly fishing. There are books and kits you can buy to help you learn to do it!

Moreover, the article says myths abound involving the aging of our brains. The worst thing you can do is stagnate. The best thing you can do is keep stimulating and challenging your brain at every decade of your life. "Each of us may be wired in our own unique way, though with a healthy brain, we all have the capacity to learn, remember, and make sense of the complex world around us." And yes, we may slow down some as we age, but our intellect and understanding continues, and older people are not doomed to forget things. 

As it turns out, what we learn imprints on our memories which sometimes changes how we remember them. Straight from the article, memories "can easily be contaminated or forgotten."  They constantly change "to reinforce a person's life narrative and to create an identity in the world.'' They are ''not an accurate, objective record of the past," but morph as we take in more experience and information.

Learn something new every day! I just did, but will pass on the fly-tying. My brain and hands will find other interests!🙂

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Vionic Shoes With Orthotic Arch Support

If you have high arches like I do and must walk miles on concrete, you get to a point you'll only buy shoes with solid arch support to avoid feet pain (and surgery) in the future. Ideally all your shoes should stabilize your heels too, but doctors know people desire sandals during the summer. If we must wear flip flops, pediatrists have said Vionic flip flops with arch support are way better than other flimsy options.

Vionic shoes are reported to have a footbed with 3-zone comfort (arch support, cushion and stability) to deliver ultimate arch support. The company slogan states its purpose: "Designed to support you, made to move you!

The orthotic shoes are expensive, yes ... yet not Chanel or Dior expensive, and they go on sale several times a year. It's worth monitoring the brand to snatch up a pair during one of its promotions. I have 2 pairs of leather ballet flats and a pair of block high heels I got greatly reduced. And while I'd rather not pay full price, it's not "designer" unreasonable for such quality, supportive, durable and classic shoes. 

No longer will I buy fashion shoes that only look good. Nowadays I don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. Vionic orthotic arch support shoes are as chic as non-orthotic shoes! The company just launched their new spring collection. It's a brand I own and highly recommend! 

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Cabochon Cut Gemstones

Photo: 1stdibs - A cabochon cut emerald 

Cabochons are smooth, polished gemstones without facets. They are often cut with a convex (rounded and bulged), i.e. a dome with a flat bottom. A cabochon cut is the earliest known method of cutting gemstones into jewelry. Not until the 13th century were gemstones first cut into facets.

Photo: Raf Jewels - ruby

Nowadays transparent (light passes through) stones are usually cut faceted, whereas translucent (some light passes through) or opaque (no light passes through) gemstones are good candidates for cabochons.

Some of the reasons for cabochons include 1) enhancing a gemstone's color or texture; 2) highlighting its unique inclusions or optical effects; and 3) turning softer stones into jewelry that would fracture if cut into facets.

Tsavorite (a green garnet) cabochon

Below are several more cabochon cut gemstones. Some are costly, others are less pricey depending on rarity and demand for the stones. Clearly natural gemstones are lovely at every price point. Who cares how common it is?

1) Chatoyancy (a cat's eye); 2) Asterism (the star effect) - Real star corundums (sapphires or rubies) are rare and expensive.

(3) Adularescence - has a glow when light bounces off of it (a moonstone); (4) Iridescence - changes color with moment (a white opal); and 

(5) Aventurescence - has a twinkling shine (pink and green aventurine) - These stones can be chiseled into hearts, ovals, other shapes, or left as free form.

According to Barlows Gems, the shape of a cabochon can be symmetrical, calibrated, or free form. "Symmetrical" means a cabochon is mirror imaged on both sides. "Calibrated" is a term used for rounds or ovals as they are standard sized stones measured in millimeters. "Free form" cabochons have no definite shape like the aventurine stones shown above↑.

Photo: Barlows Gems

Now that we'd discussed what cabochon gemstones are and I've shown you a few types, would you splurge on a cabochon? In jewelry do you like cabochon stones: a) better; b) the same as; or c) not as much as faceted cut stones? Tell us why.

Photo: Gem Select

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The Diamond Cluster Jewelry Trend

 

Effy Bouquet 14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Earrings

Fine jewelers will always make diamond stud earrings, as well as, diamond solitaire rings. Both are elegant, classic and wildly popular with the public. But more and more people are turning to diamond cluster rings and earrings, and jewelers are responding to the demand by designing them.

Wouldn't we all love to own a 5 carat diamond ring along with 4 carat diamond stud earrings. Am I outing myself only?😏 Oh c'mon, don't lie to yourself, sister! Where is THAT fairy godmother hiding herself? I've got a long list waiting!! So the obvious question becomes why is the diamond cluster trend happening in the jewelry world at the present time?

Well, it's because we don't wish to mortgage our homes and become panhandlers in order to buy big stones. For one stone (in a ring) or 2 single stones (in earring studs), diamonds get exponentially more expensive and often unaffordable with each increase in carat size. While diamonds (carbon) are common on earth, clean, flawless stones over 2 carats are rarer and harder to find. What's more, the demand for diamonds keeps the price sky high.

One of the reasons diamonds are so popular with consumers is the way in which they catch the light and sparkle like few other gemstones. Tanzanites and moissanites glitter much like diamonds often for less money. Some people buy them as budget-friendlier alternatives. Far from settling, each type of gemstone is loved by collectors for its own unique beauty.

Jewelry examples courtesy of Macy's

If a customer on a budget pines for diamonds, s/he can buy the effect of bigger diamonds without going broke by considering beautifully designed diamond clusters created to give you all the glitter and look -- the effect -- of larger stones. Most observers will pick up on the sparkle, yet not necessarily notice you are wearing a cluster of diamonds. You get a big effect; the beauty; the elegance; the shimmer without spending a huge (in 5-figures) amount of money. Still not cheap, yet a splurge a working person can save up for to buy.

It's a worthy and practical tradeoff on a budget. By buying the effect, you don't have to go without. Enjoy the beauty, skip the pain ... and as a bonus, you'll be less jittery about wearing your gorgeous ice bling every day. By now you know how THE SAVVY SHOPPER feels about buying luxury (which jewelry is, like designer purses) that stays in a box. It's a total waste of money!

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Homemade Nut Bars

I almost bought these Kind bars today, a box of 12, six of each. In my hand and being carted around the store, they were neither expensive nor cheap nor low in calories. So I returned them to the shelf and thought, "Why should I pay $15 for 12 nut bars?" Instead, I could eat 12 nuts chased down with a spoonful of honey for sweetness. I don't need to buy these bars! Surely I can make a simple nut bar at home for less than $15 bucks.

Here's the recipe I came up with ... a step beyond chucking 12 almonds with a bit of honey into my mouth. Fast and easy, we can do it: 

Simple Rustic Nut Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup of almonds

1/2 cup pecans (or walnuts)

1/2 cup cashews

1/2 cup of any other favorite nuts you like - hazelnuts or pistachios, pine nuts, peanuts, (or even pumpkin seeds)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup honey

1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar syrup (or maple syrup)

Optional: 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or a swirl of melted chocolate if you wish to mimic a Kind bar. Omit the chocolate for less calories.

Directions:

1) In a 350 degree F oven, spread out the nuts on a baking sheet and toast them for about 15 minutes.

2) After the nuts are toasted and cooled, toss them into a mixing bowl. Leave the almonds whole if you wish. Break some of the nuts up if you wish.

3) Next add the other dry ingredients to the mixing bowl.

4) Follow with the wet ingredients of honey and syrup. Mix and coat well.

5) Press into a parchment lined (or buttered) baking pan.

6) Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 20 - 25 minutes. Hot bubbling honey will bind the mixture together. Don't continue baking too long after it bubbles. Remove from the oven.

7) Let the uncut baked nuts and honey bars cool completely. 

8) Cut into bars. Store what you don't eat in a cookie tin or container.

Enjoy a healthy snack!

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Who Wears Short Shorts?

Photo: Uniqlo High-Rise Denim Shorts

As much as I love summer, I haven't worn shorts in several years! Perhaps because I reside in Manhattan (as opposed to a suburb), I live in Old Navy casual-smart dresses. They slide over your arms and head and voilà you are entirely dressed for the day. A change of shoes with some jewelry will take you from home or an afternoon in Central Park to a night out on the town (before COVID). I love multi-tasking things of every kind including clothes! Unlike Victorians and Edwardians, who dressed in the morning and again for dinner, the right casual-smart outfit in the 21st century is suitable for all the events of a single day!

Many people like having some shorts in their summer wardrobe.

Old Navy styles

At Old Navy the styles of shorts are numerous, continuous and ever changing during warmer months ... not surprising as the merchant specializes in sports and activewear. 

Uniqlo 3/4 length shorts

What's more, Uniqlo holds its own in the activewear and shorts department. Its collection is versatile, upscale and budget-friendly too. Some of Uniqlo's pieces are garden party, casual-smart. Old Navy matches Uniqlo's garden party vibe primarily with its summer dresses.

Uniqlo styles

Between the 2 retailers, there's no need to look elsewhere. Both have an unparalleled winning short selection in many styles including chinos and biker shorts, as well as, in different lengths, colors and styles. I've posted a tiny sampling offered at unbeatable prices even before applied promotions - which Uniqlo and Old Navy are always running. Why pay more?

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10 Foods I Buy Ready-Made

Photo: Fsi.colostate.edu

As much as possible I make or bake food from scratch. Often you use nutritious, cleaner ingredients costing less and tasting better. There are a few items I can't make more supreme for less money than the retailer. Here are 10 foods (most of them staples in my home) I throw in the towel to buy:

1) Hummus - The ingredients to make it myself cost more than the hummus. Plus I can't make it better.

2) Rye or Pumpernickel breads - I bake plenty bread at home, but rye or pumpernickel grains aren't carried as often at supermarkets. I can't buy rye flours in 5 pound bags.

3) Cheese - I can eat cheese until it comes out of my ears, yet I have never tried to make any variety of it. The time and conditions it would take for the milk to turn into aged cheeses, I can't set up in a Manhattan apartment. I'd love to tour a cheese factory one day!

Photo: The Spruce Eats

4) Pesto - I couldn't grow enough or procure enough fresh basil to offset the cost of buying pesto from a good Italian deli. But. If you can in your town, making fresh pesto is easy and delicious. The aroma is spectacular!

5) Tomato sauce - Not altogether true, yet with this one I split hairs. Yes, I can make a delicious sauce from cans of crushed tomatoes, yet I still like some of the supermarket brands a tab better, and they go on sale so frequently, I can easily grab a jar to make pizza from scratch or spaghetti with meat sauce. (Nope, I don't make meatballs ... but if you come to my home for dinner I'll let you. I don't like meatballs more than meat sauce, so I follow the path of less work.🙂)

6) Sausage - Don't even suggest it. As a child, I once watched my mother use a meat grinder somebody gave her, mixing lean meat and seasonings. Before she finished, I knew she'd never make it again. We're not butches or foodies, and we don't care enough. Plus I eat less meat nowadays. As does my Mama.

6) Pasta - I like making fresh pasta from eggs and flour. It's not that time consuming, and yet I still don't want to spend the extra time in the kitchen. Pasta is another dirt cheap item for a tasty staple available at the supermarket.

7) Mexican food - One of my favorite cuisines, it's so delicious because fresh ingredients are roasted, toasted, marinated and grilled before you get started. Usually there are steps upon steps to prepare the ingredients before they go into a recipe to make the dish. I have the best of intentions but honestly at home, I stop at making burritos enchiladas style.

8) Applesauce - I like making homemade applesauce, but pounds of apples are needed, and I can't buy enough apples for the cost to make sense. I tend to buy apple butter more often than applesauce and eat it with a spoon, sometimes with peanut butter. Walmart carries a delicious cinnamon flavored apple butter that's inexpensive.

9) Nut butters - I can't make them for less if buying the nuts. At the health food store, technically I do make it! I turn the grinding machine on to fill up a plastic container.

10) Salsa - Just like basil for pesto and apples for applesauce, I can't buy enough tomatoes to make cost-effective salsa any tastier than I can buy it in a jar. Target sells their own brand, Good & Gather, which is delicious, cheap ($1.69 for 24 ounces), with few ingredients listed. Sold!

My rule of thumb is: If I can't make a food or dish cheaper, better or more nutritious, I buy it ready-made. Time is money! It's ok to select convenience sometimes when it makes more sense!

Do you buy a food or dish over making it because on balance, it's worth it?

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