Why Aren't Soap Dishes Designed Better?

Although I use rose-scented liquid soap to wash my hands, I like bars of soap too. I have yet to find a soap dish that keeps the soap from becoming a soft, soggy mess. The top wire dish would keep the soap from resting in a puddle of water, yes, but while drying, moisture would drip leaving a mess below, no?

Does the slant (↑to the left) make this the perfect soap dish? Again, where does the drip land? I have a soap dish similar to the one on the right, and it's functional.

I also have 2 soap dishes like the style to the right ↗. They work well enough, but why hasn't anyone come up with a better design than what's on the market? A design where soap scum doesn't accumulate in the soap dish?

This last red crab soap dish is so darn cute. Available on Amazon and Home Depot, but, it won't do the job any better than the others. 

Alas, we need a soap dish innovation soon! Meanwhile, will you settle for cute?  A fish, duck, or crab holding up your soap?

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Poison Ivy Is My Enemy

One of the many things I love about living in Manhattan is I'm never exposed to poison ivy. Not so in the suburbs. I've read that birds eat it and then spread it throughout a neighborhood. Do these 3-leaf plants, so vibrantly green, look evil to you?

Over the weekend I helped my mother weed her yard. I put on garden gloves and after working in her yard, I came into the house to wash my hands and arms up to my elbows with soap and water. I also dabbed on 70% alcohol and still got poison ivy. I was very careful and don't remember any plants touching my legs. Well, they got me!

The poison ivy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to urushiol oil, which is found in the leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It only takes a small amount, the size of a grain of table salt to cause an allergic reaction in 85% - 90% of people. 10% - 15% of people are not allergic to urushiol oil.

Urushiol oil can remain potent on clothes and any objects it comes in contact with for as long as five years. Experts say wash contaminated clothes with regular detergent or bleach separately from other laundry in hot water and clean surfaces with disinfecting cloths. Don't touch the side of the cloth you have used to wipe a surface. Also, give your dog a bath wearing gloves if he's out in poison ivy. He'll be spared, but you'll get poison ivy if you touch the urushiol resin on his fur.

A poison ivy rash takes 3 - 4 weeks to heal. The itching is intense. New blisters can appear for up to 2 weeks, first in areas with the most exposure and later in areas with the least exposure [see Prevention]. Frankly, nothing takes away the itch of poison ivy, though you can ease it some by keeping the affected area moist. I use body moisturizers and body oils. I apply Noxema, Cetaphil, CeraVe, and baby oil. I haven't found any special products that do anymore to promote healing or relief from the itching. The secret ingredient is t-i-m-e!

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Plantar Fasciitis Relief Shoe Insoles

The pain of plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation after tiny tears occur in the plantar fascia, the tissue that connects our heels to our toes. These tiny tears are very painful and slow to heal.

Suddenly in November 2023, I  could barely walk! One day I walked without pain, the next day I limped!! Plantar fasciitis had developed in my right foot. Friends and friends of friends who also have the condition have gotten better. So I tried to make myself better. I pulled out a pair of custom orthotics a podiatrist had made for me years earlier which were so chunky I couldn't fit them into ANY of my leather shoes. They lay dormant collecting dust. I started wearing them in my cloth houseshoes around the house. The practice worked as long as I didn't leave the house.

So I began looking for orthotic insoles much like custom orthotic insoles that would fit into my shoes to wear outside of my home on city pavement.  

The following are 2 brands of orthotic insoles that ease pain and fit into my shoes. I'm listing them in the order of which I wear the most:

1) Samurai Insoles Ninjas Plantar Fasciitis Relief Arch Support Shoe Insoles - The insole was designed by Dr. Tom Lembo, a board-certified podiatrist. It supports my arches and absorbs shock by having a bit of bounce when my feet hit the concrete. They are 3/4 length and made of durable polypropylene (hard plastic), so they won't smell, get wet, or wear out. They go under the factory insoles of a pair of shoes if removable, otherwise, just insert them inside your shoes. These are slim and will fit into your narrower shoes.

2) PCSsole’s 3/4 Orthotics Shoe Insoles High Arch Supports Shoe Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis - The 2nd option of insoles is hard like super expensive custom orthotics. A 3.5 cm (1.38 inch) EVA high arch provides arch support to reduce the pressure on the heel. More similar in structure to custom-made orthotics than insole #1, wearing these insoles takes some getting used to before they feel comfortable. Wider than insole #1, they fit in sneakers and most shoes, and are as effective as my custom orthotics.

Although not completely pain-free, I can now walk again. The pain is less intense which I hope means my plantar fasciitis is healing. I suspect I'll need to wear orthotic insoles for the rest of my life.

For sure, if you develop plantar fasciitis, you need to find orthotics that are several grades above $10 drugstore orthotics. Also, I can't say based on personal experience that custom-made orthotics do a better job. Non-custom orthotics have come a long way in recent years! I'd recommend spending $29 on non-custom orthotics to see if they alleviate your pain before ordering $300 custom orthotics since custom orthotics may not give you more support or relief. You'll also need more than one pair unless you want the inconvenience of removing them each time you change shoes.

Moreover, I've seen custom orthotics you can buy by pressing your feet into a mold outside of visiting a podiatrist, which I think is a waste of money. If you're spending $100 - $200 a pair anyway, get yourself to a podiatrist!

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Which Length Of Shorts Are You?

All photos and shorts courtesy of Land's End - 5" shorts

The length of shorts reminds me of The Three Bears story. Different heights for different likes. Depending on stature, weight, age, and preferences, one length may be too long, another too short, and still another just right. 

3" shorts

Nowadays I favor 5" shorts as just right. 5" shorts are forgiving and versatile. If you show too much skin, leg, and flesh, you can't wear your shorts everywhere ... certainly not sightseeing in Rome if you expect to enter St. Peter's Basilica. 

8" shorts

I'm not sure I like 8" shorts, although at 5' 7'' I'm tall enough to wear them. Shorts should not look like grandma's bloomers and you want to keep cool in hot, humid August. A try-on would settle it.

9" shorts

Certainly, you don't want your shorts too tight or too loose either as they'll look like they don't fit. Too wide and they'll look frumpy, and if the rear doesn't fit, Fuhgeddaboudit!   

Which length of shorts are you?

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Tools To Remove Dental Plaque At Home

Lately, I'm seeing portable electric dental plaque removers for sale to use at home. They catch my attention since taking care of my teeth is a priority. I'd sell all my worldly possessions to save my teeth!

As it turns out, using an electric dental plaque remover at home is a bad idea for several reasons that cause harm. If plaque removers claim to be safe, they likely are doing a poor job of removing plaque. A buildup of plaque can harden into dental tartar. If left untreated, this can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Here's how it happens: Plaque produces acids that feed on sugar and break down tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay. Enzymes in bacteria also damage connective gum tissue and bone leading to periodontal disease.

For good oral health, it's vital to remove plaque between teeth. The tools used to remove the buildup of plaque are metal and ultrasonic scrapers that have dangerously sharp points. Dentists and dental hygienists have been trained in dental scraping to remove every bit of plaque and tartar from your tooth surface and under your gums safely. Without proper training in using these dental tools, we could damage our delicate gum tissue. (In the image above, the black electric plaque remover doesn't have a point, it uses thread, but how does the electric device help? In fact, the greater power in moving the thread might hurt your gums.) Gum tissue trauma can cause gum recession, pain from exposing a tooth's root, and scratching tooth enamel to cause tooth sensitivity. Without dental training, you might also "push tartar under your gumline causing gum abscesses."

I don't know about you, but I'm not going near those electric $39.99+ at-home dental plaque removers! They're either inadequate or unsafe as we're not trained to use them.

While we'll still need to visit our dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleanings, we can use 4 tools at home to help remove plaque safely before it hardens into tartar:

1) A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride. Brush twice a day to clean teeth and remove plaque.

2) Interdental Cleaners such as dental floss, dental tape, or interdental brushes. Floss once a day.

3) An electric water flosser (uses water not a sharp point). Again floss once a day.

4) Antibacterial Plaque-Reducing Mouthwash. Rinse daily.

Flossing with thread dental floss (the string type you place between your fingers) is the most thorough method of removing plaque, but many of us hate doing it, so instead I use the 2nd best method, a water flosser every morning. It's better to floss every day with a water flosser than not to floss every day because you hate the most effective method. Nobody's perfect! :)

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Expensive Things At T.J. Maxx

Gucci - Diamond 18K Gold Flora Ring 

Savvy Shoppers love T.J. Maxx where you get great value for the money. Up to now, I've shown you some of the bargains and steals I've acquired from my favored budget-friendly retailer. But as it turns out there is plenty of high-end merchandise for customers with deep pockets too. Some top luxury brands sold at TJM are "shy"  and aren't searchable or linkable on its website. You must scroll to find them. Here are several expensive examples you may be surprised to find at TJM available right now:

1) Fine Jewelry - Gucci Diamond 18k Gold Flora Ring made in Italy or Gemolie 14k Gold Ruby and Diamond Earrings.

2) Silk Ties - Brioni Men's Disinger Tie Made-in-Italy.

3) Designer Makeup and Skin Care - Jimmy Choo Satin Lipstick and La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil.

4) Designer Sunglasses - Balenciaga (left) and Gucci (right).

5) Fine leather goods - BICS luggage and Chloe handbag.

6. Off the Runway Designer Clothes and shoes, with names too numerous to mention - One example is a Dress the Population Long Sleeve Sequin Dress.

7. Home Goods and cookery - Also too numerous to mention like this All-Clad aluminum skillet.

Frankly, I've passed on buying luxury labels (such as Valentino and Chloe bags and shoes, or designer skincare) just because I don't especially long to own them ... not that I'm against the brands per se. At TJM luxury brands are discounted yet can still cost 100s or 1000s of dollars when the brand's price points are high at full retail. Only buy them because you want them, not because of their tempting reductions. Personally, I'm happy with my leather Coach bags, Mundi wallets, and Neutrogena skincare, which TJM also carries for less. Also, I've purchased top-notch goods manufactured in Korea, Australia, and Europe. Today's blog illustrates how vast TJM's inventory is. Not knowing what you'll find is part of the fun of shopping there!

Christian Louboutin Suede Iriza Pumps

Chances are excellent you'll discover "new" brands in your price range, or get a pricey item at a steal!

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Social Rules That Make Good Sense

Photo: Intellectual Voice, a page on Facebook, posted on May 14, 2024

A Facebook friend of mine is a discriminating uploader. His posts are thoughtful and wise like the following:

Source: Intellectual Voice

"SOME SOCIAL RULES THAT MAY HELP YOU:

1. Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t pick up your call, presume they have something important to attend to.

2. Return money that you have borrowed even before the person who loaned it to you remembers or asks for it. It shows your integrity and character. The same goes for umbrellas, pens, and lunch boxes.

3. Never order the expensive dish on the menu when someone is treating you to lunch or dinner.

4. Don’t ask awkward questions like ‘Oh, so you aren’t married yet?’ Or ‘Don’t you have kids?’ Or ‘Why haven't you bought a house?’ Or ‘Why haven't you bought a car?’ For God’s sake, it isn’t your problem.

5. Always open the door for the person coming behind you. It doesn’t matter if it is a guy or a girl, senior or junior. You don’t grow small by treating someone well in public.

6. If you take a taxi with a friend and he/she pays now, try paying next time.

7. Respect different shades of opinions. Remember, what may seem like 6 to you might appear as 9 to someone else. Besides, a second opinion is good for an alternative.

8. Never interrupt people while they are talking. Allow them to pour it out. As they say, hear them all and filter them all.

9. If you tease someone, and they don’t seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it again. It encourages one to do more and shows how appreciative you are.

10. Say “thank you” when someone is helping you.

11. Praise publicly. Criticize privately.

12. There’s almost never a reason to comment on someone’s weight. Just say, “You look fantastic.” If they want to talk about losing weight, they will.

13. When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don’t swipe left or right. You never know what’s next.

14. If a colleague tells you they have a doctor's appointment, don’t ask what it’s for, just say "I hope you’re okay." Don’t put them in the uncomfortable position of having to tell you their personal illness. If they want you to know, they'll do so without your inquisitiveness.

15. Treat the cleaner with the same respect as the CEO. Nobody is impressed by how rudely you treat someone below you, but people will notice if you treat them with respect.

16. If a person is speaking directly to you, staring at your phone is rude.

17. Never give advice until you’re asked.

18. When meeting someone after a long time, unless they want to talk about it,
don’t ask them their age or salary.

19. Mind your business unless anything involves you directly - just stay out of it.

20. Remove your sunglasses if you are talking to anyone in the street. It is a sign of respect. Moreover, eye contact is as important as your speech.

21. Never talk about your riches in the midst of the poor. Similarly, don't talk about your children in the midst of the barren.

22. After reading a good message, consider saying "Thanks for the message."

APPRECIATION remains the easiest way of getting what you don't have."

Enjoy the weekend Everyone!🌞

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Part II: 5 Gown Styles I Like And Would Wear

On Monday I wrote a blog describing 5 gown styles I dislike and won't wear even if a top designer were to loan them to me for free. Instead, I'd buy a gown off the rack. Well, perhaps it begs the follow-up question what gown styles do I like? Therefore, allow me to post 5 Gown Styles That Are My Cup of Tea. Here we go ...

As you can see, I prefer balanced, classic, or even modern styles of gowns. I'm also fine with a fun element on the gown as long as the gown remains tasteful and above all flattering and pretty. At a fancy function, I also like to enjoy the evening instead of having to manage a problem dress caused by too much dress (a train, etc), or a feature that is determined to pop open or work itself lopsided out of place.

I mean, getting to attend a gala and dressing up is a special occasion ... usually commemorating or celebrating something that doesn't occur every day. I'd never waste a chance to make the extra effort to look my best and then my desire is to forget about my attire and enjoy the evening out!

I have a ball gown that resembles this black one.

A mid-ankle length makes sashaying around the banquet room less cumbersome, and black gowns are a favorite for their slenderizing effect. A black gown for a black-tie event might also let you get away with wearing the dress (with bling) multiple times to mingle, glitter, and shine the night away in the future! I think people tend to remember bold (red, lime green, orange, or bird feathers) before neutrals. Chances are with black, they'll simply remember how dressy and polished you look at the formal affair without remembering you wore it last year. What's more, I favor a mid-ankle to a full-length gown for ease. I don't have handlers to help me futz with yards of fabric. In NYC, it's not uncommon after attending a gala to walk to a fancy bar/grill for an after-party.

What styles do you like? Which order (#1 then #2) is more important to you?: Would you rather stand out or look pretty?

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Part I: 5 Gown Styles I Dislike And Won't Wear

May is a time when retailers feature ball gowns as people attend proms, weddings, award shows, and charity events. Different strokes for different folks apply. Often style boils down to personal tastes and arbitrariness.

So let's have some fun! I'll share 5 styles of gowns that are not my cup of tea. If a leading designer sent me a couture dress to wear to a high-profile gala in one of the following styles, I'd turn it down and buy something off the rack. That's how much I dislike them. So here we go!

5 Gown Styles I Dislike and Won't Wear include:

      

1) The Asymmetrical Gown (including the top image) - I dislike gowns that are off-center or have a noticeable piece of fabric missing from the hemline. Is it a cape or a dress? I prefer balanced hemlines all the way around, and I dislike sporting a formal dress covering one leg in a different proportion than the other leg. Like with minor children, I like to treat my limbs with the same status. I also dislike the asymmetrical light green gown below👇 showing both legs. What's that skirt-like flap in the middle of the front? Toga girl. Was there not enough material to go around?😁

2) A One-Sided Strap Gown - On me, it's a balance thing. I prefer either no straps or 2 straps, but not a single strap on one side only ... and the same goes for sleeves!! Give me either sleeveless or two sleeves on a frock! The other arm is waiting for its sleeve.😳

3) The Bare Midriff Gown - I can't imagine attending a formal indoor gala in a 2-piece dress showing a lot of flesh! The style is more beach-friendly than ballroom-worthy. Another worry is air conditioning! Burrr!☃❄❅❆

         

4) The Deep Dive Cleavage Gown - No, no, never, ever, Jennifer Lopez! It isn't me!! At a fancy shindig, I do not want to see that much of another woman's anatomy and certainly don't want eyes I-do-not-know gazing at mine. Outside of a nudist camp, there's something unequal about it.

5) High Or Cross Front Neck Gown  - The opposite of deep dive cleavage reminds me of a noose! Lose the hangman's knot, lasso, bibb, or whatever that extra textile is for a neckline showcasing the loveliness of a human neck ornamented with a necklace ... yeah, that style is more me.

On THE SAVVY SHOPPER, I mostly write about likes, not dislikes, but fashion should be more fun than serious so I hope you find humor in today's blog. What style of gown is your least favorite? Feel free to share a few of your own out-of-favor gown styles.

Part II: Gown Styles I Like and Will Wear will be published on Wednesday.

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