7 Things I Won't Buy Anymore

More and more I'm embracing minimalism. I try to buy what I need, not more than what I need. By owning less we can reduce clutter, simplify our lives, and gain freedom from having to work just to pay the bills. Living in Manhattan where apartments tend to be small helps me shop mindfully, but I too must resist temptation sometimes!

7 Things I Won't Buy Anymore Include:

1) Shoes & Clothes Like a Fashionista - Once upon a time I bought a motley of fashion-forward shoes and clothes that struck my fancy. Now I'm into a less is more mindset. I have a capsule of classic clothes that I wear over and over. Even my gala clothes I wear time and again. As long as I look polished, coordinated, and appropriate, I no longer care if I wear a dress multiple times. Outside of show business or a public person who delivers televised speeches, do people really remember what we wear? Probably not, and if so I really don't care if they do! 

2) Makeup Like A Fashion Model - When applying makeup I go for a little razzle-dazzle but overall I keep my cosmetics fairly natural. I strive to look my best, but I no longer experiment or try to create different looks. The best version of me (lines and all) is fine. Fortunately, superb drugstore brands like Maybelline, L'Oreal, Milani, and Drew Barrymore's Flower are examples of high-quality makeup that make spending on pricey luxe labels totally unnecessary today. I have more lipsticks than I remember buying so I plan to use up my lip colors before buying more.

3) Toilet Seats Like a Town & Country Socialite - I stopped overspending on a toilet seat. I keep it basic by buying the simple but adequate white wooden toilet seats from Home Depot. When workmen enter my bathroom and scratch the paint off my toilet seat by carelessly setting their toolbox on it, replacing it with a factory-new toilet seat is cheap. A basic, inexpensive wooden toilet seat looks great and lasts if you don't abuse it.

4) Sweets & Junk Food Like a 20-Something Year Old - I avoid the middle aisles of a supermarket and I rarely keep bags of my weakness -- salty food-like substances such as corn chips, tortilla chips, or potato chips at home. When out and about, I'll eat a portion of French fries or potato chips, something less likely to happen at home where family sizes of nacho tortilla chips torture me until the bag is empty!

When it comes to candy and sweets I'll have a portion outside of the home. As a rule, if I want cake or French fries at home I must make them from scratch myself. It takes more effort and you have to wait to eat them.

5) Cleaners Like a 20th Century Housekeeper - I clean mostly with white vinegar and water which I mix and keep in a spray bottle. I use the vinegar mixture to mop floors and treat most stains on rugs or upholstery. I scrub my toilet and bathroom fixtures with 3% hydrogen peroxide (which kills germs without removing the varnish off of surfaces like toilet seats). White vinegar combined with baking soda dissolves soap scum. Bleach, Ajax, and Bartenders' Friend are for periodic heavy-duty cleaning. I mix ammonia with water to make my own Windex to clean mirrors and glass. For food spots on clothes, I use dishwashing detergent containing OxiClean. These basic cleaners take care of most household jobs as effectively as more expensive commercial cleaners (which also come in fewer ounces so you must restock more often).

6) Gold Jewelry Like a Multi-Millionaire - This is more my fantasy than a former reality😁. Nonetheless in the past, I bought some fashion jewelry and was more tempted by fine jewelry than I am today. As with clothes and shoes, I have a capsule of fine jewelry and never buy fashion jewelry. The price of gold has risen so much that we no longer get enough for our money. We're charged an arm and a leg for flimsy gold chains and thin bangles. Just say no -- pass on buying expensive skimpy pieces. It's not good value for the money!

7) The Latest Gadgets Like a Techie - I keep my laptops, iPads, and cell phones until they cough and die. We'd go broke trying to keep up with updated gadgets. Every 6 months a new version comes out. As long as what I own works, I continue to use it. After it coughs and dies, I thoroughly enjoy owning the latest faster computer ... for what seems like 15 minutes before a newer model replaces it. Therefore I give up on keeping up!

I'm committed to becoming as much of a minimalist as makes sense. I like simplifying my life and capsule buying in every area of life. We only need enough, not more than enough!

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Is Your Prime Membership A Waste Of Money?

Photo: Getty Images

Amazon rocks. I love it! Frequently the prices of goods are the same or better than at brick-and-mortar stores. At times stores lacking an item will direct me to Amazon, which ends up having it. Convenience is a given with purchases arriving at my door. Also, packages stuffed in the mailbox or left at the door can feel like gifts. Shopping on Amazon is addicting! And yet, after a couple of trials, I decided not to buy the $139 Prime Membership.

I think a Prime Membership is worth the cost if you: (1) order a lot of stuff; (2) live in a building where packages left in a common area get stolen; (3) need fast delivery, including same-day (with a $35 order), and 1 or 2-day delivery; or (4) use the other perks of the membership: Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Photos, Prime Gaming and/or buy things marked down on Amazon Prime Day, Prime Early Access Sales or the Lightening Deals. Clearly, Prime Membership adds value non-members don't have.

Photo: Business Insider

But I found I didn't use any of these benefits with a 30-day trial, In fact, the items I ordered during my 30-day trial were excluded from the 1 or 2-day delivery and it still took a week or over for them to arrive. But it was ok with me. Almost always, I can handle the wait. I tend to be a planner, as opposed to, a last-minute shopper, and I also worry about Amazon workers who might have to kill themselves to rush items to customers because it's the business model. Let's remember human beings work in fulfillment centers (warehouses) to get our packages to us!

What's more, all orders $25 or more give you free shipping, and usually it's not a hardship for me to wait a beat until I bundle articles to reach $25. If your circumstances require you to order a ton of under $25 items monthly, then you'll save on shipping by paying for an Amazon Prime Membership at $139 per year (or $14.99 per month), and as a bonus, you'll enjoy all the Amazon Prime Member benefits. A bargain if you often order to run a business. You would spend more than $11.58 each month ($11.58 x 12 = $139) on shipping without a membership.

I adored binge-watching a season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with my free trial membership, but frankly, there's not enough original content to make a Prime Membership worthwhile for Prime Video alone. Amazon offers Prime Video solo for $8.99 monthly or $107.88 a year, but IMHO you'll likely save by streaming your shows of interest.

Nonetheless, I need to jump back to emphasize how much I love Amazon! 

Photo: Business Insider

I advise anyone to check Amazon first before ordering a wheelchair, a senior shower bench, a safety bed rail, or anything you'd buy from a medical supply store as they're always far less on Amazon. Anything and everything is less on Amazon if you need it when a seller is listing it at a great price. Always worth a look!

Despite not having a Prime Membership, an Amazon customer rep called me a good customer since I buy a fair amount. Still, I never feel pressure or am tempted to order unnecessary things to justify annually spending $139 on a Prime Membership or because Lightening Deals are too good to pass up.

For some buyers, additional free shipping can lead to additional impulse buys. Make sure you don't overconsume to validate a membership for Amazon Prime, Walmart Plus, Costco Executive/Gold Star, or Sam's Club as it's not saving you money but costing you more than you'd normally spend. It's easy to do if we're not mindful. 

Finally, cancel any unused subscriptions and services that are costing you and not saving you money.

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Yellow light: charging!

Dear Readers,

I didn't think I'd be able to blog until mid-June. You see I work on a 13 inch MacBook Pro, and its charger died suddenly on Wednesday, May 26th. I can't easily blog on a phone or iPad unless I were to merely upload a photo, or a bunch of words without photos ... yet I do both, which sometimes requires editing to make the blog look its best. Plus, nearly all of my blogs require research, as well as, fact-checking and reading everything available on a topic for accuracy. It's possible to use a phone or iPad for research or editing, but it would be super slow and annoying.🙂

So alas, let's get to the subject of today's post: Ordering from Amazon. 

Despite a desire to support local brick and mortar stores, as well as, small businesses (as we should do!), we can also support Amazon with a good conscience. Often Amazon really comes through for customers, and I must give the online retailer its due in offering fantastic choice, price and customer service:

 1) On Amazon, customers have an abundance of sellers, products and price points to fit their budgets. At times you need the top of the line, and at other times you don't ... so lots of selection lets you save money by ordering exactly what you need at a price you can afford.

2) Consumers can't beat the convenience as the products are delivered straight to your door saving you additional time and money.

3) I like the transparency of how the items are listed. By reading everything, I have a good idea of the articles. Plus I read all the customer reviews before I buy an item, and I leave detailed reviews as a guide for other Amazon customers.

4) I appreciate how Amazon stands behind the merchandize sold on its website from various sellers around the world, so if anything goes wrong, I don't have to worry about losing my money. Amazon resolves what goes wrong between you and the seller. Also customers have windows for free returns.

5) And finally ... golly, you often get faster-than-expected delivery ... nearly always quicker than the delivery date you are told! My Wednesday purchase -- the laptop charger -- which was supposed to arrive on June 11th, came today on a holiday weekend! I'm doing a happy dance!!!

Prime Amazon (which I do not have) is worth considering especially if (1) you live in a house or apartment building where packages are left on doorsteps; or (2) you order lots of single items under $25 and wish to save shipping costs; or (3) you simply desire the benefits of Prime Membership. I don't need a Prime Membership for the security of my packages, and I get free shipping with my Amazon subscriptions. I also bundle purchases on non-subcription goods to qualify for free shipping (as I try never to pay for shipping). Sure I'd love to watch the Amazon movies and series (called Amazon video) or have access to special deals, but for now I'm fine (and can better resist temptation) without a Prime Membership. I am forced to wait a beat before ordering. Moreover, I think Amazon would agree that despite not having a Prime Membership ... I'm an excellent customer who definitely helps keep their lights on. 

And a final thought: A happy customer like me always desires happy company employees! Please always treat workers exceptionally well, Amazon, by trickling down your tremendous success to lift up the quality of their lives. Success should be shared.🙏

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THE SAVVY SHOPPER CREED And 5 Skip/Buy Rules

Photo of Macy's by B. P. - Tons of sales and choice of price points.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER CREED: 

I'm an under buyer and a value shopper. More and more I'm a mindful buyer and a minimalist. Everything I need, I buy! And yet, I try not to buy more than what I need. In other words, I only need enough, not more than enough. (A tip on how you become a minimalist is: Organize your closets.) 

If an item makes my life happier, easier, or simpler, I buy it. But I don't buy pretty or beautiful yet impractical things, which don't fit my lifestyle. All of us do so younger until we realize if we can't wear or use merchandise, it's wasteful and a poor use of our resources. Not to mention the earth's resources and a slap in the face to 80% of the world's people who don't have enough!

What's more, an item must be worth the money. There are times we buy the top of the line because the article will last longer to save money over time. You won't have to rebuy it as often. There are other times, we buy cheap because it serves our immediate purpose, and we don't need it to last. You still come out ahead if you had to rebuy it. 

5 Skip & Buy Rules To Get Your Money's worth:

1) Skip fashion jewelry with luxury names like Chanel, Prada, or Burberry. You will pay top dollar for the name but get crystals, silver, and gold-plated steel metal when you could have spent the same money on fine jewelry that is real gold with precious stones. Instead ...

Buy 14k/18k gold and get the 4 precious gems: diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Usually, it's wasteful to get statement jewelry that is so fancy or big, it only gets taken out of its box once or twice a year. If you buy the right style, all your jewelry can be worn daily, as well as, to galas, rarely staying in a box. Buying jewelry that stays in a box is not worth the money. Wear it or don't buy it!

2) Skip designer shoes not made to fit a real foot. Avoid foot pain and surgery down the line. Instead ...

Buy shoes you can comfortably walk in because they support your arches and stabilize your heels. Let Alexander McQueen's 4-inch stilettos with an unstable footbed and narrow toe box rot in the shop.

3) Skip $500 luxury skincare. Instead ...

For severe acne or skin issues, see a dermatologist. And for every day...

Buy creams with scientifically proven anti-aging ingredients that work. They contain retinoid and retinol, antioxidants, glycolic aid, or peptides. Furthermore, try drugstore brands. L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Olay, Boots No 7, Cerave, Palmor's, and others have stepped up their game by hiring scientists working in skin labs to develop their formulas. These brands offer an array of products to address all skin types and needs for less.

Photo of Uniqlo: Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

4) Skip designer leggings, t-shirts, shorts, pajamas, and socks. With Old Navy, Uniqlo, American Eagle and T.J. Maxx you're covered in made-well casual clothing for less. There's not one sensible reason to pay more for Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, DKNY, or Lacoste. In fact, you'll find them at T.J. Maxx and get smart casual wear at Old Navy, Uniqlo and American Eagle cheap! Instead ...

Buy designer duds where it counts ... on needed fitted pieces: A good business suit, a trench or winter coat, a leather jacket, supportive leather shoes, etc. Of course, when you find them at end-of-season sales or T.J. Maxx, grab them!

Ralph Lauren's flagship store

5) Skip $4,000+ designer handbags and luggage. Ok, you can buy one purse only if it fulfills a dream, but in general, the brands are taking you to the cleaners. Don't pay the huge markup for a luxe name. Instead ...

Find similar quality bags and luggage elsewhere at fair market prices. Buy value! With use, handbags and luggage scratch. Luggage especially gets banged up.

Buy bags and luggage from retailers who have been making them forever, yet are not marketed as a luxury: Coach, Samsonite, and American Tourister are examples of manufacturers of stellar goods. Making bags or suitcases is what they do! Plus, they put them on sale, unlike those $7,000 or $40,000 luxury bags!!

A Savvy Shopper knows prices are never synonymous with quality. Sometimes you pay less for goods simply because the business model of the company is built around a lower, affordable price point. These retailers are your friends! Skip the high rollers. Instead! Buy from and support your friends!!

Pandemic wear: Crocs from T.J. Maxx paired with Express leggings and H&M socks🙂

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Jewelry Holiday Gift Ideas At Macy's

The brilliance of a diamond tennis necklace has a huge effect. See my budget-friendly tips below.

Last week I was invited to a Macy's jewelry trunk show at Herald Square. You know I went, People!😍 It was the most upscale, expensive, and gorgeous jewelry I've seen in a department store. I tried on a flawless 12-carat Tanzanite ring ($85,000), a 7-carat pigeon-blood ruby ring with diamonds ($49,000), and a 5-carat emerald and diamond ring ($43,000). Each piece was spectacular, yet even before arriving, I knew I wouldn't be buying anything. Who walks into Macy's and drops that💰sum💸 on one luxury item? Rich folks and broke folks, that's who!

Some of the very expensive jewelry from Effy's trunk show at Macy's. Lots of trunk shows now.

After perusing the gems at the trunk show I walked around the jewelry department, looking at everything in the display cases. To be sure, Macy's has a huge array of jewelry from costly to moderate prices. (It's why I love Macy's ... throughout the store, you can find quality items to fit any budget.) From now until Christmas, expect tons of sales. Wait for a Friends and Family, Black Friday, or VIP sale to get an extra 30% off on already well-priced merchandise.

Coseup of the Effy trunk show sapphire and ruby rings - the expensive heirloom line.

If you ask me (and even if you don't😊) jewelry is always a winning holiday gift. The following are beautiful examples of mid-priced jewelry from Macy's showcases -- precious (diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds) and semi-precious (the amethyst) stones set in 14k gold:

1) Diamond Pavè Huggie Hoop Earrings; 2) Ruby & Diamond Necklace; 3) Amethyst & Diamond Accent Oval Ring

4) Effy Emerald & Diamond Earrings; 5) Belle de Mer Pearl Studs; 6) Diamond Hoop Earrings

7) Italian Gold Bangle Bracelet; 8) Velvet Bleu by Effy Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet; 9) Effy Emerald Drop Earrings

The 2 pairs of emerald earrings and ruby heart pendant look gorgeous in the store. I wanted them!!! The 5-carat amethyst ring is a splendid color, size, and clarity ... and affordable unlike precious stones of similar size. The hoop earrings, pearl studs, and gold bangle are classic pieces that never go out of style. The sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet is as lovely as its pricier all-diamond sisters. I've linked all the jewelry (except the diamond necklace, which is at the store to try on) so you can read more details. Lots of the pieces are available in other gemstones also, and the pearls are in other natural colors.

Macy's makes sparkle more affordable, and the trunk shows have fun, to-die-for, eye candy. Will I ever get tired of gawking at jewelry? Never!👀 

Extra Budget Tips: Due to its brilliance, a diamond tennis
necklace of 3 carats has a huge effect, therefore, bigger may not be worth the exponential price increase of buying more carats. Consider how 5-7-or 10 carats of diamonds get more expensive, not simply doubling or tripling per carat, but exponentially. And yet on your neck, the effect is not always as big as the exponential rise in cost! Until you bump up the diamonds to 20-30 or 50+ carats, i.e., Elizabeth Taylor or Queen Elizabeth II size, the effect isn't automatically more stunning, so may not be worth the huge price hike. Therefore, my budget-friendly tip is to buy the "effect," not the carat weight in a tennis necklace.

Curiously, sometimes the 10-carat stone necklaces twist and turn on the neck while the 3 carats don't ... which is definitely a disappointing effect!

To get the most "effect" for less money, buy a graduated diamond-style tennis necklace. People notice the bigger stones at the front, not the decrease in sizes going towards the back of the neck, an area unseen if you have flowing hair. The entire necklace, including the smaller diamonds towards the back, will sparkle like crazy! A big effect at a lower cost!! Another tip in buying a tennis-style necklace or bracelet for less is to consider compromising on color and clarity since the diamonds are tiny. But, the color in the line must be consistent and match!

Of course, at a trunk show try on the Queen Elizabeth II big gemstones. I say, be a dreamer, then a realist! And yes, Your Majesty, I will definitely accept your kind invitation to see the Crown Jewels. Hey people, you never know who reads the blog.🙂😍💂

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Inside A Snow Globe With Santa At Bloomingdale's

On Black Friday I walked to Bloomingdale's to see their Christmas display. There were not many decorations compared to years past, when ornaments and trees took up half the floor. But they had a giant snow globe, and a lovely young lady asked me to step inside of it to have my picture taken with Santa. Sooo I did. (#Bloomies59) The day was very cold outside, and I am bundled up in layers, plus a goose down coat. It's hood was pulled up outside that day.

Photo: Associated Press (click to enlarge)  - The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lite tonight.

During the Christmas season, I try to go to Macy's and Saks 5th Avenue also to see who is selling the most beautiful ornaments. Then there's a stroll over to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree, as well as, a stroll up and down 5th Avenue to gaze at store windows. St. Patrick's Cathedral will have a huge Nativity Scene, garland, white lights and poinsettias all over the church.

Let the holiday season begin! Have you, Dear Readers, bought any gifts yet?

Extra Tip: Don't miss the beautiful tree covered in blue lights a block away from Bloomingdale's at Bloomberg news.

The surronding trees are about 12 feet tall. The center one is several office floors tall.

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