Buying Light Bulbs

Photo: Lowes

Ever since Congress phased out the production of incandescent light bulbs (as energy inefficient), I have struggled over which bulbs to buy for my home. Incandescent light bulbs are still available as long as supplies last, but are no longer being made. At home I have 4 incandescent light bulbs left and I love the brightness and warmth of these bulbs. I will use them, one bulb at a time, in a reading lamp, which stands beside my living room couch.

Even so, I'm trying to adopt. Sooo, recently I went to Home Depot on a light bulb run. The choices are many (between LEDs, CFLs or Halogens) ... and it gets confusing!

After standing in the light bulb aisle for about one-half hour comparing light bulbs (Jeez, we must study now!) and listening to the home depot sales rep talk about the bulbs (frankly, she didn't know what to buy either!), here's how I whittle it down:

 Constellation Residential and Small Business Blog

The majority of homes will need to replace their standard incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient: LED, or CFL (i.e. fluorescent) bulbs. They are more expensive than the old light bulbs, so prepare yourself for sticker shock! Also keep in mind that a soft white emits a warm, yellow glow; while bright white and daylight white emit a cool, blue, brighter glow. "Daylight" is the brightest bulb.

Perhaps you can consider what I selected for my home as a guide for what you might buy for your home:


I. For My Living Room: LED Light Bulbs - 100 watts in soft white

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. 

The most expensive of the bulbs, I bought one LED bulb - 100 watts (equivalent) for one side of my couch. It produces light most similar to the old incandescent bulbs. The 100 watts LED bulb is bright enough to read a book, yet warm and not harsh on the eyes. Reportedly it will least 22 years, but who will remember? I've kept the receipt to help with remembering, and believe me, I will return that expensive sucker ... um bulb (I'm the sucker for paying so much for a light bulb!) back to Home Depot if it blows out early.

II. For My Kitchen: CFL Bulbs - Three 40 watts in soft white 

CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Lighting. 

Know that fluorescent blubs contain mercury and should be recyled. They are about half the price of LED bulbs.

Because the kitchen requires 3 light bulbs, I discovered, a bulb higher than 40 watts is too bright and harsh on the eyes. The 40 watts, yellow tinted "soft white" provides enough brightness when I use 3 light bulbs.

If you have a dimmer switch in your kitchen (or no natural light ever), bumping the light output up to "bright white" and/ or increasing the watts is worth considering. 

III. For My Bathroom: CFL Bulbs - Two 100 watts in daylight white

These are ultra bright and blue tinted (and likely) too harsh on your eyes elsewhere in the house. But for a windowless bathroom, they are the perfect brightness, to see how much makeup you are applying; or to stylishly pluck your eyebrows. They are the right choice for a dark closet also.

Generally, I find {a} LED and CFL bulbs marked "daylight" too bright for rooms where I spend hours of time, such as a living room. On the other hand, the ''soft white" choice for a living, or bedroom has a warm, yellow glow. {b} Anywhere I use a single bulb, I prefer 100 watts and only like less wattage (75 watts, 60 watts, 40 watts) in lamps that require multiple bulbs. That is probably a personal choice. For me ... let there be light so I don't feel like I'm going blind, or inside a vampire's lair!

I only bought one of the more expensive LED bulbs for my living room where I spend most of my time at home, although if it does last for 22 years, it will end up being the best buy. I'll buy a 2nd LED bulb for the opposite side of the couch after I get over the shock of paying for the first one!

I selected the initially cheaper CFL bulbs for the rest of the apartment because life is uncertain. They last 9 years, according to the box. This seems like a good compromise. Honestly, who knows if I will last for 22 years to get the value of the higher priced LED bulbs! Considering how costly light bulbs are now, should we worry about thieves breaking into our homes to steal them? Surely, the new ones fall under the category of "valuables," no?

Wait for it: Future news story - Homeowner: "And I returned home, flicked on the lights, but an intruder had removed all of my light bulbs!"

While at Home Depot, I spent so much time trying to figure out which bulbs to bring home, I attracted a following of three equally perplexed, light bulb shoppers. They accompanied me up the aisles as I grabbed options, and so I began reading the light bulb facts out loud. I believe I did a good deed by getting a man to switch from 100 watts "daylight" to 100 watts "soft white" for his living room. The camaraderie was nice. My next Home Depot trip will feel lonely in comparison!

Dear readers, light bulb shopping will make your head spin. Hope you find this blog illuminating!  Here's another helpful page: Energystar.gov.

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Happy Fright Night

It's All Hallows Eve, and the natives are growing restless with anticipation!

The path is lit, and a welcoming committee waits patiently for your arrival. Walk this way for the festive treats! 🕷

Preparations are underway. Just one more spider, bat whiskers, eye of a newt, and toe of frog for our delicious, bubbling brew. Look closely, all eyes 👀 are upon you, our special guests! 💀

What is spooking Midnight, the black cat? Oh, nothing undead, peculiar, wailing, or unnatural to worry about. 👻 Have a frightful and Happy Halloween!

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E.L.F Lipsticks Have A Hidden Feature

photo: livelifegorgeous.nl

Look closely at the tubes of the E.L.F Moisterizing Lipstick in the image above. Did you know that the color markers at the bottom of the lipstick tubes are removable? I sure didn't! Lipstick.com just sent me an email that says those bottoms aren't just "color identifiers." Actually, they are detachable pots of (matching color) lip balm! Well, knock me over with a feather ... that is cool!

Three other brands have the same hidden feature: L.A. Girl, Makeup Revolution and Sania Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Colors.

How did we not know this? Hidden in plain sight!!! Twitter is blowing up over the discovery of this little bonus, and now the secret is out!

Photo: makeupfu. Lipsticks with hidden pots of matching color gloss

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Stir-Fry Spicy Tofu With Broccoli And Red Pepper

Photo courtesy of : Serious Eats

I'm a carnivore, but in practice only eat meat about twice a week. I don't feel my best if I go too long without a meat (and potatoes) dinner. Since I drink milk daily, I should be getting a complete set of amino acids even on meatless days; and because I eat balanced and healthy meals, regardless of whether they are meat or meatless, I can't account for my need for some meat. I just know I feel better with meat in my diet.

But folks, it's getting harder not to think of the sweet, gentle cows when preparing a beef roast. Sometimes I think because of this hightened awareness, one day I'll only be able to eat chicken ... until I watch this. Ok ... so one day I'll only be able to eat fish. Wrong again, look how Frank (the fish) likes to kiss his friend, Daisy (the dog). I mean, wth? How do we eat fish, after seeing Frank?

So, while I still eat meat, I eat less of it. But there are other reasons also. It's better for the environment. It takes a smaller carbon footprint and less water to grow vegetables than livestock. Polution is reduced too. Meatless meals are budget friendly; and studies show eating less red meat is better for you.

Therefore, eating more meatless meals is worth considering. Here's a dinner that uses tofu (soy) as the protein, which I'm preparing for dinner. Serves 2 hungry people, or 4 average eaters for under $5:

Stir-Fry Spicy Tofu With Broccoli And Red Pepper

16 ounces frozen broccoli florets (or fresh broccoli)
1 red pepper, cut into strips
1 small onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
14-16 ounce package extra-firm water packed tofu (or leftovers like chicken or beef.)
1/4 cup of orange juice (optional)
1 teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
a dash of sesame oil
2 tablespoons Sriracha, or other hot sauce
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

**********************************
Note: Lately I simplify this dish by using the vegetables and a protein as listed above. But next season them with my homemade Hoisin sauce right in the Wok. Simmer until the vegetables tenderize. Pour over brown rice or quinoa.
**********************************

1) Toss orange juice (if adding), brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha, (or other hot sauce) in a Wok.

2) Add the broccoli, red pepper, carrots, celery and onion in the Wok and stir-fry for about 3 minutes. 

3) Cute the tofu into large squares and toss in after the vegetables. 

4) As the dish cooks, I cover the pan with a lid part of the time, sometimes removing the lip to stir-fry. The lid helps the vegetables get tender without drying out. You want crunchy, as opposed to, raw vegetables. You also don't want overcooked vegetables. Done with a crunch is the goal.

5) Add the chopped garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another minute or so. 

6) If you use frozen vegetable you have exactly enough sauce for the dish. If using fresh raw vegetable, you might need to add a up to 1/4 cup of water at the start to get some sauce. Start with less as the vegetables will also release water. 

If you have too much liquid, you can add 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the sauce, being careful not to overcook the vegetables. I do everything I can to get the liquid right and not have to add more cooking time to fix having too much liquid, but, hey, so what if you do? You'll get it right the 2nd time making it.

Serve over white, or brown rice, or quinoa. Garnish with peanuts or sesame seeds.

This is a tasty vegetarian meal. However, I have also added grilled, hot Italian turkey sausage to this dish, which is filling and delicious. Hopefully, I won't find any cute Tom, the turkey, videos.


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Soap & Glory The Perfect Ten Eyeshadow Palette

Nowadays most of the big cosmetic companies offer a large eyeshadow palette, including the Soap & Glory line. Called The Perfect Ten Eyeshadow Palette (a limited edition that's back this year), it's created to be a collection of ten of the "most wearable colors ever assembled," suitable for every day of the week.

Reviewers love the colors and the quality of the pigments in this palette. The collection contains both matte and frosted shadow. Guess who did the fieldwork for THE SAVVY SHOPPER? Ta-da ... our eyeshadow maven friend, Angie Smith, who bought the palette at Ulta for $20. She loves all ten shades! Angie says, the colors are "so pretty, blendable and have no fallout." They won't "crumble on your checks."

When I ask Angie, how they compare to our favorite Maybelline The Nudes palettes (there are three; $10 each), she reports that the Soap & Glory shadow has more moisture and prefers its colors. Considering how flattering and gorgeous The Nudes are, that's quite an endorsement!

I think a makeup palette makes a fabulous gift ... as well as, a great buy for yourself. Fun and useful, they are handy to take on trips. With more companies making big eyeshadow palettes, prices have really dropped recently. No longer do you need to empty your wallet to buy rich pigments. So here's another eyeshadow palette that performs for less!

Candy for grown women.

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Poetry In Fashion

Last week THE SAVVY SHOPPER featured a retailer who offers cute, trendy clothing to stretch a wardrobe. I want to follow-up with a London company, Poetry, a designer of investment pieces.

Investment pieces may cost more, but they last season after season and can be used to mix and match to create outfits. While basic and less flashy, usually the craftsmanship and fabric are of a higher quality. A smart practice is to stock your closet with mainly investment and some trendy pieces. Not all articles of clothing need to last forever, but things you return to time and again like a trench coat; leather jacket; wool sweater; or warm scarf should be well-made and durable. Since you wear an intestment piece for decades, it will pay for itself. And, it's better for the environment to hang on to things. Unfortunately, we've become a throw-away society; and according to sociologists, constantly buying new stuff doesn't even make us happy!

Poetry, which is a family run business, designs a collection of dresses, skirts, trousers, sweaters and accessories, using unique blends of natural fabrics, such as alpaca, linen and cashmere. Cotton, silk and virgin wool ... be still, my heart! I love natural fibers. The pieces are stylish, soft and timeless. Owning fewer, but finer, more perfect and practical pieces is always savvy shopping!

Moreover, what I like about Poetry can be summed up in one word, "value" -- its attention to detail at a reasonable price, which is much less than its competitors. It may take us several paychecks to save up for a pair of knee high leather boots; a brushed cotton and wool (with buttons, 3/4 length sleeves and a dropped waist) dress; or a long checkered, blended wool and silk scarf, but it's doable.

Poetry is all about designing fashionable and versatile pieces that are meant to last!

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Most Daily Vitamins Are Worthless

Photo: The Washington Post

According to the latest medical research, most of the daily vitamins we take are useless; and certain common vitamin supplements are, in fact, harmful. That is surprising! I don't know about you, but I have taken a multivitamin since early childhood ... even by dropper before I could swallow pills. If there's no real benefit, that's a ton of money down the drain!

Business Insider wrote an article on vitamins -- listing ones to take, as well as, ones to skip, based on what science tells us to do. Let me sum up the recommendations for you:

Vitamins to take:

1) Vitamin D - It keeps our bones strong by helping us absorb calcium, but it's hard to get all our requirements from food alone. In the summer, we get vitamin D from being out in the sun. In the winter, not so much. The people who took Vitamin D supplements in a large 2011 medical study lived longer then those who didn't.

2) Zinc - It's the only supplement proven to shorten colds. The mineral seems to interfere with the reproduction of cold viruses.

3) Folic acid - Take folic acid if you are pregnant, or if you might get pregnant. Studies show it reduces birth defects of the fetus' brain, spine and spinal cord.

Vitamins to skip:

1) Multivitamins - You get everything you need in a balanced diet. Consuming an excess of vitamins like A, Bs and C can harm you. In the 2011 study, women who took multivitamins over a long period of time died sooner than the women who didn't take multivitamins! So at the very least, multivitamins didn't keep the study group healthy.

2) Antioxidants - Get your antioxidants from berries.🍓🍒 (Technically, a cherry is a drupe, due to the pit.) When taken in excess as supplements, vitamins A, C and E have been linked to an increase of certain cancers, especially among male smokers.

3) Vitamin C - Eat citrus fruit 🍊🍋 instead of taking vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C has not been proven to shorten a cold, plus it raises the risk of painful kidney stones.

4) Probiotics - We can get probiotics from yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles and other fermented food at a fraction of the cost of probiotic pills. The science is lacking to support the benefit of taking a more expensive pill supplement.

5) Vitamin B3 - Better to get vitamin B3 by eating salmon, tuna and beets.🐟 The study subjects who took vitamin B3 pills developed infections, liver problems and internal bleeding.

6) Vitamin E - Get vitamin E from food like eggs 🍳 and spinach. Vitamin E supplements increased the risk of prostate cancer in men.

The bottom line is, Mother Nature rules, and many of us may want to change our thinking. It is always better to get vitamins by eating food. Food gives your body all the vitamins it needs in the right form and amount. Supplements just don't cut it. Science can't prove the benefit of taking many of them, so most likely, we are spending lots of money for nothing. Arrghh!

At no time, have I ever gone vitamin supplement overboard, but for years have taken a (drugstore brand) multivitamin pill. Alas, I'm already doomed!🙂

Photo: Flickr/Michelle Dyer

Nonetheless, I do take the latest data seriously (before future studies change the advice again, bringing back the need to take multivitamins:). Certainly for now, I will be vigilant about taking a vitamin D supplement ... and zinc, if I'm trying to ward off a cold. What will you do my smart, savvy readers?


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Lulus Is On Trend Fashion

Lulus opened 20 years ago (in 1996) as a mother/daughter owned clothing store. Today the venture has evolved into a leading online retailer of trendy clothing, shoes and accessories. From casual dresses to cocktail dresses, lace-up boots and black knit sneakers, the offerings are modern, feminine and sophisticated.

The dresses; separates; fashion jewelry; hats; and scarves are not investment pieces, but they are cute, hip and affordable. Everything we buy needn't be top-of-the-line. Mixing and matching different price points in a wardrobe is a time honored art. At Lulus.com you can easily find a real showstopper dress for under $45. Take for example the blue one above: Very classy and conservative up front, then turn around and bam!

Marked by eye-catching design: ''The devil is in the detail'' with (on the left) black mesh and gold sequins, forming a diamond pattern on a body fitting silhouette; or (on the right) metallic embellishes on midnight black crinkled, sheer fabric. And believe it, or not, the dresses can be hand washed in cold water!

I bought these stylish mushroom tortoise sunglasses for $8 bucks; and yet, the two-hued frames are strong and well-made!

Moreover, the Lulus website is fun to browse. There is ever changing inventory -- plus a blog section with beauty and fashion tips; celebrity interviews; and chances to win prizes, like $200. 

Quite often merchandise goes on sale. Free shipping is offered on orders over $50, with free returns. Your items arrive wrapped with care too, enclosed with a note that reads, "Thanks, Gorgeous!"

Lulus is chic, cheap and sweet! Here's fair warning: Looking leads to coveting ... which leads to ordering!

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Making Pizza Dough

Photo: Alexandra Grablewski, Getty Images

With the loss of mom-and-pop stores, it's getting harder and harder to find a great slice of pizza in Manhattan. Sadly, the days of a real Italian pizza parlor on every block are gone. Nonetheless, nobody wants to eat mediocre pizza. So I began making my own pizza. It starts with a perfect dough.

For years I've made a good Chicago-style pizza, but now I'm obsessed with trying to make a thinner-crusted, brick oven, Italian-style pizza. Lacking a brick oven, I can only try to come close. What I can do is get the ingredients right:

Here is an authentic pizza dough recipe for one 10-inch pie. For a family of 4, simply double the ingredients (and after it rises, split the dough in half) to bake two 10-inch pies. Yep, half a pie each sounds about right to me.

Pizza Dough for one 10-inch pie

Ingredients:

3 ounces lukewarm water (optional: I add about 3 tablespoons of dry powder milk too.)
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast 
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (plus extra oil to brush on the baking dish)
2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds (I did this once. Loved it💖, so now include it in my recipe.)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra flour for kneading the dough) Note: I use all-purpose flour, but professionals use bread flour. It's higher in protein. I don't stock it, so don't use it. All-purpose is just what the name says it is, "all-purpose." I add an egg and milk for the protein.
3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1) Combine the water, yeast, egg, (extras I list above if you wish)and olive oil in a bowl. With a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon, incorporate the flour and salt until a ball forms. (If the dough seems dry, sprinkle a few extra drops of warm water on it. If the ball forms easily, don't do anything.)

2) I only work the dough until the flour is incorporated. (I don't touch it with my hands yet.)

3) Cover the dough in the bowl with plastic wrap and sit it inside your cold oven for 2 or more hours. The pilot light will keep it warm for rising.

4) After it has doubled in bulk, dump the blob of dough onto a floured surface and knead until it is elastic and no longer sticky. Sprinkle with flour as you fold it over and knead. (You can knead the dough inside the bowl if it's big enough, then have less to clean up.) Now is the time to divide the dough in half if you double the recipe and are making two pies.

5) Flatten, pull, and toss the dough with your fingers and knuckles like a true Italian pizza maker. Feel free to shape your pizza round or rectangle. Place the pizza dough (with a little sprinkle of flour on the bottom) into an olive-oiled cast iron skillet or a stainless steel baking sheet. (If you wish, place parchment paper, or a silicone non-stick mat into your baking dish. I don't: A brush of olive oil on aluminum foil works for me.)

6) Add a thin layer of tomato sauce and your favorite toppings, such as onions, garlic, mushrooms, banana peppers, Jalapeño peppers, ham, pepperoni, sausage, fresh basil, plus mozzarella cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Also feel free to spice to taste with oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, or dried garlic.

Commercial pizza ovens get much hotter than a home oven. Whenever I attempt to duplicate the heat of a pizza parlor oven, the result is dry pizza, so I no longer try. For that reason, I don't turn my oven all the way up. Instead, I bake my pizza at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes, or until the dough is done. Delish!

Extra tips: Whole wheat flour works with this recipe too. (Yes, I went through that phase. But whole wheat changes the texture of the pizza dough) Now I mostly use all-purpose flour to make pizza (as well as, buttermilk biscuits). In moderation, it won't kill us. Bon appetito!

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Trust Fund Beauty

Photo: Trust Fund Beauty from Tumblr

The average person puts a ton of personal care products on their body in a given day. Ever worry about their safety? Many people look for non-toxic beauty products that are effective. That is to say, cosmetics without harmful chemicals, that are 100% vegan and not tested on animals.

Trust Fund Beauty is an indy brand that fits the need by offering creamy "Lipgasm" lipsticks with sassy names in vivid colors, as well as, provocatively named nail polish that is organic and cruelty free. They cost a bit more, but you have the assurance that the ingredients are clean, yet the quality of the makeup is good.

Lipsticks are $22 each while the nail polish costs $15 each, not an outrageous price for an organic line. (And too, when products are not mass produced, they tend to be more expensive.) You may be able to afford one, or two (sans a family trust fund :), plus think the higher cost is worth paying for clean ingredients. Select from an array of appealing colors!

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