Valentine's Day Is Soon

When there's snow on the ground and it's 16 degrees F outside, you stay indoors ... and think. 

Our next holiday, Valentine's Day, is less than a month away. So I did a small round up of sparkle. The ruby ring, diamond encrusted watch and heart neckless are wildly expensive, even separately, but a girl can dream. For those of you with a big budget, the ring is from Boodles, the watch from Chopard and the pendent from DeBeers. Thankfully, looking (and appreciating the glitter) is absolutely free.

Red is such a beautiful, vibrant color, so perfect to celebrate love and get us over the winter doldrums. 

Happy Early-Burly-Future Valentine's Day!♥

How will you celebrate?

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A Light Carrot Cake

Photo credit: judicialpeach.com

This weekend I baked a carrot cake. I don't understand why so many cake recipes call for so much fat and sugar. My carrot cake is light, yet moist, sweet and tasty. I didn't add additional fruit to the recipe, such as pineapple, applesauce, coconut or raisins, not that there's anything wrong with that, but sometimes a pure carrot cake flavor rules. I used the following ingredients:

Carrot Cake Light

Ingredients:

2 cups whole-wheat flour

1 cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

punch of ground clove

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 eggs

¾ cup buttermilk

¼ cup olive oil

1 ½ cups grated carrots (I use a food processor.)
1/3 cup of chopped walnuts

optional for an extra kick of flavor: 
 1 slice of fresh grated ginger

 10 turns of freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
1. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. 
2. Add the wet ingredients, one at a time and mix with an electric mixer.
3. Pour into a large greased loaf pan. (If you prefer a round cake, pour into 2-8 inch cake pans.)
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 - 45 minutes, or until the center is done. Test with a poker or toothpick.
5. Remove from the pan(s) and cool.

Eat plain or with a cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients: 
1-8 ounce package light cream cheese
1 cup powder sugar, or more to thicken
drops of skim milk (if needed)

Directions:
Mix the ingredients, in order, using an electric mixer and spread on the cake. Top with a ¼ cup chopped, oven toasted walnuts if you like.

There are lovely flakes of carrots in a slice. Looks very orange and healthy, no? It has a bit of  vitamin A, fiber and protein. So invite a friend over and enjoy!

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Wendy's Chili Is A Great Deal All Around

Photo: The Village Voice

There are times when you need to find some cheap eats. Wendy's chili, which is meaty, beany and tomatoey, fits the bill. It is filling, low in fat and (in my opinion) tastes as good as homemade. Rare is the day when you can eat a nutritious meal for two bucks (before tax). At Wendy's I order either a large chili, or a small serving and a baked potato. I like the saltine crackers and packet of hot seasoning too.

I miss Dave Thomas, the founder, former chairman and spokesperson of the fast food chain, who died in 2002. When you watched Dave in a Wendy's commericial, you sensed he was a caring man. Thomas never met his birth mother. As an infant he was adopted, but after turning 5, his adopted mother died, and later he had to drop out of high school to earn a living. He took jobs working in restaurants.

Wendy's was named after Thomas' then eight year old daughter. After becoming successful, Thomas became a well-known advocate for adoptions and education, raising lots of money for both causes. He wanted to give needy children (and young adults who like himself had dropped out of high school) a hand up. In 1993, to set a good example for kids, Thomas earned his GED.

After paying for my order, I like to drop a few coins in the charity box at the Wendy's cash register in honor of Dave Thomas, who overcame an imperfect childhood, become an entrepreneur and made a difference.

What's your favorite fast food?

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The Best Leggings, A Round-Up

Photos: published in Elle magazine

Just like denim jeans and a leather jacket, leggings are a wardrobe essential. They are casual smart. So comfortable and versatile, you can dress them up or down. Opaque leggings can be worn with a big shirt or sweater. Underneath a skirt or dress, they keep you toasty warm in the winter. Leggings are equally chic with ballet flats or boots; and they are great for traveling since they roll up and take up little space in a suitcase.

At one time, I loved Victoria's Secret's classic leggings. They were 92% cotton and 8% spandex, hit at the belly button and over the hips (so they stayed put!); plus they were fairly thick, opaque and dressy. They often sold for $15 on sale, so I always bought 10 pairs at a time. Moreover, they lasted through numerous machine washings. No longer available, I hope Victoria Secret brings their classic leggings back soon! Why mess with perfection? They have been replaced by their thinner and lower-waisted offspring: daily leggings and yoga leggings. 

The closest to VS's classic leggings today are the retailer's Pink label leggings; however, the wrinkle for some of us is, they are shorter with a 27-inch inseam.

So where can a lover of full-length-basic leggings turn to buy a decent pair? Leggings soft, opaque and thick enough to wear alone; are not shiny; or athletic looking ... leggings which flatter your legs and are warm in winter, but still thin enough to wear under a dress??

Here are my finds for the best basic leggings right now:

1. Victoria's Secret - From the Pink Shop  - 2 varieties: (a) the basic leggings - They are soft and fairly opaque. But as noted, they have a shorter 27-inch inseam. Cost: $19.50, or special - 2/$30. (b) Another choice, Pink's much loved yoga leggings - They are thicker and come in an assortment of colorful wide-waist-bands, but have a limited, 27 ½-inch inseam. (not to be confused with VS's daily and yoga leggings. Yes, it is confusing.) Cost: $34 - $49. 

For longer legged ladies who need a 32-inch or 34-inch inseam ... well, we'll just have to wait for VS to bring them back. Every season, VS seems to change their leggings, and frankly, it's not always an improvement.

2. Express sexy stretch leggings - At $29.90, they are affordable and feel like the old Victoria's Secret classic leggings. Jet black, thick, opaque, and soft with 95% cotton - 5% spandex. Express leggings come in several styles and lengths: cropped, ankle and full. Full length is 29 inches and ankle inches shorter. My # 1 pick: the perfect leggings: classy, slenderizing, sexy and cozy. They go on sale often, costing 40% less, thereby earning my blue ribbon - the best quality leggings at the best price!

3. Old Navy Jersey Elestric-Waist Leggings For Women - Also blue ribbon worthy, they are 87% cotton and 13% spandex. They are soft, opaque and durable. With a higher spandex percentage, they are warmer (than Express) in winter, yet still stylish and shapely. Often on sale for $15 and better in quality than leggings costing 2-3 times more.  Stock up!

4. American Apparel cotton spandex jersey leggings - Well-made; a choice of colors, prints and textures; soft, a comfortable cotton-spandex blend; durable. They are heavy enough to wear solo. Cost: $28.

5. Hue ultra leggings with wide waistband - Pricey, but fine basic leggings ... and they are definitely not thin or shiny. So you can pair them with shorter tops and wear them outside the gym. Cost: $34-$44 (depending on seller).

6. James Perce stretch jersey long leggings - I like them very much, but at $68 a pair, they are an investment. Personally, I hate paying so much for basics. I'd rather own several pairs of basics -- like leggings (socks or t-shirts) -- so I can carelessly machine wash and dry them many times over and not really think of them as an investment. But that's me. If a pair of James Perce leggings in my size landed on my desk, I'd be very happy. Who wouldn't?

Without a doubt, good quality leggings at affordable prices are harder to come by than years ago. So if you have a brand to recommend, please share under comments. Savvy Shoppers want to know! 

2021 Best Leggings Updated here.

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Phil Everly: January 19, 1939 - January 3, 2014

Photo: New York Times: Phil and Don Everly

A dash every fan dreads, but it inevitably comes. R.I.P. Mr. Phil Everly. Thank you for your sweet, perfect harmony and equally amazing solo voice.

In today's New York Times: "Paul Simon, whose song “Graceland” includes vocals by Phil and Don Everly, said in an email on Saturday morning: 'Phil and Don were the most beautiful sounding duo I ever heard. Both voices pristine and soulful. The Everlys were there at the crossroads of country and R&B. They witnessed and were part of the birth of rock and roll.'

'I loved them both,' Mr. Simon wrote. 'Phil was outgoing, gregarious and very funny. Don is quiet and introspective. When Simon and Garfunkel toured with the Everlys in 2003, Art and I would take the opportunity to learn about the roots of rock and roll from these two great historians. It was a pleasure to spend time in their company.'”

Paul McCartney and John Lennon worshipped them, as did Albert Lee, James Burton, the Hollies, Tim Rice, Neil Diamond, Tom Petty, Brian May (Queen) and rock and roll greats too numerous to mention.

Green Day's Billy Joe Armstrong (who along with Nora Jones put out an Everly Brothers' tribute album called "Foreverly" in November, 2013) wrote an essay for the Wall Street Journal about "The Dark Traditions of Phil Everly" and older brother, Don.

I have listened to their music since I was in a bassinet ... literally. My Dad played their records around the house. What a high standard they set. Their harmony was so sweet that children were undisturbed listening to tales of heartache, early death and murder.

From all accounts, Phil Everly was a gentle soul. To think, he is no longer with us ... there are no words, only sadness. It's a day many of us didn't want to come. There is no doubt that his memory and music will live on forever in his family, friends and fans.

Update, Sunday night: Read CBS Sunday Morning's Bill Flanagan's segment on the influence of the Everly Brothers.

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Happy New Year ... Western Skillet Eggs For Breakfast

Photo: Vanity Fair

A Very Happy New Year! 

Let's start the first day right with a nutritious breakfast. But after a night of celebration, one without too much fuss. One pan dishes keep the preparation and clean up easy-breezy. 

Here's a recipe I got from the Food Network. Feel free to make it your own, as I did, with ingredients you usually stock in your kitchen:

Western Skillet Eggs Baked In An Oven

Ingredients:

1/2 cup skim milk

Photo: Food Network Magazine

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
sea salt, to taste
punch of dried garlic
turns of the black pepper mill, to taste
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 large green pepper, sliced into sticks
1 large red pepper, sliced into sticks
punch of nutmeg
punch of fresh celery leaves
1 1/2 cups tomatoes, diced
4 ounces ham, diced
2 cups of whole grain bread, cut into bite sized pieces
2 teaspoons dried parsley, plus more for topping
8 large eggs

Directions:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine the milk, garlic, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste in a bowl and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet. Add the onion, bell peppers and celery leaves and saute 5 - 7 minutes until soften.
4. Next throw in the tomatoes, ham, bread, parsley and 1/4 cup of water and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. It only takes a few minutes. Season to taste.
5. Then turn off the heat and make 8 indentions in the bread mixture with a spoon or measuring cup. Crack your eggs into each indention.
6. Pour the set-aside, seasoned milk over the eggs.
7. Pop the omelet into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the eggs are set.
8. Top with parsley to make it pretty.

Serve with coffee and juice. Bon Appetit!

Photo: CNN

Wishing you a happy and healthy year ahead. As we begin another year in our ole imperfect world remember that a little kindness and generosity of spirit go a long way.

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Chocolate Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

Photo: Debra Turner via iphone

Don't start your diet yet because the next two blog posts will feature food. Christmas may have passed, but some of us are still celebrating, right up until New Year's Day. Par for the holiday course. Accept it.

This year I was a slacker when it came to baking cookies. I reasoned ... with the eggnog, chocolate candy and mulled apple cider (not to mention nuts and a few bakery cookies), did I really need to bake cookies too? Well, apparently, the answer is ''yes'' because I baked a batch.

Friends who live in the neighborhood went out of town for the holidays, leaving me the keys to their apartment. When I went over to check on things the first day, on their counter they left me a festive basket of fresh fruit and dark chocolate. Very thoughtful (and delectable) right?

So when they return tomorrow, they will find a batch of these cookies sitting in their kitchen (along with bags of white tea and chai tea, a surprise!). So you see, it is really is their fault that I baked them. The oatmeal gives the cookies a nice texture, and there are chocolate chips in every bite. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup peanut butter (if you leave pb out sometimes, add a tablespoon of liquid)

Photo: Dr. Oz Show

1/2 cup graduated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
1 large egg                                       
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of salt
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut (optional: I threw it in)
6-7 ounces chocolate chips (that's a package)

Directions:

1. Start by throwing the butter into a mixing bowl and microwave for 20 seconds to soften. 
2. Add the peanut butter. Mix together.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, one at a time, using an electric mixer to combine.
3. A full cup of oatmeal produces a drier (but still moist dough). Form into 1-inch balls and place on an oiled cookie sheet (or on parchment paper). I flatten them slightly.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes in a preheated 350-degree F oven. When done, cool for 2 minutes before removing the cookies from the pans. Let cool completely before storing in a container.

I have a feeling my friends will enjoy these cookies as much as I do. Naturally, I had to taste their deliciousness before offering them as a gift.

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THE SAVVY SHOPPER Wishes You A Merry Christmas

Christmas images from several magnificent Southern cities:

Downtown Louisville, Kentucky is named after Louis XVI, the French King who supported the American rebels against the British in the American Revolutionary War. His statue stands in front of the courthouse. "Old Louisville," located just South of downtown, has more Victorian, or Queen Anne homes than anywhere else in the USA.  (Photo: Free Wallpaper)

Washington DC: Here is this year's National Christmas tree and behind it, The Capitol. (Photo: The Washington Post)

Opryland's Winter Wonderland Christmas, Nashville, Tennessee. Ice sculpures of the King of kings, his family and more.

Graceland, home of another king, Elvis Presley, Memphis, Tennessee. He must be having a blUe, blUe, blue Christmas. (Photo: CMT)

It's time for some end of the year thoughts ...
  
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog and visiting our Facebook page. I know from the stats that we are a global community. We may live all over the world and celebrate various holidays, but we are one human community here. We may take different paths, but we are all trying to live a life of purpose and value. Our differences make the world an interesting place, and we are more alike then we sometimes acknowledge. In the end, we strive for the same things ... love, understanding, acceptance and a secure place to live and raise our families.

Whether you're traveling or staying home, warm wishes for peace and joy this holiday season and always.🌟

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

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Always stunningly beautiful at night. Come visit during the holidays.

While at Rock Plaza, turn around and look across the street (on Fifth Avenue) to see Saks' light and sound window display:

Watch for Yeti, the snow monster and holiday mascot of Saks, who makes an appearance.

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Should You Give Money As A Gift?

Photo: LiveAsAMom

Is it ever okay to give cold hard cash as a gift? Heck, yeah!! These are hard times for many people. The average person lives on a budget and can certainly use it. Cash is a much better gift when you truly don't know a person's tastes or needs. 

Why give a family member some useless item that will only take up space until it is donated to charity or regifted? (If you're a regifter be honest.)

I think the closer the relationship, the more appropriate it is to give cash. If you are distant, perhaps a gift certificate to a desirable retailer is less awkward. (Tips for service are another matter.)

If friends have a special need (like mounting bills due to illness), consider being their secret Santa, if you can afford it. That could avoid any embarrassment. 

Grandparents often give cash to their grandchildren, and I think it opens up an opportunity to teach kids a few lessons in money management. Have you noticed how much harder it is for kids to part with their own money then it is when you buy stuff for them? It's not uncommon for a child to be more deliberate when spending his own money. Having to consider a budget is good training for later in life. 

Toys and gadgets run on batteries, so I like to get them to think about those as part of the expense too. Batteries don't grow on trees either. Somebody has to buy them. As a rule of thumb, try not to add money to the Christmas, Hanukah or birthday sum, so a child can buy a more expensive gift; but if you must, cave on the batteries. You don't want your kid to end up in tears. Keep the lesson fun. 

If you're giving cash, you can still take the time to present it cleverly, if you wish. A money box with festive ribbons and bows is a darling idea. Be creative ... without damaging the money.

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Twelve Stocking Stuffers For The Twelve Days Of Christmas

Good things come in small packages ... small enough to fit inside a Christmas stocking. 

The perfect gift should: 1) meet a need, 2) satisfy a desire or 3) put a smile on a face. When you don't know what to buy for someone, just ask, "Will this gift make him or her happy?" A gift is a token. You want family and friends to feel appreciated.

With that criteria in mind, here are 12 Stocking Stuffers ... ideas for adults. Give one each day of Christmas, if you like:

1. Bling - Trust me, you can never go wrong by giving a woman jewelry ... for example gold post earrings and/or bracelets with sparkle: diamonds, rubies or sapphires. (Just saying ... for um no particular reason.)

2. Silk ties, or snazzy cuff links for him. He needs a few nice ones for grown up occasions when he must dress up.

3. A makeup palette in flattering colors for her -- if you're skilled at choosing them -- or a travel makeup brush set, if not.

4. A travel grooming kit, so toiletries are organized, compact and easy to throw into a suitcase.

5. Gift certificates to a friend's favorite store, so he can buy himself  that perfect gift, one he really likes. 

6. Batteries - Everybody needs batteries, not just during Christmas for new gadgets, but throughout the year. It's a super thoughtful gift!

7. Scented candles - Containing soothing essential-or-floral-fragrant-oils. Men and women alike love good quality candles and rooms illuminated by candlelight.

8. Goat milk soaps - Rich and moisturizing to care for winter skin.

9. A handy kitchen, or bar tool - One you know will make your giftee's life easier, like a lemon squeezer (for making margaritas), or an avocado slicer for making guacamole dip. Something practical you know your friend will love.

10. An assortment of warm, colorful socks.

11. A music mix of favorite tunes.

12. Favorite snacks: A Cajun-flavored nut mix (again just saying ... for um no particular reason😊, dried fruit and nuts, or a granola-dried fruit mix, and/or chocolate (everybody's favorite).

We have nine days left ...

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TIME's Person Of The Year

Who is it going to be? Any guesses? Oh, I wish it were THIS easy. I like it inside this red border.

TIME's Person Of the Year "profiles the person, group, idea or object" who for "better or worst" had the "greatest influence on events" in the past year. Dispite what many people think, it is a distinction, not an honor nor an award for goodness. For that reason, the distinction has gone to world leaders, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and inventors like Mark Zuckerberg, as well as, tyrants, Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin. The Person Of The Year is chosen by the editors of TIME magazine. TIME's managing editor (influenced by others -- namely, staff editors and corporate bosses) makes the final decision.

Editors are human, so the selection is arbitrary, but for the most part, TIME does a terrific job in making its decision. The one year, I might have differed is 2001: with Osama Bin Laden for Person Of the Year (not Rudolph Giuliani). I mean, we're still being searched every time we board a plane (and I lost my Olay lotion!) because of him.

Even "You" were TIME's Person Of theYear. In 2006 it went to individual content creators of the internet, i.e. all of us!

Now let's talk about the cover above ^.  Bright idea, right? Hey ... that was a rhetorical question. Be kind! There is no money in the blogging budget for lights or photo shop. And ... it is probably my only chance.

+++++++
UPDATE: December 11, 2013 - TIME's Person Of the Year is Pope Francis.

I was rooting for him. First of all, it's more interesting when the selection is a person. Secondly, P. Francis seems to be a people's pope and an excellect example of humility, who is making the Church mind its Ps & Qs. (Jesus was a carpenter, right? You go Francis!) So far, so good.

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Nursing A Cold

I rarely get sick, but came down with a head cold the day after Thanksgiving. I forgot what a nuisance having a cold is. 

December is such a busy time of the year. It is not the ideal time to get one ... nor to rest. Work picks up, there are gifts to buy, a few Christmas gatherings to attend, and I need my full energy to get everything done. But, I am trying to spend some evenings at home in order to get rid of the unwecome virus as soon as possible.

And, I am getting better. After a week, I'm breathing out of my nose again and haven't coughed once. No chest congestion, thank goodness, so I don't need an expectorant (a component in Robitussin) to break it up.

I don't know if anything has proven to shorten colds. I think the only ingredient scientists can agree upon is time. Regardless of what you do, it takes 14 days to get over a cold. Still, I am treating mine by doing the following:

1. Drinking fruit juice, including my delicious green smoothie.
2. Taking a multi-vitamin.
3. Consuming extra vitamin C and zinc.
4. Using a neti pot rinse (warm water, sea salt (without iodine) and a couple drops of tea tree oil). For the record, I hate putting ANYTHING up my nose, but the warm rinse seems to ease my unhappy nasal passages.  They have been very angry the last few days!
5. Enjoying a nightly rum hot toddy (consisting of 5 oz hot water, 1/2  lemon, honey to taste and about 3 caps of rum). The hot toddy seems to work like cough medicine. It soothes my throat and repertory system. Yes, that's my "for medicinal purposes only" story, and I'm sticking to it. Delish!!

So watch out holiday world ... I am on the mend.

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