Happy 7th Birthday To THE SAVVY SHOPPER

THE SAVVY SHOPPER turns 7 years old today! How time flies.

I began the THE SAVVY SHOPPER because seven years ago, the consumer magazine where I worked, was busy developing its online presence, and at the time I noticed that all newspapers and magazines were doing the exact same thing, so intuitively, I knew that anyone who wants to write would have to know about websites. How to learn? Start one.

What I didn't know was how important social media would become, and how the internet would effect print journalism. Seven years ago, Pinterest was still in its infancy. Instagram and Snapchat didn't exist. No one knew what to do with Google+. News, entertainment, fashion and beauty bloggers weren't prominent, and people (in error) still said "I twitter when they meant I tweet." 

How times change! For better or worse, now everybody is on the internet. Ordinary people have a platform. A voice. Content comes from everywhere. Publishing is quick and easy with the click of a button. Personally, I think the positives are many. The world has opened up.

Unwittingly, I created a job for myself. I love hearing from readers and fellow bloggers! I learn a great deal from you and take my responsibility to publish worthy, correct content very seriously.

At THE SAVVY SHOPPER, we are a global community. Thank YOU for enriching my world. And now, here's to another year of living, learning, writing and sharing.

Let's eat a cupcake in solidatory!
                   oxox

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My Favorite Oscar Gowns 2016

Click to enlarge - Getty photos

Although we still have a long Oscar night ahead of us, here are my quick picks of favorite red carpet gowns tonight. If I had to describe this year's look at the Academy Awards, it is pretty (as opposed to) drop dead, show stopping glamour. Tasteful without taking too many risks. Still the actors (and various spouses) look sharp!

I think the following gowns stand out: 1) Elisa Fisher in Marchesa; 2) Naomi Watts wearing Armani Prive; 3) Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture; 4) Game of Thrones's Sophie Turner in a Galvan; 5) Brie Larson wearing Gucci; and 6) Musician Dave Grohl's wife, Jordyn, in an unknown designer's lovely red dress.

Full disclosure: If a vivid blue dress is half-way flattering, I will always love it! I adore sapphire blue. 
Who would you add?  

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Walk The Walk With Modern Vice

Custom make your shoes: Leather, suade or snakeskin

Listen up shoe lovers: There's a one-of-a-kind shoe experience waiting for you in the heart of New York City's Garment District. Modern Vice, located at 247 West 38th Street, has a showroom, leather room, design studio, glass shoebox and factory on its premises. And, the manufacturer of  private label shoes gives tours!

Experience shoe making in person by taking a tour of the factory to watch experienced cobbers at work. On a visit, you can either buy shoes at factory direct prices from the showroom, or get fitted, select your own leathers and work with the designers to custom make your boots and shoes.

The experience is a throw back to another time. For a reasonable price, you get a handmade, quality shoe that is designed and stitched togther by people who have been making leather shoes for generations.

Wow, Modern Vice is the right name for this shoemaker! The private label shoes are chic, comfortable and affordable.

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Tex-Mex Taco Bowl Quick Meal

Photo: Debra Turner

Sometimes when I arrive home, I don't want to cook or wash lots of dishes, but I still want to eat a hot, healthy meal. So years ago I began making my version of a Tex-Mex Taco Bowl. A tortilla, or wrap is not something I usually stock at home (I'd have to go out to get it), so instead, I use brown rice. This quick and easy dish is a delicious mish-mash of textures and spicy goodness.

Debbie's Taco Bowl

Ingredients:

1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
1/2 cup of salsa (I like medium, or hot -- and chunky)

Photo: WiseGeek

1/4 cup diced raw onions
a protein: Choose one of the following: cubed tofu; cooked ground beef; diced ham, leftover and cubed beef, or chicken, etc.
1/2 to 1 cup beans, such as pinto, pink, kidney or black (Use what you have or like.) You can also open a can of refried beans.
sliced or shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings to taste: I use --
dried garlic powder
onion powder
cilantro, dried or fresh
sometimes a few snips of a jalapeño pepper
lettuce, shredded (and whatever crunchies you wish to add. Sometimes I use a portion of a bag of salad.)
1/3 - 1/2 of an avocado, sliced or diced (or guacamole, if you have it)
salt and pepper to taste
sprinkle of rosemary, parsley, dried celery

Directions:

1) Cook the brown rice according to the package directions: For one serving: 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice, 1/2 teaspoon salt; about 1 1/4 cups water goes into a pot. Cover with a lid. Bring the rice to a boil; reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until tender.

Photo: health.com

2) Transfer the hot, finished rice to a large soup bowl.
3) Top with the spicy salsa, raw onions, protein of choice, beans and slices of cheddar cheese.
4) Sprinkle on the seasonings to taste.
5) Microwave until the cheese melts and bubbles. About 2 - 3 minutes. Remove from the microwave.
6) Finally, top with the lettuce and avocado.
7) Optional: I sprinkle vinaigrette dressing on the lettuce and avocado.

The above ingredients are for one serving, if you have a huge appetite like me! Double the ingredients for two people. Triple for three, etc. The dinner has everything you need: protein, starch, vegetables, salad and flavor. Spear and mix with a fork and enjoy!

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Malani's Everyday Eyes Power Eyeshadow Collection

Let's say, you're about to take a trip. You don't want to pack tons of makeup, but still wish to have all the cosmetics you will need to look polished upon arriving at your destination. Here's a new palette to make it easier. Instead of bringing separate containers of shadows and highligthers, pick up Malani's Everyday Eyes Powder Eyeshadow Collection for $10 at the local drugstore. It has everything you need to contour, color and create endless, professional looks. The hues are coordinated to be mixed and matched effortlessly. They work together to create one-of-a-kind looks, which are gorgeous!

The Everyday Eyes Powder Eyeshadow Collection contains six richly pigmented shades, a step-by-step guide for how to achieve each look, and a duel-ended, professional brush.

I adore all beauty products, but especially love finding affordable options at the local drugstore that stand up to the luxe brands. Nowadays get quality and results without breaking the bank!

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Play-by-Play Complimentary Show Tickets

Photo: newnownext.com

One of New York City's best kept secrets is Play-by-Play, an organization that offers its subscribers a selection of unsold tickets to a variety of entertainment events. Events include Broadway, off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway shows, as well as, sports, music concerts, comedy clubs, lectures and special events. 

Here's how it works: Play-by-Play posts the day's available events to a website. Members log on to check availability and order tickets. They pay $115 per year for membership, then pay a $4.50 processing fee per ticket. With a single membership, a subscriber can order up to 2 tickets per show; a double membership costs $222 and gives a subscriber up to 4 tickets per show. The tickets are non-transferable. Only members of Play-by-Play can use them.

Photo: chicagotribune.com

It's a terrific deal all around. Producers get a full house of enthusiastic patrons, while members get to enjoy plays, concerts, operas, dance, comedy, lectures, sightseeing tours and more. If you live in New York City, it's an unbeatable value, but if you only visit the city during the year, a membership still pays for itself. One Broadway show, or Madison Square Garden concert will set you back more than the price of a Play-by-Play one year's membership.

Photo: www.fraunhofer.de

Not all the popular shows appear on Play-by-Play, but you'd be surprised at what does. Many Broadway shows get listed while in previews, or on a day when it is important for the house to be filled to capacity.

Play-by-Play is for people who enjoy all forms of entertainment. How else can you see a Broadway show, or Met's game complimentary, paying a small service fee? With a membership, you can take chances on entertainment, go out every night of the week, or see things you'd otherwise miss, all without emptying your bank account.

Often you pick up your tickets at the venue's box office. At other times, you meet a Play-by-Play representative, close to the theater. Although all the Play-by-Play reps I've met are fabulous, I sometimes wonder if an unknowing person who sees our transaction from across the street is mistaking the handoff of theater tickets in a white envelope for a drug deal going down. :)

Play-by-Play makes it very easy to see lots of plays and a variey of shows. It's an amazing site with a great staff!


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Happy Valentine's Day Pretties

Valentine's Day is fun for young and old alike! I first became aware of Valentine's Day in first grade. We glued red hearts on brown paper bags, then walked around the classroom dropping Valentine's cards, which we brought to school that morning, into the festive sacks of each of our classmates. As we were still learning to read, matching the correct names with the intented recipients was hit and miss. That evening I remember my parents going through my cards addressed to schoolmates with names like "Sammy," "George," and "Michael." 

My classmate, Sharon, received a card, but the giver had trouble spelling her last name, "Rhodes," which was misspelled and crossed out. No problem: Sharon "Streets" was substituted. Indeed, it's the thought that counts!

As adults the day is celebrated with all the goodies we still cherish, a heartfelt note, delicious dinner, good conversation and laughter.

Fine chocolate truffles often make an appearance on Valentine's Day. Men ... your mate never gets too old! And ladies, don't be above dropping a few chocolatey hints. It's hard to believe, but not everyone can read minds!

Moreover, every woman deserves to have a few nice pieces of jewelry from time to time. Valentine's Day is an idea time to give and get it.

On my way to work this week, I saw a pink hoodie hanging in a store window. "Love Everybody," was printed across the front of it. Indeed, THE SAVVY SHOPPER loves you!

♥Happy Valentine's Day my precious readers!♥

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Winterize Your Skin: Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream

Manuka honey is the healing ingredient.

Winter is rough on skin. My hands used to feel dry and chapped, my cuticles cracked, and the skin below my knees flaked off like dandruff. But not this winter.

Slathering on rich moisturiser all winter long, right now I'm using Alba Botanical Very Emollient Body Lotion Original Unscented, and it's making a difference.

For years I made the mistake of using lotions and creams that contain perfume. Freesia smelled great! Although my aim was to moisturize my skin, the perfume in the lotion was, in fact, drying it out. Essential oils are different. Although essential oils have fragrance, they are not drying when added to moisturizers, and certain essential oils go further to benefit the skin with healing and anti-aging properties.

Nowadays I'm always on the lookout for good skin care products. Choice is good for consumers.

At my local health food store, I stumbled upon another promising skin cream, Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream. It's more expensive than what I buy, but it has some ultra hydrating and therapeutic  ingredients. The balm contains essential oil of rosehip, peppermint, nutmeg, clove, black pepper and lavender; aloe vera; shea butter; oat flour; flower essence of oak, sunflower, pine and vervain. It also has Manuka honey (from New Zealand) which has anitbacterial properties. Manuka honey is used to heal damaged skin. 

The Advanced Healing Skin Cream is in the not cheap, but affordable catagory. Depending on how chapped and raw your skin is, it might be worth the price. You could also try adding essential oils and the honey in your cupboard (as all honey is antibacterial) to your present (perfumeless) skin lotion, until you can justify paying the piper. There's nothing wrong with adding the same beneficial ingredients of a quality formula to make a DIY skin potion for less!

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A Common Space: Budget Friendly Style

All Photos: A Common Place

A Common Space is another online boutique offering trendy, inexpensive, everyday  clothing. Launched in 2015, the company's mission is to help women "elevate" their personal style on a budget. Clicking the website's Clean Slate tab takes you to quite a few wearable $20 bargains.

The clothing is designed for comfort. There are a mix of styles: Some pieces have a retro influence, while other items are modern, and still other articles have an edgy flare.

Very cute accessories also! And, the e-store writes a blog where upon you get shop talk, styling tips and various lifestyle subjects, all of which are informative and fun to read.

A Common Space is where you will find on-trend fashion (and more) for alot less. Very worth a browse and re-visiting from time to time!

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New Beauty Products

Photos: Taken from each product's website put togther by THE SAVVY SHOPPER

Three new beauty products just hit the market, and I'm eager to try them:

1) Eminence Rosehip Triple C + E Firming Oil - Gravity is a powderful force. Will a face oil stop our jowls from going south? Doubtful, a fountain of youth doesn't exist. But, we do what we can to slow down the effects of gravity! Rosehip is rich in vitamin C, and vitamin C has anti-aging properties. Reportedly, vitamin E helps vitamin C work better. So rosehip (and the vitamin C it contrains) slows the breakdown of collegan and elastin, which is what gives the skin a youthful appearance. You can't stop from aging, but taking good care of your skin will let you look your best at every age. {It is pricey, so here are two cheaper equivalents: Deep Rosehip Facial Oil Serum and Organic Roship Carrier Oil.} 

2) Lancome Visionnaire Nuit Beauty Sleep Perfector - Don't we all want to grow more beautiful in our sleep? Of course we do! This is a gel that turns into an oil upon application. It contains ceramides to hydrate and adenosine to firm the skin. Moist, firm skin is the name of the game.

3) Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer - Except for plucking away a few strays, I pretty much neglect my eyebrows. This pencil allows us to fill in our brows to define them, then use the brush on the other end for a blended polished look. While nobody wants to look Joan Crawford severe today, well-defined-eyebrows frame the face and give it a more youthful appearance.

We never get too old to look our absolute best!

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Meet Modern Citizen

 
Modern Citizen is an online fashion label for young professionals; and in general, women who like everyday, casual-smart dressing. The dresses are elegant and well priced. They have a timeless quality, and you won't empty your wallet to buy one. For women on the go, the pieces are ultra flattering, comfortable and versatile. Think: Modern clothing for modern women!

The e-company is San Francisco based. It's founder, Jessica Lee, worked at GAP.com before starting the brand. The 29 year old aims to sell classic, wearable clothes and accessories that are still chic and affordable. In an interview with Levo, she describes her style as "elegant and understated, with a hint of irreverence." She, herself, shops for value.

Modern Citizen has customers in their 20s and up. As it happens, tasteful, budget-friendly clothing works for every age.

Choice is good, and now there's a new dapper kid in town. Hello Modern Citizen. How lovely getting to know you!

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Down-home Succulent Meatloaf

Photo: muscleforlife.com

Does a main dish exist that is more comforting, or down-home, succulent than meatloaf? I think most everyone grew up eating it. My Mother made a delicious meatloaf!

Once in an attempt to jazz up her recipe, Mom put two hard boiled eggs into the meatloaf only to hear my Dad ask her to turn the meatloaf away from his view, since it looked like the meatloaf was laying the eggs. As he explained, he grew up on a farm with chickens, so it wasn't a sight he cared to see at the dinner table. It was most unusual for my easy going Father to be critical of Mom's efforts. Frankly, I thought the boiled eggs were wacky too, however I genuinely felt sorry for her; and so was uncharacteristically quiet on this occasion. Poor Mom was too fancy and European for us! She took the high road, shrugging off our lack of appreciation. Mothers deserve a medal for cooking day-after-day for 30 years, often without a thank you!

Recently, I made a succulent meatloaf too. Allow me to share the recipe, so like you, I can return here to make it again:

Debbie's Meatloaf

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup Old Fashioned, or Quick oats
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
a generous squirt of spicy brown mustard
1 capful of cider vinegar
a sprinkle of Worcestershire sauce
seasonings to taste - I used:
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cilantro
a sprinkle of celery seeds
a sprinkle of parsley
a sprinkle of Italian seasonings
a dash of thyme
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
a few turns of the nutmeg mill
2 raw eggs

Directions: 

1) Mix the ground beef and ingredients together uniformly.
2) Shape into a loaf and flatten the top.
3) Place the loaf into a cast iron skillet brushed with olive oil.
4) Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

The lazy cook's sauce: Eat with ketchup. You can top the baked meatloaf with ketchup and return it to the hot oven for another 5 minutes, if you wish.

The more ambitious sauce: After you remove the meatloaf from the skillet, pour 12 ounces, or so of water into the pan, scrape the bottom particles, and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch (measure 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of water). Simmer over a medium flame while stirring until it thickens into a gravy. Spice to taste.

For a stick-to-your-ribs meal, serve with potatoes or rice, vegetables and a side salad.

As mentioned, this bottom meatloaf was rejected in our house. Perhaps your family is more sophisticated.

Photo: Anne Mehr

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The Perfect Diva Den

Pierre Cardin Attributed Bar Stool from Chairish

Just like a man, a woman needs a personal room, or "cave" to get away and relax! So Chairish, an online consignment marketplace for sellers and buyers of designer home goods, invited me to style a board, depicting the perfect Diva Den, and I'm happy to offer a few ideas.

 Whether your Diva Den is a small apartment, or cubbyhole within a big house, here are six helpful design tips:

1) In a room, empty space is as valuable as any object that fills it - So buy to fit the space. Spareness is good, while clutter (and crowding) is always bad. Don't buy anything that is too big or too small; and never, ever overbuy.
2) Surround yourself with beautiful furniture and objects you love - The pieces should make you happy.
3) Select articles that are practical, comfortable and multi-functional - If you do, you'll get lots of bang for the buck!
4) Be organized and tidy - Everything should have its place.
5) Don't be afraid to mix and match high-end with low-end home decor.
6) Remember to use vertical, as well as, horizontal space.

And now, for my style board of the perfect Diva Den ... imagine one room in a house, or a small apartment: I have mixed furniture from Chairish's website with a few inexpensive items:

  Southern Living Leather Sofa	Vintage Schatz Royal Mariner Eight Day Ship Cloak
Nerisa Chrome Crystal Flush Mount Chandelier- from Overstock.com	Altra Ladder Desk and Bookcase (also available in red) from Walmart.com

My favorite stools have soft upholstery with a supportive back (there are many like these on Chairish.com	 SUKI 2-4 Seat Black Folding Round Dinning Table from Habitat.co.uk.
   Brass Barstool With Blue Upholstered Seat	       Taylored Daybed with Bolster Cushions

As you can see, my Diva Den has lots of comfortable seats. (I mean, who plans to stand in a Woman's Cave? No one!) The daybed acts as a cozy sitting area, or place to snooze. Bar stools offer colorful accents, or a compact seat without taking up much space. While the chandelier adds good lighting to read and work, it's also a sparkling thing of beauty. Finally, my Diva Den is classic and modern. There is a mix of rich textures, soft upholstery, leather, pretty metal and warm wood, as well as, several pops of color. With nine pieces ... a lovely blend of comfort and style!

How would you design your Diva Den?

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