Emergency Kit For The Unexpected

Photo: Council member Ben Kallos's office

Last week I attended a Ready New York meeting in my neighborhood and received a NYC Emergency Management backpack with supplies as a gift for my attendance. Similar kits are sold on Amazon here. 

Although I'm far from an alarmist, as I've gotten older and experienced power outages, as well as, 9-11-01 and the threat of Hurricane Sandy, I see the value of owning an emergency kit. It should be light enough to carry on foot. Having a few basics until help arrives is worth the money. For this I wouldn't make my own kit. It needs to weigh as close to nothing as possible, plus contain the right emergency supplies. You can't buy the stuff separately for less.

Any go bag will do, but I prefer a backpack because you have all your supplies ready that you can grab, throw on your back and leave at a moment's notice. Without an emergency, you can just forget about it. However, don't borrow your go bag for other purposes, tempting as it might be.😊👗

My backpack came with a:

1) small first aide kit: bandages, anti-septic wipes, moist towelettes
2) lightweight flashlight with batteries
3) whistle
4) small battery operated radio with batteries
5) personal care items: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb (because a woman has her priorities.👸 Who wants to run around for days with wild-looking hair?)
6) notebook and pen in a waterproof, zip-lock plastic bag
7) emergency poncho
8) emergency blanket - a wind and waterproof one
9) dust mask

I will need to add: bottles of water; food like protein bars and packages of nuts; copies of my personal documents, such as my birth certificate, any important papers; phone charger; important contact numbers written on paper, map of New York City and any medicine I want to take. 

Look what else is coming with me: skin care products in sample sizes. I think there's mouthwash in there too. My skin will not dry up like a prune while I'm displaced.

I'm packing aspirin and migraine medicine, because having a headache with no pain treatment just might be the straw to break the camel's back in a natural, or man-made disaster. I don't need it! Moreover, should I see someone who looks like s/he is having a heart attack (stress!), my aspirin might save a life!! I've got your back, stranger! That's what preparing for the unexpected is all about, right? Let's not lose our humanity in stressful circumstances.

I'd also suggest taking a book to read, or something to help pass time. Make sure you have money in small bills, as well as, your credit card, house and car keys. If you leave by car, I'd get a device to break a car window should you get stuck in your car and can't open the door. For about $5, every car should have one. After you free yourself, grab your emergency go bag and get out of there!

My meeting offered smart advice: Get ready for emergencies. Have a plan. Be prepared, then enjoy peace of mind. Thank you, New York City. Lesson learned.

Aside from pets and family, is there anything you would absolutely need to bring with you in an emergency?

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Uniqlo U Is Here

WOMEN U 3D MERINO RIBBED MOCK NECK LONG-SLEEVE DRESS

In the 1980s lots of women walked the streets of Manhattan in mink coats. Rarely do I see mink coats anymore. It's not the status symbol it once was; and now we can buy stylish alternatives to keep us as warm as mink for much less.

Next week Uniqlo will launch Uniqlo U, their HEATTECH Ultra collection. This winter collection is designed to be their warmest HEATTECH clothing yet, providing strong protection against extreme cold. The men's and women's wear will include coats, jackets, hoodies, dresses, skirts, t-shirts, tights, leggings and trousers.

WOMEN U A-LINE LONG-SLEEVE DRESS

Uniqlo U was created by (the Paris Atelier) artistic director, Christophe Lamaire, who worked with a team of international designers. The goal was to make basics functional, stylish and ultra warm. The designers used advanced fabrics and cutting edge techniques, plus threw in a contemporary eye.

MEN U MERINO-BLEND BOAT NECK LONG-SLEEVE SWEATER

The Uniqlo U collection reinvents basics, making them fashion-forward and more practical. The pieces are meant to comfort and flatter the body. You get supportive textile with smart details; everyday basics with softness, simplicity and (did I mention) warmth.

WOMEN U WOOL-BLEND SWEATSHIRT 3/4 SLEEVE DRESS

Clothing that is right up THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S alley -- a way to stay warm in ultra cold temperatures, which is kinder to both your wallet and little-fur-ball critters. I can't wait to see and feel the new Uniqlo U line! Preview it here October 5th.

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Tomato Soup With A Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Photo: HardCider International

Tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich go hand in hand anytime, but especially as we begin the fall season. Make your tomato soup from scratch, and you will never go back to eating can soup. Here's a fast and easy recipe:

Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1 carrot, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
32 ounces tomato juice
28 ounce can of either plum tomatoes, cut into chunks; or crushed tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes make an excellent tomato soup. Use what you have in stock.
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large (or 4 small) bouillon cubes - any flavor
1 cup leftover red wine (or port or sherry)
12  ounce can of evaporated milk (Yes, you can use 2% milk, or whole milk, or cream. The more fat, the creamier the soup.)

Season to taste: (No salt needed.) I use ground pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, a bay left, Worcestershire sauce and Herbes de Provence, about 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Fresh chopped basil when I have it.

Note: If you grow your own tomatoes (lucky you to have a sunny backyard!), you can simmer about 4 pounds of them (add a little water and salt and pepper) for about 1/2 hour. Let cool and puree in a blender. No fresh tomatoes? Canned tomatoes are an excellent choice too!

Directions:

1) Sauté the onion, celery and carrot in butter, or olive oil. When nearly tender, toss in minced garlic. Cook a few more minutes.

2) Pour in the tomato juice and canned plum tomatoes.

3) Stir in a tablespoon of sugar and the bouillon cubes.

4) Next add the red wine (port or sherry), followed by evaporated milk.

5) Season the soup to taste. Omit salt as bouillon cubes are salty.

6) Bring the soup to a boil. Cover with a lid. Simmer for about 5 minutes, lift the lip and stir it every few minutes, and you are ready to eat.

🍴 🍷 🍴 🍞 🍴 🧀 🍴

To raise money for charity, I once made grilled cheese sandwiches on a food truck. It was a fun day! I learned the chef's secret ingredient for achieving the perfect crust. And since it is an open secret, I will share it below.

Photo: The Today Show

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:

Slices of sharp cheddar
2 slices of whole grain bread. Use whatever you like: whole wheat, rye, or multi-grain (You could make a grilled Swiss cheese on rye bread, if you wish.)
mayonnaise
butter

Directions:

1) Stuff 2 slices of bread with sliced sharp cheddar cheese.

2) Spread the outside of each piece of bread with a thin layer of mayonnaise, the food truck's secret ingredient.

3) Grill both sides in a lightly buttered pan (for extra flavor) until golden brown (or you could spread a pad of butter on the inside of the bread, next to the cheese. Works too!) The mayonnaise produces a golden brown crust. 

Cheesy, buttery, tangy goodness grilled to perfection! When a chill is in the air, warm tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich is delicious comfort food!


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Shelf Helpers To Organize

Psst ... you. Yes, you! Take a look in my cupboard.

Once started, I enjoy organizing my home. In an effort to prevent clutter I: 

• Try not to buy unnecessary things; 
• Get rid of things I don't use; and 
• Make sure every thing has a home.

It can be challenging. Whether we live in a big, or small space, we need an abundance of stuff to cook; clean; groom ourselves; and entertain visitors. If you think about it, even a minimalist uses lots of items, tools and gizmos to maintain person and home.

Especially in a small space, it is important to consider how you will store the things you plan to buy. This seems like common sense, but when walking into a store, there are aisles of beautiful, but impractical (for your space) temptations! Whenever possible I buy compact appliances like a kitchen hand held mixer (not a countertop mixer); a laptop computer (not a desktop); and an upright vacuum cleaner (not a canister model). Sans the mass, compact tools do their jobs like their Cadillac siblings. 

Fortunately in my small Manhattan apartment, I have cupboards (some New Yorkers don't!), but I still have to get everything in there. Shelf helpers do the trick! (Please don't judge. I have not found a way to live without plastic storage food containers: Unlike glass storage containers, plastic is easy to stack in a limited space and doesn't break when falling over. I never, ever microwave food in them. But I digress.) Back to putting things in order ...

Here are a few helpful organizing tips:

1) Take everything out of a cupboard, then return things, placing the stuff you use daily in front at your fingertips.

2) Don't buy expensive organizers. Get rid of stuff instead! Shelf helpers, at $4 - $6 each, are a cheap, unbeatable tool for organizing essentials -- the things you must keep to make your life easier; happier; or better.

3) About size: Medium and small shelf helpers fit better. The large ones take up too much valuable space inside the cupboard. Often they work for outside areas like counter tops.

4) Usually grouping "alikes": cups; plates; wine glasses; or gadgets together is the best system. If you store small footprint items in front, they won't interfere with grabbing bigger items in the back. As much as possible, I try to avoid the need to move things in order to seize other things. It's annoying to have a job (i.e. move stuff) before you do a job (take out a plate). Organize your things in smart ways to save steps!

A shelf helper separates (and stabilizes) dishes and other things, giving them their own home. Not only do shelf helpers organize horizontal space, they let you use vertical space!

In the top photo: The (12) red, goose, china cups and red plate/platter are Christmas dishes. In hindsight, I would not buy once-a-year festive dishes. They take up too much real estate! Moreover, there are a few possessions in the cupboard I never use ... yet am slow to give away as they are gifts. But one day the never-use-articles will have to go!

Extra Tips: Put self helpers (1) in the back of your clothes closet, on the floor to create an extra level for lining up your shoes, as well as, (2) under a bathroom sink to neatly stash a few cleaning supplies. These organizers don't need to stay in your kitchen and will fit tight spaces elsewhere in your house. Finally, (3) be mindful of overconsumption; and try to limit the things you bring into your home. Get into the habit of buying enough. Less is better!

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The Urban Cowboy Look

Attention City Slickers: Urban Cowboy (or Cowgirl) fashion is hot this fall. Here's Annie Sui's adorable silk printed take exclusively designed for Macy's. The kaleidoscope pattern is reminiscent of a bandana. A split neckline with a (pullover) smock silhouette and bell sleeves are cute details. With a ladylike crochet trim at the bib and bottom of the dress. It's understated enough to outlast the trend. Simply remove the cowboy inspired boots and voila ...🤠 how versatile!

Kick the cowboy fad up a notch with Needle & Thread's Posy dress. With fringes at the bib and bottom of the dress, the sleeves are slender, and the body a colorful, floral, embroidered mesh. Ultra sophisticated. Style the dress up or down with cowboy boots, comfort booties, or high heels. You can wait for this dress to go on sale, or be inspired by it!

Manhattan's Space Cowboy Boots on Mulberry Street (between Spring and Prince) is the real deal for men's and women's cowboy boots and accessories, including Plainsmen hats and western belts with buckles. The leather articles are handmade by skilled cordwainers and gorgeous! The Floral Noir boots are a favorite. (Oh, noo, don't I have enough boots already?) Be still my western heart!💓

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L'Oreal's Infallible Makeup Goes to Paradise

L'Oreal is stepping up its makeup line just like competitor, Maybelline. Now you have another drugstore brand, which gives you luxe quality for less. The moola💰 stays in your wallet ... without compromises!

Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara - is "the bomb," according to Angie, THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S cosmetic-she-devil friend.😈 That gal loves eye makeup and gets me to buy more than I would on my own. The Lash Paradise mascara has a soft wavy bristle brush to create feathery, soft, full eyelashes. With even stokes, create voluptuous volume and length. Top-notch lasting pigments to boot.

Another new product to try is L'Oréal Paris Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner - With a pen to draw perfect lines every time, the color lasts all day without smudging or running.

Personally I use L'Ordeal's Revitalift Miracle Blur, then skip foundation altogether, but Ang calls L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation "amazballs." Both items have sun protection, which is our skin's most essential anti-aging tool. Apply it every morning of the year. These 2-in-1 products are smart.

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation makes everybody's best new product's list across America and Canada. Lightweight and creamy, this long lasting foundation gives customers a radiant finish with all day moisture. It goes on rich and natural without ever looking heavy or cakey.

So 3 new products and one old standby to add to your beauty arsenal, my Pretty Readers. Along with retailer Maybelline, L'Oreal Paris is the bomb of quality ... a gold standard at drugstore prices.💛



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Angel's Envy In The Tradition Of Kentucky Bourbon

Last night I had a rare chance to meet Wes Henderson, who came to New York City to promote Angel's Envy, a Kentucky bourbon created by his father, Lincoln Henderson (an early inductee of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame). Over a nearly 40 year career, Lincoln developed esteemed bourbon brands, such as Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack before striking out on his own. The family run distillery sits on Main Street in Louisville, Kentucky. If you visit, be sure to book a free tour to see how bourbon is made.

Angel's Envy was creator, Lincoln Henderson's only independent project; and many connoisseurs in the bourbon world say, it is his best. Angel's Envy is a small batch bourbon. Only 8 to 10 barrels are blended at a time. Each batch is tasted for quality control.

Once a year the company releases a limited edition brew. Look for the Angel Envy's label: Cask Strength Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels. Called ''the best spirit in the world" by Spirit Journal, there will only be 8,000 bottles of it produced and available, starting on October 1, 2017.

Cheap it isn't, but definitely worth the splurge for a taste, as Angel's Envy Cask Strength Bourbon is perfection to sip. At 124.5 proof, the bourbon is ultra smooth. Wes Henderson suggests sipping the bourbon straight up, or with a slash of water to release its flavor nuances. Every year this limited edition batch will taste different. This year the special brew has subtle notes of cherry, caramel, chocolate and a shading of cinnamon. (The favor is complex, listed on the website in detail.) A sip bathes your throat in warmth. At last night's launch, a number of people familiar with previous vintages agree, the 2017 Cask Strength Bourbon is their favorite.

But if you're not lucky enough to snatch up a bottle of the limited edition bourbon, you can try one of the two finishes that sell all year around: 1) Angel's Envy Finished Rye; or 2) Angel's Envy Finished Port. Each has unique notes of their own.

Photo: adventureinwhisky.com

By browsing Angel's Envy's website, you can learn more about the tradition of bourbon making and what gives a fine bourbon its flavor. Don't be afraid to expand your taste horizons!


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Turning Leftover Chicken Into A Casserole

The food stylist took the day off, so this didn't make the center of the plate. Oh that's right, THE SAVVY SHOPPER doesn't have a food stylist. (Plus, my phone takes yellow pictures, which is why this is a writing, not a photo blog.) Fortunately the casserole tastes the same. Delicious.😊 

My supermarkets run sales on roast chicken so often, I rarely bake a chicken anymore. The price of a whole chicken (whether raw or a roast) is about the same; therefore, I let Key Food, or C-town do the work. I come home with hot roast chicken ready to eat!

Leftovers are turned into chicken salad, or sandwiches. Last night I turned the leftovers into a chicken casserole. It was my first time making a casserole of any kind; and it was tasty. I used ingredients in the refrigerator that had to go! So feel free to vary the vegetables. Look to my recipe below as a guide. (I doubt I will use avocado the next time I make the dish, if the avocado is fresh and soft to eat with salsa. I had an avocado, which never ripened, so I decided to bake it in my casserole.) If you don't have leftover chicken, you can grill 2-3 chicken breasts in a pan before you start:

Chicken and Quinoa Casserole

Ingredients:

1 cup dried quinoa (Any grain [rice, millet, etc.] can be substituted.)
1/2 water
leftover whole chicken (or 2-3 chicken breasts), cooked and cubed
16 ounce package frozen broccoli florets
5-6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, cubed
3 carrots, sliced thin
2 cups milk
2 large chicken bouillon cubes (or 4 small)
1/2 cup flour
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 Parmesan cheese
cooking spray, or olive oil (I use the olive oil.)

Optional: avocado, cubed

Spices to taste: I use salt (taste test first, since some brands of bouillon have plenty of salt), black pepper, red pepper flakes; dried celery powder, dried garlic powder, dried onion powder, rosemary, basil, Herbes de Provence, a few turns of a nutmeg mill and Worcestershire sauce.

Directions:

1) Brush you casserole pan with olive oil (or use cooking spray). Spread the quinoa on the bottom of the pan, and pour about 1/2 cup of water on top of it to soak up. Let the uncooked quinoa absorb the water while you prepare the other ingredients. The water will enable the quinoa to cook during baking. If left dry, it will not get tender. (Some cooks raise quinoa, instead, but I can't be bothered.😏)

2) Next layer with the cubed chicken, broccoli florets, minced garlic, and the vegetables you are using. Season to taste.

3) Make a white sauce in a sauce pan on your stove top by

combining 2 cups of milk with 1/2 cup of flour and the chicken bouillon cubes. Whisk while the mixture heats, then simmers over a medium flame. It will thicken in about 5 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. After the white sauce thickens, pour it over the chicken, spices and vegetables.

4) Top with sliced, or shredded sharp cheddar cheese; and sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese. I like the green of dried parsley sprinkled on top as a last step.

5) Bake in the oven at 350 F degrees for about 40 minutes.

I love one pot meals! A mesh-mash of healthy and cheesy ingredients that stick to the ribs with an easy-breezy clean up of one pan. Heck yeah! Grab a fork. Bon appétit, friends!


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DIY Cork Bulletin Board

Recently I mentioned to a neighbor I wanted to make a cork bulletin board, but it would take me forever to collect all the corks needed to complete it. He drinks wine, so I joked he should save all his corks for me. Well, low and behold ... 4 months later he handed me a bag of corks. What a good boy he is!! He got me started.

I gathered the the first row of corks, myself, by attending 2 wine receptions. At each reception, I asked my waiter for a glass of Pinot and all his corks.😄 My benefactor's corks got the board 3/4 of the way done.

Next I visited a nearby wine shop and Mexican restaurant, where I picked up the balance of the corks to finish the bulletin board. 

Truthfully, I have no freaking idea what I'm doing, but when has that ever stopped me?😳 So far, I am using materials I have at home: 1) A trimmed side of a shipping box as a backing; 2) Elmer's glue; 3) and I don't know what to do for a frame yet. Do you like the cork board frameless? 

Someone set a clean, flawless block of wood out in the trash. It would be perfect, if I had tools and the skills to cut the wood into a frame. I do not. Alas, I have to let the wood go.

If you are inspired to make a cork bulletin board know: A sturdy card board box as a back and Elmer's glue work fine. Not only did I glue the corks to the card board backing, I glued the tops, bottoms and sides of the corks to one another for extra adhesive strength. I then laid a stack of books on the bulletin board for several days while the glue dried. After drying, those corks are staying put!

You will notice the corks are light and dark shades. I dispersed the different shades, as opposed to, gluing lights, or darks in a clump of sameness. Dispersing the shades look appealing! A few synthetic corks aren't spoilers. It also helps if the corks are mostly the same size, though they won't all be, and I suppose, the imperfections add to the charm of a DYI project.

Also, decide on a pattern before you start. I played with a few ideas, laying a couple of rows down unglued before I committed. Visualizing what you intend to do (i.e. having a plan) is a must. Next, have patience and fun in creating. If you are more crafty than I am, go for it ... design away!

It took an entire bottle of glue to finish the cork board. Luckily, I bought Elmer's glue when my local drugstore offered a 2 for 1 sale. So my new bulletin board cost me nothing in dollars and cents to make and very little time. Plus, the rows-of-corks as a bulletin board are lovely, right?

My 2nd cork board using an old frame. Got it for $2 at Housing Works,  a thrift store.

If you have an old frame at home, you could start with it. Toss the glass (or reverse it as a layer of support inside the frame). Glue your corks on the inside backing (usually it's card board), so the cork side looks out (like a photo would), minus the glass. Likely, fitting the corks to a ready-made-structure is easier than finding a frame after the work is done. Hey, my first effort ... I didn't know what I was doing. Am I Frank Lloyd Wright? Nooo.


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