Jambalaya Made Easy

Photo: Kiss 99.9 FM

Let me begin by saying I love spicy food and one-day will visit New Orleans where I aim to eat my way across the city and meet the warm, wonderful people. Of course, I will take in the culture, music and history too. To be sure, it's on my bucket list!

Meanwhile, I'm delighted by a chance to make an authentic pot of Jambalaya and King Cake Cupcakes at home in New York City. Zatarain's, the food and spice company, as well as, a New Orleans' tradition since 1889, sent me the food items I need to make real Cajun/Creole cuisine from scratch! As I write, it's cooking on the stove and baking in the oven, and I can't wait to eat dinner tonight!! Smells delicious! 

Here's what I received in my box: 

1) Rice Dinner Mix; 2) Creole Seasoning; 3) Cajun Hot Sauce; 4) Creole Mustard

5) Crab Boil Complete Mix; 6) Root Beer Concentrate -- Available at Walmart, Amazon and many supermarkets. Tasty and inexpensive, spices are also healthy!

Did you know that Zatarain's is famous for their root beer? Root beer concentrate is used as an ingredient to make King Cake frosting. By tradition, a tiny figurine of a baby is baked into a King Cake. The person who finds the baby in their piece of cake provides the King Cake next time. I bet it brings luck too!

Here's a Zatarain's tutorial on all things Jambalaya. After serving tonight's dinner, I plan to make the many other recipes found on Zatarain's website, a handy resource. The Creole seasoning is a convenient mix to add zest to stews, soups and vegetables. A scroll through this blog demonstrates just how up THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S alley this opportunity to cook Cajun/Creole dishes is.

Eating real food, plus cooking and baking at home can be simple. I love the ease of one-pot, yet delicious and nutritious dinners as well as, the spirit of gathering family and friends together over a meal. Gabbing and catching up. What better way to celebrate?

Thank you, Zatarains's for sending the flavor of New Orleans into my home. My first attempt at preparing Jambalaya and King Cake in my own kitchen made easy. The cupcake idea is brilliant!

Happy Mardi Gras ... y'all! Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler.

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The Best Time To Buy A Mattress Is?

Photo: Matresses Direct

Right now, as it turns out! Across America, new mattress styles launch in March, so retailers put last year's stock on sale to make room for new inventory. Price-cuts run from the end of January through February.

As happens, a spot in my mattress began to sag. Likely I could have slept on my old mattress longer as it wasn't lumpy or causing me to wake up stiff, etc. But I knew it was only a matter of time. What if the sinking grew worst after the sales? So I took the plunge.

I went to 4 merchants and looked online. Oh, buying a mattress is a racket. Different style names used by each retailer for the same mattress makes comparing prices difficult! But after you decide on what type of mattress (coil vs. memory foam vs. latex vs. hybrid, plus the degree of firmness) you get a better sense.

After I visited stores to test a few mattresses I was sure I wanted to stick with a traditional wrapped coil mattress and I like a firm mattress. I also took note of the coil count just to grab onto something to make price comparisons between the same brand easier when going between stores.

How firm a mattress to buy depends on the type of sleeper you are. Back and stomach sleepers tend to prefer firm while side sleepers like a softer mattress for the comfort of their shoulders and hips. Ultimately, get whatever feels best to you! I ended up with an extra firm mattress after finding that while the extra firm is, indeed, a firm mattress, it is not hard. The cushion firm version has 2-inches of extra padding and costs $100 more, but to me wasn't more comfortable, only softer and higher. The advice is to lay on a mattress for 15 minutes to determine how you will like sleeping on it. What helped me the most was mattress hopping once I narrowed my selection down to 4 display mattresses.

For American readers the 4 mattresses I like best are made by the following manufacturers: Beautyrest (extra firm and luxury firm), Home Collection (ultra firm) and Stern & Foster (ultra firm). HC and S&F were the most expensive. By a lot! Although not as pricey, Beautyrest makes an excellent mattress. In business since 1931, it doesn't cut corners: Equipped with good coils, box spring, fabric and support; and well made. Therefore, I bought a Beautyrest extra firm mattress.

After selecting a mattress, you may wonder if you should also buy the box spring. My suggestion: Buy only what you need. However, as I said buying a mattress is a bit of a racket, so for me buying a complete set -- mattress and box spring -- was only a few dollars more than buying a mattress alone. This is Manhattan, so buying only a mattress kicked in an $85 delivery fee. (The box spring added only $119 to the cost of the mattress and free delivery. See what I mean? It's splitting hairs.) You will be told that buying only a mattress cancels the manufacturer's guarantee. But read the fine print: It is not always true. Buy out of necessity, not out of fear if it means saving big bucks.

I find the Mattresses in a Box quite comfortable but stuck with what I am used to sleeping on. My research suggests that the Mattress in a Box (a medium firm foam mattress) won't last as long as a coil/box spring combination, but they cost much less too, so if you don't mind going through this mattress buying process again a bit sooner, they are supportive and not a bad mattress choice.

Furthermore, Macy's has the best selection and prices on mattresses across the board. The store's free White Glove Delivery is awesome too. With a two-hour window, the deliverymen came on time and did more than I expected: vacuumed the bed space, dusted my frame, unwrapped and slid the mattress and box spring into their protectors and laid each on the bed frame. In no time flat! Also vital: In my experience, Macy's will make something right that goes wrong after a sale.

Buying a mattress takes a big bite out of a budget. Still, after the sticker shock wears off, I recommend buying mattress and box spring protectors. They keep out water, dust mites and bed bugs. (This is Manhattan. OMG Bedbugs!? I'm terrified!!) I got all cotton, quilted protectors for $65 total at Bed, Bath and Beyond, an excellent price. (Use your 20% coupons.) If possible avoid the enclosures with polyurethane, a plastic interior coating because over time the coating disintegrates into a big mess. In addition, I layer on top a mattress pad that I can remove and wash, saving me the hassle of sliding the mattress out of its encasement to wash often.

Another consideration if you like a firm mattress: Most mattresses get softer within 6 months. So you may want to order extra firm like I did.

While breaking in your mattress, feel free to buy a cheap foam topper. I used one the first few days but decided I don't need it. My new mattress has enough padding for comfort. But everybody is different. 

Selecting a new mattress is exhausting. After the job is done you will need a rest ... hopefully on the right mattress for you!

Extra tips: 

1) Mattresses today are higher than years ago (12-15 inches vs 7-10 inches). I didn't consider this when I chose a standard profile (9") instead of a low profile (5") box spring. So my new bed sits higher than my old one but not too high to go with my furniture. But phew, I don't have an inch to spare. So perhaps measure your nightstand to avoid "the princess and the pea" effect as a return is an expensive mistake! 

2) Turn your mattress every 3 months  -- head becomes feet and feet become head -- to extend its life by years. Nowadays new mattresses are upholstered on one side only and constructed (we are told) to make flipping over unnecessary. Call me skeptical, but do they last as long, really? Tick-tock, time will tell.


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About Morganite

Photo: DonGuennie (G-Empire The World Of Gems)

I don't need to own lots of fine jewelry to love it. Jewelry is one area of a department store where I might browse. Fortunately, I have the willpower to look without buying, just like when walking through a museum, I know I won't be taking a van Gogh home. Looking at cases of sparklers is fun!

All featured rings from Macy's

A few months ago, a Macy's sales associate mentioned a gem, morganite, I have never heard of as one of her favorites. Now I'm learning it's a popular engagement ring choice. I wonder how it is I got to my age without knowing what morganite is? Learning something new daily!

It turns out, morganite is a pink beryl -- a mineral compound consisting of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate. The beryl family of rocks includes emeralds and aquamarines also. Morganite is valued for its pretty pink hue and relative hardness. On the Mohs 10-Hardness Scale, diamonds rate a 10 while morganites are a 7.5-8. So they are considered durable enough for a ring setting, yet softer than diamonds, sapphires and rubies.

Morganite was discovered on the coast of Madagascar in 1910 and named after robber baron/banker J. P. Morgan. The stone ranges from a rare light pink to peach and rose-colored. Orange-yellow flashes can also occur in it. Often morganite is heat treated to enhance the pink color and remove the orange.

Photo: Gemstones on YT

Morganites are lovely in rose gold settings, which is likely why engaged couples are drawn to select it. Although a wearer can't be as careless with it as a diamond (as morganite stretches easier), a morganite costs less (at about $300 per carat vs $1,000+ per carat for diamonds). Certainly, it is cheaper to replace a morganite after 20 years of daily wear. That said, it's wise not to wear any rings while doing manual labor. A diamond will stretch too, as will the gold medal!

Ahh, Mother Nature produces exquisite beauty, and human artistry improves it. A piece of jewelry is Mother Nature aided by a human hand. Billions of years of rock formation cleaned, cut and set into a lovely design.

Did you know of morganites before stopping here today?

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Maybelline Total Temptation

Maybelline launches its new spring colors. The name of the collection, Total Temptation™ says it all. So, let the seduction begin: As consumers, we don't stand a chance! Because. The quality and colors of the makeup are very high-end. At $12 or less, the cost of each individual item is unbeatable ... and enticing. We want.😍We need.🙃We want!🙏 The collection includes:

1) Total Temptation™Eyeshadow + Highlight Palette - It's an all-in-one set of shadow and highlighter shades to define the eyes and kiss the cheeks. Contains 8 eyeshadows and 2 cheek highlighters for a glamorous, yet natural look.

2) Total Temptation™Washable Mascara - The formula and brush build soft, full lash volume. The mascara is whipped and infused with coconut extract and comes in 3 shades of black: Blackest Black, Brownest Black and Very Black. Make-up maven and friend of THE SAVVY SHOPPER, Angie Smith, says, it's the best Maybelline mascara yet! Thumbs up!

3) Total Temptation™Eyebrow Definer - The pencil crayon end is as smooth as silk with a teardrop-shaped applicator to fill in brows. Brush them with the other end for a fuller yet natural finish. Available in 4 shades from blondish to deeper browns.

 Extra tip: To avoid looking harsh (like classic actress Joan Crawford), go a shade or 2 lighter than your hair. Exception: You hair is white, then you have to go a shade darker.)

Oh Maybelline, lead me not into temptation again! As I can find it all by myself in the drugstore (or Bed, Bath & Beyond) makeup aisle.


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MD Complete Skincare Is Dermatologist Level

MD Complete is advertised as skincare made simple ... indeed, it is. The preparations are mixed to deliver "dermatologist level" results. The high concentrated ingredients are reported to be active, potent, multitasking, effective and long-lasting. And based on ingredients, the claims are true. 

There are 2 formulas: the green label treats acne, and the blue label combats the effects of aging.

The items are sold separately, but the kits tend to be the best value. As an example for anti-aging: the New Wrinkle & Radiance Trio helps to erase lines and wrinkles, as well as, improve skin tone.

Here's what you get in the kit: 

Step 1) is the Eye Wrinkle Corrector - A pea size amount has retinol and peptides to improve the look of crow's feet and fine lines. Step 2) is the Retinol Vitamin C Concentrate - to nourish, hydrate and moisturize the skin. Step 3) is a Wrinkle & Radiance Remedy - Apply 1-2 pumps of active ingredient Tretinoin .025, a retinol used to increase cell turnover and speed up the production of collagen. The cost of the trio is $69; however, with deals for new customers, I paid about $62. (It works out to $20.33 for each product, which is a great price for high concentrations of anti-aging ingredients.) Definitely look for coupons before ordering.

Here's the nub: MD Complete skincare is excellent, like The Ordinary brand but costs a bit more. What is good (and bad) about the line is: MD Complete does the work for you by combining ingredients to address your skin issues. You only have to know what you want to treat ... be it: acne, aging, or rosacea, etc. With The Ordinary, you need to study their website to learn which ingredients are right for the problems you are treating, then layer your skincare products to address each issue (such as fine lines, brightening your complexion, reducing puffy eyes, etc.). 

While both companies have highly effective skincare based on science (and the concentration of ingredients), I probably love The Ordinary more (as I do study skincare), because it's cheaper. Nonetheless, since The Ordinary flies off the shelves quickly, it's helpful to have other brands to buy. And  ... we ADORE ♥new finds♥, don't we, dear readers? MD Complete is sold at Target, which is handy! Finally, a fun fact: Singer Marie Osmond uses and is part owner of the brand. 

It's exciting how new lower-cost retailers are changing the skincare industry, making top products and ingredients budget-friendly so we can afford to use them every day!


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Let's Faux Fur It Today

Urbancode Faux Faur Oversized Stole Scarf

I embrace the robust fake fur craze wholeheartedly. If you live in Siberia or Antarctica, few humans should fault you for dressing in head-to-toe animal furs in order to keep from freezing to death, but the truth is: technology has moved forward with synthetic fabrics to the point where wearing real fur is probably unnecessary. Some of the new synthetics are developed with the ability to keep bodies warm in severe sub-zero temperatures. And they cost much less too!

I favor fake fur for a number of reasons. Lots of style is available for less moola, there's no animal cruelty involved, and it fills the need efficiently. Faux fur also warms bare arms and shoulders in breezy-yet-milder temperatures, whereas real fur might be too warm.

Let's do a faux fur roundup. While "liberated" fur adorns many articles of clothing from sweaters to shoes, below I'll limit my selection to coats, jackets and stoles ... which tend to have the dual function of providing fashion and warmth:

Moss Copenhagen Coat	Adrianna Papell Wrap	Unreal Fur Abracadabra Jacket
Unreal Fur Abracadabra Jacket	Say What? Junior Bomber Jacket	Jayley Luxurious Stripe Faux Fur Jacket
ASOS 80's Statement Shoulder Jacket	INC International Concepts Vest Created For Macy's	Boohoo Faux Fur Coat

Real fur is no longer the status symbol of decades ago, and clothing manufacturers have gotten so good at faking it. Faux fur looks as fashionable as animal fur; and at a fraction of the cost, you can take a few style risks with "liberated" furs, such as buying wilder colors along with a goes-with-everything basic: black, gray or brown piece.  Less costly means having more fun ... with perhaps an extra! Do you have a favorite?


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A Humble Pear

A pear makes a delicious snack. Crisp and juicy with some sweetness, it stabilizes your blood sugar in-between meals. There's enough fiber and bulk to stave off hunger. I can't stand being hungry either after I eat a meal ... or a couple of hours before dinner. How annoying! When I need a little extra lunch or something to tide me over until dinner, I like to grab a pear. I don't worry about consuming extra calories as long as I stick to fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks. Often a big pear is enough, but a smear of peanut butter or brie is tasty with it.

Photo: Stylegaze

Pears are 84% water, 15% carbohydrates and about 1% protein/fats. They don't contain as many vitamins or minerals as apples, bananas, or oranges ... only a trace. Pears are mainly healthy due to their high fiber content, which is very good for your digestive tract, and doctors speculate to keep diseases like cancer away. Pears are believed to have hidden benefits that science has yet to understand.

Humans have eaten pears [known as Genus Pyrus, family Rosaceae] since antiquity, and they grow all over the globe. The 5 top growers (in order) include China, Argentina, the United States, Italy, and Turkey.

Free iStock photos

Another benefit of eating pears is, people tend not to be allergic to them. Pears are sometimes given to patients to eat who have lots of other food allergies.

In the fall and winter, I buy pears from street vendors: 2 big pears for $1.00. I buy 6, as they have a long refrigerator crisper drawer life. They last for weeks. Pears will ripen at room temperature and faster if you store them next to a banana. Pears are ripe when the flesh around the stem gives by applying gentle pressure. I once read that a soft pear has more nutrition, but frankly, I prefer it crisp. I will eat any variety of pears but often get Anjou pears. They are plump!

I added walnuts and a few blueberries to ours. The recipe is linked below.

Here's a link to more pear facts and recipes. I'd love to make more rustic pear tarts, but I eat my pears up before thought becomes action. Just like apples, I hear that pears make good cider, which I'm also eager to try!

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The Skirted Swimsuit

From Lands End, a swimsuit style I tend to select for myself.
Wish the body and tan were included! Now let's add a skirt.

Brrrr, it's been very cold here for a stretch of days. Let's take our minds off of shivering and return to the balmy days of summer for a moment.

Last July I spent the night with New Jersey friends who have a swimming pool. The wife lent me a swimsuit. Funny, I would not have picked the style off of a clothing rack. A one-piece with an adorable skirted bottom, it was very comfortable in-and-out of the water. Now I want one too!

Look at some of these cute possibilities. It goes to show that sexy can come in a one-piece or a tankini (which is like a one-piece) with a skirted bottom. We don't have to walk around nearly naked to be sexy, and in public it's often better if we don't.😊

Enlarged the images with a click.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Ruffle-Hem	Coco Reef Solid Slit	Anne Cole Solid Sarong
Profile by Gottex Serendipity Cinch-Tie Slit	Miraclesuit Cheetah Love Knot	Coco Reef Frenza Ruffled

Sophisticated is the new sexy, no? These are far from a grandmother's bloomers. How do you feel about a skirted swimsuit? Do you have a favorite?

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