The Celine Insprired Cat Eye Sunglasses

Celine Cat Eye Sunglasses - $450

The weekend before all the shops closed I found a cute pair of Celine inspired cat-eye sunglasses at TJ Maxx for $10. They look expensive! So adorable, I'm glad I bought them. (Little did I know it was then or never.)

Looks even more cat eye in the shop.

Very contemporary, clean and classic, the cat eye glasses look universally adorable on a variety of face shapes. The upturned wings of a cat-eye style help to soften angular, or strong features. They help balance square faces, and rounded edges give cat-eye frames versatility. 

Earlier this year, I tried on the original Celine $450 pair in its flagship store on Madison Avenue. The flat face of the Celine (as well as, the Celine inspired) frames gives the cat-eye shape a modern spin. The Celine sunglasses are oversized. They come in two colors: black and brown. The black shade is popular with fashionistas.

SOJOS Retro Cat Eye Oversized on Amazon here.

Although I love the look, the price tag gives me pause. Everybody is different and there is no judgment here, but I tend not to spend big bucks on accessories that get wear and tear with use. Personally, for me, this includes designer handbags, fashion jewelry and sunglasses. Although demand for luxury brands gives such items a high resale value, in order to benefit, you must be extra careful in using them. Keep it "new" fetches a high resale price (minis 20% consignment fee).

Nine West Cat Eye sold on QVC here.

With ultra priced sunglasses I'm happy to find an inspired pair that I can wear or lose without fretting. Mine are made by Nine West, and they have every characteristic I desire for less: the look, 100% UV sun protection, and a non-black lens (I prefer a lighter polarized lens to better see the world.)

Once TJ Maxx reopens, you can look for my Nine West pair, but above is an alternative cat-eye pair sold online that are lovely too. What's more, I've linked up a pair priced similar to mine on Amazon which also gives you the style of the Celine original sunglasses. Plus other choices from JuicyOrange here and O2 Eyewear here on Amazon.

Once you find "it," always look for a comfortable price. Next time you're shopping for sunglasses, consider an oversized cat eye frame for style. They'll look expensive, and you might end up taking them home!



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The Cleaners In Their Percentages To Kill Coronavirus

Photo above and bar of soap: iStock by Getty free images

The Coronavirius causing Covid-19 is a wicked bug. To kill it, I'm suspending the use of white vinegar, my favorite natural cleaner and bringing out the calvary!  A pandemic calls for disinfectants approved to work by the Center For Disease Control. Thankfully as serious as the virus is, it can easily be destroyed by common household cleaners when used in the right proportion and way. 

Coronavirious has a protective outside protein coating. Its RNA (DNA) inside causes the respiratory disease. The correct disinfectants break up its coating. The RNA falls out and disintegrates.

Here are the CDC approved cleaners to use:

1) Soap and water - Works on hands and household surfaces. Wash your hands for at least 20 secconds (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice) and scrub vigorously like a surgeon about to operate.

2) Purell - A combination of 60% alcohol and aloe. A good hand sanatizer while you are out at the supermarket shopping until you can get to a sink to wash your hands with soap. As much as THE SAVVY SHOPPER likes to make homemade products, it is not recommended at this time. Too risky to get right: The percentage must be 60% alcohol in a hand santizer to kill the virus. During the pandemic, go with the store bought, for-sure formula ... or use straight alcohol if you can't find Purell.

3) Alcohol - 70% strength isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Don't mix with water, use it straight. Stronger is not needed, but now we must take what we can get.

4) Bleach - The CDC formula for making an effective diluted bleach solution is: Use 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach in one gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons of bleach in one quart of water. Unfortunately, bleach can't be used on everything, as it discolors fabric and corrodes metal with longterm use, so use it with care. As it turns out (and the reason I researched this subject) my bleach-to-water mixture is too strong, as my nose and throat have been telling me, the vapors creeping out of my bathroom sink and oozing into my living room!) Good to know a much weaker solution works before I fumigate myself along with coronavirus!

5) Hydrogen peroxide - Weaker than bleach; can discolor clothing or rugs, but works, so a good standby. 3% hydrogen peroxide not diluted with water is the strength to use.

Scientists tell us in order "to decontaminate a surface, we can't just wipe it."  Coronavirus sticks to countertops and metal doorknobs. We must scrub vigorously. Crush its outer coating with force. Wet surfaces with bleach wipes, let it soak for a minimum of 4 minutes and evaporate. Wash your hands like a maniac, which also means after cleaning. 

Don't try to kill coronavirus with white vinegar, vodka, or essential oils. You can't be sure of them. With no vaccine available and no herd immunity after infection, we need to defer to the CDC's recommendations.


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5 Tips For Buying A Tennis Bracelet On A Budget

Photo: Photo: Windsor Bishop

A tennis bracelet is a hot piece of jewelry! Dressy or casual, it's very versatile paired with either a little black dress or t-shirt and denim. 

Traditionally a tennis bracelet is a diamond line bracelet, but nowadays the term also describes a style of bracelet that can feature other stones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, topaz or tanzanites, etc.

Worn since the 1920s, it became known as a tennis bracelet during the 1978 U.S. Open after tennis champion, Chris Evert, asked for the match to be stopped in order to find the diamond line bracelet which flew off her arm. (That woman knew her priorities!😊) The style has grown in popularity ever since with tennis bracelets sold at every price point.

What hasn't changed: The bracelet contains small gems connected by precious metals, most often in 14k gold, 18k gold, platinum, or sterling silver. There are 3 common design settings: prone, channel and bezel (see the images below - in  the order mentioned↓).

In comparing carats, "more" rises in price more than portionally. In other words: 10 carats is FAR MORE than 10 times more expensive than 1 carat of diamonds. Why? Larger diamonds are rarer in nature. 

So My Tips to get the Best Value, i.e. a Greater Effect for Less Money includes the following:

1) Be flexible in selecting the metal: For value buy 14k gold. It will lower the price by $200+; and 14k gold is a sturdy metal for a bracelet since it is stronger than purer 18k gold.

Photo: Macy's Effy designed bracelets

2) Be flexible with the color and clarity of diamonds: Accept up to a "J" color with up to I2 clarity to get more carats. A "J" color is still a colorless stone, and I2 clarity will have flaws invisible to the naked eye. In a tennis bracelet where the diamonds are smaller, you might even consider a "K" color (especially in yellow gold. Tint and flaws are easier to see on a big diamond, less so with small ones). Probably for ordinary people, a tennis bracelet in grades higher than an I - J color, or I1 - I2 clarity would burst their budgets! (Think $30,000+) 

Of course, inspect the bracelet with your naked eye before buying, or only buy online from a trusted merchant who offers a full return policy. Jewelry retailers Macy's, James Allen and Blue Nile offer a good selection, value and customer service.

Photo: Macy's - prone setting

3) Buy a setting with less gold: Settings are subject to personal tastes, but for value buy a prone setting (the diamonds float) over channel and bezel settings (in which diamonds are encased in metal). All 3 settings are stunning, yet a little less gold -- not needed to secure the stones -- subtracts $200 from the sticker price. Many people like a floating diamond look to better see the sparkling diamonds! Why hide diamonds?

4) Buy a tennis bracelet set with your favorite gemstones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, topaz, or tanzanites: Sapphires, rubies, emeralds and tanzanites cost more per carat than diamonds as large stones, but in a tennis bracelet consisting of a line of small stones, the price is nearly always cheaper than a line of ONLY diamonds. Other precious jewels make equally gorgeous tennis bracelets that are often adorned with tiny diamonds (so you get sparkle) while giving you more affordable options to consider.

5) Fake it until you make it: If you can't afford precious gems in gold, turn to cubic zirconia in sterling silver. Silver is a precious metal too, and cubic zirconia glitters enough to make your thrifty heart sing. Look classy minus going broke ... and wear it proudly, sister!

Photo: Saks 5th Avenue

With a choice of metals, stones, design, price points and sales (Savvy Shoppers ALWAYS get a sale!), there's a tennis bracelet for every wrist!

Extra tip: Count the number of diamonds on a tennis bracelet before buying. If carats and prices match between bracelets, I want bigger diamonds (count: 36 - 40 stones) over the number of diamonds (count: 44+ stones) for a greater effect. Pure preference. Know what you like!

Buyers are finding good stones at a nice price at Costco's, but report faulty clasps which need to be taken to a jeweler for replacement so they don't fall off the wrist to be lost.



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Homemade Golden Syrup

Photo: tastessence

Every year my blogging friend, Patricia of The Red Cardinal makes Anzac biscuits to remember all the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served and died in wars and service for their country. Anzac Day is observed on April 25th. Originally the cookie was created by the Army Corp wives of the soldiers serving in World War I. The spouses came up with a crunchy cookie that could survive its mailing and reach the soldiers still delicious to eat.

Every April I want a bite of Trish's golden oatmeal cookies, but can't get Golden Syrup, a key ingredient to make them, here in the USA. Well, this year will be different. I have a recipe to make Golden Syrup at home. 

I compared many recipes, noticing they were all alike in their ingredients, but I came up with a sure-fire, no-fail technique, namely, adding lemon in step 1 (not step 2 like others) plus a lid to cover the pot while it simmers. I'll share my cooking times, but yours may be shorter, which is fine. A stainless steel pan is needed to do the task. Using a non-stick pot was a complete failure as the water dried out before the sugar caramelized in step one. Carmelized sugar gives the syrup its taste and golden color:

Homemade Golden Syrup

Ingredients:

Photo: indiamart

For step one:
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of boiling water
 slice of lemon (or 1 tablespoon of lemon juice)

For step two:
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water

Extra tip: When simmering cover the pot with a lip to stop water from evaporating too quickly and the sugar from crystalizing. 

Directions:

1) On a stovetop, pour 1/4 cup of boiling water into a saucepan, followed by 1/2 cup of sugar. Swirl the pot around to dissolve the sugar.

2) Add the lemon and turn on the heat until it simmers. Cover the pan with a lid. The lemon and lid keep the mixture from forming crystals while cooking.

3) Leave the heat on a medium-low setting simmering until the mixture turns into a golden amber color. It may take 15 minutes, but be patient. A medium-low boil carmelizes the sugar. Watch and swirl the pan around periodically, but resist stirring with a spoon.

Photo: Todd on YouTube

4) Next add the rest of the sugar and boiling water to the caramelized mixture. Put the lip back on the pot to let the mixture simmer for another 20-30 minutes. You can swirl the mixture as needed.

5) Look for an amber color and a slight thickening.

6) Remove from the heat. As the mixture cools, it thickens even more turning into syrup. 

7) While still warm pour into a jar with a tight lid to seal. Golden syrup keeps well in a cupboard.

When the day rolls around, I'm ready to make Anzac cookies along with you, Trish!


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Die Coronavirus Die!

Photo: AP - Electron microscope image shows the coronavirus that causes COVID-19

I'm of the mind that you should never deal with a crisis, or challenge by allowing fears to overtake you. Nor do I believe you should bury your head in the sand. Knowledge is power IMHO in solving problems. Try to find out all you can about an issue by consulting creditable sources to answer your questions. Ignore idiot advice even if it comes from a high office that takes you down the wrong path. Every life that can be saved is worth saving! Listen to scientists to fight a disease! Proceed with caution and common sense; then go on with your life. 

Our leading experts of infectious diseases tell us we may have to stay home for another 2 months -- plus keep 6 feet apart from non-family when we must go out for food, medicine and vital services -- to flatten the curve of Coronavirus. Without a vaccine, isolation is the only measure that stops the spread of the disease. So lets all count on doing so until scientists tell us it is no longer necessary. And continue to wash your hands like a maniac!

Although there are no known cases of ANYONE catching coronavirus by eating food ...  after buying unwrapped celery from the supermarket (which after arriving home I scoured with hot water and a tiny bit of soap in my kitchen sink), I asked the internet: 

1) Can I kill coronavirus by freezing? 

The answer: Temperature not reported, but no; in a lab it preserved them for 2 years. Normally they die in days;

Getty: Spikes make Coronavirus sticky.

2) Can I kill coronavirus by boiling? 

The answer: Yes, at 132 F for 1/2 hour;

3) Can I microwave coronavirus to death? 

The answer: Yes, at 800 watts for 2 minutes. Most small 1.4 cubic ft microwaves are 1000 watts.

Die, coronavirus, die! I'm home too much, and LOOK, how I'm spending my time!

Together we'll defeat this pandemic! In a year or two, a vaccine will be ready. But for now, stay home, be vigilant, stay well!

Source: circulating on Facebook

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Consider Bvlgari Bags

The butterflies are only for show and not part of the design of the bag.

Let's say you love the classic elegance of French designed Chanel or Dior handbags, but know you will never cough up $6,400+tax to buy them. You love them but not enough to part with such an enormous wad of cash.

Introducing jewelry maker Bvlgari bags for your consideration. Fine, durable calf leather (as well as other material options) in a multitude of pretty colors (including the ↓3 here↑) from their new spring collection.

Bvlgari handbags are luxury bags, so not cheap, yet they are less than half the price of their French rivels for similar rich quality. Funny how most of us could never afford Bvlgari fine jewelry, but saving up for a handbag is possible for many working people. It's a worthy, lasting and perhaps one-time splurge for a luxury bag; and one, not every other luxury bag lover owns. For folks who never buy luxury bags, it's inspirational. Know: I own zero designer bags -- my blog mentions what I buy -- but I live in Manhattan and am always looking and appreciating them! Looking at expensive bags helps me to recognize a good, legal inspired bag!!

The "Serpenti Forever" crossbody bag features light gold pleated brass hardware and a signature snake head closure. Although not a big fan of snakes myself, this jeweled one doesn't look too ominous for me. What is the obsession with snake eyes so many top designers seem to have?

A sophisticated, stylish bag to own without the gouging price tag (or other nonsense associated) with buying from Hermes or Chanel. The purse has the compact, refinement of Dior for less moola!

Btw: Bvlgari offers equally lovely wallets, but I won't lie, I buy $10 Mundi wallets from T. J. Maxx. They, too, fit nicely inside a Bvlgari handbag.😊


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Surviving A Pandemic

Photo: Airport Technology If you are sick, a mask helps you not spread the illness. If not sick and untrained to put the mask on, it won't keep you from getting sick. Doctors and nurses are short of masks, so don't buy them up.

What makes the Coronavirus spread so quickly includes: 1) it's a new virus to which nobody in the world has immunities against; 2) unlike the flu, a person can walk around feeling well, yet be contagious, for up to 11 days before s/he gets sick; 3) the Cornonavirus lives longer on doorknobs and other surfaces compared to the relatively short period of the flu; and 4) the Coronavirus acts in ways, we don't yet understand.

We must do our part to contain the virus by staying home except to buy food, medicine, walk the dog, or take a walk outside while practicing social distancing. Below is a clever way (circulating on Facebook) of reminding all of us that the actions of one person can effect the health and lives of many:

I also read: (1) Men should shave their beards. (2) Everybody should cut her/his nails short so the virus can't hide under fingernails, and hands can be scrubbed better. (3) I removed the decoration from my key chain, so it doesn't touch the metal as I turn the key to unlock my door. And (4) we are paying attention to the wrong set of numbers. The numbers reported of people diagnosed with Coronavirus are misleading due to the current lack of testing. Knowing how many people have it tells us nothing as the Coronavirus is already everywhere in the population. The pandemic will get worst before it gets better as test kits become available and test data becomes known. It is why social distancing, self-quarantine and the Shelter-In-Place orders are so vital. At an early stage of Coronavirus, such measures help hospitals to cope with fewer critical care patients; and will result in fewer deaths. Furthermore for people who recover, the Coronavirus can cause more lung damage than the flu. (Update: A good piece explaining what researchers know.)

We are in this together, folks! Stay home. Buy a little extra food. But please, no hoarding as there is no shortage of food. Supermarkets are restocking daily. Like doctors and nurses, foodstore and drugstore workers are in overdrive. Be sure to show your appreciation!

Morever I'm so glad Jamie Oliver changed the way I think about food. His influence and my own thrifty nature as a value shopper means I was unwittingly prepared for a pandemic. Although I don't buy more than one or two of an item (depending on how fast it goes), I always buy large sizes of basic groceries and personal care items. I do so out of laziness, so I don't need to run back to the store as often, nor have a job to do (shopping) before doing a job (cooking dinner) if I'm inspired to make a dish. If you can cook and bake, it helps immensely in dealing with a pandemic.

Here are basic groceries and personal care items I buy. (Feel free to add your favorites):

Photo: Wikipedia

all-purpose flour - 5 lb bag
whole wheat flour - 5 lb bag
sugar - 4 lb bag
cans of beans
cans of whole tomatoes
cans of pineapple
cans of condensed milk
cans of tuna
cans of salmon
dried fruit
walnuts - 2 lb bag
dry roasted peanuts
almonds
whole grain saltine crakers (a few boxes)
potatoes - 5 lb bag
carrots - 5 lb bag
onions
celery
dried beans
dried peas
oatmeal
dried whole grains
frozen vegetables (mixed; lima beans; corn; and broccoli)
cheeses (extra sharp cheddar; Swiss; brie; cottage)
dry powder milk
extra large eggs - 2 dozen
 a couple of top round beef steaks
breaded Purdue chicken cutlets (Not great tasting but convenient)
red wine
coffee
tea
aspirin + non-aspirin pain relievers
70% rubbing alcohol
toilet paper (24 triple rolls at a time)
bleach
soap

Well, what do you know? I have Klondike bars too.

shampoo and conditioner
basic toiletries (body lotion and oil, toothpaste, etc.)
dark chocolate candy
ice cream - Yes, trust me: you do need chocolate, ice cream and wine in a pandemic!

Fresh fruit, vegetables and a bit of meat, I'll get from the supermarket as needed and available. I bought Run Raisin ice cream, and perhaps I will add some real rum to it!😳

Stay vigilant and be well, my readers!💋XOXO


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Calling all History Buffs

It's likely you don't think watching 2 maps changing for a duration of 19+ minutes (each) is interesting, but you are wrong! There is a ton of information to absorb, and they move very fast, but are most fascinating! 

If you click to watch, I guarantee you'll sit through the videos until the end. After a break at the end of the 1st, you will return to watch the 2nd one! I know it!

Readers, I present to you the history of our manificant world ... all the changes and upheavals, as well as, the unifying stability.

Should we be anxious about the Coronavirus? Absolutely! The key is to block your exposure to the virus. Respond by being smart and turn to science: Wash your hands constantly, don't touch your face, and stay at home as directed.  We've got this!

Remember our long history in times of uncertainty. We will endure! ❤️📚🍷

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Zero Waste: 5 Things I Won't Buy

Paper clips are on my double duty list, keeping me from buying something I don't need.

On March 1st, a new law went into effect in New York City that requires us to bring our own bags, or pay 5 cents for a paper bag at the supermarket. Last week I had my 1st experience taking my reusable fabric bag with me. You can get one free sent to your home by taking a zero waste pledge, click here. Now I carry my orange fabric bag everywhere I go as I don't know all the types of stores participating in the city's plastic bag ban ... and I'm too cheap to start paying for (1) paper bags, i.e. items I'm accustomed to getting for free! (It's a waste of my money!) As it turns out T. J. Maxx follows the plastic bag ban too. Extra tip: Don't forget to laundry your reusable fabric bag to keep it clean and germ-free.

This got me thinking: In all my adult life, I've never bought a garbage bag, so when my supply of plastic grocery bags is depleted, I must figure out an eco-friendly substitution. I will put the environment first! (But, must I start paying for my trash bags? To be determined.)

Another item I'm too darn cheap to buy is a (2) food bag clip. If you buy special chips to keep your potato chips or salad bags closed, surely you're not applying yourself! I just use office paper clips (like the top image↑) to keep a clear bag with servings of food in it closed.

Moreover these days I'm more mindful of not buying certain kitchen, or household tools if something I already own gets the job done! At times I'm tempted to buy a (3) lent brush for my clothes. However I find they work no better than a household bristle scrub brush. So I decided against a special lent brush.

Another example, I sometimes eyeball, but decided not to buy a (4) cookie dough scooper because it works no better than a tablespoon to get out the right amount of cookie dough to drop on a cookie sheet. What's more do I even make cookies enough to buy a special tool? And will a cookie scooper make my task easier? Nope ... pass.

I also decided not to buy a special (5) watering can for the 2 house plants I have in my living room. Water cans come in tiny and big sizes with narrow or wide nozzles, but I use either a cup, or my tea kettle to water my 2 house plants. I think it makes more sense to buy a watering can for a garden because you are unlikely to drag your tea kettle or cups outside.

This year I intend to buy EVERYTHING I need, but NOTHING I don't need. Small purchases can add up to clutter and waste, not to mention less money for big-ticket items or your emergency fund.

What are some everyday items you won't buy because if you think about it, you can get them for free; or you really don't need them after all?


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