Serendipity 3's Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Lite

Never deprive yourself of chocolate

New York City's Serendipity 3 is famous for serving big decadent desserts with rich toppings.  The portions are outrageous!  The cafe's a fun place to satisfy a sweet tooth for locals and tourists alike.  The Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, its signature drink, was featured on The Early Show and Oprah ... and extolled as something chocolate lovers must try before they die.  Well, that is a tall order ... but ... I think I've come up with a chocolaty and equally satisfying low-fat-low-calorie version that you can make at home.  My healthy shake is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and protein, the building blocks of the body.  And it's delicious!  I love smoothies and cold, slurpy drinks, especially on hot summer days.  My taste-alike drink definitely takes care of a chocolate craving.  It's so simple to prepare and costs a lot less too.

Here's my Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe:

1 envelope Carnation Dark Chocolate Instant Breakfast or 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder

10 oz skim milk

4 ice cubes

Add an extra teaspoon of real cocoa powder

Photos of Serendipity 3 taken by my friend Carolyn C.

Throw all the ingredients into a blender.  Blend for a few minutes until the ice is crushed, and the chocolate mixture is smooth.  Pour into a tall glass and serve.

Another of Carolyn's photos

You can top the Frozen Hot Chocolate with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, and whipped cream if you like.  The extras are between you and your waistline.  Enjoy!

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Brilliant Must-Have Summer Accessories

The T-Rex, cute name ... no? (arrrh♥)

I can think of lots of summer essentials but will focus on three, inexpensive, ancillary ones. Once you discover their existence, you can't live without them:

1} FHI Heat T-Rex Hair Clips – These have a strange name and a stranger appearance, but they are the best hair clips I've ever used.  They are designed to hold any type, or amount of hair securely in place and release the hair easily.  You can hold your hair in sections, or pile it all in a bun on top of your head with one clip, regardless of whether your hair is thick and long, or short and fine.  It even holds hair in awkward positions while you blow dry it.  And the clip never snags, tears, becomes tangled, or damages your fragile locks.  Whoever invented these clips is a genius!  A two-pack costs $5.

2} KT Tape – It stands for “kinesiology therapeutic tape" and comes precut to treat muscle and joint soreness and injuries.  First used by Olympic athletes, KT Tape gives overworked limbs, muscles and tendons flexible support.  It allows movement while alleviating the pain and pressure.  Super light and strong, athletes use it to prevent further injuries and to heal faster.  I don't fully understand why -- but it works.  And compared to other treatment options, it's cheap at $12 for a 16-foot roll.

3} Flip flops – What's a summer without “air conditioned,” liberated feet? And so practical. Old Navy sells an assortment of styles and colors for both men and women, and they're not too loose or flimsy like some brands.  Regularly $3.50 - $5.00 each, and on promotion days pay $1 a pair.  So you can afford to buy every color.  Great to wear around the house and to protect your feet at the beach, a public pool or gym shower.  

Can you make a case for other clever, summer, must-haves? Sometimes it's the inexpensive little things that make life a little bit easier.


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Prevent Aging And Cancer With Four Top Performers

Search Amazon.com for skin care

The most effective anti-aging product on the market today also prevents skin cancer and sunburns.  Can you guess what it is?  If you said, sunscreen, you're absolutely right.  And with summer fast approaching, you should apply a shot-glass portion (or 2 tablespoons) of it on your exposed skin every two hours throughout a sunny day.  Most of us don't reapply sunscreens as we should. And with so many brands available, which one should you choose?  Well believe it or not, it's not always the fancy, overpriced variety that offers the most protection.  Fortunately for consumers, two of the sunscreens rated best, are store brands and relatively inexpensive: 

Consumer Reports tested 12 sunscreens and found 4 to be superior.  The top performers all (1) provided great UVA and UVB protection, (2) were water-resistant and (3) met their SPF claims.  Other considerations included (4) smell and (5) greasiness.  The top 4 were judged to be pleasantly scented and left little residue on the skin.

They are:
Target's Up & Up Sport Continuous SPF 30. - It's a spray and costs $0.88 per ounce.
Walgreens' Sport Continuous SPF 50. - Also a spray.  Cost $1.33 per ounce.
Banana Boat Sport Performance Continuous SPF 30 - A spray. Cost $1.60 per ounce.
Aveeno Continuous Protection SPF 50 - A spray. Cost $2.00 an ounce.

Most dermatologists agree on the following:  Sunbathing is bad.  When you do go out, wear protective clothing and hats.  Buy sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30.  Get a formula that's water-resistant.  Consumer Reports says the ingredient avobenzone absorbs more UVA radiation than do alternatives like titanium dioxide.

And I'll add, make sure your sun protection smells and feels good to you so you will wear it.

Now for a confession:  Although doctors say a SPF 30 is best, I sometimes use SPF 15 because it's not as thick or greasy.  My favorite is Oil of Olay lotion for sensitive skin, with SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection. I also like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30 and Walgreens Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70+. None of these made Consumer Reports' Top 4.

Here's my reasoning for using the SPF 15: If your skin will burn in 10 minutes in the afternoon sun without any sun protection, and you applied a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you have 15 x 10, or 150 minutes (2.5 hours) before you'll burn. This still seems like good coverage to me.

The Percentage of Protection from damaging UV rays that you get by increasing the SPF is:

SPF 15 = 93%

SPF 30 = 97%

SPF 50 = 98% – So this one isn't worth the extra money, but when you get value buy it.

So friends, SPF 30 rules. Listen to your doctor to be safe. Enjoy the easy, breezy, long days ahead.

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Style Your Shoes In Comfort

I'm not giving up my Dr. Scholl's insoles.  They're less than $2.00 a pair and give casual and closed toe shoes the extra cushion I sometimes need.  But occasionally a full insole makes my shoe too snug in the toe box, or can't be worn in sandals without showing.  Well for these times I have another solution -- Foot Petals.  I recommend two of the brand's foot accessories, when a Dr. Scholl's counterpart doesn't work: the Killer Kushionz, a thin nearly full insole that easily slides into high heels and the Tip Toes, or ball-of-foot cushions, which stop your feet from sliding forward.  Both have sticky tabs with adhesive backings and are invisible worn in open toe shoes.  I'm using the Killer Kushionz in 3-inch stilettos and the Tip Toes in flats to absorb shock and provide a little extra support.  They're more expensive than Dr. Scholl's products,  so you might forgo the pricy combination kits and buy just the shoe pads needed to resolve your foot discomfort.  However, they are pretty,  and your shoes will be stylish inside and out. Sold online and at Ricky's-Drug-and-Beauty stores in New York City. Average cost: $3.00 - $12.95 a piece.

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Bags For Every Budget

A great bag is timeless.  Ideally, it's both stylish and functional.  The right bag stays with you, holds your essentials and pulls together an outfit.  To be honest, I own fewer purses than any woman I know.  I admire women who match all their outfits with a slew of fabulous fashion statement bags, but my tendency is to use a favorite bag for just about everything until it falls apart.  I hate changing bags because I always leave something out that I need.  So when I do buy a new one, I have a tall order to fill.  My bag needs to be well made, durable, versatile, flattering and classic.  I look for the perfect size with lots of pockets to hold things.  I also like a sleek, slender and attractive shape.

Purses can be expensive.  So whether you're an under buyer like me -- looking for that one great, multi-purpose bag, or need some new arm candy for a swanky event you're attending, check out these cool sites.  You'll find a myriad of designers, a wide selection of styles and some amazing deals for under $100:

1) Nicole Lee – For fun unique bags with funky details.  Very fashion forward.  Click on “sample sale” for unbelievable reductions.

2) HSN – Choices galore on this site.  Look at the “sale” and “clearance” sections.

3) My Big Buddha – All vegan bags. A tremendous variety of styles, sizes and colors.  Reasonably priced.

4) Overstock.com – A large inventory of designer and quality merchandize at warehouse prices.  Terrific customer care too.  Low $2.99 shipping per order.

5) Zappos.com – They're not just for shoes anymore.  Renown for top customer service.  Free shipping both ways.

Browse and pick your bag at a price you want to spend.  Enjoy!

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When Is Organic Necessary?

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A report issued by the President's Cancer Panel endorses eating fruits and vegetables without pesticides to reduce your risks of cancer and other diseases.  A group of scientists and policy makers came up with two lists, a “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean 15,” which will help consumers figure out when to buy organic.  The produce on the Dirty Dozen list tested positive for as many as 67 different chemicals, while the Clean 15 had little or no pesticides.  These lists were assembled using data from the US Department of Agriculture on the amount of chemicals that remained on non-organic fruits and vegetables after washing them.  This research is disheartening to say the least.  Many Americans can't afford to buy organic, and we shouldn't be afraid to eat an apple, or strawberries sold at the supermarket. Surely we can do better.  Hopefully, the report is sounding an alarm to change the way we farm and harvest produce in our country.  Meanwhile if you want to be safe, buy “certified organic” from The Dirty Dozen list.  Also in my family, we stick to eating fruits and vegetables that are in season. Another option is to buy local.

The Dirty Dozen: Buy Organic celery peaches strawberries apples domestic blueberries nectarines sweet bell peppers spinach, kale and collard greens cherries potatoes imported grapes lettuce

The Clean 15: No Need to Buy Organic onions avocados sweet corn pineapples mango sweet peas asparagus kiwi fruit cabbage eggplant cantaloupe watermelon grapefruit sweet potatoes sweet onions

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In the last year I made several changes in what I buy at the supermarket.  I  eliminated processed foods and have changed the way I think about food preparation.  The idea is to make healthy choices without feeling deprived.  Sometimes you need light snacks and no fuss fare when you don't have a lot of time to cook.  And realistically, you need a few treats too.  Still, being aware -- coupled with small changes, make a difference in what you eat (and spend).  I stopped buying three grocery items this year.

I gave up soda and switched to drinking ice tea.  If I find myself at an outdoor function on a hot August night, I'll probably drink a can of Dr. Pepper to quench a thirst, but I no longer keep sodas in my refrigerator at home.  And I don't miss them.

Also, I  stopped buying bags of frozen french fries, one of my favorite cheat foods.  [Nachos may be my first love, and potato chips are not far behind.]  Instead, I cut up fresh white or sweet potatoes, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake them golden brown in the oven.  It still only takes 30 minutes.  And eating a handful of nuts usually satisfies a potato chip craving.

Another food item to go is canned soup.  When I don't plan ahead and use dried beans, I buy cans of pink, pinto or navy beans.  It's just like opening a can of soup, but without the thickeners and preservatives.  Simply add water, season to taste and simmer for 5 minutes.  What could be easier?

Another lighting fast soup to prepare is healthy miso.  Buy miso paste in a tub at the supermarket, or health food store and microwave a tablespoon of it, adding water, seaweed and vegetables.  Delicious!

Once you get used to eating real food, it tastes much better, at least that's my experience.  And unprocessed food costs less.  Lately, I favor steel cut oats, quinoa and millet, so boxed cereals may be next on my hit list [except for Raisin Bran once in a while].  Have you given up a grocery item recently?

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Creamery Creek Goat Milk Soap, A Review

Recently I tried a brand new soap made from goat milk.  It was mild enough to test on my face. Bursting with freshness, the soap is super moisturizing and scented with essential oils.  Listing pure and all natural ingredients, it doesn't dry or irritate my skin, not even on my face.

The soap is made in small batches by the Shumway family on a farm in Lindon, Utah from their very own herd of Nigerian Dwarf Goats, a breed they have raised and studied for over 10 years.  According to their website, these miniature, not to mention adorable-looking, goats produce milk that is 4% - 9% higher in butterfat than other diary goats.  The richer butterfat makes a high quality and ultra creamy soap.  Goat milk is rich in amino acids and vitamin A, which nourishes the skin.  It contains caprylic acid, which gives it a low PH balance, more like the skin's natural PH balance.  The Shumways make soaps, leaving in the glycerin.  In commercial soaps, the glycerin is usually removed and used in more profitable products like makeup.

What makes this soap so gentle and moisturizing is its pure emulliants like goat milk, coconut oil, olive oil and shea butter. It has vitamins and triglycerides that clean the skin without robbing it of moisture.  At Creamery Creek, all soaps are made from fresh (not powdered) goat milk.  The Nigerian Dwarf Goats are milked daily at the farm.  And each bar of soap is poured, cut and molded by hand.

I sampled (and loved!) eight of the 40 plus, generous-sized soaps: Lavender Oatmeal, Coconut Lime Verbena, Tea Tree Oil, Honeysuckle Kiss, Blueberry Scrub, Dragons Blood, Peppermint, and Red Clover Tea. At $5 each, the bars are thick, dense and a substantial 6 oz – 7 oz.  Unlike commercial soaps, they don't leave a residue in my tub, or on my skin.  They leather up and last a long time.  Count on these soaps to live up to their claims. You won't find a better soap at any price..

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Protecting Your Skin

Want to start a movement?

The average adult has 20 square feet of skin. It's the body's largest organ. May is an ideal month to think about skin cancer prevention. Many hospitals have free skin cancer screenings to kick off skin cancer awareness. But if a hospital in your area doesn't offer the screenings, it's time to find a dermatologist, who will check your skin. In my opinion, preventative medicine is the single best investment you can make in life. Doctors can't explain why one person develops skin cancer and another doesn't, but they do know it's the most common form of cancer, and it's on the rise. In the United States, one in five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in his or her lifetime, and melanoma is more life threatening than other types of skin cancer.

There are six steps you should take to protect yourself from skin cancer:

1. Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10 am – 4 pm.

2. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and UVA/UVB protection, even on cloudy days.  And, use a generous amount -- a shot glass portion, about 2 tablespoons.  A family of four should go through a bottle of lotion every 3-4 days, according to skin doctors. It should be applied every 2 hours throughout a sunny day.

3. Wear sunglasses with UV protection.

4. Wear hats. I sometimes wear a visor on the hottest of days because it's cooler than a hat, but hats are better.

5. Avoid tanning beds like the plague. Never go near one.

6. Examine your skin every month after a shower. (I don't do this, but I should.)

Here's how to examine yourself:

1) Stand in front of a mirror, raise your arms and examine your body front and back, then the left and right sides.

2) Bend your elbows. Look at your forearms, the back of your upper arms and palms.

3) Next, look at the back of your legs and feet, your soles and in between your toes.

4) Use a mirror to examine the back of your neck and scalp.

5) Finally, check your private areas too.

Call your doctor, if you notice a suspicious mole or lesion.

Personally, I wish parasols would catch on in the 21st century.  When you think about it, isn't it a good idea?  A light dainty, or dark manly umbrella to cool and protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun.  Right?  Envision portable shade that lets a soothing breeze through.  I don't want to be a lone eccentric on this.  If just 20% of the population carried them, I would too.  C'mon people!  Let's start a movement, called the Parasol Public ... or perhaps, the Parasol Pedestrians.  It's the smart thing to do, and we'd look younger than the rest of the population.  Who's with me?

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Watches, Tales And Sprouts

Search Amazon.com for sprout watch

The last time I needed a new watch my intelligent and stylish European Mother said, “Oh, don't buy one. I have a nice watch!  I'll send it to you.”  A few weeks later, it arrived and, indeed, it was a very nice watch, just what I was looking for:  1) trim on my wrist; 2) with numbers, making time easy to tell; and 3) an appealing design.  The watch had a vivid blue, round face with bright red and yellow accents and a matching blue leather band.  There was only one drawback:  Plainly, it was a Superman watch.  But when I mentioned this to my mother, it became clear that she didn't know who the heck Superman was.  The conversation went something like this:

Mom (Sounding very pleased):  Did you get the watch?

Me (Puzzled):  Yes, it's a nice watch, but it's a Superman watch.

Mom (Without a hint of comprehension):  “No it isn't.”

Me (Even more puzzled):  “Yes, Mom, it is.”

Mom:  “No ... no it's not.”

And clearly she was getting annoyed, thinking she had sent me such a smart timepiece, only to hear me find fault with it, some defect she didn't understand.

Mom:  “It's not a Superman watch.  It's an Armitron watch!”

That's when it hit me how culture and conditioning shapes our ideas of attractiveness.  If you grow up in the United States and see a Superman logo, you instantly know you're looking at an “S” and a “shield.”  But if you grow up in a country without Superman, what you see is pretty, primary colors and an engaging design.  Your mind doesn't automatically make the connection with Superman.  My exchange with my Mom was fascinating.  I've been wearing the Superman watch for a couple of years now, and my Mom still looks at it and says, “Boy, that's a nice watch!”

This weekend, I finally bought another everyday watch.  I found it at an Earth Day fair, and it's for occasions when I can't sport a super hero.

My new watch is from a green company called, Sprout.  When I put it on, the first thing I notice is how light and comfortable it is.  There is a choice of six bright colors, and it comes in two sizes, big and small.  The watch is constructed of renewable materials.  The dial is made of bamboo; the case and buckle of hard corn resin; and the strap is a soft, organic cotton.  It also has precision quartz movement and a durable mineral crystal face with silver hands and black Arabic numbers.  It runs on a mercury free-battery and at $30 retail, it's a steal.  Plus, the watch comes with a bit of clever marketing.  The packaging converts into a mini grass garden.  After removing the watch, you'll find a small plot with seeds, that you slide into the box, water, then place in a window for a little greenery indoors.  Makes an adorable gift.

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