THE SAVVY SHOPPER

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

5 More Home Remedies -- Cool Stuff To Know

A few more home remedies I find fascinating are:

1. Aspirin – It contains acetylsalicylic acid, a salicylic acid derivative. Use it to brighten the skin and treat acne: Add 2 aspirins to water, mix thoroughly, rub into the skin and wait 5 minutes before rinsing. Repeat once a week for a clear complexion and to lighten and brighten your skin over time.

2. Celery – Chewing on stalks of celery whitens your teeth. Plus, it's good fiber and low in calories.

3. An apple, or a slice of hard cheese – Both will remove food from your teeth and bacteria from your month, if you are without toothpaste and can't brush your teeth. Apples contain malic acid, which also removes stains.

4. Black tea – Soaking feet in unsweetened black tea curbs the production of sweat and cures foot oder.

5. Vinegar – is a natural way to get rid of oil: Mix 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar with one egg yolk to use as an emergency shampoo. Vinegar, or lemon juice will act as a natural hair rinse also. Plus, rinsing with cold water will add shine to your hair.

Isn't it great to have options and know what to do in a pinch, or if away from home? With knowledge and a little ingenuity, you never have to go without ... not when there's an inexpensive, natural solution.

You may also enjoy:
Mean, Lean And Green
Healthy Spices In A Well-Stocked Kitchen
Health Care Reform, A Doctor Weighs In
No Skimping On Good Oral Hygiene

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Skinny On Face Serum ... And Skin Care

This beautiful woman has no wrinkles, freckles ... or pores due to air brushing.

If you are lucky and blessed, you get old. All of us are heading that way, so why not accept it? You will never be 21 again, not in Hollywood, nor on Main Street.

But, you can have healthy skin at every age. With so many products flooding the market, which one do you really need? According to leading dermatologists, the answer is face serum. Face cleansers and moisturizers don't matter as much as the serum. That's because the serum can penetrate deeper layers of skin.

Skin experts say, a face moisturizer has larger molecules than a serum. The only purpose of a moisturizer is to hydrate the top layer of the skin. Unlike moisturizers, face serums have tiny molecules and are formulated to deposit moisture and nutrients to deeper layers of the skin.

There are a variety of face serums to address specific skin needs from (1) blocking the loss of collagen and (2) brightening the skin to (3) rebuilding collagen and (4) treating deep winkles. After you figure out what the target of your skin regimen is, choosing a serum becomes less confusing.

It is not necessary to use both a face serum and a moisturizer, but many people like the feel of the combination. Always apply a face serum before a moisturizer. Remember that only the serum penetrates the deeper layers of skin to slow down, or improve the signs of aging.

According to skin doctors, there are a few rules of thumb:

*You can apply antioxidant serums (prevents the breakdown of collagen) or skin brightening serums in the morning, followed by a moisturizer with sun protection.

* It is not necessary to wait for the face serum to dry completely before you apply a moisturizer.

* Apply anti-wrinkle serums with either retinol (over-the-counter) or retinoids (prescription strength) at night, but not during the day. Sunlight destroys the vitamin A derivative, which speeds cell turnover. To work, use a product with at least 0.1% retinol packaged in aluminum [to protect it from sunlight and air]. You may also have to transition, i.e. use a few times a week until your skin builds up a tolerance for it.

*A glycolic acid serum (exfoliates and brightens skin) deactivates serums containing vitamin C, retinoid or hydroquinone [a skin whitener] cream. Be careful when layering products so you don't cancel the benefits of one with another.

Tip: The most expensive skin products are often not the best. When comparing brands, if the first three ingredients are the same, the products will work exactly the same.

Recommended face serums that are reasonably priced include:

Use Day or Night --

1. Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, $22

2. Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Serum, $22*

3. Mad Hippie For Your Face Contains Vitamin C + E +Hydaluronic Acid Serum, $28 - Brightens, tightens and smooths skin. Vitamin C serum is also thought to help sunscreen work better.

4. Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Triple Boosting Serum with Concentrated Total Soy Complex, $20-$25

5. Origins Brighter By Nature Skin Tone Correcting Serum, $40

6. Patricia Wexler M.D. MMPi Skin Regenerating Serum, $65
*The whole line of Olay skin care products are highly rated by several dermatologists and product rating lists.

Use Only at Night --

7. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $22

8. Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Moisture, Night, $23
9. Olay Professional PROx Deep Wrinkle Treatment, $42 [Replaces the cheaper Olay Total Effects Intensive Restoration Treatment, $21]

10. Patricia Wexler M.D. Intensive Deep Wrinkle Treatment, $60

And a few final thoughts:

When you look closely at mature celebrities whose faces have been treated by the best plastic surgeons and potions money can buy, they may not have wrinkles, but they don't look young either ... only different. The celeb may not look like other 60 year olds, but neither does he/she look like a 30 year old. That's because nothing can truly turn back the hands of time.

Personally, I am as susceptible to clever marketing as the next person. So two years ago I started using a face serum that claims to hydrate my skin and fight free radicals. I like how it feels, but when comparing my face to areas where I don't apply a serum, like arms, legs, shoulders, belly, etc, I don't see a difference in my skin. All of my skin looks the same. I think the best way to preserve your skin from aging is to eat good food and stay out of the sun. My mother says worries will kill you ... and make you look old. So if you want to look younger, stop worrying about wrinkles and all the things you can't control and lead a life you enjoy. A positive, open spirit takes years off your face!

The quote cracks me up! These girls should get out of the sun.

You may also enjoy:
A Stop At Henri Bendel's NARS Counter
Go On A Skin Diet
Protecting Your Skin
Prevent Aging And Cancer With Four Top Performers

Friday, March 11, 2011

Meet The iPad 2

A Siren-like creature has been calling me for quite a while now. Just like in a Greek myth, it is alluring, fascinating, and somewhat dangerous. I knew a day would come when it tried to lure me in.

It looks innocent enough, but don't be fooled. If you stop by an Apple store to play with it, a strong compulsion to bring it home takes hold!

The iPad 2's features include several enhancements over its predecessor:

1. There are two cameras, back and front (for point shooting and video chatting).

2. It's 15% lighter, weighing just 1.33 pounds.

3. It's 1/3 thinner – The dimensions are, height: 9.5 inches, width: 7.3 inches, and depth: a teeny 0.34 inches.

4. A HDMI port is now built-in, so you can connect it to a TV.

5. It's 2 times faster, running on a 1GHz dual-core processor with iOS 3.4, which lets you do all kinds of sophisticated computing and graphics.

6. The battery lasts 10 hours, the same as before.

7. The price stays the same too, from $499-$829.

So now the conversation in my head goes something like this:

It seems like only yesterday I bought a nice laptop. Really, everything I need to do, I can conveniently do on a laptop.

But ... newer, lighter, and thinner is very nice!

My laptop is fairly lightweight ... or IS it? Oh, the iPad 2 is four times lighter!

But … my laptop is easily transportable … or, IS it?

Rather than need I simply want an ipad. Right?!?

This iPad 2 is sooo cool!

I have also tried to convince myself that my laptop is the new desktop, and the iPad 2 is the new laptop, which in fact, changes my want into a need! And having an iPad 2 would, for surrre, make me even more productive ... but that's a lie. My MacBook Pro does that very well.

Right now, I want an iPad 2 real bad! But what I need is a new battery for my Macbook Pro. Unfortunately ... in order to stay strong and not give into temptation, I will have to avoid going into an Apple store altogether. Want. Need. Want. And on it goes!

The iPad 2 is available in stores and online beginning today.

A letter to Steve Jobs from me:

Dear Steve,

We have never met, but you are an "evil" man. Thanks a lot!

Love,

Debbie

You may also enjoy:
M.C. Hammer Presents The ZAGGmate iPad Case
The Story Of Stuff, A Review
Save On Your Next Computer ... And Electronics
Replacing Old Faithful With A New Printer

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

When Do You Pay Top Dollar?

There are certain things in this world you will buy despite their costs. If you can't find a discount, you will brace yourself, bite the bullet and empty your wallet because you believe they are worth the expense.

In my opinion, everyone has a list of things he/she will pay top dollar to get -- where quality rules. You will pay serious money even if it means you have to delay the purchase while you save up, or do without other things in order to afford the things on your list. Let's make it interesting by sharing some of the items on our lists. They can be big or small:

Mine are in no particular order:

1. Pillow

2. Mattress

3. Bed sheets - Must be 100% cotton with a high thread count.

4. A sharp kitchen knife

5. Comfortable walking shoes - When your feet are happy, you are happy.

6. Warm winter coat - Lands' End has quality coats for a good value. If anything happens to LE, it's back to overpaying.

7. Fancy birthday cake and/or fine chocolate - We all need rewards and special treats to celebrate special occasions. And, the treat should be worth the calories.

8. A comfortable home in a safe neighborhood - I have to like the location and layout. It's where I nest.

9. Education - Look where good schools got Kate Middleton. "A mind stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions." There are lots of good schools!

10. A reliable car - When I lived outside the city, I drove a Honda Accord LX and liked listening to the radio and music while driving. It was my nest on wheels and kept me safe and mobile.

Lucky 11 bonus item: Face serum - Stay tuned for a future post, where I'll explain why it's an essential.

That's what made my cut. Everything else is negotiable. If you'd like to share a few of your own choices, please do. Our lists can change as we move through life. So no need to over-think. Have fun with it.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Waste Not Want Not Native American Style

According to editor, Todd Marks, who works for Consumer Reports, we waste 25% of all the products we buy because we can't get them out of their containers. He says the pumps for personal care items like body lotions and face serums are so poorly designed, you end up throwing away about a week's supply of product -- the stuff that gets stuck at the bottom and won't come out. I think it's more like two weeks worth– because oh, how I hate when a favorite cosmetic or conditioner is discontinued. So much so that I'm not above splitting open the container with a utility knife to get to every last drop before it disappears forever! The first time I was forced to do this I was amazed at how much product was left. Lipsticks will last many extra months if applied with a lip brush.

When using every last drop, though, be prudent. Some cosmetics like mascara have a short shelf life. Mascara should only be kept for 6 months. Then you have to worry about germs and ineffectiveness. Safety should always outweigh attempts to save money. Nonetheless, many other personal care items, like shampoos, conditioners and moisturizers, last a long time. Using an entire container of these products, including what is normally wasted, will add up to big bucks.

Consumer Reports magazine's Todd Marks also suggests that we pour apple cider vinegar in bottles of ketchup and barbeque sauce and use the last bits in cooking. I admit, I don't go that far unless I'm short of the ingredient while right in the middle of trying to prepare a dish. Even if you choose not to get this extreme, it's not a bad idea to be a little more mindful of waste ... and conserve where you can, a value held by earlier generations, including American Indians who killed one buffalo as needed, then used every part of the animal -- meat, bones, horns and hide -- for a practical purpose. Nothing went to waste, partly out of respect for the slaughtered animal.

Another idea the editor supports, I do practice: Freezing very ripe fruit and using it in recipes. Not only do I stock nutritious strawberries, blueberries and peaches that, otherwise, would go bad (they make delicious smoothies); I also cut up vegetables like celery, red and green peppers, as well as, meats such as lean roast beef and chicken, then pull them out of the freezer at a later date for quick meals. The frozen meats and vegetables make tasty soups and stews with a minimum of effort. Plus, families tend to eat better with a little thought and planning. Below are links to a couple of earlier posts for quick and easy recipes. Enjoy!

You may also enjoy:
What Do You Stock In Your Freezer?
Drugstores: Where Value And Convenience Converge
You Are What You Eat
A Stop At Henri Bendel's NARS Counter

Friday, March 4, 2011

The Doctors' Home Remedies

It's great to have a doctor in the house, or at least a few on TV. This morning I had a chance to watch such a show on CBS. It was an hour well spent. “The Doctors” discussed quick home remedies for treating common ailments. So I'm posting their list, often rewording their advise. Because that's what I do, fiddle and fuss and tinker with words … and for that, there is no cure. But the recommendations below come straight from the show:

1. Facial Blemishes: Rub tomato slices on your skin to increase circulation and clear your complexion.

2. Ingrown Toenails: Use Epsom salt and dental floss to treat.
3. Headache: Drink watermelon juice to cure a headache.

4. Plantar Warts: Tape a small piece of a banana peel to a plantar wart overnight, every night until the wart is gone.
5. Body Odor: Beat body odor by rubbing turnip juice on your armpits.

6. Menstrual Cramps: Curb cramps with Cramp Bark, an herbal supplement.

7. Allergic Skin Reactions: Mix crushed poppy seeds with lemon juice and water until it turns to a paste, then rub the mixture on the irritated area.

8. Fleas: Spray diluted lemon juice (with water) onto a dog’s back to fight fleas.

9. Bug Bites: Make a paste using Epsom salt and warm water, and rub it on bites to reduce inflammation.

10. Athlete’s Foot: Put apple cider vinegar on potato slices and place directly on the affected area. The doctors say this works just as well as anything you can buy.

11. Sore Throat: Soothe with a spiced tea. Mix cloves, ground ginger, ground cinnamon and honey in boiling water, let it cool. Drink it.

12. Sore Throat: Sucking on gummy bears can help soothe a child’s sore throat.

13. Bad Breath: Sip and swish with pure cranberry juice. Also prevents yeast infections.

14. Sunburns: Ease sunburn pain by boiling lettuce in water, refrigerate the liquid to cool and place it on the burn.

15. Unwanted Body Hair: To remove, use Karmissie, an at-home threader.

16. Ragged Cuticles: Dip fingers in (1) a paraffin wax bath or (2) softened soy candle wax to moisturize.

17. Frizzy Hair: Treat with a hair mask made of olive oil, mayonnaise, one egg and beer.

18. Blackheads: Remove blackheads by making a paste consisting of 1 tablespoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Leave it on your skin for 30 minutes and rinse.

19. Fingernail Stains: Treat yellow fingernail stains with whitening toothpaste. Brush and let toothpaste soak on nails for about 5 minutes. Rinse.

20. Wrinkles: Use diaper rash cream to remove fine lines around your eyes. The effective ingredient is zinc oxide.

21. Indigestion: Eat celery to relieve indigestion. Has anti-inflammatory compounds.

22. Hangover: Prevent a hangover by eating and hydrating before drinking alcohol. Try a whole wheat pizza with pepperoni, which contains carbohydrates, olive oil, cheese and pepperoni, to help coat and prepare the stomach for alcohol, and add Bifidus powder, a probiotic, to water to help with digestion. Also, eat a fruit salad of banana, watermelon and crushed almonds to help prevent a hangover. This puts nutrients into your system that alcohol depletes.

23. Knee Pain: Strengthen your knees by sitting on the floor with your legs in front of you and your heels on the floor, and flex the muscles around the kneecap to create strong musculature around the knee. This is called the “knee dance.”

24. Congestion: Use vapor rub on the chest to ease congestion. The Doctors say don't put it above your lip or in your nostrils.

25. Gnats: A dab of pure vanilla extract on your wrist or neck will repel gnats.

26. Smell: Use vanilla extract as an aphrodisiac and natural perfume. According to scientific studies, vanilla attracts men; it was their favorite fragrance, so the smell may also cure loneliness.

27. Headache: Give yourself a scalp massage to relieve a headache. Stick your fingers in your hair at the scalp and pull. The headache will go away, but once you let go it may come back. Repeat it every few minutes for more relief.
28. Sun and Age Spots: Use potatoes to lighten age or sun spots on your face. I wonder why the show stopped at face. Isn't the skin on hands a bigger age spot problem?

29. Feeling Blue: Go for a walk to combat the blues.

30. Safety: Make sure any home remedy you try is safe for you.

I favor home remedies because they have fewer chemicals so you don't have to worry as much about side effects. And I like the simplicity of using items you already have at home. But conventional medicine has its place. And not all home remedies work, so a list approved by a team of doctors is good to have. Always use good judgment: Go to your doctor if a condition persists. Keep your doctor informed, and never treat yourself for anything serious! Wow after finishing this, I need to get up to eat a banana. Seriously. Anybody got any plantar warts?

You may also enjoy:
Mean, Lean And Green
Healthy Spices In A Well-Stocked Kitchen
Health Care Reform, A Doctor Weighs In
No Skimping On Good Oral Hygiene

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Happy Birthday To The Savvy Shopper

Dear Readers,

THE SAVVY SHOPPER turns two today. It's a privilege to have you aboard. A special welcome to new folks. Your comments, emails and ideas are wonderful to read. Here's to more wisdom ... and another great year of writing. Cheers!

Some of the retailers with buttons on THE SAVVY SHOPPER blog are celebrating birthdays too. Philosophy is lucky 15. You'll find extra savings and offer codes this month from the advertisers.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Fashion At The Academy Awards

The Oscars are over. Did you watch? It's THE awards show people all over the world are likely to see. Naturally, I watch for the fashions, as well as, to see who wins the awards. Nowadays, celebrities hire a stylist, so there's mostly glamour, instead of mistakes, on the red carpet. Plus, the dresses are custom-made, highlighting a nominee's best assets and hiding any flaws. At 5'8" tall, host Anne Hathaway has the long legs and slender body to make her appear elegant and beautiful in whatever she wears. And was she ever busy ... changing an exhausting 7 times during the show! She looked gorgous in all 8 outfits. And now the wait: In a few days, we'll learn which designer dresses will be reproduced for the masses. Meanwhile, below is a second look at some of my favorites from last night's ceremony:

Top: Anne Hathaway is wearing a 1. Lanvin custom tuxedo and Brian Atwood heels made with Swarovski crystals; 2. vintage red Valentino Haute Couture taffeta gown with floral train; and 3. Giorgio Armani Prive custom sapphire satin gown.
Bottom: 1. Mandy Moore is wearing a Monique Lhuillier gown with crystal beads; 2. Hilary Swank has on a silver sequined Gucci gown with ombre feathered train; 3. Halle Berry shows off a Marchesa crystal encrusted gown with a ruffled train.

Whose dress(es) did you like best?

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Orange Alert ... Even Oprah Is Trendy

I just returned home from a 40 block browse and walk, down Madison Avenue in New York City. Every designer from Prada, Chanel and Ralph Lauren ... to Burberry, Hermes and Donna Karen has shades of orange in their collections. Orange shirts, dresses and purses are hanging on racks at Express, Banana Republic and Coach to name only a few. To say that orange will be all the rage this Spring just might be an understatement. Ms. Oprah is wearing the cheerful color on the February cover of her “O” magazine. And she looks spectacular in it! Even conservative labels like Brooks Brothers and Giorgio Armani are incorporating a little citrus flamboyance in their mens-and-womenswear. And Ugg has come out with a tangerine boot.

Unlike baby blue and graceful pink, vivid hues of pumpkin and carrot are clearly not gender specific. Just like the Sun, itself, orange is warm, bright and full of energy.

Orange can be loud, powerful and impossible to miss. If you have a dark, or olive complexion, you can wear a wide range of orange, as well as, lots of it from head to toe. But if you have a delicate or pale complexion, the dominate color will wash you out. You need to go easy, be selective of tone and don't wear it too close to your face. After a harsh winter, I can't wait to leave the layers of clothing at home and Spring forward with the vitality of orange. This promises to be a fun trend.