Gift Food Baskets For The Holidays

Gift giving is about thoughtfulness, meeting needs and making people happy.  So giving someone a basket of delectable treats is perfect.

A tower of edible gifts can make someone feel like s/he hit the jackpot.  They make smart holiday gifts for several reasons:

1) Retailers offer special deals and combos, making pricy gourmet foods more affordable than at other times of the year.  

2) It's a gift few people buy for themselves, but most like receiving.

3) They help you avoid the craziness of the holiday rush. – No need to beat back the crowd, nor stand in long lines.  Order online to be delivered.  Look for coupon codes for free shipping too. Codes here.

4) There is a food basket to suit every taste and budget.

5) They are the perfect gifts to send out of town. – And convenient: Via a phone call - delivered right to a friend's door on very short notice.  If you forget a relative, it may be the only way to get gifts to a destination by Christmas.

6) Food baskets are festive. – They make a beautiful presentation.  And nothing says "I care" like giving a load of goodies.

7) They can help someone in need – Can you imagine getting a big basket of meats, cheeses, fruits and nuts, if you're a working mother, or a family who has fallen on hard times?  It's a sneaky, considerate way to help.  You can give a gift of generosity without the embarrassment of charity.

8) And last but not least, giving food baskets highlights the spirit of Christmas. – Your recipient will have delicacies to share with family and friends, who drop by to spend time together.  And isn't that what it's all about?  Does anyone really need another blouse or necktie?

Here are a few merchants to consider for your edible gifts:

Harry And David's - Lots of ribbons and bows, nice selection.

Omaha Steaks - Frozen in packages and ready to cook as needed.

Hams and Jams - The Loveless Cafe's mail order business.

Whole Foods Markets

Fairway Market

Zabar's

Wine Country Gift Baskets  

William Sonoma - Wine club.

Williams-Sonoma - Seafood or The Butcher Shop.

GourmetGiftBaskets - Plenty of choices, including healthy ones.

You can buy a single (tower of treats), or monthly (fruit of the month) deliveries of goodies.  And check your local supermarkets -- many offer a gift basket service, including delivery -- for savings and peak fruit.  If you have a favorite food basket company, please leave a comment.


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Calling All Dog Lovers

This pooch looks like our old family dog.

Do you get nostalgic around the holidays?  Recently I stumbled upon a video, which made me think of my family dog.  He looked and behaved just like this dog. He was independent and smart.  He liked to lay under furniture to rest.  And when he was bored, watch out.  He was too smart.

We had to stay one step ahead of him, or he'd try to take over the leader of the pack role.

When he was 6 months old, my aunt came for a one week visit, bringing her 4 young children.  Our dog must have felt displaced by having company in the house, so while we all slept, he found our guests' shoes and chewed up one shoe of each pair.  He didn't touch any of our shoes.  The next day we had to shop for new shoes, so our relatives would have something to wear for the rest of their vacation.

On that visit, our dog was put in the bathroom after he got underfoot.  Usually, he had the roam of the house.  So he climbed up to where there were folded towels and washcloths and pulled every last one of them down.  And when we opened the door to let him out, the bath towels were so scattered, we couldn't even find the dog.

This breed is supposed to yodel, instead of bark, but ours barked -- only when necessary -- but he never yodeled, so he must have been a mutt, though, he had the same features as the basenji in the video.

After he was several years old, on a Saturday night, we were trying to watch a television program.  It was Easter weekend, and there was a Special airing, but we could not get him to stay away from a widow in the front room of our house.  It overlooked a street.  We could barely enjoy our program and were so annoyed!  For what seemed like forever, we admonished him for barking, making him come away from the window, into the living room, time and again.  But he was stubborn and crept right back to the window.  So we scolded him yet again, saying:  You come back in here! ... WHAT HAS gotten into you!?!

Well, the next morning we decided to go to church and found out as soon as we stepped outside onto the porch.  Our car was missing from the front of our house where we had parked it.  It had been stolen!  And the dog had watched the thieves hot-wiring the car and tried to warn us, while we sat engrossed in our program!  We never made that mistake again.

You learn so much from your first.

There are many benefits to owning pets.  Studies show that having a dog can improve your mood, cure loneliness, lower blood pressure and reduce stress.  Dog owners exercise more than non-pet owners.  Our dog loved to snuggle and always greeted us with unconditional love.

Pet ownership is a responsibility.  But if you don't mind the work, you get joy, laughter and a loyal friend in return.  There are many cute kittens and pure breed dogs at animal shelters and dog rescue organizations who need families.  Look there before buying anywhere else.  It will cost less -- usually around $50-$100 for shots and spaying -- as well as, save the life of a furry friend.  Black dogs and cats, an unpopular color, are especially hard to place in loving homes.

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Panorama Views: Take A Look At The World

Central Park, New York, Photo: Ed Yourdon

You may have noticed.  THE SAVVY SHOPPER is primarily a writer's blog, not a design/photography blog.  But that doesn't mean I won't share a clever design, or pictures when they come along.  I am always impressed with how technology has opened up the world to us.  These days if you are not well-traveled, you can still experience, or get a feeling for what you will see if you ever go on your dream vacation.  The internet pushes you out of your comfort zone by showing you places on the globe where you may never think to step foot.  And I mean, show you from your eyeball's point of view, as if you were standing there.  Perhaps you'll be inspired to plan a real trip to see the sights one day.  So take a few minutes out of your hustle-bustle, not-enough-hours-in-a-day life to explore these magnificent 360 degree images. The pictures move horizontally and vertically, and with a click, you can travel up and down, plus zoom in and out.  The image of the Sistine Chapel below can be magnified, so you can study Michelangelo's masterpiece in detail.  Get ready to be blown away … and enjoy! 

1. Sulphur Creek in Capitol Reef National Park  

2. Double Arch in Arches National Park  

3. Payson Canyon, Uinta National Forest, Utah  

4. Puebloan Granaries, Aztec Butte, Canyonlands  

5. Grand View Point, Canyonlands National Park  

6. The Sistine Chapel, The Vatican, Rome -I did not have this good a view in person!

7. Montmartre, Paris, France (Hit "shift" to zoom in and "control" to back away.)

8. Rue Montorgueil, Paris, France

To continue sightseeing, click here [includes breathtaking views of du Louvre] and here [the landmarks of London].

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Precise Portions' Dinnerware For Healthy Meals

Eating healthy just got simpler.  Recently the USDA replaced the old food pyramid with a new MyPlate icon.  Most of us should be eating smaller amounts of food, as well as, making healthier choices.  Precise Portions, a new line of porcelain dinnerware takes the guesswork out of figuring out what and how much food to put on your plate.  It's not that we can't enjoy an occasional treat; but we should be eating more fruits and vegetables, a portion of starch or whole grains, proteins and dairy most of the time.  Designed by a dietician, the dinnerware follows the new USDA guidelines.  It shows you what a portion is [usually the size of a clinched fist], and reminds you what a balanced diet looks like.

It's easier to be a mindful eater when the information is right there on your dinner plate staring you in the face.  A shocking percentage of children and adults in the US are not just overweight ... but are obese.  This set makes a great gift for families trying to instill healthy habits.

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Happy Thanksgiving From THE SAVVY SHOPPER

The Secret Sisters singing a song written by Hank Williams. They can sing anything ... and do. Click here.

Thanksgiving.  What a lovely holiday, centered around family, great food, (music in our house) and perhaps a little reflection and tradition.

According to historians, Native Americans and early colonists [in Jamestown and New England] were accustomed to holding days of prayer and celebrations, thanking God for blessings, such as safe travel, victory in battles or a successful harvest.  In the New World thanksgiving services were quite common.

Well folks, here we are again, observing a tradition, which lives on into the 21st century.  So as you take a moment to gather around and remember your blessings, enjoy the day!  As one of my buddies said, "Get out the pajama jeans!"  You're sure to need the stretch.

According to my readings, Native Americans ate a diet of maize, beans and squash.  One of their thanksgiving dishes consisted of a large pumpkin stuffed with buffalo or deer stew.  It was baked in an oven, then cut in wedges and served.  Doesn't it sound delicious?   

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Hot Sales ... And Great Gifts At Williams-Sonoma

Calphalon Nonstick Covered Fry $39.95-$49.95

Vinturi Wine Aerator $39.95

Williams-Sonoma is, hands down, my favorite store for kitchenwares and home furnishings.  I love the specialty foods too.  Since the goods are expensive, I must be careful not to empty my wallet shopping there.  [If only I had Ivanka Trump's budget, I could have the entire line ... and join the wine club.  Dream on here.  Hand-picked wines make a sure-to-please gift for someone special.]

The company was started in 1956 by Chuck Williams, who appreciated the restaurant quality of French cookware and wanted to introduce it to Americans.  Williams bought a hardware store in Northern California.  He restocked the hardware with imported French cookware.  Now there are over 260 retail stores across the USA and Canada.

The pots, pans and utensils are high end.  Buy one of the store's prime culinary tools, and you'll never have to replace it.  Watch for sales to get value and great gifts for under $50.  For the holidays, I love giving and getting gifts (and gift certificates) from Williams-Sonoma.  Just saying for um ... no particular reason.

Everyone needs one non-stick skillet to fry eggs.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday begin early. Now is a good time to find some deals.

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Are You Ready Boots?

Victoria's Secret Collection 
(The marks are the alphabet on a scanned page.)

Autumn is boot season.  Tall or short, high or low, zip-up or lace-up, there's a fashion, fit and function to flatter every foot and pair of legs.  Boots can complete an outfit, while protecting you from the elements.  Whether you are angling for a polished look, or trying to keep old man winter at bay, there's a choice and length of boot to help you look your fabulous best.  My picks are very often low heels and working boots.  I walk for miles on concrete, so my boots have to withstand the punishment of city streets, as well as, be kind to my feet.  I don't want to develop bunions or hammer toes, but won't sacrifice on style.  With choice galore, there's no reason we can't be chic and comfortable, simultaneously.  And REAlly, boots are made for walking ... so why settle for less.  When your feet are happy, you are happy.

Retailers offering lots of boot style and value include:

1. Victoria's Secret Catalog - Ultra posh, ultra cute!

2. Uggs - Warm, durable, casual style.

3. Endless - A large inventory and discounts.

4. Macy's - Best department store selection, a range of price points.

5. Overstock - Super quality and quantity; up to 70% off and $2.99 shipping.

6. Merrell - Orthopedic soles with smart casual style. 

7. Lands' End - Exceptional snow boots (and winter outerwear).

8. Zappos - Free shipping both ways, great customer service, and they stock every boot imaginable.

Now get your game boots on and start walkin'.  For Nancy Sinatra's 1966 hit song click here.  It features some sizzling hot, umm ... uhh, boots.

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Doctor's Orders: Is It Time For A Checkup?

Good Health is priceless, and preventive medicine pays.  It's always easier to nip a medical problem in the bud, than to treat a chronic disease.  If detected early, skin cancer can be removed in a doctor's office, and breast cancer treated as outpatient surgery.  Sometimes a doctor's advice about diet and exercise can even stop a patient from developing an illness, which would then require medicine or surgery to treat.  In our 20s we may feel invincible, but hopefully, we know better as we mature.  A trusted doctor is important to have, and regular checkups can help you maintain optimal heath.  Below is a cheat sheet for the checkups you need and at what age to begin (i.e. add a new exam): 

Your 20s

Men and Women:

1. Internist or family doctor – Go once a  year for a general checkup: Your doctor draws your blood (so you may have to fast) and takes urine and stool samples to check your general health and screen for an assortment of diseases.  My doctor checks my reflexes, breathing, heart, blood pressure and a host of other things.  He has me follow beams of light with my eyes.  Looks in my mouth and ears.  We discuss diet and exercise.  He gives annual flu and booster shots, such as tetanus, as needed.  He checks to see if patients have immunities to childhood diseases like mumps, measles and rubella and will vaccinate, if necessary.  He examines my glands and makes sure everything looks normal.

2. Dentist – Go every 6 months.  Cleans and does an oral exam.  Checks for oral cancers and fills cavities if you have any.

3. Dermatologist – Go once a year if you have a family history of skin cancer, or immediately if you see suspicious moles, or have a lesion that won't heal.

4. Women: Gynecologist – Go once a year.  Screens for breast, cervical and ovarian cancers.  If you have multiple or a new sex partner, you should also be screened for STDs.

Your 30s, add

Men and Women:

5. A cholesterol screening – This is usually done during your yearly visit with your internist.  When the doctor draws your blood, s/he will send it off to the lab to be tested.  It's why you fast before you go.

6. In your late 30s or early 40s – Doctors may begin doing stress tests/echocardiograms on your heart, if you have a family history of heart disease.

Your 40s, add

6. Women: A mammogram – Early detection saves lives.  Women should talk to their doctor, but I think we've come a long way in curing breast cancer because of the ability to detect and treat it at an early stage.  Beginning at 40, a mammogram once a year seems sensible to me.  [Some doctors say you can wait until age 50; I wouldn't.]

7. Women: After 45, ask about a bone density scan – Especially if you are small-framed, or carry a low weight.

8. Men: A rectal exam and PSA blood test to check for prostrate cancer.

9. Men: A screening for testicular cancer [routine, done during your yearly physical, but the 40s is a time to be vigilant; don't skip exams]. 

10. Men and Woman: An eye exam with an ophthalmologist – At least every two years to check for glaucoma.

Your 50s, add

11. Men and Women: A colonoscopy – Every 5 years.  Polyps are removed during the examination, including ones that can develop into colon cancer if left untreated.

Your 60s and beyond, add

12. Men and Women: Visits with your primary care doctor to monitor any medications you take and problems that creep up.  As we age, cataracts can steal vision, but treatment from an eye doctor can save it.

Fortunately, I have fabulous doctors, who are knowledgeable, compassionate and good listeners.  They are thorough without being alarmists.  With regular checkups and by following doctor's orders, I hope to stay healthy for a very long time.  Care to join me?  If you know it, do you do it?

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The Simple Way To Apply Your Own Makeup

Gwyneth Paltrow gets the credit for today's post.  On her blog, GOOP, she has her London makeup artist, Emma Lovell, show us how to apply makeup.  To be sure, it's excellent advice, but too many steps for me.  And it's unlikely most woman will buy all the recommended products.  So I reduced the steps and added my own spin from tips makeup artists have shared with me over the years.  Admittedly, it's still a case of do what I say and not as I do since, I rarely use foundation, mascara, or an eyelash curler.  And, people may be thinking that I should use all of them.  If you are thinking it, be nice!  Below are my Emma Lovell-inspired tips on how to do your own makeup ... along with my recommendations for products to save a few bucks.

Always lovely, Lauren Graham

For daytime:

1. Start with a clean face and neck. You can use witch hazel.

2. Moisturize your face, neck, and lips.  During the day, use a moisturizer with sunscreen like Olay Complete and any lip balm.

3. If you use foundation, match the color to your neck. Pour the foundation into the palm of your hand.  Dab a bit at a time to your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin; gently rub it in.  The Body Shop makes fabulous foundation.

4. Next apply concealer under your eyes.  Applying concealer with a brush works best. I like Max Factor Pan-Stik.

5. Curl your naked eyelashes, then apply mascara a little at a time.  Maybelline or L'Oreal are unbeatable.

6. Fill in your eyebrows. Use a tint slightly lighter than your natural color. Eyebrows define the whole face.  Sephora makes inexpensive brow pencils, with attached bristles for blending.

7. Next apply blush: For staying power double up: Use a cream blush and go over it with powder blush.  Try NARS or The Body Shop.

8. On lips, apply a quality gloss like L'Oreal Colour Juice with a hint of color.

9. Set your makeup by dusting loose powder all over your face.  The makeup will last longer. None better than The Body Shop's or Origins'.

For nighttime:

1) Add an eyeliner to emphasize your eyes. Buy cheap: Any brand.

2) Blend eyeshadow on your lids.  To stay fresh longer, confine eyeshadows to the lids alone.  I like Chanel and sister company, Bonjour, or Laura Mercier.

3) At night, you can apply additional shimmers to your eyelids and even cheeks, if you wish.  Inexpensive brands are fine.

4) Wear lipstick under lip gloss at night. For lipstick slurge: Bobby Brown, or Chanel.  You can also use it as cheek color in a pinch.  (And save: When you don't mind reapplying.)

To figure out the most flattering colors to wear, I say, use the trial and error method.  You know pretty when you see it.  Visit a few makeup counters, and let the cosmetologists do your makeup.

In reading the advice from a professional makeup artist, I am reminded of the following: (1) Looking good starts with clean, healthy skin; (2) makeup is best applied, slowly, by layering it a little at a time and; (3) when you do a good job applying makeup, people don't think your makeup looks good.  They think YOU look good.  And that should always be our goal.

I have to give a shout out to an amazing California makeup artist, Lea WhiteFeather.  She is so talented!  Watch her YouTube channel to be mesmerized by her many star transformations.

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Steaming Hot Cincinnati Chili

A four-way served at Skyline Chili

If you order chili in Cincinnati, Ohio be prepared to answer the following question: "Would you like a two-way, three-way, or five way?"  The inquiry refers to ingredients.  Intrigued?

As it turns out, Cincinnati is the chili capital of the world.  There are over 100 chili parlors in the greater metropolitan area, more than any other city in America.  And the chili in Cincinnati is unlike chili in other parts of the country.  Cincinnati chili is always served piping hot and spicy, but never, ever jalapeno pepper hot.  It's about blending spices and creating delicious, subtle flavors, not about setting your mouth on fire.

Cincinnati chili probably started in 1922 when Tom and John Kiradjieff, brothers of Macedonian origin, begin serving it over spaghetti at their hotdog stand.  Tom modified an ethnic stew to attract more customers.  Eventually, the brothers opened Empress Chili. [Their hotdog stand was next to the Empress Theater, a burlesque on Vine Street.]  Soon their chili was copied and tweaked by other restaurateurs, including immigrants from Greece, who began Skyline Chili, as well as, 4 brothers (the Daouds) from Jordan, who opened Gold Star Chili.

Somehow my father learned how to make Cincinnati chili and taught my European mother how to prepare one of her first American dishes.  On dates, they ate at a well-liked parlor called the Chili Bowl.  My Mom said when she first came to the States every business she walked into, like the Chili Bowl, had Elvis Presley singing on the radio.  Below is a winning recipe.

Cincinnati Chili

Ingredients:

1 pound ground sirloin

1 large onion

A sprinkle of seasoned salt

2 28 ounce cans whole tomatoes

1 15 ounce can red kidney beans

1 bell pepper, any color

1 stalk celery, with leaves

1 bay leaf

4 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 tablespoons unsweetened baking chocolate

2 teaspoons red chili powder, or to taste (Dark chili powder is milder.)

½ teaspoon black pepper, or 12 turns of the pepper mill

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon allspice

2 beef bouillon cubes

A pinch of parsley, cilantro, cloves and nutmeg

optional: 1 cinnamon stick, a sprinkle of liquid smoke and 1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds

Directions:

1.  Sprinkle the ground sirloin with seasoned salt and cook until golden brown in a pan.  Dice and sauté the onion in the pan.

2. Transfer to a large sauce pot, or a dutch oven.

3. Add the tomatoes, red kidney beans, bell pepper, celery, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, chocolate and spices.

4. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Extras:

Spaghetti

Shredded cheddar cheese

oyster crackers

peanut butter sandwiches (use extra fresh bread)

milk

Cook the spaghetti, separately, according to the package directions and set aside.

And now back to our intriguing question:  Ordering Cincinnati chili is based on ingredients. The number before the "way" determines which ingredients you are requesting.  Here's the lingo:

1) Bowl - chili in a bowl

2) Two-way - chili and spaghetti

3) Three-way - chili, spaghetti, cheddar cheese

4) Four-way - chili, spaghetti, cheddar cheese, diced onions

5) Five-way - chili, spaghetti, cheddar cheese, diced onions, beans

It is also customary to eat Cincinnati chili topped with saltine crackers and a mild hot sauce.  Oyster crackers are used because they are thicker and stay crisp.

A peanut butter sandwich (made with very fresh bread) and paired with an ice cold glass of milk is especially tasty served with a big bowl of Cincinnati chili.  It's comfort food at its best.

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