Happy 4th Birthday To THE SAVVY SHOPPER

Photo courtesy of  pinkcakebox.com

THE SAVVY SHOPPER turns 4 years old today.  Where does the time go?  This site started because I wanted to see what all this blogging business entailed. 

My least favorite part of blogging is futzing with photos and the layout.

In the print world, it takes a team.  Either you work on the editorial, or the business side.  On the editorial side, staffers work as reporters, writers and editors.  There are separate art, photo and copy departments within the editorial side.  All these separate, but linked departments worry about different aspects of a magazine (or newspaper), with all their roles and efforts coming together to close (i.e. publish) an issue (or edition).

Until I began this blog I didn't worry about pictures, layouts or copy editing.  I don't think fussing with layouts and spotting misspelled words are my forte, but I like trying ... and stretching myself, as well as, succeeding.

And, I love how direct and democratic blogging is.  I don't have to pitch nothin'.  Anybody with a computer and a voice can do it.  If you enjoy learning, coming up with story ideas, have the skills to do some digging (research) ... use good judgment ... then have the ability to make it understantable for readers, you can be a blogger.  No capital required, but you will have to invest your time.  Oh ... and you should enjoy fiddling with words.  In fact, that's my favorite part, the writing.  On this blog, it starts and ends with the words.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER now gets a few hundred savvy readers a day, and YOU are awesome! Thank you for stopping by.  Here's to another year of fun facts and entertainment.  Please let me know if there are topics you want to explore.  Let's learn stuff.  Share your thoughts under comments.  Click here for free birthday gifts.

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Oscar Dresses 2013: What Did You Think?

All photos are courtesy of  IN STYLE. Click to enlarge. 1) Jennifer Hudson is wearing a glittering dark blue Roberto Cavalli dress; 2) Kristen Stewart selected a cream Reem Acra gown. It doesn't photograph well, but cute details; 3) Jennifer Aniston's red dress is by Valentino; and 4) Sandra Bullock is wearing Elle Saab.

Some years you see lots of wow at the  Academy Awards.  Standouts, both good and bad.  Not so much this year.  What you saw on the red carpet this time was tasteful dressing and pretty packages.  Tame, but elegant and smart.  Here are a few of my favorite Oscar gowns.  What about you?

(Another gorgeous dress was worn by best actress winner, Jennifer Lawrence, to Vanity Fair's Oscar after party.  She changed from the earlier Dior Couture one.  I like the second dress better and posted it on our facebook page: here.)

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Cheap Botanical Beauty For Body And Hair

Lavender Photo courtesy of  Flower Picture Gallery

Your skin, measuring 20 square feet, is your largest organ and the first line of defense, keeping all kinds of wicked microbes from entering your system. At the same time, everything you rub on your skin can penetrate it and get absorbed into your blood stream. As winter sets in many of us slather on moisturizers from head to toe to counter the dryness. Some of us wonder: Are the chemicals in the beauty products we use every day harmful?

Although I haven't given up commercial products (I still love my corner drugstore); when all things are equal, such as performance, price and convenience, I prefer products with certified organic, or 99% all natural ingredients. Patricia, writer of the Red Cardinal blog, asked me to feature a few paraben-free products from time to time, and I'm happy to oblige.

If you live in the US, UK or Australia, you can order many certified organic lotions, potions and creams, as well as, vitamins and supplements from Puritan's Pride, an online manufacturer of vitamins. The natural e-company offers low prices and super sales, but more importantly, they guarantee that their products are of the highest quality.  I placed several orders with them at different times ... all positive experiences. Once I had to cancel an order, and customer service was very helpful.  And finally, I find their website easy to navigate. (Some aren't.)

Here are a few botanical beauty products I like ordering from Puritan's Pride:

1. Perfectly Pure Argan oil  - It has only one ingredient, argan oil. I use it on skin and the ends of my hair right after a shower. 2 oz./various deals - 5 for $55.
2. Organic Health Emollient Lavender Lotion with Antioxidants - This smells lavender-amazing; it's non-greasy and moisturizes skin with essential oils. 12 oz./various deals - 5 for $20.
3. Organic Health Invigorating Tea Tree Oil Shampoo - Tingles your scalp; great for oily, dry, fine, limp and most hair types. 12 oz./2 for 1 and other deals - 5 for $19.98.
4. Organic Health Invigorating Tea Tree Oil Conditioner - Leaves your hair tangle free, shiny and silky smooth. 12 oz./2 for 1 and other deals - 5 for $19.98.

And one from Amazon:

5. Everyday Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion Lavender (also available in vanilla and unscented) - The ingredients include shea butter, lemongrass extract and vitamin C.  In winter I mix in olive oil, argan oil, or Burt's Bees Diaper Ointment (or Boudreaux's Butt Paste) to make a heavier hand cream. By itself, the Everyday Shea lotion is light and completely absorbes into your skin. It is formulated for sensitive skin. 32 oz. for $10.

These five personal care products, made with the finest botanical ingredients, are generously sized, so you can afford to use them every day.

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A Deep Dark Chocolate Cheesecake For Valentine's Day

In celebration of Valentine's Day ... a deep dark chocolate cheesecake straight from the gourmet food magazine, Bon Appetit.  As this blog credits sources whenever possible, the recipe was created by Jeanne Thiel Kelley.  My habit is to tweak recipes a little bit, but not this time.  (Oh, no, I can't help myself -- I always cut the sugar in cakes by ½ cup.)  Here are the easy steps:

Ingredients:

♥Crust

24 chocolate wafer cookies (9 ounces)

1 tablespoon sugar

¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted

Use a high quality 70% Cocoa Bittersweet Chocolate in the following steps. The magazine recommends Scharffen Berger.

♥Filling

1 9.7-ounce bar 70% Cocoa Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped

4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature

1 ¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

4 large eggs

♥Topping

¾ cup whipping cream 

70% Cocoa Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon sugar

♥Bittersweet chocolate curls

Directions:

♥Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 3-inch-high sides. Blend cookies in processor until finely ground; blend in sugar. Add melted butter and process until well blended. Press crumbs evenly onto bottom of oiled pan. Bake just until set, about 5 minutes. Cool while preparing filling. Maintain oven temperature.

♥Filling

Stir chopped chocolate in metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water; cool chocolate until lukewarm but still pourable. Blend cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder in processor until smooth. Blend in eggs 1 at a time. Mix in lukewarm chocolate. Pour filling over crust; smooth top. Bake until center is just set and just appears dry, about 1 hour. Cool 5 minutes. Run knife around sides of cake to loosen. Chill overnight.

♥Topping

Stir cream, 6 ounces chocolate, and sugar in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly. Pour over center of cheesecake, spreading to within 1/2 inch of edge and filling any cracks. Chill until topping is set, about 1 hour. DO AHEAD Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover with foil and keep refrigerated.  Release pan sides. Transfer cheesecake to platter. Top with chocolate curls. Let stand 2 hours at room temperature before serving.

I say, go out to dinner and have this decadence waiting for you at home.  Pair it with good coffee, or a fine tea like those from Teavana.  Some restaurants charge more on Valentine's Day and may be crowded, so many couples prefer to eat at home.  You can always order in.

Warm, good wishes for glitter and gold and tender loving care.  Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

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Snow Boots Fit For A Fashionista

Patagonia Lugano Waterproof

Trust me, I have looked.  The right snow boots are a challenge to find.  If you want style, comfort and function, as opposed to, sacraficing one for the other ... good luck.  And how much must you shell out for lightweight boots that are durable enough to track through ice, snow and slush?  One week's salary?  Two weeks ... or more?!?

I think Canadian companies have mastered making the perfect snow boots, giving fashionistas a lot of bang for a buck: flair, comfort and toughness. Unwittingly, I bought a great pair of Canadian snow boots a few years ago -- designed by Cougar, a company I hear cut back on their production of boots.  So I'd love for Canadians to weigh in with their favorite winter boot picks.  Please, if you are Canadian, we need you!

Meanwhile, my quest leads to two brands sold in the U.S.:

Patagonia Lugano Waterproof - A beautiful suede, the upper boot is a soft waterproof pigskin.  Inside, they have a 200-gram Polartec lining. They keep your feet warm and dry.  They are cute, that is to say, not bulky or chunky, but fashionable like regular boots.  They are lightweight and provide arch support, so are comfortable for city dwellers to walk 20-30 blocks on concrete pavement.  Another plus, your feet can breathe, so you will not have to change your footwear once you reach indoors.  Nonetheless be aware, the boots do not have a zipper and seem impossible to slip on the first few times.  You seriously think about returning them.  But soon they loosen up, and it gets easier.  Once on your feet, you love them. $195/without a sale.

LL Bean Women's Storm Chasers, Side-Zip Boot - These slender, lightweight snow boots keep your feet ultra warm and dry.  Recently re-designed, they provide comfort and support, as well as, the same protection as rubber boots.  They are stiffer than the Patagonia boots, so they will last much longer, but are not as soft nor as suitable for long walks on city pavement.  These boots are perfect for shoveling snow, walking through ice and slush to get to your car, or several blocks to reach a neighborhood store.  If you live in the suburbs and walk to the corner to catch a bus, these offer comfort and excellent protection at an unbeatable price.  And you will probably get a decade or more of wear out of them. LL Bean provides exceptional customer service.  They will resole boots that wear out. $99/on sale

Extra tip: Many snow boots run small because of padding, so consider ordering up from your regular shoe size. This also gives you room to wear insoles and thicker socks.

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Cosmeceutical Skin Care ... Say What?

Photo by Osmosis skin care

Cosmeceuticals is a new vocabulary word I leaned by picking up a street copy of a magazine called Image.  The free monthly is published by plastic surgeons, and according to them cosmeceuticals are the new wave in skin care.

 Let me sum up the article for you.  Our new word is a hybrid of the words cosmetic and pharmaceutical.  Cosmeceuticals are key ingredients with anti-aging benefits that can be bought without a prescription.  Common over the counter cosmeceuticals include glycolic cleansers, anti-aging moisturizers, skin lightening serums and skin tightening creams. 

Skin ages due to oxidation and free radical damage.  Sun exposure is a major cause of free radical damage.  Free radicals breakdown the skin's molecular structure leading to wrinkles and the loss of elasticity and resilience.

According to the article, studies show that antioxidants slow down free radical damage and can improve the skin's appearance.  Cosmeceuticals contain high doses of antioxidants, plus complementary ingredients like phytochemicals, enzymes and essential oils so that your skin can absorb the anti-aging ingredients.

Here is a list of cosmeceuticals -- 10 Active Ingredients -- to look for in high tech youth serums:

1. Retinoids (such as Retinol, a vitamin A treatment) speeds up the skin's natural exfoliation process, lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by thinning and flattening the top layer of the skin.

2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – Exfoliates the skin.  Encourages cell turnover.

3. Alpha Lipoic Acid – Erases fine lines and wrinkles, shrinks pores and reduces under-eye puffiness, improves circulation; brightens your complexion.

4. Glycolic Acid – A fruit acid that exfoliates the skin and speeds up the growth of new skin.  Promotes a smoother, fresher looking complexion.

5. Antioxidants – Look for vitamin C (aka ascorbic acid), vitamin E, green tea, Q-10, Vitamin B Complex. They have anti-inflammatory properties and help build collagen.

6. Peptides – Are tiny protein molecules used to slowdown the loss of collagen, as well as, stimulate skin repair.

7. DMAE – This ingredient may or may not be effective in lifting and firming sagging skin.  There is no consensus on whether it works.

8. Epidermal Growth Factors (EPG) – Fights the loss of skin elasticity and discoloration.

9. Hyaluronic Acid – is a protein that keeps the connective tissues of the skin moist; makes your skin look soft, supple and smooth.

10. Enzymes – remove dead skin cells.

To zero in on specific anti-aging skin care products to try, click the links below.  The first link explains face serums.  You can also peruse THE SAVVY SHOPPER's many posts on good skin care by using the "Search This Blog" box.  It's located at the bottom right-hand corner.

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Homemade Cranberry Preserves

Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.  They also contain proanthocyanidins, which protect you against bladder and urinary tract infections.  Reportedly, other health benefits include lowering cholesterol, heart disease, kidney stones, gum disease, and stomach cancer.

Do you have 15 minutes and a wooden spoon?  Lately I have tried my hand at making my very own fruit preserves.  Homemade cranberry preserves are a delectable sweet-tart combination and so easy to whip up with just three simple ingredients (If you can eat cranberries without adding sugar, more power to you.  Just the thought makes me pucker.):

Cranberry Preserves

Ingredients:
1 14-ounce bag of cranberries
1 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar

Optional: I like to add 5 small-medium oranges to my cranberry sauce to make Cranberry-Orange Sauce. 

Directions:
1. Pour all the ingredients into a pot.  Stir and bring to a boil on a stovetop.
2. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens.  Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon.  You will hear the cranberries pop.  (If you simmer the cranberry mixture for 7-8 minutes you have cranberry sauce.  Double the time to get the thicker cranberry preserves.)
3. Let the cranberry mixture cool, then mash with a potato masher.
4. Pour into jars or containers.

I got my mitts on an iPhone and took these photos.

This snack, peanut butter with cranberry preserves on whole grain bread, was a reward for all my hard-not work.Try cranberry preserves with brie on crackers, and spoon some into plain yogurt. Tasty.

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The Jouer Makeup Palette

The Weekender Collection

If you wear makeup, but desire a natural look -- like you're not wearing makeup -- then Jouer is the perfect beauty brand for you.  Launched in 2008 by Christina Zilber (herself, a busy entrepreneur and mother of two), the cosmetics are created to be simple, chic and modern.  All formulas promote a healthy glowing complexion.

The pigments are rich and stay on your face. From shimmering nudes to rich matte chocolates, the colors are ultra wearable and timeless.  Peachy pink lip glosses, radiant moisture tints and earthy eye shadows glide on to enhance a woman's natural beauty.

The packaging is clever and practical too.  Select a customized palette that is right for your personal style.  All the products in a collection are designed to interlock.  They snap together like legos, so you can configure your makeup anyway you like, making it compact and easy to carry.

The collections are the better value.  Although at $58 they are an investment, you are paying for lavish pigments that will last all day and not fade after a couple of hours of wear.  The all-in-one Weekender is all you need in a pinch. It includes eye tints, check color, highlighters, bronzer, face powder and lip gloss. [On Amazon here.]  The colors in the palette are universal.  Every skin tone can wear them.  I ♥ it!  To learn what makeup to save and splurge on, see the blog posts below.

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The Prabal Gurung For Target Collection

For designer duds, it's Target again!  Mark you calendar for February 10th, the day Prabal Gurung's Target Collection goes on sale in stores and online.  Gurung is a Singapore born, Nepali bred, American designer.  He successfully designed for Bill Blass before launching his own label.   Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lawrence (+ other Hollywood red carpet walkers) wear his dresses.  He says his Target collection is inspired by ♥love♥ -- all of the stages from first crush to everlasting.♥♥♥  The apparel and accessories are colorful, fresh and feminine ... with a bite.

The limited edition collection consists of 80 plus pieces: clothing, handbags, shoes and jewelry.  The price ranges from $13 (crystal stone earrings in silver) to $200 (for a blue leather jacket), with most falling under $40.  To see the entire Prabal Gurung Target offerings, click here.  The designer claims that red is his favorite color, but I see lots of blue.  Gorgeous!  Decide: Which are your favorites?

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For The New Year

Photo by Jane Smith (Flickr)

As the new year begins, many people focus on physical fitness.  While some aim to lose a few pounds, others just want to embrace a healthy lifestyle.  Sometimes what you don't do, is as important as what you do.  With that thought in mind --

Here are 15 exercises to avoid in 2013*:

1. Grasping at straws

2. Wading through paperwork

3. Running around in circles

4. Pushing your luck

5. Spinning your wheels

6. Adding fuel to the fire

7. Beating your head against the wall

8. Climbing the walls

9. Beating your own drum

10. Dragging your heels

11. Jumping to conclusions

12. Jumping on the bandwagon  

13. Fishing for compliments

14. Throwing your weight around

15. Passing the buck

*source: Mickey's Funnies (hosted by the Agathongroup)

Though I'm featuring bright plastic straws above, #1 actually refers to a drowning man grabbing at the thin reeds that grow by the side of a river.  A last ditch ... and likely futile effort.
  

The only way to break a bad habit is by replacing it with a good habit.  Something to strive for one-day-at-a-time until you succeed.

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Drugstore Beauty Buys To Beat The Winter Doldrums

Photo by Duane Reade

Baby, it's cold outside ♬♪♪ and dreary.  Time to hydrate skin and wake-up your features with color.  Have you checked the aisles of a drugstore lately?  You will find a treasure trove of affordable beauty products.  If you need help to battle Old Man Winter, then try a few of the top-notch products listed below.  Pamper yourself with:

Skin Care: Face (formulas with retinols and rich moisterizers)

1. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Concentrated Serum

2. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Deep-Acting Moisturizer

3. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer 

4. Neutrogena Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream

5. Olay PROx Intensive Wrinkle Protocol - a kit that includes (1) Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30, (2) Deep Wrinkle Treatment and (3) Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

6. Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum

7. Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

8. Roc Retinol Correxion Max Wrinkle Resurfacing System - to remove old, dry skin and encourage the growth of collagen.

Skin Care: Body
1. Aveeno Daily Mosturizing Lotion
2. Cetaphil Moisterizing Cream - hidrates chapped, sensitve skin; 
no fragrance to dry skin.
3. Bio-Oil - moisturizes dry skin and smooths stretch marks. Apply after a shower.
4. Nivea Smooth Sensation Daily Lotion - with Shea Butter.  Nivea has a new line of skin care just for men. [Or try Neutrogenia just for men].
5. Tree Hut - Certified organic shea is infused into the body scrubs and body butters.

Makeup
1. Physicians Formula - Includes (1) organic wear mascara, (2) shimmer strips eye liner, (3) ph matchmaker (all-in-one) lip and bronzer.
2. Cover Girl - Blast Flipstick Lipcolor - 13 duo shades: the 1st side is shimmer,  the 2nd side is cream, which you blend together to create polished looks.
3. Presitige - a full line of (1) face primer, (2) lipsticks and (3) mascaras.
4. Neutogena - Shine control (1) face primers, (2) foundation and (3) powders - they contain a rice protein complex.
5. L'Oreal - (1) Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow, (2) Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer, (3) Infallible Le Rouge 12HR Lipcolour - created to last.
6. Black Opal - a full line of True Color (1) lipsticks, (2) face power and (3) blush.
7. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable lip balm stain in 7 pretty colors.

Nails - For all you nail fashionistas.  (Personally, I'm slacker: buffed nails or one coat of shimmer nail polish is what I do.  Still ... it looks like fun!)
1. Revlon Colorstay - new bright colors with gel-like shine that lasts up to 11 days.
2. Sally Hansen (1) Gem Crush (for glitter) and Sally Hansen (2) Magnetic Nail (nail art).
3. imPress - 20 press-on nail colors; no messes, no waiting to dry.
4. Kiss Nail Dress - fun press-on jeweled nail strips.

Hair Care
1. Ren - A shampoo so gentle it's called a "cleansing conditioner."  Contains coconut oil, karatin and shea butter.

2. L'Oreal Ever Sleek Intense Smoothing shampoo and conditioner - Turns frizz into smooth.
3. Pantene Expert shampoo and conditioner - (2 formulas: Keratin Repair and AgeDefy) - Prevents and retores damaged hair to health.
4. Organix - Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.
5. Clear Scalp And Hair Therapy shampoo and conditioner - I received a sample and like this new brand.  It's rich, gentle and smells nice.

Beauty products are expensive. Drugstores offer variety and bargains.  If you watch for sales (buy one, get one free) you can walk out with some steals.  Use your rewards card for extra savings.

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