Banana Pudding

Photo: Kraft

Banana pudding is one of my favorite Southern desserts, and I won't lie: The higher the milk fat used in the recipe, the richer and better tasting the pudding is. Cream makes a heavenly banana pudding, but in the interest of staying healthy and slender, I make a few concessions. I try to retrain my tastesbuds to like lighter versions of the most decadent sweets. Most of the time, here is how I eat banana pudding:

Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

4 eggs, separated

1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons of vanilla sugar (if you have it)

4 tablespoons flour

Punch of salt

4 cups of milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

Cinnamon graham crackers (or the traditional Vanilla Wafers. I have also used ginger cookies)

3-4 ripe bananas

Directions: 

1. Beat the egg yolks and sugar together. I use an electric hand mixer and beat it right in a large saucepan, so I have one less bowl to wash. (Yes, I am THAT lazy!)

2. Save the egg whites in a separate mixing bowl for later.

3. Add the flour, cornstarch, salt and milk to the saucepan and beat smooth.

4. Heat this mixture on the stovetop, stirring until it thickens into a custard. I use a wooden spoon.

5. Turn off the flame and add the vanilla. Let cool.

6. Next pour a little of the custard onto the bottom of a deep baking dish.

7. Layer with the graham crackers (or vanilla wafers), then top with slices of bananas.

8. Keep layering. Alternate: custard, graham crackers, banana slices.

9. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with about 2 tablespoons of vanilla sugar into a meringue and spread it on top of the banana pudding.

10. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Watch closely. When the meringue is slightly brown and the pudding is bubbling, remove from the oven. Eat warm or cold.

Even if you're a healthy eater, I can't see totally depriving yourself of treats. Graham crackers contain less sugar than vanilla wafers, but are equally delicious. You can also use 1% milk to make banana pudding, and it will be tasty. But for special occasions, use whole milk and cream. As long as you eat fattening food the way your grandparents did -- a serving for dinner on Sundays -- you can indulge.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER features food as one of its topics because it's a central focus of our lives. We spend a huge amount of our disposable income (money after taxes) on food. Gathering, preparing and serving meals takes up lots of our time too. You can forgo buying a pair of shoes, but as my mother notes, "You have to eat every day!" So if you know how to cook, you can save a bundle, entertain on a budget and most of all, eat well. Bon appétit!

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How To Pick Sunglasses: Form To Function

Protecting your eyes is a top consideration:

Just like your skin, the lens and corneas of your eyes need protection from the sun's harmful rays. Wearing sunglasses helps reduce your risks of cataracts and vision damage.

1. Always choose sunglasses that block 99% - 100% of the sun's UVB and UVA light.

2. Sunglass lenses should offer UV 400 protection -- meaning they block up to 400 nanometers (measurements in wavelengths) of ultraviolet light.  

3. With sunglasses, bigger is better, and wraparound frames offer the best eye protection against damaging rays.

Select The Right Lens Hue:
The coating that blocks the sun's utltraviolet light is clear. Hence, darker lenses do not necessarily offer more protection than lighter lenses.  But lens hue will alter how you perceive color.

1. Grey tints block light without affecting contrast or distorting colors.

2. For automobile drivers, grey, green and brown lenses are better. You can still distinguish between the changes in traffic lights and not miss vital information registering on your dashboard.

3. For golfers, copper lenses will mute the blue sky and green grass against a white golfball.

4. For tennis players, blue and green tints will increase the contrast of a yellow tennis ball.

5. Other lens tints like violet, rose, yellow and orange are good for very specific sports and outdoor activities like shooting targets, but definitely bad for driving!!!

Polarized Lenses:

Polarized lenses do not block ultraviolet light; they reduce the glare produced when sunlight bounces off other surfaces, like water.

They help boaters, water skiers and snow skiers not be blinded by reflected light. But, they make the digital displays of cell phones and a car's dashboard harder to read.

Choosing Lens Material:

Consider your lifestyle. The most expensive isn't always necessary. 

1. Glass – Has excellent optical clarity and scratch-resistance, but is heavier and will shatter when dropped.

2. NXT polyurethane: Has excellent optical clarity, scratch and impact resistance; is flexible and lightweight, but is the most expensive.

3. Polycarbonate: Has good optical clarity; is impact resistant; lightweight and affordable, but is less scratch resistant than NXT polyurethane or glass.

4. Acrylic: is inexpensive and lightweight, but has less optical clarity or durability than glass, NXT polyurethane or polycarbonate.  Acrylic lenses are ideal for casual sunglass wear. If lost or broken, it's not a big deal since you pay less for them.

Consider Fashion:

Don't pretend otherwise, you know you want to look rock star cool and movie star glamorous in your shades, therefore:
Determine the shape of your face, then remember that opposites attract.

1. Rounded frames are great on a square face.

2. Square frames complement a round face.

3. Rectangular frames flatter a heart-shaped face.

4. Oval faces have more leeway (because the face is balanced). Nearly all shapes of sunglasses look good on an oval face, though square frames with rounded corners will complement ovals especially well.

5. Oversized glasses will balance an oblong face, making it look shorter.

6. Aviator glasses not only look good on all face shapes, they make faces look younger.

7. Always try on sunglasses standing in front of a full length mirror. Never trust the small mirror on a sunglass rack. You need to see how the frames look on your entire face or you will arrive home wondering, "What happened!?!" when, "I looked sooo good in the department store!" I won't name my source, but has this ever happened to you?

Here are a few examples of sunglasses matched to face shapes. Don't worry about remembering every point. When you try on an assortment of sunglasses, your eyes will inevitably tell you when you are wearing the perfect frames.

By the way, the studded Prada frames in the top photo are perfect for my oval face, but not my wallet. So Marshall's and TJ Maxx ... here I come.

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Happy Mother's Day

Every year my Mother tells me not to buy her a gift because she doesn't need anything. It's a good thing I ignore her when she's wrong. She values a phone call and a thoughtful card, so I'm doing a round-up of images that would make lovely cards. A paper one is in the mail too. Happy Mother's Day, Mamma. xoxo.

This silhouette looks strikingly like my Mom. That's her nose, hair and earrings, and she has a dress with a similar collar. 

A sweet painting. Love the colors too.

I cannot believe my luck in finding this Superman logo. Read my account of a mother/daughter interaction. My Mom is still clueless!

You can find pretty images on the internet and use them in creative ways: 
1. Print on good paper, fold over and make your own cards. You may have to attach a blank sheet of paper inside to write on, if your paper isn't heavy enough.
2. Print an image (set on full page) and use to line the inside bottom of a box.
3. Print on full page and use as wrapping paper.

 To all mothers, enjoy your special day.

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Probiotics To Balance Good And Bad Bacteria

"Need help in keeping your digestive system in sync," asks a TV ad? It's a valid question. If you travel, take antibiotics, are hormonal or stressed, you might. Apparently, as we age some of us will because everything slows down. Something else to look forward to ... yikes! 

Probiodics are single-cell organisms introduced into the body to support good bacteria. Already, you have bacteria living in your gut. These microorganisms help your intestines breakdown proteins and carbohydrates, moving them though your system. Ideally, you should get friendly bacteria from eating fermented food like yogurt. A balance of good and bad bacteria keeps both your digestive and immune systems healthy.

However if you feel discomfort, bloated and/or irregular ... and are not getting friendly bacteria from the food you eat, it might help to take a probiotic supplement with the following strains:

1. Lactobacillus Acidophilus - Found in the small intestines; helps digest milk.

2. Lactobacillus Salivarius - Found in the small and large intestines; reduces unfriendly bateria.

3. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus - Found in the small and large intestines; supports digestion.

4. Streptococcus Thermophilus - Breaks down food.

5. Bifidobacterium Bifidum - Fights unfriendly bacteria; helps make B vitamins. 

Another question arises: In choosing a supplement how many live probiotics do you need? As it turns out, a lot! Here's a guide:

10 billion - to maintain healthy digestion.

20 billion - to relieve bloating and discomfort.

30 billion -  to re-balance your intestines with friendly bacteria

I rarely stop to consider the microorganisms living in each of our digestive tracts. It's like composting when you think about it!

Indeed, probiotics are the latest health craze. Although a natural remedy (pro), they are expensive (con). So you might first try eating a balanced diet, including yogurt. Yogurt is only about 50 cents a serving and tasty. If that doesn't work, move on to probiotics, which will have a high concentration of good bacteria to put you back in balance.

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Refreshing Bourbon Slush

Photo: Courtesy of The Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby has many traditions. Bourbon is a popular drink served at the races, as well as, at parties. Many people are familiar with a mint julep, but another treat is the refreshing Bourbon Slush. Usually, I would much rather eat my calories than drink them, but this icy cocktail is worth it! Here is how to make a batch:

Bourbon Slush

Ingredients:

6 cups water

3 cups very fine bourbon

12 oz. lemonade from concentrate

6 oz. orange juice from concentrate

1 cup sugar

2 cups strong tea (Use 2 cups water with 4 black tea bags.)

Top off with: Lemon-lime carbonated soda – 7 Up or Fresca

Directions:

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 4 tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes. Allow to cool.

2. Mix in the rest of the water and the other ingredients (except for the lemon-lime soda).

3. Pour into a container and place in the freezer for 24 hours, stirring occasionally to produce a slush.

4. Scoop into Old Fashioned glasses.

5. Top with Fresca, or 7-Up soda - regular or diet works. This adds fizz and gets the slush to melt slightly, making the drink extra good!

Take a batch of Bourbon Slush to all your summer parties. Freeze it in Tupperware for portability. When word gets out, you will feel the love. 

The Kentucky Derby is this coming Saturday. Post time: 6:30 pm. Enjoy!🌹

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Design Your Own Shoes

Have you ever had a certain shoe style in mind, but after a day of shopping came home empty handed? Shopping for new shoes without finding what you're looking for is frustrating, right? 

Well as it turns out, there are online shoe companies who are set up to let you design your own shoes. Craft your perfect shoes part by part. You pick the material, color, toe, heel and embellishments. You end up with shoes that are uniquely yours ... well almost.

I can see a bride going this route for bridesmaids who are different heights, or have different tastes. You can create shoes with elements that are uniform yet individual, so that each member of your wedding party can wear their shoes after your wedding; or you may have a special occasion and need a very specific style and color of shoe that you can't find in stores. So to own it, you will have to design it yourself.

Prices range from $150 to about $300, depending on the details you choose. It isn't dirt cheap, but still affordable for what is essentially customized shoes.

Retailers include:

Milk And Honey - Fashion shoes

Shoes of Prey - Fashion shoes

The Shoe Design Studio - Fashion shoes

iShoes by iTailor - Men's shoes

NikeiD - Sports shoes

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Is It One Space, Not Two?

Photo: The Unpaid Marketer

THE SAVVY SHOPPER needs to break a bad habit. Starting right now! Look at past posts. Most of the time, I use two spaces after a period to separate sentences. That was correct at one time, but with the arrival of computers and more fonts than we know what to do with, it no longer is. And to tell you the truth, I've been struggling with the question for a while. This morning I decided to check several sources for correctness. All say one space only. If you'd like an explanation, go here.

It takes repetition to replace an old habit with a new one. But starting today, I'm on it! Want to play a game? Going forward, let's see how many times I slip-up.

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Essential Oils Are A Household ... wait for it ... Essential

Photo by Plantlife Natural Body Care

It's still green week ... and the beginning of Spring!  So let's talk a bit more about botanicals.

An essential oil is a concentrated liquid containing aromatic compounds from a plant.  It is often extracted by steam distillation.  Different parts of the plants, the flowers, bark or leaves are used in the different oils.  Steam heats the plant, breaking it down into components.  The oil is separated from the water and filtered to produce an essential oil.  

It takes many pounds of plant matter to get one pound of any given essential oil.  An essential oil may not be cheap, but a little goes a long way.  You only need a few drops at a time.  A 2-ounce bottle will last a few years and not lose its potency.

Essential oils have several uses.  They are used in aromatheraphy (in massage or baths) to promote natural healing and well being.  Their molecules are tiny, so they are easily absorbed into the skin as ingredients in lotions to heal, moisterize and norish.

Essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral and anitfugal properties.  You can use them to make homemake cleaning solutions, or add a few drops to your shampoo as a remedy for oily hair.

Because essential oils are concentrated, most varieties should not be used undiluted on your skin. They need a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or almond oil.  Add a few drops to your favorite massage oils, or body lotions and butters.  Despite their beneficial properties, never use undiluted essential oils on babies, children or pets.  Their skins are sensitive.

To see if a brand is pure, put a drop on a piece of paper.  It should dry and disappear.  If the drop leaves a residue, the essential oil isn't pure, but is diluted with another ingredient.

Here are five Essential Oils I like to use at home:

1. Tea Tree Oil - You can safely apply undiluted tea tree oil to skin abrasions and zits.  Add a few drops to your shampoo, or wipe down sweaty exercise mats and germy household surfaces with a mixture of 20 drops of tea tree oil to one cup of water.
2. Peppermint Oil - I add several drops to shampoo and bath oil.  It tingles the skin.
3. Rosemary Oil - It's invigorating.  Also can be added to shampoo or cleaning preprations.
4. Lavender Oil -  One of my favorite aromas, so I put it in lotions and hand creams.  I find it both refreshing and calming.
5. Geranium Oil - Very sweet smelling around the house.  You can make disinfectant sprays with any of these essential oils by adding 20 drops to one cup of water.

These are the ones I buy.  There are tons of other essential oils.  Never injest them, but learn what they do and experiment.

Do you have a favorite essential oil?

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Vegan Beauty Products To Try

Photo by Dermstore

Vegan products are popular with consumers who are concerned about staying healthy, animal curelty and protecting the environment.  Made with pure, wholesome ingredients that are not tested on animals, they are very often organic, as well as, biodegradable and come in minimal, recyclable packaging, according to veganpresence.com.  Being more mindful of the products we buy is a good thing.  Finding products that are good for the planet and the people who live on it is common sense, right?

To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, THE SAVVY SHOPPER is highlighting three vegan, all-in-one products.  As more shoppers lean towards vegan and eco-friendly goods, the production for them will go up, making them cheaper to buy.  Another way to lessen your carbon footprint is to look for products that do double, or even quintuple duty.  The following are beauty products with several benefits that yours truly is eager to try:

1. Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation - Lightweight coverage with built-in skincare ingredients.  It's a face powder, concealer, sunscreen and moisterizer all-in-one. Smooths away fine lines, plumps, lifts and firms the skin's appearance.  Bring it on, sister!  Costs: $27.
2. Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Conditioning Cleanser Line - Sold as a new concept in hair care.  It's sulfate-free and lather-free.  Cleans and conditions without stripping hair of its natural oils.  Takes the place of 5 hair products: shampoo, daily conditioner, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner and detangler.  Revitalizes damaged hair leaving it shiny and full of body. Costs: $8.
3. Medicine Mama's Sweet Bee Magic All In One Healing Cream - It's certified organic and contains healing bee properties like honey, bee pollen and royal jelly, plus olive oil to nourish, smoothe and protect the skin.  Treats cuts, dry and sensitive skin. Costs: $25. (But, you can find it for $16.98)

I am always on the lookout for products, containing top-notch, all natural ingredients that work, and I love double duty products.  One product -- with multi-benefits and several uses -- saves time, money and reduces clutter.

If you want to explore other vegan merchandise, go t0 VeganEssentials and VeganStore.

Happy Earth Day!

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A Nutmeg Mill ... Nice!

William Bounds Nutmeg Mill, Chrome

My mom and aunt (her sister), add nutmeg to nearly every dish they prepare, including meats, vegetables, soups and desserts.  They have all the cooks in the family believing that nutmeg makes nearly every food taste better; and like medicine, nutmeg is very good for us.  We simply must sprinkle some into whatever we whip up.  Well ... I have been brainwashed, and mostly I comply!

Recently, I received a gift I did not even know I wanted -- a nutmeg mill.  Had I read the product reviews, I would have been reluctant to buy it.  Some of the reviewers are unhappy with it, but mine is fantastic.  It's easy to hold and turn and seems to have the right amount of tension.  The rotary blades are stainless steel.  They grind a fair amount of nutmeg quickly, and the shavings are not exactly a powder, but a fine texture.  My trick is the turn the handle in both directions to keep the shavings coming.

I love my new hand-cranked, kitchen gadget. Fresh shaved nutmeg is superior to already ground nutmeg.

The nutmeg mill comes with 4-5 whole nutmegs, which are conveniently stored inside a clear acrylic chamber.  I find that unscrewing the top to pop in a new nutmeg is simple and hassle-free.  Several reviewers say, the mill doesn't grind as well with old nutmegs.  So a tip is to always use fresh, hard nutmegs to have the ease and just-right-size shavings of nutmeg.  Plus using the mill, you will save your fingertips too! It's a handy, not to mention, attractive kitchen tool. $24-$30.

By the way, ever wonder what a nutmeg is?  It's a seed or kernel, not a bulb or nut.

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Rubbermaid Easy-Find-Lids Set(s) At Walmart

Plastic food containers have a way of disappearing or wearing out.  So I needed a new set. Although I would rather have glass, plastic is far more practical.  It takes up less room in a cupboard and won't break when dropped.  That's why I selected this rubbermaid set.

Walmart is offering a super deal.  2 sets: 56 pieces for $20.  Here is what you get:

Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids 24-Piece Plus 4 Food Storage Set x 2 =

• (16) ½-cup containers with lids
• (8) 1 ¼-cup containers with lids
• (8) 2-cup containers with lids
• (8) 3-cup containers with lids
• (8) 5-cup containers with lids
• (8) 7-cup containers with lids

Microwave, freezer and dishwsher safe, the containers are sturdy and cleverly designed.  Despite being BPA-free, I never microwave food in plastic.  But here's a useful feature, the lids snap to each other and also to the bottom of the containers, so you are less likely to lose them.

Another fantastic deal is, you can order merchandise online from Walmart and receive free shipping.  The online-retailer will ship an order that is under $45 to a Walmart store, or to your nearest Fed Ex Office for you to pick up.  And, if your order is $45 or more, you get it shipped free to your home.  You can order toilet paper, or paper towels to make up the difference and enjoy the convenience of home delivery.  Bargains, plus convenience, make shopping online worthwhile.

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Spring Forward In Style With Five Easy Pieces

Photo by Anita Martinz/Flickr

Spring is here again, and not a moment too soon.  Some mornings there's a chill in the air, but now the days are bright, sunny and getting longer.  Garden flowers are in full bloom, and it's time to think about a transitional wardrobe.  Here are Five Spring Essentials to add to your closet:

1. A City/Resort Ruffle Shaw from April Marin - Versitle and easy to take on trips to wear with dresses, trousers and skirts.  Occasionally, they go on sale for under $30.

2. Scarves from Old Navy - Keep chills away while making your outfits pop.  They are lightweight, inexpensive and shield you from a strong wind. $10-$15.
3. Big Shirts from LL Bean - They fall low at the hip, are made of plush corduroy; are a relaxed fit; and are great to layer.  Wear with dark leggings and skinny jeans to look polished.  Under $40 on promotion days.
4. T-shirts from Landsend - Made of durable, soft 100% cotton.  They are colorful and cozy to wear under your shawl, big shirts or sweaters.
5. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers from Zappos - Cute, comforable and casual smart.  Perfect when paired with jeans or shorts. $40-$50

You can't go wrong with these five easy pieces.  Simple to wash and fun to wear.

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After Easter Vittles

Photos: Deviled Eggs courtesy of Food and Wine and Butter Cookies by Debra Turner

On the left are classic deviled eggs topped with paprika (plus I added freshly ground nutmeg).

On the right are my (baked this morning!) butter cookies.  We can taste vanilla, butter and a hint of pecans in every bite.  Into a recipe for butter cookies, I threw in a cup of ground, uncooked oatmeal and about 1/3 cup of pulverized pecans.  [Note: I reduce the butter to ½ cup (1 stick) and the sugar to ¾ cup.]  So tasty, there's no need for frosting.  A chocolate chip eye is the perfect finish.  We served the more perfect-shaped bunnies to guests.  From the same batch, I made some star-and-heart-cookies for an after Easter tea party.  Those I can decorate with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Butter Vanilla Cookies - ingredients you'll need:

1 cup butter, softened 

1 cup sugar 

1 large egg

2 tablespoons milk 

1 tablespoon vanilla 

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon baking powder 

Go here to continue -- it's what I did. :)

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