Zyllion's Shiatsu Massage Pillow, A Review

Periodically I have lower back pain. Sciatica. Usually it goes away in a few days, but recently the twinge lingered. After several weeks of stiffness, I decided to buy a massage pillow. 

Why just a pillow? Well ... to be honest, I am too cheap, plus didn't want to make room in my New York City apartment for a massage chair. (I value my space!) I've tried the chairs at the Sharper Image shops, and they are fantastic! I hoped that good things ... um similar results, could come in small packages.

So I bought Zyllion's Shiatsu Massage Pillow With Heat ... and it works! Here are the pros:

• It has a 6 cm compact body.
  
  
• Indeed (as promoted) 4 deep kneading Shiatsu balls do "relax, relieve and soothe aching muscles" and nerves. 
• The heat definitely helps. It feels great!
• The nodes rotate in both directions, alternating, much like the knuckles of a real human being.
• The device is programmed not to overheat, and it shuts off after 20 minutes for safety. You can also push a button to turn the heat off.
• You can use the slim cushion on your lower back, upper back, neck, stomach, calves, and thighs.

The one con: A longer cord -- another foot, or so -- would be useful to reach further. Sometimes I accidentally unplug the pillow while on my couch. Why be chintzy with too short of a cord when you make a good product? What would an extra foot cost the company?

The portable cushion has a strap to wrap around a chair, but I haven't used it. 

The manufacturer claims the device can be used in the home, office or car. Included is an adaptor to plug into a car dashboard, and the packaging shows an image of a little stick person reaching for a steering wheel. What ... seriously!?! 

Who wants to be on the road with drivers who are having a massage! Lord God, No! Some people won't stop a moment for directions much less pull over for 20 minutes to treat a spasm! So please fellow motorists, for the safety of all of us, keep your full attention on driving and use your Shiatsu massage pillows at home.

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Peter Pilotto For Target

Target's latest collaborator is one of London's most coveted fashion brands. Peter Pilotto -- headed by designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos -- is known for its innovative, colorful prints. Called classic and modern, the clothing is attractive, complex and energetic. There's a great interplay of funky flowers with graphics in the patterns, which is very warm and playful. It's a bit like looking through a kaleidoscope.

The 70-piece collection, priced from $14.99 to $79.99, includes dresses, swimwear, trousers, crop tops, tote bags and sunglasses.

The vivid line is available at Target, beginning February 9th and for the first time, internationally, through net-a-porter.com.

I love these well-thought-out and fun collections (despite some controversy).  They make luxury designs affordable to most everyone. For $40 or less, you can get a lovely vibrant dress (Some are more expensive. Wait for the sales.) 

Don't be tempted to overbuy, though ... and stay away from cheap, disposable fabric. If you select wisely, the apparel from Target's partnerships with top designers will last for many seasons. My Liberty of London black, cotton dress (purchased in 2009) is still going strong.  With Peter Pilotto in tow, perhaps it's the perfect time to add a new piece to my wardrobe. How about you?

Purple foral print, $69.99

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Five "Better For You" Candies

The power of a sweet tooth is strong. Everybody craves candy sometimes, but according to recent studies, sugar is really bad for the human body. Some scientific research links sugar to cancer and heart disease. 

Yet if we try to eliminate all candy from our diets, most of us will fail. Extreme diets that make us feel deprived rarely succeed. The trick is to eat sugar in moderation. Sweets should be a special treat. So figure out what candies satisfy your hankering for sugar and eat them mindfully ... as a planned treat, limiting yourself to one serving.

Here are 5 candies that are better for you (or less bad, however you want to look at it) to consider:

1. Cry Baby Tears - This is the mother of extra sour candy, thus, the name. There are 5 intense flavors in a box. Cry Babies are one of my favorites, but they are not for everyone. 12 tears have 50 calories.

2. Sweetarts - If you love sour candy, but Cry Babies make you pucker up, try Sweetarts. They are tangy-tarty good. 10 pieces are 60 calories.

2. Premium Dark Chocolate - Eat chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. One ounce is heart-healthy because it contains antioxidants.

3. Atomic FireBalls - Have a hot cinnamon flavor. They are hard as a rock, so you can only eat one ball over a length of time by sucking on it as it dissolves slowly in your mouth. That one 20 calorie ball is packed with flavor.

4. Crystallized Ginger - Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. Just a few pieces, at 18 calories each, satisfy a yen with heat and intense flavor.

5. Candy Corn (and pumpkins) - are made from sugar, corn syrup, carnauba wax, fondant and marshmallows. Candy corn has zero fat and 8 calories a piece. It is a good choice because of how sweet it is. A little goes a long way. Candy pumpkins are double in size and calories.

Except for the chocolate, which has roughly 210 calories, the other candy listed is 60 calories or less per serving. Each is low in fat (except the chocolate), but high in flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth. Savor your treat!

Here is a fun website where you can find nostalgic candy by the decade. Do you have a favorite candy to recommend?

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A 12 Inch Deep Skillet Has Many Uses

Circulon 12'' deep skillet

Let's play a game: If you could only buy one cooking pan, what type and size would it be?

My answer is in the title. Here's why. A 12 inch deep skillet (also known as a frying pan) is so versatile. I use it for just about everything. It's great for making omelets, stir frying vegetables, browning meat and sauteing sauces. 

A chef would probably raise an eyebrow, but I often cook spaghetti, or homemade soups in mine. It may not be proper, but the size and depth are perfect for one pan meals. Lots of ingredients fit in the skillet, and it is easy to stir the food around, or not -- when a meal just needs to simmer. There is enough room for two large portions of pasta to swim and not stick together. After cooking, I can serve dishes straight from the pan. Call me lazy, but it works. (Yes, I can hear you!)

If your skillet is oven-safe, you can even pop it into your stove to bake a meatloaf, casserole, salmon or cornbread.

Usually you end up not using many of the pans that come in a set. 

So if you only have space or a budget for one good pan, a 12 inch deep skillet is your best choice. [If you find an 11 inch pan, that works too, and is easier to store in smaller kitchens.] Whether you fry an egg, or whisk a hollandaise sauce, it's a real multi-tasker.

Later on you can add a 10 inch skillet (cast iron is useful; up to 10 inches is liftable) and a 6 inch skillet (to brown garlic), as well as, a 2 or 3 quart saucepan.

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Valentine's Day Is Soon

When there's snow on the ground and it's 16 degrees F outside, you stay indoors ... and think. 

Our next holiday, Valentine's Day, is less than a month away. So I did a small round up of sparkle. The ruby ring, diamond encrusted watch and heart neckless are wildly expensive, even separately, but a girl can dream. For those of you with a big budget, the ring is from Boodles, the watch from Chopard and the pendent from DeBeers. Thankfully, looking (and appreciating the glitter) is absolutely free.

Red is such a beautiful, vibrant color, so perfect to celebrate love and get us over the winter doldrums. 

Happy Early-Burly-Future Valentine's Day!♥

How will you celebrate?

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A Light Carrot Cake

Photo credit: judicialpeach.com

This weekend I baked a carrot cake. I don't understand why so many cake recipes call for so much fat and sugar. My carrot cake is light, yet moist, sweet and tasty. I didn't add additional fruit to the recipe, such as pineapple, applesauce, coconut or raisins, not that there's anything wrong with that, but sometimes a pure carrot cake flavor rules. I used the following ingredients:

Carrot Cake Light

Ingredients:

2 cups whole-wheat flour

1 cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

punch of ground clove

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 eggs

¾ cup buttermilk

¼ cup olive oil

1 ½ cups grated carrots (I use a food processor.)
1/3 cup of chopped walnuts

optional for an extra kick of flavor: 
 1 slice of fresh grated ginger

 10 turns of freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
1. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. 
2. Add the wet ingredients, one at a time and mix with an electric mixer.
3. Pour into a large greased loaf pan. (If you prefer a round cake, pour into 2-8 inch cake pans.)
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 - 45 minutes, or until the center is done. Test with a poker or toothpick.
5. Remove from the pan(s) and cool.

Eat plain or with a cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients: 
1-8 ounce package light cream cheese
1 cup powder sugar, or more to thicken
drops of skim milk (if needed)

Directions:
Mix the ingredients, in order, using an electric mixer and spread on the cake. Top with a ¼ cup chopped, oven toasted walnuts if you like.

There are lovely flakes of carrots in a slice. Looks very orange and healthy, no? It has a bit of  vitamin A, fiber and protein. So invite a friend over and enjoy!

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Wendy's Chili Is A Great Deal All Around

Photo: The Village Voice

There are times when you need to find some cheap eats. Wendy's chili, which is meaty, beany and tomatoey, fits the bill. It is filling, low in fat and (in my opinion) tastes as good as homemade. Rare is the day when you can eat a nutritious meal for two bucks (before tax). At Wendy's I order either a large chili, or a small serving and a baked potato. I like the saltine crackers and packet of hot seasoning too.

I miss Dave Thomas, the founder, former chairman and spokesperson of the fast food chain, who died in 2002. When you watched Dave in a Wendy's commericial, you sensed he was a caring man. Thomas never met his birth mother. As an infant he was adopted, but after turning 5, his adopted mother died, and later he had to drop out of high school to earn a living. He took jobs working in restaurants.

Wendy's was named after Thomas' then eight year old daughter. After becoming successful, Thomas became a well-known advocate for adoptions and education, raising lots of money for both causes. He wanted to give needy children (and young adults who like himself had dropped out of high school) a hand up. In 1993, to set a good example for kids, Thomas earned his GED.

After paying for my order, I like to drop a few coins in the charity box at the Wendy's cash register in honor of Dave Thomas, who overcame an imperfect childhood, become an entrepreneur and made a difference.

What's your favorite fast food?

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The Best Leggings, A Round-Up

Photos: published in Elle magazine

Just like denim jeans and a leather jacket, leggings are a wardrobe essential. They are casual smart. So comfortable and versatile, you can dress them up or down. Opaque leggings can be worn with a big shirt or sweater. Underneath a skirt or dress, they keep you toasty warm in the winter. Leggings are equally chic with ballet flats or boots; and they are great for traveling since they roll up and take up little space in a suitcase.

At one time, I loved Victoria's Secret's classic leggings. They were 92% cotton and 8% spandex, hit at the belly button and over the hips (so they stayed put!); plus they were fairly thick, opaque and dressy. They often sold for $15 on sale, so I always bought 10 pairs at a time. Moreover, they lasted through numerous machine washings. No longer available, I hope Victoria Secret brings their classic leggings back soon! Why mess with perfection? They have been replaced by their thinner and lower-waisted offspring: daily leggings and yoga leggings. 

The closest to VS's classic leggings today are the retailer's Pink label leggings; however, the wrinkle for some of us is, they are shorter with a 27-inch inseam.

So where can a lover of full-length-basic leggings turn to buy a decent pair? Leggings soft, opaque and thick enough to wear alone; are not shiny; or athletic looking ... leggings which flatter your legs and are warm in winter, but still thin enough to wear under a dress??

Here are my finds for the best basic leggings right now:

1. Victoria's Secret - From the Pink Shop  - 2 varieties: (a) the basic leggings - They are soft and fairly opaque. But as noted, they have a shorter 27-inch inseam. Cost: $19.50, or special - 2/$30. (b) Another choice, Pink's much loved yoga leggings - They are thicker and come in an assortment of colorful wide-waist-bands, but have a limited, 27 ½-inch inseam. (not to be confused with VS's daily and yoga leggings. Yes, it is confusing.) Cost: $34 - $49. 

For longer legged ladies who need a 32-inch or 34-inch inseam ... well, we'll just have to wait for VS to bring them back. Every season, VS seems to change their leggings, and frankly, it's not always an improvement.

2. Express sexy stretch leggings - At $29.90, they are affordable and feel like the old Victoria's Secret classic leggings. Jet black, thick, opaque, and soft with 95% cotton - 5% spandex. Express leggings come in several styles and lengths: cropped, ankle and full. Full length is 29 inches and ankle inches shorter. My # 1 pick: the perfect leggings: classy, slenderizing, sexy and cozy. They go on sale often, costing 40% less, thereby earning my blue ribbon - the best quality leggings at the best price!

3. Old Navy Jersey Elestric-Waist Leggings For Women - Also blue ribbon worthy, they are 87% cotton and 13% spandex. They are soft, opaque and durable. With a higher spandex percentage, they are warmer (than Express) in winter, yet still stylish and shapely. Often on sale for $15 and better in quality than leggings costing 2-3 times more.  Stock up!

4. American Apparel cotton spandex jersey leggings - Well-made; a choice of colors, prints and textures; soft, a comfortable cotton-spandex blend; durable. They are heavy enough to wear solo. Cost: $28.

5. Hue ultra leggings with wide waistband - Pricey, but fine basic leggings ... and they are definitely not thin or shiny. So you can pair them with shorter tops and wear them outside the gym. Cost: $34-$44 (depending on seller).

6. James Perce stretch jersey long leggings - I like them very much, but at $68 a pair, they are an investment. Personally, I hate paying so much for basics. I'd rather own several pairs of basics -- like leggings (socks or t-shirts) -- so I can carelessly machine wash and dry them many times over and not really think of them as an investment. But that's me. If a pair of James Perce leggings in my size landed on my desk, I'd be very happy. Who wouldn't?

Without a doubt, good quality leggings at affordable prices are harder to come by than years ago. So if you have a brand to recommend, please share under comments. Savvy Shoppers want to know! 

2021 Best Leggings Updated here.

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Phil Everly: January 19, 1939 - January 3, 2014

Photo: New York Times: Phil and Don Everly

A dash every fan dreads, but it inevitably comes. R.I.P. Mr. Phil Everly. Thank you for your sweet, perfect harmony and equally amazing solo voice.

In today's New York Times: "Paul Simon, whose song “Graceland” includes vocals by Phil and Don Everly, said in an email on Saturday morning: 'Phil and Don were the most beautiful sounding duo I ever heard. Both voices pristine and soulful. The Everlys were there at the crossroads of country and R&B. They witnessed and were part of the birth of rock and roll.'

'I loved them both,' Mr. Simon wrote. 'Phil was outgoing, gregarious and very funny. Don is quiet and introspective. When Simon and Garfunkel toured with the Everlys in 2003, Art and I would take the opportunity to learn about the roots of rock and roll from these two great historians. It was a pleasure to spend time in their company.'”

Paul McCartney and John Lennon worshipped them, as did Albert Lee, James Burton, the Hollies, Tim Rice, Neil Diamond, Tom Petty, Brian May (Queen) and rock and roll greats too numerous to mention.

Green Day's Billy Joe Armstrong (who along with Nora Jones put out an Everly Brothers' tribute album called "Foreverly" in November, 2013) wrote an essay for the Wall Street Journal about "The Dark Traditions of Phil Everly" and older brother, Don.

I have listened to their music since I was in a bassinet ... literally. My Dad played their records around the house. What a high standard they set. Their harmony was so sweet that children were undisturbed listening to tales of heartache, early death and murder.

From all accounts, Phil Everly was a gentle soul. To think, he is no longer with us ... there are no words, only sadness. It's a day many of us didn't want to come. There is no doubt that his memory and music will live on forever in his family, friends and fans.

Update, Sunday night: Read CBS Sunday Morning's Bill Flanagan's segment on the influence of the Everly Brothers.

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Happy New Year ... Western Skillet Eggs For Breakfast

Photo: Vanity Fair

A Very Happy New Year! 

Let's start the first day right with a nutritious breakfast. But after a night of celebration, one without too much fuss. One pan dishes keep the preparation and clean up easy-breezy. 

Here's a recipe I got from the Food Network. Feel free to make it your own, as I did, with ingredients you usually stock in your kitchen:

Western Skillet Eggs Baked In An Oven

Ingredients:

1/2 cup skim milk

Photo: Food Network Magazine

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
sea salt, to taste
punch of dried garlic
turns of the black pepper mill, to taste
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 large green pepper, sliced into sticks
1 large red pepper, sliced into sticks
punch of nutmeg
punch of fresh celery leaves
1 1/2 cups tomatoes, diced
4 ounces ham, diced
2 cups of whole grain bread, cut into bite sized pieces
2 teaspoons dried parsley, plus more for topping
8 large eggs

Directions:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine the milk, garlic, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste in a bowl and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet. Add the onion, bell peppers and celery leaves and saute 5 - 7 minutes until soften.
4. Next throw in the tomatoes, ham, bread, parsley and 1/4 cup of water and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. It only takes a few minutes. Season to taste.
5. Then turn off the heat and make 8 indentions in the bread mixture with a spoon or measuring cup. Crack your eggs into each indention.
6. Pour the set-aside, seasoned milk over the eggs.
7. Pop the omelet into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the eggs are set.
8. Top with parsley to make it pretty.

Serve with coffee and juice. Bon Appetit!

Photo: CNN

Wishing you a happy and healthy year ahead. As we begin another year in our ole imperfect world remember that a little kindness and generosity of spirit go a long way.

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Chocolate Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

Photo: Debra Turner via iphone

Don't start your diet yet because the next two blog posts will feature food. Christmas may have passed, but some of us are still celebrating, right up until New Year's Day. Par for the holiday course. Accept it.

This year I was a slacker when it came to baking cookies. I reasoned ... with the eggnog, chocolate candy and mulled apple cider (not to mention nuts and a few bakery cookies), did I really need to bake cookies too? Well, apparently, the answer is ''yes'' because I baked a batch.

Friends who live in the neighborhood went out of town for the holidays, leaving me the keys to their apartment. When I went over to check on things the first day, on their counter they left me a festive basket of fresh fruit and dark chocolate. Very thoughtful (and delectable) right?

So when they return tomorrow, they will find a batch of these cookies sitting in their kitchen (along with bags of white tea and chai tea, a surprise!). So you see, it is really is their fault that I baked them. The oatmeal gives the cookies a nice texture, and there are chocolate chips in every bite. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup peanut butter (if you leave pb out sometimes, add a tablespoon of liquid)

Photo: Dr. Oz Show

1/2 cup graduated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
1 large egg                                       
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of salt
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut (optional: I threw it in)
6-7 ounces chocolate chips (that's a package)

Directions:

1. Start by throwing the butter into a mixing bowl and microwave for 20 seconds to soften. 
2. Add the peanut butter. Mix together.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, one at a time, using an electric mixer to combine.
3. A full cup of oatmeal produces a drier (but still moist dough). Form into 1-inch balls and place on an oiled cookie sheet (or on parchment paper). I flatten them slightly.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes in a preheated 350-degree F oven. When done, cool for 2 minutes before removing the cookies from the pans. Let cool completely before storing in a container.

I have a feeling my friends will enjoy these cookies as much as I do. Naturally, I had to taste their deliciousness before offering them as a gift.

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THE SAVVY SHOPPER Wishes You A Merry Christmas

Christmas images from several magnificent Southern cities:

Downtown Louisville, Kentucky is named after Louis XVI, the French King who supported the American rebels against the British in the American Revolutionary War. His statue stands in front of the courthouse. "Old Louisville," located just South of downtown, has more Victorian, or Queen Anne homes than anywhere else in the USA.  (Photo: Free Wallpaper)

Washington DC: Here is this year's National Christmas tree and behind it, The Capitol. (Photo: The Washington Post)

Opryland's Winter Wonderland Christmas, Nashville, Tennessee. Ice sculpures of the King of kings, his family and more.

Graceland, home of another king, Elvis Presley, Memphis, Tennessee. He must be having a blUe, blUe, blue Christmas. (Photo: CMT)

It's time for some end of the year thoughts ...
  
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog and visiting our Facebook page. I know from the stats that we are a global community. We may live all over the world and celebrate various holidays, but we are one human community here. We may take different paths, but we are all trying to live a life of purpose and value. Our differences make the world an interesting place, and we are more alike then we sometimes acknowledge. In the end, we strive for the same things ... love, understanding, acceptance and a secure place to live and raise our families.

Whether you're traveling or staying home, warm wishes for peace and joy this holiday season and always.🌟

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

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Always stunningly beautiful at night. Come visit during the holidays.

While at Rock Plaza, turn around and look across the street (on Fifth Avenue) to see Saks' light and sound window display:

Watch for Yeti, the snow monster and holiday mascot of Saks, who makes an appearance.

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