Show Off Your Blue Shoes To Fight Breast Cancer

Photo: Dalias.com

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed worldwide, according to AM New York. One out of four women gets it globally. While the rate of breast cancer is high, over the last decades our ability to detect it early, at its most treatable stage, has greatly improved. Thanks to advances in screenings and treatment, there are more than 6.3 million breast cancer survivers today. Most of us know someone touched by it. It's a disease that effects the entire family.

During October, which is breast cancer awareness month, many retailers are lending their support. Nine West is sponsoring a campaign to raise awareness and funds, and you can be part of it. Upload a photo of yourself wearing any blue shoes to Instagram or Twitter with the tag #9WFTBC, and the company will donate $10 (up to $275,000) to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. Click here to participate.

Let's beat breast cancer, and while we're thinking about the subject, be sure to go for your yearly exams. Many cancers, as well as, other illnesses are treatable (and often curable) if caught early. Chronic illness is costly. As this article points out, preventive medicine helps everyone ... you, your family and society! 

Do your part ... take good care, stay informed and join the cause.

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My Best Bean Soup

Photo: FineArtAmerica

As temperatures fall, do you eat more soup? I certainly do ... and as mentioned, I don't buy canned soups anymore. Homemade soup tastes much better. It's chunkier and you know exactly what's in it. Plus, you can freeze leftovers in 16 ounce containers for quick lunches, or dinners. Simply pop a single serving into the microwave.

Recently I made the best bean soup ever! Although I used pintos, other beans will do. Mix it up each time you make a batch. Use navy, pink, pinto, or whatever bean you like. Also, the ingredients can change slightly, depending on what's in your refrigerator and cupboard. Sometimes I'll throw in carrots or ham, but this time it was vegetarian. If you don't have the Cajun seasoning (click below for recipe) I put in my soup, then season to taste with black pepper and the spices you like. 

Here is my tasty recipe:

Pinto Bean Soup

Ingredients:
16 ounces dried beans
(Soak overnight in water according to the package.)
8 cups water
2 large (or 4 small bouillon cubes)
1 large onion, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
4 carrots, diced
spices to taste: I use --
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried celery
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
a dash of nutmeg
a dash of dried rosemary
a dash of dried thyme
12 turns of the black pepper mill

optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 cups ham, sausage or hot dogs, sliced (or leave it vegetarian)

Directions:
1. Throw all the above ingredients into a big pot. 
2. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat.
3. Cover with a lid and simmer for 2 - 3 hours. How easy, breezy!

I often make corn bread to eat with bean soup. However, last night I served my pinto bean soup with Virginia ham sandwiches on hearty whole grain bread and a mixed green salad.

Another quick pairing is Cheesy Garlic Toast: Lightly butter slices of whole grain bread. Sprinkle with dried garlic, onion powder and parsley, then top with a generous amount of shredded, sharp cheddar cheese. Place on a cookie sheet: Bake in the oven at 350 degree F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese melted. If you have a whole loaf of unsliced bread, you can slice it in two ... lengthwise to get 2 long halves. Put the toppings on each of the loaf halves. Bake it on a cookie sheet until the bread is golden brown and the cheese bubbles (about 20-30 minutes), then cut the loaf halves into single portions. Either way works. Serve with your delicious soup. 

Bon Appetit!

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Lands' End's House Slippers Are Just Right

With leather laces. Six colors - red, pink, navy blue, purple, tan and brown.

Finding the perfect house slippers on a budget can be challenging. Call me parsimonious, but I don't like to spent $50 plus on slippers. Everybody has certain preferences too. For a few years, I wore clog slippers, which truthfully, are not my favorite kind. The clog style is a loose fit, and I worry about tripping and falling down stairs. So recently, I decided to treat myself to a new pair.

Lands' End is a fabulous place to go for variety. It has over 30 styles for men, women and children; a pair to fit every need. My perferences: I like cozy house slippers that don't resemble bedroom slippers, so I can walk down to the lobby or laundry room of my apartment building without changing into regular shoes.

As it turns out I got what I want, a quality, durable pair at a fair price (and a 20% discount). The Women's Suede Moc Slippers have suede uppers and a plush polyester berber lining, which is treated with Agion -- an environmentally safe technology -- that protects against odors, plus wear and tear, allowing you to go sock-less.

Very warm and soft, my new house shoes have extra padding in the footbed. And, I love the rubber soles. I can step outside on the sidewalk for a moment in the winter, if necessary. Someone please tell me, why did I stick with my old, an-accident-waiting-to-happen slippers for so long?

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Eyeshadow Candy For Women

Essence All About Nude Palette

Eyeshadow is a makeup item you can splurge, as well as, save on at various times. You might spend more when rich pigments matter. The shadow will stay on your lids all day. On the other hand, you can save when you want to add a few fun or trendy colors that you don't mind reapplying during the day.

Fortunately, there are many excellent eyeshadows under $10 at the corner drugstore that work almost as well as their upscale cousins. Here are two:

1) Essence has come out with a palette of six nude eye shadows, ranging from matte to shimmery textures. Costing a mere $7, you can mix, match and wear the nude colors in a multitude of ways. Nude eyes never really go out of style, and glittery textures add versatility and fun!

The Tattoo Leather Series - 5 shades available: black, beige, green, plum, chocolate

2) Eye Studio Tattoo Leather Series - Manufactured by Maybelline, this is a moist shadow which goes on as a cream, but dries with a matte finish. Stays put. It's vibrant  24-hour color. A smooth, classy look that performs as well as the high end shadows. $4-$6 each (depending on where you buy it).

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The Tranquility Pod

Photo: Hammacher Schlemmer; Bed created by Alberto Fraas.

If I had an extra $30,000 lying around, I'd spend it on one of these. (Although wide awake, I am dreaming.) The Tranquility Pod is designed to provide the perfect environment for a good night's rest. Luckily, I fall asleep within five minutes of my head hitting a pillow, and I stay asleep for eight hours. However, there are a few nocturnal New Yorkers who are not always respectful of the wee hours, nor of their slumbering neighbors.

This high tech water bed is built to nullify a big city's disturbances and, if necessary, lure you to sleep. The pod's hull is handcrafted from fiberglass into a sleek, gel-coat surface to block out 90% of outside noise, while its interior uses pleasant music, "gentle vibration and soothing light to relax the mind, body and spirit." It contains 80 watt, 4 audio speakers that you program with a smart phone.

The pod also has a biofeedback system. It uses a pulse sensor to synchronize your heart rate with 50 LED's (or light-emitting diodes, a type of solid state lighting) housed in the pod. In other words, ambient lighting created by reading your body rhythm lulls you to sleep.

A deluxe suede-topped memory foam cushion that is temperature controlled makes you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud.

The pod is a six foot wide octagon -- 80 inches in diameter -- which is big. But if you have the 30 grand, you either have the space, or you are desperate for some quality REM zzzz.

A heavenly rest can be had for a hefty price, no? Maybe if we all want one, the price will come down. Still dreaming, I suppose.

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Healthy Chocolate Chip Clippers

Traditional chocolate chip cookies are usually loaded with unhealthy fat, sugar and white flour. Once in a while I eat a decadent, sugary, fat laden cookie, but I try to adhere to a healthy diet most of the time. The majority of the time I train my appetite to like better, or lighter ingredients. You will crave whatever you are in the habit of eating.

The following recipe is a less sinful, but an equally satisfying chocolate chip confection. It comes from the good folks at HealthyBarn USA. These clippers have a hardy, crunchy, yet moist texture. They are whole-grain, fiber rich with less fat and sweetness than classic chocolate chip cookies. My batch has lots of chocolate chips in every bite! I served them with a pot of Prince of Wales (a mild black) tea and milk for a delicious afternoon snack.

Chocolate Chip Clippers 

Ingredients: 
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons ground flax seeds¾ teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon sea salt½ cup packed light brown sugar½ cup unsweetened applesauce¾ cup low salt canned chickpeas, mashed (or substitute peanut butter; or mashed beans)
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (4 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips

optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts; or pecans
A sprinkle of cinnamin, nutmeg and black pepper, if you like.
2 tablespoons olive oil (for a traditional cookie texture, if you don't mind the calories. If you add the oil, reduce the applesauce by 2 tablespoons.)

Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, one at a time.
2. Follow with the wet ingredients, one at a time.
3. Mix thoroughly. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, using a fork.
4. With a round tablespoon, drop buttons of cookie dough onto 2 greased baking sheets. (I brush the pans with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.)
5. Pop into a preheated 350 degree F oven and bake about 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheets. The clippers are especially good while they are still warm fresh out of the oven.

Another healthy habit to develop is to eat any sweet you like, as long as you make it yourself. You consume less sugar because they are not within easy reach. This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and steps!

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Fall Back With A Bodysuit

The 70s called. It wants its bodysuit back. Forget-about-it! Bodysuits are so easy and breezy, they aren't going anywhere in the near future. Available at American Apparel, ASOS, Forever 21 and Urbanoutfitters, to name a few retailers, they are the new fall staple.

The benefits of a big girl onesie are several. Bodysuits are cozy and warm in cold weather. They are sleek, polished and versatile. Worn with favorite old jeans, skirts, or under a blazer, they eliminate the need for bulky shirts and sweaters, plus they stay neatly tucked in all day. I can understand having a couple of all-in-ones in your wardrobe for times when you need a top to stay in place. No unpleasant surprises where you are the last to know!

Bodysuits also come in multiple styles and sleeve lengths, from all American girl, to sexy, sporty and playful. The fabric can be sheer or textured. Which look suits you?

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Life Is A Carnival

Do you know what is fun for kids? Pretending, of course, that they have joined a carnival. 

When I was a child, I had fun baking with my mother using my Easy Bake Oven. Mom, probably ... not so much, but she was a good sport, supervising me so there were no chances of burning the house down.

Kids love toys that let them make things, or enter a world of nostalgia. Plus, family fun nights are opportunities to bond.

If I had young kids at home, or grandchildren who came for visits, I would probably buy a few movie/carnival vintage appliances for family play dates. Reasonably priced, they would certainly create warm memories and put smiles on tender faces.

Here's what I'd be tempted to bring home to encourage our family fun times:

1) A vintage popcorn popper  (pictured above) - I like the affordable price of the model I feature here at the top of the post, the Nostalgia Electrics KPM508. It's under $60 and would do the job.

2) The Kickball Ice Cream Maker - Again, I like the price tag, under $35, as well as, the ease of making the ice cream. The ball has 2 compartments, the first for the ice cream ingredients, the second for rock salt and ice. You can then kick, shake or roll the ball to churn the ice cream. Sounds like the perfect job for a team of kids, who would then enjoy a sweet reward for all their hard work.

3. Turn regular sugar, confectionery sugar or hard candy into cotton candy. The Nostalgia Electrics Cotton Candy Maker sells for under $40. I would not go any cheaper because you don't want to wait longer than 5 minutes for the machine to heat up, nor do you want to have any trouble meeting the damand for cotton candy. Personally, I would also buy the flossing sugar and cone kit for the different colors and to keep the activity fun for everyone, including the adults, who are usually in charge of planning, as well as, cleaning up.

4) I like the Nostalgia Electrics RFF600RETRORED Chocolate Fountain. Under $25. Why buy a more expensive one? Keeping chocolate melted and flowing isn't complicated. All you need to add are fresh strawberries and marshmallows to coat in dark chocolate (dark to sneak in some healthy antioxidants).

Depending on the number of children (and adults!) in the party, you could select any two, or buy all four of the special treat makers. Just one would be the hit of a family gathering, plus make a fabulous hostess gift. Life can be a carnival for children of all ages!

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The Innovative Vector Cup Holder To The Rescue

John C. (a former co-worker) and I bought Apple laptops at about the same time. Years later I'm still using mine, but John's new computer died after he spilled a cup of coffee all over his keyboard. That was enough to spook me into sitting my beverage cups down on the living room floor, only to absentmindedly kick the liquid over (too many times to count), staining a wool rug. Sheesh, what is a person to do in our electronic age?!

Well, often necessity is the mother of invention. A new tool is on the market to prevent your drink from snuffing out your computer ... or living room rug, whatever the case may be.

Enter the Vector Cup Holder, a clever accessory that is designed to put a stop to these annoying accidents. Created out of high-grade anodized aluminum, it is sleek, lightweight and mobile. (In fact, the metal nicely matches that of a Mac Book Pro.) It easily attaches to the side of a table or desk. When in place, the Vector Cup Holder secures your beverage, whether you are drinking from a 16 ounce mug, a 30 ounce cup, or even a small airplane cup. The gadget also folds flat, so you can conveniently carry it with you to work on a plane or in a cafe.

Another bonus ... because your drink hangs off the side of a table, it frees up work space. A clamp that attaches to a flat surface is equipped with rubber strips to guard against scratches.

The product has a cute slogan, "Your computer's knight in shining aluminum." No more spills! It's simple, practical and costs a lot less than replacing a computer drenched in coffee or soda.

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Creations By Cara Sue: Memory Quilts and Pillowcases

Cara Sue turned a passion for sewing into a thriving business. She started making memory quilts out of old t-shirts and cherished pieces of clothing for friends and neighbors, who wanted to remember life's special events, or loved ones forever. Before she knew it, word grew.

Many of us have a collection of t-shirts from schools attended, races run, sports teams, or cities visited. Creations by Cara Sue turns them into something quite practical and meaningful, a memory quilt that will last for years to come.

Depending on customer choices and the t-shirts provided, the quilts take on many colors and styles ... from traditional to modern. They make very thoughtful birthday, anniversary and graduation gifts, not to mention, Christmas. Each is a customized keepsake that tells a story.

Cara Sue also makes personalized pillowcases with photographs, or artwork. You can see other examples of her work on her Facebook page here. Very affordable, her quilts and pillowcases look even lovelier in the flesh.

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Dr. Frank Lipman's Blueberry Avocado Smoothie

On Sunday night I made a modified version of Dr. Frank Lipman's Blueberry Avocado Smoothie. I often have blueberries and an avocado. When they are on the verge of being too ripe, I can throw them into a blender to make this healthy and delicious drink. 

As Dr. Lipman, the integrative health and medical doctor, says,“Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and disease-fighting phytochemicals, ” and “avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids," which are heart healthy. The vitamin B-6 and folic acid in avocados also supports the heart,” according to Dr. Lipman.

Since I like the taste of and don't have a problem digesting milk, I substituted a cup of skim milk in place of the coconut water, which I rarely buy. Likewise, if you ever find greens powder in my cupboard, you have entered the wrong apartment by mistake. I had frozen spinach on hand, so threw about 2 ounces of it into the mix to replace the greens powder I never stock. (Once I sampled prepared greens powder at a neighborhood health food store. Frankly, it had an awful taste like consuming liquefied grass or hay. I think my frozen (or fresh) spinach makes a more delicious smoothie!

Dr. Frank Lipman's Blueberry Avocado Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen blueberries

¼ avocado

1 cup coconut water (As mentioned I will usually substitute skim milk.)

juice of ½ lime

1 serving vanilla whey protein powder or non-dairy protein powder

1 serving greens powder (optional)

sweeten to taste with raw honey or stevia or xylitol (not xylitol! Many people can't digest that one.) 

4 ice cubes (Because my blueberries and spinach were frozen, I didn't need the ice. Eyeball it.)
My addition: a dash of ginger, cinnamon, fresh nutmeg and black pepper for a kick of favor, if you like. (I liked!)

Directions:
Throw all ingredients into an electric blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Enjoy.

This is a refreshing smoothie for the dog days of August, when you don't feel like turning on a stove, yet still need nutrition and energy to sustain you. It's a high protein, slurpy drink, with anti-oxidants and fiber to satisfy your hunger. It tastes great ... bottoms up!

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End Of Summer Skin Care

As much as I try to protect my fair skin from the sun, it gets exposed to plenty of golden rays by virtue of being outdoors. Unless you are in the habit of hiding in the house, it's probably true of your epidermis too. 

So come fall, many of us have more freckles and brown spots, as well as, dryer skin in general.

As much as possible, I try to (1) prevent and (2) undo some of the wear and tear of summer with a few over-the-counter skin products in my arsenal, including:

1. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advanced Face Serum - It moisturizes and has anti-inflammatory properties. When temperatures are boiling outside, the serum calms and soothes the skin. Pricey, yes ... but, worth the splurge. I buy a bottle every year to use, starting in July until the bottle is empty.

2. Herbal Authority Double C (Vitamin C Serum) - I dab a few drops under my sunscreen and makeup each morning. Many skin care experts claim that a good vitamin C serum helps to shield your skin from sun damage, helps your skin produce new collegen, as well as, brightens frickles and brown spots caused by sun exposure. That's all good!

3. Olay Professional PROx Deep Wrinkle Treatment - I use it a few nights per week to encourage "youthful" cell turnover. Hey, can't hurt!

4. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum - On nights I don't use item #3, I alternate with Olay's Rigenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum. It contains concentrated amino-peptities to hydrate and brighten the skin and encourage cell turnover. Ditto, can't hurt!

5. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15  - Nooo I don't work for Olay, but I do use many of the products in their excellent skin care line. They are budget friendly and readily available at a corner drugstore. So why pay more, when these affordable, good-quality-products work? I use Olay Complete on a clean face every morning before applying makeup. In summers I also use it as a non-sticky body sunscreen. I love one-stop-shopping personal care products! If I can get one multi-tasking product to do several jobs, I'm in!!

Just a final word about sunscreen overall. Skin doctors are mostly in agreement that the benefits of using a sunscreen far outweigh any side effects. So until the scientisfic evidence suggests otherwise, I apply it to exposed skin all year around. I sometimes leave my legs bare for 15-20 minutes a few times per week in order to get the recommended vitamin D doctors now say is vital to good health. Apparently, we are doing such a great job in wearing sunscreen, that many people have become vitamin D deficient. Oh, boy, it's always something!

Also if you read my blog  you already know ... in the best possible world, I adore organic products. I am very mindful of unnecessary chemicals when selecting food and personal care items. Nonetheless, everything in life is a balance: Costs verses science verses known benefits verses possible risks verses practicality. 

Knowledge is always influx. One can never fall asleep at the wheel. Aim to make the best choices within your budget based on the latest scientisfic data we have now. Save your money unless a claim is supported by a credible source. Filter scientific information with what your grandmother did for her skin. That's the best we can do. As Maya Angelou said, when we know better, we will do better. For sure!!

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Back To Uniqlo For Fashion And A Steal

I reviewed Uniqlo, the innovative Japanese clothing store for men, women and children several years ago. They are the place to go for inexpensive and ultra practical basics. I love my airism sleeveless tops in many colors. All year around I wear them as camisoles under my dresses, plus pair them with shorts and leggings.

Now Uniqlo has put the same technology into some of their dresses. I am wearing this flared feminine silhouette above for the late summer and early fall. For $29, I received a stylish, easy dress to wear. Called a flared bra dress, it has a built-in bra, is fully-lined and mostly cotton. All I need to add in order to leave the house are comfortable shoes and perhaps a cotton sweater as we move into September.

My only gripe can be applied to many retailers these days. When I walk into a department store lately, I wonder why there are so many racks of black, navy blue and muted colors. Is color passe? I didn't get the memo. It's not that I don't like these colors, but I don't want a closet full of only black dresses. I don't attend that many funerals. Where are the rest of the colors? Why aren't more designers creating collections in beautiful living colors?

Despite following the sans vibrate color trend, I definitely recommend browsing Uniqlo for bargains several times a year. So often, you find a useful steal  ... sold cheaper than you could buy the fabric and tools to make the garment yourself.

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