Guilty Pleasure Songs 4

With long, balmy days ahead, it's time to bring back the Guilty Pleasure Playlist. (See the links below for previous lists of Guilty Pleasure songs.) 

The new list includes songs penned by gifted songwriters, who (in my opinion) are emotional powerhouses ... original and honest. The songs are unique -- carrying a listener into the world of which they speak.

Like-No-Other, The Guilty Pleasure Playlist 4:

1. Venus In Furs - The Velvet Underground, written by Lou Reed: Can you imagine me liking a song that includes the sexual themes of S&M ... dominance, bondage and submission? I don't even what to know what I don't know about the subject, but I absolutely adore Lou Reed and this song. It's sincere, vulnerable and heartbreaking. Everyone from every walk of life wants to feel valued and accepted. When a human being feels broken or rejected, you feel empathy. People are complicated, and pain is pain. Plus, it's not every day you hear a viola (played by John Cale) and an ostrich guitar (played by Lou Reed) in a Rock & Roll song. And hey, a woman drummer! The Velvet Underground didn't sell many records, but they were huge influences on musicians who followed them. When you think about when this record came out (1967), you can appreciate just how special this band was. A R&R band who addressed adult themes.

2. Welcome To The Jungle - Guns N' Roses: Appetite For Destruction, about the underbelly of Los Angeles, was a great album, and this song was often the show opener for the band when they hit the stage. If you're a rock fan, WTTJ has all the essential elements: a hard-driving rhythm section, kick-ass guitar riffs and blood-curdling screams.

3. Big Daddy Of Them All - John Mellencamp: Certainly, there are people who achieve great success, despite living inauthentic lives. This song is about them, the liars and the cheats; when someone's life doesn't match who they think they are. I'm a big fan of JM. I love his phrases, "You used to raise your voice, so that it could be heard."

4. Time Of The Season - The Zombies - I love the Jazz influence in this song and it reminds me of childhood spent at home listening to music on my father's stereo in our living room. (I guess it was our studio. He didn't really have any stuff of his own once he got it home:) How melodic is Collin Blumstone's airy, high-tenor voice? You might know another song by the Zombies, She's Not There, which is currently used in ads on American television. You will always recognize their smooth sound. Where does the hippy-dippy time go?

5. Come To Jesus - Mindy Smith: Whether you are a Christian believer or not, this is a skillfully-written, catchy song by a Nashville singer-songwriter, who grew up on Long Island, New York. Raised by missionary parents, Mindy Smith lost her mother to cancer at a young age. The song is written from the point-of-view of her deceased mother who is talking from beyond the grave. The sentiment is worldly and hopeful. When Mindy sings the refrain, it sounds very rock-tinged to me. Moreover, YouTube uploader, VideoBikerDude, has created a fine video for the tune. Do you agree?

There you are, a musical blast from the past. Good songs can capture snippets of the human condition. They cross genres and endure ... as they should. ♬♪♪♫♪♪

Update: I stopped reviewing songs and composing these lists because, after a time the songs always get removed from YouTube resulting in dead links. Now, readers, you can go to YouTube to listen to alternate versions of the removed songs.

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Celebrating Mother's Day

Today I'm enlisting the help of Mother Nature to wish a Happy Mother's Day to my mamma and mothers everywhere.

Wishing you days of beauty, wonder and sunshine.

Filled with love, laughter and happiness.

Sent with gratitude ... because there is no other like a mother.

Enjoy your special day, mothers; and to one in particular, Gluckliche Tag der Mutter!

xoxo

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Heatmaps Reveal Where Humans Feel Certain Emotions On The Body

This is a fascinating study, so I will share it. The data is not surprising since the mind and body are interconnected. Emotions play a huge role in our overall well being. If you want to read more from the team of bio-medical engineers, click here. 

It is interesting how emotions produce heat in specific parts of the body that scientists can actually measure.

For millenniums philosophers have debated: Is the essence of the world ideas (a/k/a, mind; the abstract), or matter (a/k/a, body; concrete; things)? In other words, what defines the world, and by extension, a human being? Some philosophers say it is the mind or ideals. Other schools say, it is body, matter or the concrete. Aristotle, who was a philosopher and scientist, argues that the answer is both. The intrinsic nature of the world (and a human) is both ideas and matter. It is both metaphysical and physical; abstract and concrete; mind, body and he added the soul, (or spirit). I am making this very simple; a watered down explanation of his philosophy. If you are a real academic, cringe! Or, just take over in the comments. (I have a simple brain:).

So the essence of a man, according to the great thinker, Aristotle, is mind, body and the soul. According to him, you can't separate one from the others; and all these years later, science seems to support him, in part. (Science can't prove the existence of a soul. That requires a leap of faith.)

Aristotle's postulates aren't so radical today, since the mind-body connection can be measured. It's amazing how smart he was in 322 BC. Indeed, what scientists discover can help us achieve better health. So stay tuned.

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Earth Bellweather: The Perfect Ballet Flat

Last week I featured comfortable heels. Continuing on the subject of shoes, let's discuss another wardrobe essential, the ballet flat. By necessity, I walk many blocks in Manhattan, and ballet flats with flimsy support can lead to foot problems down the road. 

In New York City we have to be ready for anything. Even coyotes. Yes, that's right, the wolf-like wild dogs are crossing the bridge from Long Island to scavenge for food on our city streets. So, if I spot one, I will be in sensible shoes doing the only smart thing ... running away, sister!

It is easy to find gorgeous shoes that kill your feet, or ugly shoes that are kind to your feet, but I want my shoes to have it all, i.e. style, comfort, support and durability. Doesn't everyone?

I'm not a podiatrist, but through a ton of research, as well as, trial and error, I believe I found the perfect ballet flat. Called Earth Bellweather, it has a comfort footbed, which offers arch and shock support. It has extra latex cushioning, plus a padded 7/8-inch heel, and there is a full leather sock lining for breath ability. This shoe runs big, so I ordered 1/2 size smaller than my usual shoe size to keep my heels from slipping out of the shoe.

The ballet flats have a leather upper too, so they will stretch and breath as you walk. Sometimes synthetic materials don't have the same give or comfort.

The Earth Bellweather Ballet flat is super cute and versatile. With clean lines and a round toe, you can't go wrong. They complement everything: slacks, dresses and shorts.

The shoes come in many colors: black, navy, almond, Bordeaux, pecan, pewter, three shades of white and black patent leather. I had a hard time choosing a single color, but in the end, only allowed myself one pair. If they go on sale later, I may add another ... as an investment, of course. Yeah, yeah, that's my story, a pair and a spare.

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The Pegasus Parade Before The Kentucky Derby

All photos: The Courier-Journal.com

Louisville, Kentucky is a spirited city with wonderful, down-to-earth people. They are preparing for tomorrow's Kentucky Derby. The Pegasus Parade is 60 years strong, and it's a fun event for children of all ages, who enjoy big balloons, street performers and floats. 

Tomorrow people will host derby parties and watch the race, itself, which is called the most exciting 2-minutes in sports.

Chances are mint juleps and Bourbon balls will also factor into the day. 

If you can't make it to Churchill Downs for The Kentucky Derby (the run for the roses) this year, you can watch it on TV. Post time is 6:30 pm EST.🌹🐴


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Corso Como Del Pump For Comfort

High heels, in a neutral color, are a wardrobe essential. There are occasions when a woman can't get around wearing them. (For a man the equivalent is probably a necktie.) Often I travel in flats, then change into heels after I arrive at a fancy shindig, but that may be a thing of the past.

Fashion editors are raving about the Corso Como Del Pump. According to PEOPLE's StyleWatch, they are the "most comfortable high heels on the planet." With a 3-inch heel, that's pretty impressive. The shoes have a stylish leather (or patent leather) upper and a leather lining and sole. Built-in padding cushions your foot, and the shoes, reportedly, provide some arch support. Moreover, they look expensive, but cost just under $100.

Customers praise them, giving them 5 star reviews on Amazon. When there are many reviews, I usually trust the consensus. The glowing customer feedback is tempting me to buy a pair in black. What do your think?

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Easy Breaded Pork Chops

My mother always made delicious breaded, center-cut pork chops on a stove top. I have never been able to make them tender or crispy like she did.

Over the weekend I decided to give it another try. Looking at a few recipes to see how ... some said to always buy bone-in pork chops, marinade them for up to 4 hours, or fry them covered in oil; none of which my mother did, yet her pork chops were perfect.

Making 3 chops shouldn't take up to 4 hours, and I prefer boneless center-cuts. My mother's pork chops are still the best (I have to give credit where credit is due); however on Sunday mine turned out tasty too. Below is my recipe:

Easy Breaded Pork Chops

Get out two bowls, a cast iron skillet and olive oil: 

Ingredients for the wet bowl:

1 egg

2-3 tablespoons buttermilk

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Ingredients for the dry bowl:

1/2 cup whole wheat (or all purpose) flour

1/2 cup bread crumbs (or Grape Nut cereal. Who the heck buys bread crumbs?)

Seasonings: I used --

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon rosemary

a sprinkle of nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions:

1) Mix the wet and dry ingredients together in separate bowls.

2) Dip the pork chops in the wet ingredients, then the dry ingredients.

3) Repeat the dipping, i.e. double dip. Get as much bread coating on the chops as possible. I was pleased to use up all the wet and dry ingredients. No waste!

4) Lay them in a skillet brushed with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

5) Bake in a 400 F degree oven until golden brown and the meat is done, about 20 minutes.

How lovely to make a homemade dinner that doesn't take all day to prepare. Serve with potatoes, or rice, plus vegetables and a green salad. Enjoy!

Pixie Market For Unique Style

Pixie Market, which began as a small shop on New York's Lower East Side, features one-of-a-kind clothing inspired by London's street fashion. The owners, Gaelle and Magde, now have a second Los Angeles store, as well as, a thriving e-boutique. So anyone worldwide can order from the catalog with flat rate shipping.

You never know what you will find at Pixie Market. The carefully selected apparel and accessories have a creative, downtown vibe. Unique finds include undiscovered designers, posh hats and one-off jewelry.

While the clothing is exclusive, each piece artsy and different, it is not expensive! Think: cheap, chic.

Although I'm showcasing a few fun, short dresses for spring, longer dress lengths are available, as well as, fashionable tops, trousers and 2-piece sets. The inventory on the website changes weekly, therefore, it's worth bookmarking the link to browse occasionally.

You will find hot-off-the-runway looks at budget-friendly prices. Nice!

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A Belated Happy 6TH Birthday To THE SAVVY SHOPPER

Photo courtesy of  pinkcakebox.com

On March 3, THE SAVVY SHOPPER turned six years old. Where does the time go? March was very busy, so I am only now getting around to reflecting on the anniversary. 

On occasion someone asks, what got me to start blogging. Well, I started THE SAVVY SHOPPER because six years ago, a lifestyle magazine where I worked was in the process of creating its online presence. So I knew at the time that blogging and social media were going to be important in the future; and I had better learn how to do it.

Intuitively, I knew I had the voice, ideas and skills to pull it off. You have to be motivated and care about the work, but neither journalism nor writing a blog is rocket science, and I didn't want to be left behind.

Today I still have plenty of ideas; and after six years of blogging here's my advice to anyone thinking of starting out. Just start blogging. You don't have to know all the mechanics, you just have to do it. Have something to say and say it. Like everything else in life, the more you blog the better you get. Just start blogging.

Write about topics you ... and readers want to know more about. Offer something of value, and people will come and return to your blog.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER now gets about 500 readers a day from around the world. You have expanded me. We are a global community; and I appreciate each and every one of you. YOU are awesome! Thank YOU for stopping by.

Here's to another engaging year of learning, writing and sharing new stuff!

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Healthy Cabbage-Tofu Soup

Recently, I started making batches of the old Cabbage Diet Soup to keep in my refrigerator. Unfortunately, I'm not losing any weight (like my winter gain of ten pounds), but I'm not following the strict diet either. It's just convenient to have a pot of prepared vitamin rich soup I can microwave and eat with a sandwich (or whole grains; or even cheese and crackers) when I arrive home.

The original recipe calls for a package of Lipton's onion soup, which I replace with fresh onions and seasonings. I add a few more vegetables and a vegetarian protein also. (You can use leftover ham, beef, or chicken, if you wish.) I make mine vegetarian so that it keeps for 7-8 days in the refrigerator (and it freezes well for a longer period of time).

The healthy 7 vegetable soup is delicious the first night you make it and tasty later. I'm writing my recipe down here, so we can return anytime to make it:

Cabbage-Tofu Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 head cabbage, cut up (or pick a small head.)
2 large onions, diced
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 red pepper, diced
3 large carrots, sliced
1 cup frozen green beans (or fresh if you have it.)
15 ounce can whole tomatoes (I buy a 28 ounce can of tomatoes flavored with basil and garlic and use half. Refrigerate the rest for another dish.)
6 cups water
16 ounces, firm tofu, diced
3 double (or 8 small) bouillon cubes (If you substitute chicken or beef stock, than salt the soup to taste.)
1 tablespoon of cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
A sprinkle of soy sauce
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon dried garlic powder (or fresh)
1 teaspoon dried celery, if you have it.
1 teaspoon dried onion powder
a sprinkle of nutmeg
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
12 turns of the black pepper mill
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions:

1) Cut up your vegetables (the hardest part of making soup).
2) Throw all the ingredients into a big pot, one by one.
3) Cover, bring to a boil and simmer until tender.

The soup is naturally low in calories. If you follow the diet for a week, the weight will drop off, but I like to add a (side) whole grain and additional protein. I have a huge appetite and always eat a variety of food and textures for a meal. No starving in my house. Bon appétit!

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The Best Lip Color Brands Under $10

Lipstick is a makeup item that lipstick wearers should splurge and save on. Splurge when rich pigments matter. The color will stay on your lips all day long; and save on a few trendy colors you won't mind reapplying.

Lip color comes in a variety of textures, including lipstick, lacquer, gloss and lip stain. Luckily, today's corner drugstore sells lip color with real lasting power at a reasonable price. Here is a roundup.

The Best Lip Color Brands Under $10:

1. Revlon's Utra HD Lipstick - The secret ingredient is a clear gel base (instead of wax) that provides a light, smooth, even application of rich color. There are 20 vivid hues in nudes, pinks, reds, plums and browns.

2. Revlon's ColorBurst Balm Stain - Revlon has sooo many different lip formulas, it gets another entry. Throw one of these ten shades in your purse to reapply throughout the day. Moisterize your lips with a pop of color.

3. NYX Matte Lipstick and Soft Matte Lip Cream - Don't let the cheap price fool you. This brand's lipsticks and lip creams are highly pigmented, moist and durable. Truly, the whole line of makeup for face, eyes and lips gets top ratings from customers and makeup artists alike.

4. Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick - It's a step up from chapstick in eight ultra flattering shades in peaches, roses, plums and browns. 

5. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor - Formulated with pure pigments for crisp color. Lips feel creamy, not dry. There are 52 shades. In the past, women turned to Chanel, or NARS to get unique or subtle hues. Not anymore! Maybelline is another makeup giant with colors and textures galore. Browse their website to select a lip color to fit the benefit you're after. I like watching this fun, lip-color tutorial. Learn how to create different looks with  nudes, pinks, plums and reds. The brief video has me convinced I will look exactly like the gorgeous model by wearing the lush Maybelline shades. :) What? ... I can hearrr you!

So on a visit to the neighborhood drugstore, you can pick up a new lip color without breaking the bank.

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Rosweeta: A Fairy Tale

Neuschwanstein Castle, The Black Forest, Bavaria

Fairy tales have been popular for centuries. Authors and scholars, Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm, took German folklore and retold it as the fairy tales we hear as children. Their stories are timeless.

In college, I had to write either a Brothers Grimm-style fairy tale, or an Aesop-like fable. Fortunately, I was weaned on the Brothers Grimm. 

[Not only did I have books, but my poor parents had to listen to records of the stories over and over again. Be careful what you buy your kids. Always ask, can I tolerate the sound of this toy, or recording for hours at a time. If not ... and you don't have a separate wing to put the little children in, leave it on the shelf :). But, I digress.]

My fairy tale, while staying true to tradition (Hey, I wanted a good grade!), mentions my heroine's bearing, as well as, her beauty. The story is about overcoming limits ... with a little help from her friends. Rarely in life can a person achieve anything alone. It usually takes teamwork, or at least a few good ideas and the support of others.

Here is my old, freshman English assignment, a Brothers Grimm-que fairy tale. Mr. Jerry Rogers made me write it. Notice, I was ahead of my time ... I knew trolls were bad before the internet. Just saying! :) --

ROSWEETA

by  Debra Turner

Once upon a time there lived a beautiful young Princess named Rosweeta, who had long chestnut brown hair and lovely green eyes. The Princess was sensitive, kind and loved by everyone.

One summer day Rosweeta wandered into the forest, not far from the palace. As she walked, her eyes beheld a striking sight -- flowers of all different colors. 

“Oh, what beautiful blossoms,” Rosweeta thought!

As the Princess picked a handful of bright, red roses, deep blue irises and white, delicate baby’s breath, a wicked, old troll came up from behind and forced the frightened Princess away deep into the woods.

The wicked, old troll locked the beautiful, shocked Rosweeta in a hollow tree trunk high off the ground. The hollow tree trunk had no door nor staircase, but only a round window.

The troll came to see Rosweeta daily. Often the wrinkled, old troll was accompanied by his nephew, who was as ugly and wicked as he. To get inside of the quarters where the Princess was imprisoned, the troll and nephew walked sideways up the trunk with their magic shoes.

After visiting Rosweeta, the two went off into the forest to await and plunder weary travelers.

One day the troll announced to Rosweeta that she was to wed the nephew soon!  

The thought of marrying that horrible nephew made Rosweeta very unhappy. When the troll left later in the day, the poor Princess leaned her arms on the round window and stared at the distance that separated her from the ground. Rosweeta could think of nothing to prevent the dreadful event. As the hours passed, the Princess grew more frightened, until at last she burst into tears.

The sparrows in the forest heard Rosweeta crying and took pity on her. A group of black sparrows devised a plan to help the young Princess. Knowing the greed of the old troll and nephew, the sparrows planted what appeared to be a lost satchel filled with shining stones of every hue in a rainbow.  The crafty sparrows laid the leather satchel on a wooden raft just off the shore in the deepest part of the river, where the evil pair were sure to pass. The sparrows then hid in the trees, which surrounded the river.

One late afternoon as the troll and nephew were out looking for loot, the nephew spotted the heavy purse.

“Look Uncle,” he cried, “a raft and on it a satchel filled with jewels!”

The wicked, old troll snarled with delight, “Some clumsy fool must have fallen into the water and drowned. How lucky for us that he has left his gems to be retrieved!”

The wicked, old troll and nephew carefully removed their magic shoes and laid them on the riverbank.  The evil pair then stood at the edge of the river and frantically tried to recover the raft with the use of a long, thick branch. As the troll  and nephew bent over, the sparrows flew out from hiding and pecked at the evil twosome. The troll and nephew were so startled, they fell into the water and drowned. 

The sparrows then took both pairs of magic shoes to Rosweeta. To the Princess’ distress, she soon discovered the shoes were several sizes too small.

Many lonely days passed. Not even the faithful sparrows could cheer her with their daily visits and fresh food.

One sunny afternoon, a tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed Prince was riding through the forest. The Prince saw the Princess gazing out of the round window of the hollow tree. The Prince was so enchanted by the Princess' demeanor, he knew he had to meet her.

He rode close to the hollow tree, but could find no entrance. The Prince introduced himself and asked the Princess to come down out of the hollow tree. And so, Rosweeta sadly revealed her misfortunes to the Prince and explained how she was unable to free herself with the magic shoes.

The tall, dark-haired Prince asked Rosweeta to throw the two pairs of magic shoes down to the ground. The Princess did so and the Prince, taking his knife, cut the tips off the magic shoes and placed a pair on his feet. Then he boldly climbed up the hollow tree trunk, gave Rosweeta the second pair of magic shoes to put on her feet and walked, hand in hand, with her down to the ground.

Rosweeta smiled. What a joy to be free!

The Prince returned with Rosweeta back to the palace. A year later, they married and lived happily ever after.

🌹The End.🌹

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Does Sleeping On Your Face Cause Wrinkles?

Photo: galleryhip.com

If you google the question, it leads to tons of beauty advice, telling you to sleep on your back in order to prevent wrinkles. And, special "wrinkle preventing" pillows are sold to stop you from flipping on your side and stomach, so sleep lines aren't permanently etched on your face. But should it even be a worry?

No, says a 2013 study called "The Effect of Sleep Position on Perceived Facial Aging." It was conducted by plastic surgeon, Dr. Brett Kotlus. He asked 100 women about their favorite sleep positions, then independent researchers digitally examined the women's faces to see if more wrinkles developed on the side they reported as their preferred sleep position. The results? There was no cause and effect between sleep position and wrinkles. Women who sleep on their left side didn't have more wrinkles or sagging on the left than women who sleep in other positions.

But, Dr. Kotlus did find more wrinkles on the left side of faces in general. That is due to sun exposure while people are driving. There is an increase in cancer rates on the left side also.

What's more, Dr. Kotlus determined that sleeping on silk, as opposed to, cotton has no effect in preventing wrinkles either.

So instead of worrying about sleeping on your side, or on cotton, you can just apply sunscreen.

For the record, I'm a stomach sleeper, and sometimes I do wake up with indentions on my face, but they usually disappear before I leave the house. Good, I'll add my own experience to the research. 

 As my momma says, "I hate doing stupid stuff for nothing." Oh, like restricting the most comfortable way to sleep; buying expensive pillows to help you do it; and forcing yourself to sleep in one position. Feel free to toss and turn all you wish!

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