Sheltering At Home Essentials

Photo: Napa Valley Register

In the New Year I aimed to turn over a new leaf: In lieu of stocking up on supplies, I vowed to buy one, plus one of the common essentials like food, beauty and personal care items, or household cleaners. My reason was: Hey, I live 3 blocks from supermarkets and closer to drugstores, why should I continue to stock up as if I can't get to a store?

Well that was before COVID-19 hit us, and I'm definitely re-assessing the wisdom of that new course of action! My old habit will not change anytime soon!

For 2 months the following much-needed items have been sold out everywhere ... and seemingly they don't get restocked. Thankfully having a small stash at home has saved my butt!:

Photo: Austin Cronicle

• 70% isopropyl alcohol - I have 2.5 - 32 oz bottles
• 3% hydrogen periode - 1 - 16 oz bottle
• Clorex bleach - 1 - gallon bottle, 1 - quart bottle
• toilet paper - 1 - pack of 12 mega rolls (=48 small rolls) + 3 - individual mega rolls from the old pack
• 1 - 32 oz liquid soap and about 12 - bars of soap
• about 6 - mini hand sanatizers to carry in my purse

Fortunately, food has been easier to get. The supermarkets are sometimes out of stock of what you go for ... but you can make substitutions and not starve. Moreover, what helped me before our pandemic started is: 1) knowing exactly what I like and need; 2) buying the biggest package available; and 3) usually restocking before I completely run out. So I had the following in my cupboard but sometimes see an empty grocery shelf now:

• 64 oz bag of dry powdered milk + part of the old bag
• 5 lbs of unbleached all-purpose flour
• half of a 5 lb bag of whole wheat flour
• 4 lbs of sugar
• eggs - 2 dozen - I know it sounds crazy but I often buy 2 dozen when they are $1.99 each, which I did right before the pandemic. In the refrigerator, they never go bad on me. Good for puddings, cakes, bread, egg drop soup, tuna salad, french toast and snacks. They get eaten! Now they rose to $5 a dozen, which I will dislike paying while being grateful to get them!
• 4 - 16 oz boxes of whole wheat saltine crackers
• 5 lbs total of extra sharp cheddar cheese (my favorite snack! I tend to buy on sale and let them age longer. Little did I know, it also sets you up good to ride out a pandemic!)
• 5 cans of solid white tuna

  

  Photo: Duluth News Tribute

• 2 cans of Alaska wild salmon (I should've bought 5 cans!)
• 5 cans of sardines (because I don't rush to eat them!)
• pasta - different shapes - long spaghetti, bow tie, rigatoni
• Oatmeal - big Quaker (1-minute cooking) cylinder + a small cylinder (5-minute cooking)
• other whole grains - Quinoa + rice
• cans of tomatoes + sauce
• cans of kidney beans (for chili)
•  2 - 16 oz bags of dried pinto beans + split peas
• 1 - 3lb bag of cornmeal (I don't eat cornbread enough to buy a 5 lb bag.)
• 2 L bottle of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 - lb packages of butter
• 4 - 13 oz Chock Full o' 'Nuts Coffee
• wine and Champagne (delish with the cheddar and crackers↑)
• dark chocolate + Kraft caramels + SweatTarts

As I'm sure you will agree, Sheltering at Home has been nooo picnic, but at least I have the basics to get me through it! See you, my lovelies, during ... and on the other side!

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Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Retinols

Let's do a roundup of the 5 best non-prescription anti-aging skin care products on the market. With Ulta and Sephora temporarily closed head to the aisles of your local drugstore. These are the brands recommended by doctors and beauty experts alike time and again. The 1st 4 choices are the best value. The last one is pricey -- perhaps to be saved up for -- yet has very powerful retinol, so I'm putting it on your radar. When T. J. Maxx reopens after the pandemic, you may find it there.

1) Neutrogena tops the list of countless dermatologists and beauty editors as the best anti-aging drugstore retinol available. You can't beat the price for quality retinol. If starting with one product, I'd go for the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum, the 4th in the image above. If you like it, add its night cream (the 1st item) to layer on top of the serum. Containing a retinol complex, glucose, and hyaluronic acid, the serum brightens your complexion and attacks stubborn lines and deep wrinkles by promoting skin turnover and the production of new collagen.

    

2) Revitalift Triple Power Concentrated Serum - If you only buy one anti-aging beauty product, it should always be serum, which has tiny molecules to penetrate deeper layers of skin. Add a moisturizer on top of the serum if your skin feels dry. L'Oreal is another solid beauty brand with great retinol power.

3) Olay Retinol 24 - Like all the brands featured here, Olay sells serum, moisturizer and eye serum. You only need the eye serum if the delicate skin under your eyes is so sensitive it can't tolerate the regular serum or moisturizer. If you can use the same serum and cream for your face and eye area, save your money! No need to buy extra. Olay has an arsenal of retinols, B3, and peptides to treat fine lines and wrinkles.

4) RoC is another reliable brand making drugstore anti-aging skin potions containing retinol with antioxidants and peptides -- ingredients backed by science known to work. Start with RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Facial Serum and add what you wish. Personally, I buy face serum and a moisturizer as essentials. I use other brands of products with sunscreen, but some customers prefer to buy all their products from the same retailer. It's a safe way of knowing one item's ingredients won't cancel out another.

5) SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 - Too strong for beginners, this retinol is for veterans who have used retinol for a while. A night cream that treats the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, retinol 1.0 is the maximum strength. Its main ingredients include: Ceramides, shea butter, herbal extracts, retinol, essential oils, alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, and dimethicone.

So you have choice galore of retinol beauty products sold at the drugstore. Great quality without a prescription for less. Also different skin types have different needs. I will attach some links below to help you figure out what you want your skin products to address. Feel free to explore the beauty posts on the blog for even more information.


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Turn Your Soap Dishes Upside Down Hack

I have 3 soap dishes on the counter of my kitchen sink to keep it clean. They hold a bar of soap, a sponge and a cleaning brush. But as it turns out the soap dishes don't keep the sink top clean as I expected. The bottoms of the soap dishes leave a difficult to clean residue where they rest. What a surprise! I get tied of scrubbing the gummy (soap?) scum. Not to mention, water ends up in the dish, itself, which then softens and dissolves the bar of soap.

 An ingenious hack occurred to me which stops both undesired occurrences. Simply turn the soap dishes upside down. You may have to buy a soap dish that when used upside down doesn't let the soap slide off, but a good flat one, with a rough surface is perfect! Two annoying problems solved. A wet sponge also dries better.

Have you eliminated a job? Do you have a clever household or kitchen hack to share?


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My New Hat Is Unreal

My new hat which I'll be happy to burn.

During our pandemic it took the directives of the Surgeon General of the United States, the Governor of New York and the Mayor of New York City to get me to wear a face mask. As Dr. Anthony Fauci, our leading expert of Infectious Diseases, tells us time and again, our first line of defense is to: 1) Stay home; 2) Wash our hands with soap and water for 20 seconds every time we touch anything on the other side of our front doors; and 3) Don't touch your face while out at the supermarket, or drugstore to pick up necessities. When I must go out, it's my new mantra: "Don't touch your face, don't touch your face!" 

Photo: smartair

A surgical mask or homemade cotton mask doesn't protect you 100% from the tiny coronavirus, but it does offer enough protection to warrant wearing one. The reason is this: If an infected person coughs or sneezes without knowing s/he is sick, the germs stay in his/her mask. So my mask protects you from me, and your mask protects me from you.

As long as there is a shortage, leave for hospital workers. 

The special medical N95 mask which hospital workers must wear for their protection offers protection from tiny airborne viruses. Because of a shortage of these masks and the need for hospital workers to work closely with coronavirus patients, the public is asked not to buy them. Instead, we should be practicing social distancing -- staying 6 feet apart.

How To Make A Face Mask - Some people put a small coffee filter in the folds of the cloth. Layers catch more germs. You can also tuck the 2 final outer ends (one inside the other.) The video only lays one outer end on top the other.

A few stores in my neighborhood won't let customers inside without a mask. And considering New York is the epicenter for people who have tested positive, nowadays I wear one. I also ordered a hat with a clear protective shield (see above↑) from here. I don't love the idea of wearing either, but if nothing else, they make it more difficult to touch your face.

If people are to return to work it seems 3 things must happen: 1) Universal testing for Coronavirus; 2) Universal testing for the virus' antibodies (you have the antibodies if you've had the disease. Some people don't even realize they've had the disease as serious as it is for others); and 3) Increase the production of those hard to get N95 masks. Many jobs require closer contact than standing 6 feet apart. 

The world's nightmare will truly end after a vaccine becomes available so that coronavirus becomes preventable like the flu ... perhaps 18 months to 2 years away.

Update: Governor Cuomo made wearing face coverings in New York mandatory starting Friday, April 17th when you enter places like supermarkets where social distancing is not possible. The purpose is the stop the spreading of Coronavirus. People in Asian countries have been wearing masks as necessary, and the practice works. We don't have to like it (yuck!), we just have to do it to stop the virus.


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Hello Easter 2020

Photo uploaded by my Canadian friend, Michael Henry

This year's Easter of staying home and social distancing is tough, isn't it? Fortunately it is the first serious disease for many of us that has stopped us in our tracks, a global pandemic with no viccine to protect us (it's at least 18 months away). Unlike earlier generations, we aren't used to enduring fear, suffering, and uncertainty over a long haul. And yet, we know we'll get through this trying time, don't we? Of course, we do. 

"Tomb, thou shall not hold Him longer; 

Death is strong, but Life is stronger;

Stronger than the dark, the light;

Stronger than the wrong, the right;

Faith and Hope triumphant say

Christ will rise on Easter Day."

~ An Easter Carol by Phillips Brooks (who wrote "O Little Town of Bethlehem")

Wash those praying hands often.😊


Stay vigilant and well, my lovelies. Happy Easter Everyone!🌷

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Toss The Tube: 3 Toothpaste Tablets

The idea of personal care products creating less waste in one space saving container with good clean ingredients is an excellent one. Enter solid toothpaste in tablet form!

Wait for a flourite to be added.

1) Bite Toothpaste Bits offers zero waste and non-toxic ingredients in a toothpaste pill. Dispite approving of the aims, I worry about the lack of  fluoride in an otherwise innovative brand. As far as I know, dentists still recommend using fluoride to prevent cavities for children and adults alike. And frankly, I only use fluoride toothpaste. For this reason,  I direct you to: 

#1 for fluoride and price

2) Dent Tabs - Not only does it have the beneficial flouride, on Amazon it is half the price of Bite with ingredients to whiten tooth and fight cavities.

3) Dr. Tiblet Mouthwash Tablet - is a hybrid mouthwash/solid toothpaste. It has fluoride but unfortunately comes in a plastic (not a reusable glass) bottle, and you get fewer tablets for the price. My 2nd choice because of its fluoride.

Photo: Getty

Solid toothpaste is ideal for travelers, eco-friendly folks, and anyone seeking the space saving convenience of carrying a few pills rather than a full tube of toothpaste. Free up storage space. Bite into a tablet, add water and a brush to clean your teeth either at home or while away from home if you wish.

Photo: parentmap

Now my lovely readers, you, too, are in the know! For bottleless shampoos and conditioners to accompany your tubeless toothpaste go here.


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The Celine Insprired Cat Eye Sunglasses

Celine Cat Eye Sunglasses - $450

The weekend before all the shops closed I found a cute pair of Celine inspired cat-eye sunglasses at TJ Maxx for $10. They look expensive! So adorable, I'm glad I bought them. (Little did I know it was then or never.)

Looks even more cat eye in the shop.

Very contemporary, clean and classic, the cat eye glasses look universally adorable on a variety of face shapes. The upturned wings of a cat-eye style help to soften angular, or strong features. They help balance square faces, and rounded edges give cat-eye frames versatility. 

Earlier this year, I tried on the original Celine $450 pair in its flagship store on Madison Avenue. The flat face of the Celine (as well as, the Celine inspired) frames gives the cat-eye shape a modern spin. The Celine sunglasses are oversized. They come in two colors: black and brown. The black shade is popular with fashionistas.

SOJOS Retro Cat Eye Oversized on Amazon here.

Although I love the look, the price tag gives me pause. Everybody is different and there is no judgment here, but I tend not to spend big bucks on accessories that get wear and tear with use. Personally, for me, this includes designer handbags, fashion jewelry and sunglasses. Although demand for luxury brands gives such items a high resale value, in order to benefit, you must be extra careful in using them. Keep it "new" fetches a high resale price (minis 20% consignment fee).

Nine West Cat Eye sold on QVC here.

With ultra priced sunglasses I'm happy to find an inspired pair that I can wear or lose without fretting. Mine are made by Nine West, and they have every characteristic I desire for less: the look, 100% UV sun protection, and a non-black lens (I prefer a lighter polarized lens to better see the world.)

Once TJ Maxx reopens, you can look for my Nine West pair, but above is an alternative cat-eye pair sold online that are lovely too. What's more, I've linked up a pair priced similar to mine on Amazon which also gives you the style of the Celine original sunglasses. Plus other choices from JuicyOrange here and O2 Eyewear here on Amazon.

Once you find "it," always look for a comfortable price. Next time you're shopping for sunglasses, consider an oversized cat eye frame for style. They'll look expensive, and you might end up taking them home!



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The Cleaners In Their Percentages To Kill Coronavirus

Photo above and bar of soap: iStock by Getty free images

The Coronavirius causing Covid-19 is a wicked bug. To kill it, I'm suspending the use of white vinegar, my favorite natural cleaner and bringing out the calvary!  A pandemic calls for disinfectants approved to work by the Center For Disease Control. Thankfully as serious as the virus is, it can easily be destroyed by common household cleaners when used in the right proportion and way. 

Coronavirious has a protective outside protein coating. Its RNA (DNA) inside causes the respiratory disease. The correct disinfectants break up its coating. The RNA falls out and disintegrates.

Here are the CDC approved cleaners to use:

1) Soap and water - Works on hands and household surfaces. Wash your hands for at least 20 secconds (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice) and scrub vigorously like a surgeon about to operate.

2) Purell - A combination of 60% alcohol and aloe. A good hand sanatizer while you are out at the supermarket shopping until you can get to a sink to wash your hands with soap. As much as THE SAVVY SHOPPER likes to make homemade products, it is not recommended at this time. Too risky to get right: The percentage must be 60% alcohol in a hand santizer to kill the virus. During the pandemic, go with the store bought, for-sure formula ... or use straight alcohol if you can't find Purell.

3) Alcohol - 70% strength isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Don't mix with water, use it straight. Stronger is not needed, but now we must take what we can get.

4) Bleach - The CDC formula for making an effective diluted bleach solution is: Use 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach in one gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons of bleach in one quart of water. Unfortunately, bleach can't be used on everything, as it discolors fabric and corrodes metal with longterm use, so use it with care. As it turns out (and the reason I researched this subject) my bleach-to-water mixture is too strong, as my nose and throat have been telling me, the vapors creeping out of my bathroom sink and oozing into my living room!) Good to know a much weaker solution works before I fumigate myself along with coronavirus!

5) Hydrogen peroxide - Weaker than bleach; can discolor clothing or rugs, but works, so a good standby. 3% hydrogen peroxide not diluted with water is the strength to use.

Scientists tell us in order "to decontaminate a surface, we can't just wipe it."  Coronavirus sticks to countertops and metal doorknobs. We must scrub vigorously. Crush its outer coating with force. Wet surfaces with bleach wipes, let it soak for a minimum of 4 minutes and evaporate. Wash your hands like a maniac, which also means after cleaning. 

Don't try to kill coronavirus with white vinegar, vodka, or essential oils. You can't be sure of them. With no vaccine available and no herd immunity after infection, we need to defer to the CDC's recommendations.


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5 Tips For Buying A Tennis Bracelet On A Budget

Photo: Photo: Windsor Bishop

A tennis bracelet is a hot piece of jewelry! Dressy or casual, it's very versatile paired with either a little black dress or t-shirt and denim. 

Traditionally a tennis bracelet is a diamond line bracelet, but nowadays the term also describes a style of bracelet that can feature other stones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, topaz or tanzanites, etc.

Worn since the 1920s, it became known as a tennis bracelet during the 1978 U.S. Open after tennis champion, Chris Evert, asked for the match to be stopped in order to find the diamond line bracelet which flew off her arm. (That woman knew her priorities!😊) The style has grown in popularity ever since with tennis bracelets sold at every price point.

What hasn't changed: The bracelet contains small gems connected by precious metals, most often in 14k gold, 18k gold, platinum, or sterling silver. There are 3 common design settings: prone, channel and bezel (see the images below - in  the order mentioned↓).

In comparing carats, "more" rises in price more than portionally. In other words: 10 carats is FAR MORE than 10 times more expensive than 1 carat of diamonds. Why? Larger diamonds are rarer in nature. 

So My Tips to get the Best Value, i.e. a Greater Effect for Less Money includes the following:

1) Be flexible in selecting the metal: For value buy 14k gold. It will lower the price by $200+; and 14k gold is a sturdy metal for a bracelet since it is stronger than purer 18k gold.

Photo: Macy's Effy designed bracelets

2) Be flexible with the color and clarity of diamonds: Accept up to a "J" color with up to I2 clarity to get more carats. A "J" color is still a colorless stone, and I2 clarity will have flaws invisible to the naked eye. In a tennis bracelet where the diamonds are smaller, you might even consider a "K" color (especially in yellow gold. Tint and flaws are easier to see on a big diamond, less so with small ones). Probably for ordinary people, a tennis bracelet in grades higher than an I - J color, or I1 - I2 clarity would burst their budgets! (Think $30,000+) 

Of course, inspect the bracelet with your naked eye before buying, or only buy online from a trusted merchant who offers a full return policy. Jewelry retailers Macy's, James Allen and Blue Nile offer a good selection, value and customer service.

Photo: Macy's - prone setting

3) Buy a setting with less gold: Settings are subject to personal tastes, but for value buy a prone setting (the diamonds float) over channel and bezel settings (in which diamonds are encased in metal). All 3 settings are stunning, yet a little less gold -- not needed to secure the stones -- subtracts $200 from the sticker price. Many people like a floating diamond look to better see the sparkling diamonds! Why hide diamonds?

4) Buy a tennis bracelet set with your favorite gemstones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, topaz, or tanzanites: Sapphires, rubies, emeralds and tanzanites cost more per carat than diamonds as large stones, but in a tennis bracelet consisting of a line of small stones, the price is nearly always cheaper than a line of ONLY diamonds. Other precious jewels make equally gorgeous tennis bracelets that are often adorned with tiny diamonds (so you get sparkle) while giving you more affordable options to consider.

5) Fake it until you make it: If you can't afford precious gems in gold, turn to cubic zirconia in sterling silver. Silver is a precious metal too, and cubic zirconia glitters enough to make your thrifty heart sing. Look classy minus going broke ... and wear it proudly, sister!

Photo: Saks 5th Avenue

With a choice of metals, stones, design, price points and sales (Savvy Shoppers ALWAYS get a sale!), there's a tennis bracelet for every wrist!

Extra tip: Count the number of diamonds on a tennis bracelet before buying. If carats and prices match between bracelets, I want bigger diamonds (count: 36 - 40 stones) over the number of diamonds (count: 44+ stones) for a greater effect. Pure preference. Know what you like!

Buyers are finding good stones at a nice price at Costco's, but report faulty clasps which need to be taken to a jeweler for replacement so they don't fall off the wrist to be lost.



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