Paraiba Tourmaline The Neon Blue Stone

Photo: Pala International - These stones have set the gem world on fire.

Paraiba tourmaline is a rare variety of tourmaline (defined as a 6-member cyclosilicate having a trigonal crystal system). The gemstone was 1st discovered in Brazil in 1989. Prized for its neon blue; green; and blue-green colors, today it is greatly sought after for jewelry. Later deposits were also found in Nigeria and Mozambique. All 3 areas, where the sparklers are mined, are rich in copper, the element responsible for giving Paraiba tourmaline its bright neon blue color.

Due to its rarity, the price of top quality (good color and clarity) Paraiba tourmaline can soar to $16,000+ per carat. A stone over 5 carats is especially rare and expensive ... more than 5 times the cost of 1 carat.

On Moh's Mineral Scale of Hardness, where diamonds rate a 10 followed by sapphires and rubies at 9 and emeralds coming in at 8, Paraiba tourmaline registers a 7 - 7.5, making it a suitable gem to wear as jewelry. (BTW: Pearls are a 4 - 4.5. You're welcome!)

Considered a semi-precious stone, there is no scientific distinction between precious and semi-precious jewels, and in fact, many semi-precious gemstones cost more per carat than diamonds -- since diamonds are common on earth while other gems like Paraiba tourmalines are very rare.

Photo: Coomi

Tourmaline crystals are pleochroism, which means they absorb different wavelengths of light differently resulting in accents of different colors depending on the direction of view. So they are cut into shapes to best display the richness of their colors.

Photo: Gemstones on YT

Since their discovery, Paraiba tourmalines have set the gem world on fire, and their value is heading in one direction↑ .... up, up and away!! A gorgeous gemstone that fewer people in the world own (so far) -- and costly!

Photo: Coomi

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Benefits Of Ginger Juice

Years ago I stopped drinking Coke and Dr. Pepper to protect my teeth. The magazines were I worked gave them to us for free, and I drank 2 cans each day. The acid ate away my tooth enamel, and the chemicals in the soda are not good for us either.

Now I drink mostly ice water, but every so often I crave a kick of flavor. I am giving ginger juice a whirl. Sometimes I use ginger root in recipes calling for it, and I like the subtle heat of dried ginger candy. In Manhattan buying a 32-ounce bottle of already squeezed ginger juice for about $15 costs nearly the same as buying pounds of ginger root and extracting the juice from the pulp. So that's what I'll do. I started with a 5-ounce bottle to try it out.

Moreover ginger juice is thought to have several health benefits (requiring more scientific studies to support the claims, but still worth noting). The following is what limited studies say:

1) Ginger juice improves digestion, purifies the mouth and freshens breath by stimulating the production of saliva. It might also ease nausea and indigestion caused by pregnancy, surgery and chemotherapy.

2) Ginger juice has antibacterial properties to ease colds, congestion and bronchitis.

3) It has anti-inflammatory properties (including natural compounds gingerols and shogaols) that help to relieve pain from conditions such as arthritis; backaches; and headaches.

4) Certain chemical compounds in ginger may control high blood pressure and bad cholesterol. It could reduce your chances of developing heart disease; certain cancers; and Alzheimer's. Ginger juice may sharpen your mental faculties according to a few sources. 

5) Ginger's antioxidant properties might slow down aging and promote a healthy head of hair. (Oh, good, I'm all in!)

6) Ginger has been suggested as a possible weight loss aide, yet the verdict is still out. Read more about the risks and benefits here.

What is certain: Ginger adds a kick of flavor to drinking water with no known side effects when used in moderation. (Excess is always bad with anything and most everything including eating carrots.) I pour a little of the juice (to taste) into a 32-ounce container of ice water and add a tad of Stevia as a sweetener and sip it throughout the day. Surely it's better than the soda I consumed for years. It's refreshing. I like it!

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Big Ticket Looks For Less

Macy's offers Effy "Brasillica" Emerald Collection.

For some things you absorb the cost; for other things you don't. Where top quality matters, we must pay the piper, and at other times, budget-friendly is good enough.

With goods (and services), I might look at the apex of quality, then compare it to the tiers, of what's available. (Hey ... your girl needs to know!) I consider what I like about the top of the heap items … separating my ''wants" from my ''needs." Will the merchandise make my life better, easier or happier? When the answer is yes, I (splurge) and buy it. If no, I (save) by buying good enough.

Frequently with apparel, accessories and jewelry, we want them more than need them.😍 Am I right?

If I don't need it, but only want it (whatever "it" is), I ask, can I afford it? Next, if costly, will spending 10 times more give me 10 times more use, satisfaction or happiness? Or will the cheaper alternative do the trick? Can I get the look or convenience I seek without emptying my wallet? Even when not an exact match, often I can find "the look" for less. And if the cheaper item happens to be less durable at a fraction of the cost, I can afford to replace it, still coming out ahead.

The following are 3 proxies for bigger ticket items to give you the look, or satisfaction for less:

1) Effy vs Effy at Macy's - Like other big department stores, Macy's has partnered with several jewelers including Effy's, Marchesa, LeVian, and RARE Featuring GEMFIELDS to offer an array of fine mid-priced jewelry. Real gold and gems: The precious stones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds) are consumer, not heirloom grade, yet you get great value for the money and lovely pieces. Moreover, if you buy directly from the jewelers, you will always pay 2 or 3 times more! But with Macy's unbeatable sales, you can get parallel bling for much less. With several independent jewelers under one roof, put your favorite earrings, rings, bracelets or necklaces on a wish list and wait for the Friends and Family, or the Deal of the Day sales for the lowest prices. Plus always check Clearance and Last Acts. You can save 1000s of dollars!

The same applies to clothes. Look for markdowns on designer suits, jackets, or pants by finding them in department stores. Ralph Lauren, Annie Sui, or Oscar de la Renta will never match such sales in their shops.

2) Athleta Santorini Thera dresses vs Old Navy Swing dresses - The Athleta dress on the left is better made and will last much longer than the Old Navy Swing dress on the right. But is it worth nearly $100? It's not where I'd drop a Benjamin Franklin. I'd rather pay $10.93 - $25 for summer dresses, then mindlessly machine wash and dry them, plus get more than one color or pattern.

3) Chanel vs Adele flap bags - During our pandemic Chanel increased the cost of its already over-priced handbags. Who does that with so many people suffering and out of work? Chanel executives, that's who!! The jumbo is now $7,100 [from $6,400 - up 11%], and the medium costs $6,500 [from $5,800 - up 12.1%]. A wallet on a chain, popular to use as an evening bag, rose to $3,100 [from $2,500 - up 26%]. Frankly I don't think the quality justifies Chanel's price hikes. Their purses are mass-produced! So if you like the Chanel classic look, find an inspired bag! Here's an evening wallet on a chain size. Another one from Sakes Fifth Avnenue in leather made in Italy. Good luck on the resale market  -- Fashionphile, the RealReal, Rebag, Vestiarie Collective, Farfetch and others --  will also go up to reflect the new prices of Chanel's handbags.

Savvy Shoppers don't pay for labels alone. We find genuine quality, value and deals for less! Enjoy a splurge that is also a save.💰💸😎


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Fabulous Deals Now At Macy's, Old Navy And More

Macy's emerald tennis bracelet (20 ct. t.w.) in sterling silver 

Great news: Retailers are opening their doors and offering sales to welcome customers back! The following deals are too good and tempting to pass up:

1) Macy's is offering a 50% - 75% epic summer sale on apparel, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. What a lovely 20-carat emerald tennis bracelet above, which is also offered in certified rubies. The sale includes more expensive necklaces, bracelets and rings. As an example, I selected a lovely budget-friendly piece that won't break the bank! In sterling silver (a precious metal), plus real emeralds for the price of costume jewelry. If you miss this particular sale, put the item on your wish list on Macy's website, then wait for the sale to come around again. Count on it happening!

2) Old Navy High-Waisted Slim Boot-Cut Yoga Pants - I'm letting my secret out of the bag. In the fall and winter I wear these substantial cotton and spandex yoga pants with a top and blazer for events -- the combo looks like business attire, and nobody is the wiser! The pants are jet-black, opaque and smooth, and they are so comfortable! The high-waisted slim boot-cut suits me, but there are several styles of yoga pants for every~body. Best deal for the quality in town. None better!

3) Crew-neck t-shirts - This year it was time for me to replace old, weathered t-shirts. Based upon quality alone, the t-shirts from L.L. Bean, Landsend and Uniqlo in the order listed are what I like buying. Although L.L. Bean is my top pick for high caliber t-shirts, I buy t-shirts from all 3 merchants based upon the price, sales, and colors available. All 3 retailers have good quality cotton t-shirts to last for several seasons of wear. A few weeks ago, I went with Landsend. In years past I also purchased t-shirts from Old Navy, but this year they only have neutral colors (white, black, grey), and I love t-shirts in vivid colors! 

4) Old Navy Swing Dresses - I highly recommend buying O.N.'s swing dresses to wear all summer long. Frankly I favor cotton because the fabric lasts longer, but Old Navy makes these practical and cool (knitted) rayon dresses so cheap, it's quibbling. Every spring the retailer returns their swing dresses in new colors and patterns. I got the above floral red dress at the store today for $10.93 on sale! How could I not bring it home!

Certain stores (including Ulta and Uniqlo) are not yet ready for in-store shopping, but you can go to their websites for details on ordering, then can go to the store for "curbside pick up" of the goods. Moreover some merchants offer both in-store and curbside side pickup services (like Macy's, Saks, Bloomingdales, Old Navy, H&M and Sophora). Check the websites of your favorite retailers ... and support them if you can. They want you back and are showing it with sales and extra services. Show brick and mortar stores some love! They were hurt by the shutdown. Let them know you're glad to be back!


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An Easy Coconut Cake

Photo: Food Network

The flavor of coconut in ice cream and cake is pure and simple like vanilla, only kicked up a notch. A coconut cake is a combination of rich tropical flavor, moisture and texture. Here's how to make it from scratch:

Coconut Cake

Ingredients:

1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup of sugar (If you like sweeter cake use 1 1/2 cups of sugar. With icing, I don't need such a sweet batter.)
1 cup buttermilk (You may substitute sour cream or yogurt.)
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpuse flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 eggs (I use whole eggs and don't mind the ivory color of the cake. Usually coconut cakes require 5 egg whites [use only whites if you wish, save the yolks for custard or omelets] but most of the nutrients are in the yolks, so in my cake, the entire egg goes into making the batter!)
2 teaspoons coconut extract (You can substitute vanilla, or almond extract if you don't have coconut -- it will taste good -- but why then are you making a coconut cake?🙂)
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut

Directions:

1) Beat together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer.

2) Add the buttermilk.

3) Follow with the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda and punch of salt.

4) Next beat in one egg at a time.

5) Add the coconut extract and flaked coconut.

6) Pour the batter into two 9" buttered cake pans.

7) Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until the center is done. Remove from the oven to cool.

8) Wait 5 minutes and remove the cakes while the pans are still warm, so the cakes don't stick. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Coconut Frosting

Ingredients:

8-ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened (adds taste and creaminess)
3 tablespoons milk 
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 box of confectioners' sugar
1 bag of coconut flakes (Like the confectioners' sugar, you will use only as much as needed.)

Directions:

1) Toss the ingredients (except the coconut flakes) one by one into a mixing bowl. 

2) I don't measure the confectioners' sugar. I pour the liquids and flavors in first then add as much powdered sugar as I need. You want a creamy, yet thick enough frosting to spread on the cake and in-between the layers.

3) After you frost the outside of the cake, refrigerate it, then frost it a 2nd time like professional bakers do, if you wish.

4) Sprinkle as much flaked coconut on top of the frosting as you like -- to look like garnish or snow.

To make coconut ice cream from scratch, my dear readers, you're on your own!🙂 


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Dry Nonfat Milk Is A Worthy Pantry Staple

Dry nonfat milk has many uses in cooking and baking, making it a good value. With a scoop, you can add protein to foods without having to adjust other ingredients as you would if using liquid milk. It's delicious added to a bowl of microwaved (1 minute, or 5 minute) Quaker oatmeal. I put dry powdered milk into bread and cake recipes. I also make Greek yogurt and smoothies with it. In addition, I buy a gallon of regular milk, but if I run out before I can get to the store, I use dry powdered milk in my coffee, or to drink. Naturally, fresh milk tastes better. But an ice-cold glass of reconstructed dry powdered milk is relatively good and tastes much better than having no milk to drink!

Some customers can find dry powdered milk cheaper than regular milk, not true in Manhattan, yet it is still a worthy staple to stock. Not sure why, but I have this unfounded fear of running out of milk. Dry nonfat milk never sours, and it keeps a long time.

From Walmart, I often order two 4 pound bags at once. During our pandemic, I was happy to have it in the pantry. Here are two recipes dry nonfat milk works well for:

I ate half warm before pouring it into a container to chill. Delish!

Rich Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients:

10 tablespoons instant nonfat milk
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Up to 1/4 cup of sugar (I try to reduce sugar when possible.)
2 cups of water
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions:

1) Whisk all the ingredients together in a saucepan cold.

2) Turn on the heat on the stovetop and whisk continuously until it boils.

3) Whisk while the mixture simmers and thickens. This takes 4 - 5 minutes of simmering.

4) Pour into dessert dishes and refrigerate.

Creamy Whipped Topping

Ingredients:

1/3 cup ice-cold water
1/2 cup of nonfat dry milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar

Directions:

1) Pour ice-cold water in a mixing bowl.

2) Add the dry milk. Beat at high speed with a mixer until it stands in peaks. A tip: Chill the beaters and bowl before starting for the best results.

3) Add the sugar, vanilla and lemon juice. Beat, beat, beat until firm.

4) Chill and top pudding and desserts.

I will drink soy, oat, or almond milk, but in my home, I prefer cow's milk.

I like having items in my pantry so if I wish to make a dish, I don't have to run to the store first -- I never have to fetch a box of pudding mix, or whipped topping as I can reach for ingredients in my pantry to make them myself ... usually cheaper and I know what's in it. 


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Dupes for Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

Everybody loves Charolette Tilbury makeup: her powder, blush, lipstick, lip pencils. Everything ... the whole luxury line is fabulous! 

Charlotte Tibury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder is a compressed powder that applies like super fine loose powder to achieve a look of perfection.

But some of us won't buy it. Mauh, for one, because we don't want to go broke. At $45 the face powder is not cheap. 

Never fear, dupes are here! If you desire to save your moola for big-ticket items that last longer, here are two winning dupes for Charlotte Tilbury's luxe finishing powder:

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Translucent Finishing Powder - A lot less expensive, plus you get more power for the money. You are guaranteed to love it as much as the CT powder. If you're not rich and won't compromise, this powder is made for you!

Flower Light Illusion Perfecting Power - Drew Berrymore has an excellent line of makeup - Everything: foundation, powder, blush, lipstick, pencils, highlighters. Luxe formulas for less.

There's nothing wrong with a splurge once in a while. Yet, finding top-notch budget-friendly dupes lets you keep some of your money in your wallet to splurge when the time and merchandise is right!

When temptation calls your name, Savvy Shoppers, what hot button item/Catagory makes you open your wallet to splurge?

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Ground Turkey Seaoned For Tacos And Burritos

Photo: Tylt -  With vegetables and lettuce, a hodge-podge of textures is delicious baby!

At the supermarket this week I bought a 48-ounce package of 85% lean ground turkey, a manager's special, for $5.99. Many people like to substitute ground turkey for beef. Truthfully I'm not usually one of them, as ground turkey is wetter and blander than ground beef, but sometimes I give in. Can't beat the price! 

Here's a spicy, flavorful way to season ground turkey that can be used for tacos and burritos. Ground turkey is rich in protein, low in fat, and tasty with spices and textures added.  Of course, ground beef or vegan soy "meat" could be used instead if you wish.

Feel free to freeze the leftovers for another day, or simply half or quarter the recipe.*

Ingredients:

Photo: grillsforever

48 ounces of ground turkey
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 tablespoon ground paprika
1 Jalapeño pepper, diced (If you don't have the fresh pepper, substitute 1/2 teaspoon Cheyanne pepper)
1 tablespoon salt 
1 tablespoon dried garlic
2 teaspoons dried onion 
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/4 cup cider vinegar
Sprinkle of Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon of brown sugar

Optional: I diced a small onion to toss into the meat. I like the texture of some cooked vegetables; you don't need this extra onion for flavor.

Directions

Photo: simplrecipes

1) Toss the ground turkey into a large frying pan and cook for 5 minutes. Break it up into small chunks. Turn the heat off.

2) Measure and combine all the dried spices in a bowl, then add it to the meat. You may wonder if all the dry powder spices are too much for the recipe, but it all cooks together.

3) If you are also using a Jalapeño pepper and onion, dice and toss them into the pan.

4) Turn the heat back on and add the cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.

5) Continue to break up the meat into small chunks (With beef, you need to add a cup of water to the pan, but ground turkey usually releases water as it cooks.)  So add water only if needed. Simmer on medium-low for another 15 minutes.

Ah, the rewards of my labor.

Use for tacos, taco bowls and burritos. You will need tortillas, cooked rice (or a baked potato for a bowl), diced lettuce, diced onions, diced tomatoes, hot or medium salsa, beans or refried beans, avocados or guacamole and lots of melted cheese! Oh yeah ... ¡Buen provecho!

Extra tip: If you only make 1/4 amount of the recipe (12 ounces of meat for about 3 servings), where you see to add a tablespoon of seasoning, cut the measurement to a teaspoon of the seasoning. A 1/4 cup has 12 teaspoons. A tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons, so reduce accordingly. If you make a large quantity, you can freeze a portion for quick microwave meals later.


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Are You Handwashing Clothes During Covid-19?

In Manhattan how lucky am I to live in a highrise with a clean and modern laundromat in our basement? But during Covid-19, I'm scared to go down there to do laundry! I think catching the virus is a numbers game. If you don't have to go somewhere where unknowns are, don't do it! We are stopping the spread in lockdown by limiting our possible contacts with asymptomatic people who have it. So I made a point of doing all my laundry a few days before the lockdown started (washing my hands like a maniac in the laundry room) and only venturing down there once (to wash bed sheets and towels) after our lockdown began on March 22nd.

Since our sheltering at home, I sort of wear a pandemic

uniform consisting of easy-to-hand-wash garments: undies, t-shirts, socks and leggings. My pajamas are an over-sized t-shirt. And this week I began wearing a few Old Navy rayon swing dresses. All are relatively easy to hand wash and hang up to dry. (The only other times I ever handwash anything is while staying in a hotel for a week.)

Before the pandemic, you could not have gotten me to handwash my clothes at home! It would have felt like torture. I make a point of buying clothes that say: machine wash and dry. And yet, here we are! Actually, I was less afraid to touch the things in our community laundry room the 2nd time around then the 1st time at the beginning of our pandemic. Really, the coronavirus can't penetrate our skin. After we touch the common doors of washers and dryers, we just need to be careful not to touch our faces and wash our hands. A sink and liquid soap sit in our laundry room to do so. I'm more worried about other people coming into the laundry room while I'm down there, which didn't happen either time.

In fact, I learned a few things by handwashing my clothes in my bathroom sink:

1) I own far too many clothes I do not need and do not wear. I'm getting by just fine wearing my curated wardrobe!

2) Handwashing gets clothes surprisingly clean

and good smelling!

3) A good 10-15 minute soak in hot soapy water alone nearly cleans the clothes by itself and lessens the need for heavy-duty scrubbing. 

4) Dishwashing liquid is best for handwashing. I love using Palmolive with Oxy-ingredient. Cleans and smells great!

5) Don't be heavy-handed with the soap ... use only a squirt to clean the clothes. More soap doesn't get clothes any cleaner and requires more work to rinse out with clear water.

6) When handwashing, never let clothes pile up but wash 1 or 2 pieces daily, then hang them up to dry. I toss a couple of items into hot soapy water, take my shower and dry off, then finish the wash with a rub a dub, dub; and rinse.

7) Only squeeze the excess water out and leave it at that: The most unpleasant part of handwashing is wringing the rinse water out before hanging clothes up to dry. I find with cotton, spandex, and rayon, gravity is your friend! Clothes hung up at noon dry by the evening without squeezing every last drop of water out of the garment. It takes less squeezing than we initially think.

8) I decided against buying special equipment for daily handwashing only a few articles. You will need to get your hands wet (or use plastic gloves) ... but rubbing and swishing the clothes around the soapy water cleans as well as using washing boards, or washing stones, etc. So if these extras can't take over the manual labor, or clean better than our 2 hands, they are not worth the expense or the storage space they take up. 

If you have a salad spinner, it works to wring water out of clothes, but if not, wringing the excess water out, then letting gravity pull the rest out is fast enough.

As it turns out I'm a mean, clean machine! Moreover, my hands have never been cleaner when it matters most! And, I learned if I handwash 1 or 2 garments daily I only have to go down to the laundry room (to do bedding and towels) every few months! Since we're home all the time and not going out of the house much, plus nobody is visiting to use our bathroom towels, how dirty can they be?

So the question arises will I continue to handwash my t-shirts and socks after the worry of the pandemic ends? Hell no! After this passes, it will be too much work!😊😃


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