Merry Christmas In New York City 2025

All around Manhattan the Christmas trees are up, and the brownstones are decorated. Below is a festive one on the Upper East Side.

In my kitchen, the cookies are baked. This year, I made Springerle (I do not have the molds!), Czechoslovakian cookies, Scottish Shortbread and Gingerbread cookies. We are ready to have Christmas teas with visitors!

Many of my friends are off to midnight Mass, but my senior Mother and I will watch the 1st American Pope say Mass on tv. Over the years, Mom and I have spent Christmases both together and apart.

By phone, I've had lovely catch-up chats with 4 friends today.

I hear many poor people are suffering with the flu. Mom and I got our flu, RSV, and the latest Covid vaccines in October, 2025. Thank heaven for shots! Get your up-to-date vaccines, dear readers, from your doctors or local pharmacies! No need to be sick unnecessarily.

Adoration of the Shepherds by Jacob van Oost (1603–1671), a Flemish Baroque painter

We wish everyone near and far a Merry Christmas!🐑🐪

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Don’t Buy Pricey Shrinking Snacks

My weakness isn’t sweets but savory snacks, namely salty, spicy, greasy snacks. If I choose wisely like French fries, occasionally I can eat them for dinner. On the other hand, potato chips are so light and airy, many of us can consume pounds of them without thinking. SunChips, Nacho Corn Chips and Spicy or Nacho Tortilla Chips are other favorites. 

Nowadays I rarely buy chips because the quantity in a bag shrunk to a point it’s not worth hauling them home anymore. We’re lucky if a $6 bag contains 7 ounces. I mean, it’s enough for me, but what will the rest of my family eat?😛 What we get in a bag for the increased price makes buying chips no longer worth it. Personally, I feel ripped off!

When I was a toddler around 2 - 3 years old I remember my father buying potato chips that came as huge twin bags in a box. You got a lot of crispy potato chips that a family could share. I googled the cost. Over the length of 2 decades (around 1955 - 1975) they sold for 25 cents - 99 cents at A&P. A one-serving bag sold for 5 cents - 25 cents over the years. As I write this blog, I realize it was my Dad who got me hooked on salty snacks at a very tender age, but, I digress!

I want to thank all the major chip manufacturers for helping me kick my habit! The prices at grocers and Target for very small quantities of chips means they are no longer in my cupboards torturing me like a bag of crack would a cocaine addict.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for a 16-ounce bag of chips in 2014 was $4.27. By the end of 2024, it was $6.32. The price hikes are partially, due to inflation. The researchers must have rounded the quantity up because I never see 16-ounce bags of chips at a supermarket!

When quantities shrunk while prices rise, at some point we, consumers, must say no to stop the insanity! Nowadays we can buy 5 pounds of Russet or Idaho potatoes for the cost of a personal bag of chips!

Instead of chips, I’m bringing home pizza plus am baking french fries brushed with olive oil, or making baked potatoes loaded with extra sharp cheddar cheese, chopped onions, lettuce, beans, and salsa.

Whoever thought that eating bags of chips would one day break the bank! It’s disappointing to say the least!!

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Lady Gaga’s High Performance Makeup

Haus Labs is a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic line started by Lady Gaga in 2019, focusing on high-performance, clean, and sustainably packaged products. The beauty company’s makeup consists of skincare-infused ingredients like fermented arnica (reduces redness), squalane (nourishes), hyaluronic acid & hydraberry (hydrates), vitamins C & E (antioxidants), prickly pear (nourishes with vitamin C, magnesium & copper) and proprietary complexes like BioFerment 7 Complex for anti-aging. It’s on the pricey but not obscene side as it contains rarer (as opposed to common) ingredients. I'm featuring it because beauty editors love every product in the brand from the makeup brushes to the foundation and concealer.

Consumers benefit from introductions to quality brands. One day if they land at discount retailers, or a major department store runs a bonanza beauty sale, you know about the cosmetic line.

It doesn’t surprise me that Lady Gaga would develop high quality makeup. We’ve never met, however, she impresses me as an artist who would never attach her name to junk, or subpar quality. Authenticity and excellence seems to motivate her over money and profits. She appears to be a hard-worker who is passionate about what she does and cares deeply about her fans.

Rarely would I spend this price point for makeup but if I did, I'd get the 3 makeup brush set. Good makeup brushes are a must-have and are never cheap. You need them for an even application of makeup, and the brushes will not shed.

You can find brushes for less, however repeatedly picking brush hairs off you face while applying makeup makes you open your wallet to stop the annoyance! 

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Let’s Discuss Effy Jewelry

Effy on its website and Macys

Effy sells its jewelry on its own website, by appointment at its headquarters in New York’s diamond district and at major retailers like Macy’s, Saks 5th Avenue, Belk, JC Penny and Nordstrom Rack. They also set up international boutiques on cruise ships where I suggest you don’t make impulse buys on big ticket items you may regret later!

Effy has an eye for beautiful design on commercial grade fine jewelry. Customers are not buying or paying for top-grade or heirloom quality diamonds, sapphires, rubies or emeralds. You do get real nature-grown or lab-grown gemstones and real 14k gold at reasonable costs that people with jobs can save up for to purchase. Certainly not cheap, but mid-priced fine jewelry.

You’ll get the most attractive prices at Macy’s and Belk as these two department stores frequently offer the best promotions. You can put a piece of jewelry on a wish list, then wait for the higher discounts of 25% - 30% off -- the ideal time to ponce!

Two causes increased the price of jewelry in recent years: The price of gold rose, and the Trump tariffs put a tax on diamonds. 

Consider lab-grown gemstones if you want gemstones bigger than 2 carats because the price of over 2 carats increases exponentially. Lab-grown gemstones are physically, chemically, and optically the same as earth-grown gemstones. They cost less partly because presently people will pay more for natural-grown gemstones. In the future with wider acceptance, this will likely change, and well-known jewelers have began setting their collections in gemstones of both origins. Never buy jewelry for its resale value as jewelry is a luxury buy and not a true investment. Usually we lose money by reselling jewelry.

Along with 14k gold, Effy sets some of its jewelry in 18k gold and with gemstones over 2 carats for high rollers with deep pockets. In mid November Effy annually has a trunk show at Macy’s Herald Square featuring its higher priced biggest gemstones. I attended one year, and it was fun trying them on! I advise customers to shop mindfully at such special events. Don’t break the bank because large, gorgeous gemstones are sparkling in your face!

Bracelets, earrings and rings cost less. Necklaces tend to be the most expensive piece in a set because more gold and/or gemstones are used to make it. On a budget, you can usually buy the earrings and matching ring for less than the cost of a necklace. You’ll get just as much if not more joy out of wearing the sparklers that fit your budget!

Finally, if you buy classic pieces that are versatile, you can wear them daily ... and to fancy galas. Signiture pieces tend to stay in a box. After you splurge on a luxury item like jewelry, you should get a burst of endorphins every time you look at it on your neck, wrist, finger, or ears. Get your money’s worth by tossing out the box and wearing any jewelry you buy!

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Top 6 Budget Anti-aging Skin Care Brands For Mature Skin

Although it's never too early or too late to take care of your skin, you probably think more about doing so as you mature, let’s say after you hit 40. But as I always say, what good is skincare with efficacy if it's too expensive to use every day? Luckily there are several budget brands dermatologists recommend based on science with effective ingredients that are also affordable and widely available at drugstores, Walmart and Target. Some affordable drugstore brands have more effective ingredients such as retinoids, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants like vitamin C, and optimal delivery systems than higher priced products because they were developed by dermatologists!

6 Top Dermatologists Recommended Budget Brands are:

CeraVe

Its Daily Moisturizing Lotion was a top pick in testing for instantly smoothing dry skin and fast absorption. Moisturizing your skin makes you look years younger instantly! CeraVe’s many formulas contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid to repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture, which is vital for aging skin. Its cleansers for sensitive skin rank high with skin doctors.

La Roche-Posay

Known for its testing and evidence-based results on sensitive, dry and acne-prone skin, this brand tops leading dermatologists' lists. Its Lipikar Balm AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream is a top choice for sensitive skin. Its Redermic R Retinol Cream forcefully targets aging.

Neutrogena

A top affordable brand hailed by dermatologists for its retinol creams and serums at lower costs, Neutrogena's wide range of products target all skin types and have a long history of clinical efficacy.

Gold Bond

The Gold Bond the Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion is a top-rated drugstore brand for both -- you guested it -- the body and face. It contains retinol to help tighten and lift skin for a more youthful appearance by treating fine lines and wrinkles. Shea butter and coconut butter hydrates the skin for 24 hours.

No7

The Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Face Cream is cited as an effective anti-aging moisturizer that includes hyaluronic acid and collagen peptide technology to help erase fine lines and wrinkles.

Cetaphil

Very effective on dry and sensitive skin, it contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), vitamin E, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Some formulas have added almond oil and ceramides.

If you know which budget brands are favored by dermatologists because they really work, you’ll have the knowledge and flexibility to save some major moola when one of them goes on sale. When discounted buy 1 + 1!

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The Oriental Circlet Tiara

The Oriental Circlet Tiara in the British Royal Collection was created by royal jeweler, Garrard, for Queen Victoria in 1853 under the direction of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, who had a magnificent eye for design. Over Queen Victoria’s reign, Prince Albert designed many jewels for his wife and daughters. The Oriental Circlet Tiara is an Indian-inspired design of lotus flowers and Mughal arches.

Originally it was set in opals with 2,600 diamonds forming a complete circle before it was altered in 1858 to make the small space in the back. When Queen Victoria’s daughter-in-law, Queen Alexandra (Princess Alix of Denmark), inherited the tiara in 1901, she replaced the opals with Burmese rubies that had been given to Queen Victoria in the 1870s by the ruler of Nepal. Queen Alexandra only wore the tiara once in public on a state visit to Germany.

The Oriental Circlet Tiara wasn’t seen again until the reign of King George VI. His Queen Consort, Elizabeth, wore it in 1936 and thereafter on many occasions. It became one of her favorite jewels paired with a gorgeous ruby and diamond neckless and dangling ruby earrings. When Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952 she let the Queen Mother continue wearing the tiara. I can’t help thinking, wow what a huge collection of jewelry the British royal family has, as we can see QE II wears an entirely different ruby necklace and earrings than her mother wore with the tiara. The rubies in both sets are spectacular!

After the Queen Mother’s death in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II only wore The Oriental Circlet Tiara one time ... on a trip to Malta in 2005.

Twenty years later on December 3, 2025, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, stepped out wearing The Oriental Circlet Tiara to the German State Dinner held at Windsor Castle. It was only the 5th tiara from the Royal Collection, Catherine has worn, and she looked dazzling as always.

Photo: Getty. The other photos are everywhere on the web.

Kate, as we Americans affectionately call her, was a tad more understated in the jewelry she paired with The Oriental Circlet Tiara, but I bet Prince William would tell us that Catherine, herself, was the main jewel in the crown that evening!

Oh, I’d love to spend the day with her and maybe she’d be good-hearted enough to show me all of those beautiful tiaras so rich in British history. Let’s pretend she would, then get permission for me to try a few on! Which are your favorites?

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Have You Heard Of Haymaker’s Punch?

Photos: iStock

Haymaker’s Punch is a homemade hydration drink familiar to Colonial Americans that throughout the years farmers continued to drink during long hot days of working out in their fields. Also called Switchel, its benefits in addition to hydration are electrolyte balance, aiding digestion, boosting antioxidants, probiotics, and energy, plus managing blood sugar. It’s easy enough to make:

Haymakers Punch

Ingredients:

4 cups of ice cold water

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (I think organic has a better taste, so I’ve switched.)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried ginger (or juice)

3 tablespoons of sweetener - Use honey, dark brown sugar; or Stevia to taste, i.e., whatever you like.

Optional: Sparkling water to top it off. Try 1 to 3 parts.

Directions:

Toss all the ingredients into a pitcher. Mix thoroughly and chill for a couple of hours for flavors to marry (as chefs say) before serving.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac recipe of Haymarker’s Punch is here. More old-fashioned natural hydration drinks are here.

Cocktail: FC-here

So I tried it. Although I don’t dislike it, I think it’s an acquired taste. For such as old drink that goes back 250+ years, it’s new to me! 

Healthier than soda, better tasting than lemon and hot water or vinegar and water (2 morning drink fabs). It has a tang but I don’t taste vinegar as much as ginger and lemon, so its more like a ginger-lemon ale. 

Sometimes we want a drink that is more than plain ole water, so I’m willing to give it a few tries. Certainly, I don’t hate it, and it may grow on me. How about you?

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Greek Yogurt + Fixings For An Easy Breakfast

I know the importance of a good breakfast but don’t have an appetite in the mornings due to busyness. 

With coffee I’ll just eat 2 Digestive Biscuits before getting my elderly mom up, freshened up, dressed, then microwaving her morning meal, either an omelette with cheese or ham and whole grain bread; or (2) a bowl of oatmeal with milk, peanut butter, a handful of chopped walnuts, fruit and a sprinkle of brown sugar on top. She has a good breakfast, but mine lacks the protein I need to start the day.

Many of us get extra busy in December so here’s a better breakfast that’s easy to eat and easy to cleanup with no pots or pans needed to make it:

Greek Yogurt Bowl

1 cup of Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon of peanut butter
fruit -- various to select throughout the week such as a handful of blueberries or strawberries. Half of banana. Chopped peaches, pears, or apples. (like the fruit I add to my mother’s oatmeal.)

3 walnuts

3 almonds - whole or chopped
1 teaspoon of one minute oatmeal

1 teaspoon of ground flaxseeds

a sprinkle of dark brown sugar or honey when I feel like it.

BTW, protein drinks are a decent fast breakfast, but are no substitutes for real food which is always the better choice. Protein shakes can be too heavy in minerals if consumed daily.

Greek yogurt with the addition of nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans), seeds (flaxseeds, sunflower, chia, pumpkin) and whole grains (oatmeal, millet, quinoa) is a healthy no fuss breakfast with enough protein and fiber.

When we know better, we really should do better. I will! With only one bowl to wash this breakfast gets the job done. 

On Friday, I’ll post a recipe for the perfect energy-hydration drink that’s been around since the time of our Founding Fathers! Do you have any guesses?

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Ovico Wearable Cashmere Scarf

I spotted a wearable 100% cashmere wrap from Ovico Scarves that I’d be thrilled to find under my Christmas tree. It makes a fabulous gift and without a doubt is an investment wardrobe piece that will be worn for years to come.

Made of superfine 100% Mongolian cashmere for its exquisite softness and smoothness, it’s perfect for travel, casual wear or formal wear.

What makes this piece so desirable is its versatility. It is knitted with armholes! Yet due to the softness, lightness and fluidity of pure cashmere you could still tie it around your neck or wear it just like a regular scarf without armholes.

My dilemma would be selecting one color. Black to go with everything? Or fuchsia, cornflower blue, navy, or rose because they are so beautiful? There are 15 colors in all. I can understand splurging to get more than one color, yet as an under buyer, I’d try to stop at one wearable wrap. But ... perhaps next year, I’d add another color. 

How about you? Are you tempted too? Maybe we need to buy ourselves a holiday gift? A cashmere scarf with armholes is so practical and ingenious!

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