Modest After Christmas Goodies

Usually I take advantage of the after Christmas sales. This year my needs are quite modest which is great for my wallet. I only bought 3 things and am watching to see if prices drop further on a 4th item. Here is what I bought:

1) Colored Christmas lights - (top image↑) The set I own faded in color, and they only blinked every 13 seconds this year. One day I nearly left my apartment without unplugging them as they take so long to blink I forgot they were on. Time to replace them! After Christmas sale price: $2.49 at Rite-Aide.

2) Christmas Cookie Cutters, Set of 6 - Last year I tossed out my star cutter after I got mad at it. One of its 5 corners was defective, messing up the cookies. Surprisingly buying only a star was too costly, but the set of 6 was 50% off after Christmas, and I like the size of the cookies it makes -- not too big or small, but just right! There are sets of greater quantity, but really do we need to make 30 shapes? In the best of all possible worlds, I'd have an angel instead of a snowman, but that's quibbling. $5 at Sur La Table.

3) Cashmere Scarf - This last purchase was more of a splurge than a need. Tartan patterns are trendy this winter and I liked this checkered pattern over a true Stuart tartan plaid (which was also available) because it's playful yet dressy. I have enough warm scarves already, but hey, not one with pretty fringes. Now I've joined the tartan set! T. J. Maxx, you tempted me yet again, by reducing this soft, well-made $50 cashmere scarf to $19, making it a steal!

4) Next year's Christmas Cards - This last possible purchase could go either way. I have about 25 widows and orphans --  Christmas cards leftover from boxes of cards from Christmases past. I don't know if people remember cards you've sent them before, or not, but as long as the cards are beautiful, so what if they are remembered? Oh, readers should I send out my widows and orphans next year, or not? If prices drop down to 75% off, I might be tempted to buy a fresh design. Tic, toc, tic, toc.

What are you buying this year after Christmas?

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Happy New Year 2020

Photo: Shutterstock

Finally a new decade: 2020 is here! (Although technically a new decade starts with the #1 as in 2021, but we won't get so scientistic.:)

Although I don't make New Year's resolutions per say, I'm committed to becoming an even more curated buyer of things in the future. During the last few years I've tried to simplify life by bringing fewer things into my kitchen, bathroom, home ... i.e., life, which includes food, personal care items, clothing and home goods. My goal isn't to do without necessities. It's to buy what I need; not more than what I need. 

Just a few years ago I might have purchased 6 or 8 shampoos or soap, or (fill in the blank) at a good price, usually  to qualify for free shipping. But it takes too long to finish the stash and often leads to unintended waste. So I've reformed! Now I buy one, plus a spare of most everything even at a good price. 

If I must add too many extras to get free shipping, I pass on an item. In my experience, it saves more money and lessens waste. Sales happen often enough so there's no real need to stock up as if we only get to the supermarket, or drugstore once a year. I'll be able to find noodles, condensed milk, body lotion, lipstick, bedsheets, (or you name it) on sale again after finishing my one, plus one product. I also think each of us is savvy enough to know when to make an exception to this general rule. So I'm not worried about running out, or of having to overpay for most things. 

What's more, I begin 2020 having mostly replaced processed food (examples of what I no longer buy: canned soups, boxed ready-to-eat breakfast cereals and carbonated sodas; processed food is usually found in the middle aisles of a supermarket) with real food that I bring home to prepare myself (like meat, potatoes, whole grains [oatmeal, quinoa], fruit and vegetables, coffee and tea; which is usually stocked in the side lanes of a supermarket).

With personal care items, my mission continues ... not to buy any more soap, lotions, potions, shampoos, or conditioners until I use up what I already have ... and mostly I succeed! My goal is to have no more than one shampoo in the bathroom caddy (done!) and not more than 2 hair conditioners there (I'm working on it)! Moreover, I can't recommend the beauty brands SheaMoisture (personal care goods) and The Ordinary (skin care) enough for consumers who seek the highest quality of ingredients for less. Both are game changers in the beauty industry!

For apparel, the game chargers are Uniqlo and T.J. Maxx, where fashion and quality for less are unbeatable. For furniture and home accessories (including cookware), I must give the nod to T.J. Maxx again along with its sister company, HomeGoods. You simply can't match high quality verses low price elsewhere. Of course furniture is the more complicated always requiring hours of research per need.

But money alone will never enrich a life. So on THE SAVVY SHOPPER you also get a dose of lifestyle, history, entertainment, philosophy ... and an occasional essay on some world event. And as usual, I encourage you to share your thoughts and let me know if there are subjects you wish to know more about. Thank you ♥dear readers♥ for stopping by ... xoxo!

🎊Happy New Year 2020!🎉

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Shrimp Kung Pao Noodles

Photo: Delish

There's a new Target on the Upper East Side, and the prices are ideal. Recently I bought a 1 pound bag of large frozen shrimp (30 shrimp) on sale for $7.49, then tweaked a Delish recipe to eat it. I make substitutions of similar ingredients I don't stock in my cupboard. At times I also add extra ingredients I like, such as celery and broccoli. Lately I am the Queen of making fresh one pan meals from scratch as the clean up is a breeze.👑 

Many people love food delivery services like HelloFresh™ or Plated™, but I think if you have access to a supermarket, you are paying a huge markup on meal kits for ingredients you can easily buy yourself for much, much less. For the cost, the service should come with a chef, which it does not! But after paying the 100% markup for the food, you still have to come home to cook the meal yourself. It's cheaper to buy a cookbook. So here is my one pan dish for 2:

Shrimp Kung Pao Noodles

Ingredients:

This is the Target shrimp. Looks good, right?

8 oz spaghetti
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon ginger, diced (If you don't have fresh ginger, use dried ginger … less of it though.)
8 oz shrimp
salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 cup chopped broccoli (I toss in whatever vegetables I think I need to eat on a particular day: spinach, carrots, even frozen mixed or green beans I need to get rid of, etc. Chunks of vegetables are good in this dish.)
2 garlic cloves, minced (or dried garlic)
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup water
1 small chicken bouillon
1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1 tablespoon vinegar (I use cider)
1/3 cup broken up peanuts

Directions:

1) Cook spaghetti according to directions on the box (7 minutes for al dente), drain and set aside.

2) In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil. Sautè the onion and ginger for one minute.

3) Toss in the shrimp, salt and pepper and sautè for 3 minutes. Remove from the pan. (If the frozen shrimp is already cooked, put it aside for step #6. Don't cook it for 3 minutes.)

4) Next toss the olive oil in the pan, heat and sautè the bell peppers, broccoli and celery until they are soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in the flour. Add the water and chicken bouillon, red pepper flakes, Sriracha and cider vinegar. Stir, incorporate and simmer for 1 - 2 minutes.

5) Sprinkle in dried parsley and cilantro flakes.

6) Toss back in the cooked spaghetti, shrimp and peanuts. Heat the ingredients (including the shrimp) if necessary before plating it.

Makes 2 servings. Double the recipe to use the full pound of shrimp for 4 servings.

Now you are a one pot meal Queen also!👑


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The Magic Of Christmas

Rockefeller Center at Christmas (Getty images via Metro-NY)

Since the beginning of time people of all cultures have had special holy days on their calendars. It's part of the human condition to think about a deeper meaning to existence. We pause to remember what gives life more purpose and to set-aside quality time to spend with our family and friends during such solemn and festive moments. 

An Upper East Side brownstone is having a lovely blue Christmas.

Our cities, towns and neighborhoods have more sparkle. The magic of Christmas appears on city streets gracing businesses and homes, and when walking along the pavement "in the air there's a feeling of Christmas."

Inside ... homes are adorned also. Tradition and glitter get pulled out of boxes. Cookies bake in ovens, sugar and butter boil into candy on stove tops; and visitors arrive to share in the merriment and treats.

May the magic of Christmas shine all over the globe. Regardless of culture or religion, we are one human family here.

Humans are more alike than different; and we can share the best of one another's traditions without compromising our own. In the spirit of the season ...

My apartment corner "Christmas tree"

Peace, joy and love to all my readers. Enjoy a day of happiness. Merry Christmas! 

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Gift Ideas For Him

#1 and #2 layered - multiple colors available

An interviewer asked the actress Sarah Jessica Parker what one thing would she like to give to her children. The multi-talented and savvy mother of 3 said, I'd like for them to know the pleasure of wanting things. Anticipation ... waiting for something to arrive is part of the excitement, no? And once in hand, you appreciate it all the more.

We have 4 days left until Christmas. L.L. Bean has a few cozy gifts for the men in your life and if still looking you can order the right gift ... enclose an image of it as an I.O.U. inside a glittery holiday card with a heartfelt note. Find a little box, wrap it up and tie a beautiful ribbon around it. Are you short a gift perhaps?

Here are a few more gift ideas:

1) Unshrinkable Mini-Waffle Shirt - Soft and cozy in 2 styles: Henley and crewneck. Layer it with #2

2) PrimaLoft-Lined Shirt-Jac - Part jacket, part shirt. Provides the comfort of a jacket with the feel of a button-down shirt and insulated for warmth. #1 and #2 are a winning combo!

🎄🎁🔔Here are alternative men's Woolrich wool shirts. Plus funnel, cotton and jacket shirts. Same style as L.L.Bean. Excellent quality and durable, yet pricey; and the wool shirts are not washable. I bought 2 many years ago that still look new. Their value has risen just like Chanel handbags! Woolrich blankets are first-rate also. Watch for the after Christmas sales!🎄🎁🔔

3) Washable Lambswool Sweater - Wash and wear warmth. These soft sweaters are expertly knit and designed for machine washing.

4) Stabilicers Walkers - Sturdy yet lightweight traction for winter walks on icy and snowy surfaces. Slips over most footwear.

And a bonus --

5) NYC Coffee Cups - A ceramic version of the famous NYC paper street cups. Cute coffee cups that fit neatly into a cupboard, or dashboard!

Over the last days before Christmas, you have the option of paying to expedite shipping; or keep the gifts coming after Christmas! Our family doesn't mind the 2nd less expensive option. You decide.


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Christmas Decorations Are Up

When decorating a room, it is as important to have empty space as it is to bring the right pieces of furniture into it. The most expensive (or festive) object looks cluttered without the proper amount of space framing it.

I'm lucky to live in a nice apartment in Manhattan, but it isn't big, and it doesn't face the street side of the building, so I've always just decorated my golden pothos (epipremnum aureus) plant in lieu of dragging a Christmas tree into a spot where there is really no room to display it. Gets the job done! I think of it as my Egyptian hieroglyphics "Christmas tree." Tucked into a corner, it only takes up vertical space; and guests seem to be charmed by it, so that's fun too. By necessity, Manhattanites are creative arrangers and decorators!🌃

Admittedly I do less in recent years, however, other Christmas artifacts are scattered throughout the rest of the apartment. The nutcracker was my first Christmas decoration. Years ago, I bought him for $17 at Saks Fifth Avenue. My friend, Cara Sue, came into town, and we found her similar nutcrackers at the dollar store for about $3. 

Although not the most church going person in the world, I set out a Nativity Scene. I like to get down to the nitty-gritty of a holiday and remembrance. What's it all about? Striving for better and the hope that the best is yet to come! Go big, or go home. (Who coined the catch-phrase? Answer here.🙂)

Some years I hang out a huge velvet red bow with gold overlay. I like the simple silver bells also. They continue my parents tradition of stringing up silver bell oraments, which dangle over blinking Christmas candolier lights in our front widows. My Dad was so creative. We miss him every day.

The bells hang outside on my front door to cheer folks walking down the hall. When I first moved into my apartment, it was one of many tasteful Christmas motifs and wealths, but newer neighbors (who celebrate) do nothing, so it is the only modest hall decoration on our floor this year. Well, there's a few days left. Forge on people!🎄🔔🐫


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What To Get Teachers For Christmas

Photo: Self

"Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten," according to B.F. Skinner. Most of us know the value of good teachers. Priceless! Not only do they teach reading, writing and math, they motivate and shape minds in countess ways, which last over a lifetime. A mind stretched by a new idea never returns to its original dimension! 

Photo: personalization mail

Teachers make nowhere near the salary they deserve for the hours they work. (Their pay doesn't reflect their value in society.) They wear many hats too. At times, educators must work 2 or 3 jobs to support their families.

So what holiday gifts should you give in return? 

Frankly teachers don't need a mishmash of trinkets cluttering up their homes anymore than you do. 

Instead of giving the usual candles, snow globes, or candy they don't need, get them something practical they can use: (1) A gift certificate to either a well-known department store; or food store, so they can buy personal things they truly need ... whatever they might be ... like milk and fruit; a coffeemaker; or new sweater. (2) Gift certificates for movie tickets; or a popular restaurant are thoughtful. (3) Or gift certificates to Walmart, Target or Michaels where they can buy school supplies and classroom decorations. $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, any amount helps! Too often, teachers must spend their own money to cover their classroom essentials. 

Photo: penalization mall

I would also write a warm personal note inside a festive card touching upon a teacher's role in your child's life. Acknowledgement and a genuine expression of gratitude are priceless too! 


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5 Beauty & Style Finds For Holiday Gifts

Today's 5 beauty and style gift ideas are finds I bought for myself at various times and love so much I have no doubt others will love them too:

1) Anne Klein Women's Rose Gold-Tone Bracelet Watch↑ - I own this gorgeous watch. The rose gold is so pretty, and the watch looks ultra expensive, but it's not. It has Japanese quartz movement, and after over 2 years, it still wears shiny and new! Since the watch has been around for a while, the price has dropped, making it a sweet deal as well!

2) Pro Beauty Tools Professional Gold 1" Curling Iron - A find from T.J. Maxx, where I discover lots of stellar brands, I would otherise not know about. Reduced to a bargain price of $12! The curling iron heats up in 30 seconds flat; and the 1" barrel is the perfect size for most hair lengths. Finally, the curling iron is easy to hold and compact to tuck away. 

3) SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo - Usually comes in 13 oz (but look for a special 19.5 oz size) - The beauty brand began in 1912 making personal care products like shampoos and conditions with nothing but clean, botanical ingredients. There is none better on the market! Plus this top-notch brand is sold in drugstores at drugstore prices! 

4) SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Condition - Like the shampoo, this usually contains 13 oz (but luck into a special 19.5 oz size with 50% more free if you see it). SheaMoisture works beautifully on all hair types; and there are tons of different formulas to address individual needs. Every single one is terrific. (The 2 featured in today's blog are the latest formulas I'm trying over the winter.) Each leaves my hair feeling super soft and smelling terrific!

5)  Tinted Lip treatments - Any of the following are intensely moisturzing with a pop of flattering color:

a. Laura Merier Lip Balm - A pricey splurge, but it's a super thoughtful gift because it hydrates, prevents and smooths chapped winter tramatized lips.

b. Fresh - The retailer has special edition balm collections for a festive presentation.

c. Bite Beauty - Ditto, 
also available in special balm holiday editions.

d. Smith's Rosebud Salve - A personal favorite. I may buy a friend a $22 lip balm for Christmas, but I use a $6 - $8 salve for myself that has been around since the year 1892. Gladly would I make the introduction to others by gifting it to them! The lip salve comes in an assortment of flavors from the original to vanilla, strawberry, rose & mandarin and  minted rose. Housed in a practical tin container and sold at drugstores, Walmart, Target and Sephora. You can't go wrong! 

The friends and family on your holiday list will absolutely love their gifts and thank you for opening their eyes to such wonderful tried and true products.


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Hot Tools Black Gold Charcoal Infused One-Step Blowout

A bulky blow dryer in the hand.

For one week I used Hot Tools One-Step Blowout dryer (price $80). Other retailers have a blow dryer wand including: Revlon ($59), Conair ($48) and Dyson ($500). The Hot Tools unit is marketed as a blow dryer used by professional stylists.

Did I like it? Yes ... but not as much as my Conair 1875 Watt 3-in-1 Styling Hair Blowdryer (see photo below; cost $20). If you already have a blow dryer you like, you definitely will not need a wand (also called a hot air brush). My Conair Styler does everything the new wands do better! There is no rod to wrap your hair around, but it doesn't matter!

The Hot Tools hot air brush is easy to use and has good heat output to dry thick hair quickly just like my Conair Styler. But as I said, my type of blow dryer performs several functions better! Moreover it only costs $20 versus $80 for the new Hot Tools wand.

The Hot Tools Blowout is heavier and bulky, while the Conair Styler is sturdy, yet light and compact. The Conair blow dryer has 3 attachments, which are detachable. Not so with the Hot Tools' (or Revlon's) blow dryer wands, which have a single non-detachable brush. If after time and use, the bristles fall or wear out, you must buy a new blow dryer. You can replace my Conair Styler's 3 attachments as needed like you can with the Conair and Dyson wands. But jeez, look what you're paying for the Dayson wand ... $500!

I expect the new one-step wands to be more advanced, as well as, more convenient to use over my Conair Styler, but, their bulky bodies make them less so in my experience. The fact that I can twirl my hair around a rod isn't an advantage. The motion doesn't add greater volume, or body to my hair over the Conair Styler, nor do I end up with curls at the ends with staying power. It seems I get the same, if not more, volume with my reliable Conair Styler by blowing out my hair upside down (i.e. with a downward tilted head).

And too, my Conair Styler adds more shine and smoothness to my hair than the Hot Tools wand type. I think this is due to using a comb attachment, as opposed to, going through my hair with the bristles of a brush. And as mentioned, with the Hot Tools wand, you only get one option, a non-detachable brush to blowout your hair. The Conair Styler's comb tames frizz better.

Surprisingly, Conair's comb attachment is gentler on my scalp also. Even though the Hot Tool's brush doesn't scratch my scalp, it leaves it raw ... and I'm unsure if this would feel more severe over a longer period of use.

Still the champion!

Finally the Conair 1875 Styler blow dryer dries my hair in less time (under 5 minutes). Its compact body allows you to move it through a full head of hair faster and with more passes. The Hot Tools wand (i.e. hot air brush) is more of a workout to use, requiring more turns of the wrist to pass over and through the hair. Its bulk makes it slightly awkward to use.

Don't get me wrong: Hot Tools One-Step Blowout does its job of drying the hair straight with less frizz. Everybody on the Internet is loving the new blow dryer wands. Yet they are not comparing them to the Conair 1875 Styler blow dryer, and I am. 

The verdict is in: The Conair 1875 Watt 3-in-1 Styler is still the champ. Better performance for less cash! To straighten long,  medium, or short length hair, I highly recommend it over the hot air brushes ... at least for now. Wait for the next generation of wand blow dryers to become slimmer, cheaper and come with detachable combs and brushes.


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