The Girl On The Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life after Romeo and Juliet

Are you looking for a good book? I found one, The Girl On The Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life after Romeo and Juliet. It's a fast yet fascinating read. I finished it in 3 days. Born on April 17, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to an ethnic Scottish mother and a Spanish father, whose marriage fell apart while she was still a toddler, Olivia and her younger brother, Andrew were placed in a boarding school for 3 years so her mother could work a full-time job to support the family. After several years they left to live permanently in London seeking better opportunities.

In London, Olivia attended a nearby acting school from ages 7-13. It was her idea. She had a 2 year run on the London stage as Jenny in The Prime of Miss Jane Brodie alongside Vanessa Redgrave. Next she gained international fame when director Franco Zeffirelli selected her to play Juliet opposite Leonard Whiting in what I think we can all agree is the definite Romeo and Juliet. These were the days of bonafide open additions when London drama schools sent their students over for tryouts of roles. During the audition, Zefirellini paired the 2 teenaged actors (Leonard played the Artful Dodger in Oliver on the London stage) together and unlike the other hopefuls never separated them throughout the addition process. Most would agree that everyone in the film is perfectly cast. Shot on location in Italy, making the film was hard work, yet the set was exciting and wonderful for the actors. After such a high profile and unique experience ends, what is next?

Ms. Hussey's memoir is candid and thoughtful. It goes through decades of a well-lived, often challenging life -- including an enduring if long-distance friendship with her co-star, Leonard; the ups and downs of a Hollywood career; 3 roller-coaster marriages with benevolent men who despite turbulent times, Olivia calls the 3 loves of her life. Her first husband was Dean Martin's son, Dino, who died in a plane

crash at 35. Her 2nd husband was a popular Japanese singer. Long-distance drove them apart; and her last (and Olivia says final marriage) is to her spouse of 29 years, David Eisley, another musician and the son of an American television actor. Olivia lives right outside of Hollywood, where she raises animals and is an animal activist. She has 3 adult children, Alexander, who co-wrote the book, Maximillian, and India.

Olivia's story includes overcoming a lifetime of shyness and agoraphobia; being raped by a deranged ex-boyfriend and 70s actor; stage 4 breast cancer; and corrupt Hollywood business managers who stole her money putting her into bankruptcy.

Still she remains a positive person who has lived a full and interesting life. It's a journey of self-discovery for a strong; serious; and introspective actress, one you will like a lot and empathize with every step of the way. 

She's kind and sensitive and copes with the temporary things of life by seeking out and trying to understand the eternal.

Together for the 50th Anniversary of Romeo and Juliet. 

Just 15 and 16 years old when cast in 1966 (the film came out in 1968), Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting would like to publish a coffee table book with photos and their respective memories of making Romeo and Juliet. Um, guys and publishing houses ... we're waiting! "It's not too late" as Leonard likes to say. Perhaps one day when life returns to normal, it can happen.

BTW: Before seeing Leonard Whiting in R & J, I watched him in a good television drama, Frankenstein, The True Story, which is uploaded on YouTube. He played Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Michael Sarrazin was the misunderstood creature -- it's a touching rendition that hasn't aged. Ms. Olivia Hussey, I saw in Ivanhole after R & J, and her performance as Rebecca is also up on YouTube. Fun then and now interviews of the two discussing their film can also be watched as companions to an absorbing book↑. Later acting work includes Jesus of Nazareth, Death on the Nile and Mother Teresa.

Lovely to know that after the film and with some stays and bumps in the road, Romeo and Juliet are on real-life paths giving them a happy ending. We love and wish them well!📚💌


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Hearty Potato Soup

I used skim milk for this. Tasty, but next time I'll have cream on hand. Even better!

So, you are looking at my 1st attempt at potato soup. My mother made beef vegetable, chicken noodle, pea, lentil, and bean soup. Never potato soup. We only used potatoes as a side dish, not as the main ingredient of a soup. But recently, I tossed diced potatoes and ingredients into a pot and voilà! It got so many likes on Facebook, I decided to post it here on the blog, so I remember how to make it again. The next time, I will make it even creamier:

Potato Soup

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
About 6 strips of bacon, fried in a pan
2 stalks celery, diced
2 large carrots, diced
1 large chicken bouillon cube (or you can use chicken stock and salt to taste)
Dried spices to taste - black pepper, garlic, rosemary, cilantro, Herbs de Provence, nutmeg, whatever you like. (If you use a chicken bouillon cube, remember to omit the salt.)
2 cups milk (or 1 cup milk and 1 cup cream)

Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1) Toss several strips of bacon into a chef skillet (so you won't have to clean 2 pans). One-pan cooking rocks!🙂 Set the bacon aside.

2) Sautè the diced potatoes and onion in the bacon grease for 5 minutes or so, then drain the grease. (If too much grease to began with, pour some of it out first. You don't need much to grill the potatoes and onion.)

3) Next add the celery, carrots, milk (plus cream if you decide

to use it), chicken bouillon (or stock) and spices. 

You do need a fat (either bacon grease, or a couple of tablespoons of butter) to prevent the milk from cruddling while cooking. Therefore if you use skim milk and no bacon grease, 1st make a simple roux with butter and all-purpose flour in the pan, then add your soup ingredients.

4) Bring the soup to a simmer. Cook on medium-low until the potatoes, carrots and celery are tender. It's all you have to do.

But, if the soup is not thick enough for you, thicken it by taking 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour dissolved into a little water and carefully add it to the soup. (To prevent lumps add a little hot soup to the mixture before dropping it into the pot.) Cook the soup for 5 minutes longer to thicken. (I didn't need to do this -- but it's an extra step I take if a soup, stew or gravy needs more thickening.)

5) After you put the potato soup into bowls, top with crumbled crispy bacon (and shredded cheddar cheese) if you wish. I tend not to put the cheese and bacon into the soup during the cooking stage because they dissolve and you can't taste them as well. (Plus you then need more of these calorie-rich treats for your dish. A garnish gives you the taste without the higher calories.) Better to enjoy cheese and bacon (so easy to do!😍) in moderation. 

The soup is on. Bon Appètit!


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7 Tricks For Saving Money

We need enough money and the right material things to run our lives efficiently. However many people live on a budget, so it helps to stay mindful of how and why we buy things ... and to use our earnings wisely.

7 Tricks to Save Money on Things You Need include:

1) Make a list of things that are wearing out: Aim to replace them when they go on sale. Buy your new winter coat at the end of the winter season and a bathing suit at the end of the summer season. Mattresses usually go on sale in May and November, and cars often in December. When you know it's about time to buy a big-ticket item (yes, bathing suits have become a big-ticket item!) start studying prices so that you can snatch it up at its end of season lowest price.

2) Price shop for electronic accessories: If you own a computer, iPad, or smartphone and see their chargers reduced, buy a standby at a few bucks for when the original charger coughs and dies. I have 3 backup batteries for my

landline phone headsets for when they need replacing. And printer ink, I buy in bulk of 3 (or sometimes 4) sets at a time for about $15 bucks total. There are times we may end up wasting our money if the unit, itself, dies; but it's still a good money-saving practice as you will pay 3 or 4 times more if you must buy the accessories on the spot at full price. When your charger, or batteries die, you have to replace them instantly to function. At that time, you can't wait for a sale price to roll around.

3) Shop on holiday weekends - Department and big box stores usually offer sales to draw customers in on holiday weekends. It's when you can take advantage of 20% - 40% reductions off regular prices.

4) Keep your clothes and other things organized - Although I tend to be an under buyer, whenever I organize my closets, I realize I still have too many clothes and don't wear most of them. Taking stock of what I have lessens my urge to buy more t-shirts; leggings; hair conditioners; and bars of soap when I step into Uniqlo, Old Navy or T.J. Maxx to find fantastic low prices. Enough is enough and too many are too many regardless of tempting price! (I have one exception: If T.J. Maxx restocks SheaMoisture hair conditioner in Peace Rose🌹, I can buy it!😍)

5) For your wardrobe, buy good quality basics and know your color palette - It keeps you from buying mistakes. I tend to wear navy blue, black and some gray as my neutrals -- then jazz them up with colorful tops in red, blue, pink, or purple, as well as, stripes, polka dots and floras in those colors. Most of my clothes can be mixed and matched. I also buy sweaters to go with the tops and pants I already own. I try to rotate and wear most everything, yet like many people in 1st world countries, I have more than necessary. 

6) Buy for your lifestyle - Not for a single-use, or just because something is beautiful. Once I tried on a gorgeous gown in Bloomingdales that made a friend gasp and encourage me to buy it. It was surprisingly affordable ($125) yet I didn't take it home since I had NOWHERE to wear it. Sometimes for fun, I also try on expensive jewelry ... but short of being invited to New York's Met Gala, the pieces will stay in their showcases. Why? Because I don't have the lifestyle to wear them. Luckily I live in a city with luxury shops where I can visit and admire luxury goods whenever I want. 

7) Know yourself and be honest: Although I love both retailers, I'm safer at Tiffany & Co. and more tempted to open my wallet at T.J. Maxx. So if I shouldn't spend money, I head to Tiffany for a browse. Don't lie to yourself and go where true temptation lurks. Too many inexpensive things add up also! I think it helps to put purchases on one credit card so you get slapped in the face with the total of all your buys -- big and small -- at the end of the month.

In short, always be mindful. Try to buy everything you need on sale whenever possible, but not everything you want regardless of sales. As we get older, we realize we simply don't need as much stuff! As it turns out, we're happy when we have enough. It doesn't take more than enough to be happy. Do you agree?

🎈🎊🎉This is my 1,000th post here on THE SAVVY SHOPPER.🎈🎊🎉

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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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