The Celine Insprired Cat Eye Sunglasses

Celine Cat Eye Sunglasses - $450

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

Looks even more cat eye in the shop.

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

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

SOJOS Retro Cat Eye Oversized on Amazon here.

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

Nine West Cat Eye sold on QVC here.

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

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

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



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The Cleaners In Their Percentages To Kill Coronavirus

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

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

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

Here are the CDC approved cleaners to use:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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5 Tips For Buying A Tennis Bracelet On A Budget

Photo: Photo: Windsor Bishop

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

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

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

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

In comparing carats, diamond prices increase exponentially with carat weight. In other words: 10 carats is FAR MORE than 10 times more expensive than 1 carat of diamonds. Why? Larger diamonds are rarer in nature. 

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

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

Photo: Macy's Effy designed bracelets

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

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

Photo: Macy's - prone setting

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

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

5) Fake it till you make it: If you can't afford precious 

Photo: Saks 5th Avenue

gemstones in gold, turn to cubic zirconia in sterling silver. Silver is a precious metal too, and cubic zirconia glitters enough to make your thrifty heart sing. Look classy minus going broke ... and wear it proudly, sister!
With a choice of metals, stones, design, price points, and sales (Savvy Shoppers ALWAYS get a sale!), there's a tennis bracelet for every wrist!

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

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


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Homemade Golden Syrup

Photo: tastessence

Every year my blogging friend, Patricia of The Red Cardinal makes Anzac biscuits to remember all the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served and died in wars and service for their country. Anzac Day is observed on April 25th. Originally the cookie was created by the Army Corp wives of the soldiers serving in World War I. The spouses came up with a crunchy cookie that could survive its mailing and reach the soldiers still delicious to eat.

Every April I want a bite of Trish's golden oatmeal cookies, but can't get Golden Syrup, a key ingredient to make them, here in the USA. Well, this year will be different. I have a recipe to make Golden Syrup at home. 

I compared many recipes, noticing they were all alike in their ingredients, but I came up with a sure-fire, no-fail technique, namely, adding lemon in step 1 (not step 2 like others) plus a lid to cover the pot while it simmers. I'll share my cooking times, but yours may be shorter, which is fine. A stainless steel pan is needed to do the task. Using a non-stick pot was a complete failure as the water dried out before the sugar caramelized in step one. Carmelized sugar gives the syrup its taste and golden color:

Homemade Golden Syrup

Ingredients:

Photo: indiamart

For step one:
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of boiling water
 slice of lemon (or 1 tablespoon of lemon juice)

For step two:
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water

Extra tip: When simmering cover the pot with a lip to stop water from evaporating too quickly and the sugar from crystalizing. 

Directions:

1) On a stovetop, pour 1/4 cup of boiling water into a saucepan, followed by 1/2 cup of sugar. Swirl the pot around to dissolve the sugar.

2) Add the lemon and turn on the heat until it simmers. Cover the pan with a lid. The lemon and lid keep the mixture from forming crystals while cooking.

3) Leave the heat on a medium-low setting simmering until the mixture turns into a golden amber color. It may take 15 minutes, but be patient. A medium-low boil carmelizes the sugar. Watch and swirl the pan around periodically, but resist stirring with a spoon.

Photo: Todd on YouTube

4) Next add the rest of the sugar and boiling water to the caramelized mixture. Put the lip back on the pot to let the mixture simmer for another 20-30 minutes. You can swirl the mixture as needed.

5) Look for an amber color and a slight thickening.

6) Remove from the heat. As the mixture cools, it thickens even more turning into syrup. 

7) While still warm pour into a jar with a tight lid to seal. Golden syrup keeps well in a cupboard.

When the day rolls around, I'm ready to make Anzac cookies along with you, Trish!


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Die Coronavirus Die!

Photo: AP - Electron microscope image shows the coronavirus that causes COVID-19

I'm of the mind that you should never deal with a crisis, or challenge by allowing fears to overtake you. Nor do I believe you should bury your head in the sand. Knowledge is power IMHO in solving problems. Try to find out all you can about an issue by consulting creditable sources to answer your questions. Ignore idiot advice even if it comes from a high office that takes you down the wrong path. Every life that can be saved is worth saving! Listen to scientists to fight a disease! Proceed with caution and common sense; then go on with your life. 

Our leading experts of infectious diseases tell us we may have to stay home for another 2 months -- plus keep 6 feet apart from non-family when we must go out for food, medicine and vital services -- to flatten the curve of Coronavirus. Without a vaccine, isolation is the only measure that stops the spread of the disease. So lets all count on doing so until scientists tell us it is no longer necessary. And continue to wash your hands like a maniac!

Although there are no known cases of ANYONE catching coronavirus by eating food ...  after buying unwrapped celery from the supermarket (which after arriving home I scoured with hot water and a tiny bit of soap in my kitchen sink), I asked the internet: 

1) Can I kill coronavirus by freezing? 

The answer: Temperature not reported, but no; in a lab it preserved them for 2 years. Normally they die in days;

Getty: Spikes make Coronavirus sticky.

2) Can I kill coronavirus by boiling? 

The answer: Yes, at 132 F for 1/2 hour;

3) Can I microwave coronavirus to death? 

The answer: Yes, at 800 watts for 2 minutes. Most small 1.4 cubic ft microwaves are 1000 watts.

Die, coronavirus, die! I'm home too much, and LOOK, how I'm spending my time!

Together we'll defeat this pandemic! In a year or two, a vaccine will be ready. But for now, stay home, be vigilant, stay well!

Source: circulating on Facebook

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Consider Bvlgari Bags

The butterflies are only for show and not part of the design of the bag.

Let's say you love the classic elegance of French designed Chanel or Dior handbags, but know you will never cough up $6,400+tax to buy them. You love them but not enough to part with such an enormous wad of cash.

Introducing jewelry maker Bvlgari bags for your consideration. Fine, durable calf leather (as well as other material options) in a multitude of pretty colors (including the ↓3 here↑) from their new spring collection.

Bvlgari handbags are luxury bags, so not cheap, yet they are less than half the price of their French rivels for similar rich quality. Funny how most of us could never afford Bvlgari fine jewelry, but saving up for a handbag is possible for many working people. It's a worthy, lasting and perhaps one-time splurge for a luxury bag; and one, not every other luxury bag lover owns. For folks who never buy luxury bags, it's inspirational. Know: I own zero designer bags -- my blog mentions what I buy -- but I live in Manhattan and am always looking and appreciating them! Looking at expensive bags helps me to recognize a good, legal inspired bag!!

The "Serpenti Forever" crossbody bag features light gold pleated brass hardware and a signature snake head closure. Although not a big fan of snakes myself, this jeweled one doesn't look too ominous for me. What is the obsession with snake eyes so many top designers seem to have?

A sophisticated, stylish bag to own without the gouging price tag (or other nonsense associated) with buying from Hermes or Chanel. The purse has the compact, refinement of Dior for less moola!

Btw: Bvlgari offers equally lovely wallets, but I won't lie, I buy $10 Mundi wallets from T. J. Maxx. They, too, fit nicely inside a Bvlgari handbag.😊


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