Fall And Winter Defense Against Dry Body Parts

At the end of summer, I notice the season is already changing resulting in dryer skin, not the cuticles just yet. But! Dry nail cuticles are sure to follow soon enough. Therefore it's not too early to stock up on moisturizers and treatments to fight our soon-to-be dry seasons. I'm also committed to downsizing the number of skincare products it takes to do the job. Curating products that really work plus acting as multi-taskers whenever possible, is THE SAVVY SHOPPER way! 

So the following are some products to fight Old Man Winter who is leaving the Southern Hemisphere and is on his way here. 

1) Cuccico Cuticle Oil (above top👆) - The cuticle oil repairs dry cracked nails and damaged skin. There are zero artificial ingredients in this healing vitamin E infused treatment oil. It's 100% paraben-free and animal cruelty-free and contains 100% plant and natural ingredients including safflower, sunflower, and sweet almond oils.

2) O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream - It's serious relief for extremely dry and cracked hands. Glycerin and allantoin are key ingredients. This stuff begins by boosting moisture to dry hands and then creates a protective layer on the skin's surface to lock in the moisture.

3) Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream - I compared many of the top drugstore skin moisturizing creams and hands down selected Cetaphil above all others. It's rich, moisturizing, greaseless, unscented, thick, and creamy, and yet absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a residue. Now with hydrating glycerin and skin essential vitamins B5 (panthenol) and B3 (niacinamide), your skin feels soft and smooth after an application with no trace of stickiness. There are zero irritants in this gentle formula so I use it as a universal skin cream from face to toe, which is why I highly recommend it over all its competitors. The big value size is a bonus, and the advertised dermatologist recommended on its jar is true (heard it with my own ears). Because Cetaphil has no fragrance, it will never dry out your skin, including your face, body, or cuticles. Bar none, you cannot get a better smoothing, moisturizing skin cream at any price!

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Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote Bag

Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito tote

Candor first. I'm featuring a bag I love, but since I have all the handbags I need, I won't buy it. I want! I need? I want! I need? The Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote bag is quite a temptation! Here's why: I like the classic and edgy look of the bag with its flared-out rectangle shape and an oversized looped top handle. Not only is the loop handle substantial and durable, it hangs on your arm with ease. The sturdy calf leather is smooth and luxurious. I also like the inclusion of the extra crossbody strip that comes with the bag so you can use it hands-free while out shopping. 

The price points of Jacquemus bags are higher than what I usually pay for my purses. It explains why I'm loyal to Coach bags, and yet who knows what I might find in the future at a worthwhile discount? And, if you lean towards designer handbags, here's a luxury brand offering top quality and craftsmanship at lower price points than the usual high-end suspects, namely Chanel, Dior, or Louis Vuitton -- the latter trio continue to raise their already sky-high-into-the-stratosphere costs. Up, up, and away! Perhaps we should consider moving on to other retailers who give us greater value for the money.

The Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote Bag (above👆) is the style I most covet and would use, however below are two more designs in the brand's winning and sleek collection.😉

Jacquemus Le Grand BaminoLeather Corssbody 

Unlike me, many women who are into changing their handbags might like the smaller sizes. In contrast, I use a handbag until it falls apart before I'll empty and switch it out. I hate changing bags so much it often takes a gala to make me do so. Regardless, I love all the Jacquemus bags featured here today! Hm ... could they make me change my ways?

Le Chiquito Long Top Handle 

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The Passing Of Queen Elizabeth II: America Says Goodbye Too

Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (April 21, 1926 - September 8, 2022)

It's no secret that Americans love the British monarchy nearly as much as the British do, and Queen Elizabeth II is the only head of the family and realm many of us know in our lifetime. For 70 years the Queen ruled, and it seems unreal that she died today, but what a life of duty she lived for 96 years, and what an impeccable role model she was for the world. Rarely, if ever, stepping a foot wrong, and as one of her British subjects put it, "She never let us down." Of all the prominent people she met and illustrious events, she lead or took part in, perhaps being our rock by never letting us down is her true legacy. 

Photo: The US Sun - Bournemouth News - 8 months old

Despite always knowing the day would come, it's impossible not to be sad and devastated about losing such a beloved Queen, Great Britain's longest reigning monarch. Again today we are reminded that it doesn't take long to live a life. 

Photo: Getty

With a heavy heart, we send our condolences to her family and country. With certainty, we will miss her too, not only for the Queen that she was, but for the human being, she was. The twinkle of her eyes will always remain with us. R.I.P. Your Majesty, and long live your son, King Charles III (Confirmed today. Monarchs choose the name he or she will be known as). The King will address the nation tomorrow.💂

Photo: CNN

" Grief is the price we pay for love." - Words of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

With the Queen's passing [some reports claim at the time she passed -- I can't verify the hour] two rainbows appeared, a double one over Buckingham Palace, her London home and another over Windsor Castle, her summer residence in Scotland where she died.

Photo: Bloomberg News - Buckingham Palace - September 8, 2022

Photo: Chris Jackson - Getty - Windsor Castle - September 8, 2022

Some people believe the Queen is letting us know she's in a good place, united with the people she loved. What do you think?

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Supergoop Sunscreen In A Super Size

Summer isn't over till we say it's over! While enjoying the last of our balmy weather don't forget the sunscreen. To protect our exposed skin from the sun's harmful rays, cancer experts tell us to apply the amount of a shot glass (or one ounce) of sunscreen on our bodies and about 1/2 - 1/3 of a teaspoon on our faces, ears, and necks, then reapply it every 2 hours. Like many other people, I don't use as much sunscreen as I should and forget to reapply it during the day. What's more, sometimes I wonder how a diligent family of 4 has enough sunscreen to follow the recommendations of skin doctors to prevent skin cancer.

As it turns out, one brand sells its sunscreen in the super size families with children (and perhaps friends who came along) would need for a day in the sun.

In 2007 Holly Thaggard developed Supergoop to provide sunscreen for the public school system of San Antonio, Texas. Supergoop is suitable for the face and body plus comes in several formulas and sizes, not just a super-size, so customers can buy the quantity they need. 

The original SuperGoop Play formula with SPF 50 is hydrating, fast-absorbing, as well as, water and sweat-resistant (for up to 80 minutes). There is also an Unseen SPF 40 sunscreen that is 100% invisible and scentless. The brand's expanded line includes other sun-protecting products such as sunscreen powders, glow moisturizing face creams, as well as, accessories like sun hats.

Here are a few cold, hard facts and statistics on skin cancer. They are good reasons to try to prevent it. 

Nowadays sunscreen isn't greasy on the skin. Tubes of sunscreen are effective for up to 3 years and then should be tossed out. Sun protection should be applied to our faces and exposed skin every day of the year (winter and rainy days included). With the proper protection, skin cancer is a preventable cancer.

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Vivaia Shoes Are Machine Washable

It takes a different kind of shoe for me to consider shoes that are not real leather because I always have trouble wearing man-made, non-leather shoes. Either they are too stiff and I can never break them in, or they are too hot, or they click and clack with every step. In fact, I've sworn off so-called liberated leather shoes.

Then along comes Vivaia shoes (established in 2020), a sustainable shoe company on a mission to make quality, comfortable and stylish footwear using recycled materials that are sourced from nature. Believe it or not, Vivaia shoes are made of recycled plastic water bottles. Plastic water bottles are turned into spools of flexible thread that is knitted into form. According to the merchant, Vivaia flats feel like sneakers. Their signature sustainable material is not only soft, cozy, and breathable, but they will last for years to come, and they are reasonably priced too!

Indeed, Vivaia shoes and boots are super fashionable: classic and understated, as well as, ultra-modern with vitality and pizzazz. The fashion-forward shoes won't go out of style.

Moreover not only is attention paid to the exterior design, but also to the interior of the footwear. The inside heel is cushioned to avoid blisters, and insoles are added to provide high rebound (or bounce), and arch support.

The over-the-knee boots are made with recycled plastic water bottles plus wool for warmth in cold weather. They pull up like thick socks and stay put (as in don't fall down during the day). Furthermore, all Vivaia shoes and boots are machine washable. Now that's different, it means they're easy to clean!

Moreover, the retailer says their shoes are perfect for people with wide feet and bunions. In Vivaia shoes, "your feet won't be squeezed, pushed, pulled, or bent out of shape."

For comfort is the main reason to buy Vivaia shoes. As for sustainability, sources such as the Harvard Business Review argue that sustainable fashion is a myth. Once a plastic bottle is turned into fashion, it's no longer recyclable, but goes into a landfill. In fact, the best way of saving our environment is to buy less and re-use (i.e., shop 2nd hand) fashion. I must confess to never buying 2nd hand shoes, but I only buy the footwear I need and stop buying until I need replacement shoes or boots. That said ...

Enough colors and styles are offered for a day of work, a night out on the town, or a walk through the park. Certainly, Vivaia shoes are worth a browse, an open mind, and some serious consideration.

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ATK's Cast Iron Beer-Batter Cheese Bread

Recipe and all photos - ATK - video linked also.

As you know, my lovely readers, the recipes I want to make again end up here on the blog so I can return to find them also. This one from America's Test Kitchen is a keeper because it is a very cheesy quick bread, therefore fresh oven-baked bread without the time of waiting for the dough to rise. The beer, yeast-in-the-beer, and cheese give this bread plenty of rich flavor. Since I always stock extra sharp cheddar, it's what I will use most of the times I make it, but you can use any robust or sharp cheese to make the bread.

Cast Iron Beer-Batter Cheese Bread 

(from America's Test Kitchen here)

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 

½ cup minced fresh chives 

2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded (You can substitute extra sharp cheddar or any robust cheese if you wish.)
1 ¼ cups mild lager, such as Budweiser
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1) Whisk together flour, chives, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

2) Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese until coated with flour. 

3) Stir beer and melted butter into the flour mixture and just combined. Do not over-stir. Expect the batter to be thick and heavy.

4) Scrape batter into a well-greased 10 1/2 inch cast iron skillet. Smooth the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

5) Bake in a 450-degree F oven for 20 - 25 minutes, rotating the

pan halfway through the baking.

6) Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Cast iron stays super hot for a long time, so handle carefully when (after 10 minutes) removing the bread from the skillet to cool for another 20 minutes.

Something to bake over the weekend to go with soup, chili, or stew! Or perhaps wine and a cheese platter. Bon Appetit!

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