A Four-Cube Organzier With Storage Bins

Once upon a time while living at home with my parents, I wore a 14k gold watch they gave me for Christmas. We lived in a house with beautiful wood furniture and fancy china. Expensive figurines decorated the shelves of a large, walnut cabinet.  

Judging by what we buy today, times change. Life is less formal and simpler in many ways. I'm a different kind of consumer than my mother was, and I bet you are too.

Instead of fine china for 12, I bought sturdy place settings for 8 from Pottery Barn (when PB sold dishes in the 1990s). I remember selecting dishes I could use for everyday, as well as, a dinner party. I didn't want to buy 2 sets of dishes for different purposes. One set does it all, and no guest has ever batted an eye.

Nice enough, right? Goes upright or lateral.

Now I buy Timex watches ... and organizer cubes from Walmart. As long as the cube is strong enough to serve its purpose and looks decent, I don't care if it is made of inexpensive pressed wood. Paying hundreds of dollars to store one's stuff makes no sense to me. When I think about it ... perhaps I could get rid of all the stuff that hides behind other stuff in a closet. Tell me why we hold on to things we rarely use, since it seems like too much trouble to get up on a ladder to rearrange stuff in order to get to other stuff? 

As I get older, I'm becoming something of an under buyer. I think more about the world as a whole and my carbon footprint in it, and I can live with less. I only want stuff I actually use.

Don't get me wrong. I want to live well, have fashionable clothes and own everything I need to live a comfortable and purposeful life. But I don't mind wearing garments I like over again. I don't need to replace a computer or car the year a newer version comes out, and I don't want tons of extras (clothes, shoes, appliances, bedding, bath towels) I never use. Ideally, belongings shouldn't sit around idly ... collecting dust. 

The stuff we buy should make our lives better, easier or more fun. Don't bring anything into your home without a clear function.

Space is valuable. Clutter looks bad. Be sure you won't mind losing your empty space to any merchandise that will occupy it.

Moreover, know when to pay top dollar, or not. When a similar item is ten times more expensive, ask yourself -- if you will get ten times more value or enjoyment out of it. When the answer is "yes," splurge. If "no," save.

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Corelle Dishes Are Ideal

Hindsight is 20/20. If I selected a dish set today, it wouldn't be fine china, or from Pottery Barn (where I bought mine in 1990). Instead, I'd buy a Corelle dish set.

Made of Vitrelle®, "a tempered glass ... consisting of 2 types of glass laminated into 3 layers:" The dishes are sleek, lightweight, modern, classic, simple, durable and cheap. If a plate drops on the floor, it will not shatter. Plus, it's microwave, refrigerator, and freezer safe; not to mention you can set a pretty table and eat off of it for years.

A Corelle dish set is full sized. The sizes of the plates and cups are generous, yet they are compact and designed to take up less room when stacked in a cupboard. Wow, I wish I had considered the storage factor when selecting my dishes.

A Corelle dish set comes in over a hundred colors and patterns. There are 2 shapes: round or square (as in a "square meal" a phrase coined by the British navy in the 19th century during recruitment." The plates aboard the ships were square to fit the tables on the ships.) Corelle dish choices include solid white, solid colors, cute florals, geometric shapes, polka-dots, or white with colorful lines.

Personally, I'd select the round, solid white set for versatility, but I would not be unhappy with a bright simple patterned dish set either. 

Moreover, Corelle offers platters and serving bowls to match their dish sets, so you can add-on what you need to serve food. Although I don't own an entire dish set, I bought a set of 3 large white soup bowls in order to microwave leftover soup, stews and chili. In a pinch, I can serve vegetable side dishes in them also. They look as new as the day I bought them.

Furthermore, the dish sets come in quantities to suit your family's needs. Buy a set of only 16 pieces, or a set of 128 pieces, or more ... and cheap!

If I were to do-over, Corelle would be the only dishes in my cupboard! Sold at Walmart and Amazon.😍


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The Perfect Diva Den

Pierre Cardin Attributed Bar Stool from Chairish

Just like a man, a woman needs a personal room, or "cave" to get away and relax! So Chairish, an online consignment marketplace for sellers and buyers of designer home goods, invited me to style a board, depicting the perfect Diva Den, and I'm happy to offer a few ideas.

 Whether your Diva Den is a small apartment, or cubbyhole within a big house, here are six helpful design tips:

1) In a room, empty space is as valuable as any object that fills it - So buy to fit the space. Spareness is good, while clutter (and crowding) is always bad. Don't buy anything that is too big or too small; and never, ever overbuy.
2) Surround yourself with beautiful furniture and objects you love - The pieces should make you happy.
3) Select articles that are practical, comfortable and multi-functional - If you do, you'll get lots of bang for the buck!
4) Be organized and tidy - Everything should have its place.
5) Don't be afraid to mix and match high-end with low-end home decor.
6) Remember to use vertical, as well as, horizontal space.

And now, for my style board of the perfect Diva Den ... imagine one room in a house, or a small apartment: I have mixed furniture from Chairish's website with a few inexpensive items:

  Southern Living Leather Sofa	Vintage Schatz Royal Mariner Eight Day Ship Cloak
Nerisa Chrome Crystal Flush Mount Chandelier- from Overstock.com	Altra Ladder Desk and Bookcase (also available in red) from Walmart.com

My favorite stools have soft upholstery with a supportive back (there are many like these on Chairish.com	 SUKI 2-4 Seat Black Folding Round Dinning Table from Habitat.co.uk.
   Brass Barstool With Blue Upholstered Seat	       Taylored Daybed with Bolster Cushions

As you can see, my Diva Den has lots of comfortable seats. (I mean, who plans to stand in a Woman's Cave? No one!) The daybed acts as a cozy sitting area, or place to snooze. Bar stools offer colorful accents, or a compact seat without taking up much space. While the chandelier adds good lighting to read and work, it's also a sparkling thing of beauty. Finally, my Diva Den is classic and modern. There is a mix of rich textures, soft upholstery, leather, pretty metal and warm wood, as well as, several pops of color. With nine pieces ... a lovely blend of comfort and style!

How would you design your Diva Den?

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Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Hemp Calming Relief Body Oil And Lotion

Palmer's, under the umbrella of E.T. Browne Drug Company, was founded over 175 years ago as one of America's 1st skincare companies. The brand specializes in treatment beauty products selling at affordable prices. The retailer has a worldwide distribution, with a commitment to sustainably sourced ingredients and ethical practices for the farmers who harvest the herbal extracts contained within its preparations.

At my local Walgreens, I picked up a sample of Palmer's new Cocoa Butter Formula Hemp Calming Relief Body Oil and Lotion. There was a week's worth of sample in the packages. On my next trip, I'll definitely buy bottles of each to slather all over my skin after a shower this winter. Both the oil and lotion are rich and super moisturizing, sharing a pleasant botanical scent I love. I called the company to find out what the amazing, clean and subtle smell is. The answer is Tagetes patula (French marigold) and eucalyptus. Hemp seed oil calms inflammation and irritation; and cocoa butter moisturizes and softens skin. They are hypoallergenic and dermatologists approved.

Palmer's is a name I knew of forever, yet surprisingly, overlooked at the drugstore. Now I'm hooked! The clean botanical scent, top-notch ingredients, and nourishing feel on the skin are fabulous and addicting! You want to use it every day!

Palmer's makes a slew of different skin cleansers, creams and treatments to address individual concerns for everybody in the family.

The emollients are an excellent value for real coconut oil, cocoa butter, hemp oil, olive oil, shea butter, and vitamin E. The formulas are developed from years of experience and tested by time and science.

Sold at drugstores, Target, Walmart, and Amazon at unbeatable prices ranging from $6 - $10. 

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5 New Maybelline Products in 2017

Photos: Maybelline

As stated in older blogs (which you can find in the search box), Maybelline has truly stepped up the quality of its makeup in recent years. At drugstore prices, it now rivils the luxe brands. With rich pigments and winning formulas, Savvy Shoppers can save lots of moola without compromise. Plus, Maybelline's inventory keeps improving, as well as, expanding. Here are 5 new products launching in January 2017, some are already out at places like Walgreens, Target and Walmart:

1) There is a new Maybelline The 24K Nudes palette, which I saw stocked already at Bed, Bath and Beyond. (Sending Angie Smith, reader and friend of THE SAVVY SHOPPER, an alert: Go to BB&B ASAP to pick one up! You will love it like the first 3 The Nudes!!) 

The 24K Nudes palette reminds me of THE NUDES (warm, natural colors) with a bit of shimmer (like the Rock Nudes palette). All 4 The Nudes palettes are natural hues, with the Rock Nudes leaning towards cool colors; whereas the others: The Nudes, The Blush Nudes and now the 24K Nudes leaning towards warmer colors.)

2) More matte lip colors are coming out. Look for Maybelline Matte Nude Lipstick, as well as, it's Vivid Matte Liquids.

3) Maybelline Dream Cushion - is a full coverage cushion foundation that offers a luminous finish.

4) Maybelline Face Studio Master Camo Color Correcting Kit - is a palette with 5 color correction concealers, plus a pearly highlighter. There are 3 versions of the kit to match different skin tones.

5) Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot - A new mascara with a new brush and collagen-mousse-like forumula to keep it from flaking and clumping as it volumizes lashes.

Other new Maybelline products launching include a Brow Highlighting Pencil, Face Hightlighter Liquid in a tube, pigmented Baby Lip Balm Crayons and a special edition eyeshadow that is now only available on Amazon.

Most of Maybelline's products cost from $5 - $10. Where else can you get non-better mascara for $6, or a makeup palette with rich pigments for an Alexander Hamilton!? Plus, drugstores and BB&B offer deals, taking more money off. Look polished for oodles less!

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Buy One Plus One

Ok, ruby earrings are a bit of a stretch, but it's difficult to find a Plus One image. So feast your eyes on these Effy designed beauties ... you select your image, and I'll select mine: One Plus One. Fits the bill!😅

One of my goals in life is to avoid clutter. Nearly all of my possessions are purchased mindfully, and I try to stay clear of overconsumption. A practical aim is to buy what we need, not more than what we need.

A few years ago I noticed I owned too many t-shirts and too many bars of scented soap. How did it happen? Every time Old Navy (makers of t-shirts, $3 promotions), as well as, Express, or Bath and Body Works (sellers of scented soap, $1 promotions), ran a sale, I couldn't resist the bargain prices and bought a few. One day when I saw how many I had, I decided to use and wear out the ones I owned before adding new ones. Done!

My new goal is to use the shampoo and hair conditioner I have stocked in my cabinet before buying more. While not excessive, I do have more than what I need, and it will take time to deplete my stash.

Photo: Shuterstock

How did it happen? Well, I sometimes buy 4 - 5 of Tried-and-True-Essentials in order to qualify for the best price, or free shipping. But now it's time to pause until I go through my supply. Once I'm nearly out, I plan to adopt a new rule: Buy one, plus a spare. Period! So often after we buy more than what we need, we lose interest in the commodity before we finish it. At times a new formula comes out that I'm dying to try, but instead, continue to use the old formula since I already paid for it and have no desire to waste product or my money.

So from now on, I will be doubly mindful: My new mindset is: Buy One, Plus One! (Except for toothpaste, which I tend to buy 6 - 10 (8.2 ounce tubes at Walmart) at a time. I mean, there's never a day we don't use toothpaste at least 3 times per day). That way I won't (1) worry about running out too soon; (2) have to run back to the store; (3) or buy more than what I truly need.

How many units of staples do you like to buy ... and is it triggered by an attempt to be thrifty? Give an example if you like.


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Maybelline Nudes of New York Eyeshadow Palette

With the need to wear face masks many of us aren't thinking of makeup as we do in normal times, but I notice women are still wearing eye shadow and it's an excellent practice to look pulled together on Zoom calls. Looking your casual best helps to lift your mood as it's an area you can control! As usual, Maybelline makes it easier with top-notch shadow for less!

Maybelline launched yet another gorgeous nude palette in early 2020. Its Nudes of New York Eyeshadow Palette contains 16 creamy mix and match shades that are universally flattering on every skin tone: light, medium or dark. Luscious and rich pigments, rivaling top brands Urban Decay and Too Face, glide on smooth to last all day long. The palette makes a fabulous splurge or no-fail, holiday gift that won't break the bank! From fresh pale pink for a rosy natural gaze to subtle shimmer and browns to create a killer smoky eye, there's not a wasted dud color in the bunch!

Golly, despite having Maybelline's other nude or "mini city" palettes, these are such pretty shades, the Nudes of New York Eyeshadow Palette is a must-buy from the beauty brand! For the price, you can buy 2 and keep 1 palette for yourself! Available at Ulta, Walmart, Target and local drugstores for $11.99 - $13.99, depending on the retailer.

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A Summer Of Stripes

Prada - One dress in 2 lengths: maxi and knee

Summer is my favorite time of the year despite some hot and humid days. We can enjoy long hours of daylight dressed in comfortable natural fabrics like cotton and linen. The lack of layers is reason enough to love summer.

What's more, summer style often features vivid colors and lighthearted stripes! A mild sunny season is ideal for people watching and style gazing! Next time you're out-and-about town, enjoy the show!

Meanwhile here are a number of fashionable ways to wear  summer stripes:

From retailers 1) Haultlook.com - knit pencil skirt; 2) Calvin Kline - crew neck, fitted, tee dress sold at Walmart; 3) Loft - strappy sun dress; 4) Miting - the shift dress;

5) Old Navy - crew neck, fitted, tee dress in classic red or navy; 6) John Lewis - fit and flare dress with blots of yellow and black; 7) Dapper James - ruffled Nellie top with umbrella designs; 8) Diane Von Furstenberg - stretch knit vertical stripped dress;

Old Navy - canvas peep-toe  D'Orsay flats

Do you see any favorites?

In our summer trilogy of patterns, we looked at: 1) gingham and 2) stripes. There's one more pattern to cover: 3)______? Can you guess it?

The next blog is all about cake ... then the answer (here) next Thursday will end our summer fashion trilogy.😊💋👗

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Weleda Offers A Century of Skin Care

Photo: Care To Beauty

Weleda is the world's leading maker of holistic, natural, organic and anthroposophical skincare, makeup and pharmaceuticals. The merchant is well-known for its baby and mother care products, as well as, its Weleda Skin Food line and homeopathic preparations. Arnica, birch, calendula, iris, lavender and wild rose are "leading plants" i.e., some of the main raw ingredients the company uses in their beauty treatments for their healing properties and to promote well being.

The vendor's name sounds odd to English-speaking ears. Founded in 1921, Weleda derives from the Germanic prophet and healer, Velda. Its philosophy is based on the principles of social thinker and educator Rudolf Steiner; and its botanical formulas aim to "awaken the skin's natural functions" as well as, balance the mind, body and spirit by only using the plants and components of nature.

The products are never tested on animals and contain no paragons or phthalates, synthetic fragrances or preservatives. The retailer promotes sustainability and respect for nature in its business practices.

In summary: After studying plants for 100 years, Weleda's ingredients are "certified natural per nature."

Sold at Target, Walmart and Costco, the Weleda beauty and skincare line includes a wide range of pure skin washes; rich moisturizers; body butters; lip balm; and antioxidant-rich-anti-aging treatments ... all created to nourish, support and re-balance the skin.

Its rubs remind me of what is commonly found in English and German pharmacies which tend to embrace alternative therapies in beauty potions. Not all the retailer's claims are supported by science, yet the price points are affordable for a garden of pure and rich skincare. Think: Superior moisturizers and body butters containing good clean ingredients for less! 

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4U By Tia Is Created For Curly Hair

Although all hair textures are biologically the same, made mostly of protein, namely keratin, curly hair forms deep in the scalp from a curved bulb and takes its spiral shape from irregularly distributed keratin.

Curls are naturally drier and more porous than straight hair. They are more fragile plus tend to take more abuse from daily styling; and finally due to their shape, conditioners have a tougher time migrating from the root to the end of curly hair.

4U by Tia is a brand founded by actress Tia Mowry offering a line of natural hair care products based on science for curly hair. 

Although not dirt cheap, it is created with good clean ingredients and sold at Walmart and Target so regular people on a budget can afford high-performance haircare to "elevate their curls." 

4U By Tia has lavish products to clean and condition your naturally curly hair; nourish and treat it; or tame and style it.

Because products designed for curly-and-people-of-color are made to be mild for hair that tends to be drier and more delicate, I think nearly every head can use it. 

Surprised? Here's why: Clean, natural ingredients made to stop stripping your scalp of its natural oils can benefit every hair type. I've had no issues using gentle formulas on my straight Caucasian hair.

Wishing a Happy Juneteenth to my fellow Americans and a few other countries who observe it!

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