When The Price Is Right

Like a lot of woman I love browsing cosmetic counters in high fashion department stores. Chanel and Bobbi Brown are two of my absolute favorites. However, I’ve discovered that good quality makeup doesn’t always have to be expensive. My discovery started with nail polish. One day while shopping in a chain store I spotted the perfect summer shade, incandescent "Seashell,” on a huge rack with at least 50 other bright, glossy and classy colors. I had never heard of the brand – Nicka K – but it sold for only 99 cents. Certainly an amazingly low price and one that gave me pause. Was this too good to be true? Would the nail enamel chip off in a day? Did the formula contain bad ingredients like toluene, formaldehyde and dibutul phthalate (DBP)? Well no, it didn’t. The formula was free of these harmful chemicals, plus it was infused with good ingredients like vitamin E. There were no negatives in spending less than the usual $4 and up for the better known brands. My new nail polish glided on smoothly, dried in minutes, had staying power and looked beautiful. So, I’ve been buying and wearing it ever since. After my FIND, I learned that Nicka K, an American company, started in the heart of New York City. It produces other equally fabulous cosmetics – everything from eye shadows, pencils and liners to blush, crayons, and shimmers – at very affordable prices. You can check out the array of products for yourself at: nicka.com.

And recently, I've stumbled onto yet another beauty-for-less cosmetic company – e.l.f – where you can buy good quality makeup for your eyes, lips, face and nails. e.l.f focuses on both beauty and wellness, offering every woman an expansive line of products at very attractive prices. Much of it sells for just $1.00. If you log onto their website: eyeslipsface.com you can see all of their offerings, plus have fun like I did reading beauty tips and creating a beauty profile of your own.

What Do You Stock In Your Freezer?

Down in New Orleans, they’re called the Holy Trinity – onions, celery, and bell peppers. They are staples in many of the dishes I prepare at home, and to the Holy Trinity I often add diced tomatoes. That’s why when there's a sale on any of the four ingredients* at the supermarket, I buy extra. Onions keep for a long time, so I usually just store them in a cool, dry place. The rest, I cut up and freeze in Ziploc bags. Later I use what I’ve put away in my freezer to whip up quick and easy stews and vegetable medleys –- all cooked in one pot -- making cleaning up a breeze too.

On nights when I arrive home at 7:30 -- starving-to-death -- I can throw together diced potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomatoes and a protein of my choice in a pot to simmer on top of my stove. I add the Holy Trinity, a bay leaf, beef bouillon, seasonings, a cup of water and whatever else I have on hand. Sometimes it’s cauliflower, corn, or lima beans. At other times I may cut up a hot, spicy Oscar Meyer hotdog, or use pinto, pink, or red beans. And, I’ve also used firm, diced tofu as the protein.

The possibilities of what goes into the pot are endless … determined by what you’re in the mood for and have in your cupboards. After you simmer your vegetable medley for approximately 10 minutes … voilà … you have a hot, nutritious meal resting in a delicious red sauce that you’ve prepared and cooked in 20 minutes flat. Add some crusty bread and a decent wine, and bon appetit!
*Blanch the tomatoes before freezing.  Green & red peppers and celery can be frozen without blanching.

A Wonderland Of Odds And Ends

Once a month I like to pay a visit to my local dollar store to pick up inexpensive little things I need. It always adds up to big savings. I buy shower curtain liners, microwave plate covers, dried spices, paper napkins, fancy bows and coffee filters. Why pay so much more elsewhere when you can get the same stuff for 99 cents? My local dollar store stocks a wide assortment of party and holiday items. And, you never know what you will find. I was happy with a 16 oz jar of Nathan's Deli Style Mustard I took a chance on, as well as, the capsicum thermal-rub creme I bought for my mother. It usually sells for $14, but listed on its label the same ingredients in the same proportions as the brand she buys. What a steal!

To be honest, there are some cleaning supplies and personal care products I wouldn't buy, but the blue liquid glass cleaner, with ammonia, is streak free and works as well as Windex. Likewise, I can't tell the difference between the baby powder and baby oil and their name brand counterparts.

So browse the aisles of a dollar store with an open mind, read the labels, and you're sure to leave with a few essentials – at 99 cents each – and still have some dollars left in your pockets.

For Skin Care Try Bath & Body Works

Products that moisturize, protect, and keep your skin healthy and young usually cost a fortune. Bath & Body Works is a favorite store to buy skin serums and anti-aging creams at reasonable prices. I use many of Dr. Patricia Wexler's line, which are carried there. If you get on their mailing list, you receive $10 coupons to use at the register. Last night I bought Dr. Patricia Wexler's Universal Anti-Aging Cleanser, which sells for $16. After using my $10 coupon, I paid $6 for 5.1 fluid oz. Now that's a bargain. To find other deals visit: bathandbodyworks.com.