Happy Earth Day: Think Green

Photo: Brian Chase via Facebook

It's hard to find people who have the skills to repair things today. For that reason, we've become a throwaway society. Too often, buying a new television, electric blender or watch is cheaper than fixing an old one. It wasn't always the case, and we are creating a lot of garbage in the process. According to the Center for Sustainability And Commerce at Duke University, the average person generates 4.3 pounds of waste per day. Much of it ends up in landfills.

That's way I admire savvy individuals who start groups that give us a way to recycle and get more value out of our stuff.

1. Sandra Goldmark and Michael Banta started Pop Up Repair - a traveling team of handymen-and-women who repair worn and broken appliances, jewelry or toys that might otherwise be tossed. Look for Pop Up Repair at greenmarkets around New York City.

2. GrowNYC - sponsors recycling with free Stop 'N' Swap events - You bring portable things you no longer want, such as clean, reusable clothing, books, appliances and toys and swap them for items you do want. You can even show up empty handed. But, unless you're in need, don't! 

3. Freecycle Network - is a grassroots movement of local groups: You get rid of stuff you don't need and/or find stuff you do want, including computers, furniture, clothes and a myriad of practical things. Effort is made to hook up people (who have broken things) with people who can repair things and, if desired, donate the thing (example a printer) to a 3rd party. Marked "wanted" people can post for specific items; or labeled "offer" list their giveaways.

4. PaperBackSwap - lets you trade books you have read with other readers. You mail a book and get a book.

5. SwapaCD - allows you to exchange a used CD, or you can SwapaDVD.

Even merchants are helping save Mother Earth:

6. H&M will accept clothing in any condition - You bring a pile of clothes to the store that you no longer want and are rewarded with 15% off a single item for not letting fashion go to waste. H&M sends the garments (or fabric) off to be recycled.

 I am proud to live in a progressive age with a green focus. 

A majority of New Yorkers take recycling and safeguarding the environment very seriously, and the city is always looking for ways to be more eco-friendly. 

A municipal law may soon pass. It would charge customers 10 cents every time a plastic or paper bag is needed to bag groceries. If it passes, it will effect my pocketbook, not because of my inability to bring a canvas bag to a shop, but because years ago, I bought a trash receptacle designed to use those plastic bags as garbage bags, so for the first time in my life, I will need to buy kitchen trash bags. But if the big picture means less waste going to a landfill, I am willing to adjust. Perhaps, there's a green solution I don't know about yet?

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Easter Greetings

The vibrant colors of Easter Sunday are all around us. 

Just like centuries ago, spring arrives and a new cycle of life begins, including for these chicks, bunnies and daffodils. Sweet!

Easter reminds us to keep on keeping on. Tomorrow will be brighter.

The holiday commemorates hope, optimism and human perseverance.

Life is a journey with ups and downs and many a winding road ... and yet, most of us are hoping for the best, aren't we? Christians believe that God became man so that man could become more like God ... and resist sin -- meaning "to miss the mark" (or fall short). Wouldn't it be wonderful if people all over the world judged a little less, gave a litte more and simply put their time and energy into living a life of greater purpose?

Lots of love and Happy Easter!
        

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Pure Collection For Perfect British Style

Recently I received a catalog from a British company known for it's pretty separates. From satin blouses to soft, layering camisoles, the Pure Collection crafts clothing using gorgeous fabrics, such as cashmere, silk, cotton and linen. Substainable cashmere is their trademark. 

Expect to find articles that are super comfortable, practical and fashionable. Cute investment pieces, which can go from the office to a dinner out. The skirts, trousers and sweaters will travel well and hold up season after season.

Colors range from useful neutrals like navy, tans and grays to flattering brights and summer pastels. 

The quality is also in the details, with shell buttons, tubular trims and riffled edges. Dresses are often fitted, and sweaters can be fitted or relaxed. Look for denim pencil-or-cotton peplum skirts also.  

If you need to refresh your wardrobe with some contemporary, ladylike style be sure to take a browse. You will like what you see ... and feel!

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Egg Thread Soup With Asparagus, Plus

Photo: EverydayHealth.com

This egg thread soup with asparagus came to me by way of Facebook. I have never made egg drop soup, which is what this soup is, essentially. I made it for tonight's dinner, and it was a tasty success, taking 20 minutes from cutting board to finished soup. We like chunky soups with more flavor in my family, so below is my tweaked recipe:  

Egg Thread Soup With Asparagus, Plus

Ingredients: 

6 cups water

2 large (or 4 small) chicken bouillon cubes

16 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into very small pieces

1 medium onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced
3 medium carrots, sliced
1 large parsnip, sliced thin (If you don't have parsnip, leave it out.)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame sauce

extra sea salt to taste
Spices to taste: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, rosemary, parsley, a bay leaf, and a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes
A dash of Worcestershire sauce
Mince a whole clove of fresh garlic and toss it in too, if you have one.
4 large eggs

Directions:
1. Pour the water into a big soup pot, add the chicken bouillon cubes. 
2. Toss in the sliced and diced fresh asparagus, onion, celery, carrot, parsnip.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients and spices.
4. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 12-15 minutes. I turn the heat off.
5. Whisk the raw eggs into the hot soup, which should cook the eggs.
6. Turn the flame back on if needed, and continue to whisk for another minute or so. 

Egg thread soup is a complete protein and meal. It is a light dish, excellent for meatless Mondays, Lent Fridays, or soup and sandwich night. Quick, easy and "clean-fast" food.  Serve with thick slices of fresh crusty bread. You can also make a pot of pasta, quinoa, or other whole grains to eat with it. Yes, you can also throw the starch into the pot of soup. I keep them separate because I don't like to overcook rice or noodles. Sometimes I put a pound of tofu into the soup. Feel free to toss any complementary leftovers onto the pot!

It's Friday, so we are drinking a glass of wine with dinner. Bon Appetit!

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15 Superfoods To Eat

I eat healthy 90% of the time, but am no different from anyone else. It takes discipline, then extra discipline to stay the nutritious course. Juicing is a popular fad, but I'm not into it. No way. I like to eat. It's not just about flavor, it's about chewing and enjoying different textures. I will always want to eat real, whole foods. I mean, we have teeth for a reason. I intent to use mine daily. Give me protein, carbs, and vegetables. Pass the fiber, please -- I will chew it up! (Lemon, hot water for breakfast, ha!)

So. Here's what I can do. I'm making a conscious effort to work the following superfoods into my meals for the next 90 days. A super food is one that has plenty of nutrients and benefits compared to its calories. It means getting lots of pow per serving, be it protein, vitamins, minerals or dietary fiber.

1. avocados - This one won't be hard. I love guacamole. Avocados are good sources of B vitamins, vitamins C, E, K and potassium. They lower your risk of stroke and heart disease too.

2. berries - Another easy one. Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are delicious. Done. I will add blackberries. Berries are antioxidant rich.

3. cauliflower - I already eat it, so I'll try cauliflower in new ways: mashed, grilled and as a healthy casserole. It has loads of vitamins and minerals, plus fiber to prevent cancer.

4. nuts - I eat nuts, but I'm going to grab a handful whenever I crave corn chips, a/k/a, crack.

5. kale - I will cook kale once a week. It has cancer reducing properties and tons of vitamins like beta carotene, vitamins C, K and calcium.

6. oatmeal - Oatmeal will be my breakfast 6 days a week for 90 days. (I have one month under my belt.) Scoop 3/4 of a cup of 1 minute oatmeal into a bowl, add water, a pinch of sea salt and microwave for 90 seconds. Sweeten and enhance however you like. I stir in 5 tablespoons of dry powder milk.

7. quinoa - Contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. I simmer quinoa with a bouillon cube, garlic, onion, celery, and ground pepper. Eat as a hot dish. I drizzle the leftovers with vinegar and eat it cold the next day.

8. tomatoes (cooked) - We get more lycopene, a heart-healthy antioxidant, through the simple act of cooking the tomatoes. I love big, juicy raw tomatoes, but I am going to cook them!

9. beans - Sometimes I buy refried beans, mix them with salsa, jalapeno peppers and top with a layer of cheddar cheese. Microwave until hot and bubbly. Delicious!

10. yogurt (homemade) - For 90 days yogurt will replace my nightly cheddar cheese snack. I will get protein, calcium and probiotics. 

11. ginger  - Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, increases circulation, lowers blood pressure and clears sinuses among other remedies. It will take a conscious effort to add more of this condiment to dishes. I use ginger to make peanut noodles, but that's about it. Send me your ginger suggestions.

12 vinegar - An ingredient I use in sauces and salad dressing. Germans tend to eat vinegar-based foods and have agile minds and bodies at 90. I'm taking a cue from them!

13. salmon - 3 delectable ways: sushi, salmon patties grilled in a pan brushed with olive oil, salmon (like tuna) salad. Fresh or canned, wild Alaskan salmon is low in mercury.

14. cantaloupe - High in vitamins A and C with a satisfying crunch, low in calories.

15. eggs - "The incredible, edible egg" - Good as omelets, or sliced to make a sandwich, with olives, tomatoes and low-fat mayonnaise. Don't use fat-free mayonnaise. It has no taste.

Eating these superfoods won't be difficult at all!

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Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day

Mark your calendars for one of my favorite days of the year, free cone day from my favorite ice cream makers ... Ben & Jerry's. Look how well they know me! I get an email each and every year, so I don't forget this special day. They even list their nearest store, so I'll know exactly where to go!

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were childhood friends, who opened their first ice cream parlor in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. The year was 1978. In 1979, they marked their one year anniversary by giving away free ice cream. It has continued ever since, becoming an international celebration.

Another tasty flavor.

I love Ben & Jerry's for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the premium ice cream, with it's trademark chunks and natural, environmentally friendly ingredients is to-die-for delicious! There is none better! (No genetically engineered milk either.)

If I'm going to eat ice cream, I want the real thing: sugar, whole milk, cream and chunks of gooey goodness. Bring it on boys! But, I limit myself to 2 scoops (when I am paying). On Free Cone Day, Ben & Jerry's give away one scoop, which is generous and certainly enough!

Once I ordered two scoops of Totally Nuts, vanilla ice cream packed with all kinds of nuts, at a Ben & Jerry's only to be told, it was never, ever available at that location. So puzzling and unexpected to hear that I couldn't process the information until the server explained: The shop shared space with a mental health facility.

As suspected, Ben & Jerry's has built their business with a social conscience and a sense of humor. They are good to employees and customers alike. Join us on April 8th by swinging by your local Ben & Jerry's for a free cone. And please, leave a scoop of Chocolate Fudge Brownie for me!

Congratulations Ben & Jerry's ... and thank you for another awe-inspiring year! On my bucket list is a trip to your ice cream factory.

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Lands' End Has Everything For Spring

Temperatures are rising. Finally, days are balmy! 

If you need to add a few pieces to your spring wardrobe, look no further than Lands' End, a favorite of THE SAVVY SHOPPER for well-made clothing and useful accessories at ultra affordable prices. The retailer just came out with a wide selection of spring, casual smart clothing and shoes for men, women and children. Bright colors and cheerful prints, it's clothing that lets you dress up in comfort, as well as, go from work to play. With style, ease and prices like these, why would anyone look disheveled, or wear pajamas in public? (You know who you are.)

The easiest way to get dressed in warm weather is to slip on a dress. Lands' End has a super cute collection. But dresses aren't all the company offers; there are loose and fitted t-shirts, tanks, polo's, shorts, cotton-button-down shirts, neckties, cardigan sweaters and soft scarves galore. 

Be sure to check out the pretty shoes and jackets also. 

There are quite a few lightweight jackets in different lengths with plenty of desirable bells and whistles like hoods, inside pockets, snaps and zippers. Truly, everything that everybody of every age and gender needs for the spring. Adorable, practical ... and best of all, you won't empty your bank account buying a few quality essentials. 

Hallelujah for spring. It's finally here! 

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Old Navy's Summer Dresses Rock

Living in Manhattan, I tend to wear t-shirt dresses in the summer months in lieu of shorts. The reason is, I want to look my best without much fuss.

Frankly, I like to dress once (in the morning) and be done with it. Call me lazy, but I don't fancy changing my clothes to suit different activities during a day. In warm weather, a dress is as cool as shorts, but more versatile. You can "dress" a dress up or down with shoes and accessories.

Recently, I took advantage of the sales at Old Navy by buying two dresses at $15 each, the blue and white stripes (on the left) and black and white stripes (like the grey on the right). They are cotton with a bit of spandex -- always a comfortable, breathable fabric -- and I am now waiting for the temperature to heat up so I can wear them. Oh, spring where the heck are you!?!

As you can see, grey and white stripes is a fine choice too. The middle dress also comes in orange, if you prefer a solid color over the playfulness of stripes.

I wear my t-shirt dresses everywhere -- around the house, running errands, at work, out to dinner, to the ballet and theater. They are easy to roll up in a suitcase too. 

And finally, there are no dry cleaning bills! When I arrive home, I simply toss the dresses in a washer and dryer. Ohhh, easy-breezy-fashion ... spoil me! Looking nice doesn't require a lot of time, money or effort. All you really need is a good eye.

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10 Women I'd Like To Meet For Tea

Sarah Jessica Parker on Katie 

Let's play a game: Name 10 women you'd like to meet for tea. I'll go first. (If you are a man, you have to come up with men.)

If any of the ladies on my list call to invite me to tea I will drop whatever I am doing to accept. I'll take a day off from work, fly back from another continent, or sneak out of the hospital (with tubes and medicine attached) so as not to miss my fun chance.

Not only do I admire each name on my list for her life accomplishments, I think each woman is a good person. Smart, savvy and positive, they seem like grounded, lovely women, whose hearts and minds are in the right place. Just the kind of women one would enjoy sharing a laugh, chat and cup of tea with. So in stream of consciousness fashion, here are my choices:

1. Michelle Obama - America is lucky to have her as First Lady. Bright. Straightforward. Warm. She cares about people. Do you think she'd introduce me to Bo and Sunny?

2. Sarah Jessica Parker - As a child, she supported her entire family of seven siblings with her Broadway actor's wages, and today remains a successful actress, producer, clothing and shoe designer. She's a wife, mother of three, on the New York City Ballet board of directors, social activist and down-to-earth person. I like how she loves fashion, always looks great, but doesn't take it too seriously. 

3. Jennifer Lawrence - Talented, focused, witty, a lovable goofball (I think, because she grew up with brothers), real, has a good heart, as well as, a wise head on her young shoulders. (I love Louisvillians and Londoners. It's a long story.)

4. Drew Barrymore - Overcame a less than ideal childhood, but learned from her mistakes and got on a healthy path. She sort of raised herself. Today, she's a successful actress, executive producer, as well as, wife, mother and founder of Flower, an affordable line of cosmetics.

Julianne Moore & family (photo: isubscribe.co.uk.com)

5. Julianne Moore - Actress extraordinaire. From all accounts, intelligent, level-headed and a wonderful person. Without a doubt, she'd be a joy to hang with.

6. Katie Couric - She is a good journalist, that's a given. Moreover you just sense, she's the girlfriend everybody should have - fun, thoughtful and watches your back.

7. Meryl Streep - Inside and outside the film industry, who doesn't love Meryl? ♥ ♥ ♥ She's our Queen of Hearts. The admiration spans several decades and just continues ... 2014 ... going strong.

8. Kathy Lee Gifford - As the hostess of the third hour of the Today Show, she

Jennifer Lawrence (photo: stylebistro.com)

expresses her views on the topical issues of the day. She has a positive, yet knowing outlook. When she gives her two cents, I find myself agreeing with her. She understands human nature and talks sense.

9. Kate Middleton and her mother Carole Middleton - Carole started a successful business and raised 3 balanced, happy children; there is never a wrong step in that family. I bet, Carole and Kate are delightful company, together and separately. 

10. Kristin Van Ogtrop  - Real Simple's editor-in-chief. (Full disclosure: I have reported to KVO.) She is nothing like the diva portrayed by Meryl Streep in The Devil Loves Prada, despite being as smart, savvy and successful as that movie's main character. KVO is an inspiring boss and a genuinely nice person. Reading her blog, Adventures In Chaos, inspired me to start mine. She is a brilliant writer sharing her snippets of life as a working mother.

I have a hard time stopping my list at ten women. There are many more -- Shakira and The Chew's Carla Hall are also on it, but now it's your turn.

Who would you like to meet for tea?

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9 Ways To Save Money At The Supermarket

Photo of a Key Food: SILive.com

As my Mom says when she looks at overpriced food, “Remember, we have to eat everyday.”

Food shopping is a huge expense for the average person, taking a big bite out of a monthly budget. So how can you "get more and spend less?" (That's right Mama, I do pay attention. :) 

Here are 9 ways to lower your grocery bills:

1) Buy unprocessed, real food: meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables (fresh and frozen) and whole grains. Not only will you save money, you will improve your diet. Shop along the sides of the supermarket where the real food is laid out and avoid the middle aisles, where sugary and processed foods tend to be.

2) Don't buy prepared food. With few exceptions, buy food you wash and cut up (and season) yourself. Fruits and vegetables you slice and dice yourself stay fresh longer, and it's not that much trouble. A whole cantaloupe is usually less expensive than slices.

3) Stock up on sales. Before going through the store, look at the weekly circular and circle items you normally buy, when they are priced to draw customers into the store. They are called "loss leaders," meaning items sold below cost.

Here is an example of what I circled recently:

Skarkist solid white tuna, 99 cents/ 5 ounce can
a dozen extra large eggs, $1.69

5 lbs Idaho potatoes, $1.79

3 - 8 oz blocks of cheddar cheese, $5
a bunch of fresh broccoli, 99 cents
plum tomatoes, 79 cents/lb
globe grapes, 99 cents/lb (big and juicy!)

frozen green beans, 16 oz bag – buy 1 get 1 free at a cost of $1.75

Stock up on staples: You might buy $10 worth of cheese, 10 cans of tuna and 4 bags of frozen green beans. They last for a while, and the savings add up. (Months ago I picked up a couple of cans of unsweetened pineapple and pureed pumpkin for 99 cents each. Nice!)

4) Unless you are planning a special dinner and need a certain type of meat, fruit or vegetable, plan your meals around the store's weekly specials. If beef, potatoes and broccoli go on sale, eat that for dinner. Cook pork chops and corn-on-the-cob when they go on sale. Have chicken, asparagus and wild rice the week they go on sale. Also pay attention to manager specials on food. Since new items go on sale weekly, you won't really want for anything, nor deprive yourself of variety. You'll just pay less if you are flexible, take advantage of specials and plan ahead. I see a few tuna melts in my future. (The pineapple might turn wine into sangria, and the pumpkin becomes either soup or a cake.)

5) Slowly change habits: Eliminate foods made with white flour and refined sugars like boxed cereal, pot pies, canned cinnamon rolls, or frozen french fries. Even on sale, they are not the real bargains, nor are they the best food choices. As a special treat, I might buy a frozen pizza or bag of corn chips, but mostly, if I want chocolate chip cookies or french fries (treats I formally bought), I have to make them myself from scratch. The result: you start to streamline your grocery list and eat healthy, saving a few bucks in the process. Grocery shopping for me takes less time too.

Photo: Frank, Jr.

6) Personally, I don't clip coupons, but I'm not opposed to using them. You can save some bucks if you find coupons for items you buy anyway.

7) If your supermarket offers a rewards card, sign up. Get something back for stuff you buy anyway.

8) Buying in bulk isn't always a good idea. Not all food has a long shelf life. Only buy what you will eat, plus a little extra, so you don't have to run back to the store the next day. Eat a variety of fresh food, so you stay healthy and don't get bored.

9) Never overbuy food (or any product) regardless of how low the price goes. Waste is waste, even if you get it cheap. If you have this tendency, scare yourself straight by watching an episode of the most frightening show on television, Hoarders. Seeing how bad it can get will cure you!

Now go back to read the words in bold to remember the 9 tips for reducing your grocery bills ... and still come home with plenty of food.

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My Rustic Beef Stew

Photo: msbuenavida here

A hearty beef stew is a popular dish. Definitely, comfort food, which many of us grew up eating, often in winter. I made a pot over the weekend using ingredients I had on hand. It turned out especially delicious! Sooo. I'm sharing the recipe for a purely selfish reason ... so I'll remember how to make it again. I can always come back here to look it up! Here are all the ingredients that went into the pot:

Rustic Beef Stew (my style, um, um!)

Ingredients: 

1 ½ - 2 pounds of beef, cut into cubes (chuck, top round, London broil, or whatever is on sale)

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper (12 turns of the pepper mill)
1 tablespoon flour

1 onion, chopped, big chunks

3 stalks of celery, diced

4 carrots, cut into big bite-size pieces

2 parsnips, sliced
3 medium potatoes cut into chunks
1 tomato, diced.
1 teaspoon dried garlic

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon dried rosemary

sprinkle of thyme
sprinkle of nutmeg
5 cups water

1 big bay leaf
dash of dried cilantro
dried parsley

A tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes (Adds a kick without the heat. Careful: Too much adds heat.)

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (Sprinkle and just eyeball the amount.)

2 large beef, or chicken bouillon cubes (Doesn't really matter which flavor.)

1 teaspoon vinegar

Optional: I had a handful of mushrooms in the refrigerator, so they went in, but don't go to the store for them; you have enough beef and vegetable chunks and flavor without mushrooms. In the spring if you have asparagus, dice and toss it in. Sometimes I have a turnup or lima beans or peas I add. Stew is a good dish enabling a cook to get rid of vegetables.

Directions: 

1) Sear the beef cubes with a tiny bit of olive oil in a 6-quart enameled cast iron pot until golden brown. While browning, salt and pepper the beef.
2) Next add the onions, celery, carrots, parsnips and spices as listed. Saute for about 5 minutes.
3) Add the water, bay leaf, cilantro, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon cube and vinegar.
4) Bring to a boil and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.

5) Cut the potatoes into big chunks and dice the tomato; add to the pot and let simmer on low heat for another 1/2 hour, or so. Garnish with iron-rich parsley.

6) When the beef and vegetables are tender, dissolve 2 - 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour in water and carefully add it to the pot to thicken the stew. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes.

Tips: In cooking, if you want vegetables to disappear into the sauce, dice them up small. If you want the vegetables to remain spearable-with-a-fork, cut them into big pieces. With this stew, the only vegetables I dice small are the tomato and celery.

This evening a cup of green beans, a cup of peas and carrots, baby carrots, parsnips, potatoes, a big onion, and celery went into the beef stew.

The cooking time may vary, depending on the cut of beef you use. Cook until the meat is tender. Lean cuts of beef (for example top round London broil) are cheaper, tougher, and require a longer cooking time to break down the tissues, but are very flavorful when tender. Lean is good!

Extra tips: If you have frozen peas in your freezer, throw a cup or so into the pot at the end of the cooking time. It adds nutrients and a pop of green to the dish. Frozen peas and carrots and frozen green beans are perfect complements.

Click here to learn more about beef cuts.

Needless to say, beef stew is scrumptious on day 1 and excellent as leftovers. Serve with cornbread or hard-crusted, whole-grain bread.

My next post will address how to reduce your grocery bills, so check back in a couple of days for tips.

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