Time To Tidy Up

Spring is a perfect time to get rid of the clutter in your home. I never want to accumulate so much stuff that it makes my living space uncomfortable, unmanageable or unsightly. Regardless of monetary value, no material thing is worth having if you have no use or space for it. Even though I'm not an impulse buyer -- like many people -- I must be vigilant about not bringing too many things into my apartment.

Here are my rules for keeping my home free of clutter:

1) If you haven't worn or used something in two years, get rid of it. Donate mistakes and things that are too big and too small to charity.

2) Discard summer clothes at the end of summer and winter clothes at the end of winter, but never out of season when your judgment isn't as good. On a hot August night, a pile of wool sweaters may not carry the same value as they do on a frigid, snowy day. Trust me, I speak from experience.

3) If something comes in, take something out. Without fail, if I bring new shoes in, an old pair goes out. When new pots and pans come in, the old standbys go out. This strategy saves me money also; if I'm still attached to what I already own and can't part with it, I don't need a new one. Period.

4) Buy for the present day. With few exceptions, nothing should sit around collecting dust waiting for another event to happen. Buy furniture because you have a place for it now, clothes because they fit you now, a yoga mat because you plan to take up yoga now ... and for no other reason. Not as the motivation for losing 15 pounds, or because you have a weakness for beautiful, but impractical things that don't fit your present lifestyle.

5) It's easier to part with things if they are going to a good home. Certainly, it would bother me to throw away good stuff, but I actually feel good about giving useful things to family and friends who can use them, or a charity. Housing Works, Goodwill and The Salvation Army are places where I like to take items in good condition. It's amazing how helping someone else gives you a buzz too.

6) Don't buy things for emotional reasons. When you're feeling stressed, bored or blue, make yourself feel better by exercising, or cleaning your house. Activity will improve your mood, give you a sense of accomplishment and prevent you from accumulating clutter.

7) Look for merchants who offer liberal return policies, so you're not stuck with goods that don't work out.

8) Rent movies and borrow books and music from the library when possible.

9) Trade books you've read with other readers. On websites like Swipetree and PaperBackSwap exchanging books is free. Check out Swapacd also.

10) Throw out old newspapers and magazines. If you don't have time to read a magazine the month you receive it, are you really going to find the time to read multiple issues down the line? You'll want to read what is current.

Whether it's a closet or a room, having fewer, but carefully selected things is a great way to simplify your life. Less is more.


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Oscar Looks For Less

Seconds after Sandra Bullock, Penelope Cruz or Angelina Jolie walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards, dressmakers like Allen B. Schwartz and designers at Faviana take out their sketch books. Within days, knock offs of the originals are available for average women to wear. The production is intense. On talk shows Allen Schwartz of the A.B.S label said he can draw and finish a dress within three hours.

A sharp -- not to mention incredibly fast, designer like Schwartz has an eye for which dresses will sell. Generally, four to six Oscar gowns are selected to copy. Prices are kept down by using polyester instead of silk. The dresses are mass produced, as opposed to, being one of a kind. Each replica comes in several colors and is more forgiving than the size zero couture version. While the originals cost $10,000 - $35,000, the look-a-likes go for $250 - $400. So if you see a gown at the Oscars or Golden Globes you want to wear to a celebration of your own, chances are, there exists a knock off to fit both your size and budget.

Allen Schwartz's A.B.S. label is sold at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Lord and Taylor. Can you guess which Oscar dresses he's recreating this year? We will know soon.

Meanwhile, visit these fun sites for Oscar style:

A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz - the go-to designer for gowns and stilettos

Edressme.com - sells affordable red carpet inspired clothes  

Emitations.com - for celebrity inspired bling to complete the look

FantasyJewelryBox.com - interpretations of celebrity jewelry and other fun glitter

Faviana - more Oscaresque dresses

Update - Monday, March 15: Designer Allen Schwartz announced he'll interpret five of this year's Oscar gowns. His redesigns will be in stores, including Bloomingdales and Dillards in a few days. The credit goes to stylist Jill Marinelli for obtaining the following photo of Schwartz's A.B.S. dresses, which are still works in progress:

The gowns are inspired by:

1) Penelope Cruz's garnet Donna Karen

2) Jennifer Lopez's pale pink Armani Privé

3) Kate Winslet's sleek Yves Saint Laurent

4) Sandra Bullock's silver beaded Marchesa and

5) Cameron Diaz's gold sequined and jeweled Oscar de la Renta



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Red Carpet Glamour

The Academy Awards were pr-ER-tty good this year, if you'll forgive the pun. Certainly, I'm not the only one who watches to see the lovely ball gowns along with who wins the awards. This year, hands down, I think Sandra Bullock wore the most beautiful dress of the evening. She looked stunning! Such a classic and elegant gown. And, didn't you love seeing her husband, Jesse James, a tattooed motorcyle man in everyday life -- with a tear in his eye during her acceptance speech? Earlier she said what she loves most about being married is having someone who watches her back. Congratulations to Ms. Bullock on all counts! It's quite possible, I love Sandy the way she loves Meryl Streep. You go girl!

My picks of who else stood out at this year's Oscars include:

Top: 1) Sandra Bullock is wearing an embroidered and silver beaded Marchesa gown. [Her Tiffany platinum and diamond earrings and bracelet are gifts from Jesse.]; Middle: 2) Amanda Seyfried is in a light green Giorgio Armani Privé gown encrusted with crystals; 3) Cameron Diaz is wearing a gold sequined and jeweled Oscar de la Renta; Bottom: 4) Demi Moore has on a blush, tiered Atelier Versace gown; 5) Elizabeth Banks is in a blue gray, ruffled and tiered Versace.


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A Blanket Designed For Outer Space

Are you a restless sleeper because first you're too hot, and a few hours later you're too cold? Or, maybe your partner sweats, but you're always chilly? Fortunately, there is a temperature regulating blanket that could help you sleep better. First developed by NASA for space flights, the blanket is embedded with lots of invisible microcapsules that absorb excess heat when you're hot and release the supply of heat when you're cold, creating just the right temperature and humidity all night long. The temperature sensitive thread is patented under the name Outlast, and it is idea for couples since it has the ability to adjust to each sleeper's body temperature. Outlast is woven into either cotton or wool depending on the manufacturer. The fabric is soft to the touch, lightweight and naturally antibacterial and odor resistant. A blanket containing 50% Outlast acrylic and 50% cotton (or wool) doesn't pull and is machine washable. It comes in all standard bed sizes, several colors and costs about $140 for the queen. Thank you NASA for the technology and extra zzzzz. This makes up for the Tang [actually not formulated by -- but popularized by NASA] and Space Food Sticks.  Sweet Dreams.

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The British Are Coming To Target

Floral cups $5, Melamine two-tiered dessert tray $15

Wow! Target seems to team up with the biggest names in the high fashion industry, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Anna Sui, and Zac Posen {plus others in 2010!!} to deliver the latest style at very affordable prices. Major fashion magazines like In Style and ElleUK are buzzing about its newest launch on March 14 with none other than ... Liberty of London.

Liberty, a 134 year old premier English brand, is Target's biggest collaboration to date. A touch of British panache will invade several departments throughout the store, and it's all good! Known for their bright colors and iconic floral and paisley prints, expect to see a whole array of fresh, modern and sophisticated designs.

The Liberty of London for Target Collection will consist of spring apparel and accessories for men, woman and children, while the home décor includes everything from stationary, cups, saucers and piggy banks to cheery storage boxes, linens, pillows and garden tools. A sleek table lamp with a signature patterned shade costs $38. More expensive items include bedding and a bicycle, but the majority is priced between $10 - $30. And along with making the collection available at Target, Liberty will sell some pieces at its exclusive London store. Recession chic at its finest.

Trench Coat $45

Sateen Bucket Hat $13

Ruffled and Halter Dresses $18 - $35

To see other offerings click 1} here, 2} here and 3} here.


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Top-Notch Skin Care And More At Your Drugstore

Like lots of women I sometimes browse make-up boutiques and the cosmetic counters of high end department stores. Sephora is like a candy store for grown women. But I'm just as happy to discover a quality skin care line or personal care item at a corner drug store. Drug store finds are convenient. Think one stop shopping. And, they are usually good values compared to their flamboyantly priced counterparts.

My drugstore picks are products that really work, as well as, measure up to their luxury cousins. They include:

1) Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream – The ad says it "hydrates better than European creams costing up to $700." While I don't know about that, I can verify it's an excellent overnight moisturizer -- with anti-aging amino-peptides.

2) Boots No 7 – This top selling skin care line in Great Britain is sold at CVS Pharmacies and Target here in the States [also Amazon]. The Intense Perfecting Serum is light and ultra moisturizing. It claims to "refine" and "rewind" the lines on your face.

3) Pentene Pro V shampoos and conditioners – The Beautiful Lengths variety is a new favorite I'm using to keep locks strong, healthy and long.

4) L'Oreal Cosmetics – L'Oreal owns the high end Lancome line too. – If you compare the product ingredients of each company, you'll notice the makeup is similar, if not identical, but L'Oreal costs so much less. L'Oreal's mascara is one of the best on the market.

5) Bourjois Cosmetics – is the sister company of Chanel, and although company executives deny a suspicion that the make-up comes from the same laboratories, I notice a striking resemblance in the lipsticks and eyeshadows. So if you're a fan of Chanel, give Bourjois a try and save a bundle.

Everyone needs good skin care, some hair TLC and a little make-up to look your best. What a fabulous feeling to save and splurge at the same time.

Bourjois's make-up is rich in pigments just like Chanel.

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Secret Recipes From Popular Restaurants

Have you ever eaten a meal out and liked a dish so much you coveted the recipe so you could enjoy it more often at home? My friend, Cara S., loves the caramel pie served at the family-style restaurant, O'Charley's. She was so happy when her detective work turned up its list of secret ingredients and instructions for how to make it. And who benefited? Friends like me!! Recently I discovered just how easy it is to prepare miso soup at home. The home version takes less than 15 minutes to fix, tastes exactly the same, and is inexpensive compared to what you pay at a Japanese restaurant. And from Chef Mike Colameco, who has worked at the legendary Tavern On The Green and reports on New York restaurants, I picked up a (can't be beat!) healthy kale and black-eyed peas dish -- that is appetizing as a hot side, plus makes a delicious refrigerated snack.

Here are the recipes:

Miso Soup

Sauté vegetables of your choice, such as onion, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower in 1 teaspoon olive oil until tender.

1. Stir in 2 cups water

2. Add any, or all of the following – seaweed, mushrooms, soba noodles and cubes of tofu, or cooked chicken.

3. Add 2 tablespoons miso paste (or to your tastes).

[When I don't have fresh vegetables on hand, I simply thrown in a cup of mixed frozen vegetables and dried seaweed.]

4. Cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes and serve. Makes 2 bowls.

Mike's Vegetarian Kale & Black-Eyed Peas

1. Blanch 1 bunch Kale in salt water and drain.

2. In a large skillet, sauté 1 medium red onion, 1 large red bell pepper, fresh garlic, and 2-3 carrots until translucent and tender.

3. Cut up the blanched kale and add it to the skillet.

4. Salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add a 16 oz can of black-eyed peas [or cook ahead one-half bag of dried black-eyed peas.]

6. Simmer the mixture until all vegetables are tender and ready to eat, adding more olive oil as needed.

7. Serve warm as a filling side dish.

8. And, refrigerate the leftovers to eat as snacks. When eating it cold, you can add cider vinegar to jazz it up.

O'Charley's Caramel Pie

1. Pour 2 (14 oz.) cans of sweetened condensed milk into a 9 inch graham cracker crust.

2. Cover with aluminum foil.

3. Place in the oven on a baking rack above a bottom rack with a filled large pan of hot water. This keeps the pie filling from drying out.

4. Bake at 425 degrees F for 1 ½ hours until thick and the sweetened condensed milk turns to caramel. Watch carefully to not over bake.

5. Top with whipped cream and crushed peanuts.

There are a number of websites where you can find free copycat recipes. Click here. With a little ingenuity, serve your restaurant favorites at home, minus the check.


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No Skimping On Good Oral Hygiene

In my opinion, the single best investment a person can make for his or her health and appearance is the practice of good oral hygiene. Can you imagine living in a time before toothpaste? I wouldn't last a day without brushing my teeth. Although “toothpaste” has been used since 500 BC in India and China, we wouldn't recognize it, since it was neither a paste, nor in a tube, and it included ingredients not known to prevent cavities like soap, chalk, dragon's blood and burnt bread. In 1914 Colgate began adding fluoride to what was then called "dental cream," but this innovation didn't catch on until the 1950s.

Good oral hygiene is essential, not only for a beautiful smile, but for general health. Not flossing, or going to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings leads to a whole host of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infections, bone loss, and perhaps heart disease and strokes.* Did you know that dentists also check for early signs of oral cancer?

When times are lean, it's tempting to look for ways to cut back on expenses. You're better off economizing on hair and skin care if necessary, but never-ever neglect your teeth … or get too busy in life to do the basics:

1) Brush your teeth at least 3 times a day. -- Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water are beneficial to teeth in-between brushing, though they doesn't replace brushing.

2) Switch from hard to soft bristles. -- Brushing with soft bristles preserves your gums. Hard, or medium bristles wear gums down, exposing your roots over time. It leads to tooth sensitivity, cavities and gum disease [namely gingivitis and periodontitis].

3) Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. -- Do not skip the dentist to save money in the short run. If you don't have dental insurance, check with dental schools and community clinics until you find good, affordable dental care in your area.

4) Floss before bed every single night. -- Flossing removes food and plaque from teeth and along with brushing, prevents cavities, gum disease and maybe heart disease.*

5) Rinse with an antiseptic mouth wash daily. -- This kills germs and keeps gums healthy.

Your teeth should last a lifetime. If you haven't been to a dentist in the past six months, schedule an appointment today. Meanwhile ... brush ... rinse ... and floss!

*Researchers notice an important link between periodontal disease and heart health and are studying whether brushing and flossing can save lives. If nothing else, the association may be a bellwether of early heart disease.


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Go Barefootin'

The LOOK may strike fashionistas as wacky, but TIME magazine named the Vibram Five Fingers a best invention in 2007 on its list of cool stuff from innovative minds. First worn by sailors and surfers, Five Fingers is designed to make the muscles in your toes, feet and legs stronger. According to the company, thin, foot-shaped, rubber soles and pockets for each toe improve stability, flexibility and posture. They let you run, jump and climb close-to-barefoot. Reportedly, it gives you a better range of motion and reduces the stress on your knees and lower back. The idea is to exercise as nature intended. When you are barefoot, or nearly barefoot, your foot is stimulated in a way that is limited by traditional sneakers -- those leave feet underdeveloped and prone to injury. Five Fingers put you back in touch with your natural state. Exercising barefoot is better for bones, joints, and muscles. And I admit, it seems logical. So I'm intrigued enough to keep an open mind. If the claims are true, I'd try them in a heartbeat. Would you wear them in public? Imagine: Coming into the office on a dress down Friday ... the Pope peddling a stationary bike ... or President Obama out jogging with the secret service ... everyone decked out in FiveFingers. I'm just saying, if this catches on.

costs: $80-$120

Would you care for a foot cover?


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Markdowns To Keep You Warm

Now is an ideal time to buy coats and winter essentials. Whether you need to stay warm, dry or fashionable, you will find mega sales and a wide selection of merchandize in every color, length and style.

Start with your favorite department stores like Macy's and Dillards. Try on the outerwear you fancy for style, fit and savings. Next, check out these online retailers. Each is offering hundreds of tempting items at reductions almost too good to be true:

Lands' End – Where you receive quality fabrics and premier tailoring on plush goose down coats and "polar-thin" insulated jackets, raincoats and vests. Get lots of extras -- inside pockets and detectable hoods, as well as, up to 65% off the original catalog prices.

Newport News – Check out their smart leather coats and chic swing jackets, everything from suede to glazed and cropped, or ruffled. Cute styles are marked down up to 75%.

Victoria's Secret Catalog– Get up to 50% off on jackets, sweaters and long sleeved, cotton tee-shirts, plus cozy PJs, loungewear, robes and slippers.

Warm up in adorable styles without emptying your wallet. Now you can do it.

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The G-Force GreenDrive

I knew I had to buy an external hard drive to back up my files, eventually … or risk losing all my important documents, photos and itunes, if my computer died. But I procrastinated for over a year, because I didn't know what to get and had to do some research to make a choice. I knew not to cut corners, and naturally, I wanted the largest capacity for the least amount of money.

What I got was a Fantom GreenDrive, which features:

1) 1TB external eSATA and USB 2.0 interface

2) a super fast 300MB/s eSATA port

3) a silent fan-free design

4) a compact aluminum body, weighing in at 2.4 pounds

5) It's PC and Mac compatible.

6) It comes with a drive stand and a USB 2.0 cable.

And as its name suggests, GreenDrive, is environmentally friendly. It's designed to use 40% less power without sacrificing performance.

I ordered my external hard drive though MacMall and used two $25 rebates for a $50 savings. My final cost: $80, including shipping.  Not too shabby for a non-techie, eh?

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Combine Gift Certificates With Seasonal Sales

Every January I'm reminded of how much I like gift certificates. I like giving them, and I like getting them. Receiving presents from people who truly know your tastes is lovely. But, the next best thing is for family and friends to know where you like to shop and to buy you a gift certificate at that store. I've heard more than one school teacher express a preference for gift cards over gifts of food, crafts or wine.

No one has ever offended me with a gift certificate. If it's from a place I like to shop, I'm grateful and delighted to receive it. What I like about giving them is, I know for a fact the recipient will get something he, or she likes -- perhaps, something that was left out of his Christmas stocking. Plus, the person I'm trying to make happy has the option of adding money to my gift -- for a splurge on an expensive item that she can now afford without busting her budget. If your brother loves Apple products, a $50 gift card buys one computer accessory, or is a generous contribution towards software or hardware. So there are few downsides to gift certificates. [Frankly, I can't think of any!]

If the receiver is family or a good friend, we often plan a day of shopping together and catching up. So along with a gift certificate, you're also giving and receiving the gift of time. [These outings began when I was too young to drive and needed a parent to take me shopping. Now with adult friends and a new generation of youngsters, the tradition continues.]

I'm lucky to have my birthday in the summer, and Christmas in winter. When the bi-yearly sales hit, I take my gift certificates and make out like a bandit, often with markdowns of 50% - 75% off. And because I take friends and relatives with me to redeem them, I have a collection of warm memories. Clearly it's time well spent.

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