Valentine's Day Truffles

All photos: Wallpaper unless noted

Mostly I stick to baking and skip candy making. Making candy is tricky ... more precise. You need a candy thermometer to control temperature. It's easy to end up with messy, uneditable goo, or ruined pots and pans due to how blazing hot melted sugar gets. I don't want 1st degree burns either. But featured today is a candy we can make without all the hazards, fuss or failure. 

Luscious Valentine's Day truffles are ultra easy to make, and the ingredients are few! My kind of homemade candy, lets's get stared!:

Ingredients:

Photo: Gina Mork

12 ounces of dark chocolate (semisweet or bittersweet)

1/3 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon butter 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or half vanilla/half rum, your choice)

Directions:

1) Break up (if needed) chocolate into small pieces and toss into a saucepan along with heavy cream. Add the butter.

2) On low heat, melt and whisk together the chocolate, heavy cream and butter until uniform and creamy. If you have a double boiler, use it; if not, follow my slow, low-heat, in a pan, on a stovetop, with continued whisking method.

Photo: wallpaper

3) Turn off the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. If you want to add some rum or bourbon for flavor, now is the time.

4) If you select the right sauce pan, you can cover and place it directly into your refrigerator without having to transfer the chocolate mixture into another dish that needs to be washed. Hey, it pays to think ahead!🙂

Photo: Gina Mork

5) Refrigerate for 2 hours. If you allow it to get too hard (because you forget the time), let room temperature soften it some so you can scoop and form into balls.

6) Use a tablespoon or small scooper to make 1-inch balls.

7) Roll the truffle balls in (1) rich cocoa powder, (2) crushed nuts, (3) shredded coconut, (4) crushed peppermint, (5) crushed English toffee, or (6) candy sprinkles ... whatever you like. Some of each looks lovely.

8) Plate your truffles and keep cool in the refrigerator until ready to eat!

Hugs and kisses, xoxo.

Happy Valentine's Day, my lovelies!💋

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10 Essentials To Have In Your Medicine Cabinet

Readers, LIVE it looks organized and a lot better than it photographs!

A doctor on a morning news talk show said 5 essentials should be in every medicine cabinet. I checked a few more medical sources to create a list of 10 that include hers. 

Above is a photo of my medicine cabinet. Is your medicine cabinet a hot mess of skincare, makeup and grooming tools like mine? Let me cut to the chase, most of THOSE vanity items are not on any of the good doctors' essential lists! 😏🙂

Here are 10 important Items to Stock in Your Medicine Cabinet:

1) Pain relievers - Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve) are over-the-counter medicines. Aspirin and acetaminophen reduce fever, as well as, pain.

2) Antiacids - Treats sour stomach and heartburn.

3) Antiseptic ointment - To prevent infections of everyday cuts and minor wounds, the mishaps of life.

4) Sunscreen - Select a SPF 30 (the latest recommended strength) to wear every day of the year to prevent skin cancer and aging skin.

5) Antihistamine - Allergy medicine for hay fever and sometimes hives. It dries up hives.

6) Bandages - For life's minor missteps and kitchen mistakes involving a sharp rogue cooking knife.

7) Tweezers - To remove splinters, as well as, to stop the formation of a unibrow in its tracks. Nobody wants to see that! It makes a person look wolverine and mean.🐺

8) A digital thermometer - Especially in COVID times, as well as, flu season, to let us know if we are sick before we're sure.

9) Anti-itch cream - Cortizone is a common one for insect bites, hives or other skin rashes.

10) Petroleum jelly - a true multitasker: Serves as lip balm; skin protection against dryness; holds a renegade strain of hair in place. In winter, I sometimes layer petroleum jelly over body lotion.

I have 7 of the 10 items in my medicine cabinet, plus a whole lot of other stuff, as you can see. What is missing are bandages (I keep a box of 100 in a big closet), anti-itch cream (big closet), and anti-acid (which I have as pills in my nightstand by my bed). The skincare and makeup I use every day (the makeup not so much anymore due to my pandemic face mask), so 'tis why they are in my medicine cabinet  ... to grab easily after I shower. Understand: I need a mirror and don't have to walk back and forth if skincare and makeup are stored inside my medicine cabinet.

Do you have the doctors' essentials in your medicine cabinet?

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How To Be A Successful Saver

Photo: SmallBusiness.co.uk

I'm a member of the United States Senate Federal Credit Union because years ago I was a Congressional intern and I thought it wise to keep the account. A credit union is a good place to seek loans for big purchases such as a car or house, etc. Often the rates charged to payback the loan are lower than at a bank. So monthly I receive a newsletter with helpful investment tips from the credit union. I will sum up one of the stories for you, my lovely readers: 

The Habits of A Successful Saver We Can Adopt

Photo: Anthony

1) They pay themselves first - Along with your bills, commit to your future and set a monthly sum aside in a savings account as if it is a bill. Pay yourself first before any discretionary spending.

2) They automate their savings - Make your savings automatic so it comes out of your paycheck before you have spent it.

3) They know the difference between their wants and needs - Figure out what's important to you ... both for now and in the future. Don't live paycheck to paycheck. Match your lifestyle to your future goals.

Photo: K. G.

Well now ... it's what the THE SAVVY SHOPPER preaches, isn't it? As much as I love designer goods and jewelry, I browse far more often than I buy ... and I never buy merchandise overpriced for the name. For these reasons, I'll never own a Birkin or Chanel double flap bag, and I never buy the huge diamonds, sapphires, rubies, or emeralds I covet. That's not to say we can't save up for quality leather handbags or gems of more modest sizes to bring a bit of sparkle into our lives. Material things should always fit our budgets and lifestyles. 

4) They live below their means - To reach your goals, pay attention to what's going on with your money so you keep your priorities in line. With an eye on both your present and future, be practical like THE SAVVY SHOPPER.😉

5) They don't waste money -- ever - Wasteful spending includes paying for convenience like ATM fees; eating packaged sliced and diced fruit; or buying merchandise without comparing prices and/or deals.

6) They find deals everywhere - Cheaper car insurance, low-cost cell phone plans, lower rate credit cards, cheaper prescription drug prices and groceries.

7) They keep track of things - Know how much money is coming in and exactly where it goes out. Track your spending and hold yourself accountable, Sister! Mister!!

Photo: K. G.

8) They know when to say no - Asking yourself one simple question every day can have a huge impact on your money — both now and down the road: Is it worth it? For me personally, on Chanel or Hermès handbags, or a 10+ carat gemstone, the answer is no. But how I love playing with them!

9) They don't care what other people think or do - Live a life that involves the right people, habits and behaviors. Don't worry about the trends that other people spend their money on. 

Let me add the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt, who once said: "You wouldn't worry so much what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do."🙂

I hope you find my summary of the article worthwhile. It puts us in the right mindset to become better savers and responsible with our money. Simple, understandable, not as dry as the original ... and doable. You're welcome, my lovelies!💋xoxo

Photo: She Saves She Travels

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Simplifying My Daily Skincare Routine

Photo: Good Housekeeping

Every year I re-access to try to do SOMETHING better. Tweak a practice to (1) improve or (2) make life easier. What comes to mind this year is simplifying my daily skincare routine, as well as, finding cheaper, cleaner, yet effective anti-aging potions. Over time the savings can really add up! Not only do I wish to spend less money, but less time in the bathroom!

OMG, look at this YouTuber's daily routine and long list of beauty elixirs! I don't intend to be unkind because if we met, I'd like the Vlogger for her generous spirit in sharing what she does based upon her research. She genuinely means well. I decided not to subscribe to her channel or link her to THE SHAVVY SHOPPER's sidebar because at the end of the day, her routine is excessive according to my own research. It adds up to washing lots of  money and time down the drain. Time one can never get back!

Dermatologists agree: Only two skincare products make a difference: (a) Retin-A (by prescription) or Retinol (its over the counter derivative). Both work well when used consistently; and (b) Vitamin C.

For the care of my face, I've reduced the steps to 3 twice a day: Wash. Treat. Moisturize ... and my products to 3 for the day; and 3 at night. Here is my winter 2021 skincare regime:

I. For My Morning Face Routine, I use: 

1) SheaMoisture Soap - Since the shower water rinses my face so thoroughly I use this moisturizing soap from face to toe. It rinses clean and doesn't dry your skin.

2) Next apply Vitamin C Serum - In addition to ArtNaturals and Tree of Life, I'm also using up The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%. All 3 brands are effective, so you can switch them, always buying the best priced one.

2-a) Peptide Serum - Right now I'm using up what I already own, alternating between Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum, and The Ordinary Buffet. (I can stop step #2-a once I use up these serums. They add moisture and beneficial anti-oxidants to the skin, however Vitamin C (an antioxidant) and Retinol are the only serums dermatologists say are essential. There are no reasons based on science to layer other peptides with antioxidants over Vitamin C say the skin doctors. It's money washed down the drain. So until future research changes this advice ... you can skip layering additional skin treatments on and go directly to step #3

Reapply SPF 15 more often than SPF 30

3) Olay Complete Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 15/30 - In winter I need a light daytime moisturizer and use sun protection all year round. SPF 15/30 is the anti-aging elixir here! Olay is cheap, lightweight and non-greasy. Choose the sensitive skin formula that uses minerals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as sunscreen. Avoid the sunscreen chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene or ecamsule. Another good brand is CVS's Moisturizing Facial Lotion with SPF 15/30 so you can buy the cheaper one as they go on sale. But you must read the labels like a hawk as one formula of the 2 brands has the chemicals, while another formula uses the minerals as sun protection. -- yes, it's a pain! 

 Both are effective! 

II. For My Nightime Face Routine, I use:

1) Noxema Cleansing Cream - Discovered at 14 years old, it cleans and moisturizes my face simultaneously.

2) Next apply Retinol Serum - Excellent low cost brands include Tree of Life; ArtNaturals; and The Ordinary, with proven ingredients based on science and costing under $10. 

Great beauty brands, one American, one Korean.

3) Follow with Retinol Night Moisturizing Cream - I like the feel of a moisturizing night cream to prevent dry skin especially in winter, and my non-scientist mother says I must wear one to keep those wrinkles away! (They find us while we sleep, evil things!!) Right now I alternate between Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Cream and Azure Hemp & Retinol Sleep Mask. In fact, you can use the Neutrogena Repid Winkle Repair Night Cream solo without a Retinol serum underneath it. I can't verify how much Retinol the Azure night cream has, so I do use Retinol serum underneath it to be sure. Your skin knows, so if the combo seems too strong ... adjust.

III. My Morning Body Routine is reduced to one item: Cooking oil.

Immediately after my shower I slather coconut oil all over my skin to lock in the water from my shower. For simplicity I only buy one coconut oil that can be used for both cooking and  body oil. But as it turns out, I don't cook with coconut oil often, so I'm thinking of making life even easier by switching to Extra Virgin Olive Oil as my after bath moisturizer, which is equally beneficial. Saves time, space and money!

I keep a refillable container in my bathroom to pour cooking-turned-bath oil into it. Hey if I ever get locked in my bathroom, I'll have sustenance to keep me alive until I'm free. Just slide some eggs and bread under the door, please.😋

IV. Extras I need in winter: Body lotion which I use as hand/skin cream as needed. Petroleum jelly/lip balm.

At 1st glance it may still seem like lots of products, but look again, I reduced skincare to 3 steps: Wash, treat and moisturize - with a single product under each step. Giving you a few brands of equivalent quality and price lets you buy the better deals. 

We love old standbys; bargain beauty; and keeping it simple!

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Chef Frankie Celenza's Cinnamon Roll Casserole

All photos: Struggle Meals

I have a delicious recipe for Cinnamon rolls, but sometimes I don't think to start it the night before in order to eat them for breakfast. That's where this recipe from Chef Frankie Celenza of Struggle Meals comes in as a delicious alternative! His recipe takes less time to render a delicious hot gooey cinnamon pastry with cream cheese frosting. Instead of making homemade dough that rises overnight, then again in the morning, day old bread is cubed and baked crispy, then you cook a simple vanilla custard to pour on top and bake it in a cast iron skillet until bubbly and brown in the oven. Following is Frankie's recipe with my tweaks in blue lightening it up a tad. (I never have cream or cooking spray, so I make the substitutions typed in blue):

Ingredients:

12 ounces leftover bread (about 8 cups), cut into 1-inch cubes 3 cups whole milk - I substitute skim milk. 2 cups heavy cream - I substitute condensed milk. 1 cup light brown sugar - I use 1/2 cup brown sugar since you drizzle frosting on top at the end, it is sweet enough. 3 butter packets I omit the butter. Instead I butter the cast iron skillet for the butter taste. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

5 large eggs

1/2 tsp salt 1 cup powdered sugar

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 butter packets - I omit the butter, don't miss it in frosting drizzle. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 tablespoons whole milk - I use skim milk.

Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Spray a 12 inch cast iron skillet with non stick spray. I substitute butter to grease the pan. 2. Add bread cubes to the sheet pan and toast in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove and set aside. Turn the oven up to 350 degrees F.

3. Heat milk, cream, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, salt and vanilla in a large saucepan on low, stirring until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

4. Transfer bread cubes to the prepared cast iron skillet. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Slowly drizzle the milk and cream mixture into the eggs, continuously whisking to temper the eggs so they don't coagulate. Pour the mixture over the bread. Press down on the bread to make sure it’s fully soaking in the liquid. Soak for 20 minutes.

5. Bake until the top is golden and pudding is set, 1 hour and 25-30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

6. Combine the powdered sugar and cream cheese to a large bowl and stir well with a rubber spatula. Add the butter, vanilla, and whole milk and stir until smooth.

There are 8 servings, and the recipe can easily be halved for smaller gatherings.

 

As I confessed previously, sometimes I'll share a recipe on THE SAVVY SHOPPER so I, too, can return here to make it again. Simpler than my bread pudding. Thank you, Chef Frankie Celenza, for this keeper! Readers, I linked Struggle Meals on this blog's sidebar for other tasty Chef Frankie dishes.

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Leather From Your Favorite Brands Explained

Photo: The Shoe Lady of the classic Doc Martens 1460 boots in Smooth Leather

Consumer choice is fabulous, isn't it? You get to choose and personalize what to buy to fit your budget, likes and needs.

Have you ever shopped at a famous retailer only to be confused by the many types of leather offered? I created a cheat sheet of 4 popular brands for you, using the leather terms as used by each one below. My cheat sheet doesn't include every textile the 4 merchants sell, but lists the most common types of leather skins/treatments in their collections. So without further ado:

Coach bags

1) Glovetanned💎 - It's the same type of leather used to make baseball gloves. The leather is rich and substantial and can take lots of abuse. It softens and acquires a worn-in charm with wear.

2) Crossgrain💎 - is leather embossed of imperfections at very high heat, it is structured, or stiff, sturdy and lightweight. Both scratch and water resistant and very easy to wipe clean.

3) Pebble💎 - Also strong and substantial, but pebble leather is supple and gets softer with use. It has a raised, refined bumpy texture from the tanning and doesn't show scratches easily.

4) Suede - Dressy and elegant, it is a brushed, more delicate leather. You must take care of it.

👜👜👜👜👜

Hermès bags

Although I have examined and touched the bags often, I don't own one, so can't offer any personal anecdotes. The leathers include:

1) Clemence - Comes from the hide of a baby bull, the leather is grainy, flat, matted and scratch resistant. While durable, it is not water-resistant and will blister over time if exposed to water. Said to be a great every day leather, not withstanding rain.

2) Epsom💎 - Finer grains of leather than Clemence, it's extremely light and scratch resistant and water-resistant. An easy to clean leather.

3) Varanus/Lizard - Comes in matte (smooth) and lisse (shinny), the material can dry out. Falls under Hermès exotic leather category.

4) Togo💎 - Tanned from baby calf hide, it's a thicker, heavier leather with a soft pebbled finish that softens and tends to slouch more than the structured Epsom leather.

5) Ostrich - The leather has noticeable pores that run evenly throughout the surface. It's the most durable of Hermès exotic leathers.

6) Alligator and Crocodile - Available in matte (smooth) or lisse (shinier). The alligator is farmed in Florida, the crocodile comes from the Nile region of Zimbabwe. Both are considered delicate leathers, especially Alligator and are more expensive. Oddly enough after being turned into bags, they need to avoid water!

7) Rarer calf leathers include: Bernie Natural; Box Calf; and Chamonix. (Go here for detailed information on all of Hermès leathers.) Often those leathers come up for sell as vintage Hermès bags.

Buffalo Skipper Leather

8) Buffalo Skipper💎 - Made from water buffalo. The leather is water resistant.

9) Vache Liegee💎 - Cowhide, stiff, structured and lasting, it's Hermès thickest leather.

10) Fjord💎 - Flat-grained, matte cowhide that is soft yet heavy and durable, also scratch resistant and water resistant. You can see lines or veins in the leather.

11) 2 Goat leathers💎 - They are called Chevre de Coromandel and Chevre Mysore.

12) Doblis Suede - a soft, brushed, delicate leather.

 

Interesting fact: Suede and nubuck look similar but are different: Suede "is crafted by sanding or rubbing the inside layer of the leather hide. Nubuck is crafted from the sanded outside layer of the leather hide. The outside layer of the leather hide tends to be much thicker, sturdier, and durable," according to theshoelady website which I linked above. Wow, this sure explains why my "suede" all-weather mocs are weatherproof!😉

👜👜👜👜👜

Classic Chanel bags

With Chanel, I'm assuming you are a beginner. If you own the classics, you aren't splitting hairs anymore and don't need a cheat sheet. I own an inspired Chanel 2.55 flap (not an illegal replica) jumbo bag in lambskin, and I wish I had bought a medium -- a size more suitable for gala events. The Chanel SAs always think it's a real Chanel bag when I enter their shops, so it gets me offers of bottled water and cups of tea. I take the water, not the tea. I think accepting the tea is dishonest. Every-thirsty-body deserves water. :)

1) Caviar💎 - is calf leather, scratch resistant, and more durable.

2) Lambskin - is a softer, delicate leather that is rich and buttery but scratches easily so it must be handled with more care than caviar leather.

🥾👢🥾👢🥾

Doc Martens Boots

1) Smooth Leather💎 - Famously stiff and must be broken in, Smooth Leather is the classic choice that forms to your feet. Once broken in, the boots are comfortable and durable.

2) Patent Lamper💎 - A fine grain leather coated with a high glossy finish, it is a tad stiffer than the smooth leather.

3) Nappa and Virginia - Supple leathers with a pliable feel and matte appearance. The leathers are comfortable to wear straight out of the box.

4) Arcadia - A smooth and glossy leather designed to tarnish with wear. "Over time, it’s two-tone 'rub-off' surface reveals a lighter contrast color underneath," especially "in the toe and heel areas."

From this list of 4 brands we have a rule of thumb to extend to the leather goods of other retailers. Leathers that come from the hides of cows and goats are stronger than lambskin or reptile leathers. Smooth cow leather tends to be stiffer and more durable than Nappa, or suede leather (unless specially treated). Suede or Nappa leather tends to be a dressier (buttery), yet more delicate leather. Patent leather is another dressy, stiff -- yet durable leather. 

For value shoppers, I put a diamond💎 by the most durable leathers offered by each brand. (I could've marked all the Doc Martens boots with a 💎. All are durable and affordable!) When it comes to real life purchases, however, your budget, lifestyle and likes determine what you should buy.

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Biden Inauguration Fashion

Photo: NBC News

The Biden/Harris era has began; and every 4 years I love watching the peaceful transition of power with all 3 branches of government of both parties present and watching.

But let's get superficial here, after all this is a lifestyle and shopping blog. The Inauguration must be one difficult occasion to dress for: First of all, January in Washington, D.C. is usually cold and windy. Our 9th US President William Henry Harrison caught a cold at his inauguration and died one month later; so don't layer for warmth at your own peril! And yet, bulk up like an Eskimo and people criticize your lack of polish and style!👀

Photo: Google user content and People

So secondly, the 1st impression the country has of the new President and First Lady matters. Everybody and her mother and cousins have an opinion, especially foes! A bad first impression is hard to walk back.

Thirdly, it's best on this day of great patriotism to wear American designers to support the fashion industry; and finally let's not pretend otherwise, a man's suit is not what catches our eye. A well-made fitted suit for a man literally fits the bill. Check, blink, and next!

Photo: thedailymail.co.uk - When Michelle Obama stood at Arlington with her stature and coat, she looked gorgeous. No stills do how she looked justice. This was the best I could find.

It's the attire of the women we notice and remember. Yesterday all the Former First Ladies, as well as, members of government branches looked appropriate, i.e., clean, put together and in their Sunday best!👗

IMHO the following attendees excelled: First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Madame Vice President Kamala Harris, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Their bright colors, warmth and practicality, as well as, the flow of the outfits as they walked and stood during the ceremony were sensational! 

Photo: Us Magazine

Not everybody has money for designer clothes. What public figures do is inspire. Public servants try to look accessible but usually can afford the expense of tailored clothes designed by big fashion houses. The rest of us do what we can with ready to wear off the rack garb. The motivation and inspiration is the same ... to show enough respect to clean up and dress for the occasion.

See close up photos here (with designer information).

Let's all wish the new administration success for the good of the country and our world.

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Pretty Hearts For Her

 

Sometimes I think Valentine's Day exists to bridge the gap between New Year's Day and Easter Sunday. It's such a long stretch, there needs to be something to celebrate. And what's more, here on the Western hemisphere, it's winter. Everything has died! We need the vibrance of red and the warmth of love to recharge us ... Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to wear  red, sparkles and hearts. The following are adorable heart necklaces that would make festive Valentine' Day jewelry ... perhaps a gift for a lucky someone:

1) 14K White Gold Ruby Pavè Heart Pendent - (See the above image ↑.) I've been looking at this heart pendent for ages because it's gorgeous and a generous size. You won't need your eye glasses to see its loveliness! It has 6 1/2 carats of rubies and 1/2 carat of diamonds in 14k white gold. I cannot lie, the one disappoint is true of so many pendents nowadays, namely the chain it hangs on so so slight, customers will need to replace it with another more substantial chain. For the money, it shouldn't be so flimsy, but with the high price of gold these day, it nearly always is!

2) Ruby 2 1/4 ct and Dimond Accent Heart Pendent Necklace in Serling Silver - I would fawn over this neckless if I hadn't set my sights on choice #1. The heart is smaller, yet still pretty and also comes in pink sapphires, or blue sapphires. The silver metal in lieu of gold makes it a more budget-friendly alternative.

3) Silver With Rubies (2 1/2 carats) and Diamonds (1/5 carat) Necklace. - A slanted heart orbited by the sparkle of diamonds pendent. Cute and different!

I thought I'd show you a throwback diamond heart necklace. The late stage actress Arlene Francis was a 25 year panelist of the game show, What's My Line. Ms. Francis popularized diamond heart necklaces by wearing hers daily and on the show. It was a gift given to her by her husband, Hollywood actor-producer, Martin Gabel on their one year wedding anniversary in the 1940s. Sadly 40+ years later in 1988, the heart pendent was ripped off her neck by a mugger in Manhattan as she exited a taxi, a heartbreaking loss for her since Martin had died.😢🖤 

Martin Gabel was the son of a Philadelphia jeweler and what a big, gorgeous, diamond heart it was! It's the perfect size for me! 😁 I want one, but alas, who could afford the huge diamond heart pendent in today's dollars!?! Looking, ogling and admiring is free, I always say. So let's stare at it for awhile.😍 First a dreamer, then a realist ... that would be me!

The ruby and diamond heart necklaces I curated above are more affordable ... and go on sale often!♥

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