Thursday, April 8, 2021

Woolzies Rose Oil Smells Amazing


Perhaps you've noticed? I rarely write about perfume. (Only twice have I done so which I'll link below.) Because. I don't buy or wear it. I'm an essential oils kind of gal. My all time favorite scent is rose oil. But pure rose oil is very expensive, so usually I buy a quality blend, making sure rose oil is the 1st ingredient. Okay Blended Rose oil, which smells amazing, is a favorite! 

"Why is rose oil so pricey," you may wonder? It takes about 60,000 roses to get one ounce of rose oil. (40,000 petals make 5ml of rose essential oil, according to health writer, Jen O'Sullivan).

Thanks again to T.J. Maxx, I discovered another quality pure essential rose oil blend with beneficial skin ingredients that also smells sensational! Woolzies is its manufacturer, and the company is committed to using only the finest organic fruits, flowers and leaves while preserving the earth. Woolzies' essential oils are cold-pressed or steam-pressed to retain all their essence.

In addition to the 5% Rosa Damascene content, the 100% pure essential oil blend has 4 other essential oils that benefit the skin. The 5 essential oils are listed on the bottle in the following order, and I've also researched each essential oil's benefit to the skin:

Rosa Damascene - It comes from the Damask rose. Reduces pain and inflammation. Contains anti-aging antioxidants. Clears up acne.

Geranium oil - Tightens the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles; its antioxidants are thought to slow down aging. 

Neroli oil - Speeds up skin cell turnover. Reduces inflammation and redness. Improves stretch marks, dark spots and scars.

Citronella oil - Promotes wound healing and is a natural insect repeller. (Citronella oil is an odor in this blend, which I'm not crazy about, but mosquitoes hate it, so it's a fair trade off. The scent is slight while the rose oil is powerful.)

Palmrosa oil - Hydrates and reduces inflammation.

According to Dr. Andrew Weil, a leader of integrated medicine who is also a Harvard educated doctor, inflammation is the main cause of aging. So we get a few inflammation fighters in the blend!

What's more, in several scientific studies all 5 listed essential oils show promise in easing, stress, anxiety and depression. The pleasant floral  scent is a natural mood lifter.

Since the rose oil blend consists of pure essential oils, it is concentrated and therefore must be diluted before rubbing on your skin. Dilute the rose oil blend in carrier oils (such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil, etc.), or body lotion, or water.

Right after my shower, I put a few drops in my palm and mix with coconut oil (or olive oil), which I use to moisturize my skin. Personally, I like rose oil as a scent instead of perfume. Sometimes I rub a drop on the ends of my hair also. Sooo, if you catch me smelling a lock of my own hair, it's not vanity, but the intoxication of rose oil!πŸ˜…πŸ˜

What a bargain I found at T.J. Maxx ... 4 ounces of Woolzies organic rose oil blend of 100% pure, essential oils with no fillers for $9.99! I got lucky!! The regular price is reasonable too. Much cheaper and IMHO better smelling than most perfumes.


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Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Spinel: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Photo: jewelry.org - Spinel often grows in limestone

Spinel has a "long, storied history." Some of the most famous "rubies" in the world belonging to monarchs, including the Black Prince's Ruby, a centerpiece of the British Imperial State Crown, turned out to be spinel once modern science caught up with it. Why it was impersonating a ruby nobody knows! Perhaps it's because spinel and ruby often grow in the same mine.


You may notice the Black Prince's Ruby has a tiny stone in it. Why? Some Einstein thought it a great idea to cut a hole in this lovely stone to place a feather in it! WTH, did he not know that fads come and go!!

In fact, spinels (MAI2O4) are minerals, namely octahedral crystals, consisting mostly of magnesium and aluminum. They tend to be more reflective -- glittering more than rubies, its former neighbor. Like sapphires, spinels come in a range of vibrant colors, perhaps the most coveted hues being red and blue. Yet, all the colors are gorgeous!

The Tumur "Ruby" in the Imperial Crown of Russia

Luckily spinel registers an 8 on the Moh's Hardness Scale making it a sturdy gemstone to cut and wear as necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets. These oxide minerals are mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Canada, Kenya, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam. Since 2000 glowing spinels in bright pink and blue come from Myanmar, Tanzania and Vietnam. In 2018 bright blue spinel was also discovered in the Baffin Island of Canada. Small additions of cobalt is the element which gives spinal a pure blue color.


Fortunately for Savvy Shoppers, the popularity and demand for spinel gemstones hasn't caught up with its beauty, so you can get a big rock for much less than you'd pay for sapphires or rubies.
Moreover, today's jewelers are praising Tanzanite for its value, color and shine. I understand the reasons: Tanzanite is a shimmering, vivid blue or blue-violet gemstone only found in one place, Tanzania; and once depleted, its price will rise. But Tanzanite is softer and more delicate (a 6.5 - 7) to spinel's enduring hardness (an 8 like emeralds, topaz or amethyst).

I want a spinel!😍 How about you?



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Thursday, April 1, 2021

Happy Easter My Lovelies

Photo: Patch
 It's Holy Week on the Christian calendar, a time to remember it takes hope and perseverance to overcome the expected and unexpected challenges in our Journey of Life. 
Photo: Country Living
Equally important to note: Life is meant to be lived -- happy, enjoyed and purposeful, so try to reach out where and when you can to make a connection and difference in someone else's life.
Photo: recordonline
Be kind! Embrace the spring ... your family and friends ... your unique talents and interests ... you be you!
Photo: Istock - Getty
Value a pretty table setting and a good meal; and don't forget the chocolate bunny!

How lovely and apropos to the season is the sentiment of Phillip Phillip's song, Home -- and just to be clear: On this earth it's meant to be a message from human to human.  Below are my favorite lines: 

''Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble - it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone
'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home ''

Hope and human perseverance! Happy Easter, Friends!🌷


Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Powder Play Lip Color By Flower


Weeks ago Flower by Drew Barrymore lunched a new powder to cream lip color. Once applied to the lips with a wand, Powder Play -- the lightweight powder, transfers into a soft moisturizing cream. The new product softens and soothes lips while leaving them with a pop of natural color, as well as, a soft, powdery look that overwhelmingly customers like.

Customers approve of the smooth texture; and report it does, indeed, moisturize lips while the flattering pigments have real staying power. The Powder Play Lip Colors endure like matte lipstick without drying out lips as matte lipstick tends to do.

The retailer calls each powdery shade a perfectly imperfect soft focus of color.

I'm only now featuring Flower's new item launch because who is wearing lip color under their face masks nowadays? Before COVID I wore lipstick every single day, but haven't touched it much over the past year. Now that the COVID vaccines are rolling out under a new administration, perhaps we can get excited about makeup launches again! 

This newest formula from Flower -- an awesome and affordable beauty brand -- is highly rated with tons of 5 star reviews! (Watch out expensive luxe makeup, there's a new beauty sharif in town for less!!!) The cost is $10, and Ultra is now offering a $3.50 coupon here for spending $15.



Thursday, March 25, 2021

Brain Health: Do These 4 Things Every Day

Photo: Ashley Productions

According to an article in ARRP magazine (April, 2020) about Brain Health, there are 4 things we all should do every day to keep our brains functioning and healthy:

1) Spend time with friends and family, involving our brains by discussing current events and new ideas.

Go here to see this book.
2) Read or write.

3) Exercise. It could simply be brisk walking.

4) Practice a new skill, especially one that involves working with your hands. This could be gardening, playing an instrument, or fly-tying.

What stumped me was the last suggested activity: Fly-tying. I had no idea what it was. It is the process of making artificial flies used for fly fishing. There are books and kits you can buy to help you learn to do it!

Moreover, the article says myths abound involving the aging of our brains. The worst thing you can do is stagnate. The best thing you can do is keep stimulating and challenging your brain at every decade of your life. "Each of us may be wired in our own unique way, though with a healthy brain, we all have the capacity to learn, remember, and make sense of the complex world around us." And yes, we may slow down some as we age, but our intellect and understanding continues, and older people are not doomed to forget things. 

As it turns out, 
what we learn imprints on our memories which sometimes changes how we remember them. Straight from the article, memories "can easily be contaminated or forgotten."  They constantly change "to reinforce a person's life narrative and to create an identity in the world.'' They are ''not an accurate, objective record of the past," but morph as we take in more experience and information.

Learn something new every day! I just did, but will pass on the fly-tying. My brain and hands will find other interests!πŸ™‚


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Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Vionic Shoes With Orthotic Arch Support

If you have high arches like I do and must walk miles on concrete, you get to a point you'll only buy shoes with solid arch support to avoid feet pain (and surgery) in the future. Ideally all your shoes should stabilize your heels too, but doctors know people desire sandals during the summer. If we must wear flip flops, pediatrists have said Vionic flip flops with arch support are way better than other flimsy options.


Vionic shoes are reported to have a footbed with 3-zone comfort (arch support, cushion and stability) to deliver ultimate arch support. The company slogan states its purpose: "Designed to support you, made to move you!
The orthotic shoes are expensive, yes ... yet not Chanel or Dior expensive, and they go on sale several times a year. It's worth monitoring the brand to snatch up a pair during one of its promotions. I have 2 pairs of leather ballet flats and a pair of block high heels I got greatly reduced. And while I'd rather not pay full price, it's not "designer" unreasonable for such quality, supportive, durable and classic shoes. 
No longer will I buy fashion shoes that only look good. Nowadays I don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. Vionic orthotic arch support shoes are as chic as non-orthotic shoes! The company just launched their new spring collection. It's a brand I own and highly recommend! 


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Thursday, March 18, 2021

Cabochon Cut Gemstones

Photo: 1stdibs - A cabochon cut emerald 

Cabochons are smooth, polished gemstones without facets. They are often cut with a convex (rounded and bulged), i.e. a dome with a flat bottom. A cabochon cut is the earliest known method of cutting gemstones into jewelry. Not until the 13th century were gemstones first cut into facets.

Photo: Raf Jewels - ruby
Nowadays transparent (light passes through) stones are usually cut faceted, whereas translucent (some light passes through) or opaque (no light passes through) gemstones are good candidates for cabochons.

Some of the reasons for cabochons include 1) enhancing a gemstone's color or texture; 2) highlighting its unique inclusions or optical effects; and 3) turning softer stones into jewelry that would fracture if cut into facets.
Tsavorite (a green garnet) cabochon
Below are several more cabochon cut gemstones. Some are costly, others are less pricey depending on rarity and demand for the stones. Clearly natural gemstones are lovely at every price point. Who cares how common it is?

1) Chatoyancy (a cat's eye); 2) Asterism (the star effect) - Real star corundums (sapphires or rubies) are rare and expensive.

(3) Adularescence - has a glow when light bounces off of it (a moonstone); (4) Iridescence - changes color with moment (a white opal); and 

(5) Aventurescence - has a twinkling shine (pink and green aventurine) - These stones can be chiseled into hearts, ovals, other shapes, or left as free form.

According to Barlows Gems, the shape of a cabochon can be symmetrical, calibrated, or free form. "Symmetrical" means a cabochon is mirror imaged on both sides. "Calibrated" is a term used for rounds or ovals as they are standard sized stones measured in millimeters. "Free form" cabochons have no definite shape like the aventurine stones shown above.

Photo: Barlows Gems

Now that we'd discussed what cabochon gemstones are and I've shown you a few types, 
would you splurge on a cabochon? In jewelry do you like cabochon stones: a) better; b) the same as; or c) not as much as faceted cut stones? Tell us why.
Photo: Gem Select



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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

The Diamond Cluster Jewelry Trend

 

Effy Bouquet 14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Earrings
Fine jewelers will always make diamond stud earrings, as well as, diamond solitaire rings. Both are elegant, classic and wildly popular with the public. But more and more people are turning to diamond cluster rings and earrings, and jewelers are responding to the demand by designing them.

Wouldn't we all love to own a 5 carat diamond ring along with 4 carat diamond stud earrings. Am I outing myself only?😏 Oh c'mon, don't lie to yourself, sister! Where is THAT fairy godmother hiding herself? I've got a long list waiting!! 
So the obvious question becomes why is the diamond cluster trend happening in the jewelry world at the present time?
Well, it's because we don't wish to mortgage our homes and become panhandlers in order to buy big stones. For one stone (in a ring) or 2 single stones (in earring studs), diamonds get exponentially more expensive and often unaffordable with each increase in carat size. While diamonds (carbon) are common on earth, clean, flawless stones over 2 carats are rarer and harder to find. What's more, the demand for diamonds keeps the price sky high.

One of the reasons diamonds are so popular with consumers is the way in which they catch the light and sparkle like few other gemstones. Tanzanites and moissanites glitter much like diamonds often for less money. Some people buy them as budget-friendlier alternatives. Far from settling, each type of gemstone is loved by collectors for its own unique beauty.


Jewelry examples courtesy of Macy's

If a customer on a budget pines for diamonds, s/he can buy the effect of bigger diamonds without going broke by considering beautifully designed diamond clusters created to give you all the glitter and look -- the effect -- of larger stones. Most observers will pick up on the sparkle, yet not necessarily notice you are wearing a cluster of diamonds. You get a big effect; the beauty; the elegance; the shimmer without spending a huge (in 5-figures) amount of money. Still not cheap, yet a splurge a working person can save up for to buy.
It's a worthy and practical tradeoff on a budget. By buying the effect, you don't have to go without. Enjoy the beauty, skip the pain ... and as a bonus, you'll be less jittery about wearing your gorgeous ice bling every day. By now you know how THE SAVVY SHOPPER feels about buying luxury (which jewelry is, like designer purses) that stays in a box. It's a total waste of money!


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Sunday, March 14, 2021

Homemade Nut Bars

I almost bought these Kind bars today, a box of 12, six of each. In my hand and being carted around the store, they were neither expensive nor cheap nor low in calories. So I returned them to the shelf and thought, "Why should I pay $15 for 12 nut bars?" Instead, I could eat 12 nuts chased down with a spoonful of honey for sweetness. I don't need to buy these bars! Surely I can make a simple nut bar at home for less than $15 bucks.

Here's the recipe I came up with ... a step beyond chucking 12 almonds with a bit of honey into my mouth. Fast and easy, we can do it: 

Simple Rustic Nut Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup of almonds
1/2 cup pecans (or walnuts)
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup of any other favorite nuts you like - hazelnuts or pistachios, pine nuts, peanuts, (or even pumpkin seeds)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup honey
1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar syrup (or maple syrup)

Optional: 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or a swirl of melted chocolate if you wish to mimic a Kind bar. Omit the chocolate for less calories.

Directions:

1) In a 350 degree F oven, spread out the nuts on a baking sheet and toast them for about 15 minutes.

2) After the nuts are toasted and cooled, toss them into a mixing bowl. Leave the almonds whole if you wish. Break some of the nuts up if you wish.

3) Next add the other dry ingredients to the mixing bowl.

4) Follow with the wet ingredients of honey and syrup. Mix and coat well.

5) Press into a parchment lined (or buttered) baking pan.

6) Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 20 - 25 minutes. Hot bubbling honey will bind the mixture together. Don't continue baking too long after it bubbles. Remove from the oven.

7) Let the uncut baked nuts and honey bars cool completely. 

8) Cut into bars. Store what you don't eat in a cookie tin or container.

Enjoy a healthy snack!


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