Is Jewelry A Waste Of Money?

Photo: Graff - High Jewelry can hold its value if one is rich enough to buy (and insure) it.

Jewelry is an over-priced luxury item I can appreciate. I like leather bags, shoes, and clothes, but I love jewelry😍. Yet due to the great expense, I'm more of a browser than a buyer. First a dreamer then a realist I like to say! I can't afford the big flawless stones that cost 5 or 6 zeros. They're gorgeous and frankly, the cut, carat, color, and clarity I really want! Suffice it to say, I understand the appeal and the temptation, so I may be the perfect person to answer the question: Is jewelry a waste of money?

Photo: Brilliant Earth

In purely a practical sense, the answer is yes! Absolutely! 100%!! Waste. Of. Money!!! Jewelry is always a luxury item and never (or rarely) an investment. We don't need it, we buy it because we want it, but aside from aesthetics, it really serves no pragmatic purpose.

By limiting the supply of diamonds and clever marketing to create high demand {with its famous "A diamond is forever" 1947 slogan), DeBeers, the then monopoly diamond seller, was able to hike up the price of diamonds even though the stones are not rare, but quite common in nature. The high demand and high prices for diamonds are still with us today. Lab-grown diamonds will likely continue to lower their costs in the future.

Photo: Macy's

But it's not just diamonds, the markup on all fine jewelry is significant, however as soon as it leaves the jewelry store, and you own it, the jewelry loses its value. If you try to resale a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or ring, you'll rarely get what you paid for the jewelry. At best, the same jeweler who sold you the piece may offer you its wholesale price. What's more, to recoup a decent percentage of your money, you better be re-selling high-quality jewelry, i.e., flawless stones with substantial, perhaps 18k gold. There's no guarantee you'll walk away with a profit, and certainly not enough of a profit to rebuy the jewelry again. The rare exception is high jewelry (↑top image), as opposed to mid-priced jewelry. There are always high rollers with excessive disposable income looking for top-of-the-line high jewelry. High jewelry (including celebrity-auctioned estate jewelry) is its own niche. Average earners can't afford it.

 

Reselling expensive watches such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Tudor Pelagos can also exceed their original value if kept in like new condition (minus scratches) because enough people with deep pockets like to wear these luxury watch brands. 

Photo: Baby Gold

As it turns out, the skimpy a/k/a dainty or light chains, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings are harder to resale at a profit due to less precious metal, demand, and their averageness. To boot, shoppers of 2nd hand markets expect to score bargains.

The true value of jewelry is its beauty along with its sentimental value. A little glitter can complete or add pizzazz to an outfit. Sparkle can make us happy or remind us of the person who gave us a lovely gift out of love ... which is not a waste of money. 

I'd never discourage anyone from buying fine jewelry ... a few curated pieces (within your budget) as things of beauty. Adding some flash to your life should make you feel happy. Just don't tell yourself it's an investment.

Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels 

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#Short: Bad Bunny's Dark and Sparkly Style

Last night Saturday Night Live's host and musical guest, Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) caught my eye with his dark and sparkly style during his performance of the song, Monaco.

His latticework vest made of glittering crystals against his black long-sleeved top and smooth, black, leather, boot-cut pants stood out. The pants were fitted and cozy, as opposed to foolishly tight. 

Then I wondered about his shoes. They were causal smart, black leather boots with pointy (?), narrow toes, and thick elevated heels.

It's a no-brainer, I loved his drop diamond earrings which you can see, as well as, his bracelets and rings which you can't see in the posted photos (but could on a big television screen).

No element was overdone. With the perfect ratio of dark to shimmer, the rapper has an edgy and glamorous style that is Savvy Shopper approved! Not saying Bad Bunny needs my approval, but Savvy Shopper-admired doesn't have the same ring to it, (and spell-check keeps correcting it to the former anyway:). Now where on planet earth can we get Bad Bunny's vest!?!

What's your favorite piece of Bad Bunny's ensemble? 

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Halloween Bags And High Fashion At T.J. Maxx

BETSEY JOHNSON Ginger Pumpkin Crossbody

I love going to my local T.J. Maxx, as well as, browsing online despite not being able to bring up specific designers by typing a name into its search box. Yes, a pain! T.J. Maxx has an agreement with certain designers not to disclose that their commodities, often marketed as exclusive, have landed at the retailer, discounted. Fair enough for the savings!

BETSEY JOHNSON Boo Ghost Crossbody

Moreover, here's thrilling news from the United Kingdom ... its T.K. Maxx, the company name across the pond, has paired with consignment shops to offer haute couture items for folks who buy Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or St. Laurent bags, wallets, or cardholders! Some of these high fashion labels are also landing on T.K. Maxx's shelves under the radar. If going forward you see them, it's not a mirage. Sometimes I see Valentino or Choe leather goods at the USA's sister company, T.J. Maxx, in addition to its Off the Runway section of apparel. The merchandise is still pricey, yet reduced by hundreds of dollars for interested consumers.

As regular readers know, I have an interest in haute couture as a blogger, although I don't buy it for myself. I'm happy with my Coach leather handbags and have picked up non-couture leather goods of excellent (or good enough however usually stellar) quality from T.J. Maxx's shelves. I buy all my leather wallets and cardholders for under $15. Shhhh, don't tell anyone! [I'll have to put this problem child bag identifying information here. BAGAMOUR Made In Italy Leather Baguette Crossbody →]

Now let's end with a bit of spooky fun. I've pulled up some Halloween-themed bags that are available until supplies last from T.J. Maxx's online website to feature throughout today's blog. The retailer always offers super cute holiday-themed home goods, as well as, apparel (including children's costumes) and bags, and shoppers may not have to go elsewhere. No scary prices for Maxximistas to find!

On the ends are ISADORA Made In Italy Leather Phone Holders and in the center a DIVINA FIRENZE Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody.

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Making Healthy Pie Crust

I had a jar of Grandma Hoerner's Pecan Pie Filling in my pantry. It has the bourbon, you add the eggs. I bought it at Whole Foods reduced for about $3 dollars before the pandemic ... it was time to use it! I should have made a traditional flaky pie crust but I didn't want to consume the calories of a stick of butter. Since I'd be the only person eating the pie, I decided to play around with trying to make a healthy pie crust. No visitors to worry about feeding it to! I can eat a less-than-perfect dish but have higher standards for what I serve guests.

I'm not unhappy with the results and yet I'm not quite there. What I produced was tasty and editable and I think if I add a little butter and a sprinkle of baking soda to the dough next time I'll get the missing flaky texture. The following is the recipe for the very editable, yet chewy crust with my next attempt's 2 additional ingredients: 

A Healthy Banana Crust For Pies

2 ripe bananas

2 cups whole wheat flour

I think these 2 additions will make a flaky dough:

2 tablespoons ice cold butter, finely diced

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

 

1) Incorporate all the ingredients and press into a buttered or cooking-sprayed pie pan. I was fine with pressing it flat into a pan. If you wish to roll flat with a rolling pin, just add more flour to counter a sticky dough (and the rustic style:).

2) Bake at 325 degrees F for 15 minutes.

3) Remove from the oven and let it cool a bit before pouring in your prepared pie filling then return it to the oven to bake for the required time.

The pecan pie I'm now eating is good without being too rich, or sickeningly sweet. The bananas do add a mild sweetness without sugar (or a banana flavor) which is a good thing.

 

🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧

Alternate Healthy Pie Crusts from around the web I think would work too:

🥧 Mix uncooked oatmeal and dates in a food processor

until it forms a ball, press it into a pan then add your pie filling. The dough can be eaten baked or unbaked.

🥧 Crispy cereal combined with peanut butter that gets pressed into a pan with no baking. Like a graham cracker and butter crust, it won't be flaky but still good.

I'm aware of almond and other nut or soy flours, but let's keep it simple with ingredients already in the panty. 

Does a healthy and flaky pie crust exist?

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Put Sheglam Makeup On Your Radar

Lightweight Matte Bush - Alice

Stumbling upon SheGam cosmetics is a Where-Have-I-Been moment. Its foundation, blush, lipstick, and mascara are too-good-to-be-true cheap, yet the stellar quality of its formulas is amazing! What more do we want? Beautiful shades ... check!

The brand's price point is no accident! Sheglam began in 2019. Its motto is Gam For All -- and not just for a select few. By capping the middleman and marketing costs, plus keeping profit margins low, this Tiktok sensation can "produce high-quality products at more than half the price of luxury brands." SheGam lipstick is $5 compared to Chanel at $45, Tom Ford at $59, or Charlette Tilbury at $35.

Mademoiselle magazine is featuring SheGam to announce that red is the color trend in makeup for Fall 2023. SheGlam has gorgeous very wearable reds in its color offerings along with other beautiful, very natural and ultra-flattering pink, beige and brown hues. The retailer's blush and lipstick includes a selection of subtle, intense, and cardinal reds. 

The 3 products customers rave about are its Color Bloom Liquid Blush Matt, Dynamatte Bloom Long-Lasting Matte Lipstick, and Lightweight Matte Bush. Also well-liked are its foundation and mascara.

There are several types of lipcolor

The question becomes how do you want to spend your money? With Sheglam, you get 5 items including Fall 2023's in vogue and beautiful shades of red for the price of one of its competitors' lipsticks. Sheglam is a beauty steal without compromise!

Will you be wearing shades of red this fall?

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Food For A Senior Finicky Eater

Photo: clean.png

Oh my goodness, I've never dealt with such a fastidious, hard-to-please eater as my senior mother. In old age, it's her mind and not her inability to chew. Her doctors tell me this is common in patients like her as they lose the ability to taste food. I lower my expectations of her eating a varied diet and simply focus on pumping enough milk and Greek yogurt into her to make up for the meat and protein sources she'll no longer eat. Vegetables have gone by the wayside also. Sometimes she'll eat chicken nuggets or one bite of beef, but it's not enough protein in a steady diet.

Here's what I buy to counter her self-imposed limited diet:

1) low-fat milk - I drink skim, but bumped her up to 1%. She doesn't need to watch her weight.

2) vanilla Greek yogurt

3) multi-grain bread

4) crunchy peanut butter - Toast, pb, and a drizzle of honey every morning is her only daily meal of real food.

5) honey

6) 30-gram protein powder - that I add to milk if she refuses lunch. Sometimes I toss in fruit, or spinach, or walnuts. Sometimes I lose the battle and she refuses to drink it.

7) 20-gram protein bars - She is getting tired of these, so I cut them into 3 smaller pieces and give her one piece. It's better than nothing.

8) cheddar cheese - She'll only eat one bite of cheese but sometimes will eat a grilled cheese sandwich.

9) fruit - apples, oranges, pears, bananas, and berries

10) eggs - She'll only consume one egg for dinner about twice a week. I scramble 2 eggs and scrunch them up on a plate to look like one egg. She is suspicious but eats them.

11) coffee - My mother says coffee is number one. Lord save the caregiver if she is denied her morning coffee! She drinks coffee and about one cup of milk with her breakfast. Great!

12) ice cream and dark chocolate - as treats and for calories.  She only wants a serving. I toss dark chocolate chips on her ice cream for its anti-oxidants. I hear dark chocolate is good for the brain.

I am closer to having an understanding of what it must be like to care for an anorexic child. It's a daily struggle to keep them healthy. I dislike having to put so much thought into the daily necessity of eating. I, myself, have always been a healthy eater and never a problem eater. 

As long as mom looks healthy and is of normal weight I shake off over worrying and just do the best I can by making food available. I always offer her a bite of my meals but don't push her if she refuses a taste. However I'm strict on 2 points -- I do nudge her to have a small taste, and once in her mouth, I tell her she can't spit out such a small morsel of food, as it's not poison, but to please swallow it. I'm nipping a bad habit before it begins!

I'm sure the best nursing homes can't cater to seniors the way families inevitably do at home because it's time-consuming so when seniors become bad eaters they just go downhill.

Life's challenges! If you feed an undereater and have ideas that work feel free to share them.

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American Potato Salad

Photo: iStock

In an earlier blog, I shared my recipe for German Potato Salad which my mother made often in our house. But she also learned how to make American Potato Salad. With the addition of eggs, it can serve as a quick yet satisfying one-dish meal for one person, or as a side dish for many people at a barbecue. In other words, you can make a little or a lot!

Over time I learned why I like homemade American potato salad better than almost any prepared by a deli. I like my American potato salad creamy yet dry and dense, as opposed to runny; and I don't like any trace of sweetness, usually the result of pickle radish as an ingredient in deli potato salad. Here's my simple and relatively healthy recipe for one serving, which I ate as dinner yesterday:

My American Potato Salad

Ingredients:

2 medium-sized potatoes, microwaved tender (use the starchy variety: Idaho, Russet, Golden, etc)

2 large eggs

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

1-2  stalks of celery, finely chopped (eyeball the amount)

2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise 

1 tablespoon Dion mustard

A good sprinkle of Zatarain's Creole Seasoning

1 teaspoon of dried garlic powder

A few turns of the peppermill

Optional: Plain Greek yogurt

Directions:

1) Microwave the potatoes unpeeled until tender, about 8 minutes.

2) Boil your eggs on a stovetop until hard, about 5 minutes. When done, drop the potatoes and eggs into a bowl and chop. I don't peel the potatoes, but you can.

3) Add the finely chopped onion and celery to the bowl and mix.

4) Follow with the mayonnaise and Dion mustard. At this stage don't worry if it's too dry just work to incorporate all the ingredients.

5) Toss in the spices. I eyeball it, then adjust the spice to taste as the final step.

6) If my potato salad needs more creamy ingredients, I use a dub of Greek yogurt before adding additional mayonnaise. If it still tastes like mayonnaise, I leave it alone. If the Greek yogurt makes the potato salad too bland I add another spoonful of mayonnaise to the bowl.  Also now taste to adjust your spices.

That's it! I ate my one-dish dinner warm. When I make a bigger batch, into the refrigerator it goes until serving.

If you have bell peppers, green onions, scallions, or olives, feel free to toss them into your potato salad. I prefer keeping the ingredients simple but will toss in leftover vegetables to get rid of them. (Did you know olives although savory are technically a fruit?) Nonetheless, making potato salad more complicated isn't necessarily tastier. Fewer ingredients are just as delicious! An easy, peasy, breezy preparation. Enjoy!

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Mad Hippie Skincare and Cosmetics

cheek and lip tint - a favorite!

Mad Hippie's skincare, sunscreen, and makeup, which are available at Walmart, Ulta, iHerb, and Amazon, have top-notch ingredients. I wasn't as familiar with the retailer's motto but it's fabulous too: "From helping inspire people to make healthier choices, to raising awareness and support for the environment, Mad Hippie is committed to a brighter, better tomorrow."

Now let's discuss what the beauty brand's products offer consumers. Its skincare is transparent, clean, and lightweight and its makeup is natural and vegan with colors to create flattering, healthy, and polished looks. There are no parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, PEGs, or SLS in its beauty products.

Using the term organic is expensive for small business brands to go through the process to acquire the term for their products. Some small companies sell organic products but can't use the term. Instead, they use the word natural to describe their products. However, there is no definition, and the standard of what constitutes natural hasn't been established. So here on the blog, I tend to say clean by looking at the ingredient list and also seeing what's not in a formula.

The beauty editors at Marie Claire call Mad Hippie's skincare and cosmetics magic while THE SAVVY SHOPPER loves its value for quality price points! Mad Hippie is a brand that proves you don't have to empty your wallet to buy high-end skincare or makeup! Business models determine costs not the quality of products. Why not support your friends (who love you!) and avoid retailers who gouge (but don't love you back)!

Judging by what Mad Hippie puts in its beauty remedies coupled with what it charges its customers, this beauty line is one of our friends! Check them out.

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Demarson For Edgy Fashion Jewelry

Demarson New York has been featured in Vogue, WWD, Harper's Bazaar, NBC's Today Show, and now finally on THE SAVVY SHOPPER. As the song goes, How lucky can you get?😁 Of course, launching a blooming jewelry line is the result of having a vision and experience in the industry combined with hours of hard work and a good publicist. 

The retailer's founders, Jason Crantz and Marcela Ponce, design modern, bold, edgy pieces that look beautifully crafted. I love the aesthetics and sophistication of the pieces, yet I caution all savvy shoppers against buying a collection of fashion jewelry. If a piece speaks to you and you know you'll get lots of wear and compliments out of it, go ahead and treat yourself. Some of the jewelry I've posted gracing the post you'll find discounted under the website's Sale Archive Tab.

Still, in lieu of collecting fashion jewelry, it's smarter to save up for fine jewelry, 14k or 18k gold, set with your favorite precious gemstones: diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or sapphires.

Although more expensive, all you really need are a few pieces of fine jewelry that you'll wear time and again over decades. For jewelry lovers, it's worth saving up to buy.

Fashion jewelry is usually less expensive than fine jewelry and yet not dirt cheap. With fashion jewelry, you pay for the design but don't get real gold or real gemstones. However, there may be places where wearing fine jewelry would make you a target, making the adornment of fashion jewelry safer. 

At times 925 sterling silver jewelry -- also a precious metal and sold as fine jewelry -- is cheaper than fashion jewelry and is by far more affordable than gold. That said ...

Demarson's popularity with fashion editors is understandable. Its cutting-edge earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces are eye-catching. The brand stands out. Upscale stores like Nieman Marcus and Nordstrom carry the line.

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Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Photo: Cooking Classy

Pumpkin, pumpkin everywhere! In recent times fall is marked by the proliferation of pumpkin-flavored coffee, candy, and desserts. This weekend I'm jumping on the pumpkin bandwagon by making pumpkin soup. Savory and simple, I don't like mixing sweet and savory flavors in a dish, so no cinnamon or ginger in my soup. Here's the recipe:

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

5 cups water

2 large chicken bouillon cubes
1 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree
1 medium onion, diced

2 stalks of celery with leaves, diced

1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
12 turns of the peppermill (= 1/2 teaspoon)

A tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, but short of hot.

1 teaspoon of dried (or fresh) parsley

A sprinkle of Westchester sauce

1 bay leaf

1 cup of milk or 1/2 cup of cream

Note: No additional salt is needed unless you use chicken stock in lieu of water and bouillon to make the soup. If you substitute chicken stock then add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You have the option of mincing a potato to thicken the soup. A potato adds B vitamins and potassium to the soup. The soup is good with or without the potato. I don't go out of my way to avoid eating starch since starches are satisfying and part of a balanced meal. That said, I also don't go crazy but focus on moderation ... portion size. I know, my lovely readers, don't we all wish we could eat with abandon? 

Directions:

1) Toss the pumpkin puree and water into a blender, or food processor (or use a mixer, emersion blender, or potato masher in the pot itself) to incorporate them. Pour into a saucepan with chicken bouillon and bring to a simmer.

2) Add diced onion, celery, thyme, garlic, pepper, red pepper flakes, and/or a potato (if using) and parsley to the pot. 

3) Simmer on medium-low heat until the onion and celery are tender - about 15 - 20 minutes.

4) Whisk in the milk or cream. If you don't mind the calories, the cream is richer and better, but milk is healthier -- so you choose.

5) Bring to a boil again and simmer until thick and creamy.

6) Taste and adjust the spice (sometimes you need a tad more salt or pepper. You can add more cream to make it creamier and if so heat the soup again), then transfer to a bowl and garnish with another sprinkle of dried parsley.

Slice fresh crusty bread to eat with your soup, and feel free to toss bacon bits, croutons, or whatever you like ... toasted seeds and nuts ... on top of your bowl of soup. 

You could make ham and cheddar or turkey and brie sandwiches with a lettuce, tomato, and cucumber vinegarette salad for a weekend meal. Open a bottle of wine. Bon Appetite! 

♬♪♪♫♪♪♬♪♪♫" Any kind of we-a-ther, soup and sandwitch go to-ge-ther."♬♪♪♫♪♪♬♪♪♫