Lauren Niemes

Lauren gave us a list of inexpensive foods that are good for us.  For Lauren's list just click "read more".

Dr. Jay Rissover

Dr. Rissover talked to us about the Chicken Soup Cook-off which is happening next Sunday, January 27th.  It's going on from noon-2 and tickets are just five dollars!  The event will be at the Isaac M. Wise Center in Amberly Village.  The address is 8329 Ridge Road.  Directions are as follows:

FROM THE NORTH:
75-S to Galbraith Rd. exit
Left off exit
Cross Reading Rd.
1 mile up hill to Ridge Rd.
Left at light onto Ridge Rd.
1/4 mile on left
 
FROM THE SOUTH:
75-N to Ronald Reagan (Cross County) Highway-E
Ridge Rd. exit
Right off exit
1/8 mile on right

Curt Hueser

Curt gave us some great ideas on how to personalize your home with drama and style without spending too much money.  Just click "read more" for Curt's tips.  You can buy Curt's book, Your Home, A Living Canvas at Amazon.com.  For more information visit Curt's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/yourhomealivingcanvas.

Kendall Stolz

Kendall had some great beauty bargains for us and you can see her top ten list just by clicking "read more".

Curt's Decorating Tips

MOST INEXPENSIVE AND CREATIVE WAYS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR HOME WITH DRAMA AND STYLE

1)THROUGH COLOR:  “SELECTING THE RIGHT TONE’’ - Everyone knows, the
most easy and affordable way to totally reinvent a space, is simply
head to your local paint store. The most difficult part of this task,
is “choosing” the tone. Most likely however, all one has to do is look
closely around the room for inspiration; the palette from a favorite
work of art or accessory, area rug or fabric, etc.  - often will
trigger a suggestion. Even the most unexpected objects, like an eye
catching book jacket or in my case for my home which is solely featured
in the book - a “multicolored beaded tassel”, can provide the answer to
your color dilemma. It is well worth the investment, to purchase a
“color selecting swatch book” from your favorite paint manufacturer.
Take it home and look at favored color swatches from the book, during
throughout the day, as the natural lighting changes. If still in doubt,
meet with a professional artist or interior designer for a “color
consultation”. This is a small investment, probably in the $75 - $250
range, that could save a lot of time saving you from repainting again
and again.

“UNDERSTANDING POWER OF COLOR” - Color has immense presence in a room.
For example vibrant citrus tones will instantly warm a dark area (like
2nd floor hallway in my  home); richly saturated jewel tones like ruby,
emerald or amber - will add seductive drama and intimacy to a space
(deep ruby toned leather finish in my study). Color on the ceiling can
lower the height in a room for intimacy. Safest sheen ti always use on
walls is “satin”. For woodwork, “semi-gloss”.

“BALANCING COLOR” - One of the easiest ways to balance out color, is
through coordinating fabrics on window treatments and upholstery, area
rugs and accessories. A trick I often use, is I will throw the
unexpected “opposite color” from the dominant tone in the room - as an
accent into the mix. This will calm the vibrancy of the room,
“neutralize it if you will”. Using “black” as an accent, say in picture
frame molding, accessories, fabric, etc. - is also an easy way to pull
a home together.The repetition of a singular accent color throughout a
home - unknowingly creates balance and harmony.

2 DISPLAY PERSONAL MOMENTOS AND COLLECTIONS: Creatively displaying your
favored collections is a great way to add emphasis to a room. As
featured in the book, my collections are varied: Inexpensive gilded
little Italian boxes, bisque artist figurines gather on a shelf, a
beloved assortment of miniature easels, books, bird figurines (Chez.,
white porcelain) in an encased antique secretary, hand made pottery,
crackle glass on a table in front of a window, beautiful old  frames
leaning against a wall, etc. What you choose to collect should reveal
something about who you are, - “not” how much wealth you have
accumulated!!!!!!

I always encourage clients to get out there childhood and professional
accomplishments (ribbons, certificates of recognition, awards and
diplomas, trophies, etc.) and artfully display them prominently on a
bookshelf or wall in the study or office or den. Occasionally glancing
back at your life “feeds the soul” and “warms the spirit” - while
educates and offers kinship tofriends and guests. Be recognized and be
proud of your accomplishments.

3)DON'T FORGET TO ADD “WHIMSY” AND THE UNEXPECTED: Infusing whimsical
details throughout your setting, is  always an easy way to “relax” a
room - for example, calm the formality of a living room with a perched
porcelain bird atop an antique credenza; entertain the eye in a dining
room with an oversized ceiling medallion; add an element of surprise or
exoticness with a small hand painted mural detail (master bath painted
window, the painted mouse perched atop the baseboard in the kitchen).
Stain glass details in my home have bugs and butterflies hidden about
the designs.

4)ADD SPARKLE THROUGH COLORED GLASS: Introducing “Art glass” around the
home is a fun and very inexpensive way to add “energy” and life to a
room. Place it in front of natural light - a window and allow the
natural light to dance off the surface and around the room, or
spotlight it with overhead lighting for a dramatic emphasis. Take
advantage of stained glass if you can afford it, and replace a
prominent window pane in the house with a custom design. Cabinet fronts
can often be removed and refitted with textured glass - then backlit
for added drama. Dress the dining table with a mix of colorful crystal
and vintage china for a memorable occasion (my collection of crackle
glass miniature vases, often is used for mini-boquets for guests). Home
improvement stores are now stocking some beautiful, economically priced
art glass hand blown pendant and chandelier lighting options (like bowl
shaped amber toned hand blown chandelier in my office). Simple way to
infuse  a room with rich accent color.

5)CREATE LIGHTING OPTIONS: Another simple way to add remarkable
interest to a room is through alternative lighting solutions. Use a
variety of lighting options: wall sconces, table lamps, recess lights,
track lighting, chandeliers, pendant lights, over the frame picture
lights, uplight flooring lighting, under cabinetry lighting, cabinetry
accent lighting to emphasize collections, candlelight, etc. Install
dimmer switches always, which enables you to have a room as brilliantly
aglow as needed for task lighting, or as dramatically dim as a special
occasion may merit.

6) ARCHITECTURALLY REDEFINE A ROOM THROUGH THE ADDITION OF INEXPENSIVE
MOLDINGS AND SPECIALTY TRIMS: A room’s character can be dramatically
altered by the addition of stylized trims and moldings. Build up a
passageway for emphasis, adding fluted trim and maybe a decorative
keystone. There are infinite resources available through the internet,
to fit the style of any decor. price range varies, from inexpensive
polyurethane cast materials, to hand carved wood details. Easy to
paint, drybrush color atop raised details for further interest. Crown
molding will formalize a space and direct the eye around a room. Proper
trims and moldings throughout a home, will unify the space and can
totally transform the architectural tone of the structure.

7)TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PROPERTIES OF MIRROR: Such a fun variety of
decorative mirroring options to choose from; peach tinted, blush toned,
Italian veined, bronze toned like I used in the foyer walls with trim
accents. Reflective surface adds depth and dimension to any space.

8)SCOUR ESTATE SALES, COUNTRY AUCTIONS, TAG SALES, CONSIGNMENT SHOPS,
OPEN AIR ANTIQUE AND COLLECTIBLES FAIRS: 90% of the furnishings in my
home come from these types of resources. There is something comforting
about used goods. The natural patina of a vintage piece of furniture
for example, has a
  preciousness about it, that just can’t be duplicated - even by the
best faux finishers. I especially scour early in the morning for unique
accessories - one of my favorite all time finds, was a primitive hand
carved wooden child’s toy . It’s just a simple wiener dog pull toy on
wheels , yet has immense personality and charm.

9)SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS!!!!!!!!!!: I always try to purchase local
original art, especially as reminders of trips and vacations or as a
gift for special occasions. There is immense talent right in your back
yard - through high school and university art shows and exhibits.
Students of art, will give you so much more for your money when
commissioned for a specialty project. Your purchase has far greater
value than monetary however- as the resulting encouragement factor
value will far exceed  the dollar value. The artist soul needs and
grows only through constant support, recognition and appreciation of
their craft. Wonderful vibrant art is readily available, at minimal
expense.

10)BUY SMART: When purchasing upholstered furnishings especially, try
to coordinate fabrics so that the piece can be reinvented in another
space in the house. I tire rather quickly of a my space, so am
constantly rearranging items to refresh the look of a room.

Lauren's inexpensive, but healthy foods 

Healthy Eating On a Budget

Eating healthfully doesn’t need to cost too much. It may seem like you are paying more for healthier foods, but
your really getting a nutrition bargain. Empty calorie foods lack nutrients and can be higher in cost than
healthier choices. Use the chart below to compare nutrient-packed (go) foods with low-nutrient (whoa) foods.

Choose:

12 each (3 ounces)
Sweet Potato Fries
(homemade)
Cost: $.99 per pound
Cost per serving: $0.19
Calories: 90
Fat: 1 gram
Vitamin A: 384 %DV
Vitamin C: 33% DV
12 each (3 ounces)

Instead of:

French Fries, Frozen
Cost: $1.99 (26 oz)
Cost Per Serving: $0.28
Calories: 140
Fat (g): 4 grams
Vitamin A: 0%DV
Vitamin C: 2%DV
½ cup

Choose:

Yogurt, Vanilla Low-fat
Cost per quart: $1.99
Cost per serving: $0.24
Calories: 240
Fat: 2 grams
Calcium: 25%DV
Bonus: Contains healthy
bacteria good for gut.
½ cup

Instead of:

Vanilla Ice Cream
Cost: $3.99 (gallon size)
Cost Per Serving: $0.25
Calories: 200
Fat: 11 grams
Calcium 13%DV
Bonus: None
1 cup

Choose:

Romaine Lettuce
Cost: $1.29 per head
Cost per serving: $0.22
Calories: 10
Vitamin A: 65%DV
Vitamin C: 22%DV
Vitamin K: 71%
1 cup

Instead of:

Iceberg Lettuce
Cost: $0.99 per head
Cost per serving: $0.16
Calories: 5
Vitamin A: 4%DV
Vitamin C: 4% DV
Vitamin K: 17%DV
1 cup

Choose:

Whole Grain Cereal
Cost: $1.50 (15 oz. size)
Cost per serving: $0.11
Calories: 110
Fiber: 3 grams
Bonus: Most cereal is
fortified with iron and other
vitamins & minerals

Instead of:

1 Donut, glazed
Cost: $3.99 per dozen
Cost per serving: $0.33
Calories: 160
Fiber: 0 grams
Bonus: None

Choose:

Water
Cost: Free
Cost per serving: 0
Calories: 0
Bonus: Helps digest
nutrients, good for kidneys,
keeps skin healthy,
maintains blood pressure

Instead of:

Fruit Drink (6.75 oz.)
Cost: $3.55 (10 pack)
Cost per serving: $0.35
Calories: 190
Added Sugar: 25 grams
Bonus: None

Choose:

½ cup Beans, canned
Cost: $. 52 (15 oz. can)
Cost per serving: $0.15
Calories: 110
Fat: 1 gram
Bonus: Good source of
fiber, iron and B vitamins

Instead of:

Hotdog, 1 each
Cost: $1.99 per package
Cost per serving: $0.20
Calories: 240
Fat: 14 grams
High in sodium

© Nutrition Council of Greater Cincinnati • www.nutritioncouncil.org • 513/621-3262 08/06

Stretching Your Food Dollar

Making the most from your food dollar can be a challenge, but with a little planning, a small amount of money
can go a long way. Here are a few tips to help you stretch your food dollar.
At Home…
• Plan your food budget. Keep track of how much it costs each month to feed your family. Be sure to include
everything.
• See what you have on hand. Look in your refrigerator, freezer, and cupboards. This will keep you from
buying foods you already have on hand. Keep plenty of staples on hand for quick meals. Staples include
dry beans, brown rice, pasta, oatmeal, and canned goods like tomatoes, corn, green beans, beans, fruit and
tuna.
• Find out what is on sale. Check the ads to see what is on sale. Stock up on frozen vegetables that maybe on
sale, they make quick and healthy meals.
• Decide what to cook. Look for recipes from cookbooks, magazines and at the library. Be adventurous and
try a new recipe each week.
• Make a list. Make a shopping list based on what you want to serve and what you have already on hand. To
save time at the store, organize the list according to the store's layout. Keep the shopping list handy to add
items as needed.
At the Store…
Grocery stores try to get you to spend more than you plan. Here are some strategies to help you save at the
store.
• Compare costs. There are many ways you can compare costs at the grocery store.
o Check unit price. The unit price is the price per pound, ounce or quart. Look for the unit price
on the shelf below the item. Larger containers may cost more, but are cheaper per unit. This is
your best deal if you have shelf space and money in your food budget.
o Generic vs. Brand. Typically the only difference between generic versus brand is the price.
o Compare prices between different forms of food. For example, if buying green beans, check all
forms including fresh, frozen and canned.
• Watch for hidden persuaders.
o Learn the store layout. Knowing the layout of the store will help you get in and out faster. The
more time you spend in the store, the more money you spend.
o Beware of loss leaders. This is when a store loses money on sale items to get you into the store
to buy higher priced items.
o Convenience items. Ready to eat foods can save you time, but they typically cost more and are
less nutritious than homemade versions.
o Rethink coupons. Coupons can save you money but are usually for brand name items. Even
with a coupon, generic items can still cost less. Remember it all adds up.
• Read food labels. Use the Nutrition Facts label to get the most nutrition for your dollar. Key nutrients to
watch include fat, sugar, sodium and fiber.
Other tips…
• Buy foods in season. Whenever possible, buy foods at a local farmer’s market or what is in season.
• Never shop on an empty stomach.
• Try to shop without your children.

Kendall's Beauty Bargains

1.Olay  Brand moisturizers

2.Covergirl TruBlend Naturally Luminous loose powder ($7)
-6 tones, 2 bronzers, 2 blushes
-made with minerals
-shimmering sands is a great shimmer powder for cheeks and eyes, a finishing touch

3.Sonia Kashuk Brushes @ target

4.Chanel Teint Innocence foundation ($ 45)
-12 shades
-oil free, SPF 10
-reflecting qualities

5.Sephora Brand eyebrow set ($12)
2 shades and wax

6.Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara ($7)
-mark date on tube & replace in 3 months.

7.Physicians Formula’s Bronzers ($13)
-Press powder to loose beads, mosaics, shimmer stripes

8.Maybelline Quad Eyeshadows ($6)

9. Origins Modern Friction ($36)
-dry cleanser, then add water
-light dermabrasion

10. Chanel collection ($85.00)
-4 lip, 4 eyes, 1 blush