Here We Are...with Luci

8 Shopping Tips To Save You More Than Money

The next two weeks are the busiest "in person" shopping weeks of the year. Converging upon the brick and mortar stores are last minute shoppers, bargain hunters, and the days-after-Xmas-buying-for-me spenders.

The hustle and bustle both before and after the holidays brings out many a shopping reveler. Sadly, it also brings out the bad guys scanning the happy crowds for a quick score with your credit card, wallet, purse, or person. While no one wants to be a Grinch, a little precaution goes a long way in protecting yourself from potential problems.

Use these easy safety tips to keep you safe this holiday season and beyond.

1. Carry your purse close to your body and zipped closed at all times. Keep it tucked under your arm or across the front of your body. Do not use a backpack style bag in a busy shopping environment. Keeping a bag zipped shut seems an obvious precaution; however, look around and you will see women with their bags wide open. I saw an unzipped purse on the floor in Lord & Taylor today and the owner was browsing two racks away!

2. Before leaving home, remove information you do NOT need from your purse or wallet, e.g., Social Security Card, check register with full check book, credit cards you won't be using on this trip. 

3. Distribute frequently used items...Put your tissues, lip balm, and mints in a pocket so you won't have to open and close your purse for these items when needed.

4. When at the register: Do not put your wallet on the counter, instead keep it in your hand. When the transaction is done, immediately return your cash or credit card and zip it away. Do not slip your credit card into your back pocket because you are "just going over to the other department." Pickpockets select their victims after watching and assessing the level of ease or difficulty of a theft. Make it hard for them.

5. Thumbs Up: When you use a credit card, keep a large portion of the number covered with your thumb. This prevents prying eyes, and cameras, from getting your name and credit card number without physically stealing it.

Also, if you aren't the one "swiping" the card (no pun intended) to make the purchase, be sure to check that you get your own card back if more than one transaction at a register is taking place. Often, store clerks who share a work space put the cards on top of the register while they are preparing the purchases; it is an easy mistake to swap the cards when returning them to the customers.

6. Bags, Bags, Bags: Add up the number of bags you are carrying. With a quick count you know you have all of your purchases + your purse (counts as 1 bag). This is especially handy if you "check" your bags with a store concierge or coat check (never check your purse).

Do not put the purchase receipts into the shopping bags, keep them separate. If you lose one, you may need proof you bought it; but, if the receipt is gone with the bag, you are out of luck.

7. Parking Lot Hints: Always try to leave a mall with a group if you are shopping alone. If you met up with a friend, walk to the nearest car and drive to the other one.

If you have a lot of packages, do not put them into the trunk and return to the mall or shopping area. Take the time to move the car or come back another day. It's easy to pop a trunk lock for someone who is in that line of work.

Some shopping destinations offer valet parking. This may be convenient, but be sure to check the car when the valet brings it to you. The cars are often left unlocked in the valet lot allowing easy entry to the car cabin and trunk. Even though there may be a guy in the valet lot watching the cars, better to be safe than sorry.

8. Be Aware: If something or someone seems "off" to you, trust your gut, it is never wrong. Take the necessary steps to ensure your safety.

It pains me to write an article on staying safe while you shop this holiday season, but it is the reality of the world we live in today. Don't be scared, be SMART! If you are Cyber shopping this season, check out HWA's Ten Terrific Tips for safe shopping on the web.

May you and yours be safe today and every day! Got a safety tip? A "do or don't" to share that can help another woman? Tell us about it.

The Rice Cooker: A Better Way To Cook Brown Rice, Couscous, and Oatmeal In Less Time

Anyone else out there ever throw away a pot because the brown rice stuck to it like cement? cooked oatmeal until it was a mushy mess? dried the color right out of the couscous? I have found the answer and it's a Rice Cooker. Simple to use, quick results, fast clean up! What else could one ask from this must have kitchen gadget? What about the cost, you ask? There is a make and model to fit every budget.

A rice cooker makes eating healthy easier since brown rice and other grains are a snap to cook. At least that is what I kept reading in magazines. Since I was avoiding recipes that called for long grain or brown rice, I decide to give one a try. After some research, I bought the Cuisinart 4-Cup Rice Cooker because it is mid-priced and mid-sized. Note: some are much larger than others, so think about your portion needs and storage capacity before purchasing. 

Most are sold with a "special rice measuring" cup that you use to measure out the dried grains. You then use a regular household measuring cup to add the correct amount of water. Each one comes with grain/water measuring instructions that should be followed for maximum results. Simply add the grains, then the water, cover, turn on, and while you are preparing other parts of the meal, the rice cooker is doing the work for you. Poof, in no time you have fluffy rice ready to plate!

6 Handy Tips To Cooking Great Grains:

1. Add Fat: What? If you thought I said this was healthier, it is; but most instructions call for some fat to be added. I have tried cooking rice, oatmeal, and couscous without it and the cooker seems to overflow. Adding a pat of butter to oatmeal or a teaspoon of olive oil to rice or couscous helps resolve this issue.

Aqua Globes: A Wet 'N Dry Review

A Here We Are Product Review

If you have been wondering about this seemingly helpful household item, then read between the tea leaves of this review to see if a set of Aqua Globes is in your future. Whether you are digging into your wallet to spend $9.99 for two or $14.99 for four, consider that more is not always better.

After months of testing this touted time-saver of all things green around your home, I have come to the conclusion that, while they are helpful, they are not essential.

For Indoor Use

When using an Aqua Globe in a plant that requires a lot of water, you still have to water that plant on a regular basis. The trickle of water released is not enough to provide the moisture content necessary for many a thirsty plant, like an elephant's ear houseplant. Also, you will end up refilling the Aqua Globe numerous times. Instead, it is much easier, and faster, to simply water this type of plant on a regular schedule with a watering can.

The filling process takes patience and a steady hand. The spout opening is small, so be prepared to stand at the sink as a light stream of water finds its way into the Aqua Globe opening. After the first use, when refilling, you may need a chopstick to loosen dirt that is clogging the opening. SAFETY TIP: Use a dish towel to hold the globe part when filling to avoid dropping it because the glass is slippery when wet.

I can't give this product a thumbs down. They do perform better for household plants that don't require a lot of water, like snake plants. Depending on your particular household humidity, you will find the water dissipates more evenly and lasts longer between refills. NOTE: To properly place the Aqua Globes, plants must be in a container that is at least eight inches deep; otherwise, you run the risk of the top-heavy glass globe falling out of the planter breaking and spilling water. 

USAGE TIP: Before the first use, water your plant thoroughly, then add the Aqua Globe. This technique will extend the time until the next refill.

For Outdoor Use

I hate to be a stick in the mud...but let's just say water your outdoor plants regularly by hand. The Aqua Globes are less effective outdoors, and the sun makes the glass hot to the touch. Plus, outdoor plants require much more water than the Aqua Globes can provide. Using them outdoors will not make your gardening chores any easier because of the need for continuous refilling.

NOTE: In my outdoor experiment, I thoroughly watered and then added one Aqua Globe to a sixteen inch limestone container filled with geraniums, impatiens, and ivy. While the blue glass sparkled in the sun, it was hot and empty every morning during the summer. I still had to water the container the old fashioned way.

The Root Of The Matter

If you are one who completely forgets to water your indoor plants, then this product might be of use to you. For the gardeners, green thumbs, and leaf-talkers, save your money and buy another plant to add to your collection.

Have you tried this product or one like it? Tell us your experience, we want to hear from you!

Blue Moon Candles Glow Green and Bright

The "think green" movement is upon us. Everywhere you turn new ways, products, and solutions are sprouting up to make your life greener. At Here We Are, we are always looking for options to follow this path with an eye toward ease, practicality, and applicability. Based on this criteria, Here We Are is excited to introduce our collaboration with Blue Moon Candles to our readers. {Editorial Note: Neither Here We Are, LUCIMAC Productions, nor its staff have a financial stake in this collaboration. The only benefit is to bring our busy readers a product to make their lives better, brighter, and easier, all with the added bonus of a discount!}

There are a plethora of candle options on the market, but do you know what you are buying and then burning in your home? Burning candles may not always be the greenest indulgence, but with a special line-up of Glow Greener candles offered by Blue Moon Candles, you can indulge knowing you've made a more natural choice when you light these "intensely fragrant" beauties.

Let's shine a light on the Here We Are Special Blue Moon Candles:

- 3 flavors scented with Essential Oils (I say "flavors" because they smell so good you will want to eat them - but don't, just light and enjoy the heavenly scent and aromatherapeutic properties!) An unscented option is also available.

• Mint & Thyme = Alertness, Mental Clarity, Stress Relief
• Bergamot & Grapefruit = Relieves Anxiety and Stress; Uplifting
• Sweet Orange & Ginger = Energizing, Warming, Comforting

- Available in your choice of size and shape (see picture):

• 14 oz. square Recycled Glass container made of all natural Organic Apricot Wax, using a 100% Unbleached Organic Cotton Wick
• 14 oz. square Drop-in Refill made of natural Palm Wax, using a 100% Unbleached Organic Cotton Wick
• 3 x 6 inch Pillar made of all natural Organic Soy Wax, using a 100% Organic Hemp Wick

- The glass container candles and refill each have 2 wicks for an even burn. A smart feature that really works!

- Every candle is hand-poured per order. As part of the Here We Are collaboration, your candles will also include Aventurine stones added to each candle (while supplies last). We chose this stone for its power to bring good fortune; a little help in this current economic climate is a good thing!

At the bottom of each candle, you will find the three stones. After the candle burns away, put the green polished stones into your purse or left pocket to enhance your good luck. The number of stones follows the Feng Shui belief that the number three means "abundance and success," while representing the triads of "sun, moon, stars" and "water, fire, wind."

- Every candle arrives decorated with a ribbon, beautifully packaged in a labeled black gift box with tissue paper, both made from recycled material. Each order includes a "how to" sheet of handy tips to maximize usage.

- No paraffin

- No phthalate laced fragrance oils

- No lead or metals of any kind in the wicks

- Little to no soot residue

- No colorants; any color is from the wax and essential oils

- No additives to enhance burning time

Unlike store bought candles, at Blue Moon, this woman owned business provides excellent customer service. Lisa Kasper, the owner, is passionate about her products and your satisfaction. Due to her daughter's sensitivities, Lisa is committed to developing and offering better alternatives for her own family and those of her customers.

Blue Moon Candles was established serendipitously! In an unfulfilled search to find black gardenia candles, Lisa stumbled upon a candle shop run by beekeepers who offered to teach her candle-making. This experience combined with Lisa's love of candles fueled by fond memories of her grandmother's house, her favorite color, and an attraction to moonlight launched Blue Moon Candles. Lisa can create Organic wax candles in any scent, color and style that her customers choose. The personal touch, customer service, and easy special orders make Blue Moon a company that shines brightly now and many moons from now.

As part of this collaboration, Lisa has worked hard to offer Here We Are readers a special discount for these select candles. The following Here We Are pricing includes tax, plus Lisa is offering a super-saver flat-rate shipping fee of $7.00/order:

• Scented: Pillar/Container Candle = $12.95 ea. (Regular Retail Price = $15.95)
• Scented: Drop-in Candle = $9.95 ea. (Regular Retail Price = $13.00)
• Unscented: Pillar/Container/Drop-in = $9.95 ea.  (Regular Retail Price = $13.00)

To receive the EXCLUSIVE Here We Are discount, you must use this link to Blue Moon Candles and add the code "HWA" in the "discount box" at checkout. This offer expires on May 31, 2009, so think about Mother's Day and other upcoming holidays. Also, if you have a party, shower, or wedding where you will need table gifts or just want to treat yourself, use the available discount + super-saver shipping rate to save money, glow greener, and burn clean.

Recently, I mentioned the collaboration with Blue Moon Candles in my audio updates. It is exciting to finally introduce you to such a lovely product line as natural as you will find anywhere. Next time you light a candle, be sure to surround yourself with the luxurious, affordable, and naturally intense aroma and light of a Blue Moon Candle.

Dry Green With Blue Balls

Have you seen these prickly blue balls at the store? For months I walked by them without picking up a package. A few months ago, after seeing an ad touting their energy savings benefit, I asked the shop clerk, "Ray, do you have those blue balls?" It was out of my mouth before I realized how it sounded as a red-faced Ray choked out, "Aisle 1." Sticky situation aside, it is turning out to be a well spent $8.99. While dryer balls may not seem very exciting, it is satisfying to know that I am saving energy, time, and maybe my health.

The only steps necessary are getting them out of the plastic, a bit of a chore, and throwing them into your dryer. During a drying cycle, the dryer balls bounce around to lift and separate the laundry. This action allows the heated air to flow more evenly throughout the laundry. This saves energy and time. Since I began my non-scientific experiment, the drying time in my gas dryer has decreased when drying a full (but not overstuffed) load of towels.

Bonus: You can hear them bouncing around, it is muffled and unobtrusive, but the sound works like a reminder to check the laundry before the buzzer goes off. I have been surprised a number of times to find the laundry already dry halfway through the set drying time. Plus: Towels appear "fluffier."

One of the claims made about this type of product (there are several brands on the market making balls in different colors) is that it aids in eliminating static electricity. This is important because you may be able to stop using dryer sheets. After reading several articles on the potential problems related to dryer sheets, I am glad to report that the dryer balls do seem to do the trick in this department. If you don't know what some of the issues are regarding dryer sheets, then check out this article by Dr. Alan Greene.

No matter what color your dryer balls may be, they will stay green in your dryer!

I’m Really Not Tired…A Bedtime Solution for Tired Parents and Shoppers Alike

Tired of standing in the children’s section of a bookstore or surfing websites swamped by so many choices? As you look around, colorful covers of cute characters look back at you. Which one to pick? Maybe Emma or John already has it? Hmmm…perhaps a hat and gloves set will do fine instead. Wait weary shopper! I have the book that will not only make you happy, but the child, and the parents, too. How is that for a win-win-win situation? Read on my friend…

I’m Really Not Tired hit the market about a month ago; good odds it won’t be a duplicate gift. It is an entertaining, clever, and well-written story of a boy’s curiosity about what goes on after he is put to bed. Lori Sunshine (yes, that is her real name), a mother of two and an award-winning writer, does an excellent job of interpreting the child’s imagination. The lively illustrations in this picture book, by Jeffrey Ebbeler, support the story in a humorous, straightforward manner.

The story opens as the little boy, Sam, together with his bear, Petey, climb into bed for the night. After lights out, his imagination runs wild as he attempts to uncover what he is missing.

    “We miss all the fun, Pete. It’s really not fair,”
    Sam said as they slid on their seats down a stair.

    “Could our basement be filled with a thousand toy trains?
    Does our bathroom have fish swimming up all the drains?”

Besides being a great holiday gift idea, the back-story intrigued me. The book came about because the author took lemons and made lemonade. Motivated to address a common issue, Lori expanded her career into a new area. When asked what inspired her, she told me, "When my son was little, he NEVER slept! He was sure we were having fun without him. So the book was written in a sleep-deprived haze! I thought it would be a creative way to point out how silly he was being. And have a little fun writing it! Plus, I figured we weren't the only parents with this problem. Other parents might get a kick out of the story, too!"

Indeed they will, Lori, as their children take a bedtime journey without having to get out from under the covers!

Cyber Monday...Ten Terrific Tips for Savings, Safety and Successful Shopping This Season

Here we go again, rushing around trying to please everyone while we burn up lots of energy and money on things we don't need or we could buy for ourselves. Each year, I ask my family, "What is the point of this?" The response, accompanied by the "evil eye" and a tight lip is, "But it's the holidays, let's just buy a little something." End of story...there will be no more discussion on this topic, now pass the cranberry sauce. Bah Humbug, my present plea is ignored once again in 2008.

I am no Scrooge, I do realize it is fun for the kids, and there is always that special something that you have to buy for that special someone. My only salvation is that I can do it all from my computer. So, as I fulfill the list of future gifts that fit the must shop so I don't show up empty handed category, I share with you these tips I have learned from seasons past. 

1. Make a list, check it twice, and stick to it. This will save you money while it saves your sanity. Knowing for whom and what you are shopping will keep you on budget. Bonus: less time spent surfing the web for ideas.

2. Try to use one credit card that has an online account for all of your online shopping. You can check it throughout the month to track your spending, while keeping an eye out for any purchases that might be fraudulent.

3. If you get an email touting a great offer, don't click through to shop. Instead, go to the store website directly. If you don't see the offer, call or email the company/store and ask. There are scammers that send out emails that look exactly like the legitimate websites, but they only collect your credit card information.  All you will receive is a big headache. This extra step is worth avoiding any potential problems.

4. When you first arrive at a website, check out the "special offers." Write down the codes for percentage discounts or free shipping. Having these codes handy makes checking out faster and easier.

5. If you are using American Express to shop online and are enrolled in the Membership Rewards Program, definitely visit their Bonus Points Mall. Dozens of companies participate in the Membership Rewards program and when you shop through the Mall, you can accumulate double and sometimes, triple points for the same purchases you would be making without using this offer. If you are spending money, you might as well benefit from being a loyal customer.

6. Have a specific store in mind? Take a peak at Coupon Cabin. You will find offer codes for all sorts of savings at various stores. In the past, I have successfully used Coupon Cabin's offer codes for free shipping, percentage discounts, and free samples.

7. If one-stop shopping is your goal, don't forget about Amazon. More than likely, you can get everything on your list there. It is easy to set up an account, returns are a cinch, and most orders over $25- qualify for free shipping. Bonus: Coupon Cabin has additional savings offers for Amazon.com merchandise. Double Bonus: Stop by the Bargain Books basement (there really isn't a basement, heck, there really isn't even an actual "store," but somehow I think it should be called this) for incredible savings. Go ahead, treat yourself!

8. Do you need a gift that isn't too personal and can't bring yourself to mail the usual chocolate truffles? Pop on over to Dale and Thomas Popcorn. Everyone loves this stuff. There are lots of different flavors, all of which are tasty (I confess, I have tried them all), and the company does a great job of presentation. Once you order from them you will go back for more, I promise or my name isn't Orville Redenbacher...hey...wait a minute! Bonus: join the PopClub and get points for savings on future orders.

9. Start a folder of the printed confirmation emails. Write directly on the printout, note what the gift is and for whom you bought it. This will help later on when packages start arriving with several items in a box; and if a return is necessary or the item doesn't arrive, you will know who is missing a gift so you can replace it right away.

10. Visit Here We Are...again soon. We will be reviewing several potential "gift" items that are budget friendly, useful, and easy to order online for this season or next. Do you have a tip to share with our readers about cyber shopping? Please tell us about it in our comments section...thank you.

Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths...The Best Way to Get Your Shine On For The Holidays

Are you pulling out flatware, platters or candlesticks for your holiday entertaining only to find them tarnished and dull?  The last thing anyone wants to do is polish silver before cleaning the house, shopping, throwing a party, or cooking a multi-course dinner.  Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths gives you back your shine without using up too much time.

Last year as the holidays approached, I found myself staring at the many bottles and jars of silver polish offered at a local housewares store.  Each one promised to make your flatware shine and sparkle but when I tested the scent using the sneak-a-sniff-in-the-store test, my head started spinning.  It was bad enough that I had to polish sixty-plus pieces of my mother's wedding set but the chemical stench was enough to knock me out.  So, on my way I went with an empty hand basket. I must confess that even though I wanted to use the flatware, I was secretly relieved to avoid dealing with the timing consuming chore of polishing silver.

This spring, I saw an ad in the New York Times Magazine from the Cape Cod Polish Company.  The testimonial, by a woman who looks like my Aunt Connie sold me, it touted, "...a civilized way to polish my silver."  Since the flatware was tarnishing with each passing day it went unused, I ordered a can. (You can order them directly through the website, or through other vendors, including Amazon.com.) To my surprise, the polishing cloths work and the bonus is that they smell like vanilla...really!

There are twelve cloths in a set and I only used two to do the entire job, so they are very effective. The tin comes complete with plastic gloves and a buffing cloth.  Depending on the amount of tarnish, the product works fast.  You see the results as soon as you use the buffing cloth to remove the polish.  I washed all the pieces afterward and buffed them again with a clean cotton dishcloth to a beautiful shine.

Cape Cod Polishing Cloths and a little elbow grease makes a winning combination to save you time, energy, and a headache.  So enjoy entertaining this holiday season knowing you found an easier, faster, and more pleasant way to get your shine on!

“WOOD FOR GOOD” Is Good For Wood: A Better Way To Clean Green

I did not plan to do a product review for my first official entry on Here We Are.  But as we all know, sometimes we get a nice surprise that we want to share and this is one of those times.

Recently, I bought a new kitchen table with a beautiful dark wood top.  On the day it was delivered, I decided to clean it with my usual wood cleaner to make it even shinier.  Well…I tried to fix something that wasn’t broken and surprise, I took off most of the finish leaving the tabletop dull and uneven!  So, since the summertime, I have tried several of the more recognizable commercial products in hopes of restoring the shine and evenness to the wood.  None of those products did much of anything except stink up my kitchen, give me a headache, and leave a lot of waxy and/or oily residue behind…until this past weekend.

I am happy to report my discovery of Method's wood cleaner, WOOD FOR GOOD. While it did not completely even out the finish, it did help to make it more uniform and left behind a beautiful shine without any residue.  The smell is called “Almond” and while it is very pleasant, I am not sure I would necessarily have identified it as such.  The real bonus is the natural and identifiable ingredient list, and from what I can tell, it’s phthalate free.

When I stumbled upon the wood cleaner at the store, on the shelf next to it sat a box containing a reusable microfiber cleaning cloth.  I am always suspicious when a company recommends buying an additional item to  enhance or help boost the results of the main product, but in this case, I agree.  The cleansing cloth made for a better result than when I tested the wood surface cleaner using just a paper towel.  You can definitely use a paper towel, but the loops in the microfiber seem to distribute the product better and it is environmentally friendly because you can wash it and reuse it over and over.  After rinsing it in the sink, I threw it into the wash, then the dryer; it came out a little lighter in color but worked just fine.

It is no wonder they named it WOOD FOR GOOD! This product does its job, is gentle on the environment, smells great and costs less than $10 for both the cleanser and the microfiber cloth combined…Not only is it good for wood, it is definitely a better way to clean and be green.