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Have you ever had a certain shoe style in mind, but after a day of shopping came home empty handed? Shopping for new shoes without finding what you're looking for is frustrating, right?  Well as it turns out, there are online shoe companies who are set up to let you design your own shoes.  Craft your perfect shoes part by part.  You pick the material, color, toe, heel and embellishments. You end up with shoes that are uniquely yours ... well almost. I can see a bride going this route for bridesmaids who are different heights, or have different tastes. You can create shoes with elements that are uniform yet individual, so that each member of your wedding party can wear their shoes after your wedding; or you may have a special occasion and need a very specific style and color of shoe that you can't find in stores. So to own it, you will have to design it yourself. Prices range from $150 to about $300, depending on the details you choose. It isn't dirt cheap, but still affor...

Photo: The Unpaid Marketer THE SAVVY SHOPPER needs to break a bad habit. Starting right now! Look at past posts. Most of the time, I use two spaces after a period to separate sentences. That was correct at one time, but with the arrival of computers and more fonts than we know what to do with, it no longer is. And to tell you the truth, I've been struggling with the question for a while. This morning I decided to check several sources for correctness. All say one space only. If you'd like an explanation, go here . It takes repetition to replace an old habit with a new one. But starting today, I'm on it! Want to play a game? Going forward, let's see how many times I slip-up. You may also enjoy: The Story Of English, A Review Guilty Pleasure Songs Happy 4th Birthday To THE SAVVY SHOPPER Blogging Woes: A Bad Thing Can Lead To A Good Thing

Photo by Plantlife Natural Body Care It's still green week ... and the beginning of Spring!  So let's talk a bit more about botanicals. An essential oil is a concentrated liquid containing aromatic compounds from a plant.  It is often extracted by steam distillation.  Different parts of the plants, the flowers, bark or leaves are used in the different oils.  Steam heats the plant, breaking it down into components.  The oil is separated from the water and filtered to produce an essential oil.   It takes many pounds of plant matter to get one pound of any given essential oil.  An essential oil may not be cheap, but a little goes a long way.  You only need a few drops at a time.  A 2-ounce bottle will last a few years and not lose its potency. Essential oils have several uses.  They are used in aromatheraphy (in massage or baths) to promote natural healing and well being.  Their molecules are tiny, so they are easily absorbed into the ...

Photo by Dermstore Vegan products are popular with consumers who are concerned about staying healthy, animal curelty and protecting the environment.  Made with pure, wholesome ingredients that are not tested on animals, they are very often organic, as well as, biodegradable and come in minimal, recyclable packaging, according to veganpresence.com .  Being more mindful of the products we buy is a good thing.  Finding products that are good for the planet and the people who live on it is common sense, right? To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, THE SAVVY SHOPPER is highlighting three vegan, all-in-one products.  As more shoppers lean towards vegan and eco-friendly goods, the production for them will go up, making them cheaper to buy.  Another way to lessen your carbon footprint is to look for products that do double, or even quintuple duty.  The following are beauty products with several benefits that  yours truly is eager to try: 1. Pur Minerals 4-in-1 ...

William Bounds Nutmeg Mill, Chrome My mom and aunt (her sister), add nutmeg to nearly every dish they prepare, including meats, vegetables, soups and desserts.  They have all the cooks in the family believing that nutmeg makes nearly every food taste better; and like medicine, nutmeg is very good for us.  We simply must sprinkle some into whatever we whip up.  Well ... I have been brainwashed, and mostly I comply! Recently, I received a gift I did not even know I wanted -- a nutmeg mill .  Had I read the product reviews, I would have been reluctant to buy it.  Some of the reviewers are unhappy with it, but mine is fantastic.  It's easy to hold and turn and seems to have the right amount of tension.   The rotary blades are stainless steel.   They grind a fair amount of nutmeg quickly, and the shavings are not exactly a powder, but a fine texture.  My trick is the turn the handle in both directions to keep the shavings coming. I love my new h...

Plastic food containers have a way of disappearing or wearing out.  So I needed a new set. Although I would rather have glass, plastic is far more practical.  It takes up less room in a cupboard and won't break when dropped.  That's why I selected this rubbermaid set. Walmart is offering a super deal.  2 sets: 56 pieces for $20.  Here is what you get: Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids 24-Piece Plus 4 Food Storage Set  x 2 = (16)  ½ -cup containers with lids (8) 1  ¼ -cup containers with lids (8) 2-cup containers with lids (8) 3-cup containers with lids (8) 5-cup containers with lids (8) 7-cup containers with lids Microwave, freezer and dishwsher safe, the containers are sturdy and cleverly designed.  Despite being BPA-free, I never microwave food in plastic.  But here's a useful feature, the lids snap to each other and also to the bottom of the containers, so you are less likely to lose them. Another fantastic deal is, you can order merchandis...

Photo by Anita Martinz/Flickr Spring is here again, and not a moment too soon.  Some mornings there's a chill in the air, but now the days are bright, sunny and getting longer.  Garden flowers are in full bloom, and it's time to think about a transitional wardrobe.  Here are Five Spring Essentials to add to your closet: 1. A  City/Resort Ruffle Shaw from April Marin - Versitle and easy to take on trips to wear with dresses, trousers and skirts.  Occasionally, they go on sale for under $30. 2. Scarves from Old Navy - Keep chills away while making your outfits pop.  They are lightweight, inexpensive and shield you from a strong wind. $10-$15. 3. Big Shirts from LL Bean - They fall low at the hip, are made of plush corduroy; are a relaxed fit; and are great to layer.  Wear with dark leggings and skinny jeans to look polished.  Under $40 on promotion days. 4. T-shirts from Landsend - Made of durable, soft 100% cotton.   They are colorfu...