Author / Kelly Mattei

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Posts by Kelly Mattei

I grew up in Alabama but have lived in Charlotte, NC, for more than 25 years...longer than I've ever lived any other one place. Growing up, we moved a few times, so when people ask where I’m from, I just say Alabama, even though I have lived in three other states. I have been married for 25 years, and we have one daughter, who has one year of college left. We love being parents, but we also love empty-nesting. We enjoy traveling, star-gazing, walking, and sunshine. I worked in the travel business for 11 years, and I’m always looking for the next place to visit, but interestingly, I don’t like going where everyone else is going. If everyone else is going to Italy or Greece, no thanks. I’d rather go to Latin America or somewhere in the US I haven’t seen before. I’ve never liked doing what everyone else is doing! I have visited 40 states and would love to visit all 50. I also consider myself a “connector.” I like helping people know other people. No, not for money…for fun.
by Kelly Mattei

Great Gift: Lamp/Charger/Speaker All-in-One

EZVALO Bedside Dimmable Lamp with Wireless Charger and Bluetooth Speaker. Y’all this is a great gift for anyone on your list. I have been using one of these for months. I got one for my college-age daughter last Christmas, and I liked it so much that I got one for me too! It’s a great addition to the nightstand, because it provides just enough light when I need a little light to get to the bathroom (I’m 58, after all) in the middle of the night. It has the wireless charger for my phone, and there have been nights I have drifted off to sleep while listening to a soothing audiobook through the speaker. I love it. This is a rare HIGHLY RECOMMEND item for lots of people on your list: moms, college students, high school students, Grandma…virtually anyone. Purchase it for anyone on your list who has a smartphone. It’s offered in Wood Grain or White for under $35 on a Cyber Monday Deal with Amazon. Get it here.

*As an Amazon associate, I receive commission on items purchased through my links.*

by Kelly Mattei

Our Favorite Breakfast Casserole

Our favorite breakfast casserole.

At our house, the holidays mean breakfast casserole. I have made lots of different ones over the years, but this year, I tried a different one from allrecipes.com on Thanksgiving morning. It was good…I daresay it was even great. But then, our daughter said, “Feel free to add more sausage and seasoning the next time you make it.” Consider it done! So today, I woke up and made another version of the casserole. I doubled the sausage (one hot sausage and one regular) and cheese. I added extra garlic powder and even some cayenne. And instead of layering it as the recipe calls for, I just stirred it all together…except for the egg/milk mixture. I poured half of that over when I used the first half of the casserole mixture and poured the rest over the top before adding more cheese. The recipe calls for a deep-sided 8×8 casserole. I used a 2 1/2 qt Corningware dish.

The family declared it to be the best ever!

If your family likes breakfast casserole, there are lots of them out there, but this one was the easiest I’ve tried, by far. You can see the original recipe on allrecipes.com here.

Of course, I didn’t get a pic before my family dug into it, so I’m using a photo from allrecipes.com.

PHOTO by Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

by Kelly Mattei

Great Buys to Make Life Easier

Great buys to make life easier…

***I receive commission for items purchased through my links.***

I just got back from a quick trip to the Bahamas with my husband. We were only there for about five nights, but we welcomed the short break. We go to smaller islands when we go to the Bahamas, and they are wonderfully peaceful. Here are some things that made my life easier on the way there, while we were there, and even now that we are home:

  • Arctic Air. I know y’all have seen this advertised before and dismissed it. It’s a fan/personal air cooler. I even use it at home every night. Here’s something I really loved when I had it with me in the Bahamas. If a storm rolls through, it’s not unusual for the power to go out on the smaller islands. If the power went out, I could attach this to my portable charger (see below), and it would continue to work with that. As soon as I heard the power come back on, I plugged it back into the wall. It’s a little bulky for travel, but I just put it in my big, checked bag, between some clothes to protect it when the bag is jostled around. Purchase for under $40 here.

  • Portable Charger. Everybody needs one, whether you travel or not. If you have a power outage at home, this can keep your electronics (like your phone!) running for quite a while. This one is my favorite because it’s more lightweight than some of the other large portable chargers, and it has a flashlight and has solar-charging capabilities. I haven’t tested the solar charging, but I have used the flashlight, and I have definitely carried it in my carry-on for travel. I highly recommend this one. Purchase for under $26 here.

  • Baboon to the Moon Mini Go Bag. I know I have sung the praises of this bag several times, but I’m not kidding, y’all. This is my favorite travel carry-on. It fits under seats. Its water resistant. Its durable. It can be a backpack or a duffle. It’s cute! Even I think it’s easy to carry; I carry it as a backpack through the airport, and because it doesn’t have wheels, you don’t have to gate-check it when you enter a small aircraft. There’s a small zipper pocket under one of the side handles, so that’s where I keep passports. And it holds a lot more than you think. I get lots of compliments on this bag, and people always ask me about this bag when I’m traveling. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth the money. The Lime Breeze one is on sale right now (at time of writing) for under $130! Purchase here.

  • Passport Holder with Airtag. You think you won’t ever lose your passport, but it happens…trust me. An unnamed family member lost his in the airport in June. After that, I ordered passport holders with Airtags for everyone in the family. I also stuck a giant card inside the passport holder that says “If found, please call IMMEDIATELY” with our phone numbers. These are inexpensive and can give you peace of mind when traveling. They come in a variety of colors. I got blue for my husband, pink for our daughter, and purple for me. Airtags sold separately. Purchase the holder here. And purchase Airtags here.

  • Pill/Medication Organizer. Whether you take prescription or not, it’s a good idea to travel with some medications. Pain relievers, cold meds, digestive aids, and more can help keep your vacation running smoothly. I always have anti-nausea meds, cold meds, ear drops, eye drops, and pain relievers, so it’s easiest for me to carry them in an organizer. I used to throw everything in a clear gallon-sized bag, but travel is much easier with an organizer. I found a great one on Amazon, and I’ve shared it before. You can purchase it here.

I wanted to share those while they are fresh in my mind. Every trip is different, and I might have more to recommend after the next one! Also, the items above make great gifts for travelers, college students, or just about anyone!

by Kelly Mattei

My Favorite Advent Devotional

My favorite Advent devotional.

The holidays can be hectic, but I have found it helps to sit down and focus on the reason for the season. Bestselling author and fine artist Anne Neilson beautifully captures the angels’ essence in this devotional designed especially for Advent. Gorgeous, original art showcases Anne’s timeless angels, which are accompanied by daily devotions, that will guide you into the sacred beauty of the Christmas season.

It makes a great Advent gift for family and friends. I have ordered six of them for my own loved ones (and myself), and they will ship in September. If you’d like to bring peace and focus for the holidays to yourself and others, this is a great gift. The artwork is guaranteed to be beautiful, and the daily devotionals can be a calming moment during a busy season.

Purchase here.

***I receive commission for items purchased through my Amazon links.***

by Kelly Mattei

My Favorite Dupe Shoes

My favorite dupe shoes…

***I receive commission from Amazon on items purchased through my links.***

This summer, I found the cutest designer dupe chunky heel slides, and they are at a great price point on Amazon! I ended up ordering five colors, but they’re offered in seven colors, and I still might go back and purchase those other two colors! Y’all know that when I find something I like, I order it in every color, because it isn’t always easy to find something I like. I have worn them all summer, and I plan to continue to wear them into fall, because they look great and they’re comfortable. The work great with pants and even dresses! I have received compliments on them every time I have worn them. Get yours today. Run, don’t walk, to your computer and order through your Amazon Prime account! Right now, Prices start at $36.98. Yes! Under $40 for some great dupes! Purchase here.

by Kelly Mattei

Favorite Dupe Handbag

My favorite dupe handbag. * I receive commission for items purchased through my Amazon links.*

I have always loved handbags, and I especially love a good dupe. This one is inexpensive and cute, so I love it. It comes in several different colors, and I have four of them. At these prices, if they get messed up, just buy another one! Purchase here. They pair great with some dupe shoes you can purchase here.

by Kelly Mattei

My Favorite Wallet

My favorite wallet.

*As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission on items purchased through my links.*

For the past couple of years, I have been carrying a wallet I purchased on Amazon. I suppose it’s a “dupe” of a designer brand, but I didn’t get it because of that. I got it, because I think it’s cute, and because it has everything I need: RFID protection, folded bills space, ID window space, and plenty of credit card sleeves. I love it, and often, someone will ask me about it, so today, I decided it’s time to share the link. It comes in several colors. I have had the green one, like I said, for a couple of years, but I just ordered myself the red one. I’ve also given these as gifts. Purchase it for under $18 here.

If you’re looking for something smaller, something that simply holds credit cards, my daughter has a smaller version that’s just a credit card holder with RFID protection. Purchase it for under $18 here. (Right now, there’s also a 10% off coupon on you can use on Amazon. Just tick the box before putting the item in your cart.)

At these prices, you can buy one for yourself and buy some for gifts too! They make great gifts for recent high school or college graduates…or just for a friend who would like it!

by Kelly Mattei

Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector Review

Two words: LOVE IT!

I tried the Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector today on my shins and on my arms. Actually, on just one shin, because I wanted to see the difference. I love it! When my 21-yr-old daughter came in this afternoon, I asked her which leg looked better, and she immediately pointed to the one with the Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector!

At 58, I have those little white spot on my legs…the ones where the pigment seems to have magically vanished. It makes for a much less smooth appearance. The leg with the perfector looks much better than the other.

To test it, I applied it before going outside in 98° heat to water my plants. Then I got in the pool. When I got out…the Perfector was still on the leg! Y’all, I love this stuff. The tube I have is 3.5 ounces, but I just ordered the 7-oz tube from Amazon.

Highly recommend! Order it here.

Also, here are pics of my legs…one outdoors and one indoors. You can see the difference. Is it perfect? No, but I only applied a very light coat. Might do more tomorrow. Yes, the leg on the right in each pic is the “perfected” one.

by Kelly Mattei

Tonight: A Review of Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector

You’ve seen the ads for Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector, the waterproof makeup for legs/body. Well, I’m trying it today and will report back tonight…with a full review! Stay tuned!

by Kelly Mattei

My Favorite Everyday Jewelry

My favorite everyday jewelry. *As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission on items purchased through my links.*

I’m giving away some real secrets today!

This past weekend, I met a few friends from college for a weekend full of laughs, memories, drinks, food, and new memories! It’s always fun to get together with people I have known most of my life. I’m very fortunate to have maintained friendships with people I met in college 40 years ago. Did I mention we laugh a lot when we get together?!? Well, we do.

When I travel, whether I’m meeting friends for lunch or traveling, I like to keep the jewelry simple. That doesn’t mean I don’t wear pieces I love. I just like to have some things that will work with anything I wear, so I don’t have to take as much. Also, I find those same pieces are my “fall back” pieces when I’m in a hurry to get somewhere in Charlotte or when I can’t make a decision.

The best thing about them? They’re inexpensive! If I leave them behind somewhere, it’s no disaster. I also get lots of compliments on them. For those reasons and lots more, I highly recommend these pieces:

  • Earrings. Trendy CZ Gold Hoop Earrings for Women. These earrings come in lots of colors, but my favorites for traveling are the multicolor ones, simply for ease. They match everything. They’re not too big but not too small, and I receive countless compliments on them. Best of all? They are only $13.99! I have several pairs of the multicolor ones, and I also have them in pink, green, and blue. ***Also great earrings for sorority rush if you’re still wondering what to take/send/wear!***Purchase here.

  • Necklace. Again, a piece I receive countless compliments on, and again, inexpensive…only $7.99! It’s big enough to be noticed, but not big enough to be the only thing people see. Purchase here.

  • Bangle Bracelets. A trio of bangle bracelets for about $20. Sure, they’re costume jewelry, but they fill a need and dress up an ensemble! Get them here.

There you have it. Some of my best-kept secrets…divulged. Purchase while supplies last!