Category / 2023

by Kelly Mattei

Traveling Out of the US?

Traveling out of the US?

In less than two weeks, my cousin and I are traveling to Panama City, Panama. We are excited. She has never been to Central America, and while I have visited Central America, I have never been to Panama. If you’re wondering how we picked Panama, I will tell you: it’s not the hot spot of the moment. I am that weird traveler who doesn’t like to go to the latest “hot spots.” Plus, I’ve never seen the Panama Canal, one of the man-made wonders of the world! So soon, we are off to Panama.

In preparation, I have done everything I can think of to prepare for our trip. I checked visa requirements and vaccine requirements/recommendations. And then, there were other things to think about: the water situation, the insect/disease situation, etc. Trust me when I say I have done my homework. If you are planning to travel to another country in Central or South America, it’s a good idea to do your own investigating prior to travel. Check vaccine recommendations here. Also, get some international travel insurance that will help you in case of medical emergency or natural disaster. I use Allianz. See their info here. Oooh…and remember to make sure your passport still has six months of validity beyond your travel dates! It’s not always required, but it is a good rule of thumb.

Aside from that, here’s what I decided to take with me:

-OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Towelettes. Malaria is alive and well in Panama. However, since we are staying in the city and the Canal Zone, we do not need to get Malaria shots. There are other mosquito-borne illnesses to consider: dengue disease and chikungunya. I don’t want either of those, so I will be slathering myself with DEET while we are there. Don’t come at me about using DEET. I’m using DEET. Purchase the four pack of 12 here. Or look at other OFF towelette options here.

-Luggage/handbag locks. It’s always a good idea to have locks on luggage/handbags when traveling. I purchased a set of four small ones that I can attach to a backpack, a handbag, or even luggage. Mostly, I’m concerned about a backpack and about my personal medications in my room. If there isn’t a safe in the room, I will lock my meds in a suitcase. The ones I bought are here. Or see lots of choices here.

–LifeStraw. I am taking some extra Original LifeStraws (shop here), and I’m taking a LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle (purchase here) for each of us. Water is different everywhere, and even though I know the water in Panama City is potable, I’d rather be safe than sorry. Fortunately, we won’t have to be constantly worried about using ice or brushing our teeth, but we can carry our own filtered water with us everywhere we go, thanks to LifeStraw.

-Hand Sanitizer. Both my cousin and I have had COVID several times, and we have both had it fairly recently. Could we get it again? I’m sure we could. However, we will have hand sanitizer with us at all times to limit our exposure to germs. No one wants to get sick on vacation. I bought Purell hand sanitizers that will attach to our handbags/backpacks. Purchase here.

-Permethrin Insect Repellent for clothes. You can’t be too careful in places where mosquitoes are likely to carry disease. Everything I read said to treat clothing with Permethrin insect repellent, so I purchased Sawyer Products Premium from Amazon for just $17.99 here. It lasts on clothes for six months or through six washes, whichever comes first. One 24-oz bottles treats five outfits (shirts/pants/socks), so I got two.

-RFID blocking card wallet. Credit card theft seems to be a problem everywhere these days. People are using RFID scanners in crowds at football games, on public transportation, and more, to steal account information. I ordered a wallet that contains RFID-blocking materials to take with me on my trip, but I will continue to use it even after I return home. There are lots of them offered on Amazon. See them here.

-Anti-theft Backpack Purse for Women. When I’m walking or shopping, I like to be hands-free, but lots of backpacks open on top or on the outside flap, making them easily accessible to passersby. I needed one that opens on the inside flap, the part that’s against my back, making it more difficult for someone to access. I purchased an inexpensive one on Amazon. See it here.

-Power Adaptors. Since Panama has the same power outlets we have in the US, it’s not an issue for us on this trip, but it can be an issue in other countries. Do your homework. Find out if the country you’re traveling to has the same. If not, purchase an adaptor before you travel. You’ll thank me. When I was a flight attendant, I had a coworker who burned off her bangs in Costa Rica.

-Comfortable shoes for walking. For daytime sightseeing, I just need to be comfortable and blister-free. I normally wear my On Cloud 5s, and I love them. In fact, I just got a new pair to take with me. You can get these lightweight sneakers here.

All these products can be found at Amazon, and yes, I earn commissions for any purchases through my links. However, I’m not recommending something I don’t really believe could be useful!

Happy shopping!

–

by Kelly Mattei

Favorite Household Goods from Amazon

Favorite Household Goods from Amazon.

There are some things I just like to have around the house…our “must haves.” Things that make the house smell fresh. Items that add a little something to our everyday lives…things that make a small different that other people might not notice, but I notice. Because I like having these things around the house, I’m going to share with you:

  • Febreze Air Freshener. Back in the 90s, everybody went crazy over Febreze Fabric Refresher, including me, but the air freshener is the bomb! It’s water based, so use it all you want! Personally, I love the Gain scent, because I also love Gain Laundry Detergent. It’s a theme for me. But a six pack of air fresheners for under $15 here. You’re Prime membership gets you free shipping!
  • Velvet Hangers. I have mentioned these before, but they are a must have! They save lots of space in closets, and they’re not slippery, so your clothes actually remain on the hangers and not in the floor. I prefer ivory, beige, or white. Get the 100-pack here for under $60!
  • ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. I love this stuff! A hotel had samples of it in our room a few years ago, and I’ve loved it ever since! With scents of lavender, chamomile, and vetiver, it’s a great calming pillow spray! Buy it here.
  • Stylus Pens. I love a smooth-writing pen, and I have favorites. I purchase the 20-pack from Amazon every few months for just $9.60, because they just walk away with friends and family; everyone who uses these colorful stylus pens at our house loves them. At $9.60, you almost have to buy them. Get them here.
  • 13” Step Stool. At $15.99, this folding stepstool is such a bargain that you’ll need to get at least two…one for upstairs, and one for downstairs! We have them in all our bathroom linen closets, in case we need it or a guest needs it. Get one here.
  • Wrist Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your blood pressure, and the older I get, the more I realize how important it is. This one is about $60 at Amazon, and it’s FDA approved. Follow directions! Get it here.
  • Olly Sleep Gummies. If you have found that melatonin helps you fall asleep and stay asleep, these gummies are great. I love them, and I’m picky about my supplements. *Check with your doctor before taking supplements.* If doc says you’re good, purchase these here.
  • Fly fans. In the south, fall is the perfect time to entertain outdoors, but you’ll still need something to keep the flies away from food. These fly fans are great and easy to operate. At $30 for four, they’re a steal. Get them here.
  • Indoor Watering Can. I love this little watering can for indoors, because I’m less likely to create a mess with it. Priced at $13.99, it’s something you’re likely to use all the time. Get it here
  • Spray Bottles. I use spray bottles at home for all sorts of things…spraying orchids and indoor succulent plants, cleaning spots off furniture, and lots of other stuff. Get a four pack of spray bottles for under $14 here.

I think almost everyone could use all these items! I will share more as they come to mind!

Happy shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

MORE College Cocktail Dresses

MORE College Cocktail Dresses.

If you’re the mom of a college girl, you know the importance of great dresses at low prices. I’m trying to save you some time and lots of money by finding great dresses that the girls are likely to wear at great prices. Here are some more choices:

  • Dore Mini. This red number is great for the parties in fall/winter or even at the holidays, and right now, it’s only $50!!! Yes, you read that right. It’s normally $198 but on deep discount. I just ordered one for my daughter. Get it while they last here.
  • Angel Strapless Midi. This one is a classic pillar-style. It’s awesome at just $72 and is offered in several colors. Click here.
  • Superdown Rockie Mini. This one has a different shape than most one-shoulder minis, and it comes in three colors: green, red, and navy. It’s a fitted style and is priced at $32 for green, or just $68 for red or black. *I have found the girls tend to like the Superdown brand, and it’s usually a bargain. See it here.
  • Katya Mini Sequin. When my daughter wore this to a party last year, I was shocked. It’s not normally her style, but she looked great, and she said she felt great. Normally $198, it’s priced at just $40 in burgundy and $187 in midnight blue. Get it here.
  • BCBGeneration Cocktail. A cute, long-sleeve, champagne-colored dress with tie-detail at the side. At just $63, you can’t afford not to get it. Purchase here.
  • Superdown Rachelle Dress. Another one from Superdown for just $71, this black dress has ruching and a classic style. Purchase here.
  • OW Celine mini. Chocolate Brown? Yes, please! This dress is a great style, but it’s also an unusual color that is flattering on lots of skin tones! Priced at just $89. Get it here.
  • Amanda Uprichard Salma Dress. Finding an Amanda Uprichard dress for $90 is almost unheard of, but that’s how much this awesome one-shoulder black mini is! Get it here.
  • Saffron Mini. Need a little sparkle? This black sequined, long-sleeve mini is perfect! And the price? Just $92 (originally $248). Get it here.
  • Camo Dress. Hint: it’s not camouflage. I don’t know why they call it the camo dress, but it’s cute and stylish! It’s also offered in eight colors, starting with “lime” for $104. Other colors are higher, but still under $150. Get it here.

There are ten more great dresses at awesome prices! Happy shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

College Cocktail Dresses, Part 2

College Cocktail Dresses, Part 2.

Y’all seemed to have liked the first part of this “series,” so I wanted to get the second part out there quickly! More college cocktail dresses! As I mentioned before, I am featuring dresses I have seen college girls wear over the last year, and I’m trying to pick dresses I think they would wear. I’m also trying to keep the price point down, because we all know that, because of social media, our girls only want to wear a cocktail dress once. After they post a picture in a dress, they can’t post another picture in the same dress!

So here we go…more cocktail dresses!

  • Amanda Uprichard Arial Gown. This full-length gown is offered in several colors at different prices, but the blush one is $193…a great price for Amanda Uprichard. Also offered in pink, black, thyme, and fire…all at different prices. Purchase here. The fire version is $251 and can be seen here.
  • Amanda Uprichard Joanne Dress. This one is a winner. Its a style I have seen several times and seems to flatter almost everyone. Priced at $104, it’s a deal. The color is great too. Purchase here.
  • Lovers and Friends Poppy Mini. This one is priced higher at $269 (reg $359), but it’s a dazzling long-sleeve number in navy. Check it out here.
  • Superdown Sophie Draped Long Sleeve Mini. Offered in eight colors with prices starting as low as $32 for the Kelly Green version. See it here.
  • Indah Anjeli Maxi. Priced at $145, this maxi is a lovely fuschia with a deep-V neckline. Purchase here.
  • Superdown Harlow Mini. Definitely a mini, this is offered in red, pink, green, or white, starting at $68 here. Or see it in black here.
  • Song of Style Tucker Mini. This long-sleeve shimmering mini is glorious! My daughter wore it once, and she loved it. Priced at just $107, she’ll look like a million bucks! See it here.
  • Show Me Your Mumu Shimmy Mini. This black sequined dress has one shoulder with one long sleeve, so it’s different. Priced at $134. Purchase here.
  • BCBGeneration One Shoulder Cut Out Dress. Slightly conservative, this one is priced right at $44! See it here.
  • Michael Costello Cecelia Gown. Starting at $149 for the pink version, this dress is also offered in white and black for $177. It’s a gown that’s great for the tall girls out there! See it here.

More to come! Part 3 will be out with more dresses within 24 hours!

by Kelly Mattei

Back Pain? Foot Pain? Leg Pain? OOFOS!

Back pain? Foot pain? Leg pain? OOFOS!

This summer, I learned about chronic pain. When I say I learned about it, I mean I experienced it, and that’s how I learned. I mentioned in The Only Pain I Want in My Life is…Champagne, which you can read here. I wrote that piece when I was less that a month into the excruciating pain of sciatica. At the time, I had no idea how long it would last.

Now it’s September, and while the pain is mostly gone (FINALLY!), I still have intermittent pain. It’s not severe, and it’s not constant, thank God, but I feel it sometimes. And yes, I’m still praying about it every day. I thank God every day that it’s better, and I pray every day asking Him to help me get well. I’ve done everything I can think of to help myself with it. I’ve seen multiple doctors. I’ve walked. I’ve done physical therapy. I’ve stretched. I’ve done new exercises as directed by the physical therapists. I’ve taken steroids. I’ve iced my back and heated it. I’ve used a TENS machine. I’ve used lidocaine patches and creams. I’ve worn sneakers instead of heels or sandals with every outfit since May. Seriously, I’ve done everything I can think to do.

And on my neighbors recommendation, I purchased some OOFOS recovery flip-flops. She said she had suffered from sciatica and plantar fasciitis, and the OOFOS helped, so I got some to wear around the house. Going barefoot hurts my back and feet, and after wearing sneakers at home all the time, I finally tried the OOFOS.

I have thanked my neighbor many times since.

I have thanked her and thanked her. I will be traveling to a sunny destination next week, and I will be especially thankful for my OOFOS there. All I can say is buy them if you experience back, leg, or foot pain. Try them. They might offer you some relief. If you’re hurting badly enough, you’re likely willing to try them. No, they’re not the cute, but they’re awesome. To purchase from the OOFOS store on Amazon and take advantage of Prime benefits, click here. You can see their various lines and choose for yourself. I choose the thong-style, but they also make slides, clogs, and even sneakers.

Hoping you have happy feet (and back and legs) soon!

by Kelly Mattei

Send Your College Student A Surprise

Send your college student a surprise.

When I was in college in the 1980s, my mother sent me surprises on a regular basis. She went to the trouble to find some surprises, package them, and take them to the post office to mail them. It’s a lot easier to surprise our far-away kids these days. With Amazon, I can order something for our daughter and know she will have it pretty quickly. It’s one of my favorite things to do. Sometimes I send useful items, and sometimes I send silly stuff, but no matter what, she knows I’m thinking of her. And sometimes, a well-timed package can give them a little pick-me-up just when they need it! That’s what it’s all about, right?

If you’re considering sending something to your college student, here are some ideas:

  • Cravebox. Cravebox offers different kinds of snack packages. Since so many students live in dorms or fraternity/sorority houses, it’s nice for them to have non-perishable snacks readily available. They offer their standard snack bar care package for $26.99; it contains 40 popular snack items. Purchase it here. For healthier snacks from Cravebox, you can send their healthy snack package (45 count) for $36.95 here. Our daughter loves that one. Or get the variety pack for $28.95 here. There’s also a brand called Collegebox that offers a care package for $28.95. Check it out here. Your college student will be grateful, but they’ll also be able to share with friends!
  • Socks. My mother used to send me silly socks all the time, and I would always laugh when I opened them. Girls and boys like silly socks. See a huge variety at Amazon here.
  • Tshirts and sweatshirts. College students love tshirts and sweatshirts. Why dress up for class when you can be comfortable? Or maybe they just wear them when they’re lounging around? Either way, they love them. You can always give them a tshirt that’s a tribute to Animal House. They won’t get the meaning, but you will! See a “college” tshirt here. Or maybe get your daughter a “favorite daughter” sweatshirt here. You can always send them a sweatshirt representing their college/university. Amazon has a huge selection here.
  • Toiletries. Sometimes, I send our daughter toiletries from Amazon, so she doesn’t have to go out and buy them. Razors for girls here. Hair ties here or here. New charcoal toothbrushes here.
  • Spa/Makeup headbands. My daughter loves these things, and she especially loves the cute ones I sent her as a surprise! Y’all, these from I Dew Care on Amazon are awesome! There’s one that looks like a tiara, plus a white cat, a black cat, and a bear! So cute and useful! See them here.
  • Clear handbag. If your daughter attends a college or university that has spectator sports, chances are they need to have a clear handbag for the stadium. If she doesn’t have one, get an inexpensive one now for football season! Purchase a great option at Amazon here. She will thank you.
  • She’s Birdie Personal Alarm. This is a great gift for any college girl, and receiving it in a surprise package is cool. These small personal alarms attach to a keychain, so they’re easy to carry and easy to access. Keep her safe! See the She’s Birdie store on Amazon here.
  • Board Games. I know it sounds counterproductive, but it’s not. College students need an escape, and board games with friends are a great way to take a break from homework/studying. My friend, Angela, and I played Yahtzee all the time when we lived next door to each other in the sorority house. It was great relaxation for us when we needed a break. It’s also a great way to get to know other people! Invite them to play! See a variety of games on Amazon here.
  • Plastic flask. If your child is old enough to drink, maybe they take their own alcohol in a flask? I love a plastic flask I found on Amazon…plastic, because its not picked up by metal detectors. Lol. Today it’s on sale for $7.99…regularly $10.99. Get it here.

As I find more great ideas, I will post them! Happy shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

Amazon Deals for the Kitchen

Amazon Deals for the kitchen.

My husband loves to purchase small kitchen appliances. I don’t know why, but he does. I suppose I should be grateful, because I never have to do it. And he knows the good small appliances! Here are some good ones that are offered at discounted prices at Amazon right now:

  • KitchenAid Mixer. (see photo below) Everybody knows KitchenAid makes a great mixer, right? Get one for a discounted price at Amazon here. It’s regularly $329. Get it now for about $292.
  • KitchenAid Food Chopper. It’s not a necessity, but it’s an inexpensive luxury. Get the silver one right now from Amazon for $44.99, while other colors are about $55. See it here.
  • Single cup Keurig Coffeemaker. Priced right now at just under $60, this single cup coffeemaker is 25% off! Great for dorms or home. Get it here.
  • Glass Purse Vase. Want to brighten your kitchen with a conversation piece? Fill a lovely purse-shaped vase with colorful flowers for your countertop or tabletop. It’s offered in several colors, and it’s less than $30! Purchase here. ***It is a vase, not a handbag. Picture below is simply for illustration.
  • Cuisinart Toaster Convection Oven. I love Cuisinart toaster ovens, but there are lots of different models. The best thing about them? You don’t have to wait for an oven to heat. The most basic model I see on Amazon is a classic toaster oven for about $99 here. Then, there’s a slightly dressed up model that includes convection (like an air fryer) for $119 here. Need a more “deluxe” model? You can have one that offers all that plus precision temperature setting here. But if you want the big daddy of toaster ovens, the Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, 8-1 Oven with Bake, Grill, Broil & Warm Options for $197, discounted from $229.95 here.
  • Ninja Air Fryer. Great for home, camping, or even dorm…if its allowed. This air fryer gets great reviews, and I have used it myself! Get it for 23% off at $99.99 here.
  • Lifestraw Water Filter Dispenser. I love the Lifestraw brand! I think they make quality products, so you’ll see that I mention them often. This water filter dispenser holds 18 cups of water and cleans it all. It’s the only water filter dispenser that filters out bacteria and parasites in additions to lead, mercury, and microplastics. Get it for home, office, dorm, or camping! Priced at $47.28, it’s a deal! Its normally about $65. Don’t hesitate on this deal! Get it here.
  • White Metal Canister Set. Pebble and Stem makes a great set of four canisters for your countertop in your kitchen…and they’re right on trend! Check them out for 30% off at $34.96 here.

  • Pantry Storage Organizer Bins. I admire people who have organized pantries. Therefore, I am resolving to get mine organized with these clear plastic pantry storage organizer bins. Right now, in a limited time deal, Amazon is offering them at 40% off for $21.24 for SIX bins! Its a great deal. Check it out here.

That’s what I have found recently in kitchen deals. Take advantage of them while you can! I will post more as I see them!

by Kelly Mattei

OK, Moms, It’s Sorority Rush Time

OK, moms, it’s sorority rush time!

Sorority rush (also known as recruitment) is getting underway at big schools all over the south. A couple of places have already finished, but lots are just getting started. I remember it well from last year, when our daughter participated in recruitment. Is it fun for the girls? For the most part, yes. Is it stressful for the girls? Sometimes, yes. But I discovered last year that it might be more stressful for the moms. It’s true.

First, let me say that most big, southern schools employ a method that ensures the greatest number of matches. Therefore, at most big schools in the south, the attrition rate during recruitment is relatively low, and girls dropping out on their own account for a large percentage of the attrition. For example, at one large southern school I’m familiar with, about 92% of the girls finish the process with a bid(invitation to join) from a sorority. Of the other 8%, most are people who dropped out on their own. Some had GPAs that didn’t meet the chapters’ requirements. It’s not like it was back in the 80s or even the 90s…girls aren’t just getting dropped left and right, all willy nilly, and at this particular school, no one gets dropped after Preference round, which is the last night of recruitment. If you make it to Preference, you are guaranteed a bid somewhere.

With that out of the way, let’s talk about how Mom feels during the process. Mom, you might feel stressed. You might feel numb. You might feel out-of-the-loop. You might feel helpless. And all of that is OK. You feel what you feel. It’s hard to be away from your daughter when she is going through something stressful. I was talking with a friend earlier, and we discussed what we would put in a Mom’s rush bag, if there were such a thing. Maybe you’ll want to create one from this list? You can keep it next to your favorite chair:

  • Aromatherapy Shower Steamers. Make your shower/bathroom feel like a spa with scents like lavender, rose, mint, and more! It’s relaxing. See them here.
  • Olly Sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, maybe some melatonin will help. I love Olly Sleep gummies. Check with your doctor before taking supplements. Purchase here.
  • Bath Pillow. A hot bath can be very relaxing, but only if you’re comfortable in your tub. A bath pillow can make a big difference. Get it from Amazon here.
  • Easy read. Throw yourself into a good book. If you want to read an easy-to-read novel about rush, there’s Rush by Lisa Patton at Amazon here.
  • Relaxing Face Mask. Forcing yourself to relax with a face mask is a great thing. I prefer ones containing lavender, but you might like others. Choose one here.
  • Favorite healthy snacks. I think every mom needs to have some healthy snacks handy, but especially when times are stressful. Drop some of your faves in your “mom rush bag.”

Last year, I had several friends whose daughters were participating in recruitment at the same time mine was. We would talk, and often, we had different stories to share. We didn’t tell each other which houses/chapters our daughters were visiting, but we did share anecdotes…like when one of our daughters almost walked out of her dorm and to a sorority houses wearing two different shoes. Another girl sat in gum between parties. We all shared some laughs, but if one mom cried, we all cried. If one mom was being particularly funny, we all laughed. Thank God we had each other to lean on.

The recruitment process is not easy. There’s so much anxiety…daily anxiety. Add in the pure exhaustion that comes from walking from house to house in summer heat. Add in the emotional exhaustion. It’s a lot. Plus, many of the girls are away from home for the first time.

But here’s one thing to remember when talking to your daughter:

Never let her see you sweat.

If your daughter calls you crying, resist the urge to jump into the pool of tears with her. It’s easy to dive right in there, but your daughter needs you to be strong for her. She needs you to be the voice of reason. Personally, at our house, if I can hold myself together, everyone else does too. So remember that if your daughter calls you crying one morning after receiving her invitations for a round, saying she got dropped by her very favorite house. Let her cry for a minute, but remind her that she needs to dry up those tears and put on a happy face for the next house. She needs to be reminded that the chapters that kept her really want her…they kept her for a reason. She needs to keep moving forward, and you might have to encourage her to do it. Tell her to take a deep breath and “pivot.” She’s going to be OK. (And you are too, Mom.) It might seem like her world is collapsing right now, but it’s not. This is just a blip on the radar. Remind her there are great girls in every chapter; it’s true.

There will be some girls who simply decide sorority life is not for them. Or maybe they just hate the process. Or maybe they have had enough. Whatever the reason, it’s OK to drop out of recruitment, but only after giving it a real effort. Don’t drop out on a whim. And if your daughter simply needs to drop out, you need to assure her that she has to make the best decision for herself.

As for maintaining your own sanity, a glass of wine could be your friend! Or some exercise. Or some sunshine. You got this, Mom.


by Kelly Mattei

It’s Almost Football Season!

It’s almost football season!

Its the most wonderful time of the year…football season! Seriously, we count down every year at our house. We love all kinds of football…high school, college, NFL. We have our favorite teams, but we will watch almost any game. I can’t watch really bad football. If both teams in any game are playing miserably, I have to remove myself from the viewing area of the television. However, I love a good, close game, and I love the spirit of competition!

I have lots of good memories tied up in football. No, I never played. I’m 5’2″ on a tall day. Plus, I’m tough, but I’m not that tough. However, I have lots of great memories from throughout my life that are related to football. One of the greatest games I have ever attended was the Alabama-Miami Sugar Bowl for the National Championship at the end of the 1992 season. To me, it was one for the ages. My team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, was the definite underdog to the powerhouse University of Miami Hurricanes. I went to the game in the New Orleans Superdome expecting to lose, but I was pleasantly surprised that, not only did we win, we pulled off a huge upset, winning 34-13.

As football season approaches every year, we start stocking up on apparel. My daughter is in college at Alabama now, so she needs cute gameday dresses and outfits. I like to find my own gameday outfits, but they’re not as important as hers! In addition, our local NFL team, the Carolina Panthers, just recruited a quarterback from Alabama, so she and I both ordered our very own Bryce Young #9 jerseys. It has been a long time since we were really excited about a Panthers team, but we are looking forward to the season this year. We’ll be the ones at games in the Bryce Young jerseys. Ha!

If you’re looking for your own game day apparel, I have ideas for everyone in the family! Check these out:

  • College girls. In the south, our college girls go one of two routes. They either dress up for the games, or they wear football jerseys representing their school. I should mention it’s really hot during most of football season in the south, so comfort is key. Therefore, short dresses without a whole lot of extra sleeve fabric…those are popular. Breezy rompers are popular, as well. There are some great options on Amazon in lots of different colors/patterns. One romper that comes in lots of colors and will be cool on a hot game day can be found here. Need a dress for a hot game? See one here. Another romper that will work great for college girls on a hot day can be seen here…it’s offered in 19 colors! If your team is green (Tulane? Baylor?), see a cute green option for a hot day here. And see a cute white dress in 100% cotton here. Once it’s cooler, you might opt for this great dress here. To see lots of game day inspiration on Amazon, click here.
  • College apparel/fan gear. Need NCAA apparel or fan gear? You can get that at Amazon too by going to the Campus Colors page here. You can find almost anything you need by searching for your favorite team under “shop by college.” If you’re a Bama fan, you can bypass that step and click here. Auburn fans click here. Arkansas Razorbacks? Click here. For more SEC teams, click on the name of the school: Florida, Georgia, LSU,, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Vandy, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas A&M, or Kentucky. For some reason, Mississippi State isn’t featured, so forgive me, my Bulldog friends. Or check out Amazon’s FAN ZONE here to see goods and apparel from lots of different teams and leagues…college and professional. You can even find those obnoxious car flags there!
  • Plastic flask. If you want to take your own alcohol to a tailgate, I have the perfect flask for you. I know none of my readers would sneak their own alcohol into a game to avoid standing in line at a bar or overpaying for alcohol in a stadium, but if you know someone who would (wink, wink), a plastic flask is great, because it won’t set off a metal detector. My personal favorite can be seen here. At only $10, it’s a steal. I also put a LeakLock Toiletry skin over it to ensure it won’t leak. You can get those here.

It’s still hots as blazes in the southeast right now, but football season will be here soon! Be prepared! I can smell the tailgates and bourbon in the air already!

by Kelly Mattei

Freshman Move-In vs Sophomore Move-In

Freshman move-in vs sophomore move-in.

A friend texted me today telling me her daughter hasn’t helped her gather or pack anything for move-in to her college freshman dorm next week. She seemed annoyed about it, but I chuckled to myself. I know what she is going through. I know how she feels. I went through the same thing last year.

Last year, as we were preparing for our daughter to go off to college for her freshman year, I was making lists and shopping for everything she could possibly need in her dorm room. Boxes filled our foyer. I washed and folded new sheets for her that are better than the sheets I have on my own bed. I packed all the medical supplies, cleaning supplies, and toiletries I could possibly think to pack.

I told my friend, “I think that’s normal. She is probably in denial about her upcoming departure. You’re nesting…just like you did when you were expecting a baby. Nesting/staying busy takes your mind off the fact that your child is about to move hundreds of miles away. If you’re busy you won’t think about it, and if she doesn’t pack anything, she doesn’t have to think about leaving her friends behind.” I told her, “Last year, my daughter packed absolutely nothing. She brought down the clothes/shoes/toiletries she wanted to take (after I told her to), but I did all the packing.” In fact, it was such a foreign concept to me at the time that I wrote a piece about college nesting. You can see it here.

This year, her sophomore year, was much different. We moved her into her sorority house last week. Preparations? I did almost nothing. Seriously. I didn’t order anything. She brought down the very expensive sheets she had packed last year, and I washed them, but that was about it. I did order some wardrobe boxes from Amazon (see them here) for her to pack in, but that’s it. I don’t think I did anything else. I guess she learned something from living away from home: how to take care of business. In fact, I went out for a little while the afternoon before we were taking her to school, and when I got home, all her belongings were in the foyer. She had two wardrobe boxes packed with her clothes, and she had everything else in moving bags and Hulken bags. She really made it easy on me this year.

Do I think that’s normal? Yes. Every friend I have spoken with says their sophomore children have handled all the moving logistics on their own. And all my friends told me last year that their kids did nothing.

What did those rising freshmen do with their time leading up to departure? They spent a lot of time with their high school friends. Perfectly normal. I’m no psychologist, but I remember how hard it is to leave friends behind. By the time sophomore move-in rolls around, they know their high school friends can visit anytime, and they are excited to get back to their college friends.

So don’t worry if your freshman isn’t taking care of business on the move-out process. It’s normal. Let them be with their friends. I can almost guarantee they will handle it next year.