Category / airport

by Kelly Mattei

My Favorite Amazon Purchases of 2025 to Make Your Holiday Shopping Easier

My favorite Amazon purchases of 2025 to make your holiday shopping easier…

  • Solar Power Bank. I have purchased a lot of power banks over the years, but this one is my favorite of all time for several reasons. You can charge it with solar power (sunlight) or at an electrical outlet. It’s fast-charging, and the charge lasts a long time. It has built-in charging cords for different devices. It also has a wireless charging platform, so you can charge your phone without a cord. I also love that it’s not as heavy as lots of power banks. Added bonus? It’s inexpensive! It makes a great gift for lots of people, including teenagers and college students who might need extra power on their devices. Priced right now (at time of writing) at just $29.59 on Amazon, you can purchase it here.

  • Dyson AirWrap i.d. Multistyler. Dyson AirWrap systems have been popular for a long time, and there’s a reason…they are great products. It’s a gift lots of people would love to receive. I have seen people get more excited about this than anything else. They’re expensive, no doubt, but right now, this one is on sale at Amazon. Regular priced at $649, it’s now priced (at time of writing) at $499! That’s a $150 savings! Get them while they last here.

  • SUNNOW 12 Ounce Multicolor Crystal Wine Glass,for Home Dinning, Bar and Party,Set of 6 I got these for my college daughter, because she is always having friends over. With this multi-colored set, its easy for each person to remember which glass is theirs! And because they are inexpensive, it one gets broken, no one panics! They make a great gift, and these are a popular item on Amazon. I get “fast-selling item” alerts, and this was one of them. Purchase for $32.99 while supplies last here.

  • SHOWKOO Luggage Sets Expandable PC+ABS Durable Suitcase Double Wheels TSA Lock I purchased a set of this luggage for myself and one for our daughter. They are inexpensive but more rugged than I expected, and if you get a cool color, you can spot it easily on an airport carousel! Purchase for someone on your Christmas list here.

  • Trendy 14K Gold Plated Hoop Earrings for Women, Chunky Gold/Silver Earrings for Women Cubic Zirconia Baguette Hoop Earrings Heart Hoops Lightweight Hypoallergenic Jewelry,25mm/35mm/40mm/50mm. I have purchased these inexpensive earrings six times over the past year. They are my favorite grab-n-go earrings for running errands or meeting friends for lunch. I get compliments on them every single time I wear them. You can purchase them in multi-color, single-color, gold, or silver. When I say these earrings are one of my favorite Amazon purchases ever, I mean it. Most colors are $13.99, but some are as low as $13.59, and some colors are $14.99. They’d make a great stocking stuffer for every girl/woman on your list! Get them here.

  • Damero Pill Bottle Organizer Bag, Travel Medicine Bag Organizer, Medicine Organizer and Storage for Pills, Vitamin, Fish Oil, Medical Supplements for Women and Men. Another favorite purchase! I used to just keep my meds in a ziploc bag, but earlier this year, I decided to be more organized, and what a difference! I used this bag when I’m home and take it with me when I travel. It has slots for medicine bottles and pocket for other things like a pill-cutter or anything else. I literally use it every day. It comes in dusty rose or black. It’s great for college students too…for items like Tylenol, ibuprofen, cold medicine, allergy meds, etc. In fact, it could be a great gift for someone you know who is going to college soon…fill it with all those items and wrap it up for a Christmas gift! Purchase from Amazon here.

  • Girafit 3MP 2K Window Camera,2.4GHz&5GHz WiFi Indoor Cameras for Home Security 2 Pack with ChroMax Al Color Night Vision,Person & Motion Detection,24/7 Recording,Easy&Quick Install. I purchased these for our daughter’s college apartment. I had sent her a Ring doorbell, but because of the design of her apartment, installation was complicated. Since their front door has a window, this was super easy to install. The picture quality on it is amazing! She and her roommates thought they had an intruder one night, so the police came, and later, when she showed me the video of the officers arriving, I could read their names on the tiny nameplates on their uniforms. Highly recommend! Purchase here.

  • Protected By Home Security System Signs for Yard – 10″ x 28″ Police Dispatch Connected Warning Sign with Ground Stake, Alarm Signs for Home Security Rust Free 40 mil Reflective Aluminum Composite – UV Protected. I also purchased these for our daughter’s apartment. Her apartment is part of a house, so she put these in the front yard. Purchase here.

  • Makeup Eraser 7-Day Set. If you have never used Makeup Eraser, its time you did! It’s amazing how quickly these remove makeup with just water! My daughter have been using them for a long time and love them. they make a great stocking-stuffer or a great gift! Purchase here.

  • Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi, Matte Black I’m just a regular coffee drinker, but our daughter loves specialty coffees, so we got her this Nespresso Espresso Maker, and she loves it. Someone on your list will love it too! At just under $125, it’s not cheap, but she said it’s worth it! Purchase here.

  • Women’s Sandals Peep Toe Slides. I’ve told y’all about these before…my favorite dupe sandals! I have them in four colors. No, I’m not wearing them in freezing temps, but they’re great in spring and summer…and on tropical vacations! Someone on your list will love these! They’re awesome! I found them to be true-to-size. Purchase here.

  • Favorite Dupe Handbag. Since we are talking about my favorite dupes, let’s look at my fave dupe handbag I purchased from Amazon this year. In fact, I purchased it in three different colors. Is it a perfect dupe? No, but it’s cute! And it’s 1% of the real thing. I have some nicer bags, but I do not like to travel with them, so these are great for that. Purchase here.

  • OCTOBUDDY Classic – Silicone Suction Phone Case Adhesive Mount – Hands-Free, Strong Grip Holder for Selfies and Videos – iPhone and Android Compatible. My daughter loves this phone case adhesive mount. It’s not the case; its something to mount on the case so the phone will stick with suction to surfaces…window, tables, shower walls, etc. It’s available in lots of colors. Just trust me on this…it’s a great gift for teenagers and college students. At just $14.99, it’s a great stocking stuffer. Purchase here.

  • JBL Vibe Beam – True Wireless JBL Deep Bass Sound Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.2, Water & Dust Resistant, Hands-free call with VoiceAware, Up to 32 hours of battery life Y’all, I’m prone to losing things, so I don’t want to pay a lot of money for wireless earbuds. I just can’t make myself do it. I found these from JBL, and I love them. They’re more comfortable than others to me, and they produce great sound. Starting at just $29.95 right now, they are a steal! This makes a great gift! Get them here.

  • SPOTMINDERS Apple MFi Certified Wallet Tracker Y’all…this is a game-changer. I always used other tracking devices for my luggage/handbags, etc, but they didn’t track in real time. Spotminders are rechargeable and track in real time! I have purchased them for the whole fam! Just link them to your phone’s tracking app. It will make a great gift or stocking stuffer for anyone who has a wallet, handbag, passport, luggage, or anything else they don’t want to lose! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! You can charge them on a wireless charger, and the charge lasts five months! Purchase here.

  • Stitchy. Who knew this tiny gun-shaped item would be such a life-saver? I didn’t know I needed it until someone gave me one, and now I use it all the time…almost daily! I use it to stitch collars with one click, so they will stand. I use it to reinforce buttons. I use it to ruche items. In a fix, I’ve even used it to secure the hem of some pants! At our white elephant Christmas party last year, this was the single hottest item! Purchase it for everyone on your list! Purchase here.

  • Tales Conversation Cards. We have one two different sets of these, and as corny as it sounds, we use them all the time! We use them when our little family is gathered around the table or when friends come over for cocktails. Each card has a question or directive. “Who here is most likely to live off the grid?” (No one named me, for sure.) “What’s something you think everyone should experience at least once.” https://amzn.to/4pUeP6xThere’s a family version, a teen version, and more! Get them. We find them great fun! Purchase here.

  • JBL Flip Portable Speaker. Y’all, I love this little speaker with big sound! I use it by the pool in the summer, in hotel rooms, in the kitchen…or anywhere else I want good sound. With Bluetooth capabilities, it plays straight from my phone. This is a great gift for just about anyone on your list, and it comes in a variety of colors. Purchase here.

  • Matcha Set. Our daughter came home for the summer and wanted to make Matcha at home, so we got her the kit to do it. She made Matcha all summer, and she has been making it all fall in her apartment. If you have someone on your list who loves Matcha, this could be a great gift. Purchase here.

  • Arctic Air Personal Air Conditioner. Y’all, I sleep with this thing pointed at my face every night. Sometimes, I put water in it, and sometimes, I don’t. It also has a light that you can set to one of many colors. I set mine on red, because it seems to give off the least light but just enough for me to make it to the bathroom safely. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! When I say I highly recommend this, I mean it…it’s one of my favorite things ever. Purchase for under $30 here.

  • OtterBox Rugged Tracker 4 Pack for Apple AirTag I got this for our keys…just pop an AirTag in it, and anytime you can’t find your keys, this will help you find them! Purchase here. And if you need AirTags for it, get the four pack here.

  • Ladies’ Wallet with RFID protection. I love this wallet. It makes it easy to find my credit cards when I need them. My ID is in a window pocket. It’s everything I need in a wallet, and it’s cute too! It comes in several colors, so you can get a different color for each person on your list. Plus, it’s priced right at $16.99. Purchase here.

  • 12 Pack Extra Heavy Duty Large Moving Bags with Strong Zipper & Comfortable Handles I purchased these when we were moving our daughter back to college last summer, but now I’m using some of them for storage at home! I love them! And they’re super-sturdy. I’m not sure they’d be a great gift, but maybe they would for the future college student? Purchase here.

  • Little Jesus. Lots of us could use a little Jesus. These pocket Jesus figurines could be fun stocking stuffers or fun to hide around the house. I hid them in our house, and my husband laughed every time he encountered one. Now we have a few strategically placed in cabinets or drawers to remind us that Jesus loves us. Purchase here.

  • A Super Comfy, Cozy Recliner. Y’all are going to think I’m crazy. Yes, I ordered a recliner from Amazon. I had a couple of surgeries earlier this year, and when I found out I needed a second one, I knew I needed a recliner to sleep in when I got home, but I only had a couple of days. I went on Amazon and found this gem. It was delivered two days later, and my husband took it up to the guest room, where I would recover from my surgery. Easy assembly…just slide the backrest into the back of the seat. It rocks, swivels, and reclinesl, and it has storage compartments built in. This has now become my favorite place to be! I call it my “drug chair,” because it just totally relaxes me! I think everyone needs one! If you know someone who could use a super comfortable, cozy recliner, this could be the perfect holiday gift for them. It’s available in gray and cream. I got the cream colored one. Did I mention I love it?!?! One of my best purchases ever, even though it’s not perfectly suited to our decor. Purchase here.

  • Acrylic Clutch Purse for Women Evening Bag This was something my daughter needed for all the cocktail parties in college. She got it in gold, but it’s offered in lots of colors, and it has held up very well for her. Could be a great gift for the college girl or anyone who might need an evening bag. Purchase here.

  • Bedside Lamp with Wireless Speaker and Phone Charger. This lamp/speaker/charger combo is also portable! I keep it on my nightstand and use it every night to charge my phone. I love it and think everyone needs one. Purchase here.

  • Vibration Plate. I know lots of people who swear by vibration plates to stimulate muscles and improve bone density. I don’t claim to be a doctor, but I have friends who swear they feel healthier after regularly using a vibration plate. If you’d like to try it, you can get one at Amazon for $99, and if you like it, purchase a more high-end one later. You can get a bestseller at Amazon here.

Happy Shopping!

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

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

Amazon Prime Days Deals on Beats Studio Pro with Apple Care+ (2 Years) Headphones

Amazon Prime Days Deals on Beats Studio Pro with Apple Care+ (2 Years) Headphones

Get them while they last! This deal is 50% off the Beats Studio Pro Headphones, and two years of Apple Care+ is included! Regularly $378.99, you can get these now for $188.95 in various colors! Have a college student in the family? Have a teenager? Frequent traveler? These Beats Studio Pro with Apple Care+ Headphones are a steal! Purchase them now here.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GREAT DEAL NOW WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

*We receive commissions on items purchased through our links.*

by Kelly Mattei

Good People Are Easy to Find

Good people are easy to find.

Last Thursday morning, I met my friend, Angela, in the Charlotte airport and boarded a plane to Los Angeles. It was the first time the two of us have taken a real trip together, just the two of us, I think. We have taken vacations with our daughters, and we have even taken vacations with my husband, but as far as I can remember, we had never taken a real vacation without anyone else. We have been friends for almost 40 years, so we were overdue. Before we went, we knew we were likely to have a lot of fun laughing, drinking, talking, relaxing, and more, but we had no idea what was ahead of us. We were pleasantly surprised!

It all started when I boarded the American Airlines flight to LAX. I got to my seat and lifted my carry-on bag into the overhead bin. Immediately, a gentleman in the row in front of me asked, “Would you like to trade seats?” I didn’t want to be rude, but I plan my travel ahead of time and pick my seats carefully. I booked the aisle seat on row 2, because I like to be near the front of the plane, but I do not like to sit at the bulkhead. I like to be able to put my handbag underneath the seat in front of me. When you sit at the bulkhead, you have to put all carry-ons, including your handbag into the overhead bin, and I don’t like to do that. Some people might think it’s ridiculous that I feel that way, but I like having my migraine meds, my reading materials, and my earbuds readily available. Therefore, I told the gentleman, “No, thank you, I don’t like sitting at the bulkhead. Sorry.” At about that time, my seatmate arrived, and he was that gentleman’s business partner. The first gentleman in row 1 turned to the woman in the seat next to him and asked if she would switch with my seatmate. She agreed and came back to sit by me.

Before we took off, I told her, “Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you need to get up during the flight. It’s not likely I will fall asleep, but please just let me know, and I can let you out of the row at any time.” I also told her I always get an aisle seat, because I end up going to the bathroom several times, so I understand needing to get up. We exchanged pleasantries. Soon after takeoff, we engaged in conversation. Her story is not mine to tell, but I can tell you this: she is one of the loveliest, most interesting people I have ever met! I can tell you most people would love to meet her, and she has an incredible life story. In fact, you can read her story in her own words, because she has written a book about her different life experiences. Her name is Dr. Niedre Heckman, and the book is called The World Where I Belong: My Quest for Identity As a Black Woman in White Skin. You can purchase it on Amazon (I started reading it last night) here. Like I said, I will not tell her story, but as an introduction, I will tell you she is an African-American woman who is about my age, and she was born with the condition called albinism. I will not pretend to know everything about the condition, but the most obvious characteristic is the lack of pigmentation in one’s skin/hair/eyes. Those of us who don’t have the condition can only imagine what it’s like to grow up with it, but Dr. Niedre Heckman is sharing some insight into her own life and experience. I highly recommend the book, based simply on the fact that I found her to be fascinating. She is most kind and wants good things for other people. We can all learn something from her. Highly recommend her book! That good person (#1) was easy to find!

It was an incredible start to the weekend! When we arrived at baggage claim in LAX, I introduced my longtime friend (40+ years!), Angela, to Dr. Heckman, and she walked away with the same impression. It was foreshadowing, I believe, for the rest of the weekend. Our meeting set the tone for a weekend with great people.

The next day, we opted for a late lunch in our hotel’s largest restaurant. We had a great table for people watching, one of my favorite hobbies. I was not disappointed that day. We were lingering over cocktails after lunch when a couple came in and sat at a table nearby. I noticed they were taking pictures, so I motioned to the gentleman that I would be happy to take pictures for them. He misunderstood my poor attempt at sign language and came over to our table, asking, “Do y’all want me to take your picture?” I said, “No, thank you! We were offering to take yours, but did you just say ‘y’all’?” He said, “I did! I’m from Alabama!” We said, “We are too!” (I was born in Florida but grew up in Alabama before moving to Charlotte 25 years ago.) After some discussion, we figured out this charming southern gentleman grew up with someone I know in Charlotte! We had a great time chatting with him and his friend…day made! Oh, we also got a glimpse of a few celebrities, one of whom even impressed my college-age daughter! Angela and I were most impressed by the lovely people we spent time with on that beautiful, sunny afternoon. What a great “small world moment”! And another good person (#2) who was easy to find!

The next afternoon, we had a lunch reservation at one of my very favorite restaurants ever. We were welcomed warmly by the manager, whom I had met on a previous visit. He has a positive, uplifting spirit and a genuine warmth about him, so I was thrilled to see him again. I introduced him to Angela, and we enjoyed talking with him. The food was fantastic (as always), and the whole experience could not have been better. Why? Because the staff at the restaurant was attentive; they were friendly and made us feel special! Woot! Good person (#3)…easy to find.

From there, we went to a scheduled shopping session at a store on Rodeo Drive. I love shopping with a particular gentleman who works there, because I have known him for years. I first met him probably 10 years ago when he was working at another store in the area. After COVID, I lost track of him, as he moved back to his hometown. However, last June, I walked into this particular store with my daughter and a friend, but without an appointment. The doorman called for an associate to meet us at the door, and out walked my old friend from the other store! I had found him! We agreed it was a God moment…I cried. Now, every time I’m in town, I shop with him, and I’m thrilled to know he is doing very well. My visits with him (and sometimes my purchases) always put a smile on my face. Good person (#4), easy to find.

But wait! There’s more! Saturday night, Angela and I had a reservation at another of my favorite restaurants, but we weren’t terribly hungry. We were also feeling a little lazy. For a brief moment, we considered canceling our dinner reservation, but finally decided to rally and go. We arrived at the restaurant right on time, and the hostess said, “Ohhh! I have the perfect table for you!” She whisked us off to a table that was, indeed, the perfect table. We could see the whole room! There was a fun birthday group at the table next to us. There was excitement in the air! Our server approached our table almost immediately. When I looked up at her, she asked, “Do I know you from somewhere?” I looked at her, puzzled, and replied, “Maybe here?” She said, “Maybe Bel Air?:” I recognized her then, but it was one of those rare moments I didn’t recall the name…”What is your name?” She replied, “Francesca.” Y’all. I met her when I dined at a restaurant in Bel Air five years ago! She was my server, and the next time I went, a year later, I requested her. This time, she recognized me first. I’m usually the one who remembers all the names and faces, so I was absolutely flattered that she remembered me! She literally said to me, “I have thought of you many times and wondered if I would ever see you again! When I saw you walk in, I recognized you immediately!” I was so happy to reconnect with her, and now, I will request her every time I go to this particular restaurant. Good person (#5) easy to find.

Sunday night, we had dinner with a friend we have known for several years. We have always known he’s a good person. We stumbled upon a friendship with him years ago.

Just goes to show you…good people are easy to find…if you just keep your eyes and ears open. It was a great vacation with a great friends and lots of new friends.

by Kelly Mattei

All This Drone Talk…

All this drone talk reminds me of the 1970s, when we were obsessed with UFOs, or spaceships/flying saucers. Maybe everyone wasn’t obsessed with them, but it sure seemed like it when I was a little girl. I was terrified I might actually see one, and then, there was a high school bonfire.

I went to the TR Miller High School bonfire in Brewton, Alabama, with my neighbor friend, Allyson, and her family. I’m not sure what year it was, but it was probably the fall of 1974, which means I was seven years old. Allyson had an older brother who played on the football team, and I was lucky she invited me to the bonfire with her. Her mom drove us there in her two-tone, gray and black Buick (it was the first car I ever rode in that had electric windows!), and we were having a great time, when suddenly, as I remember it, things got a little crazy. I don’t know if a helicopter flew over, or if someone just pretended they saw a flying saucer, but it seemed people were screaming, “UFO! UFO!” To me, it seemed like everyone started running. My memory could be skewed. I was just seven years old, after all, and honestly, someone might have just played a trick on us. When things got crazy, Allyson and I ran to her mother’s car and dove into the back seat. It seems her brother eventually came to the car and rode shotgun, and Allyson and I talked about UFOs all the way home. I feel sure I went inside telling my family about the UFO at the bonfire and how we had heard someone say UFOs liked bonfires. I was seven. Someone did say that, and of course, I believed it, because why wouldn’t some Martians want to hang out at a high school bonfire in Brewton, Alabama? There are a lot of nice people in Brewton, and back then, there was Bracken’s Big R Restaurant, where you could get a great burger or some fried chicken. It would have been worth the trip for some Martians, for sure.

I’m not saying these drones aren’t real. I believe drones could be flying over us, and I have no idea who would be piloting them. I know that, a couple of years ago, a drone flew over my backyard while I was out there at night. It wasn’t one of these big drones they’re talking about now. It was a small drone someone probably got for Christmas. It was likely just someone from another house in the neighborhood, but it gave me the heebie geebies that someone was watching me in my own backyard. I went inside promptly.

I read today on the Next Door app that people in Charlotte are saying they are seeing the big, SUV-sized drones. Some have even posted some pretty impressive, believable videos. Maybe there are massive drones hovering overhead suburban South Charlotte? I guess anything is possible. We do, however, live in a city with a pretty busy airport, so there are lots of planes landing and taking off all the time. Just last night, I was driving down the winding Elm Lane and saw a bright light overhead. Once I got to the traffic light, I looked at my FlightAware app and saw it was just a plane coming in from Pittsburgh. In fact, I spend a lot of time outdoors on the patio at night, checking out the stars, the satellites, and yes, the airplanes, and so far, I haven’t seen a drone as big as an SUV. One night, however, I did freak out a little when there was something with blinking lights flying overhead making a whirring sound. Even our Doberman was freaked out! Finally, after standing there watching for a minute or two, I realized it was a blimp. It was difficult to identify in the dark until it was directly overhead.

Right now, I’m still waiting to see a drone as big as an SUV hovering overhead. I’m not sure I want to see one, but if one appears, I’m sure I will react much like Allyson and I did in 1974. I will run for my life!

by Kelly Mattei

Christmas Gifts for Dad

Christmas gifts for dad.

It’s not easy to find Christmas gifts for Dad. Don’t dads tend to get whatever they need when they need it? Therefore, we have to work a little harder for Dad gifts. Here are a few we found:

  • Hey Dude Shoes. Dads love their Hey Dudes! Even young people love their Hey Dudes! I know guys who swear these are the most comfortable, easy-to-wear shoes they have ever owned…guys who go to college with my daughter, so they’re cool…not just Dad-cool. These are popular shoes for a reason. Right now, Hey Dude has some great deals on Amazon for Early Black Friday! Take advantage of the deals now:
    • Sunapee Mesh Sport, starting at $27.46 here.
    • Mens Wally Stretch Poly, starting at $45 here.
    • Mens Wally Sport Mesh, starting at $38.47 here.
    • Mens Wally Amazon Exclusive, starting at $38.99 here.
    • Mens Wally Sport Sneaker, starting at $41.43 here.

  • JBL Earbuds. I have mentioned these in other lists. There are all kinds of JBL wireless earbuds. I prefer the JBL Vibe Bud (Amazon deal here) or JBL Vibe Beam (Amazon deal here), but Dad might prefer the JBL Soundgear Sense, a true open-ear wireless headphone. Lucky you, they’re on sale for an Early Black Friday Deal (33% off!) here.

  • Smokeless Firepit. We have a smokeless firepit, and we love it. We use the Duraflame log in ours, for ease of use, and it provides plenty of warmth and light when we have cocktails on the patio. A 19″ Surestove smokeless firepit is on sale right now through Amazon for 41% off! That means the price is just $94.99 (normally $159.99) at writing, which is almost unheard of. Get it before it’s gone here. And while you’re at it, get him a bunch of Duraflame logs to burn in it here.

  • Amazon Fire TV. I purchased an Amazon Fire TV, because we can take it outside if we want, or we can use it in any room of the house. As long as it connects to WiFi, we can watch it. We have watched countless football games, Netflix shows, and Apple+ series. We treat it as a “portable” TV, because it’s lightweight, but with a 32″ screen, it has a clear picture. Our daughter has one in her bedroom at college and loves it too. Dad might enjoy having his own “portable” TV. Best of all? The price right now, as an Early Black Friday Deal, is $99.99! Get it here.

  • Night Vision Goggles. Men love outdoor toys. They can use these 4K goggles when they go hunting, or they can just use them when they hear something in the yard at night! What a fun gift! Get this Early Black Friday Deal here.

  • Comfier Hot Towel Warmer. Wow. I think my husband would love this. Who wouldn’t love grabbing a warm towel as you step out of the shower?!? Sign me up! Get this special Early Black Friday deal at 42% off for $114.99 here.

  • Bird Feeder with Camera. My dad would have loved this. The older he got, the more he enjoyed watching the wildlife. He could have watched the birds from indoors or anywhere with this bird feeder with camera! Instead of costing $199.99, it’s on sale now for $129.99! It’s the perfect time to purchase! Get it here.

  • Ugg Men’s Tasman Slipper. A perennial favorite, these slippers are awesome and well-made by Ugg. You can’t go wrong with Ugg slippers. Get them here.

  • Samsonite Expandable 20-inch Carry-on. Think Dad needs a new carry-on bag? This Samsonite gets great reviews and is perfect for dad. Get this Early Black Friday Deal here.

  • Tumi Oxblood Men’s Search Backpack. Tumi makes quality products. I have a Tumi crossbody bag I purchased eight years ago that I carry almost daily, and it still looks and functions great. My husband desperately needs a new carry-on backpack for his laptop and a few other items, and I think this one from Tumi will be perfect for him. It’s 25% off at time of writing. It’s pricey, but it’s built to last. Check it out here.

Happy Shopping for Dad!

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

by Kelly Mattei

I’ve Had the Flu

I’ve had the flu.

Seriously. I haven’t had the flu since third grade, and at 56, I contract the flu. What a way to start 2024!

I went on vacation last week with a friend. We visited to Mexico City. I had visited several times in the 80s and 90s, and I was overdue for a visit. I was so excited about the trip. In fact, I was so excited about it that two weeks prior to traveling, I realized I had not gotten my flu vaccine this year, so I made an appointment and took care of that. I didn’t want to catch the flu on the way there and ruin our trip.

The trip was fantastic! We did everything we could possibly do in Mexico City over the course of a few days…and we ate everything in sight! I’m going to tell you that Mexico City is a foodie’s wonderland, and if you haven’t been, I highly recommend it! Everything went smoothly while we were there, and even the return trip was uneventful. The flight was full, and the airport was crowded, but other than that…piece of cake.

Or so I thought…

I had no idea until about 48 hours later that I had contracted Influenza A somewhere along the line. Was it from one of the flight attendants? Was it the person standing next to me in line for boarding? Maybe it was the bartender in the Admirals Club? Or the guy talking to me in the customs line? Whoever it was…someone gave me the gift that keeps on giving…the flu.

I’m over the worst of it now, but I have to tell you that the worst of it wasn’t terrible. No, it wasn’t fun. The coughing! The sniffles! The fever! Oh, the fever was the worst part…or maybe the cough…or the lack of appetite…but at least I didn’t have the body aches everyone complains about. There were no body aches at any time…no muscle aches…no joint pain. But it was definitely Influenza A. I know, because instead of dragging myself to the doctor, I ordered a test on Amazon. I suspected it was flu and not COVID. I’ve had COVID a couple of times, and neither of those times bothered me at all. The test arrived the morning after I ordered it, and I followed the directions to the letter. It’s a test that checks for COVID, Influenza A, and Influenza B. Crazy, right? A few minutes after I completed all the steps, the test “told” me I had Influenza A. If you’d like to keep one on hand for the rest of flu season or for next year, you can order it from Amazon here. At $49.99, it’s not cheap, but at least it confirmed what I had, and I didn’t have to drag my sick self to the doctor’s office! I’m sure some of you are thinking, “But you could get Tamiflu from the doctor!” I wouldn’t take it anyway. My stomach was sensitive enough. I didn’t need to risk feeling sick from the Tamiflu too. And as it turns out, my illness was pretty mild and short-lived, so did I really need Tamiflu? I think the fact that I had gotten my flu vaccine saved me from a worse case!

Well, the vaccine helped, plus the fact that my husband took great care of me while I was under the weather. He brought me coffee, cough drops, medicine, smoothies, soup; I have to give him credit.

So what’s the moral of this story? Get your flu vaccine. It’s not too late to get it this year. Reports of flu in North Carolina are on the rise right now, and they might not peak until February or March. While the vaccine might not keep you from catching it, it might lessen the severity of it. I feel pretty sure I had a mild case because I had the vaccine.

Oh, and wash your hands…often.

by Kelly Mattei

Moms Make Things Happen

Moms make things happen.

I just read an article in Inc. Magazine about how United Airlines lost a teenager’s luggage containing $2000 of lacrosse gear and how her mom took matters into her own hands to get it back. Because her daughter had put an Apple Air Tag tracking device in her bag, Mom could see the bag was at baggage claim in Chicago, even though the airline said it had never left Baltimore. Tired of waiting for the airline to solve the problem, she cashed in some frequent flyer miles to fly from her home in Denver to Chicago, where the bag was sitting in unclaimed baggage area, retrieved the bag, and took the bag home with her. You go, girl! You can read the article here.

I have to tell you: I wasn’t surprised one bit to read that a mother who didn’t trust the airline to get the bag back to her daughter was the one who solved the problem in her own way. Moms make things happen. No, not every mom could or would go to extremes to help their kids, but lots of us would. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean helping them in ways that will hurt them. I don’t mean doing their homework. I don’t mean posting on the college parents’ page asking for tutors for their college student or trying to help them find friends. I don’t mean rescuing them from every bad situation. Kids need to learn to handle things on their own. However, sometimes a teen is not equipped to handle something.

And that’s where Mom comes in.

I truly believe being a mom is the single most important job in the world. Sure, we need a president. We need doctors. We need coaches and teachers, but Mom? A good mom is multi-talented and has knowledge about lots of things. A good mom nurtures, acting as a nurse. A good mom listens, acting as a counselor. A good mom encourages, acting as a coach. A good mom teaches, acting as a teacher. A good mom protects, acting as a security officer. A good mom guides, acting as a captain. A good mom instills morals/beliefs, acting as a spiritual leader. A good mom nourishes, acting as a chef. A good mom puts in the time. A good mom does it all. A good mom makes things happen.

One thing I know for sure: my daughter knows I always have her back. I always have her best interest at heart…just like my mom did before I lost her six years ago. She knows I will hop on a plane to help her. She also knows I will not live her life for her. I wouldn’t dream of calling or emailing a college professor. I won’t try to find friends for her or tutors. She has learned her own problem-solving skills by doing things herself…and by observing over the years.

But would I catch a flight to pick up her bag filled with lacrosse gear that had been abandoned by an airline in an airport? You bet your sweet bippy!

So am I surprised the mom in Denver flew to Chicago to fetch her daughter’s bag? Not one bit.

There are, however, some lessons to be learned here. First, when you fly, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR CHECKED BAG IS TAGGED FOR YOUR FINAL DESTINATION…look at the check bag tag and make sure it has “Los Angeles/LAX” (or your destination) on it before releasing it to an agent. Second lesson? Purchase some Apple Air Tags or Tile Pros to stick in your checked bags, so you know where they are! You won’t be surprised to know that, after reading about the girl’s luggage issues, I’m purchasing some Apple Air Tags and some Tile Pros for our family for Christmas. Purchase Tile Pros here. Purchase Apple Air Tags here. They make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!

***As an Amazon associate, I receive commissions on items purchased through the links I provide.

by Kelly Mattei

Holiday Gifts for College Students 2023

Holiday Gifts for College Students 2023.

We have a college student in our family, and she’s pretty easy to buy for at holiday season, mostly because she sends me a list of what she wants/needs. If you have a college student on your Christmas list, you can likely make him/her happy with some of the gifts listed below:

  • Jewelry Stand. College students need items to help keep those tiny rooms organized. A jewelry stand that helps organize necklaces, bracelets, and watches? They can all use it! Get it here. It comes in several colors. For rings? Get the hand-shaped ring holder here. It also comes in several colors.

  • Bronax Cloud Slides. College students like easy-to-use, comfy footwear. Fifteen colors! Slip on. Slip off. Get it here.

  • Samsonite Freeform Spinner Carry-on. I have mentioned this one before in another category (Travel Gifts), but every college student needs a good piece of luggage. They take weekend trips. They go home occasionally. Make it easy for them. Voted “Best Overall Spinner Carry-on” by Travel and Leisure Magazine, the Samsonite spinner is durable, nice looking, and inexpensive. It comes in lots of colors, so you can pick one that’s not just like everyone else’s, making it easy to identify in the overhead bin or in the jetway. Get it here.
  • Travel Bag with Trolley Sleeve. Also mentioned in my Travel Gifts piece. Since I listed the spinner luggage, I’m telling you about a companion piece…a travel bag with a trolley sleeve that sits atop the spinner and doesn’t fall, thanks to the sleeve that goes around the handle of the spinner. I have one, and I love it. Get one for less than $30 here, and pick your color out of several.
  • Hatch Restore 2 Alarm Clock. “No more jarring alarms.” That’s how Hatch markets this product that is a sunrise alarm clock. It’s supposed to support circadian rhythms. Sounds awesome to me! Any college student will love it! It also acts as a sound machine and helps lull the recipient to sleep; that’s what it says! The recipient can also sign up for a Hatch membership that offers meditations, sleep stories, and curated wind-down channels, if desired. This special clock is not cheap, but it gets fantastic reviews. Priced at $199. Get it here.

  • Lap Desk. There’s not much space in dorm rooms or college apartments, so a lap desk comes in handy. College students have been using them for decades; I even used one way back when I was in school! Now, they are new and improved, of course. The best I have found is from LapGear, and it’s priced right at under $40. See it here.

  • Portable Safe/Lock Box. College students get lots of visitors in dorms and apartments. If they have valuables they want to keep secure, this portable safe/lockbox can be a great gift! Even if they just want to lock up their cash or jewelry, this is perfect. With the included cable, they can attach it to a fixed object…like the closet hanging bar. It has a combination lock. Purchase here.

  • Lifestraw Products. I am a big believer in Lifestraw Products. They offer a variety of water-filtering products, including water bottles and pitchers that are great for college students. I have one of the water bottles I purchased when I traveled to Panamá earlier this year, and I love it. See all Lifestraw products here. See their latest filtering water bottles here. And if your college student likes to carry a favorite water cup/bottle, you can get them them the Lifestraw filtering water pitcher for filling the favorite cup/bottles here. Highly recommend.

  • Ugg Slippers. In winter, college students want to stay cozy, and dorm/apartment floors can be cold. My daughter loves her Ugg Coquette slippers. In fact, she likely wears them outside the dorm on occasion. See the women’s Coquette slipper here. Men seem to be a little more picky about their slippers. See the Ugg selection of men’s slippers here.

  • Nestl Reading Pillow. This goes hand-in-hand with the lapdesk we posted above. If they’re going to sit in bed to read or study, they’ll need a good reading pillow. This one gets great reviews. Purchase here.

  • Ninja Portable Blender. College students don’t want appliances that take up a lot of space. Their space is limited, so a portable blender is perfect for those days they want to make a smoothie! I hate seeing coffee shop charges on my credit card, so I told our daughter to get recipes for her favorite smoothies or coffee drinks. The Ninja portable blender is great. My husband uses one regularly. Get it here.
  • Portable Speaker. College students like their tunes. My daughter loves her JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. She uses it all the time. Priced at about $90, it provides a big bang for the buck. Everyone knows JBL quality is great. Get it here.

  • Board Games. Sounds silly, I know, but college students love distractions, and they especially love distractions that involve their friends. Yes, people still play board games…especially young people. Some of the old greats are still great. Yahtzee? Click here. Operation? Click here. Uno? Click here. Sorry? Click here. Pictionary? Click here. Scattergories (my personal fave)? Click here.

  • Basketball. Basketball hoops are everywhere on and near college campuses. However, if you don’t have a basketball, it’s a little difficult to start a pick-up game. Give the gift of fun and friendship: a basketball. Get it at Amazon here.

  • Bliss Lights Skylite Projector. College students are under a lot of stress, so they love anything that helps them relax. The Bliss Lights Skylite Projector will do just that! Get it at Amazon here.

  • Jonathan Adler Lollipop Holder. It’s gimmicky. It’s silly. However, friends will think it’s hilarious when they visit your college student, and they’ll love knowing they can grab a lollipop any time! We keep our daughter’s stocked with Tootsie Pops. Get it here.

  • Taco Tuesday Essentials. College students living in apartments love to host friends for Taco Tuesday. Amazon has lots of fun stuff just for that! Your college student will be the host with the most! See a great Taco Tuesday set here. It serves four, but you can purchase more pieces at the link.

Hoping you found some great ideas for the college student on your list. We will likely publish another list for college students in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Happy Holiday Shopping!