Category / dad

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

More Great Christmas Gifts for Men

More Great Christmas Gifts for Men

It has been well-documented that buying holiday gifts for men can be difficult. I have found some more items on Amazon that can make great gifts for the men on your list.

  • DudeRobe. Y’all, I am all about the DudeRobe. My husband has never found a robe he liked, but I’m thinking he will like this one. He’s getting one for Christmas this year, but keep that to yourself. Actually, it looks so awesome that I’m considering a “one for you, one for me” thing. Should we match? Dude Robes are not fussy. They’re made of sweatshirt fabric and have cuffs on the sleeves, so they’re not floppy. Take advantage of the Cyber Monday Deal for 20% off here.
  • 18.21 Man Made Original Sweet Tobacco 3-in-1 Body Wash, Shampoo, & Conditioner for Men, All Hair & Skin Types, Strengthens and Moisturizes in a Manly Aroma, 18 Fl Oz. I’m going to put this out there: I don’t really know anything about this product, but it sounds awesome! You had me at “manly aroma”! It even looks like a whiskey bottle! It’s popular on Amazon…listed as a best-seller, and at just $13.50 (more than 50%off), it’s worth the risk on the purchase! I’m wrapping this one up for my husband this year! Purchase this manly scented body wash/shampoo/conditioner for your man here.
  • Jack Black Grooming Sets for Men. There are a few sets from which to choose. Take your pick. The man in your life is likely to be thrilled. ***Jack Black Skin Saviors Set – Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser, Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20, Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 Natural Mint & Shea Butter, & Face Buff Energizing Scrub…all in a fat Cyber Monday Deal for under $30. Get it here. ***Jack Black – Carry-On Essentials Set – $49 Value, this one contains superior facial care products that cleanse, refresh, hydrate and protect with a clay-based cleanser, a daily moisturizer with sunscreen, and a shaving cream…all small enough for TSA in a carry-on bag. Purchase here. ***Jack Black Clean & Cool Body Set-Jack Black’s Clean & Cool Body Set is loaded with four top-shelf products for complete body care. Made from superior ingredients and designed for easy use with crisp aromas, this body set includes everything you need. Purchase here. Or to see more Jack Black products, click here.
  • STANLEY Adventure Big Grip Beer Stein | 24 OZ From the first gulp to the last sip, the Stanley insulated beer stein keeps your brew refreshingly chilled. The secret behind the thirst-quenching thermal insulation. Vacuum insulated double walls that keep drinks hot for up to 1 hour, cold for up to 5 hours, and chilled for a whopping 20 hours. And with a large capacity of 24oz, he’ll have the power to empty 2 cans at a time and cut down trips to the beer cooler or fridge in the kitchen. He will be happy to see this gift Christmas morning. It’s offered in a variety of colors. Purchase this Cyber Monday Deal here.

  • Personalized Whiskey Decanter and Stones Set – Customized Gift for Him – Men, Dad, Father – Engraved Old Fashioned Decanter, Glasses, 9 Granite Stones in Container, Coasters, Tongs in Wooden Gift Box. This is a great gift for the man who likes to curate his own whiskey cocktails and take them with them to gatherings. Your whiskey-drinking man will be thrilled to see this on Christmas morning. Purchase here.
  • Inversion Table. When I was suffering terribly with sciatica last year, I would have done just about anything to get some relief. I spoke with a lady in the Miami airport who told me her inversion table helped her sciatica, so I came right home and ordered one. I used it, and it did give me some relief, but my husband has ongoing back issues and loves it. He swears it helps his joints and reduces stress. There are so many different ones…different ones are suitable for different people. They are offered at lots of different price points. Check out the offerings on Amazon here. ***Ask your doctor before using an inversion table***
  • Vintage License Plate Sign. My husband has one of these in his mancave. It was one of his favorite purchases at one of his favorite bars. Now you can order lots of different styles on Amazon. It makes a great gift for the man who has everything. Purchase here.
  • Dr. Squatch All Natural Bar Soap for Men, 3 Bar Variety Pack, Pine Tar, Cedar Citrus and Spearmint Basil That says it all…soap that’s made for men. I have several friends whose sons and husbands use Dr Squatch soaps and love them. Great gift idea, but be prepared to order again, because he will want more when these are gone. Purchase here.

We will post more as we find more! Happy Shopping!

*We receive commission for items purchased through our Amazon links.

by Kelly Mattei

Best Segway Electric Scooter Holiday Deals

Best Segway Electric Scooter Holiday Deals

If you have a college student or someone who just enjoys electric scooters on your list, here are some great Black Friday Deals on Segway Scooters from Amazon:

  • Segway Ninebot Kick Scooter E2/E2 Plus/E2 Pro/ES1L. Specs: Powerful Motor, 12.4-15.5 mph, Cruise Control, Front Suspension (ES1L Only), Portable Electric Scooter for Adults up to 198 lbs, UL-2272 2271 Certified. This is a great scooter for use around a college campus or neighborhood, and it has a solid name brand behind it in Segway. It has a 15.5 mile range and goes up to 15.5 miles per hour, so it’s great for a student to get to and from class. Plus, the price is right. This portable scooter weight between 31 and 41 pounds, depending on the model you pick. Pricing is 30% off (at time of publication) on Amazon, with prices starting at $279. Take advantage of the great deal on a great product here.

  • Segway Ninebot MAX Electric Kick Scooter Max G30LP-25miles w/Powerful Motor, Long Miles Range, 18.6 Top Speed, Scooter for Adults UL-2271 2272 Certified. This Segway Scooter carries riders up to 220 pounds and goes up to 18.6 miles per hour. This is AMAZON’S CHOICE, and it’s priced at 43% off at $399.99 as a Black Friday Deal. Again, a great name in Segway, this scooter is efficient and portable. Weighing merely 38.6 lbs, it’s easily foldable with just one click, enabling seamless transportation and storage. These scooter sell like crazy, because of their range, portability, and weight capacity. Get it now here.

  • Segway ZT3 Pro Electric Scooter, 24.9 Mph Top Speed, 43.5 Miles Max. Range, w/Dual Suspension, Flash Charge, 1600W Peak Motor, Folding Off Road Scooter for Adults UL2272 2271 Certified. Another AMAZON’S CHOICE, this is a great electric scooter for the enthusiast. My husband loves this for the fun of it, but I know people who use it to get to and from work in urban settings…or even just running errands! It offer off-road power for the enthusiast. Conquer any terrain with 11″ tubeless tires and a 650W motor (1600W peak) reaching speeds up to 24.9 mph. It also has extended range: travel up to 43.5 miles (in ECO mode) per charge with the 596Wh battery and RideyLONG tech. Easily tackle steep inclines with a 25% climbing ability for smooth ascents.Dual front telescopic and rear spring suspension provide a cushioned ride on all terrains. It also charges fast and is safety certified. At publication time, it is offered on Amazon for $949.90 (14% off) and free shipping with your Amazon Prime membership! Get it here.

Let’s go SEGWAY SHOPPING!

by Kelly Mattei

Hot Adidas Products

Hot Adidas Products.

***Sponsored Ad*** As an Amazon affiliate, I receive commission for items purchased through my links.

Adidas has some hot products and some deals on Amazon this holiday season…something for almost everyone on your list!

  • Adidas Samba. There’s a special deal on the black Samba, a shoe that has been very popular with teens for several years. Get the deal here. Or get the popular white Samba here.

  • Adidas Adicane Slide Sandal. This is a great slide for recovery after sports endeavors, but it’s also the perfect shower shoe for college students and athletes! Get ahead of the game and gift your athlete or future college student with these for a great price! Purchase here.

  • Adidas Men’s Park Street Sneaker. If you have a man on your holiday list who loves a good street sneaker, this Adidas model is stylish and comfortable. He will welcome this gift! It’s offered in several colors. My husband wants black. Purchase here.

  • Adidas Men’s Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 Sneaker. The perfect slip-on sneaker! This is another one my husband would love. Men are all about the slip-on sneakers these days. It’s stylish, comfortable, and priced right! And it slips on!! Get it here.

  • Adidas Alphabounce. Another great slide from Adidas. Some people prefer this style post-workout, and Adidas does this right! It makes a great gift! Get it here.

These are all great gift options from Adidas, a well-regarded brand! Happy Shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

2024 Holiday Shopping Links (so far)

2024 Holiday Shopping Links (so far). These are links to posts we have made since the middle of November. THANK YOU for shopping our links! We are creating more links today. Click each title for link to more information:

HAPPY SHOPPING!

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

Holiday Shopping for Moms and Dads 2023

Holiday shopping for moms and dads 2023.

I love to start my holiday shopping. I love getting a jump on everything and hopefully, reducing the risk of missing out on something I want to purchase for a member of the family.

Wanna get started? Let’s Gooooooo!!

FOR DADS:

  • Solo Stove. I know I push this all the time, but y’all, I push it because it’s a gift I believe in. It’s actually a great gift for anyone in the family, because I can tell you I probably love our Solo Stove more than my husband does! What do we love? Fall and winter nights, sitting on the patio, sharing dinner and drinks with friends. My personal favorite is the Solo Bonfire. For just the fire pit, it’s $249 here. Or get it with the stand for $344.95 here. I don’t remember the stand being an option when we got ours, so we just keep it on a paver on the patio.
  • Screen Magnifier for Smartphone. This one is inexpensive but useful. Seriously, for less than $20, you can get a screen magnifier that makes it easy to watch sports or movies on your smartphone anywhere. Bowl games? Your husband/dad won’t have to miss one. He can sit almost anywhere and be able to see his screen easily. Why not get one for everyone in the family? I know we could all use them. This idea just moved to the top of my list…I’ll take three, please. Get it here. Or see other versions here.
  • Toilet Night Light. I know it sounds silly, but we actually have these at our house. We love them. Get a two-pack for under $15 here. Or look at other versions here.
  • Cooling Weighted Blanket. Like the relaxation of a weighted blanket, but don’t like the sweat? This one is a “cooling” one from Zonli. Get it for under $50 here.
  • UGG Men’s Tasman Slipper. Come on, y’all. All dads need some good slippers. Get these quality UGG slippers for $109 here.
  • Rabbit Freezable Glasses. Y’all, these cocktail glasses are the bomb! I have some and love them. If you have someone on your list who likes a cold cocktail, this is your answer. Get two for $30 here.
  • OOFOs Recovery Slides. Any man who exercises needs these OOFOs Recovery Slides. They offer comfort and support post-exercise. For just $59, they are a bargain, and they are offered in lots of colors. Get them here.
  • TUSHY Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment. Laugh if you want. This is a great gift. Dad (or whoever the recipient may be) might not understand at first, but he will end up appreciating this gift. Get it for about $50 here. Honestly, these are going to be popular gifts this year. Get them while they are available.
  • Rayban Wayfarers. Is anyting more classic than a pair of Rayban Wayfarers? Any dad who has ever watched Risky Business knows how awesome these shades are. Get them on sale for about $110 here..
  • Bomber Flight Jacket. A friend got this for her husband last year, and he loves it. I guess he saw Tom Cruise in Top Gun? I feel the need…the need for speed. Get it for about $200 here. Sure, you can get a less expensive one, but will it be the same quality. Dad will appreciate this one. It will be money well spent for Dad to feel as cool as Maverick.

FOR MOMS:

  • Electronic Foot Massager. Y’all know I’m not a medical professional, but I do know about nerve pain and restless leg syndrome…personally. I recommend this, if your medical professional approves it. I love mine. I take restless legs meds, but as recently as last night, they were slow to start working. I got out of bed and put my feet on the foot pad of this inexpensive massager for about 10 minutes. It’s like a TENS machine for your feet/lower legs. Plus, it’s easy to pack in luggage! When I got back to bed, I fell asleep quickly. Get yours here.
  • Personalized Recipe Cutting Board. This is a great personal gift. Maybe your mom has one of her mom’s recipe cards in her mom’s handwriting? Maybe you get a cutting board made from that? She will love it. Get it for about $40 here.
  • Free People Groovy Baby Kaftan. I have this, and I love it! It’s $98. It’s one size fits all, and its glorious! I love it! In fact, I gave one to a friend last week, and she loves it too! Get it at Amazon here.
  • Dyson Air Wrap. It’s expensive, but people (including my daughter) swear by it. Yes, it’s $599, but people who use them say they will never give them up. Get it here. The Dyson Air Wrap is likely to sell out before the holidays, so keep that in mind. If you can purchase now, get it now. Hoping to spend less? Another one that gets good reviews is the Shark FlexStyle for $299. Get it here.
  • Ceramic Trinket Tray. Any mom will love a trinket tray with a sweet message. One that says “Remember I love you, Mom” will warm my heart every time I look at it. There are lots of others messages on variations of this tray. See them and purchase here.
  • Fishers Finest Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. These pillowcases help prevent wrinkles, regulate temperature, and they help keep hair healthy. ‘Nuff said. Get it at Amazon here for $53.99. Mom will thank you.
  • Zip Up Get Ready Robe. I love a good robe. Saturday Night Live can make fun of robes for Christmas gifts all they want. I love a good robe. I still have a great bathrobe I received as a gift in 2000. It’s a great fleece robe, but I love a good, lightweight “get ready”robe too. Get one for under $30 here.
  • 1000 Adventures. Have a traveler on your list? Maybe you want to take a trip with Mom? I love traveling with my daughter. I love when we make memories on Mother/daughter trips. This book is full of ideas. Titled The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big and Small, this book makes a great gift. Maybe earmark some pages for ideas. See it here.
  • Pink Picasso Paint By Numbers. Y’all can think I’m cheesy, but how relaxing does it sound to do some paint by numbers on an adult level? Sign me up, please! These kits are $46, and they contain everything you need to complete a lovely painting. Heck, I’ll take two! Purchase here.
  • Dior Addict Lip Products. I love all the Dior Addict lip products…especially the maximizers. Look at the options on Amazon here.

That’s it for today! Start your shopping early! You’ll thank me, without a doubt!

I’ll be posting more ideas over the next couple of weeks, but don’t wait!

#shopamazon #amazonaffiliate

by Kelly Mattei

Holiday Shopping in October? Start Here!

I love to start my holiday shopping in October. For one, I can get a jump on everything and hopefully, reduce the risk of missing out on something I want to purchase for a member of the family. Also, I can spread out the shopping over a three-month period, so it doesn’t look so bad when the credit card bill comes in.

Wanna get started? Let’s Gooooooo!!

FOR DADS:

  • Solo Stove. I know I push this all the time, but y’all, I push it because it’s a gift I believe in. It’s actually a great gift for anyone in the family, because I can tell you I probably love our Solo Stove more than my husband does! What do we love? Fall and winter nights, sitting on the patio, sharing dinner and drinks with friends. My personal favorite is the Solo Bonfire. For just the fire pit, it’s $249 here. Or get it with the stand for $344.95 here. I don’t remember the stand being an option when we got ours, so we just keep it on a paver on the patio.
  • Screen Magnifier for Smartphone. This one is inexpensive but useful. Seriously, for less than $20, you can get a screen magnifier that makes it easy to watch sports or movies on your smartphone anywhere. Bowl games? Your husband/dad won’t have to miss one. He can sit almost anywhere and be able to see his screen easily. Why not get one for everyone in the family? I know we could all use them. This idea just moved to the top of my list…I’ll take three, please. Get it here. Or see other versions here.
  • Toilet Night Light. I know it sounds silly, but we actually have these at our house. We love them. Get a two-pack for under $15 here. Or look at other versions here.
  • Cooling Weighted Blanket. Like the relaxation of a weighted blanket, but don’t like the sweat? This one is a “cooling” one from Zonli. Get it for under $50 here.
  • UGG Men’s Tasman Slipper. Come on, y’all. All dads need some good slippers. Get these quality UGG slippers for $109 here.
  • Rabbit Freezable Glasses. Y’all, these cocktail glasses are the bomb! I have some and love them. If you have someone on your list who likes a cold cocktail, this is your answer. Get two for $30 here.
  • OOFOs Recovery Slides. Any man who exercises needs these OOFOs Recovery Slides. They offer comfort and support post-exercise. For just $59, they are a bargain, and they are offered in lots of colors. Get them here.
  • TUSHY Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment. Laugh if you want. This is a great gift. Dad (or whoever the recipient may be) might not understand at first, but he will end up appreciating this gift. Get it for about $50 here. Honestly, these are going to be popular gifts this year. Get them while they are available.
  • Rayban Wayfarers. Is anyting more classic than a pair of Rayban Wayfarers? Any dad who has ever watched Risky Business knows how awesome these shades are. Get them on sale for about $110 here..
  • Bomber Flight Jacket. A friend got this for her husband last year, and he loves it. I guess he saw Tom Cruise in Top Gun? I feel the need…the need for speed. Get it for about $200 here. Sure, you can get a less expensive one, but will it be the same quality. Dad will appreciate this one. It will be money well spent for Dad to feel as cool as Maverick.

FOR MOMS:

  • Electronic Foot Massager. Y’all know I’m not a medical professional, but I do know about nerve pain and restless leg syndrome…personally. I recommend this, if your medical professional approves it. I love mine. I take restless legs meds, but as recently as last night, they were slow to start working. I got out of bed and put my feet on the foot pad of this inexpensive massager for about 10 minutes. It’s like a TENS machine for your feet/lower legs. Plus, it’s easy to pack in luggage! When I got back to bed, I fell asleep quickly. Get yours here.
  • Personalized Recipe Cutting Board. This is a great personal gift. Maybe your mom has one of her mom’s recipe cards in her mom’s handwriting? Maybe you get a cutting board made from that? She will love it. Get it for about $40 here.
  • Free People Groovy Baby Kaftan. I have this, and I love it! It’s $98. It’s one size fits all, and its glorious! I love it! In fact, I gave one to a friend last week, and she loves it too! Get it at Amazon here.
  • Dyson Air Wrap. It’s expensive, but people (including my daughter) swear by it. Yes, it’s $599, but people who use them say they will never give them up. Get it here. The Dyson Air Wrap is likely to sell out before the holidays, so keep that in mind. If you can purchase now, get it now. Hoping to spend less? Another one that gets good reviews is the Shark FlexStyle for $299. Get it here.
  • Ceramic Trinket Tray. Any mom will love a trinket tray with a sweet message. One that says “Remember I love you, Mom” will warm my heart every time I look at it. There are lots of others messages on variations of this tray. See them and purchase here.
  • Fishers Finest Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. These pillowcases help prevent wrinkles, regulate temperature, and they help keep hair healthy. ‘Nuff said. Get it at Amazon here for $53.99. Mom will thank you.
  • Zip Up Get Ready Robe. I love a good robe. Saturday Night Live can make fun of robes for Christmas gifts all they want. I love a good robe. I still have a great bathrobe I received as a gift in 2000. It’s a great fleece robe, but I love a good, lightweight “get ready”robe too. Get one for under $30 here.
  • 1000 Adventures. Have a traveler on your list? Maybe you want to take a trip with Mom? I love traveling with my daughter. I love when we make memories on Mother/daughter trips. This book is full of ideas. Titled The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big and Small, this book makes a great gift. Maybe earmark some pages for ideas. See it here.
  • Pink Picasso Paint By Numbers. Y’all can think I’m cheesy, but how relaxing does it sound to do some paint by numbers on an adult level? Sign me up, please! These kits are $46, and they contain everything you need to complete a lovely painting. Heck, I’ll take two! Purchase here.
  • Dior Addict Lip Products. I love all the Dior Addict lip products…especially the maximizers. Look at the options on Amazon here.

That’s it for today! Start your shopping early! You’ll thank me, without a doubt!

I’ll be posting more ideas over the next couple of weeks, but don’t wait!

#shopamazon #amazonaffiliate

by Kelly Mattei

Do It Now

Do it now.

My dad died at age 68 in 2006 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. As he lay dying, he reminded me to live my life. He reminded me to do the things I want to do…enjoy life!

Eleven years later, when I turned 50, I was talking with my mother and said, “I might only have 20 years that I can get around really well. I need to make sure I’m traveling to the places I want to go.” She looked at me with a sweet smile and reminded me, “When your daddy was your age, he didn’t have 20 years left. You need to make sure you are doing the things you want to do now and visiting the places you want to visit now.”

Mother died about six months after that conversation, but I remember her words every time I think of somewhere I want to go or something I want to see…and they mean even more now.

Six weeks ago, I was stricken with sciatica. I was just standing in my kitchen, and my back and leg started hurting. I wasn’t doing anything unusual. OK, so I was cooking, and maybe that’s unusual, but nothing strenuous. I thought, at the time, that it was just a weird backache. I went to the grocery store the next day, and while I was there, it started hurting so badly I could barely get through the store! A few days later, I went to Miami with my family, and for two solid days, I could barely walk…I shuffled like a 100-yr-old woman! The pain was real! In fact, the pain is still real six weeks later. It’s better, but it’s real. I have purchased almost everything I can think of to improve it, and some of it helps. I will list some items at the bottom of the page.

As silly as it sounds, when I first realized I had sciatica, visions of upcoming trips flashed before my eyes. Yes! That’s the truth! At the time, I had several vacations ahead of me. Since then, I have taken three of them, and honestly, I feel pretty sure those didn’t help my sciatica. I enjoyed the trips, even though I had to take some breaks from walking, but I didn’t give my back much time to rest. Hauling heavy luggage, even if it’s on wheels, is not the best thing for a back injury. We have another trip in a week, and this is the first time I’ve had two full weeks between trips. I’m resting my back a lot more but still walking a few miles a day (in small increments), and I’m hoping the sciatica will go away before a big trip in October. Did I say “hoping”? I mean praying. It’s slowly getting better, but I do feel like it’s improving.

Having sciatica has taught me a lot. It has taught me more compassion for people living with chronic pain. If you’ve never had chronic pain, it’s difficult to understand exactly how much it affects daily life. While dealing with sciatica, I have sat through entire conversations pretending to listen, simply because I couldn’t think of much more than the pain. Having sciatica has also reinforced what my parents told me: do it now! I remember Daddy telling me that we only get one life…no dress rehearsals…we need to make it good!

So here I am, on day 45 of sciatica. It’s better but not completely well. I have been to the doctor, and she told me it will definitely get better…with exercise, rest, and time.

I’ll keep you posted! Even while I have sciatica, though, I’m coming up with new places to visit and new things to see! Do it now!

***Items I have purchased to help my sciatica (ask your doctor before trying anything):

  • BeActive Plus leg brace. This was my first sciatica-improvement purchase. It’s a leg band that applies pressure to a trigger point along the sciatic nerve. Does it work? I don’t know, but I feel better when I use it! Purchase here.
  • TENS machine. Yes, I purchased my own TENS machine. In fact, I purchased two of them! The machines are supposed to control pain with electrical current. I can definitely say these have given me short-term relief, without a doubt. I purchased one for home use…get it here. And I got a wearable one for when I’m not home. See it here.
  • Gel Ice Pack. Ice, ice baby. It’s no joke. I have iced my back and butt every time I’ve gotten in the car and almost every time I’ve sat down at home. It helps decrease inflammation for sure. These gel ice packs are great to have around the house. Get them here.
  • Heating pad. Sometimes, I just need the muscles to relax. I have found one of the best things to give me relief is lying flat on my back on the bed with a pillow under my knees, which flattens the back. I put a heating pad under my lower back/butt, and it helps…especially before I fall asleep at night. Get one here.
  • Dr. Scholl’s Orthotics for Back Pain. I put these in my sneakers, and I plan to keep them in all my sneakers from now on. Basically, I have been wearing sneakers for most of the time I’ve had sciatica, with a few exceptions. Get the Dr. Scholl’s Orthotics for back pain here.
  • Aspercreme Lidocaine Patches. These definitely help some. I put one on my lower back and one on my lower leg, where the pain was excruciating. Get them here.
  • Salonpas patches. These are smaller than the Aspercreme patches, and they contain menthol and camphor instead of lidocaine, so they warm the area. They also have that wintergreen aroma, which is not my favorite, but whatever…they help, so I use them. They’re also less expensive than the Aspercreme patches, so I didn’t mind using them more often. Get them here.
  • Plantar Fasciitis socks. I felt like anything that adds extra support is helpful, so I purchased these, and I wear them. They’re not pretty, but I do feel like they help. Get them here.

If you’re suffering, I hope you feel better soon. My sciatica isn’t completely gone, but it’s much better, and I’m almost fully functional again.

by Kelly Mattei

Father’s Day Gifts 2023

Father’s Day Gifts 2023.

Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 18!

Let’s just get right to it. You know Dad needs a gift. Here are some things you can order from Amazon and have delivered directly (and quickly) to you or your dad:

  • Ice Ball Mold. If Dad’s a whiskey drinker, he’ll love this ice ball mold. If he drink’s sodas but doesn’t like them diluted, ice balls melt more slowly, because they are larger. At under $12, this is a great gift! Purchase here.
  • JBL Portable Speaker. Teenagers aren’t the only ones who love to have tunes! My husband takes his JBL speaker on vacation, so he can use it on boats, beaches, or by the pool. He also uses it if he’s working outside at home. JBL makes lots of great portable speakers. If you need something really small and easily portable, the JBL Go 3 or the JBL Clip might be best. They’re both small but put out big sound. See them here. My husband prefers the JBL Flip 6, which is a little larger speaker with great sound for the beach. See JBL Flip speakers here at lots of different price points between $67 and $200. It’s a gift Dad will love!
  • Massage Chair Cushion. My husband loves a good massage. No, he won’t get a full-on massage from this chair cushion, but for $49, he will get some soothing heat and vibration. Get it at Amazon here.
  • Yeti Cooler/Cup. If dad ever tailgates, camps, or spends time at the beach, a Yeti cooler will always come in handy. They come in lots of different sizes and price points. They are built to last and keeps sodas and beers super cold! If you don’t want to spend the $$$ for a cooler, a Yeti cup won’t set you back so much, and it makes a great gift for Dad too! Check out the Yeti page on Amazon here.
  • Tabletop Ice Maker. These are great for tailgates or in the mancave. I know several people who have the portable tabletop ice makers, and they love them! Priced under $80, they’re a bargain! See it here.
  • Lifestraw Products. If dad enjoys the great outdoors, camps, or travels to countries where the water supply is questionable, Lifestraw Products could make a great gift for him! I love the originial Lifestraw (the actual straw) for portability, but they also make pitchers and bottles with the Lifestraw technology to clean water. See Lifestraw here. Prices start as low as about $9 for the original straw.
  • Solo Stove. Solo Stove makes great, easy-to-use, smokeless firepits. Some are portable, and some are even tabletop (shown in photo below)…perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores! Or get a larger one for those evenings when he’s gathering with family and friends on the patio. We love ours! See all of Solo Stove’s offerings on Amazon here.

There are a few ideas! Get busy shopping! Father’s Day is Sunday!