Category / ideas

by Kelly Mattei

Prime Days: Passport Holder With Airtag

You think you don’t need a passport holder with Airtag, but you do. I know this, because my husband lost his passport last month in the airport as we were beginning a trip…or maybe I should say “as we were attempting to begin a trip.” The vacation didn’t happen, because he dropped the passport in the airport and didn’t recover it. He had to apply for a new one, meaning he literally had to go through the application process again.

If we had put his passport in a passport holder with an Airtag, we likely would have recovered it immediately and been able to take the trip. Seriously, get it today!

Now everyone in our family has a passport holder with an Airtag. Get it now. And because it’s inexpensive, go ahead and get them for everyone on your holiday list. It comes in several colors and makes a great gift. Get it now with a Prime Days deal TODAY here.

*Amazon Associate. We receive commissions for items purchased through our links.

by Kelly Mattei

Amazon Prime Day Deals for Sorority Rush

Participating in sorority recruitment in the south this fall? Let’s get ready! Here are some deals from Amazon Prime Days that can help you during sorority “rush.”

  • Rush Bag. You’re going to need a bag to carry all your necessities on those hot days. And it’s hot in the south. I highly recommend a nylon bag with a zippered closure to keep your things dry during those inevitable afternoon showers. Get a great Prime Days deal here. It comes in seven colors, so pick one that’s probably easy to find when there’s a sea of bags. I highly recommend putting a luggage tag on it and maybe even an AirTag. I’ll provide links to both below.

  • Apple AirTags. Surely you’re familiar with the concept. Put an Apple AirTag in your bag so you can locate it with your iPhone’s “Find My” app. We have them in all our suitcases, and I have one in my wallet. I need to put one in my daughter’s wallet. I highly recommend you do the same for your college-age kids. Get a 4-pack of AirTags here. Personally, I would add AirTag holders. There’s a Prime Days Deal for that. Get four multicolored ones here. For my daughter’s keys, I got the Otterbox Rugged Airtag holder keychain. Purchase here.

  • Portable Charger. Because your daughter could be out and about all day, make sure she has a portable charger for her phone! Get a Prime Day deal on a great one at Amazon here.
  • Luggage Tag. You don’t need something fancy, but something bright-colored can help her find her rush bag when it’s in a pile. She definitely NEEDS a luggage tag to ID her bag. I highly recommend a colorful, inexpensive 10-pack, so she has extras to put on her real luggage, her school backpack, and more. Purchase here.

  • Mini Travel Umbrella. In the south, it can rain at any given time. Your daughter needs an umbrella that will fit in her Rush bag. I think her freshman roommate’s parents thought I was crazy when I gave the girls umbrellas, but they literally used them every day during rush.There are lots to choose from on Amazon. Get one with great reviews here.

  • Rechargeable Mini Fan. While this is not a Prime Days Deal, it’s inexpensive anyway. This is the one my daughter used. And it’s necessary on those sweltering August days in the south. Save your daughter some agony during recruitment. Get her a fan here.

  • Sharpies. They need to write their names on everything they own when they go to college, and all these things in their rush bags are not exceptions. You can check out the assortment of Sharpie products on Amazon here.

  • Comfy Shoes. Because recruitment goes on and on for days, the girls need to wear some comfortable shoes or slippers when they walk to and from the houses and between parties. They do not wear these into the parties. I recommend some comfortable flip-flops or slipper-type shoes. See some great ones here. Crocs also offers a wide variety of slip-on comfy shoes here.

  • Waterproof Changing Pad. Sounds silly, I know, but if they have to sit on the wet ground, they’ll thank you. Get one here.
  • Insulated Water Cup that closes securely. I know these girls love their Stanley and Yeti cups. If you need to purchase one, there’s a Stanley you can get with a Prime Day Deal here. There are lots of colors offered, but I could only find the one color on the deal. Yeti has one here.

What else will they need for their rush bags? You can see a previous post with links we made about it here. If you just want a quick list of the other things, here you go:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Deodorant
  • Tissues
  • Breath Strips (no gum…nothing is uglier than someone chomping gum during a rush party)
  • Band Aids
  • Lip Gloss or balm
  • Blotting Papers
  • Small snacks
  • Safety pins
  • Feminine products
  • Painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen and dose(s) of any necessary medications.

If you’d like to see previous posts we’ve made about sorority recruitment in the south, click here.

*Please share this information with anyone you know who is participating in sorority recruitment in the south! And feel free to send us a message if you have any questions about any of the above or anything else!

*We receive commissions on items purchased through our links.

by Kelly Mattei

Prime Day Deal on Dog Chew Toys

Prime Day Deal on Dog Chew Toys

Have a dog that is an aggressive chewer? My mother had a dog that would chew through almost any toy within a few minutes of receiving it. I think this one would have survived. These toys are designed just for your dog, and you can get 25% off during Amazon Prime Days. It’s a deal! Purchase here.

Get this deal while supplies last!

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

by Kelly Mattei

Away Luggage Amazon Prime Deal!

Away Luggage Amazon Prime Deal!

My family has six pieces of Away luggage in different sizes, and we love every piece! One of our favorites is the carry-on, and right now, you can get a Prime Day Deal on the orange, salt white, red, or cloud gray for 20% off the regular price! Or get the sea green for 15% off. It’s almost unheard of to get this kind of deal on Away Luggage. It’s dependable, lightweight, sturdy, well-crafted, has spinner wheels, and it has been selected as the best hardsided carryon two years in a row by New York Times Wirecutter. I highly recommend! Get them while they last here. Let’s gooooo! ***Makes a great gift for a traveler or college student. Buy early during Prime Days for holidays***

Let’s get ready to travel!

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

by Kelly Mattei

Smashbox Stocking Stuffers

Smashbox Stocking Stuffers.

Smashbox is a cosmetics brand that offers cruelty-free, vegan makeup and primers. They are favored by lots of makeup artists and photographers for their long-lasting wear. It’s high performance makeup for artistry made easy. Someone on your list needs some Smashbox in their life!

  • Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick| Long Lasting, Waterproof + Non-Drying, 0.13 fl. oz. This long-lasting, waterproof, non-drying matte liquid lipstick is a crowd favorite for its vivid, lasting color. Offered on Amazon in 13 colors, this makes a great stocking stuffer. Get two or three colors while you’re there! Purchase here.

  • Smashbox Always Sharp Longwear Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner Pencil | Self-Sharpening Cap, Waterproof + High Pigment, 0.01 oz. Built-in self-sharpener ensures a precise tip with every twist of the cap on this popular eyeliner pencil. Eyeliner glides on easily to give eyes definition. Another great stocking stuffer under $30! Purchase here.

  • Smashbox Be Legendary Prime & Plush Lipstick | High Pigment + Moisturizing, 0.12 oz. Another great stocking stuffer under $30, this lipstick has high pigment, meaning beautiful color, and it moisturizes during wear! Purchase here.
  • Smashbox Always On Mood Board Eye Shadow Palette | High Pigment + Shimmer, 0.24 oz. This palette from Smashbox is offered in several varieties: Bougie Vibes, Earthy Vibes, Cozy Vibes, and Fiery Vibes. Each palette provides a different look but since it’s priced at just $39, go ahead and get two! BUTTERY SMOOTH: Glides on and blends without skipping or dragging. Shades can be worn alone or combined for custom depth and dimension. Purchase here.
  • Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Makeup Primer | Vitamin E + Oil Free This stuff is legendary. It provides a great, smooth finish that helps blur fine lines and pores. It’s great for anytime wear! Primes skin, helping makeup look better, longer, so the wearer is set for the day or night. This is another “under $30” stocking stuffer! Get it here.
  • Smashbox The Cali Contour Palette | Highlighter + Bronzer I love a good highlighter and bronzer palette. Last month, I forgot to take my makeup with me on vacation, so I ran into a store and purchased this for my contouring, highlighting, and bronzing needs! It was so easy to pack when it was time to come home. I’ll be traveling with it from now on. Pick from two different color palettes. At $46, it’s a deal. Get it for someone on your list here.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

***SPONSORED AD. WE RECEIVE COMMISSIONS FOR ITEMS PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LINKS.

by Kelly Mattei

Gifts For Women (that includes Mom)

Gifts for women (that includes Mom)

Lots of people find the women in their lives are difficult to buy for at the holidays. You’re not the only one trying to come up with gift ideas for Mom or your wife or other friends/family members. In fact, I get texts from people every day asking for help, so I’m going to throw some ideas out there. Some of them might be repeats from previous posts, but there will be some new ones in here too:

  • UGG Women’s Classic Ultra Mini Boot When I want to really relax at home and have comfortable shoes on my feet, I reach for my Uggs. I have all kinds of them…tall, short, classic, slippers…but these Classic Ultra Minis are great for me around the house. My daughter loves these too. In fact they’re on her Christmas list this year! Maybe Santa will bring them. Most of the women on your list would love this gift. It’s available in more than 20 colors. Purchase here.

  • Warmies neck wraps, eye masks, and heated slippers. You had me at “heated slippers.” They’ll actually microwavable slippers. To me, that sounds so incredible that I ordered some to put under the tree for myself! And the neck warmer? That’s always welcome. It can also be used on aching legs or even an aching back. Unlike a heating pad, you can walk around with warmies, because you aren’t attached to the wall with an electrical cord. Purchase slippers for Mom here. Purchase a microwavable neck wrap for her here. And the eye masks (heat them for relaxation or freeze them to de-puff eyes) can be purchased here.
  • Laura Geller New York Beauty Products. It’s what Mom wants! Laura Geller New York has beauty products that are made for mom! They’re current. They’re gorgeous. And they’re good for her skin! Get her the LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Jelly Balm Moisturizing Tinted Lip Color – Cocoa-Motion – Hydrating Vitamin E – Semi-Shine Finish here. It’s moisturizes her lips every time she uses it! She’ll thank you! Or maybe you’d like to get her the LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Award-Winning Baked Balance-n-Brighten To Go Travel Size Color Correcting Powder Foundation. It helps her skin while it covers little imperfections and creates a glowing finish. Find the right shade from the ones offered…it’s color correcting, and it’s not difficult to find her shade. Purchase here.
  • Drybar The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush This is a great gift for Mom! I have one that I use regularly! It gives my hair lift and body, whether I start with wet, damp, or dry hair. I love mine, and your Mom will likely love it too! Purchase here.
  • Dry Divas Shower Cap. Sounds weird, I know, but in my opinion, these are the best shower caps going. I have several of them, some of which I have had for seven years! I like them, because I have a lot of hair, and they actually cover all my hair on the days I don’t want to wash it in the shower. I have never found a better one. Plus, they’re so cute! Purchase the leopard one here and get it in time for Christmas!
  • SWOMOG Women Zipper Up Robe I know people laugh about moms getting robes for Christmas, but I love a robe. Seriously, I do. I always have. Even when I was a little girl, I liked to have a good robe to wear around the house. This one, though, is what I consider more of a “get ready robe.” When I get out of the shower, I might bundle up in a heavy robe for a few minutes, but when it’s time to do my hair and makeup, I don’t like to wrestle with a heavy robe. I put on my “get ready robe” that’s a lightweight, zip-up robe. Get one for mom here.
  • Bible Verse Jar This is a great gift for anyone. My mother would have loved this. I have one, and I sent one to my daughter in college, thinking it might help her when she is stressed or sad. It’s color coded by situation. Great gift. Get it here.
  • Credit Card Holder Wallet for Women I have one of these and get compliments on it all the time. Even my college-age daughter’s friends give me compliments on this wallet. It’s the one thing in my life that is truly organized! It also protect against credit card scanning with RFID protection. It comes in several colors. Right now, I’m carrying the green one, and my daughter has it in red. Get one for mom or any woman on your list here.
  • Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelry. Y’all, I’m just going to tell the world: I love Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelry. It’s all fake, but wow, he does a great job of making fake look good! I wear different pieces all the time, and some of them are my favorites! Any woman on your list is likely to love a Kenneth Jay Lane piece! There are lots of different price points, so you’re likely to find something in your budget that will be perfect for the women on your list. See Kenneth Jay Lane at Amazon here. Make sure you scroll all through the Kenneth Jay Lane items, as there are some that start as low as $22. I have a friend who has asked Santa for some gold polished earrings ($55) you can see here. If gems are their thing, see some great earrings for $109 here. Personally, it wouldn’t hurt my feelings to find the resin and glass earrings listed here. There are so many lovely necklaces here.

Go find something for the women on your list!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

*Sponsored ad. We receive commission on items purchased through links.

by Kelly Mattei

Warmies for Everyone On Your List

Warmies for everyone on your list.

Surely you’ve seen the commercials on TV for Warmies, weighted microwavable plush animals for kids. But did you know Warmies makes products for the whole family? I didn’t until I started to order a Warmie plush for a child and saw an ad for their slippers and neck wraps! Wow! Stay with me to learn more:

  • Warmies slippers. Who knew Warmies makes slippers that are microwavable? I’m getting some for the people on my list right now…including me! I don’t have any yet, but the reviews are great. Put them in the microwave and slip your feet into warmth when you’re tired or cold. It sounds dreamy to me, and they come in different styles. My daughter will love them too, and I’m thinking every female I know needs a pair. These are fantastic gifts for the mom/wife/girlfriend who’s difficult to buy for, and at writing, Amazon has a 10% off coupon for some styles you can use! To see the different styles, click here. Santa will be bringing me the Cozy Leopard Slippers seen here. And my daughter will get the cute gray ones you can see here.
  • Warmies wraps. I’m guessing, if you didn’t know about the slippers, you didn’t know about the neck wraps. Again…one for every member of our family. They are microwavable, making them perfectly soothing for aching shoulders or even knees, hips, or back, and they are much safer than a heating pad. You can purchase them in animal shapes (dog, sloth, bunny) or in standard wraps. It appears not all styles will arrive by Christmas, so pay attention when ordering. See the selection at warmies on Amazon here.
  • Warmies Eye Mask. Does someone on your list need extra help relaxing? These Warmies eye masks are microwavable and lavender scented for extra relaxation. OR you can stick them in the freezer and use to revive tired eyes! At only $18.99, they make a thoughtful, inexpensive gift. Purchase here.
  • Warmies large handwarmer (hamster). Y’all, these handwarming hamsters are so cute! They are oversized Warmies you stick in the microwave, and then stick your hands in them for warming. They’re great for use at home, especially when kids come in from a cold day out or a snowy outing. Purchase here.
  • Warmies weighted plush animals. Of course, they sell the often-advertised Warmies weighted plush animals that are microwavable. Kids will love them, but my college-age daughter is getting one too. To see everything Warmies offers, click here. Click around the whole page to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

Happy Shopping!

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

by Kelly Mattei

Great Deals on Active Family Gifts

Great Deals on Active Family Gifts…

Our little family has had a lot of of fun over the years with active holiday gifts. Here are some great ideas for members of every family. Let’s gooooooo:

  • Razor DXT Drift Trike Yellow, One Size This drift trike has a capacity of 198 pounds, so mom and dad can join in on the fun when Jr’s not playing with it. Steel trike style frame combined with Super Slider POM rear wheels. Riders can power slide through corners, throw fish tails or fast 180s! It’s fun for the whole family… no joke, I think everyone in my family would have a blast with these! I should mark these as ***Great Gifts for Grandchildren***! Grandma and Grandpa, you will be heroes if you deliver these at Christmas! And at writing, it’s 20% off, just $169. Get one (or two or three) for your little daredevils (or Dad!) here.
  • Razor RipRider 360 Caster Trike for Kids Ages 5+ – Lightweight, Rubber Handlebars, Steel Frame, for Riders up to 160 lbs. A great gift for kids (and some adults!) of all ages. This was, without a doubt, one of our daughter’s favorite toys when she was growing up. It keeps them moving! Purchase here. Razor makes lots of great active gifts to keep kids moving. To see what they offer, click here.
  • Flybar Pogo Sticks. Y’all, these were some of the best Christmas gifts ever. We were all pretty good at it, but our daughter could pogo forever. I have videos of her bouncing all over the driveway and the back patio. These are great exercise, and you can purchase them for different ages and levels…yes, even adults! To see a Flybar pogo stick for kids 40 to 80 pounds, click here. To see the pogo stick for weights 120-220, click here. For 80-160 pounds, click here. But there are pogo toys for all ages! Check out the Pogo Ball for children and adults up to 200 pounds here. Check out the Flybar store here.

  • Spikeball 3 Ball Original Roundnet Game Set – Includes 3 Balls, net and Bag. A great way to get the family outdoors and playing together. This competitive game is tons of fun, and it’s portable! Set up is easy. It’s also a great gift for college students who need to take a study break with friends! Get it here.
  • Cornhole Sets. Cornhole is a great game for the whole family to play together! It’s fun for all ages and brings together groups of people. It’s great at parties or just with the family or neighborhood kids. Set up a tournament! To purchase this great gift for someone on your list, click here.

  • Razor RipStik Ripster, compact lightweight caster board, for kids 8+ Kids love RipStiks! And frankly, lots of adults enjoy them too! The Razor RipStik Ripster’s lightweight and compact size is perfect for riders with a narrower stance. Inclined, 360-degree caster trucks and concave deck provide a one-of-a-kind, twist-and-carve ride. Slip-resistant deck platforms deliver maximum grip.. High-grade urethane wheels with ABEC-5 bearings deliver a smooth ride. Get one for someone on your list here. Or maybe a version for kids and adults you can purchase here. Or maybe the more sophisticated version that has more maneuverability and a weight capacity of 220 lbs here.
  • Stomp Rockets. These have been around for a while. My daughter and all the neighborhood kids loved Stomp Rockets when she was a little girl. It was a great toy that got them outside, moving, and playing together! I’m sure they have been improved since the early 2000s. Any kid on your list will love this! Purchase here.
  • Ankle Skip Ball for Kids, Foldable Skip it with Colorful Flash Wheel. When I was a kid, we had something similar to this that had a lemon toy on the end of a flexible tube. We skip-hopped all over the neighborhood! It seems it has been improved! This toy provides hours of great exercise and fun! Get one for every member of the family! Get it here.

Active gifts are a great way to get the whole family together and get each family member moving around! Kids can get exercise without even knowing they are getting exercise with these great gifts.

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

by Kelly Mattei

Ultimate Drybar Deal

Ultimate Drybar Deal

Drybar The Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush…right now (at writing) there is a special deal on this great product! If you’re looking for a premium quality, round blow-dryer brush, this could be the one! I have one of these that I use daily, but I paid a lot more than $99 for it! However, you can take advantage of a Cyber Monday Deal from Amazon now! I use this brush for adding body to my hair…wet or dry. I rarely start drying my hair immediately. I have a lot of hair, so blow drying my hair is time consuming. Therefore, I usually let it air dry while I do my makeup and get dressed. When it’s time to dry it, it’s halfway there, and I can use this blow dryer brush to smooth it and boost the roots. Regularly priced at $155, you can take advantage of a great deal now. It’s also a great gift for girls going to college next fall! Purchase one for yourself or one for someone on your holiday list here.

Get this Cyber Monday Deal while it lasts!

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

by Kelly Mattei

Fantastic Dyson Airwrap Deal

Fantastic Dyson Airwrap Deal

I have mentioned this one before, but just in case you missed it: YOU CAN PURCHASE THE DYSON AIRWRAP from Amazon (and get free shipping with your Amazon Prime Membership) for $100 off! It’s a rare deal that you can take advantage of NOW. My college age daughter loves the Dyson Airwrap, and all her friends do too! There are two different versions of the sale Special Edition: the long one for straight or wavy hair, and another to diffuse for curly/coily hair.

Get the long for straight/wavy Special Edition on sale here.

Or get the Special Edition for diffusing curly/coily hair here.

They’re pricey, but people who have them love them, and young ladies who don’t have the Dyson Airwrap want the Dyson Airwrap. My daughter swears she can style her hair more efficiently and better with the Airwrap. She even says she can go longer between washes when she uses the Airwrap, and she would tell anyone it’s worth every penny. It makes a great gift that a woman will be thrilled to see under the tree!

Happy Shopping!

***We receive commissions for products purchased from Amazon through our links.***