Category / ideas

by Kelly Mattei

Shoe and Accessory Holiday Deals on Amazon

Shoe and accessory holiday deals on Amazon.

I’m just going to get right to it. Here are some great, fashionable deals on gifts for the women on your list:

  • Voile Blanche Women’s Loden Chelsea Boots. Lug-sole ankle boots are everywhere this season. If someone on your list would like them, you can get them for $159 (at time of writing), instead of the original price of $265! Purchase here.

  • ALC Romeo Bag. A great bag that’s originally $395, but on sale for $276.50. I got my daughter one like it last year when I realized she didn’t have a black handbag. Get one before they’re gone here.

  • Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Prong Earrings. Don’t know what to get for Mom? If she has pierced ears, she’ll likely love these cute earrings from Kenneth Jay Lane. At $37, they are a steal! Get them here.

  • See by Chloe Wedge Espadrille. Regularly $325, these cute espadrille wedges are a purchase at $168 for the black ones. They’ll be great for spring and summer, and the recipient will likely love them! Get them here. Or get gold ones for $156 here!

  • KULE Tennis Scarf. This great scarf from KULE is 50% off and will make a great gift for the tennis player on your list. Get it here.

  • More Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings. These are great for just about woman on your list! Priced at just $44, get them here.

  • Schutz Tractor Loafers. More lug soles. These are well-made shoes by a well-known brand, and they are 40% off right now! They’ll make a great gift! Get them here.

  • Lip Glorifier Balm. This lightweight balm infuses lips with light color and an elegant scent. Comes in four colors and is $47. Get it here.

  • Le Specs SOMETHING Sunglasses. If you have a Clemson fan, LSU fan, or Washington fan on your list, these sunglasses could be a great gift! Priced at $55.30 (reg $79), you can get them for a great price! See them here.

  • Stuart Weitzman Maverick Bedford Moto Booties. Stuart Weitzman? Yes, please! These Moto Booties are on trend and on sale…33% off! The coolest woman on your Christmas list will thank you! Get them here.

  • Simon Penny Mules. For the woman on your list who loves penny mules, this is a great gift, and it’s a great deal! Priced at $297, which is 40% off the original price of $495! Get them here.

  • Lizzie Fortunato Lush Earrings in Kiwi. I love these earrings. In fact, I’m adding them to my Christmas list! Get them here.

  • Stuart Weitzman Bedford Lace-Up Booties. Yep, Weitzman again…this time in a lace-up bootie. Very cute and very on-trend! Get them here.

There you go! Some great gift ideas (and deals) for the women on your list!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

Active Game Gifts

Active game gifts.

Lots of people love active games! Maybe you need one or two for family fun this holiday season? Or maybe someone on your list would love an active game as a gift? See some options below:

  • Tower Ball. I just heard about this one recently. Looks like a little skill is involved, but it looks like lots of fun! Get it here.

  • Cornhole. An old school favorite, Cornhole is fun for big groups, small groups, and can even be played alone! Kids and adults love it. Coming in under $80, this kit is a deal. Get it here.

  • Badminton/Pickleball Set. Badminton is an oldie but goodie. Add in the face that you can also play pickleball with this set, and it’s a bargain! All ages. Purchase here.

  • Spike Ball. Spike ball is a newer game, but people who have played it tell me they love it. I have friends whose college-age kids took Spike Ball to college with them. Get it here.

  • Beer Pong. Amazon has a Portable Beer Pong Table. I know lots of people who would love this gift…a folding table with precut cup holes to help prevent spills! If you have someone on your list who plays beer pong with friends or family, this is a fantastic gift! Four different styles/colors are offered. See them here.

  • Paddle Smash. I saw this one on Shark Tank, where they called it a smash up of Spikeball and Cornhole! It was a hit with the Sharks, and it would be a hit at a family gathering or party. Get it here.

  • Ladder Toss. Remember this game? Loads of fun and competitive! Great for kids or adults…or both! It’s an inexpensive gift at about $31. Get it here!

All of the above are great for holiday gatherings or as gifts for friends and family members!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

MORE Stocking Stuffers 2023…

MORE Stocking Stuffers 2023…

After listing 18 stocking stuffer ideas a day or so ago, readers submitted me some more ideas.

Here we go…

  • RFID Credit Card Holder. I got one of these small credit card holders for myself before I traveled recently. I have heard so much about criminals using scanners to steal credit card information at sporting events and tourist areas lately, so I decided to protect myself. I got it in yellow, so I could see it easily in my handbag. At only $16.99, it’s a deal. Great for any girl/woman in your family. Get it here.
  • Headlamp. Everyone can use a headlamp at some point around the house. My husband uses one all the time when he’s working on something, so I don’t have to hold the flashlight. Y’all have seen the meme that says, “You think you scare me? I used to hold the flashlight for my dad.” Anyone who has ever done that understands. Energizer makes a great one for just $15.99 for TWO headlamps at Amazon. Dads will love it. And don’t all boys love flashlights of any kind? Get it here.
  • Midcentury Christmas Stocking Stuffer book. Anyone who grew up when I did (60s/70s) will be thrilled to get this stocking stuffer book filled with photos from that great time! Get it here.
  • Genuine Fred Roll o’ Notes. Can-shaped roll of sticky notes? Yes, please. For just $9.99, pick one: fruit cocktail, noodles, beans, or sushi. The recipient will think it’s funny…and useful! Get them here.
  • Football books. Because I love college football, my friend, Maureen, told me to purchase The System during a book fair at our daughters’ school. I loved it, and I’m about to read it again. I recommend it to everyone who likes college football. Have a college football fan on your list? This is a great stocking stuffer. Get it here. There’s also The Big Book of College Football Trivia that would be a pleaser. Get it here.
  • Shower Steamers. I have posted about these before, but I mention them again, because they are awesome. Even my college-age daughter thinks they’re awesome! I’m always proud when I surprise her with something she actually likes. These make your shower feel like a spa! Great for anyone on your list who can use a spa feeling at the end of a long day. Right now they’re just $12.99. Purchase here.
  • Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow. If someone on your list is a fan of Gilmore Girls (like me), they would love this pop-up book. It’s fun and engaging, and it’s only $16.14. Get it here.

  • Pink Picasso Paint-by-number Kits. Again, this is something I have recommended before, and I stand by it. I have a friend who loves these. Great stocking stuffer for kids/teens/moms who need to relax…or for seniors who need an “activity.” My grandmother would have loved this. Back in the day, we sent her coloring books, but she would have loved this. Get it here.
  • FLIKR Personal Concrete Fireplace. I love this. A reader sent me a message about how much she loves using her FLIKR Personal Concrete Fireplace. It can be used indoors or outdoors and burns Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, making it a clean burn and easy to use! On just five ounces of alcohol, it will burn for 50 minutes! (Do not add alcohol while flame is burning!) It even comes with a snuffer! It’s small, only five inches in diameter and five inches tall, but great for ambiance, roasting marshmallows, or providing a little heat. I’m ordering one now. It might be a little heavy in a stocking, so secure the stocking. The company has an outstanding reputation, and this concrete fireplace gets 4.6 stars on Amazon. Get it for as low as $94 here. Or if you’d like to spend less, you can get something similar on Amazon from The Fire Company for just $29 here.
  • Plantar Fasciitis Socks. These aren’t cute, sparkly, or fun, but they can make a big different for someone on your list who suffers from plantar fasciitis…like me. I purchased these for myself to help my plantar fasciitis, and indirectly, my sciatica. I feel like they have helped, so I wear them all the time. Get six pairs starting at $17.99, and they’ll fit right into Christmas stockings. The recipient will be grateful. Purchase here.
  • Car Cleaning Gel. It seems everyone is going crazy over this car cleaning gel, so I purchased some to put in the Christmas stockings of my husband and daughter. It gets great reviews and seems to be popular. At $6.99, I think it’s worth a try! Get it
  • Kendra Scott Necklaces. Until someone told me today, I had no idea Kendra Scott made a football necklace! It’s super cute! See it here. Lots of ladies love Kendra Scott necklaces…good, quality gifts. For more personalize Kendra Scott necklaces, the initial necklaces are great stocking stuffers. See them here. Or check out the whole line here. Some items are on sale right now!

  • Glow City Glow-in-the-Dark Balls. I think these could be fun for the whole family. Get a glow-in-the-dark football or basketball for yard play in the evenings. We have a big park across the street from our house, and I think the neighborhood kids (and adults) would love these. Get the basketball here. Or the football here. They come delated, so they should it in a stocking.
  • Seven Lady 3-D Nightlights. These awesome 3-D night lights offer a baseball player scene, a basketball player scene, and a solar system scene…with remote control and color-changing capabilities. Order whichever one your friend or family member would like. And they’re only $13.99! Get them here.

  • Winter Pom Pom Beanie. I love a good winter pom pom beanie, and I knit my own. However, I can’t knit them for the whole world, so you’ll have to order them for the people on your Christmas list. A great one is the Livingston Winter Beanie with Pom Pom…and it’s lined! Priced at $18.99, it comes in 15 colors! Get it here.

  • Genuine Fred MANATEA infuser. For the tea drinker on your list, this is a great gift…a manatee shaped infuser! They’ll love it, and it’s only $9.96! Get it here.
  • Dry Divas Shower Caps. Y’all, I have been using Dry Divas shower caps for six years. I am a believer in this product! They’re supposed to last three years, but I know I have at least one that’s six years old…and still in great shape. Before I had Dry Divas, I had trouble finding shower caps that actually stayed snug and kept all my hair dry. These are the real deal. Prices start at $25, and it’s worth every penny. If you have someone on your list who likes a good shower cap, this could be a gem for them. To see the one pictured below, click here. To see lots of different colors, click here.
  • Genuine Fred Gifts. Honestly, Genuine Fred has lots of awesome stocking stuffers on their Amazon page. I highly recommend visiting it for fun/funny ideas. See it here.

Those should keep you busy shopping for some stocking stuffers for a while. I’ll have more ideas in a couple of days! Before that, I plan to share all my favorite items I have purchased from Amazon in the last year or two, so check back!

Happy Shopping!

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!

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 Gifts for the Home

Holiday gifts for the home.

Lots of us love gifts for the home. I love when someone gives me something I can use or display at home. Therefore, I’m sharing some favorite ideas for 2023:

  • Vietri Vase. Y’all, I love Vietri glassware, and their vases are my very favorite. They add a little beauty and color to any room. Your friends/family would love to receive a Vietri vase. My fave is the Vietri Hibiscus mouth blown glass vase, starting at $65 for the small clear version and $69 for various colors…the cobalt, the dark green, the pink…I love them all! Purchase here.
  • Ice Ball Maker. This is great for the person on your gift who loves a good cocktail on the rocks. Or if they like a good Old Fashioned, they will love being able to make their own ice balls to perfectly chill their cocktails. Get this thoughtful gift for just $16.99 at Amazon here.
  • EXVALO nightlight/charger/speaker. This is an unusual gift I would love to receive! An adjustable bedside nightlight with phone charging capabilities and a Bluetooth speaker. It’s portable and rechargeable! In fact, I think we need one on every nightstand in our house. Priced at just $35.99 right now (on sale 40% off!), it’s a great gift for anyone on your list. Get it here.
  • Frozen Beverage Machine. I want a frozen drink machine at home. I did a little investigating, and I found that the Margaritaville brand gets great reviews and is priced right too! It’s not commercial grade. For that, you’ll spend more, but for a home machine, Margaritaville gets great reviews. It’s still $320 (at time of writing). If you have someone in on your list who likes to entertain with frozen margaritas, daquiris, or anything, else, this could be a great gift. The Margaritaville brand makes 2.5 pitchers at a time. Purchase here. If you’re up for commercial-grade, I recommend VEVOR brand. Prices start at $542 for the slushie maker on Amazon. What I really like about VEVOR is that no pitcher is required. You can dispense the beverage straight from the machine. I love it. . See the various VEVOR options here.
  • Garden Potting Bench. Have someone on your list who loves gardening? Me. I’m the one on the list who loves gardening. My husband knows I would be happy to receive a potting bench for Christmas. I found one from Yaheetech on Amazon that I would love, and priced at under $70, it’s a deal. There is some assembly required, but according to reviews, it’s pretty easy. If you have a gardener on your list, this could be a great gift at a great price. They’ll never suspect it’s under $70. Get it here.
  • Double Stitch by Bedsure Throw Blankets. Who doesn’t love a good throw blanket? Double Stitch by Bedsure makes quality blankets at great prices. Add a splash of modern charm to any room with these blankets, priced right now on sale at Amazon for $59.99. Get one for each person on your list! See them here.
  • Hippo Resin Figurine Dish. Y’all are going to think I’m crazy, but I love this hippo figurine that also acts as a bowl for keys, candy, whatever you want. It will be a conversation piece, for sure! Priced at $30.99, it’s a fun gift that will get noticed Christmas morning! Get it here.
  • Jonathan Adler Greek Key Frame. I love Jonathan Adler products for their modern look and for their whimsy. This one isn’t as whimsical as some, but it’s a great frame. Pop in a favorite photo for the recipient and wrap it up. Photo memories make great gifts. See it here.
  • Birdfeeder. The older I get, the more I remind myself of my mother. During summer, I enjoy watching the birds flock to my garden, but during the winter, they need to eat too! I’m adding a “birdfeeder” to my Christmas list this year. Hopefully, my husband will read this and come through. Otherwise, I’ll have to rely on Santa. There’s a great one at Amazon for $17.99 here.
  • Great Escapes Coffee Table Book. I’m a big fan of coffee table books. They add color a room and tell visitors a little bit about the residents. Have a traveler on your list? They might like a Great Escapes Coffee Table Book. My favorite right now? The Great Escapes USA: The Hotel Book. Priced under $50, it makes a lovely gift for the traveler on your list. Get it here.

There you have it…ten home gift ideas for the holidays. I’ll be following up with more ideas until Christmas.

Happy Shopping!

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

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

Favorite Household Goods from Amazon

Favorite Household Goods from Amazon.

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

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

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

Happy shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

College Cocktail Dresses, Part 3

College Cocktail Dresses, Part 3.

Here’s the third installment of the series, featuring cocktail dresses for college students. This one features ten dresses of varying lengths, colors, styles, and prices. Let’s go shopping! If you haven’t found anything yet, don’t fret! There will be more coming tomorrow! (I need to watch football today.)

  • L’Idee Gala Mini. Want a different color? Try this dress in Sunset! Regularly priced at $350, this one is on sale for $123! Very popular style. See it here.
  • Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Dress. A popular halter-style dress that comes in lots of colors and is priced under $150. See yellow and pink here. See it in black here. Ivory here. And a lovely bellini color here.
  • NBD Lila Gown. This full-length dress also comes in several colors. See it in champagne ($122) here. Mauve pink ($194) here. Or navy ($228) here.
  • Blaine Mini Dress. This one is a steal at $30! Long sleeves, ruching, mini. Get it in red or teal here. Great for fall or holiday!
  • Montrose Mini. This one is offered in glorious purple or pink. At $111, you almost have to get it. See it here. I could totally see my daughter in the purple.
  • Kerrie Deep V Mini. Priced at just $70, this dress comes in pink or green. Super cute! See it here.
  • Joyce Mini Dress. This cheetah print, long sleeve number is on final sale for $42 (orig $168) at Revolve. See it here.
  • Amelia Gown. This black, full-length gown is beautiful and on sale for $153! See it here.
  • Old Money Gown. With a plunging neckline and tiered skirt, this black gown is simply gorgeous. Originally $325, it’s on sale now for $195. Purchase here.
  • Lovers and Friends Lazo Gown. This one is on sale for $188. It’s red, and it’s dramatic. Purchase here.

Happy Shopping! Come back tomorrow for more suggestions!

by Kelly Mattei

Back Pain? Foot Pain? Leg Pain? OOFOS!

Back pain? Foot pain? Leg pain? OOFOS!

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

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

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

I have thanked my neighbor many times since.

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

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