Category / products

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 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

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

Back Pain? Foot Pain? Leg Pain? OOFOS!

Back pain? Foot pain? Leg pain? OOFOS!

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

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

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

I have thanked my neighbor many times since.

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

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

by Kelly Mattei

Organize Your Bathroom Vanity Countertop

Organize your bathroom vanity countertop.

First, let me say I am not always the best at organizing my own space. But at 56, I’m better than I used to be! No doubt! I can’t stand clutter on my bathroom vanity countertop, so I find ways to organize, and lately, I have discovered some new things to help.

Before I tackled the countertop, I needed to tackle the drawers and under-sink space. The more I can store in drawers and under the sink, the less I have to organize on the countertop. Therefore, to organize under the sink, I ordered two organizers that are made just for that. In fact, I have ordered two more for my husband’s side of the bathroom. You can see them and purchase here. They are sold as a two pack, and when the arrived, I opened the package and immediately thought, “Ugh, assembly required.” But honestly, it took less than five minutes for me to put them together at the kitchen counter…no tools required…just fit pieces together. At $15.99 for two, it’s a steal!

Once I had tackled the under-sink area and all the drawers, I had more room for some of the items on my countertop, but I do believe there is as pretty way to organize some things on the countertop. My main problem? Makeup brushes. I don’t know what to do with them! And they are plentiful! I don’t like just throwing them in a drawer. I put all my makeup away in a drawer, but I needed somewhere to put the brushes that would make them easier to differentiate. My solution? Vases!

No, I didn’t buy lots of vases. I just bought two…a large and a medium. And they are the cutest vases that look like partial faces. See the featured photo. The photo shows flowers, but mine will hold makeup brushes! Or maybe one will hold brushes and the other will hold flowers. We shall see! To see the vases I purchased, click here.

If you have other ideas, please send them to me!

Happy Shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

Stay Cool

Stay cool.

With temps all over the country at or above triple digits, staying cool is a priority these days…and it’s not easy. Last weekend, I went to Sorority Bid Day at the University of Alabama with a friend, and we both declared it to be as hot as the surface of the sun. Every year, we declare it to be the last year, but somehow, we keep going.

Next year, though, we will be more prepared, because I have done some research on staying cool. I’m also preparing for a couple of warm (hot) vacations, so I’m going to be prepared. You can spend your time doing your own research, or you can just listen to what I say here, because I’m going to share some products I have found that could save you from suffering from heat stroke:

  • Neck fans. I purchased a couple at Amazon recently, and they seem to work pretty well! My husband and I will be taking them to south Florida with us soon, and my cousin and I will use them when we got to Panama in October. It’s always hot near the Panama Canal, but we will be prepared. See these rechargeable neck fans here.
  • Cooling scarf. Yes, I will do anything to try to stay cool, and wearing a cooling scarf is definitely on my agenda! They’re cute and colorful, and they help you stay cool! Purchase here.
  • Be Koool Active Cooling Patch. This one is easy…an adhesive patch to wear during moderate activity, to help keep you cool. Priced under $7, it’s also Prime eligible, so you get free shipping, if you’re an Amazon Prime member. Offering about 4 hours of relief, I’ll be taking a few of these on trips with me. I purchased 20, so my family has them when we need them. Purchase here.
  • Gatsby Cooling wipes. Sometimes, when it’s crazy hot, you just want to “freshen up.” Well, Gatsby Cooling Wipes freshen you up and help cool you off! I’ve used them, and they’re awesome! Take them with you on the go! There are other brands out there, but this is the brand I prefer. Purchase here.
  • Drip Drop Hydration Packets. I carry these everywhere I go. They are great for keeping you hydrated, and they work great for hangovers and illness recovery too. In these crazy temps, it’s important to stay hydrated. There are other brands, but Drip Drop is my favorite, because I think their flavors are better. Purchase on Amazon here.
  • Yeti Insulated Cup. Add some ice, water, and Drip Drop to this insulated cup, and you’re set to move around in crazy temps. For the 26 oz cup with chug top, click here. Or to see other Yeti offerings, click here.
  • Countertop Nugget Ice Machine. Like nugget ice? Keep your drinks cool by making your own nugget ice at home with countertop nugget ice machine! The one from Antarctic Star can be purchased for as low as $159.99 for a light blue color…going up for other colors. Purchase here.
  • Misting fan from O2 Cool. I love this brand. They make my very favorite travel fan, which I will mention below. But for now, it’s all about the portable misting fan. These are a little big, but they’ll fit in a small backpack when you’re at a sporting event, riding a bike, going for hike, or touring a city. Now, get two for under $25 at Amazon! Purchase here.
  • O2 Cool fans. I have used an O2 Cool travel fan for years. I take it anytime I travel and set it up on my nightstand. It’s small but mighty, and you’ll be surprised how much it helps at night when you’re trying to sleep! I sleep with a fan in my room at home, but it’s too big for travel. The O2 Cool travel fan is perfect. Purchase here. O2 Cool also makes a necklace fan they sell in packs of four. This is not one I have tried, but I have ordered it. I expect great things, simply because I love the O2 Cool products. Purchase here.
  • Cooling Bedding. And if you need help staying cool while you sleep, there’s Rest Brand, which makes Evercool comforters and sheets. The comforters and sheets are made to dissipate heat 10X faster than cotton sheets and comforters. They’re not inexpensive, but hey…if you’re sweating at night, they could be the answer. Priced at $199 per twin comforter/$239 for queen/$279 for king. Sheet sets start at $199 for full/$209 for queen/$219 for king/$239 for California King. Like I said, not inexpensive, but they will be worth it for lots of folks. See comforters here. And sheet sets here.
  • Inflatable Pool. There are lots of inflatable pools out there…some smaller, some larger. The one I’m recommending is on the larger size and seems to be more durable. If you don’t have a pool in your yard, an inflatable pool can be the answer for cooling off! See one from Sun Club Inflatable Pools here.

It’s crazy hot out there, people! Stay cool!

by Kelly Mattei

Travel Stuff

Travel stuff.

I like to travel. That’s no secret. Because of that, I’m always looking for products/items that make travel easier and more enjoyable. Without further ado, I’m going to share some of my recent discoveries:

  • Luggage System. When buzzing through airports or even going from car to hotel, it’s a big help to me that I have a luggage “system,” meaning my smaller bag stacks securely atop my carry-on! I paid too much for mine, but here’s one that is about $100, and it gets great reviews, as you will see! Click here to see it at Amazon.
  • Crockpot Electric Lunch Box. This can be great for road trips, because who doesn’t get tired of grabbing food on the go at fast food joints? I always prefer a real hot meal over that junk, so when I saw this, I had to have it! Priced at around $35, it’s a deal of the day on Amazon! Get it here.
  • Everest Wheeled Backpack. A cool concept when you only need to carry on one bag. Everest makes a wheeled backpack, so you can carry it on your bag or pull it behind you. Whatever works! See it at Amazon here.
  • Luggage Straps Set. If you need to check your bags at the airport, a bright-colored luggage strap set can help you recognize your bags more easily when they arrive at the baggage carousel. These are inexpensive and easy to use. Purchase them here.
  • Rand McNally Road Atlas 100th Anniversary Edition. Nobody loves a road atlas more than I do! Correction: my friend, Mary Ann, loves an atlas as much as I do, and we definitely used one on our big road trips. If you’re planning a big road trip, you need an atlas in advance, because they are not easy to find on the road. I know from experience. This 100th Anniversary Edition is special, featuring the history of the American road trip. You might want to keep this one as a collectible. Get it here. For one to actually take on the road with you, there’s the regular Rand McNally Road Atlas and National Park Guide. You can purchase it here. Sure, you can use GPS on your phone, but you can get a real picture of where you’re going or where you’ve been with an atlas. Highly recommend.
  • Bright Luggage Tags. Don’t want to put a strap on your checked bag? Then put a bright colored luggage tag. See some great ones here. These are great to have on your college student’s bags too. My daughter has a black backpack, but I put a bright-colored luggage tag on it, so she can recognize it quickly when it’s near other black backpacks, which are everywhere.
  • Travel Shoes. You can still dress nicely and wear sneakers. I have found the best ones for travel are from On Cloud. My faves? The Cloud 5. Purchase for women here. Purchase for men here.
  • Portable Charger. You never know when your plans will change or when you will look at your phone and see that it has only 3% charge left! Yikes! Keep a quality portable charger handy for times like that. See a good, inexpensive one at Amazon here.

Come back soon for more travel “stuff.” It’s one of my favorite topics!

by Kelly Mattei

Amazon Deals for the Kitchen

Amazon Deals for the kitchen.

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

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

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

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

by Kelly Mattei

College Nesting?

I posted this last year, as we were preparing to send our daughter to her freshman year of college…

College nesting?

Nineteen years ago, we were eagerly awaiting the arrival of our daughter. She was due on October 11, so in August and September of that year, I was in full-on “nesting mode.” Anyone who has ever expected a baby knows what I’m talking about…that need to get every detail squared away before the baby arrives. Back then, we read all about it in What to Expect When You’re Expecting, so we weren’t surprised when we found ourselves lining drawers and washing everything in sight.

Fast forward 19 years, and I find myself doing the same thing.

Why am I “nesting” for my soon-to-be college freshman?

Why am I nesting for my soon-to-be college freshman? It had never occurred to me that this could happen, but a couple of days ago, as I packed up some IKEA bags with dorm bedding, lighting, and other items, I realized, “I’m nesting.” Unfortunately, I haven’t ever found a book called What to Expect When You’re Sending Your Child to College, so I don’t have any reference. Sure, I have called my friends who have college kids and asked them about it. They all assure me that what I’m doing is perfectly normal…that it’s a way of dealing with the transition. I just wish I could see it in writing somewhere.

Is the transition going to be easy? No. I am beyond excited for our daughter. She is going to enjoy the full college experience at my alma mater. Sure, there will be days she is stressed out or even homesick, but hopefully, I will be able to talk her through it. Or her friends will distract her. Or she will get busy and forget about homesickness. As for me, I don’t know who will talk me through it. I will miss her like crazy. Will I be able to handle it? Yes, of course. No, I’m not planning to move to be near her college. In fact, I have three big vacations planned for the month following her departure. If that doesn’t help take my mind off it, nothing will.

But that’s why this whole college nesting thing happens…for the parents. Any good parent is likely a little worried about their college-bound kid. I’m not worried about her handling the school work. She will figure that out. I know, too, that she will make new friends quickly…especially since she will be living in a dorm. It’s more of a concern about her spinning her wheels trying to get everything else done. I know she can and will do it, but my nesting instinct is making me prepare everything I can for her room. Cold/nausea/pain medications? Check. I don’t want her to have to run out to look for meds if she is feeling poorly. Cleaning supplies/vacuum cleaner? Check. I have no idea how often she and her roommate will clean the bathroom in their dorm room, but I want to make sure the tools are there. Laundry supplies/clothing prep? Check. I have packed a stand-up steamer and laundry supplies, including Static Guard, a wrinkle releaser, an on-the-go spot remover, and a small sewing kit. Basic school supplies? Check. Having a few things in advance won’t hurt. Bins and organizers for the room? Check. They likely won’t be used as planned, but they have them if they want them.

I know she and her roommate will need to go out and get more things after we, the parents, hit the road. It will give them an excuse to get out of the dorm for a little while. Do I think they will end up doubling up on some of the things I have carefully packed and organized for them? Yes, because they won’t even look at a lot of the things I have packed. They won’t even realize they already have rubberbands and paperclips. And that’s OK.

Whether they use the things I have packed or not, I will know I sent her off prepared for most things. She might go out and look for Band-Aids for the blisters on her heels even though I packed them in a medicine box for them. And again, that’s OK. I know those Band-Aids are there for them. That’s why I’m “college nesting,” just like other parents are all over the country right now. Sure, it’s for them, but mostly, it makes me feel better about her departure. By focusing on mundane tasks, I am not focusing on the fact that this child (adult?) I have nurtured and loved for almost 19 years is flying the coop.

She is leaving us and will never live in our house again on a permanent basis. I think that’s the fact I am trying to process while I’m preparing her for the next school year. We are proud parents. We are happy that she is moving into this next phase of life, and we are excited about what it means for us too. But it’s going to be a transition, for sure.

I guess I should get busy packing up some clothes for her today.

by Kelly Mattei

Sorority Rush: Last Minute Items

Sorority Rush: Last Minute Items.

If you’re planning to participate in sorority recruitment in the fall at a southern school, you likely registered already. Mark that off your checklist. You likely have your recommendations done. You probably have picked out your wardrobe and are just finishing up assembling your rush bag. What else is there to do?

Well, you have to wait, of course, but while you wait, there are some things you can do:

  • Shore up your wardrobe. Yes, you have a few dresses for rush, but depending on the school you are attending, you might need/want more than one dress per round. At The University of Alabama, for example, Philanthropy Round takes place over three days. You won’t know your schedule until everything gets started, so right now, you don’t know if you’ll have parties on one day, two days, or all three days. It’s best to be prepared for all three days. Sure, you can wear the same shorts/skirt to all three days of Philanthropy Round, but what if you sweat a lot in it? Will you want to wear it again? What if you spill something on it? Same for Sisterhood Round: if it takes place over two days, can you wear the same dress both days? Yes. Do you really want to? There’s still time to purchase another dress or two if you think you need it. Just remember, it’s hot in the south in August! Amazon has some cute dresses at these links:
    • Smocked Mini Dress. Y’all this inexpensive dress comes in several colors. I love all of them! They’re great for those really hot game days too! Priced under $30, these are adorable! See them here.
    • Love Shack Fancy. I know lots of girls love their Love Shack Fancy dresses. Get their cute Russ dress here. It’s pricy, but it’s cute!
    • One shoulder dress. Pretty Garden has an adorable one-shoulder tiered dress in several colors for under $50. Check it out here.
    • Another one-shoulder dress that resembles Love Shack Fancy, in my opinion. It also comes in lots of colors and is less than $50. See it here.
    • Amanda Uprichard dresses. Amanda Uprichard makes lots of great dresses for rush. See a selection here.
    • Belle Maison Collective. This boutique is out of Huntsville, Alabama, and they have some great options for rush…dresses, shoes, skirts, and shorts. Take a peek here.
    • Revolve. Check revolve.com for some great dress deals, since they have put a lot of seasonal items on sale! Click here.
    • Shopbop. Another great resource is shopbop.com. Click here.
    • Zara. At our house, we love Zara. Click here to see what they have.
  • Pick shoes. When picking which shoes you want to wear with which outfit during rush, remember you don’t need to be uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting throughout the process, you won’t feel your best, and likely won’t project your best self. This is not the time to try a new pair of stilettos. Also, don’t forget to have some comfy slippers/Crocs/flip flops in your Rush Bag, so you can wear them between parties.
  • Accessorize. It’s important to accessorize but not over-accessorize. Understated elegance is best…pearl earrings, small gold hoops, etc.
  • Rush Bag. Don’t forget to put together a Rush bag to help you freshen up between parties in weather so hot it feels like the surface of the sun! To see what you need for the bag, click here.

It’s almost time! So exciting! When my daughter went through the recruitment process last year, she made some great memories!