My favorite everyday jewelry. *As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission on items purchased through my links.*
I’m giving away some real secrets today!
This past weekend, I met a few friends from college for a weekend full of laughs, memories, drinks, food, and new memories! It’s always fun to get together with people I have known most of my life. I’m very fortunate to have maintained friendships with people I met in college 40 years ago. Did I mention we laugh a lot when we get together?!? Well, we do.
When I travel, whether I’m meeting friends for lunch or traveling, I like to keep the jewelry simple. That doesn’t mean I don’t wear pieces I love. I just like to have some things that will work with anything I wear, so I don’t have to take as much. Also, I find those same pieces are my “fall back” pieces when I’m in a hurry to get somewhere in Charlotte or when I can’t make a decision.
The best thing about them? They’re inexpensive! If I leave them behind somewhere, it’s no disaster. I also get lots of compliments on them.For those reasons and lots more, I highly recommend these pieces:
Earrings. Trendy CZ Gold Hoop Earrings for Women. These earrings come in lots of colors, but my favorites for traveling are the multicolor ones, simply for ease. They match everything. They’re not too big but not too small, and I receive countless compliments on them. Best of all? They are only $13.99! I have several pairs of the multicolor ones, and I also have them in pink, green, and blue. ***Also great earrings for sorority rush if you’re still wondering what to take/send/wear!***Purchase here.
Necklace. Again, a piece I receive countless compliments on, and again, inexpensive…only $7.99! It’s big enough to be noticed, but not big enough to be the only thing people see. Purchase here.
Bangle Bracelets. A trio of bangle bracelets for about $20. Sure, they’re costume jewelry, but they fill a need and dress up an ensemble! Get them here.
There you have it. Some of my best-kept secrets…divulged. Purchase while supplies last!
Did you know Amazon offers FREE Kindle books? Well, they do, and you can download them to your Kindle or your Kindle app easily with your Prime Membership! Yes, I said FREE! And some of them were written by popular authors like Nora Roberts. One I can definitely recommend is Year One by Roberts. Get it here. Other titles are offered at low prices. If you have a voracious reader in your family and don’t want to go broke, this is a great way to get some new titles! To see the free and inexpensive offerings on Amazon, click here.
If you’d like to purchase an Amazon Kindle reader, check them out here.
But if you have a sports fan in your family who can hardly wait for college football to start, I highly recommend The System: The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football. It’s not free or even almost free, but it’s the best book about college football I’ve ever read. Get it here.
*As an Amazon Associate, we receive commission on items purchased through our links.*
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.
Amazon Prime Days Deals on Beats Studio Pro with Apple Care+ (2 Years) Headphones
Get them while they last! This deal is 50% off the Beats Studio Pro Headphones, and two years of Apple Care+ is included! Regularly $378.99, you can get these now for $188.95 in various colors! Have a college student in the family? Have a teenager? Frequent traveler? These Beats Studio Pro with Apple Care+ Headphones are a steal! Purchase them now here.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GREAT DEAL NOW WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
*We receive commissions on items purchased through our links.*
I’m not going to waste any time…just getting straight to the good stuff. Need dorm items at a good discount? Click through the links below! (As an Amazon associate, I receive commissions on items purchased through my links.)
Some of these are EARLY DEALS you can get now, while others might start tomorrow. Get these deals!
Fire TV. If your student wants a TV in his/her dorm room, Amazon has a great deal on an Amazon Fire 32″ TV. It’s what our daughter has, and it’s what we have in our upstairs bedrooms at home. For us, they have been great. Purchase for just $69.99 (at publication time) here. That’s 46% off the regular price! Or maybe your student wants/needs the 55- inch Fire TV. It’s almost half off, priced at just $189.99 (regularly $349.99)! That’s a steal! See it here.
Big Fire TV. If you have a son or daughter who lives in an apartment with roommates, they might need a bigger TV. Right now, Amazon has a 75″ Fire TV at 48% off…that’s $569.99 for a huge TV (regularly $1099.99)! Purchase here.
Clothes Steamer. I know you think your student doesn’t need a steamer, but girls need a steamer…especially if they are participating in sorority recruitment in the south. You can get a handheld steamer or a standing steamer. When our daughter was a freshman, I got her a standing steamer, because I know it wouldn’t “walk away” to someone else’s room. You can purchase one on sale at Amazon here. If you prefer a handheld steamer, you can get one at a deep discount here.
Mattress Topper. A college freshman moving into a dorm needs a mattress topper. Lately, it seems most dorm beds are sized Twin XL, so I’m sharing a deal on one that size. Bedsure offers a 4-inch topper that gets great reviews for just $99.99 through Amazon at time of writing. Purchase here. If you’re looking for something more high-end for your little darling, I highly recommend the Sleepyhead brand 3-inch gel topper you can purchase here. It’s not on sale, and it’s pricey ($399), but there is a coupon on Amazon that makes it $60 less than normal…$339. If you prefer the Sleepyhead brand 2-inch gel topper, it costs less and has a coupon right now too. Originally priced at $299, you can get it now for $259 with the coupon on Amazon. Get it here. It’s a great, proven brand. We got our daughter the 3-inch gel topper from Sleepyhead when she was a freshman, and she used it for two years and loved it. It’s all about personal budget and preference. ***Double-check the size of the beds in your student’s dorms before buying.***
Moving Bags. You’ll need them, and Amazon has a Prime Deal on some heavy-duty moving bags right now. Purchase before they’re gone here.
Backpack. A few different brands are being offered at great prices in early Prime Days deals. Check these out: Zorfin 26L backpack for $16.99here. Amazon Basics backpack for $20.13 here. Or check out the huge assortment here.
Desk Organizer. There are a few different desk organizers from Amazon Basics on Early Prime Days deals…different shapes at different prices. Click on the price to see the organizer: $8.99, $10.99, $15.99, and $22.47. Keep in mind…there are only so many set aside for the bargain prices. Right now, at time of writing, the $22.47 organizer is showing 7% claimed.
Air purifier. If your student is moving into an older dorm, you definitely need an air purifier. My daughter lived in a brand new dorm her freshman year, and I found that it was dusty, simply because it was new construction. We got her a small purifer. Right now, there’s an early Prime Days deal on one from Levoit for just $39.97 here. Or pay more but still get a Prime Days deal on a “smart” one from BlueAir here.
Velvet Hangers. NOT a Prime Days deal, but your students needs these, and they are inexpensive. They take up less room that plastic hangers, and because they are “velvet,” the provide a non-slip surface…less likely to find clothes on the floor. Highly recommend! Get them for your student here.
I’m watching the deals in all categories…not just college buys…on Prime Days (starting July 8!), and I will try to get the info out there as fast as I can!
I will be posting more deals as I come across them! Happy Shopping!
My daughter just finished her junior year of college.. It’s hard for me to believe she is 3/4 of the way through college. I remember my own college days so well; I’m so happy she is getting to go to the same awesome university and have her own experiences. We feel pretty seasoned now that she has survived three years. So while I’m thinking about it, and since you have time to prepare now, I’m going to make some suggestions on necessities. Seriously, I know graduation festivities (ugh) are upon you, but start purchasing and ordering now, and you’ll have less to do as your college freshman’s departure approaches. You can also spread out the expenses over the next few months instead of being slapped in the face with big credit card bills at dorm move-in time. These are just a few items I recommend purchasing early, before everyone else jumps in, making them difficult to find.
Mattress Topper. I never met a dorm mattress I liked. Goodness. One would think they could find a way to improve those things. I was a freshman in 1985, and I daresay my daughter’s freshman dorm mattress was no more comfortable than the one I had way back when. We knew that would be the case, so we invested in a quality mattress topper. There are lots of them out there, but we opted for the Sleepyhead brand. Our daughter’s dorm room has a twin XL bed, so we ordered the Twin XL 3″ Topper from Sleepyhead. She loves it. Priced at over $300, it’s not cheap, but right now, they are offering a $70 coupon. It’s probably some of the best money I’ve ever spent. Our daughter used hers freshman year in the dorm and sophomore year in the sorority house. She loved sleeping in her bed, calling it “cozy and comfy.” She got two full years of use out of it. She moved into an apartment with a queen bed last year, so she can’t use the topper again, but we purchased Sleepyhead topper for her queen bed. Check out Sleepyhead on Amazon here. ***Keep it in the box until you get to the dorm room!***
Stand-up Steamer. I think people thought I was crazy when I told them I was getting our daughter a stand-up steamer to take to college with her, but it is one thing that definitely got used…and it’s so much easier than ironing! Plus, a stand-up steamer won’t “walk away” to someone else’s dorm room, never to be seen again! Our daughter participated in sorority recruitment as soon as she arrived at school, so I knew she would need to steam out her dresses before she wore them. We couldn’t have her showing up all wrinkled! She tells me she has used it countless times throughout the year for steaming formal dresses, cocktail dresses, and anything else that was overly wrinkled. We opted for the a Rowenta model. You can see it and purchase it on Amazon here. If you want to purchase a handheld steamer instead, I highly recommend one from Rowenta you can purchase here.
Bankers Box Smooth Move Wardrobe Boxes. These stand-up boxes are more for the move-in, but they were big helps with our daughter’s hanging garments. They have a bar across the top on which to hang the clothes, and they hold a lot of clothes. We only used one, and our daughter took a lot of clothes with her. When we arrived in the dorm, we simply lifted the hangers off the bar and moved them straight to the closet bar…super easy. For about $44, you’ll get three bankers boxes. We gave one to a friend who was going off to college too, and saved the third one…might use it for move-out. You can purchase here.
Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Mop. I don’t know how often this item has been used, but if they can’t really clean the floor without it. At least give them a fighting chance at having a “clean-ish” floor. Plus, you will want to run it through the room before you set everything up. Just get it. It will make you feel better knowing your child can mop the floor if he/she chooses or needs to! Get it from Amazon here.
Velvet Hangers. I know how easy it is for a college student on the go to grab a shirt and just snatch it off the hanger on the way to class. Hangers go flying, and other items fall to the bottom of the closet. That doesn’t happen with velvet hangers. They have added a lot of organization to my own closet. I purchase Zober non-slip Velvet Hangers in Ivory. Just trust me on this one. Shirts don’t get horns in the shoulders. Dresses hang nicely and don’t fall off the hanger and into the floor. Get them at Amazon here. You’ll think you won’t need many, but start with 200.
And I’m going to repeat some move-in essentials from a piece I wrote recently:
Hulken Bag. I ordered two. My daughter has one at college, and I have one at home, but I will take mine down with me when we move her out. They simply make moving lots of items easier. We got large ones. Get them here.
Moving Bags. These are similar to the Ikea moving bags, but I ordered from Amazon, because I thought these were a little bigger and sturdier. They worked great for move-in, and I expect them to work great for move-out too! Get them here. (Keep in mind: these sell out during summer, as families stock up on them, so get yours early.)
Collapsible Wagon. We got one of these for our daughter when she was returning to college after the holidays. It was an easy way for her to get everything from the parking garage to her room. Get it here.
Versacart. This is one my aunt told me about, and it’s awesome! She calls it her “old lady cart,” but it does the job! She uses it to bring in groceries or any packages from her car. Get it here.
Stick with me, moms of future college students, and I’ll provide you with all sorts of helpful ideas over the next few months. Start shopping now! And please use my links above to purchase! *I may be compensated for some of the items I suggest, but I wouldn’t suggest them if I didn’t believe in them!
Someone on your list wants Barbie x Stanley Quenchers. Now there’s a collaboration with the Barbie brand, celebrating 65 years of Barbie! Barbie x Stanley! These are hot items this holiday season! See all eight variations here. This is a great opportunity to get the perfect gift for the people on your list who love Barbie, or Stanley, or both! Get them before they’re gone! Use your Amazon Prime membership for free shipping!
Stanley x Barbie™ Icon 40 Oz Quencher Icon is the key word here, because this one is iconic! This beauty features the iconic Barbie logo in…you guessed it…pink! This 40-oz Quencher is priced at $60 and makes a great gift! Get it here.
Stanley X Barbie™ ’60s Twist ’N Turn Quencher 40 Oz With a soft, sorbet gradient and tangerine lid and straw combo, this vibrant Barbie Quencher captures the movement that made the Twist ‘N Turn Barbie doll so striking! Great colors and great for the Barbie collector too! Get it here.
Stanley x Barbie™ ’80s Rockers Quencher 40 Oz Inspired by the Barbie and the Rockers dolls, the Rockers Quencher features bright, retro graphics that are ready to rock. In a new wave style that is quintessentially Barbie, this unstoppable Quencher is born to lead. Purchase here.
Stanley x Barbie™ ’70s Superstar Quencher 40 Oz The hot pink and purple gradient of the Superstar Quencher is all about glitz and glam. A pattern of gold, dainty stars echo the sparkle and star-shaped stand of the Superstar Barbie doll. Purchase here.
Stanley x Barbie™ ’80s Western Ken Quencher 40 Oz Lasso your own Western Ken Quencher in a Midnight-black. With a print that mimics the contrast stitching and silver buckle showcased on the Western Ken doll, stand tall — adventure’s calling. Purchase here.
Stanley x Barbie™ ’80s Dynamite Quencher 40 Oz Rich colors, gold accents and disco lights of the Dynamite Quencher celebrate the first Black Barbie doll. Iconic in every way, the Dynamite Barbie doll debuted in a vibrant red bodysuit and wrap skirt with glamorous jewelry and star quality poses to shine. Purchase here.
Stanley x Barbie™ ’80s Rockers Quencher 40 Oz Inspired by the Barbie and the Rockers dolls, the Rockers Quencher features bright, retro graphics that are ready to rock. In a new wave style that is quintessentially Barbie, this unstoppable Quencher is born to lead. Purchasehere.
Stanley x Barbie™ Icon 30 Oz Quencher The Barbie Icon Quenchers arrive in a bright pop of Barbie pink to celebrate shining bright together and creating limitless possibilities for all. This one holds 10 few ounces than the others, so it’s easier to carry and costs less! Purchase here.
These won’t last long! Take advantage of this opportunity to make lots of people on your list happy. Granddaughters? Check! Daughters? Check! Cousins? Friends? Moms? Check..check…and CHECK!
If you have a traveler on your list, Samsonite offers some outstanding hardside bags that are great quality. You know Samsonite is a trusted brand. Samsonite International S.A. is an American premium luggage manufacturer and retailer, with products ranging from large suitcases to small toiletries bags and briefcases. The company was founded in 1910 in Denver, Colorado, United States. Maybe you are taking the whole family on a trip for the holidays? You know…the awesome “experience gift.” They’ll all need good luggage, right? Don’t buy some cheap luggage. Purchase Samsonite luggage. Their products are rigorously tested to ensure they meet stringent standards and come with 10-year warranties. This is a gift that will last and be used by travelers, college students, or almost anyone on your list! And some of the luggage is offered in a variety of colors! Let’s go:
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Amethyst Purple, 2-Piece Set (20/28) This one is discounted, and the Amethyst Purple is a color that will stand out on the baggage carousel at the airport! I love when I can spot my bag easily. Set Includes 21″ Carry On (meets carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light) and 28″ Spinner (maximize your packing power and the ideal checked bags for longer trips). Both bags are expandable for your travel needs, and they both have spinner wheels for ease of use! This set does have the 10 Year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This set is an investment! Instead of spending $100 or $200 every year for bags that fall apart, spend a little more for quality. Get this Amethyst Purple set here. Or get it in navy for $10 more here.
Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinners, Caribbean Blue, 3-Piece Set (20/24/28) Here’s a great deal on a three-piece set from Samsonite…a carry-on and two checked bags. It also has the 10-yr limited warranty offered by the company and has those incredible spinner wheels that make it easier to move through the airport. This Caribbean Blue color is eye-catching; you’ll definitely see it as it comes off the luggage carousel. Priced at under $280 for the 3-piece set, it’s a deal. Or look at the individual bags on the same link, if you need just one or two pieces. Check it out here.
Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Vita Olive, 2-Piece Set (Carry-on/Medium) Omni 2 combines scratch-resistant textures with lightweight 100% polycarbonate construction, ensuring your luggage looks as great on the 100th trip as it does on the first. This lightweight line offers heavyweight protection riding on effortless 360° Spinner Wheels. Don’t pull your case; let Omni roll comfortably beside you on your journey. Design includes expansion for added capacity when needed. TSA locks help to protect your belongings. If someone on your list loves the olive green color, this could be a great scratch-resistant bag for them! It carries the Samsonite 10-yr limited warranty. Check it out and other similar products here.
Get your travelers some luggage that will look great, pass durability tests, and is easy to use. Samsonite has proven itself time and time again. Remember the old Samsonite commercial from 1976 starring the elephant? You can see it below. Well, the bags were tough then, and Samsonite’s still making tough bags!
If you have a college student or someone who just enjoys electric scooters on your list, here are some great Black Friday Deals on Segway Scooters from Amazon:
Segway Ninebot Kick Scooter E2/E2 Plus/E2 Pro/ES1L. Specs: Powerful Motor, 12.4-15.5 mph, Cruise Control, Front Suspension (ES1L Only), Portable Electric Scooter for Adults up to 198 lbs, UL-2272 2271 Certified. This is a great scooter for use around a college campus or neighborhood, and it has a solid name brand behind it in Segway. It has a 15.5 mile range and goes up to 15.5 miles per hour, so it’s great for a student to get to and from class. Plus, the price is right. This portable scooter weight between 31 and 41 pounds, depending on the model you pick. Pricing is 30% off (at time of publication) on Amazon, with prices starting at $279. Take advantage of the great deal on a great product here.
Segway Ninebot MAX Electric Kick Scooter Max G30LP-25miles w/Powerful Motor, Long Miles Range, 18.6 Top Speed, Scooter for Adults UL-2271 2272 Certified. This Segway Scooter carries riders up to 220 pounds and goes up to 18.6 miles per hour. This is AMAZON’S CHOICE, and it’s priced at 43% off at $399.99 as a Black Friday Deal. Again, a great name in Segway, this scooter is efficient and portable. Weighing merely 38.6 lbs, it’s easily foldable with just one click, enabling seamless transportation and storage. These scooter sell like crazy, because of their range, portability, and weight capacity. Get it now here.
Segway ZT3 Pro Electric Scooter, 24.9 Mph Top Speed, 43.5 Miles Max. Range, w/Dual Suspension, Flash Charge, 1600W Peak Motor, Folding Off Road Scooter for Adults UL2272 2271 Certified. Another AMAZON’S CHOICE, this is a great electric scooter for the enthusiast. My husband loves this for the fun of it, but I know people who use it to get to and from work in urban settings…or even just running errands! It offer off-road power for the enthusiast. Conquer any terrain with 11″ tubeless tires and a 650W motor (1600W peak) reaching speeds up to 24.9 mph. It also has extended range: travel up to 43.5 miles (in ECO mode) per charge with the 596Wh battery and RideyLONG tech. Easily tackle steep inclines with a 25% climbing ability for smooth ascents.Dual front telescopic and rear spring suspension provide a cushioned ride on all terrains. It also charges fast and is safety certified. At publication time, it is offered on Amazon for $949.90 (14% off) and free shipping with your Amazon Prime membership! Get it here.
***Sponsored Ad. I receive commissions for items purchased through Amazon links.***
Do you have someone on your list who would love an electric scooter? iScooter has a special deal on their i9 Electric iScooter on Amazon right now, so you can save more than $70 when you purchase! (Also note there are a couple of coupons that can be used in conjunction with this offer if you click on them when you get to the item listing.) ***PURCHASE AT THE RED LINK BELOW*** This foldable scooter is popular for neighborhoods and college campuses. When I have visited my daughter at her university, I have seen them everywhere. Get it at the red link below while supplies last!
Kelly's Favorite Things 