Thanks to everyone who texts me and comments on these posts as it helps me come up with ideas! I ordered the personal trimmer from last week (that was a request for something I needed too) and will report back after I use it. I also ordered those gorgeous bowls. This week we’re doing more random things along with some requests.
A cooling pillow to help you sleep like a baby
I got a really nice text from someone asking for a cooling pillow. This ventilated memory foam pillow has cooling gel built in for a good night’s sleep. It has 330 reviews, 4.3 stars and an A from Fakespot. People call it “the perfect firmness,” “the jackpot of comfort for my cervical spine and neck issues,” with “the perfect support and resilience I was looking for.” It does have a green tea scent, but most people say it’s very nice and light and not perfumey or chemical smelling. Runners up in this category, both with As from Fakespot, include this cool gel memory foam pillow for stomach and back sleepers and this similar pillow for side sleepers. Now I know that different pillows exist for side and back sleepers and I need to upgrade my pillow game.
A bestselling sports bra that’s so affordable
On our last Amazon post Call_me_al asked “What do you ladies recommend for an affordable sports bra for D cup that is comfortable and lifts? Bonus for cute.” I am an A cup and as Kaiser and I discussed on the podcast a few weeks ago I don’t even need a bra so I had to do some research for this. I do wear sports bras of course and I love the strappy flat kind as I don’t need support. This racerback sports bra by Fittin is the number one bestseller in sports bras. You get a four pack of different colors for just $28! It comes in sizes small for A and B cups to XXL which fits DD sizes. It does have padding which is easily removed. It’s got over 5,000 reviews, 4.3 stars and a B from Fakespot. Reviewers write “Finally a bra for big breasts,” call it “super comfy” and say it’s “a perfect fit.”
Unrefined shea butter that feels luxurious
After a recent spa treatment they gave me a little tub of pure shea butter and I thought “where have you been all my life?” It just melted into my skin and made it so soft and smooth. I want to use it every day now. You get a whopping pound of shea butter from Raw Apothecary for just $15. People rave about how great it makes their hair and skin feel. They write that it’s better than other shea butters, that friends “can tell the difference since I made the switch to this brand” and that it’s a “godsend” for eczema. It does have a slight scent which people seem to like.
Activated charcoal toothpaste that whitens naturally
This mint-flavored activated charcoal toothpaste with coconut oil is the number one bestseller on Amazon for toothpastes. It only has a C from Fakespot so I’m not wholly recommending it, but of course I want to try it now. I write these reviews and always convince myself I need the stuff. People say they notice a change in how white their teeth are after the first use, that it’s “fantastic” and not gritty like they expected. It doesn’t foam like commercial toothpaste, but is said to makes your teeth feel “super clean.”
A hypoallergenic mattress cover that protects from accidents
This vinyl free hypoallergenic mattress cover is the number 3 bestseller in home products on Amazon. It protects your mattress from spills and moisture along with dust mites and common allergens. It comes in twin to California king sizes, all under $35. It has over 36,000(!) reviews, a 4.3 star rating and an A from Fakespot. One person says she gave birth on it by accident and it held up! Another says it doesn’t make any sounds when you move on it, which is a definite concern with some mattress covers, and that “I honestly don’t even notice it and never have.” A cat owner says it holds up to her cats peeing on it and I just feel so bad for her now. I can’t imagine having your cat pee on the bed like that.
Velvet hangers to make your closet fancy
Are you still using mix and match hangers or plastic hangers? Stop it. Switch to thin velvet hangers and you’ll get an instant adult upgrade. I did it when I cleaned out my stuff (ok I just reorganized, I hoard clothes) and these type of hangers made all the difference. You get 30 thin velvet suit hangers for just $15.99, which is slightly over .50 a piece! These have over 6,000 reviews, 4.3 stars and an A from Fakespot. Reviewers say they’re a “great deal” and “grip even the slipperiest silk shirts.” You will want to buy the ivory color ones though and not the black as they’re said to shed. Here’s a link to the shirt hangers (without the bottom bar) which are also super affordable at less than $20 for a pack of 50.
A preseasoned cast iron skillet
Do I need a cast iron skillet? I know people love and swear by them, but they seem hard to care for since you can’t clean them with dish soap like a typical pan. This pre-seasoned cast iron skillet by Amazon Basics has over 400 reviews, 4.3 stars and an A from Fakespot. (A more popular skillet with 15k reviews has an F which is why I’m not recommending that one.) People call it “a must for the kitchen” that’s “easier to clean than any other cast iron skillet.” It is said to need additional seasoning and the 15 inch version is absolutely huge, so you’ll want to get the size that’s right for what you’re cooking.
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Does anyone have any advice for a mattress, mattress topper/pad? I’m planning to move next year and don’t want to buy anything but I may cave to the holiday sales. Thank you
I love these posts by the way
https://www.slumbercloud.com/dryline-mattress-protector.html
I love my mattress cover. I wasted a ton of money and always ended up a sweaty mess in the summer. This one really does keep me cool all year round. It’s pricey, but worth it. I’m waiting for the smaller ones to come back in stock for my son.
I ordered a wool mattress cover from Amazon and though it’s not waterproof, it helps with temperature regulation and adds a little cushion.
For an actual mattress I recommend the Icon Sleep by Sommette gel foam collection. We’ve had ours for almost 3 years and it’s still good as new. It came with a 10-year warranty from Overstock (using the Honey extension for Chrome) for less than $400. They sent me a free waterproof mattress pad/topper that’s also of great quality and doesn’t make me all sweaty at night.
Thank you for the suggestions!!! I’m gonna research best option.
I already own the waterproof mattress pad you’re advertising. It’s great, works like a charm.
When my senile mom went to live in a facility her shih tzu came to live with me. And occasionally she pees on my bed.
So I own two waterproof mattress pads so a second one can be put on immediately while the first one is washed.
We also bought a waterproof comforter, so we don’t have to change the sheets and mattress pad every time.
I shouldn’t jinx it by writing about it. But she hasn’t done it in awhile.
I was cynical about a cooling pillow really working but it does. I’ll always use one.
Be careful with charcoal toothpaste. Too abrasive. Can scrub the enamel right off your teeth. Terrible idea but sure, it’ll feel “super-clean.” Yikes.
I have a buckwheat hull pillow and it is a different feel but it doesn’t get hot. Is the cool gel actually cool or does it just cut the heat retention of the foam?
Nothing is actually cooled. But the heat of your head never transfers to the pillow. It remains cool. No need to keep flipping sides all night.
I am thinking about buying the cooling pillow. Do you have the one featured here?
Not exactly the one. My tag says Certipur-US. But it is what I paid so possibly the same quality. Another thing— it’s perfectly soft/medium firmness and holds up over time. Not at all like a heavy/firm tempurpedic pillow which I can’t stand.
Thanks, I’ll probably get this one.
Nooooooooooooo don’t use charcoal toothpaste!!!! That damages the enamel really badly; it has a C from fake spot because people get paid to write positive reviews. Honest reviews are REALLY negative!!
This!!!! I considered charcoal toothpaste a while back, but when I started researching, I found it was really harmful to your teeth.
I love my iron skillet. Probably because I love anything that would be at home in a medieval setting lol. I love all things roughly hewed (baskets, wooden and clay dinnerware, pewter…). I’m strange. But I’m mostly interested in that shea butter. Pretty much every shea product I’ve ever tried, I can’t stand the smell. I don’t understand it, people love shea butter–i want to love it too! But I’m thinking I’ll get it, and it will be a waste of money. Why can’t I stand the smell of shea butter?
The Body Shop has some perfumed blends with Shea Butter and other butters that are still moisturizing but not as thick as the real thing and sensitive skin might not like them as much. I liked their plain Shea Butter then went on to the more raw and thick type from a local importer.
I’ll have to take a sniff of those to see (I mean smell lol). I had essentially given up because of the scent. To my nose, all shea butter products have a rancid note somewhere, and it bugs the crap out of me because I know it’s gotta just be me. There are thousands of shea butter products! What the frak? I should look at it as a good thing because the amount of skincare products is overwhelming, and it’s ludicrous to be constantly on the hunt. Natural oils, creams, scrubs and masks shouldn’t require anything other than a trip to the produce/organic/health/beauty sections of your local grocery store!
I’ve love the Alaffia brand of shea butter. I get the passion fruit scented one but they also have unscented. I’m usually not into fragrances but that one has a very light pleasant smell so opt for passion fruit vs unscented. Will definitely be trying this recommendation next!
One request: shorts! I’m 6 months post partum and looking for something that won’t accentuate my pooch or thighs.
I wear the Athleta skorts with pockets all summer long.
I’m crazy about those hangers! Not only will they hold those slippery silk shirts, but they are also great for anything with straps, including lingerie. Since I bought them I never walk into my closet to find something pretty on the floor. A warning about cast iron skillets: they’re really heavy. I can’t use mine anymore because it leaves my hand and wrist aching.
I’ve had those hangers for years. I bought the black ones (at Bed, Bath & Beyond). I NEVER had a “shedding” problem; they never shed on anything, ever! And yes, they hold the slinkiest spaghetti strap w/out a problem, yet let you slide everything off with one pull. And they’re not bulky, so you fit more in the closet. I LOVE them!
As others have said, don’t use toothpaste charcoal-based toothpaste!
Not only will the surface of the teeth be damaged by the abrasive charcoal, but also the seam between gingiva and tooth. The color of teeth is influenced by the dentin, which is underneath the layer of enamel – and not by promises made by manufacturers of new products and their ad agencies.
Coconut and/or other oils don’t do anything for oral health either, no matter how often people without any background in dentistry try to convince people otherwise.
(Rant over, sorry! Disclaimer: I work in biomedical research, so I don’t see patients, but my employer is one of the biggest university hospitals in Europe – and people here, among them Mr. Nanea, have to deal with the fallout from people following the advice of esoteric quacks on a daily basis.)
Everyone needs cast iron! It’ll last forever if properly cared for (which isn’t hard).
I don’t know if you’ve covered this yet but WEIGHTED BLANKETS are amazing. I just bought myself one for my birthday and can’t help but rave about it. It’s like sleeping in a big hug. I have this one from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073429DV2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have a weighted blanket and I love it too! Some can be too hot, and, I’m a VERY warm sleeper, so I got this one: https://amzn.to/2ROtKAo
Supposedly if you’re allergic to latex, you should have a care around shea butter they contain the same protein
Does anyone know where I can get that sofa in the first picture? I checked Amazon, they didn’t have it 😉
I’ve been using those hangers for years, I love them. No more finding items on the floor of the closet because they’ve slipped off.
I need a new pillow, I’ll be checking out the cooling side-sleeper one.
Those hangers are awesome! I have used them for years and they make my closet “work better.” Everything fits nicely on them and doesn’t fall. They are also a lot thinner.
I have the Saferest mattress cover and it doesn’t work. My kid pees right through it. However, I’ve yet to find one that does work well.
The Moving Comfort Fiona bra is the best bra for running I’ve ever found. I’m a 32D runner and it’s really hard to find a sports bra that offers enough support to actually do sports. The Fiona doesn’t lift up, but it supports and let’s you run without worrying about anything falling out or bouncing enough to hit yourself in the face.
Also, I love my weighted blanket. I’ve got a kid with sensory issues who hated it, but it’s like a warm hug to me.
I really need help finding good and affordable king-size sheets.
We found a holy grail-a crate and barrel brass king-size bed unopened and never used at an estate sale for only $100. Our old Queen bed (big mahogany monstrosity that pre-dates our relationship) was broken and I’d been trying to convince bf to get rid of it. I bought a new king mattress on sale (Tuft & Needle, love it.) His big argument is that the sheets are so expensive. I turn to Amazon but their recommended highly reviewed sheet sets are peppered with one stars that say “Idk how this set is so highly reviewed, it felt like sleeping on an old Halloween costume,” among other tidbits. So I am so worried about ordering off Amazon, since I know some of the best sellers can be misleading. Any recommendations?
I love threshold sheets from target. they fit the thickness of our mattress and have nice elastic at the corners to double hold them on. they are pretty soft, and are fairly breathable. For the price, I don’t think you can get better.
Everyone needs a cast iron skillet 🍳
Thanks for responding to my request, CB! That is a great deal on sports bras! I would enjoy a sportswear and/or underwear post if you are looking for new stuff to post on. I have bought one of the dresses you had on here, and it’s very flattering and comfortable. The retinol cream you recommended is also on my wish list on amazon right now. I appreciate your always taking cost into consideration and recommending affordable stuff!
Your link to the cast iron skillet goes to the one rated F, with 15k reviews.
Oh crap I will fix this!
I’ve bought Zober velvet hangers from Amazon in junior size for my 11-yr old – fantastic! Her clothes would fall off her old child -sized hangers but would be stretched out by using my adult-sized hangers. The junior sized hangers are perfect for her clothes.
Do NOT use charcoal toothpaste or anything similar, it damages the surface of teeth by scratching it, leading only to more problems.
Any sports bra that doesn’t include hooks for taking off is a bad sports bra. The lack of a good closure means struggling to get it off when hot and sweaty. Front zippers are fantastic.