I bought the scrunchies and the hemp oil from Tuesday’s post and they’re coming today! I also got the KF94 masks from the listing below. We can always use more masks. Here are more things on Amazon that Hecate and I are looking at.
Pain patches that really work to alleviate soreness
From CB: My friend Zakia told me about these pain patches by SalonPas. They’re so affordable at under $10 for 60 patches. They come in three separate pouches and they’re small, but you can feel the effects of one or two patches in a larger area. I use them on my neck and back and definitely notice a difference. They have a minty smell from the menthol, which does not bother me. They have over 13,500 ratings, 4.6 stars and a B on Fakespot. People say they work well for both chronic and acute pain. “I’ve found over the years that using several of these patches in multiple locations is very helpful. The ingredients seep in slowly and bring warmth at the same time and the pain recedes to manageable levels.” “After 10 minutes I had a strong cooling feeling that was surprisingly effective for my shoulder pain. They last 5-6 hours for me and stay in place the whole time.” “I have arthritis in my hands and these are wonderful.” These have a NSAID in them that is absorbed somewhat.
Black KF94 masks for stylish safety
From CB: We’ve talked about these KF94 masks before and people love them because they’re so breathable yet protective. I keep seeing celebrities with the darker ones and so I’ve ordered the ones in this listing. You get 10 individually packaged KF94 masks for about $15 to $18, it gave me different rates depending on if I was logged in with my Prime Account. These have 681 ratings, 4.7 stars and an A on Fakespot. Reviewers write “Pleasantly surprised by how good this mask is! It fits my big head/face much better than the standard KN95 masks. The folding/pop-open shape makes a good seal, and the stiffness keeps it away from my nose and mouth when I inhale.” One person says these masks are counterfeit. I did not notice that until after I ordered them and wrote this up. I looked through several listings for these and they have the best Fakespot rating, but you may want to skip them for that reason. Please double mask when you can.
A $7 Vitamin C serum for brighter, smoother skin
From CB: This Vitamin C serum by Eclat has over 17,000 ratings, 4.3 stars and a B on Fakespot. It’s 20% Vitamin C and also has hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid. Women say it really works to reduce sun spots and wrinkles and that it clears problem skin. It’s so affordable at under $7 for an ounce and has a 5% off coupon you can check! Reviewers write “I have definitely noticed that my fine lines have significantly reduced around my eyes and forehead as well as the roughness on my cheeks.” “So inexpensive yet so effective. My face skin is way healthier and it has a nice glow to it.” “This serum made a visible difference [in my acne] within a week.”
A set of 2 affordable soy candles in soothing scents
From CB: Mrs. Meyer’s aromatherapy soy candles come in four different varieties, Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Geranium and Basil. You get 2 pretty 7.2 ounce candles in glass jars for under $20, with two scents around $15. These have 6,400 reviews, 4.5 stars and a B on Fakespot. People seem to particularly like the basil and lavender scents. “I got the lavender and I really love it. I keep one in the bathroom and one in my living room.” “This candle is perfect for those who like a soft, but fresh scent that is not overpowering. The candle burns very clean, and burns pretty long, for the money.”
Strap on cleats for icy streets
From Hecate: Winter is looking to make a splashy second act (splashy – get it!). These cleats strap on over your regular shoes so you can walk to your car without falling on your keester. These are packable in case you travel to snowy/icy areas. These Yaktrax cleats come in four different sizes, all for about $20. They’ve received over 4,700 reviews, 4.5 stars and Fakespot gave them a B. They work for more than just walking, a few reviewers say they are great for walking the dog and others say essential for exercising, “These Yaktrax are my go-to for winter running.” Another said they are a really good idea for your folks too, “My parents, both in their 70’s, can’t stop raving about their Yaktrax. My dad literally stops strangers when he is out hiking in the winter to give them his Yaktrax sale pitch. He claims they’re a ‘game changer’” A lot of the reviews remind you to take these off before you go inside because they’d damage both carpets and wood flooring. These would also be great for muddy days too.
A wearable blanket for comfort at home
From Hecate: I saw The Comfy, a wearable sherpa blanket, and thought this is where I will spend the rest of my life. Apparently this was featured on Shark Tank. It’s a soft blanket that’s been fashioned into a slip on hoodie and I can only assume it makes all your problems disappear. I keep having to tuck my arms in while I read on my couch because my blanket doesn’t keep me warm enough. Granted I’m a wimp and only have thin knitted lap blankets because I live in Southern California where it’s never cold, but yes, I would wear this until June. It comes in both adult and child sizes and available in 15 colors. It normally costs $45 but is currently on sale for $40. Over 30,000 reviewers confirm this thing is awesome by giving it 4.8 stars out of 5 and ReviewMeta confirmed. Reviewers say if you want to lounge, The Comfy is your hoodie, “Super soft and well worth the money if you want something to lounge around that’s comfy.” And it works for everyone, “I purchased one for my 13-yr-old niece and one for my ever-cold 50ish husband. Yes, they look not exactly fashionable. However, they’re amazingly soft and warm.”
A travel sewing kit with enough supplies for basic repairs
From Hecate: When I worked weddings I made my own emergency kit, which had a sewing kit I put together. If this had been available, I would have ordered them in bulk. This kit is about 6”x4” but has over 120 pieces. And it’s only $13! A sewing kit is always a good investment, at this price it’s a great investment. Because a hotel would charge at least twice this for any small fix-it tailoring you needed. This has over 1,500 reviews, 4.6 stars and Fakespot gave it a B. Reviewers said it really has everything you need for small repairs, “The case is small enough to throw in a travel bag, keep in your car, or stow away somewhere in your home. It has everything you could need to fix the occasional mishap.” One reviewer said they got more than they expected for an inexpensive kit, “This kit includes pretty much everything you need for basic sewing by hand plus some added bonuses such as the Crochet hook, magnify glass and blue pencil. (Nice touch!) The needles are actually pretty good quality considering it is from a little sewing kit.” Even if you don’t need this, someone around you will at some point, and then you can be the hero!
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I grew up using SalonPas, you are not supposed to use them on your face, but I used to cut them in smaller strips and use them on my forehead and temples, it was the only thing that would help with migraines!
I actually rub Flex-all my grandma gave me years ago on my forehead and temples when I get a migraine! Desperate times call for desperate measures. I am almost out so I am going to try your hack!
Thanks for the mask recommendation. I ordered a pack. My husband has COPD and has trouble breathing to begin with and masks make it worse. So hopefully this style will give him some relief when he leaves the house.
Look for 3D or Origami masks on Etsy. Those have a lot of space and don’t fit close to your face. Make sure they have 3 layers for protection and a nose wire so it reduces gaps. I have a little shop and people really like these types of masks, I started off with fitted masks for a volunteer organization and hated them as they fit too close to my mouth.
Good luck and stay healthy.
You should not double mask (k)n95 type masks. Double masking these can flatten the seal around the edges of the mask resting on your face. They already have proper filtration without double masking and you do not want to break the seal of the edge of the mask resting on your face.
A medical procedure mask covered by a cloth mask provides very good coverage by filling in gaps on edges of the masks near your face.
If you cannot double mask, you should be knotting your single mask near the fabric/material edge, NOT AT THE END OF THE EAR LOOPS and flattening & tucking excess material under the edge of the single mask. Although I teased her, the example would be Duchess Kate w/her early floral masks that seemed too small for her face. You really want the edges of the mask to be hugging your face.
The goal is to create a good seal around your face so what you breathe out is filtered as well as what you breathe in. You do not want to feel puffs of air rushing out the sides of your mask(s).
I think it’s fine to double mask KN95 as long as the seal is maintained. That’s what Dr. Fauci and the current administration does. If you get the cone shaped cloth masks and there’s enough room for the mask underneath they work great.
I always keep a pair of yak traks in my car! They work really well with a somewhat odd feeling underfoot from the squishy part when you are not on ice. That not a dis, just for information.
YakTraks are AMAZING for walking on ice. (or probably running, but I don’t run) I would not use them in mud, though — the metal bits would get gummed up. They dig in to what you’re walking on, which is what makes them work so well when it’s icy. I recommend them 100%.
Yes, they work great for running, unless you encounter long stretches of dry pavement, which isn’t good for them. But I ran four miles on solid snow and ice earlier this week and didn’t come close to slipping once. They feel like a miracle. Such a great investment. I remember them feeling a little bit heavy on my feet at first but now I don’t even notice them.
Yaktraks always came off my shoes/boots – I’ve tried many types as I live in a winter city and walk my dog everyday – much prefer these which have easily kept me upright even on sheer ice with a dog that pulls:
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6010-982/EXOspikes-Traction-Device?colour=BL000
I used to love Mrs. Meyers products, including the cute packaging, until I found out they are owned by SC Johnson, a company that donates heavily to Republican politicians, including Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham. So I stopped buying them. I have looked longingly at those candles, though, lol.
@Esmom thank you for that information. I’m pretty careful where I spend my money. I use the progressive shopper add-on. If a certain brand is on Amazon, which doesn’t get a pass from them, you don’t know. Too bad, I liked that brand too, but I can find other options.
I recently bought my mom a combo throw blanket/poncho/wrap which is more fashionable looking than the oversize sherpa blanket featured on this post. I actually laughed out loud when I saw the Sherpa because I had already seen it on Amazon when I was browsing looking to get my mom a present for her birthday. I won’t link to the one I bought out of respect to this post but it’s the kind that you can grab and just throw on and walk around outside without looking ridiculous (similar to a poncho/wrap you’d find in any store but made out of throw blanket material and slightly larger). In fact, when my mom got it, she got so excited because it’s the kind of perfect thing to wear on a plane for traveling and planes are always freezing.
Thanks for doing this. I always find things I need – Salonpas are coming in two days 😉
Yes! the salonpas are a game changer. I have actually used pain meds less because of the relief I get from the patches. They are so affordable and last for hours. They help so much with my neck shoulder and back pain.
The kf94 mask are the best. I absolutely love them. My daughter and my mom love them as well. They are comfortable and the engineering makes breathing in them so much easier while having a tight seal to protect you.
My daughter lives in her comfy. I wish I had thought of it.
I tried the Salonpas patches for lower back pain and they weren’t very effective for me. What are *very* effective are the Tiger Balm patches. Those are amazing—and the pain relief lasts for many, many hours. That said, I definitely would not put them on my face!
Also, the ArtNaturals bath bombs are so good! On their website they are having a buy one get one free special on those right now.
I have used about half of an $80 Obagi vitamin C serum in a month’s time and was just thinking I needed to find something cheaper. Going to order this serum — thanks for the recommendation!
I bought The Comfy for my daughter for Christmas. It is so soft and she loves it!!
oooh, I wonder if they make a hiking version of those strap on snow cleats? Spring can be rainy and slippery, but this is a year when I think I will be hiking a lot so I can get out of the house but not be with people.
I just picked up a lightweight, spf, breathable hiking rain jacket, but I’m pretty meh on it. Not a great color.