From CB: I haven’t yet mentioned my favorite pens, these Pilot G-2 refillable pens. They’re not the cheapest but they’re affordable and they’re the best! They slide right over the paper. I make to-do lists and still take written notes and I don’t like using any other brand. I hate going to Walmart, the only store in my area that carries them, so I ordered them on Amazon. I have been getting a lot of staple products there, sometimes much cheaper than in the store. I’ve ordered trash bags and coffee filters from amazon too! Both were very competitively priced. Here are some more things Hecate and I are looking at or own.

Probiotics may help stem food cravings

From CB: It could be entirely psychological, but I’ve been trying to take one of these probiotics every morning and I notice that I’m not getting as hungry. Plus my skin seems to be looking better. I should take one at night when I snack too. We’ve featured these probiotics before, they have over 21,000 ratings and 4.3 stars on ReviewMeta. People say they work well and that you will want to start slow with them, just one at first, as they can upset your flora at first. One reviewer makes yogurt with these and another says they cured her eczema. “This has cleared up the eczema on my legs and face in just a month of taking 2-3 pills a day. I just purchased my second bottle and will definitely continue with this brand.” “I was having bad stomach problems and it vanished after two days of taking these regularly.” “While it will never be a cure for IBS-D, it has certainly helped me by reducing bloating and diarrhea.”

A breathable, microbial cloth mask that won’t make your glasses fog

From CB: My son and I still double mask, but the KN95 masks plus a cloth mask can make your face sweaty and they’re harder to breathe in. Now that we’re vaccinated and my son is back at school I think a cloth mask would work better for him. These masks fit close to your face with the popular flap design. They come in a two pack for $18 to $20. They have over 1,000 ratings, 4.4 stars and a B on Fakespot. Reviewers like how protected they feel and say they’re the only mask that does make their glasses fog up. “I’ve purchased 5 different mask styles. This has been the only one that doesn’t fog my glasses.” “The coRevival mask fits me well and is soft and comfortable. It doesn’t move when I’m talking.” Some people say the masks can be warm so you might want to keep that in mind.

A mini fridge that doubles as a warmer too

From CB: I have wanted a mini fridge for skincare for some time. This fridge from Crownful is just $40 for the pink version or $43 for black or green. It can be set to cool or warming modes and would be great for keeping food hot or cold for picnics and travel. It’s small but reviewers say it works well for their needs. It has over 3,200 ratings, 4.6 stars and a B on Fakespot. People say that it’s quiet and that it works well for skincare, drinks and food. “This is the perfect size for a small office or other small space. It is the cutest little fridge and the perfect size for a few drinks or a meal.” “Inside I can easily fit 4 large monster cans and a lunchables.” “It’s been 4 months since I purchased this little skincare fridge and it has really been put to use! I use it every single day.”

A skincare starter kit for just $15-$19

From CB: I love skincare sample kits because you can try a whole product line and they’re great for travel too. This kit by Andalou Naturals comes in several varieties, including sensitive, age defying and brightening. The sensitive is under $15 and the other varieties are all under $19. They have over 1,000 ratings, 4.4 stars and an A on Fakespot. Women say this is a great starter kit, that the products made their skin feel great and that there’s enough product to last at least a couple of weeks. “The sample sizes last a while, I’ve been using them daily for nearly a month and just ran out of the cream and moisturizer. These products aren’t greasy and don’t feel heavy on the face.” “I followed the regime in the starter kit and am very satisfied in overall skin texture, softening lines and evening skin tone.:

A popular acne treatment gel that really works

From Hecate: A friend recommended this acne gel to me, which was a ‘huh?’ moment because I had not been complaining about acne. It’s very popular on Amazon and it’s also pretty well priced for a face treatment. It’s made by Differin, with whom I am not familiar, but they are well reviewed. This gel comes in a .5 ounce bottle for $15 ($13 for Prime members this week) but you can save more if you want to sign up for their subscribe feature. It received 4.5 stars from almost 28,000 reviews and a B on Fakespot. People who bought it said it doesn’t work overnight, but the results last. And because of the concentration of this product, do not apply directly after washing your face. Wait 20 minutes. Most reviews say if you are patient, it will pay off, “Don’t be discouraged and stick it out to at least 12 weeks! My skin is the best I’ve seen it in a long time!!” One (very funny) reviewer says she’ll need a tan now that her skin is so clear, “My skin is clear, spotless, and still completely see through due to a lack of sunlight. I’m back to being drop dead hilarious and have all of 0 guys knocking at my door. Thanks Differin.” A few of the reviews also warn your skin will purge prior to cleaning up but push through it – that means the product is working.

Long lasting matte lipstick in fun colors for spring

From Hecate: If you haven’t noticed by now, I collect lip colors. It’s weird, given how rarely I actually wear lipstick. But there is something about buying a new lipstick or finding the perfect shade that fills some deep seated need. I love these lip gloss like applicators so I was attracted to this Maybelline matte lipstick that comes in a bunch of fun colors. Plus it’s their Super Stay formula hat really does last almost a full day. They are under $8 a tube and fit so well in your purse! Not only are they a #1 Best Seller on Amazon, these have over 44,000 reviews, with 4.4 stars and a B on Fakespot. All the reviewers compliment its staying power, “I put it on on the morning and if I don’t take it off before I go to bed, which I always do, it will still be there in the morning.” A couple suggest adding a little chapstick to keep it from streaking or getting gummy, “It feels moisturizing on my lips, I can add chapstick and it doesn’t get all streaky and gummy and it lasts forever.” Many went back and ordered several more colors.

A solar light to jazz up your outdoor space

From Hecate: Because I spent so much time looking at my yard in the past year, I keep thinking of things to add to it. My focus has been “things,” like wind sculptures or solar charms. The problem is I can’t find anything I know won’t bore me quickly. But then I saw these solar lanterns and I love them. We have a couple Moroccan lamps on our pergola and I think they will fit in with them. But I love the pattern they project once lit at night. It’s like a celestial mandala. We’ve had a lot of success with solar powered yard lights in the past so I have high hopes for these. A few customers have submitted personal photos in the reviews and they look really good! The brass lanterns come 1 for $28 or 2 for $46. They earned 4.3 stars out of 2,283 reviews and a B on Fakespot. One customer said hers were already charged when she unpacked them, “I loved that upon unboxing they were already charged so you can immediately test and experience the glow. I’ve already purchased two more.” Another said it lasted a long time, “If placed in the full sun, the light will last all night. If you hang this light close to the ground (less than one foot from the ground) it will make a beautiful pattern… Because the lantern is egg shaped, it creates a more beautiful light pattern on the ground.”