Amazon 20 Under $20: Part 2

Welcome back to Part 2 of my 20 under $20 best buys at Amazon.

If you missed Part 1, you can access that HERE!

The items you will find listed below are some of the things that I have found are great buys when shopping Amazon, especially when compared to physically shopping and going out and about during the pandemic.

Let's get started on Part 2!

Colossal Foot Rasp

Let me just say that this heel and foot file/rasp/callus remover is by far the best one I've ever used!

I leave it in the shower and right before I get out, I run it a few times over my heels to remove 

the dead skin.

I only used it about 2 times per week, and I'm very careful because YOU CAN hurt yourself if 

you over file or use it every day.

Plus, this rasp is pretty heavy-duty and is quite sharp!

Heel Rasp for $11.95

Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer

This little item is such a fun kitchen tool, especially if you are trying new recipes or new ways to 

add more veggies to your diet.

When your momma told you not to play with your food, she didn't mean this!

This little gadget allows you to cut your veggies in 5 different ways, including making slaw as

well as "pasta" type noodles.

It's especially fun to get kiddos involved with this process as their hands do not come

in contact with the blades!

It's just a bit over the $20 mark, BUT, it's such a great tool and you can take advantage

of coupons sometimes!

Spirilizer for $22.99

Happy Planner Notebook

I've had quite a love affair with all the Happy Planner products, and highly recommend

this disc style of notebook and planner.

It makes the notebook versatile and easy to use.

Having a notebook within the disc system has allowed me to add things like:

Doctor's Labwork Requests

Important Paperwork

Bills

Invitations

and many other items

In some of my notebooks, I've added dividers and created lists which help me stay

organized.

You can see HERE and HERE for the HOW!

Happy Planner Notebook for $10.40

Compatible Microfiber Wet Jet Pad

I use a Wet Jet for quick cleaning around the house, especially with a dog and hubby who likes to

walk through the house with his shoes on AFTER working in the yard.

I don't like the idea of disposable pads taking up land-fill space, so this is a great

alternative!

It comes with two per package and they are easily thrown into your laundry for

easy cleaning and sanitizing.

Microfiber Pads for $9.99

Shick Dermaplaning Tool

I am always removing those pesky fine hairs from my chins, cheeks, and around my hairline,

so these dermaplaning tools are the best for me.

I use them to keep my eyebrows in shape between major plucking and grooming sessions.

They are also great to remove the darker hairs that grow around your mouth and nose as well.

I will use one of them for quite some time until I throw it away and grab another one.

This is a great deal for 3!

Dermaplaning Tool 3 pack for $6.65

On The Dot Game

This is such a fun game to play with any age!

It can be played with up to 4 players!

Each player picks their color choice of transparent film cards with different dots.

Then, a master card is drawn and the first player to match the dotted configuration on the 

master card using their transparent film cards is the winner.

It goes fairly quickly but requires concentration and strategy.

It's a great way to get your brain in shape!

It can be easily played in the car for parents wanting to occupy their kiddos and passengers.

It would also make a great gift for anyone!

On The Dot game for $7.37

AEVOGUE Oversized Sunglasses

I love a great pair of sunglasses, BUT, I refuse to pay a hefty price for them.

Especially since many of the high-end designer type sunglasses have "dupes" that can be found for us

mere mortals here in the real world of budgeting!

I love, love, love these sunglasses because they have such great style, go well with my hair color,

and are super affordable.

They do block the UVA and UVB rays and come in a variety of colors and two styles to chose from.

I really like the pink-toned ones in addition to the brown ones that I already have.

These have a 4.5-star rating from over 1300 people!

Sunglasses for $13.99 

Ultimate Guide to Calligraphy & 

Hand Lettering for Beginners

I get a lot of compliments on my handwriting, but it doesn't come by accident.

I practice my calligraphy and designs and this book has been a great help.

Even if you just want to write better or address envelopes in a fancy manner or are

planning a wedding and you want to make little cards and decor with some calligraphy,

this book is perfect for that!

It's also a great craft to explore when you have some downtime as well.

It can be very soothing to practice using the guided pages, which are very much like the

guides we had as kids when learning our letters in school.

It makes a nice gift as well!

Calligraphy Book for Beginners for $6.99 (soft spine)

BPA Free Reusable Storage Bags

I came across these while watching one of my favorite YouTubers.

The concept of reusable bags is great, especially as I can control the amount of waste that goes into

our local landfills.

These bags can even go into the freezer!

I actually bought one set of 12 and they were so great I bought an additional set of 12.

They can be used for food (BPA free) but also for other things like wet bathing suits,

wipes from a large container, small toys in the car, and makeup in your purse.

To clean them, I fill with hot water and a pump of dish soap, seal, shake and squish, then rinse.

I use a small drying rack to hold them open to drip dry.

They've been a game-changer in our home!

Storage Bags for $15.99

And coming in at #20

16x19 Ultra Absorbent Bar Cloths

No, we don't have a bar, but I couldn't live without these cloths!

I use them to wash my face each night.

They are great for gently exfoliating my skin as well as getting every bit of makeup and cleanser off

my face for an incredible clean.

I then throw them into the hot wash to sterilize and sanitize them, ready for use over and

over again.

I also ordered them for our daughter to use as towels at the gym.

Because of COVID-19, I prefer her using her own towels when on the treadmill.

She can take them to and from the gym and wash them herself, making sure they are fully

cleaned and sanitized.  

They also make the best cleaning cloths for around the house.

Bar Cloths (12 pack) for $17.99

I hope you have found at least one item here that you can use yourself!

Leave me a comment if you did and give it an honest review!

Amazon 20 Under $20: Part 1

I am always being asked, "Where did you get that?"

99% of the time my response is...

"Amazon."

You may or may not have a Love/Hate relationship with Amazon, but during

this pandemic, I've relied on it for most of our purchases.

Today, I'm going to share 10 of the 20 items that I am loving from my Amazon purchases 

over the past year.

I've included a bit about the item as well as a direct link.

I'll share the other 10 next Saturday.

Let's get shopping...

Amazonbasics Batteries

Did you know that you can get great quality batteries at an affordable price?

Amazon carries these under their brand name and they have great reviews and are

just as long-lasting as the more expensive, name-brand batteries.

They come in packs of 4 to 300, so they are perfect if you need only a few or if you are

needing batteries for things like lighting or other needs.

I also like that I can have them delivered to my house without having to run out to the store.

We always seemed to need just batteries and nothing else, making a "special trip"

such a pain.

36 count is only $10.99

 Vera Treats for Dogs

Our pup is 12 years old.

She's had a series of teeth pulled due to age, so she's really picky about treats and food that

she can easily chew.

We discovered these amazing treats by Vera and now she actually begs for them.

In fact, say the word "cookie" and she comes running for one.

We like the ingredients and because it's a "jerky" type treat she can easily chew and digest them.

These are made in Ireland and have no fillers, artificial colors, or artificial flavors.

They come in 5 different meat options, which allows your pup loads of variety.

A 22 oz bag is $16.04

Pen Loop Holder

This one might seem a bit silly, BUT, hear me out.

If you are always looking for your pen, this self-adhesive stretchy loop holder is such a neat option.

You get 9 in a pouch which allows you to add a loop to a:

checkbook

notebook

inside of your glove box

dashboard

computer screen

datebook

refrigerator

phone case (for a stylus)

inside cabinet door

I just listed 9 areas in your home where you can keep a single loop with a pen or stylus so you 

never have to hunt for your pen again.

You can even use the sticky back to attach to the inside of a bag or purse and keep a pen there.

As a former teacher, attaching one to your child's binder or notebook is also a great way to

avoid the "I lost my pencil" conundrum.

Each loop is less than $, making them a great investment.

9 Pack Pen Loop Holder is $8.48

Anti-Theft Plate Security

My sister-in-law recently acquired a family 4 digit tag for her car. 

When she took it to the Delaware Motor Vehicle (DMV) office, they warned her to NOT park it 

in certain areas near her as there was an increased chance that it would be stolen by

college kids wanting to put it on their wall.

So, I ordered her this easy to use license plate security kit.

When it arrived she used it to securely fasten her plate in place.

Now she doesn't have to worry about it being stolen.

She keeps the special tool in the event that she wants to remove the plate.

It's even rust-resistant!

License Plate Frame Security Anti-Theft Kit is only $12.90

Weekly Pill Organizer

I take several different supplements each day and had tried many different "organizational"

options.

Then I stumbled upon this pair (I only use one) and have found that it's the best!

There are 7 different containers, each with the day of the week, and each divided into

four compartments.

This allows me to have my morning, noon, evening, and bedtime supplements already

divided out and ready to take.

Each Sunday evening, I organize all my supplements for the week and it's a breeze.

Keeping each day in order inside this cute case also adds to the "cute factor!"

Weekly Pill Organizer is $14.99

Sharpie Gel Pens

Anyone who knows me knows I love a Sharpie marker.

I also love these really cool Sharpie S-Gel Pens.

If you like a BOLD tip gel pen, these might be the perfect choice for you too!

You get 12 pens in a box, and each pen has a 1.0mm point.

It also has no bleed and no smear technology which can be a big problem with gel pens.

Sharpie S-Gel Pens are $13.59 for 12

Pinafore Apron

I like to wear an apron when I clean and usually when I cook.

This pinafore style apron is so comfortable, fits well over any outfit, washes up easily, and

is so stinkin' cute.

You will sometimes see them referred to as "Japanese Aprons" as they are popular over there.

The apron has no ties, so there's no long strings coming undone or getting in the way.

It simply slips over your head and around your arms and you are set.

The soft linen fabrics are dreamy, but I really like that it covers a good portion of

whatever you are wearing.

I originally thought about making my own, but once I priced out the time and 

materials this was a much better buy.

Pinafore Apron for $19.98

"Apple" Style Watch Bands

I adore my iWatch by Apple, but let's be real, those bands are expensive.

Sure, you get ONE with your watch, but if you want more, from Apple or other companies 

like Casetify, you are going to shell out some "buck-a-roos" for a simple silicone band.

I have never spent that kind of money on one, and I won't!

Instead, I've added to my collection of bands through Amazon.

Usually, you can get pairs or trios of these silicone ones, which allows you to really

select cool colors to coordinate with your fashion choices.

Of course, once you start looking at the bands, Amazon will recommend other options

which will open up a whole world of both silicone and "designer" selections.

I find that every day, I tend to wear these because they are comfortable and easy.

Make sure you order the correct mm size for your watch!

3 Apply Watch Compatible Watch Bands for $12.99

Women's Reading Glasses

I love a good read, so having "cheaters" for reading is important to me.

I do have prescription glasses that ARE progressive, but if I'm honest with you, I really don't like 

them when I'm reading.

I feel as if I have to tilt my head in a specific way which leads to me NOT being comfortable

when I'm reading.

So, instead, I buy readers in multiple packs and have them everywhere!

I like the color options (In fact, I currently have on the second pair down) and because 

they are so affordable, I can have multiple pairs to pick and coordinate with my clothes.

I usually select this type of square-frame style when I'm looking, but believe me, there are

tons of different styles to choose from.

You can also get single pairs.

You just need to look.

Remember to pick your lens strength as well.

Women's Reading Glasses: 4 pack for $13.99

The last thing I'm going to share in this post (number 10 if you're counting)

is...

Oh Yuk Jetted Tub Cleaner

If you have a jetted bathtub, YOU NEED THIS PRODUCT!

No, seriously, you need this product.

I watched one of my cleaning YouTubers use this in their tub, and it was gross and amazing

all at the same time.

So, I ordered it and used it on my jetted tub...

Umm...readers...IT WAS GROSS!

Now, I've cleaned my jets with the vinegar method and the non-chlorine bleach method, but

it didn't come close to getting all the gunk and build-up out of the jets and tubes like

this stuff.

I recommended it to a friend who also bought it and she too said she was impressed and 

amazed how clean she got her tub jets.

You don't need the whole bottle per cleaning.

In fact, I'm taking a bottle to our new home to clean the tub as soon as I arrive.

This is a game-changer!

Oh Yuk Jetted Tub Cleaner (16oz) for $16.99

So...

Here are the first 10 or 20, under $20 products that I highly recommend to you from Amazon.

Check them out and leave me a message in the comments on which ones you like and 

would like to try.

Ten Truths

In my daily wanderings through Pinterest, I am always looking for inspirational quotes, pictures, and stories.

They inspire me, of course.

They make me think and reflect and help to sharpen my dreams and personal views.

The other day, I came across a list of "Ten Painful Truths."

It really resonated with me so I saved it to share with you today.

I'm not sure they are all "painful," but they are definitely worth self-reflection.

1 - The average human life 

is relatively short.

Photo Credit:  Mike

According to a recent Google search, the average human life span is 79 years.

At 54, I've well surpassed my "mid-life" and have fewer years now than I obviously did then, based on this average and possibly aging to100.

Being a former math teacher, I understand averages, but it's still worth thinking about.

I feel like now, more than ever, I'm just starting to really understand what it means to live life and I have all sorts of dreams and plans that I want to pursue.

Things that I put off earlier in life because work, parenting, and other "life stuff" was happening.

At a certain age, you understand more and more about life, and the "rules" in which you've lived it.

That was the whole reason for my blog and it's the title.

With age comes wisdom.

The wisdom to know what's important and what's not.

2 - You will only ever live the 

life you create for yourself.

Photo Credit:  Natasha Fernandez

It's a universal truth that you are responsible for you.

We all get to create our own lives.

Now, I truly don't want to discount that there are disparities among each and every one of us.

Some of us have more advantages than others, some of us have less.

Those things shape who we are and how we interact and relate to the world.

But what I believe is...

The HOW is what we can control.

I've not had the perfect life by any means.

I understand parental and personal divorce, living with an alcoholic step-parent that you deeply loved, being emotionally and physically abused by my first husband (and watching it happen to my mother when I was just a small child), just to name a few.

They were very hard and I coped in different ways.

I could be angry and resentful, but I CHOSE to take those life lessons and make things better for me.

No, it wasn't easy and I am in no way saying that my choices in coping were right and someone else has made bad choices.  

This is what happened to me.

I just know that I am happy - something I choose to be every day.

I get the final say in my life, despite what it sends my way.

3 - Being busy does NOT 

mean being productive.

Photo Credit:  Pixabay

This is probably the one the MOST resonates with me.

You see, one of my coping mechanisms with everything was to be super busy all the time.

Being busy gave me a feeling of being in control when things felt very out of control.

But, we are not bees.

You cannot be busy all the time because your mind and body MUST REST to recover from everyday life.

I feel like we are "told" that unless we are busy, we will not achieve success, or happiness, or fulfillment.

THIS IS A TOTAL LIE!

To rest and meditate and reflect and relax is happiness.

In fact, taking rests and breaks helps us to be even more productive.

It's not the quantity of time, but the quality of time you are busy.

We have not been created to work like bees until we die with only one purpose in life.

The world is a beautiful place and we are meant to slow down and enjoy it and each other.

4 - Some kind of failure always 

occurs before success.

Photo Credit: Gratisography 

Thomas Edison said (about the light bulb) 

"I have not failed.  I just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Which loosely translates to NO ONE IS EVER AN IMMEDIATE SUCCESS STORY.

The phrase "overnight success" is just a carefully crafted public relations spin designed to make us feel like we are not capable of being successful because it doesn't happen overnight.

Or working our tails off and wondering why we are not having success quickly.

There are thousands of successful people who will tell you that immense amounts of hard work, inordinate amounts of time, and consistent failures eventually led to their  "overnight" success.

Each failure taught them more about themselves and their desires than any success ever could.

And...

Without those failures, they would have never achieved success.

Those failures were just the little lessons, the stepping stones if you will, guiding them to the big prize.

If you want something, PLAN for your failures.

Expect them.

Analyze them and learn from them.

Eventually, you will be successful.

5 - Thinking and doing are two 

very different things.

Photo Credit:  Pixabay

I am a huge proponent of thinking things through, carefully planning so that you have a favorable outcome.

But, always thinking and planning and never executing or at the very least, trying something, 

is definitely not going to change your life.

There are so many people in this world who just think about things but never follow through with the actual doing.

It's something that eventually leads to a lifetime of regrets.

See, here's the deal for those people.

Thinking is safe. It's fun at the moment but has no real substance.

It doesn't require any effort, especially when it's done in a lackadaisical manner and 

without the intent to ever really follow through.

Now don't get me wrong, there is the thinking that you will never follow through with:  

"I'm thinking about buying a private tropical island and a yacht to go with it."

That kind of thinking is fun, but it's really fantastical thinking for most of us, and it's really not rooted in the big dreams we have for ourselves. 

(Unless that is, of course, your dream.)

I'm talking about the thinking that supports your dreams.

Like moving to Utah, to live in a home you've never physically set foot in because 

your soul feels so alive in that desert climate and in the western part of the country.

This kind of thinking and doing is scary, BUT, it awakens the soul and makes you feel alive!

6 - You don't have to wait for 

an apology to forgive.

Photo Credit:  Maria Gylyaeva

This is a hard one, but if you want to move forward, you must forgive.

Being angry with someone is a poison that you drink every day, by yourself, without 

truly affecting those with whom you are mad.

In truth, you can forgive anybody.

You don't even have to announce it to that person at all.

Just let it go and move on.

You can get counseling, or meditate, or pray, or talk it through with a trusted friend, 

but in the end, you have to forgive.

If it's hard, do it for your physical self.

When you hold that anger and resentment and pain inside, you are creating a toxic environment 

in the form of constant stress, for your body.

Don't believe me?

Read this, or this, or this on the subject.

(or this and this as well...)

The research is endless.

I highly encourage you to also seek counseling or therapy to help with this.

Do NOT compare your issues with others and think that you don't need help 

"because others have had it so much worse than me."

Mental health issues affect each one of us differently and this is not the comparison game.

Seek help...that's what it's there for.

7 - Some people are simply the 

wrong match for you

Photo Credit:  burak kostak

It's okay to not love or like everyone you meet.

It's okay to love or like anyone for a short amount of time.

It's okay to have once loved or liked someone, but to move on.

In truth, you must be true to yourself and understand what it is you truly need 

and can give in all your relationships.

If it's a friendly (not acquaintance) relationship, what qualities are most important to you?

What helps you build trust in another person.

What do you bring to that relationship that you expect in return?

Loyalty?  Trust?  Honesty?  Laughter?  Humility? 

If you don't know, how will you know that this is a true friend?

If it's a romantic relationship, the same things apply, but maybe on a deeper more intimate level.

In our marriage, hubby and I really like being together.

He makes me laugh EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

He listens (to the important things) I talk about, 

but isn't afraid to call me out or disagree with me.

This keeps me on my toes.

I can't "walk all over him" which lets me not always be "in control."

This is important to me.

We've had our ups and downs; serious ups and downs, but we've somehow 

managed to make it through and are stronger than ever.

We're so right for each other.

8 - It's not other people's job to 

love you: it's yours.

Photo Credit:  Tim Mossholder

There are so many things right about this statement that I could do a single post on just this.

Respecting and loving yourself is the single most important thing you can do for you.

If you are a glass-half-full, how can you fill others?

If you don't love and respect yourself, how can you extend that to others?

In fact, how can others extend that to you?

Truth is...

They can't.

You will never feel truly loved or fulfilled in any of your relationships until you love yourself first.

When you don't love you, you send that out into the universe.

Those in that universe struggle to love you.

They want to, but it's hard loving someone who doesn't respect or love themselves.

Again, this is something you might want to talk about to a qualified person.

9 - What you own is not who YOU are.

Photo Credit:  Alexandra Maria

Look, I like nice things.

But I know that nice things don't complete me.

Carrying that expensive bag or driving that expensive car makes me no better than anyone else.

Those are "things."

They come and go.

In fact, they are such "on trend" and "fad-type" items that once you get them you might not want them because they've already been replaced with the next great thing.

Public relations and advertising companies do an excellent job telling us what we need to 

be successful, or look like we have loads of money, or are a part of the "in crowd."

That's all hype.

It's all an illusion, hidden behind fancy, slick lies, and inuendos.

Let's talk about diamonds.

Do you know that diamonds are literally a dime a dozen?

A well-known diamond cartel would hold rough cut diamonds in storage so that 

the cost of diamonds would rise.

In fact, it was slick advertising that helped to perpetuate this through the "Diamonds Are Forever" campaign. 

I once heard someone I know bragging about this expensive Rolex watch that the owned.  

Another person standing nearby asked if it told the time.  The Rolex owner looked a bit befuddled 

and stated "Of course, it's a Rolex!"  To which the person replied, 

"Well, mine is a Timex and I bet it tells time exactly like yours."

I have never forgotten this exchange.

It was such a pivotal moment in my thinking.

...and finally...

10 - Everything changes, every second.

Photo Credit:  Eugene Shelestov

Because our only "enemy" is time, we need to realize that time will never stop.

It's always changing... every second.

We can't halt it.

We can't pause it.

We can only live by it and with it.

Songs have been written about it.

(Time in a Bottle, Time is on My Side, Time After Time, Time of the Season)

Some movies explore time, time travel, time revision, and the like.

(Looper, Time Cop, Groundhog Day, Intersteller, Back to the Future)

But, time moving forward is inevitable.

And you only have seconds, which turn to minutes, which turn to hours, then days, 

then months, then years.

With the changing of time comes other changes.

Seasons.  Aging.  Life.

It's a surety.

We need to be thankful for all the time we're given because the only alternative is death.

Photo Credit:  Duo Chuot

At the end of the day, be true to you.

Work hard, love hard, laugh hard, play hard, and live your life to the fullest.

Break all the rules and have an amazing time do so.

It's the truth.