Last month, I was looking for air purifier recommendations, and packable clothing options, and again, y’all have outstanding suggestions! Thank you!
So this month, I’d like to highlight some of your choices, and some items that I’ve bought recently that have made my life a LOT BETTER holy crap.
NB: Some of the links are affiliate coded, so if you use them, we may earn a commission – and if you don’t use them, that’s totally cool, too. Thanks!
I also want to mention shopping through the Rakuten portal – now that I’ve turned my husband onto Rakuten, we’re using it more and more frequently. Many of the stores have kept their increased percentages. I have a referral link good for a $30 cash back bonus when you spend $30. You’re welcome to use it and get extra cash for yourself! (NB: I booked a tour on Viator for my family and got 10% back – that was pretty great.)
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First, last month I’d asked for air purifier recommendations after seeing a few folks talking about how effective they’ve been in their homes – and at book signings, too. I’ve seen several authors talking about their plans to bring portable ones to book events. As someone who used to get “conference crud,” I wish I’d known back then how many different options there are to protect ourselves from respiratory infections.
Dreamingintrees recommended the Winix air purifiers, saying they’ve worked great. (Winix is currently having a sale on filters, and there may be a 20% off deal using code WECARE.)
Nicolette recommended the Austin Air purifiers (2% cash back with Rakuten) and offered some very good advice:
Mind the filter replacement frequency when you’re shopping for purifiers to choose what works for you. Austin Air has a higher initial cost and lower filter replacement frequency, while others are the reverse.
Good to know! Nicolette has either the HealthMate or the HealthMate Plus, and loves hers.
Also: many people reminded me to vacuum the air filters every so often to extend their usage period. I’ve set a reminder already.
After discussing and researching, we went with two different brands, both available at Costco. We live near a Costco (great and highly recommended if you have teenagers in your vicinity) and their warranty and return policy is terrific.
We got this one for our bedroom and for the downstairs:
WINIX 4-Stage HEPA Air Purifier $130 Costco | WINIX $199.99 w/ WECARE
It’s very quiet and has a low light option so it’s not lighting up the room when we want it dark.
Each of the teen bedrooms got one of these, sold in a two-pack:
Blue Pure Mini Max – 2 Pack $100 Costco | Amazon $80/each
They’re very quiet, and both teens noticed a major reduction in their allergy symptoms inside the house (we are all to varying degrees allergic to Maryland, especially spring and summer Maryland). There’s also less dust and dander – a noticeable difference.
But we have a new request from LIttyN, Dreamingintrees, and myself: travel/portable air filters! Any suggestions?
A friend recommended the MedifyAiRx (MA-25) and said they’d brought it to an in-person event where folks were masked, and it worked marvelously: no one got sick with anything. WIN.
Medify MA-25 $149 AMZ | Medify.com: $149
There is also a car air purifier from Medify!
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Jennifer Estep recommended the ColourPop Super Shock eyeshadows:
So many great sparkly colors, but my favorite is Frog, which is a lovely pink.
ColourPop Super Shock Eyeshadow: $7 AMZ | ColourPop.com $5.25 (limited time + 2% Rakuten cashback)
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KKW recommended Alterre shoes ($35 off with that link):
Every time we talk about travel I take the opportunity to mention Alterre, my favorite shoes. But modular shoes, so helpful with coordinating travel outfits! It’s genius. I find them very comfortable, with lots of almost flat heel options(better for me than completely flat). They’re expensive, but they’re great quality, invented and designed by 2 (delightful) women of color who are committed to sustainability etc etc. It is the sort of thing that’s worth paying more for imo.
I’m deeply sorry to announce that they are all SUPER CUTE and I want MANY. Their travel-friendly collection includes slides that come with ankle straps that can be added or removed.
Agate Blue Slide Started Kit, $210
Thanks, KKW, for introducing me to this very dangerous place.
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Finally, two items I’ve purchased in the past month that have been major holy crap upgrades. I’ve got a body that’s aging (I’ll be 50 next month, y’all!) and has most of its original parts, though I’m not adverse to aftermarket upgrades should they be necessary. And along with aging and advances in medical diagnosis and technology, I’ve got More! Things! to look after.
Specifically, I have connective tissue disorders, arthritis, CCI, some funky side-to-side scoliosis, and a new and dedicated relationship with a physical therapist (she’s amazing).
This calls for: a pregnancy pillow.
Pharmedoc Pregnancy Pillow, Jumbo Grey, $38
This was not a thing when I was pregnant 20+ years ago, at least, I don’t remember these pillows being an option. Back then, the Boppy was brand new. A neighbor of mine is due in September and the number of things that have been invented in the last two decades blows my mind.
Am I planning to become pregnant? No, and that’s extremely unlikely. Do I tear up and get emotional at the thought of getting into bed, embraced and cuddled by my wrap-around pillow? OH YES I DO.
The CCI diagnosis (cranial-cervical instability – basically my neck ligaments are no longer strong enough to hold up my GIANT BRAIN) meant I had to change how I was sleeping. I’d been a belly sleeper, but I also like to mash my face into the pillow (?? no idea I’m asleep at the time) and turn my head too far to the side. As a result: Mega Neck Pain.
But I can’t stay on my side because my hips and shoulders and basically all the important parts are too lose and I end up on my stomach, hurting my neck, back, and shoulders.
But with this pillow? I slept like 10 hours the second night once I was used to it. I can tuck the long sides under my chest and between my legs, and my overall alignment is so much better. My sleep is more, my pain is less, and I’m telling everyone about my pregnancy pillow.
And speaking of glorious accommodations: I got an e-reader stand and remote control page turner.
Mind. Blown.
Viozon Tablet Stand Pillow, $38 AMZ
Why is it fluffy? No idea. I love it. The cat loves it. And the stand? PERFECTION. It holds my e-reader up to eye level without wearing out my wrists or hands and my gosh has my reading stamina increased.
This one, if you’re looking for compartments, is currently 50% off:
Viozon Tablet Stand Pillow, with cupholders (!), $20
I may have bookmarked that for a dorm/apartment present for the teens this fall.
You can also get e-reader stands that clamp to a bed or table, or can be used anywhere there’s a floor. We got the clamp ones for both teens a year or so ago for use with their Switches, and they were very popular, especially in the car.
With the CCI diagnosis came a lot of recommendations for how to better use devices ergonomically and without aggravating my poor neck. Having a phone or reader at eye level is ideal, but, as I mentioned, my wrists and hands get tired from holding them up. (I read a lot.)
Enter: the remote page turner. This one tool increased my reading exponentially – and there are many options:
Remote Controll Page Turner, Pink: $16 AMZ
Remote Control Page Turner, Black: $22 AMZ (available in other colors)
According to the manual, these can be used for scrolling TikTok or Instagram – but I have never embarked upon that journey. I don’t have TikTok and I don’t need to scroll more on Instagram any more than I already do!
The remote was game changing to me. The 2017 Kindle Oasis I have fits perfectly, and I’ve used it with my small tablet for marking a pattern when I’m cross stitching (I use PatternKeeper).
With the fluffy cushion on my lap or next to me in bed, I can adjust the height of the reader, and keep all of me tucked beneath a blanket while I read and read and read turning pages with a minute gesture. Seriously. This rocked my world – especially when I get into bed, curl around my emotional-cry-inducing pillow, and turn the reader 90 degrees to the right so I can lie on my side beneath all the blankets and keep reading.
I had no idea this was going to rock my world so hard, and I love it.
What have you bought to make your daily life more comfortable and easy?
And: do you have any requests for recommendations? Please feel welcome to mention them in the comments and we’ll see if we can help you!
In the air purifier relm, I have the Rabbit Air (https://www.rabbitair.com/), it is a hepa-grade filter but it is pretty (not hospital-y) and comes with optional artwork covers. I figured if I was hanging something that cost more than $500 on my wall it was going to be pretty. And it keeps the air clean for my poor asthmatic lungs to boot! (We have two for our house.)
The pregnancy pillow is something I wish I had purchased for my pregnancies but didn’t because my brain considered it a luxury… dumb brain.
I am turning 48 next month (are you a cancer too? or a Gemini @SB Sarah?). I did not know these pillows existed! Thanks!
I am VERY excited by the e-reader stands and am debating whether I need compartments or not. And definitely looking forward to people’s travel air purifier recommendations.
My recommendation for the summer is a portable neck fan. Super useful for humid days as you sit watching kid sports or are on non-air-conditioned public transport. We’ve liked this one: JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan
@Penny: I’m a Gemini! And happy birthday to you!!
@LittyN: You’re out here delivering life upgrades in the comments again! Weird question: does the neck fan create a lot of wind over your ears? That tends to give me a massive headache, which is why I hadn’t considered these. But boy, when it’s humid, they seem very intriguing!
Thank you for being my personal life upgrader.
Happy milestone birthday to you @SB Sarah!
@SB Sarah Yes, it does blow wind over your ears but not a lot. It blows air up and around your neck and head. Totally understand weird bodies (we break them occasionally!) so I get your hesitation. But, the Amazon free returns is easy (I just drop off at a Whole Foods near me), so if you try it for a couple days and it doesn’t work, you can return it.
@LittyN: Thank you! You’re right, it’s worth a try given how overheated I can get. And I usually wear a hat. I can put my ears in it. L:D
Sunhats! I really need a good sunhat and so many just look silly once I put them on. I have a smallish head, but can always get baseball caps to adjust down to fit perfectly, so why can’t I find a decent women’s sunhat? I would love some recommendations for cute hats that offer good protection and can be worn for multiple occasions.
@emily.c seconding request for good sunhats! Ideally I want something wide enough to cover my shoulders, that will not flop around uselessly or fly off in the wind. As recently mentioned, San Diego Hat Co has some fabulous looking but not super functional options. Packable would be truly miraculous.
Coolibar has a variety of sunhats with a variety of coverage. I reviewed them for a friends blog–this link is not from the blog nor is it an affiliate link.
https://www.coolibar.com/collections/womens-sun-hats?page=7
I have a portable filter that I’ve taken to two signings and to a writing retreat. Seems to work pretty well. I saw it recommended on a covid-conscious thread on twitter a couple of years ago. It occasionally goes half off on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-Patented-Technology-Portable-Purifier/dp/B08ZJMY5CX
I bought a kindle remote for when I’m on the treadmill or stationary bike and I love it. My mom got one too, but she has a case on her kindle and it was a lot harder to get it to rest on the screen so she could turn the pages. ymmv
@emily.c – I also have a small head and agree it’s tricky to find a good sun hat. Have you tried the Sunday Afternoon brand? If you can live with hats that are more practical than cute, they have nice adjustable hats like this one: https://www.sundayafternoons.com/products/shade-goddess-hat.
Regarding sun hats: I bought this one because it would fit my Giant Cranium, and is adjustable using a small band on the inside brim. It also folds up flat for packing, and I’ve brought it on several vacations so far. I have short hair, and while I get Outstanding Hat Head no matter what I wear, this hat works to shade my ears and my neck, which I like a lot. I figured I’d try it for $20, but it’s been very useful.
Get a properly fitted cowboy hat. They’re awesome. Does it look completely out of place in New England? Definitely. Is it worth it anyway? Yup!
I have a request! One is for products, the other is for television.
First-the products. I am also in the perimenopause era (was it the hysterectomy? is it that I’m in my 40s? no one knows!) and I am struggling to sleep cool. Part of my problem is that when I’m *not* having a hot flash, I tend to get chilly. I still sleep with socks on (at least till the 3 am ‘flash, when they come off in sweaty rage) and I need the weight of a comforter or blanket. I have a cooling pillow from Ikea and I have a cooling mattress, but it’s just not enough. So-sheets! Comforters! Other cooling pillows or sleepwear or any suggestions!
My second request is for TV. I love a procedural/crime drama. However I don’t actually like romance between the leads in my procedural dramas. In my brain, romance is for my books, not for my tv (unless it’s anime, then I ship HARD). I love Criminal Minds and the BBC’s Sherlock. I’m currently working my way through Bones, but the will they/won’t they between Bones and Brennan just annoys me. I actually rage quit Castle for this reason. The only procedural that I’ve watched that maintains a platonic relationship between the main characters is Elementary.
So, does anyone have any suggestions? I have dabbled in medical dramas, but as someone in a medical adjacent field, I find myself yelling at the TV too often to really get sucked in. I liked House for a couple of seasons, but then it focused more on his declining cognitive abilities and less on the cases.
I look forward to any leads on cooler sleep or entertainment!
@ Lauren the hot I feel you on the sleeping cold and hot both issues. I like a linen duvet, I have wool blankets, and it’s stupid expensive but Bearaby makes a gorgeous weighted blanket that is breathable because it is all cotton (usually there has to be some sort of poly layer to contain the little weighty bits). It’s all about breathable layering. I am not happy with any bottom sheet at the moment, because nothing is ok if damp. Which reminds me it’s important at least having something handy to change into for particularly sweaty times. I also sometimes put on a winter hat because after a hot flash I get so cold in a counter reaction that my nose hurts too much to sleep and I will pull the hat down over my eyes for maximum coziness.
I got nothing on the TV front, because I believe strongly in Sherlock/Watson and I am not mad about it either, lol
@Lauren the hot: the first thing I thought of was the Bed Jet, which my neighbor who is very pregnant and alternating hot and cold ADORES and tells everyone about. It’s pricey, but it has made a massive difference for her. I haven’t tried one myself.
I also like the eucalyptus sheets from Sheets & Giggles. We have three sets at this point, and use them constantly. I have also heard that shorts and tanks in the same fabric make great bed clothing, if you sleep with jammies on.
Finally, this may be something you’ve thought of already, but would a portable small fan on your bedside help at all? There are some that last a long time on a charge, like this one – we use this outside to deter bugs (who find me delicious) but it has four speeds, a remote, and a sleep timer.
I’m sending chilly thoughts!
We have commercial versions of the Medaire purifiers on both floors of my public library and I love, love, love them!
Also, nothing you asked about but I bought a pair of the Duluth Trading Co plus-size gardening shorts overalls and they are fabulous!! 11 pockets, very comfortable and very cute: covered in dahlias. I told the men in my house that it’s garden camo.
Solarbi makes fabulous sun hats and sun clothing. They are Australian. Lightweight, easy to clean and good looking. I believe all products are SPF 50. They have 20% off sales frequently! My skin is protected in the high altitude perpetual sunshine of New Mexico.
Lauren the hot- if you have a programmable thermostat, (and an understanding household), schedule your AC to become cooler around when you normally wake up hot and see if that helps. If yours isn’t programmable, your HVAC may be compatible with smart thermostats you can buy online.
You can also eat a little healthy fat and/or protein before bed to prevent 3am wakeups and see if that helps you. Even if the primary issue is hormones, blood sugar crashes can play a role in 3am wakeups.