Welcome back to another edition of “Things I’m Loving”! After receiving such enthusiastic feedback on my initial post in October, I decided to make this a recurring series, popping up whenever the inspiration strikes. There’s a unique joy in sharing discoveries that genuinely excite me, and I can’t wait to introduce you to five of my current favorites. I believe these aren’t just things I love, but items and services that could genuinely enhance your daily life too. I absolutely thrive on hearing your thoughts and recommendations, so whether you have an opinion on my picks, a burning question, or a fantastic find of your own to share, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. Let’s connect and chat about all the wonderful things making life a little better!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
1. Deflex Comfort Women’s Claire (or Blaire) Scrunch Flats at Payless
Prepare for a revelation in footwear comfort! If you haven’t yet experienced the sheer bliss of wearing these scrunch flats from Payless, your life is about to get significantly more comfortable. While that might sound like a bold claim, my fiancé, Pat, can attest to the positive impact these shoes have had on both our lives – and I’ll elaborate on that shortly. Without exaggeration, these are, hands down, the most comfortable flats I have ever owned. And it’s not just my personal opinion; a quick glance at the 300+ glowing reviews on the Payless website will confirm their widespread appeal. Many flats often promise comfort but fall short, digging into heels, pinching toes, or proving too narrow for extended wear. These Deflex Comfort flats are different. I can comfortably wear them all day, every day, for weeks on end, without a single complaint of discomfort. There’s no dreaded “breaking-in” period required, and for those who appreciate a bit more room, they are conveniently available in wide sizes. Everyone I’ve introduced to these shoes has become an instant convert, and I’m incredibly eager for you to discover their unparalleled comfort too!
My obsession runs deep; I currently own eight different pairs of these incredible flats because I find myself reaching for them almost daily. My collection includes classic navy, essential black, versatile nude, chic black tweed, elegant gold, shimmering silver, a sophisticated black & raffia design, and the stylish navy & white striped Blaire version. The Blaire offers the same fantastic fit as the Claire flats but adds a subtle hardware detail for extra flair. Beyond their insane comfort, they are undeniably adorable and effortlessly complement a wide range of outfits, from casual jeans to a summery sundress. What makes them even more irresistible is their price point – they are almost always on sale for just $19.99. If you happen to find them at a higher price, a little patience usually pays off, as they often revert to this affordable sale price. My wardrobe has undergone a significant purge; I recently donated two large garbage bags full of shoes I no longer wear, precisely because these flats meet all my needs. Why endure shoes that cause pain when such comfortable and stylish alternatives exist?
Still wondering about the “life-changing” aspect I mentioned? Historically, I’ve always struggled with the dilemma of choosing between looking cute and feeling comfortable. Whenever Pat (my future Mr. Bites) and I embarked on activities involving extensive walking – be it a trip to the zoo, a lively festival, a shopping excursion, or a vacation – I would often prioritize fashion over practicality, always optimistically believing I’d be more comfortable than I truly was. Inevitably, within 45 minutes, my discomfort would sour our experience. The moment I started wearing these flats, Pat immediately noticed a dramatic difference. Now, I can tackle long walks and demanding activities without a single complaint (unless, of course, I’m hot, tired, or hungry – some things even amazing shoes can’t fix, haha!). Moreover, they pair beautifully with a skirt or sundress, offering a polished look that sneakers simply can’t achieve. They truly bridge the gap between style and comfort, making our outings much more enjoyable.
For fellow enthusiasts of these fantastic flats, I highly recommend checking the Payless website or visiting stores every few months. They consistently introduce new colors and patterns seasonally, keeping the collection fresh and exciting. I’ve also observed that sometimes unique styles are available exclusively in stores or online, so exploring both avenues can yield delightful surprises. Don’t hesitate – head to a store to try these on, or order them online (and use eBates for cash back, a tip I’ll share below!). Once you experience their comfort and versatility, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
2. AmazonSmile
Imagine if every online purchase you made contributed to a cause you cared about, with no extra cost to you. This incredible opportunity exists with AmazonSmile! Did you know that simply by adding one extra word to the Amazon URL, a portion of nearly every eligible item you buy can be donated to the charity of your choice? For instance, if you’re looking to purchase a handy doughnut pan, a captivating new book, or a pack of delicious PB2, just ensure your browsing session starts with “smile.amazon.com” instead of “www.amazon.com.”
When you use the AmazonSmile portal, Amazon generously donates 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible items to the charitable organization you select. With almost a million eligible nonprofit groups to choose from, you can direct your contributions to a cause that genuinely resonates with you. For example, my AmazonSmile purchases support my local Make-A-Wish chapter, while my future Mr. Bites’ purchases benefit an environmental conservancy group. While 0.5% might seem like a modest amount individually, consider the collective impact if every Amazon shopper consistently used AmazonSmile. This small, effortless change could generate substantial funding for countless vital nonprofit initiatives. It’s a simple yet powerful way to integrate philanthropy into your everyday online shopping habits.
To ensure you never miss an opportunity to contribute, the simplest strategy is to bookmark smile.amazon.com in your preferred web browser. I also make a conscious effort to begin any Amazon affiliate links I share with the “smile” prefix, making it easier for you to participate. As an avid Amazon user, knowing that my routine purchases are simultaneously contributing to a good cause is a significant bonus. Plus, it offers a wonderfully rational excuse to indulge in something awesome: “It’s for charity!” It’s a win-win scenario, benefiting both you and the organizations striving to make a difference. For more detailed information and answers to common questions, explore the AmazonSmile FAQs here.
3. Pampered Chef Food Chopper
My aversion to chopping onions by hand is a well-known fact. Fortunately, thanks to my trusty Pampered Chef Food Chopper, I haven’t had to shed a single tear over onions in months! I acquired this ingenious kitchen gadget at a Pampered Chef party last Fall, and it has quickly ascended to the top of my list of essential kitchen tools. This chopper truly excels at its job, significantly reducing prep time for any recipe that demands a substantial amount of chopping and dicing. Say goodbye to the stinging eyes and running tears that inevitably accompany manual onion preparation! I’ve experimented with it on a wide variety of vegetables, from peppers and carrots to mushrooms and even nuts, and I’m utterly hooked on its efficiency.
The operation is incredibly straightforward: simply place the item you wish to chop onto a cutting board, position the chopper over it (larger items may need to be halved or quartered first), and then repeatedly push down on the top handle. With each press, the blades descend, precisely chopping the food to your desired consistency and size. Beyond its practical benefits, there’s something undeniably satisfying about the rhythmic smacking action of chopping – it doubles as a surprisingly effective stress reliever, should you need one! Cleanup is equally effortless; the chopper disassembles into a few simple pieces, making it quick and easy to rinse and prepare for its next culinary task.
While I am not a Pampered Chef sales representative, I wholeheartedly endorse this product. If you have a Pampered Chef consultant in your network, feel free to reach out to them for purchase, or you can conveniently order the chopper directly from their official website. I understand that other brands offer similar food choppers, and while I haven’t personally tried them, I can confidently vouch for the superior performance and durability of the Pampered Chef version. Seriously, once you experience the ease and speed of this tool, you’ll never want to chop onions by hand again. That’s what your food chopper is for – it’s its job to make your kitchen life easier!
4. eBates
It seems I’m discussing online shopping quite a bit in this post, but I simply couldn’t keep this particular gem to myself. If the idea of earning money while you shop online sounds appealing, then prepare for some exciting news: it’s absolutely real, and it’s incredibly easy with eBates! By signing up for a free eBates account, you can earn a percentage of cash back on purchases made at over 1,700 online stores. This extensive list includes popular retailers such as Macy’s, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Land’s End, Ulta, Nordstrom, Toys R Us, and ModCloth – essentially, almost anywhere you already shop online. As an added incentive, eBates often offers a fantastic sign-up bonus, like a $10 gift card, just for joining! I personally chose a Target gift card and happily spent it as soon as it arrived.
Once your account is set up, the process is wonderfully simple. Whenever you plan to shop online, begin your journey at eBates. Search for the online store you wish to visit, and eBates will then redirect you to that store’s website. From there, you can shop as usual. Upon checkout, a percentage of your purchase will be credited as cash back to your eBates account. Periodically, once your eBates balance reaches a certain threshold, they will send you a check directly. I’ve received several checks from them over time, proving that this system genuinely works and is a fantastic way to get a little extra money back for your regular spending.
The benefits don’t stop there. You can also earn additional cash back by referring your friends to eBates. The links provided in this paragraph are my personal referral link, so if you sign up through them, I will earn a small referral bonus – a testament to how the system rewards its users. However, I would be recommending eBates regardless, because it truly offers a straightforward way for you to receive money back for activities you’d be doing anyway. It’s essentially free money that accumulates over time, making it an incredibly valuable tool for any savvy online shopper. Who wouldn’t want to share such a practical and rewarding tip?
5. Trader Joe’s Turkey Corn Dogs
I can almost hear your thoughts: “Corn dogs? Really?” I completely understand any initial skepticism. For most of my life, corn dogs were not something I ever gave a second thought. I vaguely recall trying them once or twice in the past, but they never made an impression – until now. My friends, I am utterly obsessed with Trader Joe’s Turkey Corn Dogs. My journey to this obsession began on Instagram, where I follow many fellow Weight Watchers users. I saw Kerri (wwpickyeatersplate) post about having a couple for dinner and mentioned they were only 4 Weight Watchers Points Plus each. I immediately filed that mental note away, knowing I had to pick up a box on my next trip to Trader Joe’s.
And so I did. After trying them, I was so impressed that on my very next visit to Trader Joe’s, I bought five more boxes. No exaggeration. These turkey corn dogs are a game-changer for quick, satisfying meals that taste far more indulgent than they are. They effortlessly bridge the gap between nostalgic comfort food and a healthier option, proving that deliciousness doesn’t always have to come with a high calorie count. Each corn dog offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a truly delightful discovery.
So, what makes them so extraordinary? It’s all in the texture and taste. When baked in the oven, the corn dog’s exterior develops a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown crust that surprisingly tastes like it’s been perfectly deep-fried (and yes, I openly admit my love for fried food!). Inside, the cornbread layer remains beautifully soft, almost cake-like, with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory hot dog within. The turkey hot dog itself is flavorful and delicious, and there’s an undeniable childlike joy in eating something served on a stick. Each corn dog is remarkably only 150 calories, making them an excellent choice for a low-point, low-calorie meal. You can easily pair one with a side of oven fries and a fresh serving of veggies or a fruit salad for a satisfying and indulgent-tasting meal without derailing your healthy eating goals. If you’re fortunate enough to have a Trader Joe’s store in your vicinity, I implore you to pick up a box (or two, or five!) on your next visit. Trust me, you absolutely will not regret this delightful culinary discovery!
Honorable Mention: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Why an honorable mention, you ask? Rest assured, it’s not because my affection for this book is any less profound than for the other cherished items on this list. Rather, it’s due to the immense and pervasive hype surrounding “The Fault in Our Stars” right now, largely fueled by its recent movie adaptation. It felt almost redundant to declare my love for it, much like enthusiastically recommending “Frozen!” a few months ago when it was globally inescapable (though, to be clear, I truly adore “Frozen” too!). Despite the saturation, this book undeniably deserves every ounce of its widespread acclaim and popularity.
For a considerable period, I deliberately avoided reading it, despite the constant buzz. The prevalent narrative I encountered was consistently “it’s about someone with cancer” and “it’s a complete sob-fest.” As an avid reader who deeply connects with characters, the prospect of plunging into a story designed solely to induce tears and leave me heartbroken wasn’t appealing. I didn’t want to feel depressed, nor did I wish to read something that felt manufactured to tug at heartstrings in an overly dramatic, Hallmark-commercial fashion.
However, my resolve eventually crumbled, and I finally picked up the book. From the very first pages, it was clear that my preconceptions were entirely misplaced. This wasn’t a preachy, exaggerated, or manipulative attempt to elicit emotion. Instead, the narrative felt profoundly authentic, the characters – Hazel and Augustus – were genuine, witty, and incredibly engaging, imbued with a lifelike depth. John Green’s writing is simply beautiful; it’s sharp, intelligent, and deeply resonant. The book is a masterful blend of humor, profound sadness, and brilliant insight into life, love, and loss, all delivered with an elegant sincerity. I found it utterly impossible to put down.
You will undoubtedly fall head over heels for Augustus’s charm and intellect, and you will care deeply for Hazel’s struggles and resilience. If you haven’t yet embarked on this unforgettable literary journey, allow me to be the zillionth person to unequivocally recommend it. Yes, you will likely cry – perhaps even profusely – but I promise you, every single tear will be worth it. “The Fault in Our Stars” is more than just a sad story; it’s a vibrant, funny, and deeply moving exploration of what it means to live, love, and leave a mark, even when faced with the inevitable.