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Pepper Pong: A portable Pickle Ball Alternative for Families, College Kids

We don’t do many reviews these days, but when we were offered a chance to review this new game called Pepper Pong, which looked to be a party game mash up of pickle ball, table tennis and beer pong, I jumped at the chance.

We were about to head off to our annual family vacation and I loved the idea of having another fun game to add to our arsenal of board games we usually take along with us to play on rainy days or after dinner in the resort.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get it in time but we did set up a table in the backyard and my youngest and middle kid had a go at it before middle headed off to college the following week.

The game is a product of pandemic, created out of boredom by founder Tom Filippini, a Colorado-based aviation and luxury resort entrepreneur,  and is a portable, noise-free alterntive to pickle ball, which is all the rage in my part of the country and nationwide.

Each game comes with:

  • 4 Mullets
  • 3 Balls of distinct speeds
  • 1 Fence (aka “net”)
  • 1 Travel Bag

The different balls have varying textures, and with each, they bounce across the fence lighter or harder. You supply the table.

The leg high foldable table we used was narrow which gave the kids less surface play so I recommend a wider table.

It took a while for the kids to get a knack for the volley so they rarely had a long rally before the ball went flying out of play. They still had fun. I think it would make a great game for a college lounge or party so…

We sent off the game with middle son to college to enjoy with his room and dorm mates.

It reminds me of beer pong but according to a few articles about the game, its founder, whose been several years in sobriety, says he created to help alcoholics have an alternative to drinking! Nice!

I’ve seen it played across a coffee table but with it that close, you’d have to go with the softer ball.

Pepper Pong is available exclusively from the company’s website.

Back to School: Affordable Laptop for College Bound

For the college bound Freshman (and his/her parents), it is no secret that college can be expensive. From tuition and fees to books and supplies, there are a lot of costs associated with higher education. But one cost that is often overlooked is the cost of a laptop.

A laptop is essential for completing assignments, connecting with professors, classmates and friends and family back home and for taking notes.

It can be a pricey purchase especially if you are a design or computer science major which means you may need a device capabable of accommodating the memory of graphic design software or for coding. But most majors only require the basics.

Battery life: It needs a good battery life for times when you’re not near an outlet like in class.

Display -You’ll want a decent display if you will be spending a lot of time staring at your screen.

Keyboard: You’ll need a comfortable keyboard given all the typing you’ll be doing.

Weight and portability – Having a laptop that can be carried in a backpack all day is clutch

Durability – You will need one that will stand the test of time and can get dinged and beat up from the hustle and bustle of running to class, dropping your backpack on the ground and more.

Processor: Students need a laptop that can handle all of their coursework and assignments. Chromebooks can get by with a fairly low-powered CPU and a basic Intel Celeron processor will do.

If you’re interested in an economically priced laptop or Chromebook that you can take with you to college, or send off with your child if you’re a caregiver or parent, then I highly recommend the HP 360.

When I sent off my now college Junior a few years back, we researched this laptop and settled on it for several reasons.

First of all, it’s lightweight, and the screen is 14 inches. It has lots of ports for your wireless mouse adapter, SD card, power cord, headphones and more.

What I really loved about it and what makes it really stand out is that he has 360 If you’re out and about and doing field work, you can flip it around and hold it like a notebook— a real one!

It has a touchscreen as well. That’s the second thing that’s amazing about it. I prefer a mouse myself to a mousepad and so in those moments when I forget my mouse at home, I love the option of using the touchscreen to naviate around the laptop.

I liked the sleek design and and I go tit in white! You can add stickers to it if you want to customize it too an dit is economically priced at $399!

It’s availalbe at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and more retailers!

GET THE HP 360 CHROMEBOOK

Starting at $299

photo of a laptop, a slice of pie on a plate and a re headhphone connected to an apple iphone face down on the floor next to a laptop near an open window

Fall Decor Fire Pit Ideas for a Cozy Backyard Party

8 cozy fire pit ideas for outdoor fall decor and entertaining tips using budget-friendly find for a backyard campfire party.

Blogger Lauren Shaver shares how to how to set up a backyard movie theatre perfect for a fall setup.

Here is what you need

Repurpose Large Planters Into Tables. These barrel planters would work too for creating a rustic vibe.

Whiskey Barrel Plant Planter for your Backyard Fire Pit

Round Brown Polypropylene and Resin Whiskey Barrel Plant Planter with Weather Resistant Material

  • Fade, frost, and weather resistant
  • Easy knock-out drainage holes allow excess water to empty
  • Perfect for use indoors in a variety of rooms or outside on patios, porches, in gardens, on walkways, and more
  • Easy to care for, simply wipe down as needed with a clean damp cloth after emptying all contents
  • An ideal planter for succulents, ferns, flowers, and other house plants
  • Dimensions: 20″ D x 13″ H
  • Bottom Diameter: 12.3″

For warming up by the fire on chilly nights, toss a few cozy blankets on outdoor chairs for guests at a backyard campfire party.

Coy Knit Throw for your Backyard Fire Pit

Cozy Knit Throw, 50″x72″, Aqua

  • SIZE: This 50″x72″ knit throw blanket is big enough for two people to use. Stay cozy and warm and share it with your loved ones.
  • SOFT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: This super soft and lightweight throw is made from 100% polyester yarn for a cozy, warm, and snug knit throw blanket.
  • BEAUTIFUL DECORATIVE PIECE: This simple yet classic knit throw is an easy way to elevate your furniture and give your living room space an updated look. Use it as a throw blanket or a decorative piece.
  • GREAT GIFT IDEA: This stylish and useful knit throw is a great gift idea for family and friends for any occasion.
  • MACHINE WASHABLE: Our 100% polyester yarn is soft but durable. Machine wash and tumble dry low for best results.

Adirondack chairs are the perfect fire pit chairs in our opinion, but having that extra back support with cozy pillows makes the experience much more comfortable. Try mixing cable knit textures with plaid prints for fall.

Throw Pillow for your Backyard Fire Pit

Sweater Knit Decorative Square Throw Pillow, 18″ x 18″, Ivory, Single Count

  1. SIZE: This 50″x72″ knit throw blanket is big enough for two people to use. Stay cozy and warm and share it with your loved ones.
  2. SOFT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: This super soft and lightweight throw is made from 100% polyester yarn for a cozy, warm, and snug knit throw blanket.
  3. BEAUTIFUL DECORATIVE PIECE: This simple yet classic knit throw is an easy way to elevate your furniture and give your living room space an updated look. Use it as a throw blanket or a decorative piece.
  4. GREAT GIFT IDEA: This stylish and useful knit throw is a great gift idea for family and friends for any occasion.
  5. MACHINE WASHABLE: Our 100% polyester yarn is soft but durable. Machine wash and tumble dry low for best results.

 Garden Mums make every outdoor space feel extra festive for fall.

Mum Live Plants for Backyard Fire Pit

Orange Garden Mum Live Plants with Decorative Pot

  • SIZE: This 50″x72″ knit throw blanket is big enough for two people to use. Stay cozy and warm and share it with your loved ones.
  • SOFT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: This super soft and lightweight throw is made from 100% polyester yarn for a cozy, warm, and snug knit throw blanket.
  • BEAUTIFUL DECORATIVE PIECE: This simple yet classic knit throw is an easy way to elevate your furniture and give your living room space an updated look. Use it as a throw blanket or a decorative piece.
  • GREAT GIFT IDEA: This stylish and useful knit throw is a great gift idea for family and friends for any occasion.
  • MACHINE WASHABLE: Our 100% polyester yarn is soft but durable. Machine wash and tumble dry low for best results.

Incorporate terra cotta, earth tones, and neutrals to add interest with planters. Then repot them again with annual spring/summer flowers next year.

Better Homes & Gardens 12″ and 16″ Ellan Terracotta Resin Planter, 2-pack

  • 2-pack set
  • Dimensions: 16″ D x 15.8″ H and 12″ D x 12″ H
  • Crafted of durable polypropylene for a long life of use almost anywhere
  • Durable finish
  • An ideal planter for succulents, ferns, flowers, and other house plants

Better Homes & Gardens 12″ and 16″ Ellan Terracotta Resin Planter, 2-pack

  • Round ceramic planter
  • Ceramic is highlighted with a stunning glazed black green reactive finish
  • Weather-resistant design for use indoors or out
  • Perfect for displaying Herbs, small flowering plants, succulents, and more
  • Add a plant and share as a housewarming, hostess, or birthday gift
  • Capacity: Holds plants up to 2-2.5 qt.
  • Drainage hole with a removable plug
  • Product dimensions: 7.5″ Dia. x 6.6″ H
  • Product weight: 3.3 lbs.
  • Color: Black/Green

Better Homes & Gardens 12″ and 16″ Ellan Terracotta Resin Planter, 2-pack

  • Round ceramic planter with a hole at the bottom with a removable plug
  • Bubble glaze finish
  • Weather-resistant design for use indoors or out
  • Put indoors in your kitchen, sun room, or next to a sunny window
  • Put outdoors on your deck, porch, balcony, terrace, and patio
  • Perfect for bright flowering plants, cactus, succulents, and more
  • Add a plant and share as a housewarming, hostess, or birthday gift
  • Capacity: Holds plants up to 3.25 qt.
  • Product dimensions: 8″ Dia. x 7″ H
  • Product weight: 4.8 lbs.
  • Color: White
  • Product material: Ceramic
  • Has a drainage hole

When it’s dark outside while enjoying your backyard movie, it’s nice to have these black lanterns sprinkled around with candles for some ambience.

Black Lantern for your Backyard Fire Pit

Candle Holder Black Lantern

  • Made from black iron and clear glass
  • Easy access door with latch lock
  • Create a warm and inviting atmosphere inside 
  • For use with only one 6″ high pillar candle  (not included)
  • Always keep an eye on this lantern when in use
  • Clean with a dry cloth
  • Dimensions: 6 in W x 6 in D x 17. 9 in H (without handle)
  • Product Weight: 5. 1 lbs
  • Product Color: Black

11 Best Candle Wax Warmers That’ll Add Fragrance to Your Home

As the weather gets colder, you might consider lighting a candle to set the mood. But for various reasons you might not want to play with fire—that’s where candle wax warmers come in.

Lady lighting a Candle- Candle Wax Warmers

First things first: What’s a candle wax warmer? It distributes scents with a heat source other than an open flame, such as an electric light or a lamp. Some wax warmers include a dish for melting wax cubes, while others simply warm up jar candles on a hot plate. Many also include a removable dish so you can use them for wax cubes or jar candles.

Why choose a wax warmer? Well, wax melts absorb heat at a slower rate than candles with an open flame, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run, and you can adjust the strength of your scent by adding more melts to the heating dish. Wax warmers are also a mess-free choice compared to scented candles—ever find soot or wick residue on your walls months after lighting up a candle? And of course, open flames can be dangerous when unattended, which isn’t a problem with wax warmers. Best of all, they have one for every fragrance and season: You might choose fall candles, such as a pumpkin candle when the temperatures dip or a Christmas candle when the holidays begin.

If you’re ready to see the light, read on for the best candle wax warmers you can buy today.

Scentsationals Charleston Scented candle Wax Warmer

Scentsationals Charleston Scented Wax Warmer

$15

Maybe you’re worried you won’t get the ambiance of a traditional flame with a wax warmer. Let this one ease your mind: The 25-watt light produces a soft glow when you add wax melts to the dish.
The Pioneer Woman Scented Wax Warmer

The Pioneer Woman Scented Wax Warmer

$22

Add this charming ceramic warmer to your Pioneer Woman collection. Form meets function: It includes timed settings so you can melt wax cubes for two, four, or eight hours. 

Scentsationals Edison Anchorage Lantern Scented Wax Warmer

$18

What a bright idea! The 40-watt lightbulb in this lantern-shaped wax warmer melts wax cubes for a long-lasting fragrance.

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Cute Women’s Pajamas to Give You the Sleep of Your Dreams

Listen, I don’t care how old you are, and I don’t care how cool you are. You’re never too old or too cool to wear pajamas, and that’s a straight-up fact.

And I’m not talking about the ratty ol’ T-shirt and boxer shorts you wear when no one can see you, either. I’m talkin’ cute matching PJ sets that you wouldn’t be ashamed to wear in front of your roommates, or maybe even out to brunch, if you’re feeling particularly lazy (no judgment here). Cute pajama sets are 100 percent overrated, and if you’re not sure where to shop for the best jammies and pajama sets, then you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s face it: It’s likely you haven’t worn regular clothes in a whiiiile (hard same). My daily routine: Go from loungewear in the day to sweatpants at night, and wear slippers with absolutely everything. If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your pajamas, too, then now’s definitely the time. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer matching sets, nightgowns, sleep shirts, comfy jumpsuits, or full-on onesies—there are ah-mazingly cozy jammies available for everyone, and nothing will change your sleep game quite like a solid pair of PJs. Keep scrolling for the best women’s pajamas out there that are comfy enough to sleep in, but fashionable enough to wear throughout the day (and even outside, if ya want!).

Linen Pajama Pant

$47

Made with effortless, breezy linen and available in four color options, these super soft PJ pants are ideal for lounging (and they look extra cute when paired with the matching linen top!). 

Linen Pajama Pant

$47

Made with effortless, breezy linen and available in four color options, these super soft PJ pants are ideal for lounging (and they look extra cute when paired with the matching linen top!). 

Linen Pajama PanLong Sleeve Stretch-Knit Bamboo Pajama Set

$140

Made with breathable bamboo-based fabric, these luxe jammies are ideal for warm weather—plus, Oprah described them as the softest pajamas EVER, so there’s that. You can get ’em in five different color options, too. 

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The Best Microfiber Sheets for the Coziest Sleep Experience

Good bedsheets are essential! Look through our extensive list of different ones that we’ve prepared for ya.

If you’re like me and want the most lavish and cloud-like bedding but aren’t willing to drop major coin for it, then hello! I 100 percent feel your pain. Who doesn’t want to experience the luxury of silk and linen sheets every night? I know I do! Though, right now, my bank account can only take so much, even if my body does deserve to be treated like GD royalty. So, then enter this inexpensive, yet super comfy bedding option: Microfiber sheets!



Believe me when I say that microfiber sheets are the MOVE, y’all. Not only do they have a price tag that makes me want to cry tears of joy, but they’re also ultra-cozy, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant (meaning you can count on them to always look crisp, even after some time). So if you’re looking for a snuggly dream that’s durable and won’t break the bank, I say ya gotta hop on this train ASAP and shop these options, below.

Microfiber 4-Pc Full Sheet Set

$25

Sleep snug in this super soft set. I’d opt for this stunning light purple color because how cute?! And it’ll add a beautiful pop of color if your bedroom aesthetic is more on the muted side.

Brushed Microfiber Set

$2,020

There’s just something so chic and classic about a paisley pattern! Cuddle up in this gorgeous set that features a fitted sheet with all-around elastic for a nicely gripped deep pocket that’ll accommodate any type of mattress.

Deep Pocket Bed Sheet Set

$24

Get this hypoallergenic and cooling set if you’re yearning for a more breathable slumber. (Side note: I can’t get over how adorable this blush one is!)

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16 Silk Face Masks That Are Practically Made for Spring

The fabric can also help prevent breakouts, fyi.

At this point (this point being more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic), you may already have a strong rotation of face masks and coverings at the ready to protect yourself and others while maintaining social distancing measures. I see you and your possibly-out-of-control collection, but have you considered using a silk face mask? The fabric is a great choice is you’re looking for something a bit dressier than your typical cotton one, and there are plenty of options out there that won’t break the bank. Also! The benefits of silk face mask coverings is vast. The fabric is lightweight and can have a cooling effect as the temperatures start to rise, and if you struggle with the dreaded “maskne,” the soft material causes less irritation, which can mean less breakouts. Praise be.

Another thing: Natural silk fabrics are known to effectively block particles (perhaps even better than cotton), so you can make sure you and others are safe while wearing any of the below while also bringing your best ~fashun~ foot forward. But aside from being a potentially better choice for your skin and health, a silk face mask just looks luxe and super chic. Here, we rounded up 16 cute silk face masks that will help you level up your spring and summer style game.

CHECK THESE OUT

Fabric Leopard Silk

Leopard Silk Bandana Face Mask

$62

Lele Sadoughi offers a silk bandana scarf mask if you prefer this particular style. It also has ear loops and a way to knot it securely and tightly around the back of your head. (Psst, shop the matching headband to go all out.)
Fabric Silky Face Mask

Glam Silky Face Mask In Starburst

$17

Add a touch of sparkle with this pretty black one featuring gold stars. The ear loops are adjustable so you can loosen or tighten them to be at your most comfortable. 
fabric face mask

Silk Face Mask

$28

Lingerie brand Fleur Du Mal knows a thing or two about silk, and its butterfly and floral printed mask is perfect for spring. It features a side opening to insert a filter in as well, if that’s something you’re looking for. 

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17 of the Cutest Throw Blankets to Gussy Up Your Home

Throw blankets give your seat that extra touch

I know you’ve seen it. Those random throw blankets that are just so perfectly tossed at the end of a bed, hanging off the arm of a couch, or draping over the back of a chair in every Instagram influencer’s home. Don’t get it twisted: That chic, messy touch is less of an accident and more of an intentional home decor choice—and I, 1,000 percent, need one.

When it comes to shopping for the best throw blanket out there—well, there’s lots to look at. Thankfully, I have the will and stamina to do the research so you won’t have to. I’ve gone ahead and found all the worthy options—from a pretty, under-$20 throw that’s still worthy of the ‘Gram to a super soft organic cotton blanket that’s ultimate nap-time goals. Shop them all, below.

CHECK THESE OUT

The Alpha Throw: All Smiles-Natural/Beige

$78

For those who love looking up, here’s a cozy throw featuring beautiful sun medallions all over it.

Tiger Pink Woven Throw

$199

This pink tiger throw is totally fun. If you have a ton of funky decor, it’ll fit right in, or if you have a more understated look, this is the perfect statement accessory. (I also may or may not have bought it the moment I saw it.)

Arrow knitted blanket

$635

For all my bougie people, here’s a designer option you’ll want to curl up in every night.

The 12 Best Cutting Boards to Buy in 2021

Stock your kitchen with these top-rated cutting boards.

A Knife and Meat loaf on a cutting board

Much like a great chef’s knife or a dependable skillet, a great cutting board can seriously up your home cooking game. Whether you’re cutting veggies, chopping herbs, or slicing steak, the best cutting boards provide a large area on which you can work, as well as protection for the knives you’re using.

But here’s the ultimate question: What type of cutting board should you use? The best cutting board for your kitchen will depend on what types of foods you cook and your favorite knives. Indeed, you might actually need more than one type of cutting board. From flexible plastic boards you can stash in a drawer to sturdy wooden boards with juice grooves, there are more than enough models on the market to find precisely what you need.

CHECK THESE OUT

T-Grip Cutting Board

San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Cutting Board

$25

San Jamar cutting boards are a staple of professional kitchens – and their Saf-T-Grip board is no exception. It may not be the prettiest of the bunch, but this well-priced workhouse board will serve you well in a variety of kitchen tasks.
Made of durable co-polymer plastic, this dishwasher-safe board features sturdy non-slip feet that hold it securely in place during cutting.
During testing, Rachel plowed through tasks like dicing cucumbers, chopping fresh herbs, and slicing steak with ease. The hard surface of the board was gentle on her knife – and she especially loved the built-in ruler notches along the side, a unique feature that makes portioning ingredients a breeze.
This cutting board is available in five different sizes and seven different colors. While we preferred the 18″ x 12″ size, it may be too large to fit in a standard dishwasher. Lastly, a built-in hook on the board allows for easy storage – simply hang it on a wire shelf or a wall-mounted hanger in your kitchen.

Gorilla Grip Oversized Cutting Board 3-Piece Set

$40

Amazon’s best-rated cutting board proves you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a really great cutting board – or in this case, set of cutting boards. The Gorilla Group Oversized Cutting Boards boast more than 22,000 perfect ratings and cost less than $40, or about $13 a board.
Reviewers love that these boards all have juice grooves and no-slip rubber handles that help you move the cutting boards around the kitchen safely and also secure it in place while you chop and slice. The largest board is a generous 16″ x 11.2″; the smallest 11.8″ x 8″. And if that kind of variety wasn’t enough, these cutting boards are also available in 24 colors or color combinations.

San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Cutting Board

$25

Totally Bamboo’s Kona Groove Cutting Board looks and feels luxurious without the hefty price tag. Rachel gave this board top marks in every category, and she especially liked its smooth surface that was gentle on knives.
Made from sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo, this surprisingly lightweight board is the perfect size (18″ x 12″). The reversible grooved and flat sides on this board make it practical for everyday or special occasion use.
Like the Boos’ wooden board, Totally Bamboo’s board requires regular seasoning. (Try their Revitalizing Oil.) It’s also not dishwasher-safe and should be hand-washed and rinsed with warm water and soap. (Learn more at TotallyBamboo.com.) Totally Bamboo’s board isn’t as durable as the Boos board, but it looks just as beautiful and offers great value.

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The 25 Best Underwear for Women in 2021

Out with the old, in with the new. As we prepare for what’s bound to be a summer of iconic style, we’re stocking up on the best underwear for women—because we’re firm believers in the transformative power of high-quality undergarments.

Nothing says “I have my shit together” like a pristine top drawer of perfectly folded skivvies—and whether you shed your 24/7 athleisure months ago or are holding onto a low-key aesthetic, a fresh haul of stylish undies is the move. After all, a spruced-up intimates collection is an integral part of any top-notch wardrobe, and it doesn’t matter if you’re dressed to the nines or staying breezy and just trying to beat the heat.

From buttery-soft briefs to cotton bikini cuts and frilly thongs, there are ample underwear styles to choose from, each one a perfect fit for whatever’s on your agenda—thirst traps and catnaps alike. And the list ahead includes popular panties from essential brands plus new ones to have on your radar. With classic silhouettes from Calvin Klein as well as show-stopping lingerie from Savage x Fenty, there’s something for every occasion (including your time of the month or if you’re supporting a bump). So clear out some space in your dresser, and shop the 25 best underwear for women in 2021.

ThirdLove Comfort Stretch Thong

$15

If you’re convinced thongs are uncomfortable, this seamless stretch style will prove you wrong. It clings to the body like a second skin (no visible panty lines here!) and comes in a realistic range of nude hues, from light peach to mahogany (plus other chic neutrals like green and mauve).

Cuup The Highwaist

$15

If you’re convinced thongs are uncomfortable, this seamless stretch style will prove you wrong. It clings to the body like a second skin (no visible panty lines here!) and comes in a realistic range of nude hues, from light peach to mahogany (plus other chic neutrals like green and mauve).

Hanky Panky Retro High-Waist Thong

$15

If you’re convinced thongs are uncomfortable, this seamless stretch style will prove you wrong. It clings to the body like a second skin (no visible panty lines here!) and comes in a realistic range of nude hues, from light peach to mahogany (plus other chic neutrals like green and mauve).

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