Recommender: Heather
Recommendation Posted February 3rd
I am 44. I am a mom to four grown kids, a grandma to seven (all ten and younger), and an auntie to 20+. I love taking care of my family and helping out with the grands whenever I can. I was a PreK teacher until recently, but I have been involved in childcare since I was 13. I love watching kids learn and grow.
My husband and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary this year. We travel as much as we can, and we love cruising and the beach. In between long trips, we love camping at the lake on weekends. We may be grandparents, but you would never know that when you see us hot rodding on our jet skis.
I enjoy shopping and love buying quality items that will last. I also love to sew, paint, and craft.
Heather’s Recommendations
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Automatic Hair Curler
I just bought this for myself and love it! It was easy to use on the first try, and my very straight hair stayed curly until the next wash day.
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BioSilk Hair Therapy
I've used this for years on myself and grandgirls with long hair. It softens and detangles while protecting hair. I only use a dime-sized drop, so this container lasts for MONTHS! My hairstylist always tells me how healthy my hair is, no matter if we bleach it blonde or I've spent a week in sea water.
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Stanley Iceflow flip straw
I love this cup. I have to take a drink with me in the car, no matter if the drive is 10 minutes or 2 days. I love that I can fill this up, throw it in my bag or purse, and not worry about spills or leaks. If you're like me and always have a load of stuff to take out of the car, then this is one less thing you have to worry about balancing. It's also super durable. I've dropped mine plenty, and there are no dings or scratches.
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Cervical Pillow
I have struggled with tension in my shoulders and neck causing headaches since I was in my late teens. I've bought every pillow imaginable to get some relief. When I tried this one, I bought a second within a month. This pillow gets packed into the suitcase on trips. I never sleep without it. The cover comes off easily for washing. The cotton was soft, but I use the satin pillowcases also in this list. They help me stay cooler and are just more luxurious.
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Satin Pillowcase
These pillowcases fit my special cervical pillow better than a traditional pillowcase and are great for your skin and hair.
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Cat Litter Box
This is hands down one of the best things we've bought ourselves! We have one cat and only have to empty the litter every 2–3 weeks. There is almost no smell. It even weighs the cat each time. You can check it on the app. That was a plus since we have to keep a close eye on her weight. Our cat was so obese she was diabetic. It has a built-in safety sensor, so if anything gets close while it is cleaning, the drum stops rotating. If you have a cat that is very picky about a clean litter box, even though it is pricey, it is well worth the investment.
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Apple watch bands
I hate the feeling of the silicone bands. These are much more comfortable to wear every day. Easy to adjust, and the band stays where you adjust it to.
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Paintbrush washer
I used this all summer and loved it for my watercolor painting! So easy to use. It was nice to have fresh water at the push of a button.
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Milk warmer and frother
This is wonderful!! I got this as a gift about 3 years ago and still use it almost daily. It will warm and froth milk for lattes and coffees. I like to pour a cup of milk in, add a pack of hot cocoa mix, and it warms and blends at the same time. The temperature is perfect for the littles on a cold day. I'm a chai tea drinker, and I love to add the chai concentrate to warm, then the milk to froth. 4 settings let you choose between froth only with no warm, warming with little froth, lots of froth, or warm only.
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Hot tub scum absorber
I wish we knew about these years ago. Since using these, we don't need to reapply chemicals to our hot tub nearly as often. They make a huge difference.
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Infrared Sauna
I wanted a large spa-style sauna. My husband didn't want the spa price tag. I agreed to try this one first. I love it! I get just as good of a sweat in here, and it's only the size of a small coat closet. It also just plugs right into a regular socket. I don't like steam saunas, and the infared gets hot without feeling like I'm suffocating. Regular use not only helps my old injury in my hips, but my skin stays clearer and less dry. My husband even uses it several times a month.
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Blackout Curtains
I love these curtains and have them in every room. They not only block a lot of light, but they insulate the rooms as well. So good if you live in an older home. I love that the fabric facing the window is light-colored instead of black.
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Sound Machine
We almost cannot sleep without this in our room anymore! This is light and easily goes in the suitcase when we travel!
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3 in 1 charging station
I bought this when I got my new phone and watch. It charges nicely and folds flat to easily travel with us.
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Magnetic Blocks
If you have a minecraft-loving kid like my grands, then they will love this set! It gets them off a screen but still able to make cool minecraft worlds.
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Dansko Sandels
I have had surgery on both my feet and have to be very conscious of how my feet are feeling. These have been the best sandels. I wear them all summer. No matter if we are doing lots of walking, standing, or swimming, these go with me. They are the most supportive and durable. They are made of water-safe materials, and they float!
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Clip-on fan
If you're like me and menopause has hit you fast and hard, then this is a game changer. I would wear this out on recess duty, and the charge would last for a few days. Great for men or women, low profile, and quiet.
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Plant Therapy Essential Oil Set
I try to use natural remedies when possible. I've used oils for several years, and this is one of the best quality brands at a decent price. This set is the most often used oils in my house.
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Calming the Child Essential Oil Roll On
This premixed roller is awesome. I used this in my classroom with parent permission, and it helped the specific child.
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Sleep Tight Oil
Another menopause fun trick was the inability to sleep! I started using this and have had good results. I keep a small jar of coconut oil with about 20 drops of this in it. I rub it on my neck and pulse points just before I lay down for the night.
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Toms Toothpaste
I switched to this a few years ago, then finally talked my husband into trying it. He has had lots of dental work and very sensitive teeth until he used this! He hardly ever has pain while eating cold foods now. I like that it's flouride-free as well. It's been hard to find this one stocked in stores, so I've been buying it on amazon.
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Adventure Bible
This is a great Bible for young readers through elementary school.
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Action Bible
I just bought this for my only grandson. It is a good illustrated Bible for the older elementary or middle school age.
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Beginners Bible
I used this in my PreK classroom. The stories are easy to read and for young listeners to digest. Great short stories for bedtime or family time.
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Pattern Blocks
This was a huge hit in my classroom. The kids would use the shapes to make larger pictures, patterns, or name the geometric shapes. This comes with color-coded cards to help children make the different pictures.
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Wooden Letter and Number Construction
This was another fun item in the classroom that got lots of playtime. The kids would use the lines to make letter and number shapes.
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Picasso Tiles Marble Run
I bought this for my classroom to add to the block area. This was super popular with PreK and the older elementary kids that came in the summer. So many ways to make the marble run. It can be used with any magnetic tiles you already own or can stand alone.
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Organizer Hangers
I love these in my closet! I have one for tank tops and one for leggings. They take up so much less space than storing in a drawer or individual hangers.
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Purse Organizer
I have a little addiction for nice purses. This is great to store them in the spare bedroom closet. It keeps them easy to see and off the floor. They stay in shape, and it's an easy way to take care of my collection.
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Silicone ABC Mold
These are the perfect size for melting old crayons! They release easily as well. I've made little gifts of kids' names and sets for younger classes. The size is great for younger 2-year-olds to hold.
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Biolage Shampoo
I've tried so many shampoos, but I keep coming back to this one! Keeps my hair healthy and cleans well. Plus it smells SOO good!
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Back up Camera
My husband has an older truck. This has been awesome for backing up to the camper and jet ski trailer. I don't need to help him anymore!
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Tabletop Blackstone Griddle
We love this for camping! Easy to set up and small enough to store.

