Catfish on the menu

August 1, 2024

📚 Catfish on the menu: Lame AI cookbooks are taking over Amazon’s bestseller list. Take “The Complete Crock-Pot Cookbook for Beginners.” Red flags: The author is wearing mismatched earrings, it’s riddled with typos, the recipes are weird, and there’s filler like “What is Crock-Pot?” Before you buy, read the one-star reviews and check the preview images.

Tags: AI (artificial intelligence), Amazon, beginners, Check, Images, recipes, red flags, reviews

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9 gadgets to keep you safe and secure

9 gadgets to keep you safe and secure

Staying safe and secure can feel like a full-time job. That’s why you have me! Below, I’m sharing nifty gadgets to keep your personal information, devices and even your car safe from prying eyes and sneaky thieves.

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Sweet, cheap phone accessories

This clear case covers all the basics — raised edges to protect your screen, durability and MagSafe compatibility — and it’s on sale now for many iPhone models. The iPhone 15 Max case is $17!
It’s a wallet, it’s a stand, it’s both. This black faux leather accessory works with most newer iPhones.
This cute, leather pint-sized crossbody bag has room for cards, keys and your smartphone. It’s on sale in a bunch of neutral colors.
Level up your smartphone video conference calls with this face-tracking tripod. It doesn’t require installing an app or even a Bluetooth connection — yay for privacy. It’s 91% off.
Clean that scummy screen with microfiber cleaning cloths (pack of 12, on sale for $6). They also work great on glasses and shades. 😎

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Upgrade for the aux: Tired of cables? This adapter lets you go wireless with CarPlay so you don’t have to clutter your console with a three-foot USB cord. Love that.

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$4,500 hiking pants

That makes you feel 30 pounds lighter. MO/GO (short for “mountain goat”) pants have an electric motor at the knees that absorbs the impact on downhill trips and helps you feel stronger going uphill.

Weird-but-cool buys for under $10

Yeehaw, hydration! Little cowboy hats to cap your Stanley tumbler (or any other travel mug), now four for $7.
Thin Mints superfans, sprinkle Girl Scout cookie-inspired seasoning (under $5) over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, popcorn …
Fungi-tional! Cable ties that look like little mushrooms, on sale for $8.
When bumps and bruises need a sense of humor, emoji bandages will do the trick.
This magnetic cloud can help you keep track of your keys in small spaces for under $8.
Love the everything but not always the bagel? Sprinkle everything-bagel-inspired seasoning on wraps, cottage cheese, salads, toast — the sky’s the limit!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

👍 5 awesome finds under $15

Actually, most of these deals are under $10!

When there aren’t enough outlets, get more with this terrific extender. Just plug it in and you’ve got five outlets, three USB outlets and one USB-C outlet, plus a surge protector and a nightlight. It’s on sale for $12.98.
Calling all athletes! Have a bunch of awards collecting dust in your office? The solution: A medal hanger. This one’s on sale for $4.68.
It’s hot. This $7.99 fan is perfect for on the go or on your desk.
Make more shower shelf space with this set of five organizers for $9.98.
Need to label the kids’ clothes but don’t want to write on the tags? Check out these no-ironing-required labels for $7.52.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

✈️ Travel smarter

These affordable, unique accessories should be in your bag:

Add an extra layer of security with a portable safe. Secure it with a cord when you arrive at your hotel. It’s on sale for $16.70.
On a plane that makes you plug in your headphones? Try these wired Sony earbud headphones, now 50% off ($9.99).
Tangled cords are the worst while traveling. Tidy up your wired earbuds with this cable winder for $9.99.
This travel wallet can hold your boarding pass, passport, ID, cards — whatever you need to have on hand quickly. It’s on sale for $13.99.
Organize all your cords and wires with this accessories bag, now 21% off. Brilliant.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

😝 What’s that smell?

Under-$20 pet smell solutions:

Get rid of pet urine (and the smell — gross!) with natural enzymes. Grab a bottle of this bestselling stuff while it’s on sale ($16.99).
When it comes to that wet dog stink, regular Febreze won’t cut it. This heavy-duty Febreze knocks out pet odors, and you can get three cans of it for $11.31.
Shake some of this carpet odor eliminator before you vacuum to get the funk out. A two-pack is 27% off.
This well-reviewed pet bed has a removable cover that’s machine washable. Even better, it’s 50% off!
Not sure where that smell’s coming from? If you’re feeling brave, a black light will tell you (19% off). Another smelly mystery, solved.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🥫 This one’s for the (meal) preppers

Store prepped portions in these microwave-safe glass containers. No microplastics and they work in the freezer (25% off for 10).
This one’s soup-er — silicone freezer trays with lids to store individual soup or stock. Two trays are on sale for $17.99.
Make mornings easier with grab-and-go breakfasts. This four-pack of leakproof jars is $15.99. They even have a spoon holder!
Freezer fans know you need to label your food. Grab a set of 500 removable labels so there’s no guesswork. They’re only $6.98 on sale.
When you’re headed to the office, pack up this chic, insulated lunchbox. The gray one is 62% off!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🛠️ You can fix that

Solve common household headaches for less than $25 with these DIY helpers:

Spraying WD-40 can be messy, but the pen version makes precision super easy. Grab a pack of three for 17% off.
Fix wobbly furniture or creaky doorframes — you name it — with these plastic shims. A 30-pack is on sale for $13.99.
Calling all DIY decorators! Stop guessing where you should hang things with this magnetic stud finder. It’s so simple and 8% off.
This compact steamer, at $21.99, is great for all kinds of fabrics. It fits in your suitcase for that relaxed, unwrinkled vacation look. Get it for 37% off!
Retire your bag of plastic grocery bags and stick ‘em in this reusable organizer. This summery print is on sale, but they’re all under six bucks!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.