Labor Day backyard bliss

August 31, 2025

💡 My pick: Outdoor string lights (29% off)

Instant patio upgrade! String them up, grab a drink and feel like you’re at a rooftop bar.

☔ Windproof travel umbrella (32% off): Holds up in 85 mph winds. 100K+ reviewers gave it a stellar 4.5 stars.

😅 Portable neck fan (61% off): Forget waving a paper plate. This keeps you cool, hands-free on hot days.

🦟 Mosquito repeller (30% off): Ditch the sticky bug spray. Create a 20-foot bug-free zone around your patio.

👄 Organic lip balm set (17% off, six flavors): Dry, cracked lips? These hydrate so they stay silky smooth.

🛒 Fire up the grill and your cart: Tap here to see all the Labor Day markdowns before they’re gone. There’s even more on my Amazon page.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Tags: Amazon, fan, hot, stars, travel

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Kim’s 25 top Labor Day deals

Euhomy, Insignia, Dreamegg, Levoit

Kim’s Outlet picks: All 50% off or better

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Hidden gems, big discounts, and yes, I dug through the digital outlet bins so you don’t have to. Amazon’s Outlet is packed with brand-name gadgets.

The best part? Everything here is at least 50% off. Now, if you’re not into saving money on some great stuff, scroll on down to the Web Watercooler section, so you’re up-to-date on the latest tech news and security alerts. Don’t miss the big Google one.

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We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

💨 Kale, yeah: Amazon now delivers groceries like milk, meat and veggies the same day. Great when your stomach needs instant gratification. It’s live in 1,000 cities and will reach 2,300 by year’s end. Orders over $25 ship free for Prime members, with insulated bags keeping things fresh. Top sellers? Strawberries, limes and avocados because guac waits for no one.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🔥 Laptop running hot? It happens when you’ve got lots of apps open or are doing something resource-heavy. Besides the noisy fans, your system might slow itself down to stay cool. Quick: Get a cooling pad to improve airflow and keep things running smoother. Here’s a good one on sale. You’re welcome.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Kim’s weekend warrior toolkit

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Before you call in a handyman, hang on a sec. I know home repairs can feel like one big headache. But with the right gear, you can save yourself hundreds, maybe thousands and still keep your cool.

I did the heavy lifting and put together this great list of tools that are smart, compact, and ready to swoop in and save your weekend. Let’s nail this.

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💡 Pick the right light: Shopping for bulbs? Avoid LEDs over 5000K. Those bluish “cool white” ones can feel sterile and trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime, making it harder to sleep. Instead, go for “warm white” bulbs between 2700K and 3000K. They’re easier on the eyes and make your home feel cozier.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

📂 Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: Keep three copies of your important files — two in different types of storage and one stored off-site. For example, save the originals on your computer, another copy on an external hard drive or USB stick, and the last one in cloud storage online. Overkill? Maybe. Covered? Always.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

📼 Digitize your old VHS tapes: You don’t have to keep watching them on a VCR. Use a converter to transfer those memories onto your computer. No time? Got a lot of money? Walmart, Costco or Walgreens can do it for you. Prices usually run $16 to $35 per tape.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

💻 Buying a new computer? Know the specs you need. For basic browsing and streaming, look for at least a dual-core 2.0 GHz processor, 4-8 GB of RAM and an SSD for quick loading. For heavier stuff like gaming or video editing, get a recent multi-core 3.0 GHz+ CPU, a dedicated graphics card and 16 GB+ RAM. Click here for 20 laptop and desktops I trust. You’re welcome.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🔌 Running out of power outlets? I use multi-plug extenders around my house. Here’s one for under $10 that turns 2 wall outlets into 5. It also adds 4 USB ports, so you can charge multiple devices at once. Oh, and there’s a built-in 1680-joule surge protector to keep your electronics safe. You’re welcome.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.