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Happy Valentine’s Day! A little tech love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. It’s the perfect excuse to spread a little love in the simplest ways. A quick heart emoji, a sweet message to a friend or even just a kind word can make someone’s day. And if you’re flying solo? Treat yourself to something special and enjoy a little you time.

Speaking of things I love, here are some tech tools I use every day to make life easier, safer and more fun.

💙 Find My: It’s how I know where my phone is, find my headphones and know my son Ian landed safely after a flight without having to text him to check. (Mom win!)

💜 Family group chat: It’s me, my siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles sharing jokes, stories and hellos. My sweet cousin Arlene sends a daily prayer. It’s a small reminder that connection matters.

💚 AllTrails: A little time outside makes me feel like me again. I use this app to find the best hiking, biking and walking trails (iPhone, Android). Sort by distance, views and dog-friendliness.

💖 Apple Pay: On an Android, it’s Google Pay. I don’t like carrying a purse, so it makes life so much easier! And, yes, I stick some cash in my phone case just in case someplace doesn’t allow tap to pay.

❤️ Home security cameras: I use an app called Virtual Keypad (iPhone, Android) to control the alarms at my house in Phoenix, my studios and my home in Santa Barbara. My favorites are the notifications from the gate cam in SB. The random 4 a.m. buzzes are always bobcats walking by.

💖 AirTags: No joke, I own probably 20. The tiny trackers (29% off) are in all my cars, my bags and basically everything Barry owns. For Android, Chipolo and Tile (40% off) work, too.

💜 Wireless earbuds: I love noise cancellation. Now, Barry doesn’t like them so much since he’ll talk to me for five minutes before he realizes I can’t hear him.

💚 Siri: Google Assistant for my Android pals. I use Siri every day to text for me. I just taught Barry this one: “Hey, Siri, open [whatever app you want] for me.” No more searching apps. Oh, and “Siri, turn on my flashlight” is a good one, too! Yes, you can also turn it off this way.

💛 CarPlay: It’s amazing. Directions, traffic alerts, music and podcasts, calls, and messages, all in one spot. Remember (gasp) the days of MapQuest?

🩷 Robo-vacs: I resisted for so long and now I’ll never go back. The mop version is a game-changer in my house. It’s connected to Alexa so I can say, “Alexa, wash the floors.” Whoa, this one is 45% off.

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

They’re the best

These are bestsellers for a reason. Hundreds of thousands of reviews can’t be wrong.

A pack of new T-shirts because yours are scraggly and stained. (Was I right?)
Raycon’s earbuds (20% off) sound just like the fancy-schmancy pairs* but without the fancy-schmancy price tag! Three cheers for 32 hours of battery life.
I have about 20 AirTags. So, so useful for keeping track of your stuff and a four-pack is 31% off.
Nightmare: You wake up to a giant pimple. Put one of these patches ($13) on, and (z)it’ll be gone in a few hours.
Ever tried resistance bands (10% off)? Love these for stretching and a quick workout.
Soft new sheets for $16? Dang, that’s a deal.

🏅 Refurbished: It’s a nicer word than used. Everything on Amazon is tested and guaranteed for 90 days.

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

So fresh and so clean

Everything you need to refresh, recharge and restore.

Start your day with a soap bar (20% off) packed with Vitamin C to make you glow.
Shoe insoles that support your achy feet with every stride.
What’s that smell? Eucalyptus and lemongrass shoe spray instead of stinky feet.
Too much lint is a fire hazard. A vent cleaner (29% off) gets all your dryer’s hard-to-reach spots.
A steam cleaner (10% off) cuts through dirt and grime like no other.

🛍️ It’s on sale: Browse Amazon deals and coupons. Yes, I look at this page most days. No, I wouldn’t call it a problem. Happy shopping!

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

Want to get into podcasts (ahem, like mine)? You need a nice set of earbuds like these that sound great, have a 32-hour battery life and are a fraction of the price of AirPods.

💰 Want to snag a deal on eBay? Researchers found the longer it takes for a seller to reject you, the better shot you have at scoring a bargain. If it’s been a couple hours and they said “no way” to your lowball, go in with a slightly higher offer. You have ’em on the hook.

🚨 50% off alert: My home security pick, SimpliSafe, is having a massive sale. Get all the gear to lock down your home. You’ll sleep better at night.

For your furry friends

🐶 Meet Bella, our new pup. I can’t wait for her to come home! Yes, my Amazon cart is loaded.

Toys rolling under your couch? A blocker (14% off) will stop them in their tracks.
Now you can grab your new glow-in-the-dark bouncy ball (29% off) more easily.
This cat water fountain (27% off) holds enough H2O to last a week.
Snag a dog trimmer (15% off) that works for pets of all sizes.
A backseat extender (30% off) keeps your pups comfy and secure on the road.

💰 On a budget? You’d be surprised at the goodies you’ll find for under $10. Check out my list of picks.

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

Seal the deals

Whether it’s a “want” or a “need,” you gotta check these out.

Stanley just dropped new cup colors like cherry blossom and hot coral. I have a white one.
Keep your leftovers fresh with an electric sealer for Mason jars.
Need a bigger container? This 50-pack (27% off) is great for meal prepping.
Serve up homemade fries with a food chopper.
While you slice and dice, this cushioned rug (30% off) keeps your feet and back happy.

🚗 Time to shine: This is cool, an eraser wheel (14% off) that removes bumper stickers. Polish it off with a bristle head (14% off) so it’s wheelie clean.

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

Cleanup crew

Keep a pocket-sized phone screen cleaner (20% off) handy. It’s got a cloth built into the bottle.
Put down that gas station squeegee. Pick up a windshield cleaner with a swivel head (25% off).
Did water marks ruin your wooden coffee table? This remover cloth under $8 will make it look new.
While you’re at it, snag a set of eight coasters (10% off) for any hot or cold drink.
Oh this is so handy. Stop your glasses from slipping off your face with a silicone sleeve ($7).

🍨 Oh my. Did you see Ninja has a new ice cream maker that makes soft serve, too? Help, I just gained 10 pounds typing that!

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

Amazon switcheroo: Starting Feb. 26, you can’t download Kindle books onto anything other than an Amazon device. So, right now, sign in to Amazon, click Accounts & Lists > Content Library > Books. On the one you want, hit More actions > Download & transfer via USB.

I own a real green screen: The YouTube Shorts AI, Veo 2, whips up clips with just a few words. Like OpenAI’s Sora, type what you want and the AI does the rest. You can specify a style, lens or cinematic effect. Want to try it yourself? Open YouTube, go to Shorts camera > Green Screen > and type your prompt.

Freshen up

A little TLC makes everything feel better.

Shower curtain covered in soap scum? This is your sign to get a new one that repels water.
For folks with dandruff or eczema, a scalp scrubber (27% off) does wonders. Even if you don’t, it helps get your hair more clean.
Nice towels are one of life’s little pleasures. A four-pack of large cotton ones in lots of colors is 20% off.
I’m so glad Abby never has accidents. If your pup does, this cleaner with orange oil rocks.
Use a steamer (21% off) to deep clean without harsh chemicals turning your hands into prunes.

🚘 Nice ride: I’ve got just the stuff to get your car shiny and organized.

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

They just work

Warning: You’re going to love each one.

Slice your kitchen clean-up time. Clip on a silicone strainer (35% off) that fits pots and pans of many sizes.
Give your pricey leather some love with a cleaner spray (17% off) so it won’t crack and fade
Bissell’s Little Green cleaner works on your car, carpets, furniture and anything else. Rare this thing is under $100!
Oops, forget your power brick? Plug in your USB cable directly into a power strip ($17).
Wake up without bags under your eyes with these overnight patches ($10).

👋 I’m never ironing again: A handheld steam iron ($119) is so much easier. Yeah, it’s a splurge but the cheapo ones don’t get the job done. Hit the coupon box for 20% off!

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

Treat yourself

Little upgrades to make the day-to-day better.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. This cocktail shaker ($10) has measurements on it so you don’t need to dirty another thing.
Some bidets blast cold water. No, thanks. Snag one ($139) that lets you adjust the temp.
Struggling to fasten your bracelets? Use a handy helper tool (23% off).
Forget your old power strip. Get one with a flat plug (10% off) that doesn’t stick out behind furniture.
A gel cushion ($45) goes a long way if your back hurts.

💡 Bright idea: LED lights keeping you up at night? Put some blocking stickers (20% off) on your tech so you catch those sweet z’s.

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

Happy Presidents Day

Snag these holiday deals before it’s too late.

Sip on a tumbler (27% off) with a flexible straw that’s dishwasher-safe. Yep, I lug a water bottle around everywhere.
Replace your battered old suitcase with an expandable carry-on (44% off) in a bright color so you can find it! Love the cobalt.
Speaking of, these luggage tags and passport holders (44% off) are dirt cheap.
An outdoor speaker (23% off) brings a light show wherever you take it.
How long has it been? Pillows don’t last forever, and these fluffy hotel pillows (25% off) have so many good ratings.
A mesh Wi-Fi router (27% off) is the way to go if your house has dead spots.

🍽️ Savings on the menu: Cookware not looking so hot? Treat yourself to new pots and pans (36% off) and a cast iron skillet (42% off, $20).

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

Presidents Day deals

It’s a holiday weekend, and that means sales, sales, sales.

The newest iPad is $70 off, the lowest price since Black Friday. If you want all the AI bells and whistles, wait for the next one.
Dive into your favorite story with a brand-new Kindle Paperwhite (16% off).
Wonder if I could walk and take meetings at the same time … I want a walking treadmill! This one is 30% off.
Streaming upgrade! The latest AI-powered Amazon Fire TV Stick is 24% off.
Treat yourself with an eye-massaging mask (30% off) after a long day staring at your computer screen. Click the coupon for an extra $7 off.
This Owlet baby monitor sock (20% off) is rarely on sale. It’s FDA-cleared to track heart rate and oxygen levels. I wish they had this when Ian was a baby!

🛒 Time for some couch shopping time: Lots more deals here for your browsing pleasure! Have fun.

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

Presidents Day deals are already live

Tech is on sale, and so is everything else!

Dang, a Roomba for 50% off. I love mine zipping around cleaning for me.
A Ninja blender (25% off) slices through ice and everything else.
Everyone should have a dashcam. This 4K model has night vision (40% off) and all the other bells and whistles. Click the box for an extra $20 off.
Replace your old blanket with a fluffy white duvet cover for under $18. Toss in a couple of satin pillowcases (49% off).
Stop slouching! Try a standing desk (17% off).
Eye masks are 34% off so you can look fresh, awake and well-rested, even when you’re not.
Show off your pearly whites with a pack of 48 teeth-whitening strips (26% off).
This paper shredder (21% off) goes for five minutes straight without shutting down.
Breathe easy with a smart humidifier (15% off) that doesn’t need refilling overnight.

🫡 None of those up your alley? Hit the rest of the Presidents Day deals here!

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

OK, that’s a good deal

Time to give kitchen chaos the chop.

A fridge deodorizer (11% off) that lasts for 10 years? Yes, please.
Your sponge and dishbrush deserve better. Grab a sink caddy (20% off) that keeps them dry.
Is food prep eating up your free time? A vegetable chopper (22% off) is basically a sous chef.
A warming mat (55% off) keeps dinner toasty when your kids show up to the table fashionably late.
A food scale (39% off) is smart to have around if you’re trying to eat more protein or if you love to bake.

🏋️ Let’s get physical: It’s stuck in my head now, too. While you hum along, check out more good-for-you gear.

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

Big things in small packages

These must-haves bring peace of mind to your family’s busy life.

Protect little ones from sharp corners on furniture with a 12-pack of safety bumpers ($8).
Tame your kid’s stuffed animals. A hammock (38% off) keeps them tidy and easy to grab.
Ooh-la-la. a rotating jewelry box (20% off) with five drawers and 18 necklace hooks.
Planning a trip? Order TSA-approved travel containers (23% off) now so you’re not panic-running to Target the night before your flight.
Big sound, little earbuds, great price! Raycon’s earbuds (20% off) sound just like the fancy-schmancy pairs* but without the fancy-schmancy price tag!
This compact travel document bag (20% off) has three layers of protection against fires and floods.

👜 Gen Z wishlist: What the heck do teens want? I’ve gotcha. Check out my list of stuff they’ll love.

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

Don’t run out of juice

⚡ These gadgets keep you going all day.

Sweet, a mouse pad ($22) that doubles as a wireless phone charger. Click the coupon box!
Snag a docking station (22% off) to charge the family’s phones, tablets and smartwatches all in one spot.
Everyone needs a portable charger. I found cordless options for Lightning ($19) and USB-C ports (37% off).
I love this Bluetooth speaker ($15) that’s small enough to take anywhere.
Make your showers more relaxing with a waterproof speaker (43% off) that can come with you to the pool once it gets hot.

🥶 Feeling chilly? It’s warm in Phoenix and cold everywhere else! Grab hand warmers (32% off) that heat up in seconds if you’re over winter.

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