Upgrade for the aux

July 29, 2024

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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Tags: adapters, cables, clutter, cord, love, upgrades, wireless

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Should you splurge on a Copilot+ AI PC?

Anymore, every company (and their mother) seems to be slapping “AI” on their product marketing and charging you a boatload. Microsoft and its new line of Copilot+ PCs are no exception.

Let me give it to you straight: Microsoft is pushing these laptops hard, but in this case, what they sell isn’t exactly what you get. If you’re considering buying one, read this first.

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✈️ 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.

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🚨 Don’t buy pills on eBay: Some SKALD diet pills on the platform tested positive for meth in a random drug screening. Watch out for brands like PhenQ, Govvi WOW! and Phentamene XT, too; they could be fake or tainted with banned ingredients that cause heart attacks … or worse. Talk to your doc instead.

😝 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.

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🥫 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.

🦟 Bug off, bloodsucker!

I found some deals to keep skeeters and ticks at bay:

This self-sealing magnetic screen door is on sale for $26.99. Great for keeping out bugs (and allowing pets in and out).
A two-pack of this lemon eucalyptus oil spray prevents deer ticks, Lone Star ticks and brown dog ticks without DEET, and it’s under $20.
Hate being sticky from a spray? This portable device diffuses repellent to keep the biters back up to 20 feet (25% off).
These cute foldable table fans will keep the black flies away from your burgers. Get a two-pack for 20% off.
Trap gnats and other annoying flying insects with a plug-in blue-light flytrap. It’s satisfying (but a little gross) and only $12.99 right now.

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

Squeaky-clean kitchen

I like my kitchen like I like my wine: Sparkling. Here are some gadgets to help get the job done:

You shouldn’t put your knives in the dishwasher, but getting crusty food off them is a pain. Try this $8.99 cutlery brush instead.
This splatter screen (15% off) sits on your frying pan and keeps oil from splashing without trapping heat like a lid.
Get a pack of three summer-themed Scrub Daddy sponges for 7% off. Yeah, they’re cute, but they also really work.
Wave goodbye to fingerprints on your appliances. These stainless-steel wipes are $12.76 and come with a microfiber cloth, too.
Teak cutting boards are durable but gentle on knives. This one has an outer groove that traps juices. Score. The small size is 20% off!

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

🚗 Airbag scam: If your airbags go off, shady garages will replace ‘em with cheap ones (or none at all). You won’t know until it’s too late, and those airbags can injure or kill you. If you have a used car or are thinking about buying one, go to Carfax and plug in the vehicle identification number (VIN). They’ll tell you for free if your car’s airbags have ever gone off.

Small space, big dreams

These sneaky organizers help you get more room out of your, uh, room.

Clean up that pile of shoes on the floor. This hanging shoe organizer is 32% off with a coupon. So smart.
If your linen closet looks like a war zone, allow me to introduce you to vacuum storage bags. They’re 21% off right now, and they can shrink your bulky bedding by up to 80%.
Your bathroom might be tiny, but I know you have room for this shelf (31% off). It’s small storage for TP, candles and cleaners.
This wall-mounted broom and tool organizer keeps your mudroom and garage in check (25% off with a coupon).
Save pantry space and stick this clever coffee pod drawer right under your Keurig or Nespresso (38% off). Boom, clean kitchen counters.

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