Ah, the great debate: Blue bubbles vs. green bubbles.
Add a little ambiance to your home with these 13 upgrades
When you look around your home, does it make you feel relaxed? Comfortable? Maybe you’ve finally reached a point where you’re living in the lap of luxury.
No? Well, saddle up because all it takes is a new set of curtains here and an area rug there to make your home look radiant.
If you’re ready to add a little ambiance to your home, we’re prepared to help with these 15 small upgrades designed to make a big impact.
1. Functional and attractive
Ceiling fans can make all the difference in a room, so when you’re ready to replace your outdated fans, or when you’re ready to install the first ceiling fan in your home, choose this Honeywell LED one. It’s available in bronze, brushed nickel or white, has a quiet reversible motor with three speeds and dual-finish reversible blades. Set an up or downdraft for optimal airflow and enjoy the visual appeal of this simple furnishing. The best part? You can control the settings with a remote, so you don’t even have to stand up to make adjustments.
Promising review: “We love the look of this fan, and it works pretty well in our home office. It was fairly easy to install … We are going to purchase a second set for our kids’ room.”
2. Create a relaxing ambiance
This subtle addition to your living room, kitchen, or bedroom can generate a unique feel. The tray has protectors at the bottom to save your surfaces from scratches, and the heavy resin adds extra durability. These decorations will not rust, do not need to be shined clean and come in a gift box, so it feels like you’re receiving a present. The tray does have indentations for the orbs, so there is no risk of them sliding off and onto your glass table or feet.
Promising review: “These decorative orbs make a beautiful centerpiece. They look very classy and seem to be great quality. I added some glass stones to the tray to make sure the balls don’t roll off and break ( I have young children so nothing is safe). The centerpiece is exactly what I was looking for, and it matches perfectly with my table. They would make a very nice gift too! I would recommend this product.”
3. Add a little something
Whether you’re generating a fun feel on your patio or want to spruce up a section of your home, area rugs are the way to go. This Nourison area rug is available in various colors, so you can either add a little color or stick with a classic blend of black, white and gray. These rugs are perfect for heavily trafficked areas and can be spot-cleaned. The pile height is .25″ and features low shedding.
Promising review: “This rug is awesome! It looks great, has been through the weather ringer from summer till December and still looks fantastic in color. Worth every penny!”
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Computer running hot? How to quickly find out what's causing it
If you watch the news, you’ve probably seen a story or two about a laptop overheating and starting a fire. While overheating leading to a fire is incredibly rare, it does happen now and then. Are you having other issues with your PC? Tap or click here to fix common Windows problems.
Sweet deals under $10
Sorry-not-sorry, but you’re probably going to want all these …
- These soft and cozy Hanes sweaters are so cheap (46% off!) and come in great colors, so it’s time to stock up for winter.
- Upgrade your around-the-house scissors with a pair that’s actually sharp (only $9.99 for a 3-pack).
- Add one or two drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo each wash to make your hair thicker and fuller.
- This is the best no-scent, no-shine lip treatment for when your kisser’s dry.
- This fan-favorite windshield defogger and cleaner is under $6.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Everyone should have an antenna: This is a no-brainer if you’re a sports fan and your favorite games are on local channels. Here’s a solid option that includes a DVR, and this one gets the job done on a budget. Try this site to see what channels you can get at home.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Hackers steal $285M in Bitcoin
$285 million in crypto — gone. Two hackers stole over 4,100 Bitcoin from a billionaire, but they didn’t get away with it. Plus, tips for using Perplexity AI, a shocking Titan submersible update, and a fantasy football fan caught sending fake threats.
Poor Swiftie: A Taylor Swift fan had her $3,500 concert tickets swiped right from her Ticketmaster account. Someone hacked in and transferred them out. It’s happening more often, and support says it could take days to resolve — with no guarantees. Ticketmaster’s brilliant advice? Create stronger passwords.
$879 invisibility cloak can hide up to six people
The invisibility megashield uses a “precision-engineered lens array” to literally bend light. It works best with grass, foliage, sand and sky. Every Harry Potter fan (or shoplifter) you know wants this.
11 must-have pet products dog and cat owners swear by
Fluffy and Fido aren’t just pets. They’re family. So why not treat them to a few new toys and maybe even some tech now and then?
Our furry friends only get about a decade with us, so it just makes sense to shower them with all the love, toys and treats we can. They love us unconditionally, so the least we can do is spoil them, right?
20 things I bought on Amazon you might want, too
Here are some items that I recently purchased on Amazon. I thought maybe you could use a few of the things that I purchased, too.
For years, I’ve been printing, signing and sending sensitive, as well as financial, documents from home. It’s just dumb to throw those papers in the trash. Sure, you can tear them up, but that’s not good enough.
💤 I wasn’t getting great sleep
… until it dawned on me: I needed to up my game.
- This white noise machine uses an interior fan to create a soothing whoosh with no looping.
- A padded sleep mask doesn’t put pressure on your eyes and doesn’t let in a single ray of light.
- These smart stickers dim the glow from the LED lights on your bedroom tech. Goodbye, red light on the TV. (Only $5!)
- My friend who wears foam earplugs every night says she’s tried them all and these are the best — plus, they’re made in the USA.
- Hot sleeper? Try a cooling silk pillowcase. It’s supposedly good for hair and skin, too.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
🪭 Amazon fan faves under $10
Warning: You’re going to want them all.
- Hand massager (20% off): Better circulation, less stiffness, and soothing for arthritis and joint pain.
- Condiment containers: Never spill a drop of salad dressing again!
- Cargo net for your car (47% off): Keep your trunk neat and organized.
- Hat organizer (38% off): Store your ball caps vertically. Genius!
- Magnetic cable managers: Silicone so you can use them again and again.
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.
Ways to stay cool
Oh, joy, there’s an excessive heat warning in Phoenix this week. If it’s hot where you are, too, I’ve got your back.
- I’m a fan: Tower fans keep the air circulating. Pop one next to your bed, in your office, in the living room — wherever. This powerful model is only $38.
- Bring out the big guns: I can’t sleep without AC. This BLACK+DECKER rolling portable unit cools up to 700 square feet — or gets your bedroom chilly.
- Hot and bothered: Upgrade your pillows to these fluffy ones that always have that other-side-of-the-pillow coolness. They’re only $26, a whopping 78% off.
- Don’t forget a summer blanket: This pretty waffle blanket comes in lots of colors and is 28% off right now.
- For your desk: The strong, little USB-powered fan is only $6. Heck yeah.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Bonus bathroom lighting
I’m a big fan of lighting. I was clicking through Amazon, looking for something to brighten up a dark corner, and stumbled onto a new-to-me category: Bathroom novelty lights.
- Vanity light: This string of 10 LED bulbs attaches to your mirror with adhesive strips. With 10 brightness levels and three color temperatures, give your bathroom a dressing-room vibe. They’re 20% off ($11.92).
- Roll light: A battery-powered nightlight ($12.89) that cleverly replaces your regular toilet paper spindle. It’s motion-activated and shuts off automatically after two minutes.
- Rim light: Hang this little light over your toilet rim and never wonder if the seat is down again. It’s motion-activated, and you can cycle through its 16 colors or choose your favorite. A two-pack is 37% off ($13.77).
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Audible now has over 40,000 AI-voiced audiobooks. Good way for self-published authors to save on costs and add a voiceover to their books. Humans are watching their gigs disappear, and I’m really not a fan of that AI monotone.
Summer sandals for everyone
Comfortable, cooling and cool-ish footwear for kicking around the yard, beach and beyond.
- Arizona dupes: If you like the look of Birkenstocks but not the price, these faux leather versions by Cushionaire are 40% off ($29.99) and come in lots of good colors. These are so in right now for men and women.
- Slip in and slide: Swap out your regular Crocs for summer Crocs. These unisex slides are so comfy and up to 41% off ($20.64).
- Walking on clouds: Pillow slippers look silly until you put them on, and then there’s nothing funny about them. Heaven. These unisex slides are 15% off ($20.38).
- Fellas’ fancy flops: Add some khakis and a collared shirt to these faux leather flip-flops, and you’re dressed for dinner. Right now, snag a pair for 30% off ($13.99).
- Ladies’ fancy flops: Cute Birkenstock-esque women’s thongs in faux leather with an adjustable buckle. Choose from five colors (love the light gray). They’re all 25% off ($22.49).
- Hey there, dude: Andrew Babinski loves his HEYDUDE shoes. I’m not a fan, but I’ve heard from both men and women that these shoes are super comfy.
💡 Pro tip: Sometimes, Amazon’s pricing can vary by size — rude! If you find your size is more expensive, click through other available colors to find a lower price.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Get smart on the cheap
- Smart plugs can transform a lamp, fan, humidifier or anything else.
- Control the lights with your voice with Govee color-changing smart bulbs.
- Save money and energy with a smart thermostat.
- This doorknob lets you in the house using your fingerprints.
- Upgrade your sprinklers to keep the lawn green without overwatering. It all happens automatically.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Why you should join a Buy Nothing group
Are you a fan of freebies? Of course you are. Listen to this one-minute podcast for a surprising way to get the stuff you need for free.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices