In Episode 42, I am talking about toys, toys, and more toys! Shout out to The Toy Insider for being such a great reference. If you're needing help with gift guides, you need to check them out! In this episode, I break down their Hot 20 Toys of Holiday 2021 ,and I go through their Top 12 under $20 toys. It is NOT too early to be thinking about Christmas! If you find this valuable, please consider sharing with a friend. You know another mom (or two, or three, or four, etc) wants to hear about this! :) SHOW NOTES: This post contains affiliate links. You don’t pay any extra, and I earn a small commission. I’d also like to call attention if prices I mentioned in this episode were prices I paid at the current time and may not reflect the prices you would pay at the time of reading or listening to this. Toy Insider's Hot 20 picks for 2021 Infants & Toddlers (0-2 years) Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot by Leapfrog Fisher-price 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot by Mattel Flybar Bumper Car 18mos+ by Flybar Little Tikes Learn & Play 2-in-1 Activity Tunnel by MGA Preschool (3-4 years) Batman Bat-tech Transforming Batcave by Spin Master Blue’s Clues & You! Cook-along Play Kitchen Set Play Kitchen Set by Just Play Cocomelon Deluxe Interactive Jj Doll by Jazwares Disney Princess Ultimate Celebration Castle by Hasbro Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse by Spin Master Ryan’s World Lost City Adventures — Mega Adventure Chest by Bonkers Toys Grade School (5-7 years) Akedo Ultimate Battle Arena by Moose Toys Got2glow Fairy Finder by Wowwee Kidizoom Printcam by VTECH Lol Surprise Omg House Of Surprises by MGA Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron by Moose Toys PokÉmon Trading Card Game: Celebrations Elite Trainer Box by The Pokemon Co International Pop It XL by Buffalo Games Squishmallows Food Squad by Jazwares Tweens (8+years) Beyblade Burst Speedstorm Motor Strike Battle Set by Hasbro Tamagotchi Piz by Bandai America   Toy Insider's 12 Under $20 Care Bears Cutetitos by Basic Fun! Dimpl Pops by Fat Brain Toys Needoh by Schylling Pom Pops by Sunny Days Entertainment Treasure X Monster Coffin 5 Surprise Mini Brands Series 3 by Zuru Cats vs. Pickles Bean Filled Jumbos by Cepia Compound Kings 5 Stack Donut by Wecool Toys Crystalina by Skyrocket Koosh Mondo My Squishy Little Dumplings by Wowwee Nickelodeon Cra-Z-Sand Bucket by CRA-Z-ART  

Reviews and Randomness

2021 Holiday Toy Recap

 Episode 41 covers my pondering purchases (special shout out to Meg Quinn on her upcoming release of The Cheese Board Deck: 50 cards for Styling Spreads, Savory, and Sweet), products I'm trying, loving, consumer news for moms, AND, of course......a Laura Lesson. Make sure you subscribe or follow the show, because you won't want to miss my episode next week. It'll be all about top toys for the 2021 holiday season. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: This post contains affiliate links. You don’t pay any extra, and I earn a small commission. I’d also like to call attention if prices I mentioned in this episode were prices I paid at the current time and may not reflect the prices you would pay at the time of reading or listening to this. Laura Lessons This year is not the year to be a holiday shopping procrastinator.  Shipping delays.  Products are being made…just delayed getting here. stuck at ports Pondering The Cheese Board Deck: 50 cards for Styling Spreads, Savory, and Sweet by Meg Quinn.  You can preorder this. Looks amazing and an amazing christmas gift! Purchasing a truck….specifically a toyota tundra.  recycled artificial turf Badge Magic Cust to Fit Freestyle Patch Adhesive Kit  Trying Roommates Navy Blue Beadboard Peel and Stick Wallpaper Echelon Bike Bear pillow Loving Glocarnival Store Realistic Tiny Glow in the Dark Stars News It is reported in BusinessInsider that Amazon has plans to open department stores in the US. They will mainly sell clothes including Amazon's own private label among other outside brands. These shops are expected to be smaller than a normal type department store and starting locations are Ohio and California. And it was reported that they might eventually introduce robots or automation machines into the store. They are also testing a feature that would let customers scan QR Codes with their phone to have store employees go get another size of clothing etc. Experts are saying this move enables Amazon to better compete with Walmart to enable people to view amazon products in person and reach new customers. Clinique's Black Honey lip color launched when Richard Nixon was president, but all these decades later it has gone viral on TikTok. Now, beauty stores and retailers can't keep it on shelves. After it was introduced in 1971, the lipstick, which is known for its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of skin tones. Clinique's price for its Black Honey lipstick is $20 for 0.06 of an ounce. Some of the "dupes" include a Black Cherry lipstick from makeup brand e.l.f and a lip balm from Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia. Read full story here. Heinz Teams with Wieden + Kennedy NY invent the Heinz packet roller. You can squeeze every drop out of it. The device is modeled after a bottle of Heinz ketchup. The deep red casing sports the Heinz logo, a metal keychain loop for wringing on the go and a white cap that rolls to control the mechanism. Through the center of the “Packet Roller” are two slits, one housing a blade to slice the tops of packets without explosion and the other to feed the condiment pack through, pushing the sauce out. Genius stocking stuffer for the ketchup lover in your life! Read full story here. 

Don't Be A Holiday Shopping Procrastinator This Year!

Episode 40 is a "normal type" episode where I talk about what I'm pondering, trying, loving, etc. And, of course, I'll end with some consumer news that I think you'll be interested to know! Thank you for being here with me on my little podcast journey. If you think the episode is of value, please consider sharing with a friend. :) SHOW NOTES: This post contains affiliate links. You don’t pay any extra, and I earn a small commission. I’d also like to call attention if prices I mentioned in this episode were prices I paid at the current time and may not reflect the prices you would pay at the time of reading or listening to this. Laura Lessons If you want to buy your pondering purchases, don't speed! It'll save you money. Pondering Upright GO Posture Trainer- wear it on your back. syncs to your phone or watch Stick on wallpaper for my office closet- Roommates Blue Wood Look Beadboard Peel & Stick Wallpaper & a wallpaper kit to help with installation Understanding bitcoin…Bitcoin Fundamentals Podcast. Trying Euphy Robo Vacuum (Episode 008) my interview with my friend Angie raved about her Euphy Robo Vacuum (she still has it! April 2019) Loving Value Based Spending- Frugal Friends Episode 177 My little light up tree. OYCBUZO Lighted Birch Tree, Battery Powered Christmas Tabletop Tree Light Up Big Birch Tree that I saw at Costco Occiam Bluetooth Headphones (ear buds). They come in black, blue, pink, and white. Work well! News -Sephora and Ulta are unveiling shop in a shop programs this month. Sephora is opening in 77 Kohl's stores and 100 Ulta Shops are opening in Target locations. The new Sephora sections will replace Kohls beauty section. -This week, Walmart began testing deliveries using self driving cars in Miami, Austin TX, and Washington DC.  -Mission Foods (tortillas) are coming out with cauliflower and almond flour tortillas. -Amazon is planning a beauty products event for October to hook early holiday shoppers. Starting October 4th-10/25. -Apple announced it's release of iphone13 and watchOS8…one the new features are great for bike riders. it'll anaylypse gps, heart rate, accelerometer, and gyroscope data to detect when users begin a ride and prompts them to start an outdoor cycle. It'll track when you stop riding like if you get stopped at a stop light. -Mars Wrigley in partnership with Shipt released a list of every state's favorite Mars Wrigley Halloween Candy. I have the image of the US map in the show notes. Overall, Snickers won with 17 states listing it as their favorite. 2nd was M&Ms with nine states choosing. To make things even sweeter for candy lovers around the country, Shipt is offering customers who spend $25 to get $5 off instantly on Mars Wrigley candy from 10/19 through 10/31. That's it. Make sure to subscribe or follow the show in your favorite podcast app. It's free! And go follow me on instagram so that you can see my before and after of my little closet office space when that time comes! 

Amazon Beauty Sale is Coming!

My news stories have been stacking up. This episode is dedicated to recent consumer news that I think is interesting for YOU to know! I'll be back next week with a "normal style" episode. Thank you for listening!  Visit Ep 39 for complete show notes.

Consumer News- Sept 2021

Well, I was forced into taking a little break from producing podcast episodes, while my husband and I sifted our way through Covid. This episode is all about the products and services I used during our illness. Our girls were 100% fine through the whole ordeal! I talk about the best broth out there (in my opinion), delivery services, recommendations on what to send your sick friends when they are held up.....and so much more

I Got Covid! Products and Services I Used

In Episode 37, I mention a call back to Episode 18, which is all about Rakuten. If you're doing back to school shopping online, definitely check it out! I started using Rakuten in 2017 and so far, my lifetime earnings has been $499! All those cash back purchases add up. I also touch on the fact that we got a new dog! See Full Show Notes Here

Back To School Shopping and We Got A New Dog!

In Episode 36, I run through a list of items I consider staple monthly purchases I make at Costco. Of course, there is a Laura Lesson at the beginning. One that keeps putting money back into my pocket for purchases I already made! You will walk away with some Costco learnings and even some new purchasing ideas to add to your Costco cart.

My Monthly Costco Purchases

Episode 35 gives YOU insight into how I avoided rushing off to buy another tv right after my tv started slowly melting. Yes, you read that right....my tv started melting. After 4 1/2 years, I guess it decided it didn't want to live in our living room anymore. I touch on Costco's warranty extensions, facts about my purchase, and the exact steps I took to get my tv replaced. I'm hoping this saves you some time and money in the future!

My TV Melted! How I Got A Free Replacement

At the beginning of June, our sweet (almost 14 year old) Rusty joined the heavenly angels. This episode is simply designed for you to hear my experience, simply because I would have loved to hear how someone else handled this situation. When your kids are involved, it just forces big life events like this with a need of intentionality. We handled this the best way for our family. I absolutely know that. However, this might not be the right thing for yours. My hope is that you take what you can and leave what you don't want. :)   SHOW NOTES: This post contains affiliate links. You don’t pay any extra, and I earn a small commission. I’d also like to call attention if prices I mentioned in this episode were prices I paid at the current time and may not reflect the prices you would pay at the time of reading or listening to this. SNOVID Episode 22 Blueberry Eulogy -Kirkland costco dog bed (I couldn't find the one he has. It was round and huge) so linking to one that is similar on amazon. -blanket (Rusty loved a good blanket...don't we all??) -Movoflex -Costco joint supplement (this is what I would use first to try out. Then move to Movoflex if needed) -Pet photo stepping stone -Adirondack Stone Works (petmemorial.net) One of these little stones will be a future purchase for me. 

How We Prepared Our Kids For Our Dog's Death

Episode 33 is a "normal" type of episode. You'll hear products/services that I'm pondering, trying, and loving. In addition, I start out with a STRONG LAURA LESSON regarding gift cards and end the episode with a recap of the recent Sweet & Snack Expo 2021 highlighting some of the new snack and candy releases. Laura Lessons If you are a Costco Member….look at the gift cards online..not just in store. I found one for Jiffy Lube….$37.99 for a $50 egiftcard at the time of this recording. There are lots of options! Pondering -Walnut Hollow Creative Woodburner Introduction Value Pen for Beginners and Intermediate Woodburners -Solo Stove: I just can't seem to let this one go -I really want to paint my deck. It's yelling at me -AnyCart is a new grocery delivery service I'm intrigued with. They say there are no changes or markups when compared to grocery store prices….Tom Thumb, Whole Foods, Amazon, Albertsons came up as options for me. No subscription charges…no delivery fees. I WILL BE TRYING. They make money because they are affiliates for those stores. They serve up recipes so you can hopefully add more items to your cart! -TikTok- is it worth my time to understand? Trying Berkey Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water Filter System (make sure you are selecting a REAL Berkey if you want one. Apparently there are counterfeits. This is the one I purchased off Amazon. It came with a hologram seal and is verified. BUT you still need to do your own homework!) Foxwell NT301 Can OBDII & EOBD Code Reader Loving -The bunk beds we picked out…Better Homes & Gardens Austen Full Over Twin Bunk Bed with Open Bookshelves -Woozoo Fan (I can't locate these on Costco's website) & Walker Edison Universal Metal Bunk Bed Shelf -Minecraft -Sweet & Snack Expo happened in June and more than 450 exhibitors were there. Food Business Wire highlighted these….. 

Save with Gift Cards and Sweet & Snack Expo 2021 Recap

 If you've ever contemplated trying yoga or don't even really know what it is, this is the episode for you! In Episode 32, I speak with Katy Spartz from Lark+Evergreen virtual yoga studio. Yes....VIRTUAL. That means....you stay at home, do yoga...even with your kids in the next room! We cover what yoga is NOT, what it can do for moms (hint....example: stress and pain relief!!!!), and, of course, products to get started. We also dive into what items Katy is pondering, trying, and loving. It's a fun conversation, and I'm pleased to introduce her to you! Thank you for listening! Make sure to subscribe to the show if you find this episode helpful.  Visit here for the complete show notes

Yoga 101 For The Reluctant Mom with Katy Spartz of Lark+Evergreen

 Prime Day 2021 is almost here! I know you know things about Prime Day. It's not new anymore. You know how it works. However, in this episode, I go over some setting reminders to ensure you're all set for those Lightning Deals, so you don't miss out on a good deal! I also offer up quite a few questions to ask yourself before ultimately buying that item you just have to have. The Prime Day shopping extravaganza is something I look forward to, but my oh my, do I need to keep myself in check! SHOW NOTES: This post contains affiliate links. You don’t pay any extra, and I earn a small commission. I’d also like to call attention if prices I mentioned in this episode were prices I paid at the current time and may not reflect the prices you would pay at the time of reading or listening to this. What You Need To Know: -Sign up for 30 day trial if not a Prime Member..set a reminder in your calendar to cancel before that so you don't forget. -Remember to check out Walmart, Target, Best Buy..in fact thanks to seeing an instagram post from TheKrazyCouponLady they outlined some important dates to know for the week. I want to give them credit for this information for sure. So here it is….Target Deal Days 6/20-6/22; Walmart Deal Days 6/20-6/23, Amazon Prime Day 6/21-6/22, Kohls Wow Days 6/21-6/22, Macy's Epic Specials 6/21-6/22, Best Buy Bigger Deal Savings Event will go through Tuesday 6/22, and Costco…because always check costco -Amazon App is crucial. Open Amazon App>Go to Menu>Tap Settings>Notifications>Turn on Watched and Waitlisted Deals Then just find an upcoming deal and simply add it to your watchlist. Once they are live, claim your deals and checkout before they expire. You typically have 15 min to complete checkout. JUST BECAUSE YOU ADD IT TO YOUR CART, DOES NOT MEAN YOU GOT THAT DEAL. -Make sure your default mailing address is correct ahead of time. -Watch deals and get notified when they start……Watch A Deal notification lets you know when your deal is about to start.  The questions I ask myself before I purchase: -Is this Free Returns? I feel safe with free returns when it comes to my impulse buying -I also have a preset discount rule in my brain. 30% off is my typical threshold. I'll entertain 20% off, but anything below a 20% discount is completely dismissed for me. I can just buy at another time if I need. I advise you come up with a strategy as well. -I check Walmart, Target, and Best Buy (if it's a technology item) -Is this even a pondering purchase I've had? Why do I want this? Will I use this within a one month time? If not, dismissed. -Am I buying this for a Christmas present for someone? If you answer yes, abandon…it's July! No! Is this a birthday present for someone within a one month time? Yes, then get it. -reminder…look at reviews. like around the page 3/4 mark. what are the dates? counterfeit products are a real thing. Special Deals That Jump Out At Me: -Save $10 on Prime Day when you spend $10 with small business…now this is only available if you are listening to this today on 6/20. Before the end of today, if you spend $10 on products from small businesses (amazon.com/supportsmall), you'll receive a $10 credit via email that you can then spend that $10 on prime day during 6/21 through 6/22. -For Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card Members 6% back on amazon.com for Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases made from 6/21 to 6/22 (normally 5% back) -Amazon kids+ 3 month subscription for $.99 gives access to more than 20,000 popular apps and games, videos, books, Audible books and educational content. -21 free photo prints with AmazonPhotos (code PRINTS21) -There are some deals on subscription networks, for instance, I saw a Discovery+ offer for $.99/month for 2 month and then $6.99 after. There were some other STARZ, SHOWTIME, PARAMAMOUNT+ etc. I'll like to the page in show notes. -Wondery+ 4 months free of Wondery+ Ad Free Premium Podcasts (annual price is normally $34.99 plus tax) find under Amazon Music My struggles: I don't like people taking away deals from me! I stay away from Ebay for this very reason. And heaven forbid I attend an actual live auction. Can you imagine?? What I'm looking for: very random! make your list! -outdoor security camera -cat toys -boom arm -outdoor platform swing -tv for playroom -blue light glasses (felix gray for girls) -any subscriptions -desk -beach canopy -new lunch box for ellie -back to school stuff (I could get behind this reasoning) -golf related -podcasting related (so your hobby) -new towels -berkey water filter system -knife set -scale

Amazon Prime Day 2021- What You Need To Know

In this episode, I give you the run down on how I received $96.34 back on my credit card statement after ALL of my Apple Airpods Pro drama. I received the price of replacing one of the ear buds all because of the extended warranty benefit from my Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. No, this is not a plug for you to go sign up for their credit card (although I have no qualms about referring you to them). This is an important reminder for you to familiarize yourself with the benefits you have access to by being a credit cardholder with any credit card company. Take a listen on your podcast app! 

Credit Card Extended Warranty Benefit- How I Got $96 Back!

In this episode, I talk about how I don't want a new car, my favorite Facebook group right now, and oh so much more! I am so honored you have stopped by. If you find value in the podcast episode, please consider sharing with a friend.

My Car Started Leaking Rain. Ugh!

This week is a quick, whirlwind episode. I talk about the importance of looking at your credit card benefits, Propane Taxi service, and of course, lots of thoughts on Mother's Day. I definitely have a different take on it than most. Thank you for taking time to stop by!  Click Here For Shownotes

Mother's Day Expectations

Hey there! I’m Laura Johnson and absolutely love sharing what I LOVE with anyone who will listen. You'll hear me talk about products/services and guest interviews with a little randomness thrown in on the side! Excited you're here! Check out more information at www.reviewsandrandomness.com.

hubhopper

Reviews and Randomness

hubhopper