0:07
85 Clever New Things On Amazon That Are Legitimately Amazing
You already know that Amazon is a treasure trove of goods that can probably satisfy every one of your possible needs and desires. But because new finds are constantly dropping on the app, the treasures just keep on coming. You could spend hours of your life trying to keep up, or you could skip the endless scrolling and check out my latest list. It’s full of clever, new stuff that’s so amazing you won’t be able to resist hitting Add to Cart on repeat.
This set of hard-shell cases is a budget-friendly way to protect everything from charging cords and makeup brushes to medications and craft tools. There are six pieces (four small and two medium), each made from rigid, crush-resistant PET plastic with smooth zip closures that hold up inside backpacks and suitcases. A fully transparent design lets you see contents instantly, saving time during packing, security checks, or daily use.
Whether at home, the office, or on-the-go, this portable, 20-ounce food warmer by trusted brand, Crock-Pot, is a must for making meal time easier. The warming base reheats and keeps foods warm for hours. Just plug it in and let it do the rest. And clean up is a breeze too since both the stainless steel pot and inner lid are dishwasher-safe.
Whip up a single-size serving of your favorite ice cream with a personal ice cream maker. The set includes one powerful ice cream machine and two insulated half-pint mugs that you can pop right into the freezer. It’s fun for the whole family and so easy to use that even the kids can give it a go.
If you’re a Cricut crafter, this mini iron is about to streamline your projects. You can use it in tandem with heat-transfer vinyl to create cool designs on your favorite wearable goods, like hats, T-shirts, and sweatpants. It has a simple, single-setting operation, and the tiny size and precision tip make it easy to handle tight corners. The results will stand up to wash after wash.
This amazing little jewelry cleaner will have your accessories looking like new in no time (3 minutes to be exact). Simply fill the reservoir with jewelry cleaning solution and press start to activate the high-frequency sound waves to dislodge debris from even the hardest-to-reach crevices. Use it on everything from jewelry and makeup brushes to eyeglasses and watch straps.
Turn everyday note-taking into an experience with this set of scented lava gel pens. Each features a smooth 0.5-milimeter gel tip with a liquid-filled barrel. Watch lava bubbles slowly rise and fall as you write, and breathe in the essential-oil-scented inks, inspired by mint, lavender, pine, cinnamon, and grapefruit. There are five pens per pack in a variety of ink colors.
Listen, it always sounds great to want to cook more, but in reality, that’s easier said than done. But not with this cookbook. The “I Don’t Want to Cook” Book is perfect for those nights when you just want something delicious and nutritious on the table ASAP. It has 100 recipes for family-friendly dishes with little-to-no prep like lasagna soup and stuffed peppers.
If you like the feeling of taking handwritten notes but want the convenience of a tablet, this amazing reusable notebook is what you’re looking for. It’s the best of both worlds, offering a surface that you can write on and wipe clean — but not before uploading your notes to a cloud using the free app. Plus, the set includes a FriXion pen and a microfiber cloth.
Never be without the right type of charger ever again when you get this awesome adapter cable kit. It converts almost any type of charger so you can avoid the frustration of looking through a tangled mess of cords searching for the right one. And it even comes with a convenient storage case that features a built-in phone holder.
Transform your favorite canned beverages into a wide mouth with this popular topless can opener. The ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip, while the advanced safety mechanism guarantees a clean and smooth edge. It’s the perfect tool for backyard get-togethers, tailgate parties, camping, and more.
This decorative LED lamp celebrates the beauty of tulips without the cost of fresh bouquets. By day, it looks like an elegant arrangement with natural charm. By night, it transforms into a cozy table lamp that casts soft light. A porcelain-style pot adds another dimension of realism to the design, and battery power makes it portable and easy to operate.
Never fear a dead phone battery again, thanks to this USB-C charger that fits on your key ring. This versatile tech addition has a built-in USB-C cable for powering up newer model iPhones and Androids, as well as an additional port if you want to charge your AirPods at the same time. It even works as a magnetic charger for your smartwatch.
These clever night-lights take convenience to the next level. Each one charges simply by being plugged into a standard outlet with its fold-out plug.
3:22
On the Stories That Aren't Meant for the Stage
I’m struck by how the writer maps out three circles for her stories: the “authentic” ones we all see in her blog, the “transparent” ones she keeps for trusted friends, and the “intimate” ones reserved for a very small inner circle. She argues that true authenticity isn’t about spilling every detail to the world; it’s about sharing enough that others can feel the emotions—shame, hope, forgiveness—without turning us into spectators.
She leans on Beth Moore’s model, noting that the timing and purpose of disclosure matter more than the amount. Recent moments illustrate this: a long‑time blogging friend asked her to reach a stranger who felt alone, and she responded by sharing just enough to connect, pray, and comfort. Another younger mother reached out, and the writer listened to the Spirit’s nudge, offering a piece of her own messy past that fit the need.
The takeaway is simple: some stories belong on a stage, many belong in a coffee‑shop conversation, and a few stay locked away. By stewarding what we reveal, we make space for others to recognize their own journeys and feel less isolated.
4:09
Are the Berenstain Bears Jewish?
Stan Berenstain was born to a Ukrainian‑Jewish family, while Jan Berenstain grew up Episcopalian; they married, wrote the original Berenstain Bears, and kept their home life largely secular.
Their early books celebrated mainstream holidays like Christmas and Easter but never included Jewish traditions, and they told fans they wouldn’t write a Hanukkah story.
After Stan’s death, their son Mike began co‑authoring a “Living Lights” series for Zondervan, producing titles that explicitly teach Christian concepts and quote the New Testament.
So the bear family itself isn’t tied to Judaism—the creators were mixed‑faith, and the later religious books reflect Mike’s Christian perspective rather than the original creators’ heritage.
4:41
When you aren't sure you like your child
I’m hearing a mom who’s been camping in the Sierras, and she’s just finished a livestream with her friend, an ADHD coach. They let the conversation drift, and the coach asks the hard question: what do you do when you’re not sure you even like your child?
She answers honestly, saying that even loving a child doesn’t guarantee you feel “like” them every day. She calls kids who are extra intense, sensitive, and persistent “Spicy Ones,” a term that captures both the heat and the flavor of their personalities.
The talk moves into how parenting shifts from trying to control a child’s behavior to leading them with empathy, and she laughs about the difficulty of those moments. She points listeners to a book that walks through the topic step‑by‑step and mentions a modest monthly community for parents who need that kind of support.
5:17
Mitch McConnell Is (Probably) Dead
The article spins a story that Mitch McConnell has died and that the GOP is quietly hiding it. It leans on vague “why they’re likely hiding it” language but never cites any verifiable source—no medical report, no official statement, no recent public appearance to back the claim.
What it does offer is a series of analogies and speculation, treating the idea as a mystery rather than presenting concrete evidence. In practice, the Senate’s public records still list him as a sitting member, and he’s appeared in recent media without indication of ill health.
Because the piece lacks any empirical support, it’s best to treat the claim as unsubstantiated rumor rather than a fact that should shift your view.