My April Favorites–So Many Good Ones to Share This Month!

I have so many favorites to share with you from the month of April!

You may remember last month I had a lightning strike right outside my home that took out my garage door opener, my computer modem, and my computer speakers. My printer, computer, and everything else survived–thankfully! I purchased a new surge protector the next day since surge protectors can only take so many hits before they no longer function. I wish there was a way to know exactly when they need to be replaced, so you don’t have to guess.

Anyway, I bought the same surge protector again since it did a really good job at protecting everything that was plugged into it, other than the modem and the speakers. When I exchanged my modem the next day for a working one, the Comcast Cable tech guy told me that modems are highly sensitive and that people had been coming in all day long with dead modems from the storm the night before, so apparently, they get damaged very easily during storms. I’m not sure why the speakers didn’t survive the storm. They were 25+ years old so maybe they just didn’t have some of the protections that are built into our electronics today. In any case, I repurchased the exact same surge protector again since it has a 4,320 Joule rating which is what you need for computers, home theater systems, and such. If you need a surge protector, you’ll find this one available here: Surge Protector.

 

I also purchased new speakers and went with the same ones I purchased for the desk I work at whenever I visit my son, DIL, and grandsons. I love these speakers because they are small and I can hide them away. I have one tucked behind my left monitor, facing out into the room and the other one is behind the books/bookends on the right side of my desk. These speakers are available here: Bose Computer Speakers.

 

 

Bose Companion Speakers for Home Computer

 

Last month when I shared an awesome game I had the chance to play when visiting family recently (see that previous post HERE) a lovely BNOTP reader shared the game, Wingspan. Being a big bird lover, I checked it out and was so intrigued after reading about it online. Out of its 7,426 reviews on this game, 90% of them are 5-star!  It’s definitely one for the hardcore bird lover since it’s all about birds. It’s also educational, which I love. You can read more about it here: Wingspan Board Game.

 

I also purchased these adorable, speckled eggs since some of the reviews I read online seemed to indicate that it’s handy to have additional eggs on hand. These cute speckled eggs can be found here: Wingspan Speckled Eggs.

 

Remember the fun building blocks I purchased last month? I still need to create a table setting using these guys in the centerpiece. lol You’ll find the set I purchased last month here: Flower Bouquet with Building Blocks.

 

 

I had so much fun putting that set together, I purchased the other set by this company that’s in pretty pastel colors. The second set just arrived this week so I’m sure I’ll be working on it some this weekend. You’ll find this set below here: Flower Bouquet Building Kit.

 

 

New Phone Case: Who knew changing your phone case could make such an improvement in your life? I like large phones, find them easier to see when I’m on the go. I’ve had a Note 8 for around 4 years, but it was so old, that they had stopped providing updates for it, so I knew it was time to buy a new phone. I went with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra this time since it has an amazing camera.

I love a big phone but it can sometimes be a challenge fitting it into a smaller handbag. Last month I purchased my first Bvlgari bag and it’s the smallest bag I’ve ever purchased. My phone would fit inside but it didn’t go in as smoothly as I would have liked.

Bvlgari Casablanca Apres Tennis Bag, Beautiful

 

I decided to try an Otterbox from their Commuter line and what a difference it has made! Though very protective, it doesn’t have the large, rubber corner bumpers that my old case had, plus it’s around 1/2″ shorter. It’s so much easier to get into and out of all my bags. Otterbox is known for its great phone cases and this one has many of the features of my old phone case, like the raised lip on either end for protecting the glass. I love handbags and change the bag I’m carrying several times a week, so the new case has been a huge improvement. If you’re looking for a new phone case, take a look at the Commuter version of the Otterbox. I’m really happy with the design and I’m sure they make them for all types of phones. (Phone case I purchased is available here: Otterbox Phone Case.)

 

 

Just shared this Brussels Sprout Cutter a few days ago…love how easy it is to use! You’ll find it here: Brussels Sprout Cutter.

Cutting Brussel Sprouts for Cooking, Roasting

 

Over the past 6 months, I’ve been using this Maybelline mascara and I really, really like it! The brush does a fantastic job at spreading out the lashes, just love the results! Plus, it’s not overly expensive so I usually purchase several at a time, that way I always have some on hand when it’s time to change to a new one. I have been purchasing it here: Maybelline Lash Sensational.

 

 

Those are all my favorites for April! I would love to hear your new favorites! If you have any new discoveries, please leave them in the comments. I love suggestions for new products to try!

Happy Weekend!

*If a post is sponsored or a product was provided at no charge, it will be stated in post. Some links may be affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. *



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Comments

  1. I love that new bag. I wonder if Maybelline Lash Sensational is water proof?

    • I just looked at one of the “spares” I’ve purchased that’s still in its packaging and it says, “Washable.” I bet they make a waterproof version, though.

  2. What?!! How is it that you got a brand new bag, and a brand that is new to you, and this is the first we’re hearing about it? I can’t believe you haven’t done a whole blog post about the bag! It’s cute! Are the dots part of the background, or are they tiny holes? And is that a snake head as the clasp?! You mentioned it’s smaller than usual. Is the size working out well for you?

    You know, I had to get a new handbag for spring. I’m very happy with the one I got. The size is ideal (somewhat on the small side of medium) and the interior is set up in a useful way. I’m very fussy about handbags and rarely find one I like. I wasn’t fully on board with the look of this one, but it was the best I could find and now that I have it, I am enjoying it. I decided to get all new fun stuff for it, like a new wallet, change purse, check cover, etc. It took me ages to pick everything out, lol. But so far so good.

    I love the helpful tip on the surge protector (prior to your recent disaster, I had never heard that surge protectors can only take so many hits. You are a fount of information, Susan!) The little brussel sprout cutter is still out of stock, but hopefully amazon will get more soon. And I love those bouquets! The colors are so pretty. They really did a nice job on that.

    Off to do something exciting, like clean the office. Ha!

    • That’s awesome, Pam! I love getting a new bag for spring, just kicks off the spring/summer season in the best way!
      The size is actually working really well since I carry so little anyway. I just changed my regular compact wallet to a cardholder and I have space for the little pouch that holds my key fob, lipstick, my phone, a cardholder and probably a few more things, although that’s all I usually carry with me.
      Yeah, apparently Casablanca (a brand I didn’t know about before) is a luxury casual/sportswear company…and the bag I purchased is a play on Apres Tennis…thus the perforated leather and the tennis-court-green color. I’ve never had a Bvlgari bag but the serpent head is a signature feature of their bags.

      • Oh, how clever. It would also work well in the golf world. I could see you turning up at The Masters with that bag. 🙂

        I hadn’t used a change purse in years (or maybe, ever) but I am enjoying this new one so much! I am getting so much use out of it and using up some of that change that tends to collect. My previous wallet had a change pocket, but it was difficult to get one’s fingers into, so the change tended to build up. This little one is working out great. Funny how the simple little things like that can bring so much satisfaction and pleasure.

        Yesterday was dreary and chilly here, but today is magnificent! Happy Mother’s Day, Susan and all the other moms around the world. I hope each one has a lovely day with their family.

  3. Rosie S says

    Oh my goodness Susan….I never knew Wingspan had extra eggs, and YES!!! You will need them. 🙂 We use extra food as ‘eggs’, but not now…the bag of eggs is in my basket to buy! Thanks so much for being on top of it all. I am dying to see how you like the game, and what you think of the graphics…I think the drawings are the sweetest!

    • I just need to find someone to play it with! Ha! I don’t think my son/dil are that into birds so it may be a while before I really learn the game. I forgot where I read about the little speckled eggs, it may have been in one of the reviews, but I thought they were sooo cute! And I got the impression that you may need them occasionally in the game, so wanted to have them on hand. I opened up my game and I do love the graphics and all the information you get to read about the birds. It’s a beautiful game!

      • Rosie S says

        I am so glad you like it so far…..there is a way to play solo, but it looked kind of complicated. 🙂 Anyway…enjoy the game no matter how and when you play!

  4. Teresa M. says

    Can’t wait to see the lego flowers in a tablescape. Your Green Bulgari purse is elegant, fun and sold out.

    • I know, it went quickly! That seems to be the way it is with the special edition bags. They need to make more of them! Thanks, Teresa! These Lego-style flower kits are addictive! lol

  5. Franki Parde says

    THANKS SO MUCH for that mascara recommendation…I had “just been looking for one!!” It’s ordered! You are one busy gal…luv it! franki

  6. Always looking for a good mascara…thank for the tip!

  7. Cyndi Raines says

    Thanks Susan for more great tips. Was just thinking today I need to get more mascara and I usually wear Maybelle Great Lash, but just ordered this version. Eager to try it. Should be here tomorrow. Hope you had a great Mother’s Day.

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