Ready for Prime Time

Let’s get the basics out of the way.  Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service through Amazon.  Included in the membership is FREE two [or same day] day shipping on eligible products, as well as free streaming of music, television, and movies.  For $112 per year, Amazon Prime members enjoy these perks, free Kindle-book sharing, Amazon Wardrobe, exclusive deals, and much, much more.  If you are not already a Prime member, I must ask how you do your holiday shopping?  Ok, but seriously, if you are not already using Prime, sign up for a free 30-day trial today and enjoy to benefits of Amazon Prime Day 2018.

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2017 Prime Day Purchases

Before I dig into my picks for Amazon Prime Day 2018, I want to review our purchases from last year.  We actually didn’t buy a lot in terms of quantity, but we did scoop up some big ticket wish list items while they were discounted.

Amazon Echo

We purchased the Amazon Echo, usually referred to as “Alexa”, for $89 [previously $179].  The 2nd generation is priced at an everyday steal of $99 while the Echo Plus [with simple smart-home capabilities] checks out at $149.

Our kids are delighted to ask Alexa about the day’s weather forecast, to set a timer, and play their favorite soundtrack.  Personally, I wouldn’t pay over $100 for the Echo, 2nd generation or otherwise.  If a home speaker system is your goal, I would suggest looking at the Sonos smart speaker first.

Amazon Echo Dot

Obviously high on the rush of Prime Day discounts, we purchased the Echo Dot to accompany our Echo.  At $35 [originally $49], it seemed like a steal.  In retrospect, we could have easily managed without this addition.

We keep the Echo Dot in our master bedroom and use it mostly to play white noise at night.  The speaker leaves more to be desired with its low volume range and tin-like output.  The lower price also re-appeared during Black Friday through the holiday shopping season.  If you can wait on an item, this would be it.

Google Wifi System

We were paying for the fastest internet speed yet signals were dropping, streaming was buffering and there were dead spots all over the house.  Per a friend’s suggestion, we purchased the Google Home Wifi 3-pack to help boost our internet speed for $269.

If your home is experiencing dead spots like ours, this is what you want to add to cart and blow your budget on.  It has been a streamer’s dream and continues to keep the wifi flowing at a rapid speed.  We keep one in our family room, next to our family television [and roku], one in our make-shift office and one in our upstairs bedroom. In the year that it has replaced our router, we have not needed to reset it once.

 

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2018 Amazon Prime Day Wish List

After reviewing with STC, contemplating presents for upcoming birthdays and holidays, these are the top 5 items on my list of things to grab [along with expectations for prime deal pricing] for the 2018 Amazon Prime Day.  Since I know STC reads Ooh La Laura religiously, this will also serve as a big ‘ol* hint-hint * list.  Afterall, my birthday is less than 90 days away.

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Instant Pot

Quit kidding yourself, you will use it, you do need it.  So does your mom, your sister and your brother.  You can read all about my love for the Instant Pot here and how I use it to streamline meal planning here.

Check how I turn out meals in 30 minutes or less using my Instant Pot on my Instagram Stories highlights [under food + recipes].

The IP is a fantastic gift for a new mom, a bride-to-be and even yourself.  I predict the 6-quart pot will be discounted by $20 [making it $79] when it becomes available during Prime Day.

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Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote

We cut our cable cord in 2015 and have been a part of the streaming movement ever since.  While my brother got us started with a Roku love affair, I am willing to jump ship to this Amazon Fire Stick for our bedroom television.

The price point is already relatively low at $69.99 so I would only expect a maximum price reduction of $15 [making it $45] drop during the Prime Deal.  At that price point, it will be less expensive while still yielding the same streaming benefits as a Roku.

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Weighted Blanket

I have been begging STC for a weighted blanket once I had to put away my heated blanket this spring.   The design of a weighted blanket encourages reduced stress, anxiety, and insomnia.   Over the last 10 years, I have struggled with panic attacks and anxiety.   While I have my triggers mostly at bay, there are restless nights a weighted blanket could provide some additional relief.

I am crossing all my fingers and toes that this weighted blanket hits the Amazon Prime lightening deal circuit.  I am hoping to bring it home for $79.

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Cuisinart GR-150 Griddler Deluxe

Y’all, we’ve been using a George Foreman from 2006 for all of our indoor “grilling” needs.  Surprisingly, it has held up really well.  However, 10+ years of the George and this mama is ready to move on up.  The Cuisinart GR-150 Griddler has come highly recommended to me by a friend [the same one that got me hooked on the Instant Pot!].  It features SIX cooking options: contact grill, panini press, full griddle, full grill, half grill, half griddle, top melt.  Plus – you can transform the Griddler to a waffle iron with the purchase of these interchangeable griddle plates.

If I had to place money on it, my guess for Prime Day deal will bring this Griddler down to $89.  If you are looking for a gift for your mom or mother-in-law, I’m sure their griddler situation could use some updating [much like mine!].

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Fitbit Versa Smart Watch

STC bought me an Apple Watch 3 Series for Mother’s Day this year.  After comparing, the Apple Watch and Versa Watch, it felt like a no-brainer to return the Apple Watch.  For at least $100 less, the Versa can do exactly what I would use the Apple watch for: play downloaded music and track my mileage/steps.

I began wearing a Fitbit after I had my daughter in 2015 and then again after having my son in 2017.  I love being able to track my fitness accurately [you wouldn’t believe the discrepancies, especially on a treadmill!].  I was happily wearing my Fitbit Alta post-Apple watch return until it fell off in the Home Depot parking lot, never to be recovered.  I am hoping to upgrade my Fitbit to the Versa for $179.  C’mon, Amazon Prime Day – don’t let me down!

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There’s Gotta Be More…

Once the lightning deals begin to strike, my list may grow in anticipation of the holidays and birthdays. I will be posting on my Instagram Stories when the lightning strikes for my 5 picks as well as any other deals I snag.  Be sure to follow along so you don’t miss the steal!  Remember, Amazon Prime day is an exclusive event for those with Prime memberships.  If you don’t have one already, enjoy a 30-day free trial + reap the benefits of Prime day as soon as possible!  The deals begin at 3:00 P.M. [est] today [July 16th].

What is in your Amazon cart, just waiting in discounted anticipation?  I am dying to know [so maybe I can grab the deal too!].  Drop a comment below because shopping is always more fun together!