Latest news with #junk
Vancouver Sun
30-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Getting around Japan: Travel tips to know before you go
By Adam Waxman Canadians are currently enjoying a very favourable exchange rate with the Japanese yen. Travellers of all stripes, from budget to bougie, are taking advantage of this boost in purchasing power to put Japan on their immediate travel radar. Travel initiatives, packages and promotions make experiencing Japan more accessible than ever. Riding Japan's world-famous Shinkansen is a bucket list experience in its own right. Yet it is also the key to going beyond the well-travelled areas of Japan and discovering the wonders of more distant prefectures. Whether by plane, train, or automobile, Canadians looking for easy transportation in Japan should read on below, as we dive into the need-to-knows and some exceptional deals for the budget-conscious traveller. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Canadians are enjoying more airlift into Japan than ever before with direct flights on five carriers departing from four Canadian cities. In addition to grabbing the best deals during airline seat sales, you can also save on airfare domestically with low-cost carriers and special discounts like ANA's Discover Japan Fare and JAL's Japan Explorer Pass . Train travel in Japan is the most beautiful, immersive and convenient way to see the country and there are many scenic railway journeys which are just as impressive as the destination. The options are endless: city subways, local trains, express trains and high-speed bullet trains criss-cross the country, making rail travel both highly convenient and highly confusing. JNTO's complete guide explains exactly how to navigate train and bus lines and provides all the information you need to make day trips and regional visits easy. For years, the Japan Rail Pass has been the best-known way for overseas travellers to save on train travel. Covering all Japan Railway (JR) lines across the country, the pass is available in 7-, 14-, or 21-day lengths and can be used on all but the top two speeds of Shinkansen bullet trains. Beyond the all-encompassing countrywide pass, there are a plethora of different railway companies operating in different regions, each with their own discount offerings. Those who prefer a slower, more in-depth look at an area may want to consider the more localized regional passes and city subway passes. The fact that two of Japan's largest destinations, Tokyo and Osaka, belong to different regions has always thrown a wrench in the plans of those eyeing regional passes. Enter the Platt-KODAMA , a one-way Shinkansen ticket using the slower-speed Kodama shinkansen and a cost-effective way to travel between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations. Bus services are available throughout Japan and can be a very convenient alternative to trains — especially when travelling in more rural areas. Local buses can get you to more out-of-the-way spots, highway buses are an inexpensive way to travel between cities, and regional bus passes offer unlimited travel in their areas. Many major cities offer hop-on-hop-off passes which will get you to the major attractions in the area with minimal fuss. JNTO's full guide on buses in Japan details the ins-and-outs of this flexible mode of transportation. For off-the-beaten path destinations like the natural, alpine oasis of Hokkaido or the mountainous region of Shikoku, car rentals are abundant, clean, easy and fun. In major destinations, main roads are equipped with English signage, and some rental companies have cars equipped with foreign-language navigation systems. Make sure to get an international driver's permit from CAA before you leave. JNTO's guide to car rentals in Japan lays out what you need to know to get started on your very own road trip in Japan! Learn more about travelling to (and in) Japan at . This post appeared first on DINE and Destinations Magazine .
Mint
30-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
US-Boeing deal over 737 Max crashes: What are its terms, and what are victims' families saying? Explained
Following the settlement of a deal, the US Department of Justice has asked a federal judge in Texas to junk its criminal case against aircraft maker Boeing over two fatal crashes more than six years ago. The deal was made despite objections of family members of some victims of the crashes. Here is everything you need to know about the deal and what's really happening. The Justice Department has reached a deal with Boeing that will allow the company to avoid criminal prosecution, reports said quoting court papers last Friday. Boeing was charged for allegedly misleading US regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before two of the planes crashed and killed 346 people. In the court filing on May 23, the Justice Department said it had reached an 'agreement in principle' with Boeing. Dismissing the fraud charge will allow the manufacturer to avoid a possible criminal conviction that could have jeopardised the company's status as a federal contractor, the Associated Press reported quoting experts. As per the terms of the deal, Boeing will be required to pay and invest more than $1.1 billion. In return, the Justice Department will dismiss the criminal case against the aircraft manufacturer. This includes an additional $445 million for the crash victims' families. However, the deal has not been finalised yet. 'The Agreement guarantees further accountability and substantial benefits from Boeing immediately, while avoiding the uncertainty and litigation risk presented by proceeding to trial,' Justice Department lawyers wrote in court papers. US District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth, Texas, will decide whether to accept the motion to dismiss, accept the terms of the non-prosecution agreement and whether to cancel the trial. O'Connor on Thursday ordered all the lawyers to present him with a briefing schedule on the government's motion by June 4. Paul Cassell, an attorney for many of the families in the long-running case, had previously said said his clients strongly oppose dropping the criminal case. 'Dismissing the case would dishonour the memories of 346 victims who Boeing killed through its callous lies,' Cassell said in a recent statement. Many relatives of the passengers who died in the crashes, which took place off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019, have spent years pushing for a public trial, the prosecution of former company officials, and more severe financial punishment for Boeing.
New York Post
07-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
These foods increase your odds of early Parkinson's symptoms: study
Mind your mind! Around 90,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed in the US each year — the neurodegenerative disorder is commonly associated with slow movement, tremors, stiffness and difficulty walking. Experts suggest that physical activity and a balanced diet can help lower Parkinson's risk. A new study supports that guidance, finding that people who consume a lot of ultra-processed foods are more likely to have early signs of Parkinson's than those who eat less junk food. Advertisement 3 Around 90,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed in the US each year — the neurodegenerative disorder is commonly associated with slow movement, tremors, stiffness and difficulty walking. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – 'There's growing evidence that diet might influence the development of Parkinson's disease,' said study author Dr. Xiang Gao of the Institute of Nutrition at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. 'Our research shows that eating too much processed food, like sugary sodas and packaged snacks, might be speeding up early signs of Parkinson's disease.' Advertisement Nearly 43,000 volunteers with an average age of 48, who did not have Parkinson's at the start of the study, were followed for up to 26 years. Participants underwent regular medical exams, completed health questionnaires and maintained a food diary every two to four years. Researchers calculated the number of UPF servings they ate on an average day. 3 Before tremors and other symptoms, early signs of Parkinson's include REM sleep behavior disorder, constipation, depression, pain, impaired color vision, excessive daytime sleepiness and reduced ability to smell. Orawan – Advertisement UPFs included sauces, spreads, condiments, packaged sweets, snacks, desserts, artificially or sugar-sweetened beverages and animal-based products. A serving was equivalent to a can of soda, 1 ounce of potato chips, a slice of cake, a hot dog or a tablespoon of ketchup. Participants were split into five groups — the highest group ate 11 or more daily servings, while the lowest group ate fewer than three servings a day. Advertisement The researchers also watched for early signs of Parkinson's in the participants, including REM sleep behavior disorder, constipation, depression, pain, impaired color vision, excessive daytime sleepiness and reduced ability to smell. After adjusting for factors such as age and exercise levels, participants in the highest UPF group had a 2.5-fold higher likelihood of having three or more of these early signs than those in the lowest UPF group. 3 Ultra-processed foods include sauces, spreads, condiments, packaged sweets, snacks, desserts, artificially or sugar-sweetened beverages and animal-based products. vaaseenaa – Researchers also noted that a diet high in UPFs raised the risk for all the early Parkinson's symptoms except constipation. The findings were published online Wednesday in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. 'Choosing to eat fewer processed foods and more whole, nutritious foods could be a good strategy for maintaining brain health,' Gao said. 'More studies are needed to confirm our finding that eating less processed food may slow down the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease.' UPFs often contain lots of calories, sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. They can trigger inflammation in the brain that disrupts brain function, increasing the risk of brain disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Recent research also tied UPFs to higher risks of psoriasis, depression and even early death.
Vancouver Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
High-level U.S. Chinese officials to meet for trade talks on weekend
WASHINGTON — Top U.S. officials are set to meet with a high-level Chinese delegation this weekend in Switzerland in the first major talks between the two nations since President Donald Trump sparked a trade war with stiff tariffs on imports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their counterparts in Geneva in the most-senior known conversations between the two countries in months, the Trump administration announced Tuesday. It comes amid growing U.S. market worry over the impact of the tariffs on the prices and supply of consumer goods. No country has been hit harder by Trump's trade war than China, the world's biggest exporter and second largest economy. When Trump announced his 'Liberation Day' tariffs on April 2, China retaliated with tariffs of its own, a move that Trump viewed as demonstrating a lack of respect. The tariffs on each other's goods have been mounting since then, with the U.S. tariffs against China now at 145% and China tariffs on the U.S. at 125%. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. American firms have already begun canceling orders from China, postponing expansion plans and hunkering down as a result of the tariff war. Trump had claimed previously that the U.S. and China were holding negotiations on lowering tariffs, which Beijing has denied, saying Trump must first lower his stiff tariffs. Bessent earlier Tuesday testified to a House committee that the U.S. and China 'have not engaged in negotiations' but 'as early as this week,' the U.S. will be announcing trade deals with some of the largest U.S. trading partners. The Chinese Commerce Ministry on Tuesday confirmed the meeting between its vice premier and Bessent in Switzerland. 'The Chinese side carefully evaluated the information from the U.S. side and decided to agree to have contact with the U.S. side after fully considering global expectations, Chinese interests and calls from U.S. businesses and consumers,' said a ministry spokesperson. The spokesperson said China would not 'sacrifice its principles or global equity or justice in seeking any agreement.' Most economists have said the cost of the tariffs would get passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices for autos, groceries, housing and other goods. And the higher prices are already becoming a burden on U.S. consumers, who are in the biggest economic funk since the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, economists say the risk of a recession is growing. Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade official and now vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, said the upcoming meeting is a welcome development. 'As the first face to face meeting between senior U.S. and Chinese officials since Trump's inauguration, it's an important opportunity to have initial talks on unwinding some tariffs, mapping out a path forward, as well as raising concerns,' Cutler said. 'We should not expect any quick victories — this will be a process that will take time.' In Switzerland, Bessent and Greer also plan to meet with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, according to readouts from their respective offices. Both Greer and Bessent had talked with their counterparts before the beginning of the trade war. Greer told Fox News Channel last month that he spoke with his Chinese counterpart for over an hour before the trade war started. 'I thought it was constructive,' he said, adding: 'This is not a plan just to encircle China. It's a plan to fix the American economy, to have a greater share of manufacturing as GDP, to have real wages go up, to be producing things instead of having an economy that's financed by the government.' And Bessent in February spoke with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng 'to exchange views on the bilateral economic relationship,' according to a Treasury news release. ___ Associated Press writer Paul Wiseman in Washington contributed to this report Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Buzz Feed
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
36 Random Products That Will Make Your Life A Little Cuter
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · I double-dog dare you to not find something on this list that is so cute, you can feel your serotonin levels rising. 1. A rainbow prism suncatcher to add a lil' rainbow connection to your walls when the sun shines through your window. Promising review:"They actually were bigger than I anticipated which was actually pretty awesome. I hung them in the window of my office, and it's beautiful when they catch light. Definitely worth the money when it puts a smile on your face." — EmmyAnn Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.98. 2. An adorable Hugimals weighted emotional support animal friend because whether you're 5 or 105, you're gonna love the feeling of snuggling up with this comforting, hefty little sidekick. Plus, the 4.5 pounds of inner nontoxic glass beads are removable, so they can be machine washed! Promising reviews:"This weighted sloth is adorable and just the right amount of weight for me. The quality is fantastic. Super soft. I'm currently being comforted by the 'hug' of this cutie while recovering from bronchitis. I'm a 50+-year-old female, and this is age-appropriate, in my opinion! So glad I purchased!" — Amazon Customer "First of all, she is one of the cutest pig plushies I have ever seen! Second, if you like the color pink and cute things, get Harper! Third, after a hard day of work, she is just what I need to relax. Hugimals are well worth the money or as a great gift! I'm NOT a child, and I love the brand and my Harper! Oink! Bravo!" — Music and Anime Fan 12 Get it from Amazon for $64 (available in six styles) 3. A set of vibrant fine-point pens for notes, planners, or just doodling on the back of that junk mail when you're supposed to be in a WFH meeting. Promising review:"I love how this pen feels to hold and it writes beautifully! I am very picky about how the ink looks from the pens I use, and I don't remember having one that writes so smoothly and beautifully! I will buy these whenever I need more. I actually just purchased another package of all black!" — Kate Get a set of 18 from Amazon for $7.64. 4. A teensy mini waffle maker that will take up all the space in your breakfast-loving heart but almost none in your kitchen. This thing is also FAST, so you can go from "waffles sound nice" to maple syrup happiness in no time. Promising review:"Saw it on TikTok and had to get it! I love waffles, but I don't always remember to buy them, so I love being able to make them super easily with this mini waffle maker. It's so easy and convenient for me because I didn't want anything that would take up too much time and space. It's perfect. I also used the waffle recipe provided by Dash, and it's great!" — Ken Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 22 designs). 5. A flexible power strip that's basically a little friendly caterpillar assistant that will (cutely) make sure your devices never run out of power again. Very demure and cutesy to have all your chargers in one place instead of having to trek all over your home trying to find the right cords. iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories. Promising review: "I rarely write a review (this is the second in the past few years). One of the best purchases in a long time. Nice design and very practical. It solves all of my problems as it can go any direction. It's worth every penny. I turned around and bought two more. I am about to buy my fourth one. Love this!" — Pond P. Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors). 6. A plug-in color-shifting mushroom light for turning your boring outlets into little mini enchanted fungi forests. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the mushroom night-light in action. Promising review: "I LOVE this night-light. It's in my bathroom and is a lovely addition. It turns off the second the lights go on, which is nice because I don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it on. Super cute and the little itty-bitty lighting element does a good job lighting, just enough so I don't have to turn the main lights on in the middle of the night." — 1Thand Get it from Amazon for $5.99. 7. A pair of New Balance 327 sneakers I personally gifted myself to make my life cuter because I was OBSESSED with their Anthropologie styling. And don't forget the pictured funky laces set to really make them pop and complete the look! Promising reviews:"By far my favorite tennis shoes for everyday wear! Runs true to size, comfortable, super cute, highly recommend." — jackastar "Great shoes, so comfy. Walked miles in Europe with no blisters." — Ken52202 Get them from Anthropologie for $100 (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in 10 styles). 8. An adorable cloud-shaped magnetic key holder that'll help ensure you don't lose your keys anymore. Just put this by the door, and you'll look forward to sticking your keys on it when you walk in. Promising review:"So, yes, TikTok made me buy this, but so far, I really like it. It's obviously very adorable and offers a charming spot to keep my keys that works with my entryway. I'm really surprised by how strong the hold is for such a small object — I carry my car FOB and a few keys, and so far, it's holding strong. I hung it with Command strips to avoid any potential damage to the wall and I will say, make sure it's level as the hold is not so good on an angle (but that was from the original in-hand testing). Definitely recommend and for the price, I'm very tempted to get one for my at-work office." — D. Carter Get it from Amazon for $7.98. 9. A customizable Lego bouquet-building set for the Lego enthusiasts and newbies alike who would appreciate a truly everlasting bouquet. (And it doubles as a fun date night/friend activity!) Promising review:"These Lego flowers were amazing! I purchased them for my fiancé for Christmas, and we had such a fun time building them together! There is a good variety, getting you lots of different flowers and repetitions of ones that are really nice! For an experienced Lego builder, these are gonna be a super easy build and come together very quickly! For someone not as experienced, it's gonna take a little more time, but is entirely within the realm of reason! Additionally, they look amazing set up and posed!" — Brayden Rozelle Get it from Amazon for $47.99. 10. A stylish quilted jacket you've likely seen around the internet because it is a MUCH more affordable lookalike to a very popular brand, and maybe even cozier??? With this good of a price, you'll want to cute up your wardrobe and have it in several colors. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the quilted jacket in action. Promising review: "I normally get medium in jackets. I ordered medium here. Nice, comfy, and a bit oversized. SO COMFORTABLE. I get asked about it all the time. Never take it off!" — Aron Wolfson Get it from Amazon for $41.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 14 colors). 11. A cow-themed cheese holder because plain ol' fridge organizers have no space in this version of romanticizing your life. And not only is this darling, but it'll help keep your packaged cheese slices super fresh for as long as possible! Each container holds 24 slices of cheese. Promising review:"I had an old Kraft cheese container from decades ago that finally broke, and I didn't think I would be able to find a replacement, but this is even better! My kids named it Daisy immediately. It is cute to have in the fridge or even bring out to the dinner table. Great quality and should last a long time." — Karen Get it from Amazon for $9.92 12. A hide-and-seek Bluey game because sometimes kid wranglers just don't want to stuff themselves into a closet and wait a hundred years to be found, so let me introduce you to your new fave adorable sidekick. Just hide Bluey somewhere nearby and she'll shout hints and sing that bop of a theme song when found! Promising review:"This toy is so awesome that I have now purchased three! Every child loves it! Heck, I like playing with it, too! Push the nose button, hide it, Bluey talks every 20 seconds or so, until you find her. Then you push the button, and it plays the theme song. Kids burst into dancing. I HIGHLY recommend this gift." — Florida Buyer Get it from Amazon for $14.88. 13. A bunch of teensy macaron boxes if your heart is in a French bakery and you want your little trinkets, medication, or paperclips to follow suit. Say au revoir to losing your earring backs once and for all! Amazon Promising review:"Just received these cute little boxes and am in love with them. Very thick and sturdy plastic but easy enough to open. These will work perfectly for filling solid perfumes and giving out as stocking stuffer gifts as I don't have to worry about it being a snug fit/lid falling off. I imagine these would also be great for pretend food for kids' playsets or for a kid's trinket box. Overall, I love them, love their feel, love the colors, and am very happy." — Mary Get a set of six from Amazon for $6.99. 14. A rechargeable flickering flame lamp I bought my own human self because it was giving Calcifer from Howl's Moving Castle vibes AND I WAS RIGHT TO THINK THAT. This little dude has both a warm and a bright light option, and the warm setting ACTUALLY flickers like a real candle! I'm so sorry. I just found out it also comes in a capybara option, so I am adding that to my own cart POSTHASTE. Also, shoutout to the base green PERFECTLY matching my matcha green Kindle. Promising review:"I had a cute little mushroom lamp on my kitchen counter that was doing just fine until my cats decided to go on a recon mission and shattered it (wish I could've seen their reaction to that!). I fell in love with this little guy just from his photo and agree with every single positive reviewer out there. It is so much better in person. Bright to dimmer, charges up fast (no need to find an outlet), charge lasts for days, it packs a lot for such a small size, looks great in my kitchen, and brings a smile to all who see it." — Lady Godzilla Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six styles). 15. A bookish location tag sticker so everyone (including you!) knows you were built for fantastical if you're forced to do capitalism and, like, laundry. These are waterproof and dishwasher safe, so you can go to clown town putting them on your laptop, tablet, water bottle, or your Kindle! Bookish Queen I LOVE Bookish Queen, a woman-owned, -designed, and -run small business out of New York. They also have embroidered (not printed!) sweatshirts and tees, e-reader charm chains, and about a million more amazing stickers I'm forever using to bribe myself to finish big tasks. It's a one-stop-shop for bookish accessories and I can't recommend it enough! Get it from Bookish Queen for $3.50 (also available in Lallybroch, Night Court, Elfhame, and more!). 16. A set of checkered cosmetic bags for helping wrangle your wallet, keys, and must-have daily makeup favorites into one place. No need to panic if you want to switch totes or bags to match your outfit: These will help make moving your stuff to a new purse ~a breeze~. Promising review:"I bought these because of a famous TikTok video. All I have to say is that they are sooo cute. Great quality. And perfect size. 100% recommend." — angelina Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in eight sets and styles). 17. A pair of ultra-stylish serene sandals to elevate your spring and summer fits without sacrificing comfort. These have three adjustable straps (bye-bye blisters!) and are designed to be submersed in water and dry over time. Unexpected May showers won't get your OOTD of the day down! Portland Gear Portland Gear is all about making water-resistant bags and accessories, so if you're like me and somehow ALWAYS get your shoes wet (and sometimes even your bags), their products are designed to air dry naturally so you can keep on with your day no matter how drenched you get! Get them from Portland Gear for $129 (available in women's sizes 6.5–15.5, men's sizes 5–14, and in two colors). 18. A set of unframed pastel printables if your wall could use a little more personality and you think pastel tones are the bee's knees. Cute and inspiring, these are sure to find a happy home in the empty wall space you've been meaning to spruce up! Promising review: "These are high quality! Absolutely beautiful and looks just like the picture! They can be used framed/unframed as they are made on a higher quality material than printer paper." — Clare Black Get a set of six from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in eight styles). Psst — these can be hung up unframed, but if you're looking for a solid 8 x 10 frame option, you can pick of a set of six on Amazon for $32.99! 19. A duffel bag so you can pack for your weekend getaway ~in style~. With happy pastel colors, tons of pockets, and a water-resistant coating, this bag promises to be your new best sidekick on all your adventures. Amazon It also has a trolley sleeve so you can attach it to your roller suitcase for easily navigating the airport. Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for in a weekend bag. It is very well made, good construction from zippers to straps, inside and out. I was able to pack all my needed items for the weekend, including my laptop. Extremely happy with this bag. Will gladly use this bag on longer trips as well. I purchased the light pink color, and it's perfect." — pixie trinket Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in two sizes and in dozens of colors). 20. Or a Beckmann backpack if you've been trying to shove your headphones, laptop, snacks, pens, journals, and everything else into a too-small travel bag. Y'all, embrace this FANTASTIC backpack I've been asked about nearly every time I've brought it to the coffee shop to work over the last year. The color is to die for, the design is sleek, and it has a lil' secret rain jacket built into the bottom in case the weather tries to catch you out. (IT WON'T. Your laptop thanks you in advance.) Beckmann is the leading backpack brand of Norway and has landed stateside to bring ergonomically designed bags featuring comfort and functionality for school days and beyond, and the Norwegians are SO RIGHT for this. The quality of this is stunning, ESPECIALLY in a sea of "maybe it'll last one season" bags and accessories. This backpack comes with a built-in rain cover at the bottom, leather details, and a separate zip compartment for your laptop or tablet. Get it from Beckmann for $99 (see all colors and sizes here). 21. A portable Bluetooth retro-style keyboard with delightfully clicky-clacky keys and the kind of ice-cream-parlor colors that will help fight off the Sunday scaries when you go to pack this up for your workday. Amazon, Promising review:"I've been seeing retro-style typewriter keyboards on TikTok for a while now. I always thought, 'That looks pretty cool!' Decided to look on here and found this one. I just got it today and so far has been working great! I had no problems connecting the keyboard via Bluetooth, and the clicking of the keys is really nice, one of the reasons why I wanted to get this." — dee Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in nine colors). 22. A gorgeous electric tea kettle that labels you as a sophisticated person who absolutely would never consider sticking their mug in the microwave. Lady Whistledown can put away her gossip pen for now. This one includes the ability to schedule your kettle which reviewers rave is a real game- changer for their teatime routines. Great Jones is a woman-run, New York-based small business that wants to equip and empower you to cook at home — and make your kitchen your happy place. I *personally* have a couple of their items (shoutout to my impossible-to-cook-in-without-smiling mustard casserole dish), and let me tell you: The quality is stunning across the board. Promising review: " A 5-star form AND function! It's just perfect! It's technologically savvy and drop-dead gorgeous. So easy to set up and use. I love the temperature hold feature…game changer!" — Anonymous Get it from Great Jones Goods for $210 (also available in a limited edition green). 23. A pair of my personal fave Dearfoams teddy bear slippers as cute as they are comfy. What I love about these in particular (BIG Dearfoams fan here, but who isn't?) is that they have the kind of firm sole that means I can run down to the mailbox, but not *so* hard that I can't curl my feet under me on the couch. Plus, they're just so gosh darn adorable. I'm already eyeing the matching reindeer pair. Yes, I know it's spring. No, I don't care because cute is cute year-round, y'all. Promising review:"Love them! These slippers are so cute! They are also very comfortable." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $21+ (available in six unisex sizes and in five styles). 24. A triple-insulated flip-top water bottle if you ever want a break from hauling around one of the Really Very Large™️ water bottles. This one is my new hydration sidekick, and I love that it has a handle I can clip onto my bag and be totally hands-free and still have my emotional support water bottle nearby. Plus, it fits in the cup holder without me crying about it. (Which is not very cutesy.) Promising reviews:"Love this!! It's a little heavy, but it's better at keeping my water cold than the Stanleys and Hydroflasks we have." — Wes G. "There's a lot of insulated bottles out there, but I'm glad I chose this one! It checks all the boxes: easy to clean, keeps water cold all day long, fast flow straw, and no leaks when the straw is down. It's also a plus that the straw is stainless steel instead of plastic." — Lindsey O. Get it from for $29.95 (available in seven colors). 26. A mini donut maker to keep you loaded up on everyone's favorite circle snack without the trouble of leaving your blanket nest for the donut shop. The donuts cook within minutes, have an auto shutoff to stop them from overheating, and come with a recipe book that even includes gluten-free and Paleo-friendly options. Bonus? You don't even need to figure out how to make donuts — this machine will take store bought brownie, muffin, and cake mix just fine. Promising review: "I cannot say enough about the Dash Mini Donut Maker. It is so much fun to use and make donuts at home. Rather than going to the local chain donut restaurant, you can make your own specialty donuts at home. It is very easy to use and cleans up quickly. My children love to decorate the donuts after they are cooked. It's a fun family activity, and the donuts taste great! Also, it comes with a neat design and stands out among my other boring-looking kitchen cooking appliances. If you like donuts, this product is for you." — JoshH Get it from Amazon for $19.79+ (available in two colors). 27. A picture book–worthy rain jacket for the little puddle jumpers in your life who insist that spring is for SPLASHING. (Get your camera ready because this is simply the cutest and highest quality rain jacket EVER.) Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed, 7AM 7AM is a small business founded by clothing designer and mom of three Rebecca Campora. It is a PETA-certified 100% vegan company that produces products that embody "style and peace of mind on the go.' Look, I know kids grow out of things fast, but this rain gear is TRULY heirloom quality. The material is thick and ready for all manner of splashing/hiking/romping and holds up well enough to be passed onto the next puddle-obsessive kiddo in your life. (My sister already has dibs on this one, AS SHE SHOULD. It's perfection.) Get it from 7AM for $64 (available in sizes 18 months–6 years and in three styles). 28. A marble-patterned dish drying mat that will help keep your counter from becoming a scuffed-up swimming pool without sacrificing your immaculate kitchen decor vibes. Amazon Promising review:"Matched our counters and almost blends in completely. We roll it up in the morning after all the dishes are dry. Great for smaller spaces with less counter space and protects the counter from water damage over time. Washed it in normal laundry cycle a number of times, and it comes out clean as new each time with no pilling. Spilled coffee on it on accident, sprayed Flex, tossed it in the wash, and it cleaned completely." — Shopmindfully 29. A CUSTOM stuffed animal based on you or your kiddo's artwork which basically means this is two activities in one: Art project and a new plush to snuggle and pretend with! My kiddo is OBSESSED with his, and I am more than tempted to make my own. Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed, Budsies Watch the cutest"Oh my gosh, how did you do that?!" Budsies reveal on this TikTok. Get it from Budsies for $129 (originally $149). 30. An elegant floral coaster for maintaining springy cottagecore vibes while still protecting your furniture from water rings and dings. Poppy & Pour/Etsy Poppy & Pour is a California-based Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in custom flower coasters, keychains, and more. Promising review:"I got the surprise option with and without the gold rim, and I'm so happy that I got an even balance of white and multicolored coasters. These are so beautiful, and I can't wait to use them!" — Jenny H. Get it from Poppy & Pour on Etsy for $14+ (available with or without gold trim and multipacks). 31. An Ototo Sir Peels-A-Lot swivel peeler because peeling carrots, potatoes, and anything else IS a noble quest, so you better put your best knight on the job. Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed For any and all cute kitchen gadget needs, you literally can't go wrong with OTOTO, creators of the famous Nessie ladle. Promising review:" Very sturdy and looks heckin' adorable! Functional, not too big for your hand, inexpensive, and easy to clean!" — Pearl A. Bray Get it from Amazon for $16.95. 32. A BruMate Muv 100% LEAKPROOF travel mug that no matter what you do ~simply will not~ spill your perfect beverage. I have enough faith in mine to throw it in my purse. Yes. Really. And chances are you're already a fan of the brand's uber-popular Era tumbler so you KNOW these will hold up and look cute doin' it. Amazon Promising reviews:"I've been using this cup all winter, and it a keeper. Keeps my coffee hot, easy to clean, and it doesn't leak if the lid is closed. There is a lock on the lid, figure it out before you use it. :)" — H. Gardner " This cup is everything. My husband bought me this cup so I can drink my tea and it'll stay hot on my way to work. It's completely spill-proof/leak-proof if you keep the lock in place. It's easy to clean. It doesn't fit in your cup holder, but if you lock the lid, you can just throw it in your purse or on the front seat." — Alexa Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in 12 colors). 33. A sling crossbody bag if you want a hands-free existence while you go on new springtime adventures. (Trust me, you totally do.) This one comes with an adjustable strap for the perfect fit, plus plenty of easy-access zippered compartments so you can keep all your essentials handy. Target Promising reviews:" I recently traveled out of town, and this crossbody was so helpful! I wore it with almost everything. So many compartments and I was able to just throw over me." — Mesha "I was looking for something to fulfill the need of carrying around my wallet, keys, phone, diaper, wipes, and a few snacks since my children are older now, and I don't want to carry around a giant diaper bag. This was perfect, and I really liked the style and material. As previously mentioned, if you are looking for something to hold a water bottle, the side pocket will NOT do that, but it works perfectly for hand sanitizer and sunglasses." — Jordan Get it from Target for $18 (available in two colors) 34. A pair of chunky hoop earrings I am OBSESSED with. These are my go-to earrings and will elevate any outfit without overwhelming it. (Hence, my go-to status.) Also, they are just as easy on the wallet as the eyes because Pavoi is where it's at for everyday affordable jewelry. Trust me. Promising review: "OMG, I'm obsessed with these earrings. They're so pretty and lightweight. I never usually order earrings off Amazon but decided to get some since I saw them on TikTok. They're great quality, and I usually can't wear fake jewelry since it makes my ears itch like wild. This one didn't do that at all. Another problem I have is earrings being super uncomfortable to sleep in but this one doesn't do that either. I'm going to literally get every single size they have since I love it so much. Hiiiiiighly recommend." — Ziyana Iyer Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in four sizes and three colors). 35. A wheeled see-through pet carrier so your best friend and fave cute accessory can tag along on your walks and travels. It comes with a fluffy cushion and a cooling pad so you can make sure you pet is comfy cozy in their own (ventilated, duh) pet parade float. Check out a TikTok of the pet carrier in action. Vetreska is a small business that specializes in chic pet products for home and travel. Promising review:"I got these for my cats. They are inside boys, and when I use the harness in the fenced backyard, they tend to eat grass. My ginger is a rotund 19 pounds, but this contraption fits his extra large bod with room for him to turn around and check out the ladies." — angjas97 Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (available in two styles). 36. A pair of block-heeled mules comfy enough to wear all day, every day, and give you a little (trendy!) height boost while you do. They have a 4-inch heel. Promising review: "Cute shoes that fit well. I can wear them with any outfit. They are comfortable to wear to work or a night out. They fit as expected, and the heel is just high enough for dresses and jeans." — FamClan Get them from Amazon for $22.82+ (available in women's sizes 5–13 and 23 styles). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
