This year my motto in life and business is to worker smarter, not harder.  So what does that look like? Well it looks different in all areas, but in the area of tech it looks like finding ways to simplify my household and my office. 

When I first began thinking about how to simplify, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the options. I mean there are more “smart home” devices on the market than ever, and none of them feel simple.  So, I sat down with the expert, my husband, and together we came up with a plan. For running our household we’d go with the Samsung Connect Home.  

The Samsung Connect Home Smart Wi-Fi system is a Wi-Fi router and SmartThings hub: all in one. I know I’m starting to talk tech, so let me try to simplify this as best I can. As a Wi-Fi router it optimizes your signal, so you can upload, download or stream your favorite shows and movies with no wheel of death, or no “36 hours to download messaging,” just fast, uninterrupted service.  And the “mesh” Internet connection delivers a strong blanket of coverage across the entire home! For me this has been a game changer, allowing me to work wherever and not worry about connection or speed issues. Plus, each hub covers 1,500 square feet, so even if you live in a large home, you can just add more routers so it’s customized to your need.  The starter kit actually comes with 3 different hubs!

Another big bonus, with the Samsung Connect App, I didn’t need to mess around with multiple apps, because one app controls it all. Yes, ONE app! Built to work with most existing smart home devices, Samsung Connect Home and the Connect App is compatible with 100’s of smart products such as your Samsung TV, Nest Thermostat, Philips Hue, Netgear Arlo Camera, Ring Video Doorbell, and more.

And it’s easy! I was able to connect my devices with a tap and manage my entire home right from my phone. I can adjust the temperature of my Nest, the brightness of my Philips Hue lights, or simply create a secure network access for my guests. This aspect of Connect Home has simplified so much of my life, and gives me peace of mind….especially when I travel.

For example, I’ve been known to forget to unplug my curling iron and straightner….hello fire hazard.  Well now, I can turn them off through my phone because of my connected outlet.  Another way I love to use my Samsung Connect; I start or stop my Samsung Washer and Dryer with a touch of the button, and also get notifications when the wash is complete.  I can check to make sure the hubs actually locked the front door like he thought he did.  And if I’m going to be late, I can turn on the light and TV so my Cavalier Addison doesn’t feel so alone.  

And did I mention it’s appearance.  The Samsung Connect is small, and sleek, so my home can be a complete “smart” home without looking like a tech nightmare. 

I’m telling you no matter how big or small your home is the Samsung Connect Home will truly revolutionize your home and lifestyle. Tell me, have you thought about getting a smart home system? Do you have one? How does having strong Wi-Fi coverage help you to simplify your life? Truly, MKR

 
 
When pondering what themed gift guides to do this year I thought, why not round up everything I love and use on a daily/weekly basis that would also make great gifts.  So that’s what we’re doing for Guide No. Two.  My very own Oprah-esq favorite things.  I’d love to know in the comments, if you were creating your own list of favorite things what would make the cut? Truly, MKR

One. Happy Menocal Mr. Charles Stationery.  I’m a HUGE fan of Happy Menocal; have been forever.  So when she launched her collection on Paperless post a few years ago I was besides myself giddy.  Of course Mr. Charles was my obvious choice as he looks so much like my Addy, but I also snagged this every day set and have used this holiday card more than once.

Two. C.O. Bigelow Cold & Flu Soak. I buy this in bulk because it sells out every year right when you need it.  I swear if you feel like you’re getting sick, or have gotten sick soak in this for 30 minutes and you’ll feel so much better.  And I’m serious, buy more than one bottle as it sells out every year.

Three. Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil.  Cult status with this oil; and yes I’ve drank the koolaid.  The oil is uber moisturizing, but my skin just glows whenever I use it.  My very own fountain of youth.

Four. Breville Tea Kettle.  This is my most used appliance next to my coffee pot.  It makes making tea, cider, hot cocoa, matcha, anything and everything you need boiling water for so easy. I actually have my kettle upstairs in my bedroom as I drink tea the most at night and I couldn’t imagine my evening routine without it.  This would also be great to have in a guest room if possible.  

Five. Great Lakes Co. Sweatshirt.  I’m a BIG fan of sweatshirts.  It’s the Michigan in me.  So when I found a small business named after my beloved Great Lakes and they just happen to make the coziest sweatshirt ever I couldn’t press buy fast enough.  And it has not disappointed.  It really is beyond soft.  I actually asked for a second one for Christmas so I can rotate them while ones being washed. 

Six. Singing Bowl. I cannot get enough of singing bowls, sage, palo santo, and anything that helps rid all that bad juju. And even if you don’t buy into the “spiritual” side of it there’s something very relaxing about the ritual of it all.  Don’t know it till you try it.

Seven. Illuminated Bible.  An gorgeous, illustrated bible that invites you to write and doodle all over it.  Game changer for my morning quiet time routine.  It comes in a hardback version, but if you’re going to use this as your everyday bible I suggest the classic leather as it will wear much better over time.

Eight. Teleties. The hairband that has caused a frenzy at WOMH.  Seriously, we cannot keep these in stock.  And I understand why.  They do not rip your hair, they actually work, plus they look like a bracelet on your hand.  Seriously, try them if you haven’t.  And if you’ve tried another brand in the past they’re not comparable to these which are SO much better!

Nine. Truffle Mustard.  I mean mustards mustard right? Wrong.  This mustard is beyond.  I keep it in my fridge and dip pretzels in it, always put it on a cheese plate, and constantly cook with it.  I brushed it over chicken and last night combined it with spices, herbs, and vegetable broth for a pork tenderloin roast.  Wow, just wow!

Ten. The Five Minute Journal. If you do anything for yourself next year do this.  I mean it.  Only five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening and I promise your life will be changed.  Promise.

Eleven. Young Living Essential Oils.  I won’t get on my soapbox again about YL Essential Oils, but seriously if you haven’t taken the plunge yet with the starter pack I really don’t know what you’re waiting for.  I use YL Essential Oils for everything.  Diffusing, cleaning, beauty, health, healing…everything.  Read a bit more about it here and join the WOM/Well Code oily life! You’ll be glad you did.

Twelve. Peloton.  This was my birthday gift from the hubs and I couldn’t love it more.  It’s the one workout I seem to be able to stick with and is worth every penny.

Thirteen. Sleep Mask. Another can’t sleep without it necessity.

Fourteen. RMS Luminizer Quad.  RMS is one of my favorite non-toxic beauty brands and this luminizer quad is definitely a beauty essential I use every day.

Fifteen. Ullo Wine Purifier.  I love wine.  I also get terrible headaches from too much wine which I think may have to do with sulfites as different wines effect me differently.  Anyway, that’s what led me to Ullo.  And I don’t know the science behind the magic all I know is every time I run a bottle of wine through the purifier I don’t wake up with a pounding head.  

Sixteen. Golden Goose Sneakers.  Okay, so when I first heard about sneakers that looked like they had been worn for 5+ years and carried a $500 price tag where all the rage I was like”yeah right.”  Then I bought a pair.  And they are honestly the most comfortable shoe I own.  More comfortable then my Nikes. Seriously, they are that comfortable.  Plus they really hold up and you don’t need to worry about scuffing them up…the more scuffs the better.

Seventeen. Toffee To Go Toffee.  There’s a reason this toffee is on Oprah’s list year after year.  We’re talking melt in your mouth toffee.  It’s so good all of us at WOMH ate through all the samples before we were able to sample any to customers.  Oops.

Eighteen. WelleCo. Sleep Welle Calming Tea.  I learned about this specific tea after using their Super Elixir; which is also a favorite.  It really does help you calm down and sleep sounder, plus it comes in the most gorgeous container.  If you’re like me and have trouble falling asleep then definitely give this a whirl.  

Nineteen. Goop Edition No. 2 Shisho Spray.  The description is what got me, the fact that its non-toxic helped.  “A perfume of cool air, pale sun, new life unfurling on the forest floor, this mystical perfume channels the energy of spring: sensual heat against cool, damp air.” 

Twenty.  Serena & Lily Carins Throw. I’m a BIG blanket fan. And this is my currently cozy, curl up go-to.  Plus it gorgeous!

Twenty-One. Gray Malin x Away Luggage. Y’all know I’m a HUGE fan of Gray Malin. So when he partnered with AWAY luggage to create a custom collection and one of those pieces was one of the Gray photos I own well I had to have it! Available in 3 colors and 3 different Gray prints this is the chicest and most functional luggage ever!

‘Tis the season of gift guides, and this year I’m starting mine out with the guide for the healthiest person on your list.  From tonics, to crystals, purple plates, and air purifiers this is the list for anyone who makes their health and overall well-being their main priority. 

I’ve included a brief description or why each item is a must gift.  And to be clear I have used, tried or own most of these suggestions and the others are on my personal wish list so you can trust me when I say I love every twenty-one of these items.  Truly, MKR

One. Cap Beauty Matcha Sticks.  Because while I love matcha it can be a pain in the a** to make.  These packets make it super easy and you lose none of the health benefits.

Two. Cashmere & Silk Sleep Mask. Because sleep is essential to health.  This is the exact one I use and can vouch for its quality and comfort.  I’d try out the eye pillow as well.  I keep both in the fridge for a little extra touch of cooling.

Three. Arnica & Rosemary Essential Oil Bath Fizz. Because both baths and essential oils are naturally healing.  Makes a great stocking stuffer too!

Four. Spike Water Bottle.  Because hydration and style. 

Five. Young Living Essential Oils. Because essential oils are life changing, and life saving and because Young Living is the absolute best.  Start with the starter kit, trust me.

Six. Car Air Purifier. Because mold, toxins, and pollutions are everywhere and think about how much time you spend in your car!

Seven. Dry Body Brush. Because three minutes each morning before the shower will change your skin and your life.  Dry brushing helps with the appearance, but more importantly dry brushing helps with inflammation and circulation.  This is the exact one I use.

Eight. Marvis Natural Toothpaste.  Because toxins live in your standard paste.  Also because this one comes in all sorts of “flavors.” Get the combo pack for Christmas.

Nine. Oil Pulling Kit.  Because oil pulling improves health, freshens breath, and whitens teeth.  I do it every morning and every night if I feel a cold coming on.

Ten. Brain Dust.  Because brain fog just keeps getting worse with each passing year.  Out of all the “dusts” this is the one that is most highly reviewed and the reviews are all five stars.  Put it in your morning smoothing to help with clarity, focus, and energy.  Not sure; try the sampler pack.  I use brain and beauty on the daily.

Eleven.  8G Greens.  Because we all need a little help sometimes getting our daily greens.  Tastes great too!

Twelve.  HUM Here Comes The Sun Vitamin D. Because lack of vitamin D is the culprit for many a things.  Personally I believe upping my daily dose helped my panic/anxiety significantly.  This is supposed to be the best, and most natural pill form on the market.  I just ordered it and can’t wait to try!

Thirteen.  Tonik Apple Cider Vinegar Pills.  Because apple cider vinegar tastes terrible, but has the most health benefits ever!

Fourteen. Dyson Air Purifier.  Because again toxins, mold, pollutants.  And because Dyson is the best.  This is on my wish list from my parent’s this year.

Fifteen.  Sit Like A Buddha.  Because we could all use a bit more Buddha like moments.  Great add on gift or stocking stuffer!

Sixteen. Headspace. Because this is the only way I’ve learned out to meditate. Give the gift of a yearly subscription this year to anyone on your list that is a tad on the stressed side.  So basically gift it to everyone!

Seventeen. Hamsa Hand Evil Eye Key Chain.  Because evil spirits are no good.

Eighteen. Good Health Gemstones.  Because crystals have powers.  Seriously, they do!

Nineteen. Tesla Purple Plates.  Because trust me.  I cannot go into the full reasons as to why you should get a few purple plates, but I highly suggest you do your research on them. I have 4 plates for a multitude of reasons.  I’ve seen them heal, give energy and negate energy that we don’t want.  I carry one with me at all times.  And make sure if you take the leap to get the actual, original Tesla ones.

Twenty. Barry’s Boot Camp Subscription. Because I need to feel like I might die during a workout to feel like I’ve actually accomplished something.  

Twenty-One. Facial Cupping. Because lines and puffiness.  This all natural, inexpensive, facial cupping kit has been a game changer for my complexion!