I’ve been an Amazon Prime member for a decade for the reasons below. Most of all, I like shopping online for the selection and convenience. Below are some of my favorite finds over the last decade. Because I enjoy sharing them, I’m also an Amazon Associate. Disclosure: I get a commission at no cost to the consumer on goods and services bought with affiliate links.
If you aren’t a Prime member, try this free trial for epic deals and these year-long benefits:
Amazon Prime Free TrialAnd if you’re a student, get a 6 months trial good for textbooks, electronics, dorm decor, and whatever else you need.
Amazon Prime Student 6-Month TrialGet Deals On Groceries Here!
Give the Gift of Audible (to Yourself and Others)
Audible starts my mornings with guided meditations for connecting with the Creator and self, releasing tension, and exchanging anxiety with hope. Audible teaches me on work commutes, entertains me on trips, and tells me bedtime stories when I’m too tired to read. Check out their podcasts, books, original content, and music here.
Try Audible PlusAlexa, Rosie’s Granddaughter
I don’t have Alexa, but my daughter does. Here are deals with Alexa built-in.
My Favorite Finds Over the Last Ten Years…
Carry-Ons
I love to TRAVEL and live for ADVENTURE. Exploring new places… meeting new people … reconnecting with family and friends … taking solo beauty breaks for the soul. For my Key West, L.A., Palm Springs, and Morocco trips this year, I found some great carry-on choices.
The One I Went With
I love the spinner wheels, sturdy hard body, color/design, and phone charger. Click on images below for details.
Other Great Choices
I love the look of the DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside 2.0. I’m a rose girl, but this Angora set is gorgeous and on my wishlist.
When I moved to Morocco, my sister bought me a large It check-in bag. It was lightweight and tough enough for two years in North Africa, another in the Caribbean, and beyond. I also bought a tiny It carry-on bag in London to meet budget airline size specifications. I managed 13 days in six European cities in winter with just that carry-on and the backpack below. This carry-on looks fun and I remain a huge fan of the brand.
My 3rd trusty It piece is this one. The color of my Filament 28″ Softside 8 Wheel Expandable Spinner is appropriately named Moroccan Blue/Dress Blues. This one has made two return trips to Morocco as well as Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, and Captiva Island.
Laptop Backpack: THULE store
I felt like Lucille Ball in 2013 when my overstuffed backpack exploded in the Atlanta airport and I had to grab a new one to make my flight to Costa Rica. It was one of the best purchases I ever made. A decade and a dozen countries later, the bag is still going strong.
Sports Sandal: Chaco Store
If you’re Carrie Bradshaw with a trendy shoe addiction, unlimited budget, and desire to run in heels … DON’T buy Chaco’s. You’ll tire of the look long before they wear out.
If you do want quality sports sandals that go the extra mile for years, this is your brand. Mine saved me in mudslides in Ecuador and in slippery Tennessee streams. They got me over the Atlas Mountains by mule and foot and across the Sahara Desert by camel in 2014 (above) and 2023.
The same is true for Birkenstock. I have worn my silver Gizeh model almost daily for three summers. On my wishlist is this one…
Cameras
When I travel, I take my Cannon for stills, Go-Pro for YouTube/Podcast interviews and videos, and phone for Instagram Reels. My Cannon Rebel EOS T4i that I bought in 2013 is still going strong. I did replace a lens in 2020. If you need a Cannon Rebel replacement lens, body, or accessory, Amazon has options. If you want Santa to bring you a newer model, check out the T7 and T8 with Built-in WiFi.
Go-Pro
This is my go-to for video. The size makes it discreet and the quality is incredible.
Summer Reads
Stay tuned for more reading recommendations for Kindle and Audible. Here are three of my favorites from my bookshelf. The first is a memoir by Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun. I fell in love with her books on Italy before realizing she was raised in the U.S. South like me. I haven’t met her in person but spoken with her a couple of times by email. She is one of my favorite living authors.
I had the honor of meeting a granddaughter, great-granddaughter, and great great granddaughter of this author at a writing retreat. The book is a timeless classic based on the Sanibel-Captiva Island area of Florida.
This one was a reference on architecture and design when. I wrote my memoir on living in Morocco. Gatherings in Maryam’s beautiful home outside of Marrakesh and volunteering at Project SOAR are sweet memories.
Home Goods
This comforter is still soft and plush after several washings.
This pillow relieves lower back tension for better sleep.
I love my Gatsby-era/Art Deco champagne/cocktail coupes.
I normally make my sangria, but this mix is delicious, too.
Apartment living is easier with this grocery cart. Be sure to get one with spinner wheels.
My favorite essential oils are these two. Neroli is the scent of orange blossoms and transports me to Morocco. Likewise, my computer cover takes me to faraway places while working at home.
NOTHING gets up animal hair like a Dyson (says the owner of a Golden retriever, lab, and Persian cat.) I loved my upright in the 2000s and the Animal stick model has changed my life.
Fashion
Pretty for carrying to a wedding or hanging in the boudoir
Layer these in indifferent links.
From Boho to Copacabana, Amazon carries some cool clothes.
Sadly, this bathing suit is out of stock, but there is a similar one and a couple of others I’ve bought at this store.
The Perfect Journal
LOVE the length of these phone chargers
