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amazon

Fashion

Sonia’s Tips For Shopping On Amazon

Ahhh, Amazon.  When you used to think about the word “Amazon” you probably thought about the rain forest.  Now when you say the word you’ll likely think about the online shopping site. I have been a prime member since it’s inception. I can’t even tell you how much I love Amazon and their 2 day prime shipping!  Hallelujah.

Good Amazon Finds

When I initially joined their website, I was shopping for things like diapers, pacifiers, teething toys etc.  Now I shop for things like kids sports gear, shoes, socks, underwear, household items and more….. you name it and I’ll order it!  While I am certain that my husband doesn’t love all the charges on our credit card bill, I realize that the time I save going to the store has been invaluable.

As a mom, I frequently put my family first.   It wasn’t until recently that I realized that Amazon had an Amazon Fashion Store. As an avid Nordstrom shopper, I was leery about purchasing anything on Amazon. I started my first purchase with an off the shoulder white dress for a boat party that I was hosting. I spent $30 on this beauty and it did not disappoint!  Thank goodness my first purchase was good, it set me on 2 day prime shopping journey that has taught me so many things about how to navigate Amazon fashion that I want to share with you today!

Levis | Slouchy Sweater | Tie Neck | Favorite Lipstick |

Hanogram Phone Case (Use code: RINASONIA for $$ off)

The Tips:

#1. Check if it is a prime item.  For a nominal annual fee ($99) you can become a prime member and it will give you free shipping on anything that comes from Amazon. It saves time and $ depending on how often you plan to use the site for shopping.
#2.  Make sure you look at reviews. Chicksandsalsa is in the top 1% of reviewers on TripAdvisor, so you know we love our reviews!   Shoppers (and ChicksAndSalsa) will help you determine quality, sizing and durability
#3. Know where the items are coming from. Often times I have ordered in haste and not paid attention…items that ship from international locations take much longer than something that is shipping domestic.
#4. In complete honesty, only about 4 of 12 items will be keepers. I have not had full success in my shopping with Amazon. However, with free shipping back, I’m always willing to take a risk in the comfort of my own home to try clothes on and send them back as needed.

The Finds

Here are a few of my favorite Amazon Fashion purchases.

 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 

Did you know that we have a shoppable Amazon store? Check us out here.

I hope you find this helpful, feel free to reach out and ask any questions you might have about the Amazon fashion store.

Your Chick,
Sonia

Lifestyle, Review

10 Professional Yet Fancy Gifts

For some of us, we have some impossibly hard people to shop for.  It may be your boss, for others it may be the friends who have everything, or in my case, we have several professional relationships that we like to acknowledge during the holidays.  For these people, gifts that are a little extra are in order.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Holiday Fruit and Nut Basket

Maybe its cultural but nothing says well wishes in our culture like a basket of nuts and fruits.  It sends a message of abundance and happiness which is why it is first on my list.

Alexa Echo

This device is AMAZING, it can do as much or as it little as you ask of it.  Consider this for anyone in your life.  For $99 Alexa can read off the headlines, play background music, tell you jokes and tell you how to fix just about anything.  Even though someone may already have one at home, perhaps this would make a great gift for someone at the office!

Amazon Gift Card

This one is a no brainer, let someone get whatever they need – no matter what – Amazon has it! OH-and did you know you can buy Nordstrom gift cards on Amazon too?!?! How convenient.

Apple iWatch

With so many new designs and features, this handy dandy smart watch not only looks good now but fully integrates with your iPhone.  I have seen so many people this past year switch from being dependent on their phone to using their iWatch almost exclusively that even I have my eye on this for the holidays.

Massage Pillow

I used this over the summer and then basically stole it form my parents house.  Its truly and ‘hand like’ shiatsu massage that will chill anyone out at the end of the day.  This is the gift that will keep giving – consider this for the hardest working person you know.

Gold Vases

These vases are so beautiful and so cheap! Get the appearance of giving something pricier with this vase and fill it with flowers for a perfect hostess gift or co-worker gift. Of course World Market has so many amazing gift ideas that I would start there in my search anyways.

Champagne Flutes

Aren’t these glasses unique!?  I love them and think that they would add a little spunk to any celebration. Give two with a bottle of champagne or give six alone to make this gift complete.

Waterman Pen

This is kind of an “old school” kind of gift that doctors have always given to each other and although initially it may seem crazy to spend a lot of money on these pens, they really are special.  You will have to try it to believe it, but if you have an older boss or I would even buy this for my Father In Law, then look into a classic gift like this.

Chocolate, Caramel Crunch Basket

I have received this basket in the past and was so grateful that it was something that my whole family could enjoy! These pretzels are fresh and delicious and we were able to use them all up by the end of the holiday season.  Its sizable enough to be impressive and yummy enough to not get wasted.

Gourmet Gift Basket

This basket has dozens of small packages stashed in it.  With a sampling of all kinds of treats, this gift basket is perfect for an office co worker than can keep these small packs at their desk.  It has an impressive size that says THANK YOU like nothing else can.  For chocolate lovers this is a slam dunk.

I hope you liked this list and I hope it was helpful in your holiday shopping – check out all of our gift guides on the blog to help simplify shopping this year.  Did I miss anything??

Your Chick,

Rina

**We use affiliate links and do make a small commission off of purchases that you make. We use that to help grow the blog. So when possible, please shop links directly from our post to support our work. Thank you!!**

Lifestyle, Review

My Top Ten Picks From Oprah’s Favorite Things

Ok, ok, I love Oprah’s picks each year.   This year is no different.  She has managed to pull together a list of items that immediately struck a chord with me for a different people in my life.  So here is what I will be shopping and (shhhh!) for whom. See all of our gift guides here.

 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Littbag Light Up Vanity

So I think I will be scooping this up for my Mom and Mother In Law.  It has long lasting LED lights IN THE BAG which makes seeing what is inside easier – its so genius I wish I had thought of it!

X5 Multi USB Port Car Charger

With all of our devices needing USB ports the two slots in my car just doesn’t cut it! Thank got this genius product has my back and can support up to 5 devices!!! This may be the best stocking stuffer ever!  This would also be an AWESOME gift for a teacher too, see all of our gift guides here!

Jotblock Watercolor Set

Doodling can be so therapeutic.  I have so many creative and artistic people in my family that for $25, this gift is a steal!  Drop this in your cart for the artsy one in your family (ahem Dad).

Faux Fur Mittens

Ok, the blogger in my could not resist these adorable mittens and with my upcoming trip to Chicago, I scooped these up for myself and Sonia and Shelly (of course)!

Techloom Sneakers

Does anyone else NOT UNTIE their laces every time they take off their sneakers.  I have been sliding my sneakers on and off for years, so these cuties by APL are right up my alley.  No laces, no fuss!  With so many color choices- how could you not scoop these up for the new year.

Arts and Craft Supply Library

I have two daughters ages 7 and 8 and currently all they care about are crafts and SLIME (BEST slime kit on the market is linked here – you’re welcome)! So for less than $40 I can give them hours of entertainment with a cute modern twist on a craft box.  Santa will be putting this under the tree FOR SURE!

Clarisonic

I bought a knock off one of these years ago and used it till it literally could not go on.  With skincare at the top of my mind lately a new face brush has been on my list for a while. Although this may be one of the more expensive items on this list, with something that I plan on using often and on my face, I think it may be worth the splurge.

Lasagna Trio

When I saw this I literally added it my cart instantly.  My lasagna can get so sloppy and slippery sometimes its embarrassing!  Chicago Metallic has solved this problem by breaking up the pan into three sections and I LOVE IT!

Apple Air Pods

If you have not made the switch to Apple Airpods yet you are missing out, Sonia and I use these all day, everyday! These have an incredible battery life and charge in the case they come in.  They are $150 at the Apple store and $144 here, so add these to your cart and be hands free for life!

My Leopard Print Dress Doubles Up As a Cardigan  | Necklaces are From This Store on Etsy

Floating Pearl Hoops

Last but not least are these beautiful earrings.  Hoops in general are a go-to chicks look and I looked around for a cheaper version of these earrings and failed! They fall flawlessly and look so elegant that they may actually be worth the price.

Well I hope you found this gift guide helpful.  Its not too early to start stashing stuff and crossing off names.  I love giving gifts all year round but the holidays are extra special!

Cheers,

Your Chick,

Rina

**We use affiliate links and do make a small commission off of purchases that you make. We use that to help grow the blog. So when possible, please shop links directly from our post to support our work. Thank you!!**

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food, Lifestyle

5 Reasons Why NOW is the Right Time For You To Buy An Instant Pot

I love to cook, and even more so after I had kids. I wanted to be the super mom that made fresh home cooked meals for her kids. Let’s be real though cooking is – messy and time consuming. The easy way out sometimes is to pull something out of the freezer. BUT buying an instant pot was life changing.

I bought the instant pot last summer only because it was on sale. I had no clue how to use it and frankly speaking it sat in the box for 4 months because its intimidating! I would look at it and say to myself, “that thing looks way too confusing, and I don’t have time to figure it out.”I was so wrong. It is the most convenient and efficient cooker I have EVER used.

Time

It has saved me so much time (like tons). Once the meal is in there and you have set the time – you can walk away. The meal then cooks and switches to keeping the food warm or turns off depending on what you have chosen. The instant pot cooks 70% faster than a slow cooker. If you’re Indian and are comparing it to our mom’s Indian pressure cookers: IT IS 100% safer (those things are crazy).

6 Quart Instant Pot (My Recommendation) | Instant Pot Cookbook | Accessories for Steaming

Nutrients

The instant pot cooks with high heat which comes in handy in thoroughly cooking your food. The temperature is between 239 degrees F to 244 degrees F, it kills toxins that slow cookers may miss. In addition, vegetables and other foods will maintain their nutrients by being cooked at higher temps.

Scent Free Cooking
I like to make Indian food, and Indian food aroma can spread throughout the house. My dear husband would walk into the home and be bombarded with the smell of onions and masala. I’ve switched a lot of my Indian meals to instant pot meals. Not only has it saved me time, but my house doesn’t smell like a restaurant anymore!
Neat and Clean

Using the instant pot reduces the amount time you will spend cleaning your kitchen. There is only one pot to clean in the Instant pot. No stove messes at all. The is a WIN WIN in my book. I dread kitchen clean ups.

Healthier Meals

Whatever your work schedule consists of I promise the instant pot is going to make your life easier. It’s so easy for everyone to use. With a little bit of planning, you can have your instant pot meal all ready for you the moment you walk in the door. So you can have “fast food” that is far more healthier. The Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Cookbook was a great buy for me to get started. I’ve been able to keep things ready and my husband will come home and just dump it in the instant pot and start the IP.

I initially had bought a 3qt instant pot but real quickly realized that the 6qt was way more handy dandy plus had more functions.. I did a lot of research and bought this one. It is the most efficient for me: Indian food, baby food, snacks, homemade yogurt, and even ghee!

Pro Tip #1: For larger beans like Rajma (Kidney Beans) or Chole (Garbanzo Beans) you will need to up the cook time to 90 minutes instead of the pre-set 30 minutes.  Smaller beans will cook just fine with the default setting.

Pro Tip #2: For those of you with young children like me, the Instant Pot Duo has a sterilize feature that can be used for baby bottles and breast pumps – such a convenient feature!

Pro Tip #3: Want to make Daal Makhani or Biriyani in your Instant Pot?? Follow us on Pinterest for Indian Instant Pot recipes!

Invest in one- you won’t regret it!

Your Chick,
Neema
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