Prime Purchases: April 2020–Pandemic Edition

Yes, I know it’s not Tuesday. I usually do my Prime Purchases post on the first Tuesday of each month, but… 1) I’m working from home now, and it’s taking a lot of time to figure out how to make that work. I know many of you out there can relate. 2) Amazon is operating differently right now in light of the current situation. They have prioritized delivery of household essentials right now, and I think that is great.

You will see from some of my orders below that I, too, have relied on them for providing some of the things we need around here, so we can stay home. I’m very appreciative of that! They still do deliver other items, but it will likely take a bit longer for you to get them, which I’m totally fine with.

I’ve always been a person who really appreciates the companies that deliver to my house and make my busy schedule more manageable. And now, during this pandemic crisis, I’m appreciating those places in a whole new way.

My Recent Prime Purchases

Green Mountain Dark Magic Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods, Dark Roast Coffee, 32 Count

I’ve always ordered my coffee from Amazon, because it’s just so easy. But can I tell you how thankful I am that Amazon has categorized coffee as an “essential item”, so they are still delivering it pretty quickly! This whole social distancing/isolation thing is hard, but can you imagine how much worse it would be without coffee? OMG. Thank you, Amazon.

We go through a lot of coffee around here, and on Amazon, you can buy K-cups in bulk. I have a few kinds that I buy on repeat, and the prices seem to flex quite a bit, so I just purchase whichever ones happen to be the best price at the time. I shoot for around 50 cents per K-cup, no matter which size package I’m buying.

Bulldog Mens Skincare & Grooming Original Skincare Trio Including: Facial Moisturizer, Face Wash & Shave Gel

My husband uses this Bull Dog Shave Gel. He usually buys it a Walgreens, but we are not running here and there to various stores to buy things right now. I looked it up to see if Target had it, and they did, for $10, but it required a $35 order to ship it.

Then I checked Amazon, and they had this entire set for $15. It included the moisturizer and face wash, which he hasn’t used before, but for an extra $5 for two more pieces, it seemed a better choice. Plus, Amazon is shipping these kinds of items relatively quickly still. I ordered it on Tuesday and it’s supposed to be here Saturday.

Jumbo Plastic Striped Smoothie Straws for Bubble Tea and Milkshake, Pack of 100

We make a lot of smoothies and protein shakes around here, and these fat straws work so much better than regular sized ones for thick drinks. Plus, every once in awhile we make Bubble Tea, which is what they are intended for. I last ordered this pack of 100 several months ago and we are almost out. They aren’t “essential” so the shipping date is not until April 28, which is fine. I think it’s great that Amazon is prioritizing stuff that people need right now. Things like this can wait.

Gel Nail Polish Top & Base Coats for UV LED Light & LED Gel Nail Polish – Rose Nude

You guys. There was a segment on The Today Show this morning where Carson Daly was trying to cut his own hair, and it made me laugh so hard! But at the same time, I can relate a bit. My hair will be okay without going to the salon, because I wear it long, but for the last several years, I have been getting my nails done about every three weeks. Right now, they are about two weeks overdue and looking bad. 🤪

I used to do my own nails, so I already own the UV light for gel polish, but all my polishes were dried out. I ordered these when I realized I wouldn’t be able to get back to the nail salon for quite some time. I’m about to embark on a journey of doing my own nails again. Wish me luck!

Finish Dishwasher Detergent Powerball Dishwashing Tablets- 94 count

This is another household item that we were almost out of that I’m glad Amazon still delivers pretty quickly. We usually buy this at Costco, but I tried Costco once about a week ago and there were so many people, that I nearly had a panic attack. Not doing that again anytime soon. Nope.

Spindrift Sparkling Water, Lemon, pack of 24

I stopped drinking soda years ago, but I do still miss the carbonation. Carbonated waters like La Croix and Spindrift hit the spot. Again, I usually buy this at Costco, but for now, I’m glad that I can still get them from Amazon, even if I do have to pay a bit more.

Some Fun Things to Consider

Around my house, we’re starting to settle into a bit of a routine. I’m working from home, and my husband is still going to work at the hospital. But once we’re both done working for the day, we’ve been trying to find things to do to take our minds off all that’s going on.

We’ve started to have a few nice days weather-wise, so it’s been good to get outside as much as possible. We’ve taken a lot of walks, gone on a picnic, and done a lot of yard work.

When texting my 22-year-old son the other day, I asked him what he was doing, and he replied “Playing lawn darts. By myself.” 🤪Funny, smart, and kinda sad all at the same time, right?

But, it did give me an idea. We have some yard games, and an old croquet set from when my kids were little that may be getting dusted off here soon, as this whole home quarantine thing drags on.

Below I have included some things that I have not personally purchased, but I think would be great options for keeping you and your families busy. Even though the official “stay home” orders may lift after a few more weeks, realistically, the virus isn’t going away for awhile, and that means this whole summer is going to be one of more time spent at home.

Even though the items listed below are not considered “essential” by Amazon, the delivery times are still pretty reasonable. Most of these items you can have at your door within a week.

Pop-A-Shot Official Dual Shot Sport Basketball

I was talking to a friend the other day, and she was saying how much she wished she had a basketball hoop in her driveway for her three young sons to play on, since parks are off limits right now. But, she didn’t want to try and go to a sporting goods store and get one, and get it all set up right now. It made me think of this Pop-A-Shot game that my kids had when they were younger. Amazon will deliver this to you, and it’s easy to assemble. If I had kids at home right now, I’d totally put this out in the garage, where I could send them out of the house for awhile to burn off some of their energy, safely! 😂

Bob Ross by the Numbers Minis

This Bob Ross painting kit made think of my advisory students at school and miss them even more, if that is possible. Earlier this year, for “Appreciate the Arts” week at school, one of the suggested activities was for us to watch a Bob Ross video on You-Tube. My students loved it so much, that they asked to watch another, and then another almost every day after! I mean, how lucky am I to have an advisory of 12 and 13-year-olds that totally appreciate Bob Ross painting?! 🤣

Paint by Number Kid for Adults/Kids with Brushes and Acrylic Pigment (Venice, 16×20)

This kit isn’t Bob Ross, but it’s beautiful and looks like it would be a very relaxing activity to relieve stress. Plus, it’s a great price for less than $20 bucks.

Inflatable Safe Dart Games Indoor Outdoor Games for Kids/Adults

When I was a kid, we had the old-fashioned yard darts that were basically dangerous metal spikes that we hurled around recklessly. 😣If you have any of those still hanging out in your garage, I would not recommend digging them out and giving them to your kids. There are lots of options on Amazon that are much safer now, thank goodness!

Champion Sports Scoop Ball Set

These Scoop Ball sets are also taking me back to my childhood. They are a fun and simple thing that will get the family outside and active.

Six Player Croquet Set with Carrying Bag

I’m seriously going to get this out of my garage when we have a warm day and convince my husband to play it with me. One of our first dates was mini-golf (where I won, btw 😉). Since mini-golf places won’t likely be open for the foreseeable future, this is a fun alternative you can play right in your own back yard.

Franklin Sports Volleyball Net and Ball Set

Another option we had in our backyard as a kid is a volleyball net. I had kind of forgotten about it until I saw one set up in a neighbor’s back yard on a walk recently. This is another great way to either send the kids outside to burn off energy, or for the whole family to have some competition!

You guys, so many of the entertainment options we are used to during the summer probably aren’t going to be available to us this summer. I’m already hearing about states and cities that have declared their beaches and swimming pools won’t be open this summer. Parks and playgrounds are closed for who knows how long. Farmers’ markets, amusement parks, movie theaters, sports venues? Nobody knows when they will open, or even when they do, will it be smart to go?

I think we’re all going to have to get creative with ideas for things to keep us busy, active, and in good spirits over the next weeks/months.

I’d love to hear what you’re “priming”? Are you using Amazon to help out with your “essentials”, or are you finding things to keep your families happy and entertained? Please share your ideas!

Wishing you peace and health,