Archive for the ‘Life’ Category

Better Than The Movies Movie List (FREE PRINTABLE DOWNLOAD)

Tuesday, March 5th, 2024

Download this Better Than the Movies movie list PDF Printable to watch the rom-com movies after you read the Lynn Painter book. We have included every quote!

Better Than The Movies Movie List (FREE PRINTABLE)

It is no secret that I am a sucker for a YA romance, and this year my daughter and I both discovered Lynn Painter and fell in love with the Better Than the Movies book. 

The novel pays homage to all your beloved rom-com movies, featuring delightful throwbacks and clever quotes at the beginning of the chapters. 

Most of the films were ones my daughter hadn’t seen or was unfamiliar with, and we spent our summer together going through the Better Than the Movies film recommendations.

And honestly, it might be one of my favorite memories that we have shared.

As we prepare for next year’s college adventures, I’m savoring these memories together, and I wanted to inspire your next mother-daughter movie night. 

I am sure Lynn Painter has no idea how much she has meant to our family, but I’m so thankful for every moment we have shared over her senior year.   

As she’s off to study UX Design, I begged her to do one last project for our website and make a movie checklist I could share with you so YOU can replicate this moment with your teenager. 

Better Than the Movies Book

Synopsis of Better Than the Movies Book

Better Than the Movies is an endearing teen rom-com that you won’t be able to put down.

Liz Buxbaum always considered her next-door neighbor, Wes Bennett, the least likely candidate for her romantic fantasies. 

He’s been a constant annoyance since they were kids, pulling pranks like putting a frog in her Barbie Dreamhouse and hiding a severed lawn gnome head in their neighborhood book exchange. 

But now, as Liz’s forever crush, Michael, returns to town and unexpectedly bonds with Wes, she needs his help to get noticed. 

Teaming up with Wes, they concoct a fake dating plan to make Liz stand out to Michael and secure a prom date. 

But, as their scheming unfolds, Liz finds herself surprisingly drawn to Wes, leading her to question her beliefs about love and the true meaning of a Happily Ever After.

Meet Lynn Painter

Lynn Painter is my favorite YA writer, and I’d love to introduce you to her writing for you or your teenager because her books have incredible crossover appeal for adult readers. 

Lynn Painter writes cute romance novels for both teenagers and grown-ups.

She wrote books like Better Than the Movies, Mr. Wrong Number, The Do-Over, Betting on You, and Nothing Like the Movies.

She also writes articles for the Omaha World-Herald newspaper.

Lynn lives in Nebraska with her husband and children and has an addiction to rom-com movies- which is quite evident in this book.

Is it Worth it To Read Better Than the Movies?

ABSOLUTELY! I’ve read almost all of Lynn Painter’s novels, and this is the best Lynn Painter book.

This novel is also the best book club book to try with your teen.

Thanks to how the novel incorporates music and film into each chapter, you can both indulge in pop culture references. 

More importantly, this novel explores mother-daughter relationships. 

Liz’s mother has passed away and was a screenwriter who happened to love romcom films. 

Liz gets her love for these movies from her mom, so she imagines any potential romance in light of her favorite romantic comedy movies. 

We love page-turners about motherhood and this fits the young adult book bill perfectly!

Better Than the Movies Quotes

As a reader, you will notice that each chapter starts with an iconic rom-com moment.

Since Liz is navigating senior year without her mom, there are some poignant scenes as she navigates significant senior milestones.

For example, prom dress shopping without her mom becomes a pivotal plot point.

If you are a stepmom, you will find that this relationship has also been tricky for Liz.

A strong relationship that blossoms between the two enhances this story a lot. 

There isn’t a better book to dive into with your teen daughter or son! 

Is Better Than the Movies Spicy?

This novel is recommended for grades 7-9 but will equally appeal to an adult reader.

Common Sense Media recommends this young adult novel for readers 14 years old and over.

For content warnings, readers can expect some swearing and occasional references to underage drinking, kissing, and sexual innuendos. 

Lynn Painter Young Adult Books

Lynn Painter writes both young adult and adult books, so we have separated those into two categories on our Lynn Painter books list to make finding books for your teen easier.

I will keep this updated with new releases as they are announced. 

Better Than the Movies Soundtrack

Download the Better Than the Movies Soundtrack

You’ll find a special treat at the end of the book with a curated soundtrack of all the songs lovingly referenced within the story. 

Lynn Painter has made the soundtrack available online and subtitled it “The Soundtrack of Wes and Liz.” 

Where Can I Read the Better Than the Movies Bonus Chapter?

Lynn Painter offers bonus chapters for readers. 

On Lynn Painter’s website, you can read Wes Bennett’s Vivid Dream, Wes POV- Party Scene Wes and Liz’s College Road Trip, & Wes Pov- Liz’s Proposal. Download those PDF bonus chapters here

Readers can also read Better Than the Prom (Better Than the Movies #1.5), a 30-page prequel short story, to immerse themselves further in their love story.

Where are the Better Than the Movies quotes?

I’ve included each quote and corresponding chapter under each film’s descriptions.

In some cases, films are highlighted in two chapters, and these have been noted below. 

Nothing Like the Movies- Better Than the Movies Sequel

Is There a Better Than the Movies Sequel?

Good news! There is a Better than the Movies series!

Lynn Painter has announced that there will be a Better Than the Movies sequel coming in October 2024.

Titled Nothing Like the Movies, readers are promised more adventures with Wes Bennett and Liz Buxbaum. 

Nothing Like the Movies will be on store shelves in October 2024. 

Be sure to visit my complete list of Lynn Painter books and where to read them. We have included her young adult and adult books with recommended age ratings. 

Books Like Better Than the Movies

We promise to make a more formal list later, but I recommend checking out Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum as a beautiful look-alike recommendation. 

Don’t miss my Julie Buxbaum interview about her inspiration for this young adult book and the parallels it shares with this book. 

As a person who loves Julie and Lynn- is it possible that the author created her character’s last name from the author? I am dying to know!

Outdoor Movie Night Ideas

If you click on any of these films, it will take you to Prime Video for streaming but don’t forget to check your DVD collection like we did for several of these films. 

You can also visit our guide to Outdoor Movie Night Ideas for your whole family which includes lots of movie snack options.

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION!

Better Than the Movies Movie List

Are you looking for the Better Than the Movies movie list from the book?

We have you covered with this list that you can browse online or print the free PDF checklist we designed for Lynn Painter fans!

This includes the movie ratings and where to stream the films.

If you love this checklist, please share this resource!

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

We can all agree that Lynn Painter has impeccable movie taste. 

And for fans of the book, Lynn Painter adds a final “movie moment” in the epilogue.

In response to this movie quote- “A girl will never forget the first boy she likes,” Liz Buxbaum adds her own personal quote- “But she’ll also never forget the first boy she hates.”

So grab some popcorn and screen these beautiful movies together to create some of your very own movie moments with your kid!

Better Than the Movies PDF Movie List

TELL ME: What movie is your favorite from this list? Did you love the Better Than The Movies book? Let us know what Lynn Painter books you enjoyed reading.

The Best Time Travel TV Shows and Movies

Tuesday, February 6th, 2024
The Best Time Travel TV Shows and Movies

Explore the past, future, and alternate dimensions with our top picks for the best time travel TV shows and movies. Stream these new tv series and films today!

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

What is it about time travel stories that gets me every time? 

Maybe it’s the idea of starting over or changing the past (and therefore the future). 

Or perhaps it’s the thought of seeing a completely different time with my own eyes (rather than trying to imagine while reading a history book or even watching a documentary). 

I don’t really know why I love time travel stories so much, but I do. 

I know several of you do too! And since we’ve been talking about some of the best time travel books so I thought I’d give you a list of time travel movies and TV series to check out!

Of course, we’ve all watched Back to the Future. 

Some of us have probably watched so many times we have most of it memorized. (Oh, just me?) 

And I suspect you’re probably familiar with About Time, Looper, 13 Going on 30, and possibly even Hot Tub Time Machine. 

So instead of revisiting those time travel classics like someone stuck in a time loop (which I consider to be time travel adjacent, though it isn’t quite the same as traveling forward or backward through time), here are 22 tv series and movies that might not be as familiar.

The Best Time Travel TV Shows and Movies

The Best Time Travel TV Shows and Movies

Obviously, this isn’t an exhaustive list of time travel series and movies. (I’d need a time machine to have enough hours to make that list!). Be sure to let us know what YOU would add to today's list!

P.S.- Be sure to scroll down for an additional list from Amy today under our Editor's Picks!

BEST NEW TIME TRAVEL MOVIES TO STREAM

These are Mary's picks for the best weekend escape with time travel.

THE BEST TIME TRAVEL TV SHOWS

EDITOR'S PICKS

These are some of the best new options for time travel tv and movies that Amy has gathered to expand this list for today.

TELL US: What should we add to the list? Is there anything you’ve enjoyed from our selections- we would love to hear it!

The Best Romantic Series TV Shows to Watch Now

Thursday, February 1st, 2024

These are 12 of our best romantic series tv show recommendations perfect for streaming now. These shows are perfect for the rom-com lover who crave a meet cute.

The Best Romantic Series TV Shows to Watch Now

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

Do you love reading romance novels but have trouble concentrating on books right now?

Do you lament the lack of true rom coms these days (you know, the big-budget ones with Julia Roberts or Meg Ryan)?

Did you finish watching Sweet Magnolias or Virgin River or Bridgerton—and now you’re looking for another romantic comedy to fill the void?

I’m here to help!

I have a show for every kind of romantic comedy fan. 

If you love romantic comedies and want a new TV series to watch to scratch that rom-com itch, I have a dozen shows for you. (However, if you haven’t watched Sweet Magnolias or Virgin River yet, pause. Do not pass go. Watch those shows first. They’re both streaming on Netflix, and you will thank me.)

On to the rom-com shows!

The Best Romantic TV Shows to Watch Now

12 TV Shows to Watch if You Like Romantic Comedies

 If you love time travel with a romantic series bend…

Timeless is an action-adventure about a team that travels through time to stop the bad guys from changing history.

But also?

It’s about a soldier and a professor on that team who seem like they might not get along, BUT THEN THEY DO.

Of course, you’ll see that coming from the first episode, but the story (like the history and the science in this show) isn’t relatively so straightforward.

It is, however, lovely—and is wrapped up with the prettiest bow at the end of its two seasons.

Watch on Hulu.

If you love a family drama romantic series…

Jane the Virgin is a show about a young woman who’s accidentally artificially inseminated.

That plot might hint at the show’s (and character’s) love of telenovelas and all their messy drama.

And this show is twisty and silly and way over the top with the drama!

But also?

What none of that tells you is how incredibly sweet and moving it is.

The characters in JTV grow and change and make you fall in love every single week.

Watch on Netflix.

Chesapeake Shores is a Hallmark Channel family drama full of old flames and new loves, and plenty of family issues.

It’s like Parenthood, or This is Us, but less stressful.

Watch on Hallmark Movies Now.

The Baker & the Beauty is an adorable show perfect for anyone looking for a quick binge or anyone who loves the famous person who falls in love with an average person trope.

An international superstar meets a baker from Miami, and sparks fly.

Her friends and his family disapprove, but they’re forced to deal with everything that comes with a star-and-civilian romance anyway.

The supporting characters are just as lovely and loveable as the main two characters, and you can’t help rooting for every single one of them (even when they’re at odds with each other).

I still can’t believe this only aired for one season, but it’s still totally worth a watch.

Watch on Netflix.

If you love young love…

Never Have I Ever is about a teenage girl who wants to be popular and lose her virginity.

At least, that’s how it starts.

But this show from Mindy Kaling is so much more.

It’s about tricky family dynamics, and it’s about a first-generation Indian American girl trying to navigate her family’s culture with American culture and her interests and values.

And it’s about teenagers and falling in love and friendship.

It’s fun, funny, and moving. (And season 2 comes out this summer!)

Watch on Netflix.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series has too much punctuation. I know.

But despite the ridiculous name and silly-seeming premise (students at the school where the HSM movies were filmed put on the HSM musical), the show is darling!

Sure, it has plenty of meta, wink-wink-nod-nod references to the High School Musical franchise.

But it also has original characters and just…TRY not to fall in love with these kids!

I watched this with my kids, and we’re excited about the second season, too.

Watch on Disney+.

If you love romantic series shows about friend groups…

Four Weddings and a Funeral is a series (also created by Mindy Kaling; I have a type) inspired by the Hugh Grant movie.

It is not a remake or a reboot, so don’t go in expecting that!

It’s about a group of college friends, some of whom have had or will have romantic relationships with each other.

It’s romantic and funny and, at times, heartbreaking.

I loved it, and I think you might too.

Watch on Hulu.

New Girl is one of my all-time favorites, which you might have picked up on (since I’ve written about this show before).

But it fits here too!

If you love seeing friendships develop and grow and fracture and heal, this is for you.

If you love outrageous hijinks and hilarious inside jokes, this is for you.

If you love shipping characters you know are meant for each other or watching two unlikely lovers connect, this is for you.

Watch on Netflix.

If you love small towns…

Hart of Dixie is a funny, emotional show about a New York surgical resident forced to work in a one-doctor practice in small-town Alabama.

It’s about a love triangle—no, wait!

It’s about several love triangles!

It’s about falling in love with characters you thought you hated.

It’s Doc Hollywood as a TV series or the Gilmore Girls in the South. (It’s also about a Black man being mayor of a small town in the South, yet nobody ever mentions race. So head’s up on that.)

Watch on Prime.

If you love magic…

The Good Witch is another show from the Hallmark Channel, and it’s about a widow who moves to a small town to raise her daughter.

Is she a witch?

Or…not?

The town doesn’t know for sure, but the (handsome) local doctor doesn’t believe it.

And yet, he’s drawn to her anyway.

Of course!

Watch on Netflix.

If you love musicals…

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist is one of my very favorite shows, and for so many reasons!

It’s about a young woman who undergoes a medical test and suddenly can hear people’s emotions as if they are singing them.

It’s incredible.

The singing!

The dance numbers!

And don’t forget the friendships and family dynamics that are real and hard and lovely.

But for our purposes here today, I assure you: Zoey finds herself in a love triangle, and you will be hard-pressed to decide which guy to root for!

Rent season one on Prime; watch season two on Hulu.

The soundtrack is exciting.

It doesn’t feature singing performances like Zoey’s does.

Instead, it has the characters lip-sync and dance to songs that kinda-sorta move the story forward.

That story is about how the lives of seemingly unconnected people in Los Angeles intersect over the years.

I loved the story, and some of those connections are undoubtedly romantic!

Watch on Netflix.

What’s your favorite romantic comedy on TV?

25 Funny Valentine’s Cards That Made Us LOL

Thursday, January 11th, 2024
25 Funny Valentines Cards That Made Us LOL

These funny Valentine’s Day cards offer 25 Etsy designs that are perfect to celebrate. These 2024 pop culture moments and memes include easy captions for gifts.

Although it may seem a little early to start talking about Valentine’s Day, we have learned the hard way that sometimes shipping cards takes a bit of time. 

Every card we have ever ordered from an Etsy shop owner has been worth the wait, though! These custom cards are laugh-out-loud funny and often refer to memes and pop culture moments worth their weight in gold. 

Today we wanted to show off 25 Valentine’s Day cards that are the perfect way to say I love you to all the important people in your life.

Can I also say how important it is to support Etsy makers? I hope you’ll feel inspired to order a card or two and support a small business.

Funny Valentine's Cards

Are you looking for a funny card for Valentine’s Day? Check out this gathering of 25 Etsy cards, perfect for this year's festivities. I have even supplied card captions for this year to make it easier!

This post contains affiliate links from RewardStyle. Thank you for supporting our website through your purchases.

The Best Tools for Cozy Reading With Chronic Pain

Thursday, November 9th, 2023
The Best Tools for Cozy Reading With Chronic Pain

This cozy reading guide offers surprising tips for the best reading chair, book light, and pillows for reading in bed. Get ready for the winter reading season!

In this week’s Book Gang podcast, Osteopath Alexandra Orfanides shared surprising tips for creating a cozy winter reading space despite chronic pain challenges. She does this as a practice, runs the Hypermobility HQ on the TikTok account, and hosts the Help! I’m Hypermobile Podcast.  

We encourage you to listen to hear more details on what we are getting wrong about reading posture, her towel hack for full-body support, and other tips for chronic pain management.

Listen to the full episode (the show notes are located here) below and subscribe to the Book Gang podcast for more episodes like this one.

Get ready for a bonus treat! I’ve made a Cozy Reading Guide with the best tips and essential items from today’s talk with Alex.

If you love this guide, you can support my work through a one-time donation on Buy Me a Coffee or join our Patreon community for book fun all year long. The financial support helps us keep the lights on in our online space.

More than anything, we hope this improves your reading life this year!

The Best Tools for Cozy Reading With Chronic Pain

The Best Tools for Cozy Reading With Chronic Pain

Discover helpful tips to make your reading experience enjoyable, even on challenging days with chronic pain.

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

COMFORTABLE READING CHAIR

Sink into the most comfortable reading chair with these unique ideas and ways to build the best cozy reading experience at home.

TOOLS FOR READING

From book lights to ADHD timers, these reading tools can ensure your body is always cozy when reading.

BOOK HOLDERS FOR READING

Find the ideal book holder for reading. Discover a range of ergonomic and adjustable options for a comfortable reading experience.

READING IN BED

Discover tips for cozy essentials for reading in bed. From the soft glow of reading lights to the comfiest pillows- this list has you covered.

JOINT SUPPORT

Explore tips and products designed to alleviate strain, making your reading experience more comfortable with hand pain.

What’s your go-to gadget for reading with chronic pain? Share your favorite tools and devices that make your reading experience more comfortable.

100 Unique Stocking Stuffers for Everyone On Your List

Tuesday, November 7th, 2023

This INCREDIBLE list of 100 stocking stuffers offer the perfect gift ideas for everyone on your list. We have included men, women, teens, tweens, and toddlers!

100 Unique Stuffing Stuffers for Everyone on Your List

Are you looking for the perfect small gift to tuck in your family member’s stocking? Today I’m sharing my Christmas stocking stuffers that everyone will love.

My family never did stockings, when I was growing up, and I was always so enchanted by the tradition at my boyfriend’s (now husband) house.

Each stocking was uniquely made and cut from felt with adorable details on each one. I loved watching them open their stocking and the fun things that their parents came up with to give to them.

In their house, they had scratch-off lottery tickets, car wash gift certificates, toll road gift cards, and their favorite candy.

As with ALL my holiday gift guides I want to give you a list of useful gifts to share with a loved one on Christmas morning.

100 Unique Stocking Stuffers For Everyone On Your List

We want to acknowledge that 2023 is expensive, and we have done our best to include families in ALL budgets for this year’s list.

If you are on a budget, I recommend that you sign up with Rakuten to do your shopping. We’re sharing some instructions below for ways to apply this to bigger ticket items in our list. This app gives you cash back on all your qualifying purchases.

If you want to read more about this shopping app, head here for an in-depth review of what Rakuten offers.

If you just want $40 and plan to get shopping, this should automatically deposit $40 in your account for your purchases (sorry- new customers only!).

And while the new stuff is fun, remember that experiences can also be an excellent stocking surprise that will only take up a little room in your home.

We have ideas for saving on theatre tickets and a fun Choose Your Own Adventure travel experience you can gift for the holidays.

However you shop, sharing this resource is a big help to our family!

You are supporting a woman-owned small business, and I’m SO GRATEFUL. Thank you for trusting me with this process for TWENTY YEARS.

100 Unique Stocking Stuffers for Everyone On Your List

The Best Stocking Stuffers

We have 100 ideas for the best stocking stuffers for men, women, kids, teens, and toddlers in this 2023 gift guide!

This year's list is divided into categories for easy shopping.

THE BEST STOCKING STUFFERS FOR MEN

Looking for the best stocking stuffers for the guy in your life? This list has you covered with lots of incredible budget-friendly options.

THE BEST STOCKING STUFFERS FOR WOMEN

The best stocking stuffers I recommend for the women in your life. These are some of my tried-and-true favorites that have been a hit with readers, too.

THE BEST STOCKING STUFFERS FOR TEEN GIRLS

You don't need to be a teen girl to love these stocking stuffer options, but Google likes us to have gender specific category titles for our gift guides. Why? We don't know!

THE BEST STOCKING STUFFERS FOR TEEN BOYS

You don't need to be a teen boy to love these stocking stuffer ideas, but Google likes us to have gender specific category titles for our gift guides. Why? We don't know!

BEST STOCKING STUFFERS FOR KIDS

The best stocking stuffer ideas for kids can be found in this fun gift list for the holidays.

THE BEST STOCKING STUFFERS FOR TODDLERS

Looking for the best stocking stuffer ideas for your favorite toddler? We have you covered in this fun list with age recommendations on these gift ideas.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This post contains affiliate links from RewardStyle. Thank you for supporting our website through your purchases.
100 Unique Stocking Stuffers for Everyone On Your List

Advent Calendar for Teens That They Will Love

Monday, November 6th, 2023

An advent calendar for teens and tweens can make the holidays special. Shop this curated guide for fun ways to countdown to Christmas this year.

Advent Calendar for Teens They Will Love

One of my favorite gifts to give my teen is their advent calendar as a Christmas gift each year. This year, we wanted to offer this year’s best calendar ideas for your kiddos in this age category, as well as those college-age kiddos that deserve a fun way to celebrate the season.

We have you covered with a few of our favorite ways to countdown Christmas in 2023. 

To keep it economical, be sure to read our suggestions for ways to reuse keepsake boxes or diy advent calendars for the season with our smart ideas for saving.

DON’T FORGET TO ACTIVATE YOUR RAKUTEN WHEN SHOPPING. HERE IS $40 back on your first purchase.

If you aren’t familiar with the program, this is my beginner’s tutorial on how to use Rakuten (and some sneaky ways I get cashback on stuff we buy all the time).

Let’s celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with these fun ideas for the season.

Advent Calendar for Teens

Discover the perfect teen advent calendar for a memorable holiday countdown with these fun suggestions curated by the MomAdvice team.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

HOLIDAY ADVENT CALENDAR GAMES AND BUILDS

These advent calendar games and puzzles can be done independently or as a family experience.

ART ADVENT CALENDARS

These arts and crafts advent calendars are perfect for the budding artist in your life.

ADVENT CALENDARS FOR TEEN BOYS

You don't need to be a teen boy to love these ideas, but Google likes us to have gender specific category titles for our gift guides. Why? We don't know!

FOOD ADVENT CALENDARS

Unwrap a tasty surprise every day with this list of food advent calendars. From chocolates to gourmet treats, find the perfect December bite for the season.

ADVENT CALENDARS FOR TEEN GIRLS

You don't need to be a teen girl to love these ideas, but Google likes us to have gender specific category titles for our gift guides. Why? We don't know!

POCKET ADVENT CALENDAR & OTHER DIY ADVENT CALENDAR EXPERIENCES

These personalized calendars allow you to personalize it to your teen's interests.

Fill the pocket calendar with handwritten notes, a crafty calendar with homemade treats. These DIY advent calendars offer a unique way to make the holiday season more meaningful.

PET ADVENT CALENDAR

Have a teen that's crazy about their furry friends? A pet advent experience can be a lot of fun for teens to open!

Love this guide? Don’t miss these other holiday gift guides:

Best Gifts for Minimalists

The Best Gifts for Kids Who Have Everything

Retirement Gifts for Men They Will Love and Use

Unique Gifts for the Man Who Has Everything

Advent Calendars for Teens They Will Love

How a Kindle Page Turner Remote Improved My Reading Life

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

This remote control Kindle Page Turner is perfect for reading with hand pain. Learn how to use this gadget with your Kindle Paperwhite or the Kindle app.

How a Kindle Page Turner Remote Improved My Reading Life

I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve dedicated a post to a single product, but the Kindle Page Turner is the kind of gadget that deserves its own post. 

How a Kindle Page Turner Improved My Reading Life

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hand Pain

This is your reminder that Instagram is an optical illusion- this is my Glamour shot with a chronic illness. This is not for sympathy, but it was important to offer a real user perspective for today’s post.

Longtime readers know I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which affects my joints and causes chronic pain. An ongoing problem that has increasingly become harder to navigate is the joint pain in my fingers. 

I can no longer hold a book comfortably, so I’ve been troubleshooting my reading life with various gadgets to make reading easier.  

reading tools for hand pain

Many readers have asked that I share all of the tried-and-true items that have helped my reading life (scroll down for a full list).

As someone who would refer to herself as a “professional reader,” I have to read for longer periods of time than an average reader.

In addition to today’s post, I am hosting a Book Gang podcast on Literary Wellness with Chronic Pain with Alexandra Orfanide, Creator of The Hypermobility Helpline Podcast & Osteopath on November 10th to discover new ways to manage reading with chronic pain. I will update this list with her suggestions after we record.

For now, the Kindle Page Turner is new to my arsenal of tools but has singlehandedly made even my worst joint days manageable with reading.

This tool allows me to change the placement of my fingers on this remote based on which joint is experiencing the least amount of pain.

I wanted to explain how this gadget works for you today! 

Kindle Page Turner Remote

What is a Kindle Page Turner?

This remote control allows you to turn pages without touching the screen, making it a convenient option for those who require a hands-free approach to reading. 

The demonstration for this Booktok reading sensation is that it is usually paired with a reader cozied under a blanket, clicking the remote while lying in bed.

What I Love About the Kindle Remote:

This ergonomic remote stays charged with a USB charging cord, which lasts for a week on a single charge. 

The remote itself does not require charging, but the sensor that is clipped to your gadget is charged with the cord.

What impresses me the most about this tool is that the remote is unbelievably light, so light, in fact, that I’ve been known to walk around my house all evening with the remote still attached to my wrist.

As someone with wrist issues, this element alone made this gadget a winner. 

Kindle Remote

The biggest win for hand pain sufferers or people with carpal tunnel is using this in either hand and selecting which finger needs to do the page turning for that day. 

I will switch from the thumb to my trigger finger or other digits when I’m having a difficult day.

Page-turning is quick and pushing the large button doesn’t take too much finger strength.

Kindle Page Turner

What I DON’T Love About This Kindle Remote:

This device is imperfect in its design construction, and I want to share my minor grievances with it.

If you have hand pain, getting the wristlet threaded for the first time will require assistance.

The holder must be threaded through with a pin and requires a steady hand to achieve.

As someone who lacks fine motor skills, assembling it took me a long time. It surprises me that this element does not come pre-assembled for users.

The page-turner remote only moves forward, not backward, so you must swipe if you need to manually reverse direction.

The biggest hurdle is that the device placement takes a little getting used to. It can hide a word of text, typically wherever you place it. 

Lori, a reader here, also submitted this tip as a workaround! If you adjust the margins of your Kindle page, you can reduce the words covered by the clip!  

Click the font menu (Aa) then layout and adjust the margin options there. This is her screen that shows what that new layout will look like, but will require more clicking with a remote if you go this route.

Kindle Page Turner

Quick Tips for this Kindle Page Turner Remote:

Keep in mind, if you have a case with a large lip, you may need to pop it off to use this ebook remote.

I use a slim origami Kindle case, so I haven’t encountered that issue with my current setup. 

It would be best to position this lower than where you would tap to access your Kindle menu. If you set this too high, it will go back to your Library, and you must confront how many books you have bought and still need to read.

Once you find the optimal placement, you are off to the races.

Kindle Remote Page Turner

How to Use a Kindle Remote Page Turner

Let’s walk through the process of pairing your Kindle Page Turner Remote for the first time.

Be sure to scroll down for more fun reading gadgets!

Step 1: Check Compatibility Before Purchasing a Kindle Page Turner

Before purchasing a Page Turner Remote, ensure it is compatible with your reading device.

While I use this, specifically for my Kindle Paperwhite, the remote control can also be used on an iPad, Android tablet, or Barnes and Noble Nook. 

If you use the Scribd app, Libby app, or Kindle app for reading with your wireless device, this device should be compatible once you have opened up your book for reading. 

Step 2: Pair the Remote with Your Kindle

Enable Bluetooth: On your Kindle device, go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth & Wireless.” Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

Pairing the Kindle Page Turner

Put the Remote in Pairing Mode: Follow the instructions provided with your Kindle Page Turner Remote to put it in pairing mode. Typically, this involves holding down a button until a light indicator blinks.

Discover Devices: On your Kindle, tap “Pair a New Device.” Your Kindle will start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.

Select the Remote: When your Kindle discovers the remote, select it from the list of available devices to pair them.

Confirm Pairing: If prompted, confirm the pairing on both your Kindle and the remote.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kindle page-turning remotes: 

Does the Kindle Have an Auto Page Turner? 

Kindle devices primarily rely on manual page turning, either by tapping/swiping the touchscreen or using physical buttons if equipped with them.

That is why a remote can be a helpful device for people with hand pain. 

Book Gang Podcast

Do You Have Any Page-Turners for My Page-Turning Remote?

I host the Book Gang podcast that celebrates debuts, under-the-radar books, and backlist selections!  We host an author or literary hero to help co-host our shows. 

Each episode features a page-turner book list. That’s a beautiful place to start! 

The Best Prime Reading Guide 10 Free Kindle Books

Do You Have Resources for Free Kindle Books?

I am the queen of free Kindle books and how to get them. Be sure to check The Best Prime Reading Guide with Ten Free Books you can borrow if you have Prime. 

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Kindle First Reads program that allows Prime members to access and purchase new books a month before they are officially released to the public! 

You can check this landing page for monthly Kindle First Reads recommendations.

If you don’t have Prime, the library or my The Best Daily Kindle Deals list is a wonderful spot for readers on a budget. 

Below I am sharing my favorite reading tools for hand pain. Sending love and comfort to any reader who faces these kinds of challenges!

Reading Tools for Hand Pain

The Best Reading Tools for Chronic Pain

You can read more comfortably beyond the Kindle Page Turner! These are the items that help me the most with reading and chronic pain. As a professional reader with hand pain, I rely upon these items daily.

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

TELL ME: What reading tools help you with chronic pain? If you have tried any of the devices mentioned, I’d love to hear your experience with them.

The Best Gifts for Kids Who Have Everything

Tuesday, September 19th, 2023

Are you searching for the best gifts for kids who have everything? This unique gift guide offers ideas for gifts for older kids, toddlers, and preschoolers.

The Best Gifts for the Kids Who Have Everything

Welcome to our updated 2023 gift guide for the kids who seem to have everything.  Cue the confetti! 

You’re in the right place for great gifts that I don’t think you’ll find anywhere else. 

Our comprehensive gift guide has compiled a curated selection of unique and fun gift ideas for kids of all ages that are perfect for birthday gifts, special occasions, or just because. 

Whether you have teens, tweens, toddlers, or preschoolers, we’ve covered you with many exciting gift options.

So dive in and discover some of our favorite gifts for your kiddos that we also believe are fun for the whole family. 

The Best Gifts for the Kids Who Have Everything

Activate Your Rakuten App First

Just as a reminder, if you are on a budget, I DO recommend that you sign up with Rakuten to do your shopping. This service will give you cash back on all your qualifying purchases.

If you want to read more about this shopping app, head here for an in-depth review of what Rakuten offers.

If you want $40 and plan to get shopping, this should automatically deposit $40 in your account for purchases(sorry- new customers only!).

Here are my suggestions for this year!

Gifts For Kids Who Have Everything

GIFTS FOR KIDS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING UNDER $25

Browse these unique gift ideas for kids under $25.

GIFTS FOR KIDS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING UNDER $50

Browse these kid gifts under $50!

GIFTS FOR KIDS UNDER $100

Browse these kid gifts under $100.

GIFT IDEAS FOR TEENS & TWEENS UNDER $25

Browse these unique gifts for teens and tweens under $25

GIFT IDEAS FOR TEENS & TWEENS UNDER $50

50

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Don't miss these other great gift guides!

Unique Gift Ideas for Kids from MomAdvice.com
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The Capsule Wardrobe 2023 Guide You Need Now

Thursday, September 7th, 2023

Building a capsule wardrobe couldn’t be easier with these easy mix and match outfit ideas. Dressed up or dressed down, your capsule wardrobe 2023 guide is here.

The Capsule Wardrobe 2023 Guide You Need Now

Longtime readers know that I’ve embraced a capsule wardrobe for many years.  After many years of buying impulsively, chasing every trend, and spending money on outfits for one-time occasions- I wanted to do better. 

Fall Outfit Ideas

Here is a picture from my capsule wardrobe way back in 2015.

This switch marked a significant shift in my shopping habits, prompting me to think more consciously about what I buy and why I need it.

The results have been remarkable, leading to smoother mornings and a profound pride in everything I wear. 

I’m an advocate for capsule wardrobes because when you have less clutter in your closet, you can do more with what you have. 

Many people begin their capsule experience with a monochromatic approach and gradually explore color after mastering the art of coordination.

Today’s post offers guidance on how to choose those base pieces so you can build your wardrobe out from there.

If you want to embrace the capsule wardrobe trend in 2023, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a capsule wardrobe, how to build one, and my favorite finds for the upcoming year.

The Capsule Wardrobe 2023 Guide You Need Now

casual fall outfit ideas

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of essential clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits. 

The goal is to have a compact yet versatile wardrobe that suits your personal style and lifestyle. By carefully selecting classic pieces that complement each other, you can simplify your daily clothing decisions and save money over the years.

A well-planned capsule wardrobe saves you time and money and contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to fashion.

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

Building a capsule wardrobe may seem daunting at first, but it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience with the right approach. Here are the key steps to get you started:

thredup cleanout kit

1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe

Before you start purging your closet or making new purchases, closely examine your current wardrobe. Identify your favorite pieces, the items you wear most often, and those that have sentimental value.

These will serve as the foundation of your capsule wardrobe.

I recommend requesting a Clean Out Bag from thredUP and removing any accessories, shoes, clothing, or coats that you no longer wear.

Once the company processes your bag, they can issue a credit that you can use towards seasonal pieces that stand the test of time.

Casual Fall Outfit Ideas

2. Define Your Style and Needs

Consider your personal style preferences and daily lifestyle. Are you more inclined towards casual, classic, or trendy fashion? 

Do you need professional attire for work, or is your lifestyle more relaxed? Understanding your personal style and needs will help you make informed choices when selecting new pieces.

This collection of clothing is my Fall 2023 capsule wardrobe, but the capsule collection needs to fit your personality and lifestyle.

3. Create a Color Palette

Choose a color palette for your capsule wardrobe. 

Neutral colors like black, white, gray, and beige are popular choices, as they are easy to mix and match. 

However, I encourage you to incorporate a few accent colors that complement your style.

The final piece in this set offers textures and patterns to embrace for this season.

Casual Fall Outfit Ideas

4. Choose Versatile Pieces

Opt for versatile clothing items that can be paired with multiple outfits. 

Think about items like a well-fitted blazer, a classic white button-down shirt, a pair of dark denim jeans, and a little black dress. 

These versatile pieces form the core of your capsule wardrobe.

5. Stick to a Capsule Wardrobe Size

Decide on the number of items you want in your capsule wardrobe. While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule, a typical capsule wardrobe consists of 30-40 pieces, including tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear. 

If you are a beginner, I recommend Project 333 as a beautiful starting point. I used this as my personal style template for almost a DECADE! 

6. Set a Budget and Stick to It 

In 2023, sustainability remains a prominent theme in fashion. Consider investing in sustainable, eco-friendly clothing brands prioritizing ethical production practices and materials. 

I’m not a fan of fast fashion, so the items featured today are ones that I personally inspected and can attest are made well and  I believe have longevity.

The truth is, most of the items in my wardrobe are secondhand because high quality and eco-friendly items are typically out of my budget. 

If  I want splurge items like a trenchcoat, designer bag, or a well-made pair of trousers- I visit consignment shops or use thredUP. 

Wherever you shop, don’t forget to activate your Rakuten app when making purchases. You can get cashback rewards on many of the items featured today. If you haven’t used the app before, here is $30 towards today’s purchases.

Capsule Wardrobe 2023 Collection

These items are curated for easy fall shopping. I only recommend what I would buy. The items included were purchased by me or inspected for quality assuredness.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Casual Fall Outfit Ideas to Try

Casual Fall Outfit Ideas
Casual Fall Outfit Ideas
Casual Fall Outfit Ideas
Casual Fall Out
fit Ideas

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas
thanksgiving outfit ideas

I hope these capsule wardrobe ideas help as you plan your fall wardrobe.

TELL ME: Did you buy anything from today’s list? Let me know if you have any questions on these items!