Category: These Things Are Better Than Your Things

Some products are genuinely life-changing. Most aren’t. This is where we sort through the noise and tell you which ones are actually worth buying — and which ones are TikTok-famous for no reason.
How do you choose what to recommend?
I only write up products I’d buy myself, gift to my mom, or recommend to my daughter. If it’s overhyped junk, I’ll tell you. If it’s quietly amazing, I’ll shout about it.
Do you make money from these recommendations?
Yes — most product links are affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s how I keep this site running. That said, no brand has ever paid me to lie. Recommendations stay honest because that’s the whole point.
What’s the most “life-changing” product you’ve ever covered?
Honestly? The boring ones. The cleaning gadget nobody talks about. The kitchen tool that saved 20 minutes a day. The skincare bottle that didn’t break the bank. The flashy stuff is fun, but the boring stuff is what actually changes your life.

  • Taco Bell Announces Official Date When the Mexican Pizza Returns

    Taco Bell Announces Official Date When the Mexican Pizza Returns

    Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza is proof that when people band together (including a few outcries on social media), any food item can return even when it’s promised to be taken away for good.

    Courtesy of @dee_m_duenas

    This year, Taco Bell is welcoming back the Mexican Pizza with open arms and our mouths are wide open!

    Courtesy of @sincerelymiss

    So far we know that the Mexican Pizza will graciously make its return in a few months due to the outpouring of hearts that were not so silently broken; what we didn’t know was when that day would officially come, except now we do.

    The scrumptious layered pizza stuffed with refried beans and beef, topped with a melted three cheese blend, pizza sauce, and chopped tomatoes will finally be in the hands of Taco Bell enthusiasts once again; just make sure to lick the cheese off your fingers when you’re finished.

    Courtesy of @mmmm.food

    Thanks to Taco Bell, the return date of the Mexican Pizza is finally, no longer a mystery!

    Courtesy of @candyhunting

    When Is Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza Returning?

    According to the Bell, the historic return of the beloved meal will be added to menus once again on May 19, and you can even get it for free thanks to Taco Bell’s IOU for rewards members only who received a mystery reward on the app during the Big Game back when!

    Courtesy of @tacobelldesign

    Including a vegetarian version for those who choose to opt out of beef, if you’re craving more than just the Mexican Pizza you can now select a combo that features two Crunchy Tacos, a large fountain drink and of course, the Mexican Pizza for a suggested price of $8.99.

    Courtesy of @tacobellsommelier

    However, if you simply can’t wait for May 19, how does May 17 sound?

    That’s right, Taco Bell loyalty members can snag the pizza two days early; not to mention if you’re also a DashPass member, fans can enjoy $2 off one Mexican Pizza with a minimum subtotal of $12 with the promo code “MEXPIZZA” before checkout!

    Courtesy of @markie_devo

    For those who crave the Mexican Pizza without having to leave their couch, Taco Bell plans to release its pizza through DoorDash starting May 19 until the 26.

    After May 26, the Mexican Pizza will be made available on other delivery platforms beginning on May 27 of this year!

    Courtesy of @gustavoloera_tavo

    So while we wait for May’s flowers, Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza will soon be stocked once again when we all notice the tulips sprouting and the birds chirping.

    Expect drive thru-lines a mile long for the crispy pizza and remember, the early bird always gets the worm!

    Courtesy of @tacobell
  • Starbucks is Giving Away Free Reusable Cups. Here’s How to Get Yours.

    Starbucks is Giving Away Free Reusable Cups. Here’s How to Get Yours.

    Earth Day is this week (Friday) and in celebration, Starbucks is giving you a chance to get a free reusable cup!

    If you know anything about Starbucks reusable cups, you know they last forever and are perfect for all your hot/cold drinks.

    Plus, if you take your cup into Starbucks upon ordering, you’ll get a $0.10 discount on your order every time.

    With that being said, you can get a free reusable hot or cold cup from Starbucks. Here’s How.

    How to Get A Free Starbucks Reusable Cup

    In honor of earth day, we’ll give you a coupon for a free reusable cup when you use PayPal to load or make a purchase of at least $5. Start making a difference today.

    Starbucks

    So, all you need to do is, head into your Starbucks app and either reload money using PayPal or spend $5+ and pay using PayPal.

    You will then receive a coupon in your Starbucks rewards account you can use to get a free rescuable cup.

    Spend or reload $5+ now through 4/30/22 to this Starbucks® Rewards account using PayPal as the sole payment method and a coupon for (1) reusable cup valid through 5/7/22 will be loaded to this Starbucks® Rewards account. 

    Redeem for ​(1) Cold TO–GO–Cup — 24 fl oz or (1) Siren Logo Plastic Hot Cup — 16 oz only, at participating stores. Must redeem by 5/7/22. Product availability varies by store. Limited stock on hand.

    This is a super easy freebie and it helps the environment too!

  • Parents Need to See This Genius Hack For Removing Gum From Hair

    Parents Need to See This Genius Hack For Removing Gum From Hair

    Have you ever gotten gum stuck in your hair?

    It’s not fun and can be a tough situation to get out of, usually resulting in me cutting the hunk with the gunk right out.

    Sure, you could do the peanut butter or the ice cube method… but they take forever and the peanut butter hack can get quite messy.

    I came across a TikTok video and was completely blown away over how simple and well this hair hack worked.

    The TikTok video starts off with a user named Melissa saying “You wanna see a cool hair hack?” as she casually slides two sticks of gum in her mouth.

    mabrowsandhair – TikTok

    She chews up the gum in s sped-up section of the video, then she proceeds to remove the sticky chewing gum from her mouth and mash it into her own hair!

    Even though I trusted the process I still cringed when you just casually squished the gum in your hair

    Shelby Nicole – TikTok user comment

    As I watched her really mashing that gum into her hair I was cringing because I totally thought she was going to go for the peanut butter or ice cube trick.

    mabrowsandhair – TikTok

    I was so very very wrong, her trick was so simple and worked so well that I am still mind blown!

    Girl you CANNOT DO THAT WITHOUT WARNING. I think we all just had a heart attack

    Chelsea – TikTok user comment
    mabrowsandhair – TikTok

    She pulled out her hair mousse and squirted out a handful.

    Then she massaged the hair mousse into the hair and gum.

    mabrowsandhair – TikTok

    Once she had massaged it into the hair and gum, she took a comb and ran it through the hair a few times.

    mabrowsandhair – TikTok

    It’s like the hair mousse just disintegrated the gum and I’m still in shock.

    You can watch her full TikTok video here to see it happen like magic!

    mabrowsandhair – TikTok
  • You Can Grow Blue Himalayan Poppies That Are Edible

    You Can Grow Blue Himalayan Poppies That Are Edible

    I have to admit, when I first think of a Poppy Flower I immediately think of Opium…

    Well, there is a variety of Poppy flowers called the Himalayan Blue Poppy, and they do not create Opium, but they are totally edible!

    They’re a rare azure color and give your flower garden the “pop” of color you need!

    VikkiVines – Etsy

    The flower was first described by a French botanist back in 1814 while he was visiting Tibet, people actually thought it was a fable until 1922 when it was discovered again by a mountaineer.

    VikkiVines – Etsy

    The Poppy flower has a long history and has been used as a medicine, for cooking and baking, and even has spiritual uses.

    Great shipping. I have grown these before and consider them the most beautiful true blue flower I have seen. They are now in the fridge for their cold spell. Thank you so much!

    Etsy customer review

    The Blue Poppy is a rare color and is often used for decorating sweets and pastries.

    This flower is definitely one to add to your kitchen garden because it has so many uses and also it’s pretty!

    This perennial has 3 to 4-inch wide petals on long stems and thrives in richly composted, well-draining, acidic soil.

    You’ll be able to add the blue poppy flowers to your cooking, crafting, and decor!

    You can buy your own blue poppy flower seeds to grow in your garden from VikkiVines on Etsy!

  • Saturday is Free National Park Entrance Day

    Saturday is Free National Park Entrance Day

    It’s officially Easter weekend and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than enjoying the great outdoors to welcome Spring.

    If you and your family want to spend a day, like Saturday, getting some fresh air and disconnecting from life, say no more!

    Saturday is Free National Park Entrance Day and that means you can visit any of the national parks across the nation, for free!

    In fact, it’s actually National Park Week from April 16 – April 24, 2022 and that means, all week long you can visit your favorite national parks with events going on.

    National Park Service

    Celebrate National Park Week 2022 with us April 16 to 24! Parks across the country will host a variety of special programs, events, and digital experiences.

    Entrance fees are waived on April 16 to kick off National Park Week and encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks.

    You can read more about the Free National Park Entrance Day on the National Park Service Website Here.

  • You Can Get A Flying Saucer Hammock That’s Great for Camping Trips

    You Can Get A Flying Saucer Hammock That’s Great for Camping Trips

    Whether you choose to sleep in a blowup tent or glamp in an old fashioned RV while enjoying the great outdoors, there’s one thing other than bug spray that every camping enthusiast should bring on their solo or family vacation.

    Introducing the latest invention since the hammock chair, the swinging, flying saucer outdoor hammock!

    Courtesy of Walmart

    Once you get the past name, this outdoor hammock provides ultimate relaxation as soon as you’re done setting up camp.

    To sit in rather than on, you’ll notice the soft and inflatable cushion beneath your bum as soon as sit down.

    Made of oxford cloth that’s breathable during the dog days of summer, not to mention comfortable against your skin, everyone will be fighting for a turn in this hammock.

    Courtesy of Walmart

    With surrounding material that encloses all around you as you sit, the flying saucer, hammock-like chair is easy to hop in and out when it’s time to take that hike or cook burgers on the grill.

    Just don’t blame us if you find yourself catching a few z’s as soon as you get inside.

    Courtesy of Walmart

    With an inspired design of a flying UFO but with the comfort of a hammock and a cushion on the bottom for support, throw in a few pillows or maybe a blanket or two while you enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

    Courtesy of Walmart

    Similar to hammocks that are made to swing and harnessed between two trees, this outdoor camping must-have only needs one tree to secure it’s place.

    Courtesy of Walmart

    Hang from the trees or the backyard patio for a night of camping in the backyard, you can find the flying saucer, outdoor hammock online at Walmart!

    Courtesy of Walmart
  • This Shrub Is A Natural Mosquito Repellent That You Can Grow In Your Yard

    This Shrub Is A Natural Mosquito Repellent That You Can Grow In Your Yard

    The mosquitos are already starting to come out and draw blood, I’m not a fan… at all!

    We try to avoid using chemicals if we can, but the mosquitos here in Texas are no joke and sometimes I am dousing myself in chemical sprays to keep them at bay.

    I take as many steps as I can to repel them in natural ways too and we even use mosquito traps.

    There are also certain things you can plant in your yard to help keep the mosquitos away.

    Amazon

    The American Beautyberry is a shrub that is a natural mosquito repellent.

    Amazon

    You can normally find the American Beautyberry shrub in the southeast parts of North America.

    Amazon

    Not only is it a very beneficial and useful shrub, but it’s also pretty and bursting with purple color from the berries which are edible!

    Amazon

    Around June and July the shrub will bloom with gorgeous lavender flowers.

    Amazon

    After the blooms, then the purple berries will come.

    The shrub will attract butterflies and birds and even help fix your soil!

    Amazon

    The leaves are a natural mosquito repellent, and the berries are edible… chickens love them and so do the humans!

    To make a natural mosquito repellent you can mash up both the leaves and the berries to rub on the skin.

    Amazon

    There are are recipes for making homemade mosquito repellent salve and sprays as well.

    As for eating the berries, some people like to make jellies and teas from the berries.

    Amazon

    You can buy seeds to grow your own American Beautyberry Shrubs on Amazon!

    Amazon
  • Taco Bell Just Released Steak White Hot Ranch Fries and I Am On My Way

    Taco Bell Just Released Steak White Hot Ranch Fries and I Am On My Way

    If you were one of the lucky ones to try Taco Bell’s spicy spinoff of their infamous Nacho Fries, it looks like you and everyone else really liked the taste! 

    Courtesy of @tacobell

    With the approval of the people, Taco Bell eaters have spoken considering the fast food chain is finally saying ‘yes’ to the nationwide release of their newest Nacho Fries!

    Courtesy of Taco Bell

    Since Taco Bell likes to pay close attention to detail when it comes to the creativity of their meals, their latest creation piles high on the sides and kicks up the spice a few notches. 

    Courtesy of Taco Bell

    Nacho fries slathered in nacho cheese sauce and dumped with beef or steak on top, tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a coating of spicy ranch sauce to finish.

    Courtesy of Taco Bell

    Now this wrapped up meal will certainly test the level of heat you can take with your food. 

    Courtesy of @tacobell

    Keep in mind that if you thought Taco Bell was bluffing about their so-called spicy sauce, well we’re here to tell you that the creamy dip features a mixture of buttermilk ranch combined with ghost chili peppers that might just make you sweat slightly on your forehead.

    Is it getting hot in here?

    Courtesy of @tacobell

    Currently available nationwide, it’s up to you whether or not you want to try and see if you can take the heat; if you think you can, Taco Bell lets you wrap the spicy fries combo in a burrito, that’s if you need another starch to cool off your tongue of course.

    Courtesy of @tacobell

    Our recommendation?

    Order the large Baja Blast.

  • You Can Plant Mexican Torch Sunflowers That Have Bright Orange Petals

    You Can Plant Mexican Torch Sunflowers That Have Bright Orange Petals

    If you’re looking for a flower that grows well with your not-so green thumb, sunflowers are the plant you want to pot considering these types of flowers bloom with very little attention.

    Courtesy of @michi_nista

    Rather than the typical yellow sunflower, think orange!

    Enter: The Mexican Torch Sunflower.

    The sizzling orange sunflower with bright orange petals that might just outshine the sun, a genuine heat lover, and the attitude of a cat, this flower likes to be left alone at times.

    A plant made for the 9-5.

    Courtesy of @dark_moon_maiden

    In fact, it even tolerates infertile soil and drought alongside its low maintenance charm.

    Courtesy of @guxtavvo

    Decorated with a yellow to orangish colored middle, this type of sunflower is no stranger to bees and especially butterflies, all while sitting pretty in the backyard.

    Courtesy of ZellajakeFarmGarden

    With petals that can grow as long as 3 inches, expect this plant to tower over the others in height.

    Courtesy of @caitx0r

    Simply plant in the backyard or decorate alongside the driveway and watch the neighbors across the street glance in awe.

    Courtesy of @guxtavvo

    You can find the seeds for this striking, orange colored sunflower online thanks to Etsy shop owner @ZellajakeFarmGarden, for less than five dollars to plant this summer season; green thumb who?

    Courtesy of @tendrilsgreen
  • You Can Plant A Black Dragon Rose Bush And It Is Gorgeous

    You Can Plant A Black Dragon Rose Bush And It Is Gorgeous

    Spring has sprung and all of the flowers and trees are starting to grow and bloom!

    Roses are so beautiful and I had no idea how many different varieties of roses there were.

    Today I found out about the Black Dragon Rose and it’s absolutely stunning!

    You can plant a bush of Black Dragon Roses to grow in your yard.

    All that you need to do is buy the Black Dragon Rose seeds and you’ll have to germinate them first before you can plant them.

    Rose seeds need cold temperatures to start the germination process, you can accomplish this by germinating them in your refrigerators crisper drawer.

    Awesome I loved the detailed how to germinate directions

    Kelli – Etsy customer review

    Once planted the Black Dragon Rosebush will grow to be about 3 to 4 feet tall and about 3 feet wide.

    Just so you know, there aren’t actually blue or black roses, the blue is actually a shade of purple or violet and the black is actually a dark shade of maroon red.

    The Black Dragon Rosebush seeds do come with detailed growing instructions, so even if this is your first time, I’m sure you’ll do great!

    Very fast shipper !! Love the detail in the instructions to grow my roses!! Thanks so much!!

    Genia Lemoi Vega – Etsy customer review

    You can purchase your own Black Dragon Rosebush seeds from Petidsrus on Etsy!