7 things I swear by and wish I had bought sooner as a work from home mom (Amazing Amazon Finds)

At 44, I’ve realized something: life’s too short to struggle through chaos when Amazon can deliver a solution to your doorstep in 24 hours. As a work-from-home mom, I’ve tried to “make do” more times than I can count — balancing Zoom calls with snack requests, pretending my dining table was an office desk, and telling myself I didn’t really need that gadget everyone on TikTok swears by. Spoiler: I did.

Here’s the thing — the right little purchases can completely change your day-to-day. They save time, bring peace of mind, and honestly make me feel like I have my life a little more together (even when I don’t). These are the 7 things I finally caved in and bought — and now I swear by them. I only wish I had clicked “add to cart” years ago.

So here’s my mom-to-mom advice: save this list, throw a few of these into your Amazon cart, and thank me later when you’re sipping your coffee with both hands free.

p.s. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I am so grateful for your support.

💡 Pro-tip: Grab a FREE 30 Day trial of Amazon Prime to get unlimited free shipping to make shopping super easy – without even leaving home!

7 things I swear by and wish I had bought sooner:

white croc laptop cover

01 | white croc laptop case.

Working from home can sometimes feel… a little blah. You’re staring at the same laptop every single day, and honestly, it’s not exactly inspiring when your “office” is also your kitchen table.

Enter: the chic white croc laptop case. I swear, the moment I slipped this on my MacBook, my whole work-from-home vibe leveled up. Suddenly my desk looked less “mom chaos” and more “CEO energy.” It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it protects my laptop from the inevitable coffee spills and little fingerprints that come with mom life.

Here’s the truth: when your workspace feels elevated, you feel elevated. Every time I open my laptop, I get that little spark of joy — like I’m stepping into my own mini corner office. It’s such a small thing, but it completely changes the way I approach my day. Plus, it looks gorgeous in flat-lay photos (because yes, aesthetics matter).

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

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weekly agenda pages

02 | Weekly Agenda Page Refills for My Louis Vuitton GM Agenda

If you’re anything like me, life as a work-from-home mom can quickly turn into a blur of deadlines, dentist appointments, soccer practice, and that one return you keep forgetting to make. Without a system, everything lives in your head — and spoiler alert: that’s not sustainable (ask me how I know).

These weekly agenda page refills keep me sane. Seriously, I would lose my mind without them. I pop them right into my Louis Vuitton GM agenda, and suddenly I can see the big picture and the tiny details all at once. The layout gives me space for appointments, habits, priorities, and even those little “don’t forget” tasks that usually slip through the cracks.

Instead of running around feeling like I’m constantly two steps behind, I feel calm, focused, and in control of my week. Plus, there’s something so chic about opening up my agenda with fresh, clean pages — it feels like a reset button for my brain. And let’s be honest, writing things down with a pretty gold pen just makes planning way more fun.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

03 | Chia Seed Yogurt Meal Prep Containers

You know that 3 p.m. crash when you’re starving, your to-do list is still a mile long, and you realize you haven’t eaten anything but coffee and maybe your kid’s leftover toast? Yeah, not exactly the recipe for productivity or glowing skin.

These glass meal prep containers are my secret weapon. Every Sunday, I prep a batch of chia seed protein yogurt. I mix 2 tbsp of chia seeds in with almond milk, pop it into these jars, and they’re ready to grab whenever I need them. They’re the perfect size, they seal tight (no surprise leaks in the fridge), and they make my snacks look like something out of a wellness Pinterest board.

Instead of grabbing chips or running on fumes, I’ve got a protein-packed snack that keeps me full, focused, and feeling good. And here’s the best part: because they’re already portioned out, I don’t overthink it. Just grab, eat, and get back to my day. Honestly, these containers have saved me from a hundred “hangry mom” meltdowns.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

04 | An everyday fitted basic tee

Some mornings, the thought of putting together an outfit feels like a full-time job. You want to look polished, but you also need comfort (because let’s be real — there will be errands, kid pickups, and probably a spilled juice box involved).

Enter the humble yet powerful fitted tee. This one is soft, flattering, and hugs in all the right places without being restrictive. It’s the kind of tee you can throw on with jeans, tuck into trousers, or even layer under a blazer when you need to look like you’ve got your life together.

On the days when my brain just can’t handle “outfit math,” this tee is my go-to. It makes me feel chic, put-together, and — dare I say — a little French girl effortless. It’s proof that basics don’t have to be boring; in fact, they’re the ultimate luxury when they fit just right.

05 | Suction cup phone mount case

As much as I love creating content, finding the perfect spot to prop my phone is always a struggle. Balancing it on a stack of books, leaning it against a coffee mug, or worse — watching it slide mid-recording — is not the vibe.

This suction cup phone mount is the unsung hero of my content game. It sticks to mirrors, windows, cabinets — basically any smooth surface — and holds my phone steady while I film. Whether I’m recording a quick Instagram story, filming a workout, or just FaceTiming while cooking dinner, it makes hands-free content actually easy.

Now I can shoot content anywhere, anytime, without the production stress. No tripods, no complicated setups — just stick, film, and done. Honestly, it’s like having a mini content assistant in my pocket, and for a work-from-home mom trying to juggle it all, that feels priceless.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

06 | The Cat tower (aka The Royal Throne)

Working from home with a cat? Forget it. Mine would climb on my laptop, paw at my keyboard, and demand attention the second I tried to get anything done. He acted like my entire job was to serve him — and honestly, without a solution, he wasn’t wrong.

This cozy cat tower became his throne, and suddenly, he was satisfied. It’s soft, sturdy, and the perfect height so he can perch like the king he thinks he is while still keeping an eye on me. It’s like giving him an office of his own — one that doesn’t involve my laptop keyboard.

Now, instead of sabotaging my Zoom calls, he curls up happily in his little tower while I actually get things done. Peace for me, comfort for him. Honestly, buying this wasn’t just for my cat… it was for my sanity.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

07 | The infamous Tik Tok Hailey Beiber selfie light

Bad lighting is the fastest way to ruin a perfectly good selfie (or Zoom call). Natural light isn’t always available, and overhead lights? Let’s just say they don’t do anyone favors.

This is the viral TikTok selfie light — yes, the one Hailey Bieber made famous — and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. It clips right onto your phone, gives you that soft, flattering glow, and instantly makes your skin look like it had eight hours of sleep (even when it didn’t).

Whether I’m hopping on a last-minute Zoom, filming content, or just taking a quick photo with my son, this little light is my secret weapon. It’s compact, rechargeable, and takes me from “washed out” to “camera ready” in seconds. Honestly, I wish I had caved and bought it sooner — because good lighting isn’t just vanity, it’s confidence.

At the end of the day, it’s the little things that make a big difference in how we move through our daily routines. Whether it’s a chic laptop case that makes work feel more inspiring, a fitted tee that saves you on “nothing to wear” days, or even a cat tower that finally buys you some peace, these finds have honestly elevated my work-from-home mom life in the best way.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned at 44, it’s this: don’t wait forever to invest in the tools, clothes, or gadgets that make your life easier. They’re not “silly” purchases — they’re sanity savers, time savers, and little boosts of joy that we all deserve.

So go ahead, add a few of these to your cart and treat yourself. Your future self (the one sipping coffee with her laptop in a chic cover, kids occupied, cat happy, and light glowing) will thank you. ✨

And honestly, while I love all of these things I swear by, the biggest thing I wish I had discovered sooner isn’t a product at all — it’s a practice. When I finally committed to rewiring my mindset and aligning my mornings with success, everything shifted. That’s exactly why I created my Soul Aligned Success program — a 21-day morning reset where you’ll get a short video and exercise each day to help you release imposter syndrome, boost your confidence, and step into the version of you who doesn’t just wish for success… but actually lives it. [Learn more about Soul Aligned Success here →

Please feel free to email me at ashlina@thedecorista.com if you have any questions!  I’m always happy to help with decorating, life advice or even picking out a specific perfume!  Have an amazing day!!

Also, check out my Amazon shop HERE to shop all my favorite things, tips and tricks.

You can also download the free LIKETOKNOW.IT app and follow me HERE.

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As always, thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate all of you! xo, Ashlina

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Money Matters: How to Have a Money Date and Why It’s an Essential Wellness Practice {podcast ep.349}

Money touches every corner of our lives — yet so many of us avoid truly looking at it. We feel shame about debt, guilt about spending, or fear about not having enough. But what if tending to your finances could actually be a loving, gentle ritual — a wellness practice just like meditation, journaling, or yoga?

This is exactly what financial therapist Bari Tessler teaches with her idea of the money date. In this post, we’re going to break down exactly how to have one, and why building financial intimacy with yourself might be the most overlooked form of self-care you can practice.

And I even recorded a podcast episode for you all about the topic.

💔 Money Stress: The Silent Relationship Killer

Money isn’t just math — it’s deeply emotional. And when it’s neglected or avoided, it becomes a silent stressor that impacts our mental health, relationships, and even our physical well-being.

Consider this:

• Money is the #1 cause of relationship stress. According to Ramsey Solutions, money fights are the second leading cause of divorce, just behind infidelity.

• A study by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts found that 22% of divorces cite money issues as the primary cause.

• The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America survey consistently shows that money is a top source of stress for 72% of adults.

• Financial strain is strongly linked to depression and anxiety. Research published in the Journal of Family and Economic Issues found a clear correlation between financial stress and depressive symptoms.

In short: our relationship with money can deeply affect our quality of life — for better or for worse.

This isn’t just about budgeting your money, it’s about creating a brand new relationship with money and your wealth. Inside my course, Soul Aligned Wealth, I guide you to reprogramming your brain for a more positive & healthy relationship with finances. Every morning for 21 mornings, you will re-wire your brain & body to align with the type of relationship to wealth that you really want. Check it out here.

✨ What Is a Money Date?

A money date is exactly what it sounds like: a date with your money. Instead of avoiding your finances or facing them only when problems arise, you set aside dedicated time — ideally each month — to gently and lovingly check in.

During a money date, you might:

• Review your bank accounts

• Look at your spending without judgment

• Pay bills

• Adjust your budget

• Set goals for the coming month

• Celebrate any wins, no matter how small

It’s a chance to reconnect with where you are financially, where you want to go, and how to get there — with curiosity instead of criticism.

💆‍♀️ Why a Money Date Is Self-Care

Too often, we think of self-care as bubble baths and spa days. But true self-care includes caring for your future self.

A money date helps you:
✔️ Feel more in control and less overwhelmed
✔️ Reduce financial anxiety and avoidance
✔️ Communicate better with your partner about money
✔️ Make aligned choices with your values and goals
✔️ Cultivate a sense of peace, security, and empowerment

When you know where your money is going and have a plan, you free up mental and emotional energy for other areas of your life — relationships, health, creativity, and rest.

🗝️ How to Have Your Own Money Date

Ready to try it? Here’s how to make your first money date enjoyable, not intimidating:

1️⃣ Schedule It
Put it on your calendar like you would a coffee date with a friend. Choose a time you’re relaxed and unlikely to be interrupted.

2️⃣ Set the Mood
Light a candle, pour your favorite drink, play calming music. Make it feel safe and pleasant.

Or you can visit a local coffee shop, hotel restaurant, make it an actual date.

3️⃣ Reflect with Gratitude
Start by acknowledging what your money has provided for you recently — groceries, a roof over your head, maybe a treat for yourself, etc.

4️⃣ Check In, Gently
Open your accounts. Look at your spending, income, and bills. Be curious, not critical.

5️⃣ Make Adjustments
Update your budget if needed, pay upcoming bills, and plan for next month’s priorities.

6️⃣ Dream Ahead
Set one small, doable financial goal for the month — like saving $50, paying off a little debt, or cutting back on a subscription you don’t use.

7️⃣ Celebrate!
End on a positive note: do something relaxing or fun afterward to reward yourself for showing up.

@thedealtrader on X

❤️ A Love Note to Your Future Self

A money date is more than a budgeting session — it’s a commitment to care for your future self. It says: I love myself enough to be present with my finances today, so I can feel safe, empowered, and at peace tomorrow.

Try scheduling your first money date this week. You might be surprised how much lighter you feel afterward.

📌 Have you ever had a money date? Would you try one now? Share your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear how you’re bringing financial intimacy into your self-care routine.