DISCLAIMER: Some of the links included herein are affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of them, I may get a small commission. I promise you, now and forever, that I won’t choose deals based on whether there’s an affiliate option available.
Mind if I hit you with another poll? I’ve been toying with how to further develop Deal Secrets, to make it more comprehensive, consistent, and, hopefully, useful.
One idea: Instead of trying to pack everything into a single, lengthy issue (like this one), what about smaller, more focused issues, maybe 2-3 times per week?
So, for example:
Deal Day
Review Day
How-To Day
This would allow me to flesh out these areas a little more than I do now. And it would let you consume exactly what you want without other stuff getting in the way.
So here’s the question: Are you happy with the current everything-and-the-kitchen-sink format, or would you prefer a more segmented approach? (Nothing is going to change immediately; just putting out feelers.)
If you chose the third option, here’s your chance to weigh in:
Thanks for your input! Now back to your regularly scheduled programming…
🧹 CLEAN FLOORS ALL THE TIME: A robot uprising is probably inevitable (see: Battlestar Galactica), but until then I’m content — nay, overjoyed — to let them clean my floors. I’ve owned a robot vacuum/mop for years, and I’m never going back.
Ready to employ your own robo-maid? For a limited time, and while supplies last, Wayfair has the Roborock Q10 X5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop for $249.99 shipped. That’s the lowest price I’ve seen on this model and possibly the lowest on record. It’s currently $330 at Amazon, down from $500.
The Q10 X5+ is one of many, many Roborock cleaners (and tbh, their lineups get super-confusing). It features a self-emptying dustbin, so the vacuum part more or less takes care of itself. As for the mop, that requires a bit of manual intervention — but it still beats using an actual mop.
I haven’t tested this one, but I’ve used several other Roborock robots over the years and they’ve all been top-notch.
✈️ ALL ‘POINTS’ BULLETIN: If you’re a fan of using Google Flights to plan trips and award travel to cut your costs, check out the new Seats.aero Chrome extension. Right below each flight’s airfare, you’ll see the “points price” — and you just need to click it to see the available booking options. The tool is free and supports over 25 airline loyalty programs across all three major airline alliances. A true time-saver, it has earned a permanent home in my browser.
💰 TRACK WALMART PRICES: I’ve long championed (and used) Camelcamelcamel, a free tool that lets you check Amazon price histories and create deal alerts to notify you of price drops. Now there’s a Walmart version: Camelmart, a nearly identical tool. Just copy and paste a Walmart product’s URL into the search bar to see its price history and sign up for alerts. Alas, there’s no browser extension yet — but it’s coming. This is an insanely useful site for answering an important question about something you’re considering buying: Has the price ever been lower than it is right now?
🛍️ KEEP THE JUNK OUT OF AMAZON SEARCH RESULTS: Sick of all those made-up Amazon companies that are really just resellers? (Looking at you, “QINLIAF,” “SWOOC", and “ORGSTA.”) Knockoff is another new Chrome extension that filters out “pseudo-brand junk” from Amazon searches and hides sponsored listings. It also flags suspect brands and helps you zero in on U.S. sellers. I’ve been test-driving it the past couple weeks; it works well.
Mosquitoes love me the way mice love cheese. Consequently, a lot of outdoor activities turn miserable for me in short order.
Technology to the rescue! Heat It is a keychain-friendly insect-bite healer that plugs into your phone’s USB-C port. With a few taps of an app, it applies a burst of heat to the bite, and presto: no more itch.
It works. Like, really, really well. I just tested it again on a bite I got while walking around the damn block; in exchange for a few seconds of “Ow, that’s kind of hot,” it was like the bite was no longer there.
It’s normally priced at $30, but for a limited time, you can get the Heat It for $25.39. Not a huge savings, but that’s actually the second-lowest price of the past 12 months — and the all-time lowest was only about a buck less.
Worth noting: You can set the device for short, medium, or long bursts, depending on the size of the bite. There are also Child and Adult modes to use accordingly, plus a toggle for sensitive skin areas.
I absolutely love this thing; I’m embarrassed I let half the summer go by without mentioning it.
This is my annual Rickommendation (yep!) to try Kubb (pronounced “koob”), one of the all-time great backyard games. It’s part horseshoes, part bocce, and incredibly fun for all ages. All you do is lob wooden dowels and try to knock over wooden blocks. (Bonus: Unlike a lot of outdoor games, this one can be played on windy days.)
For the best experience, choose this top-rated Juegoal Kubb Game Set, which is on sale for $41.99. (Pro tip: There are sets priced a few bucks less, but steer clear of those with lighter pine wood, which might not last as long or play as “true.”)
What’s your favorite yard game? Bonus points if it’s a lesser-known one like this.
A few days ago, someone asked my daughter to ask me for a “Rick recommendation” for a soundbar. She said, “You mean a “Rickommendation”? 😲 How was that just sitting there all these years and I never thought of it?
So, yeah, this section, previously titled “Playlist,” now bears that name. Thanks, Sarah!
🍿 Catch Me If You Can (free to stream on Kanopy, Hoopla, Paramount+): This is Steven Spielberg’s most underrated movie, full stop. It’s also one of my all-time favorites, and a recent rewatch with some folks who hadn’t seen it in years reminded me why: It’s perfect in every way. The pacing, the storytelling, the humor, the music — it’s Spielberg firing on all cylinders, with no less than Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks doing the same.
If you’ve never seen it, or haven’t seen it since 2002, do yourself a huge favor. Rick’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📺 Dept. Q (Netflix): The name suggests X-Files, paranormal, etc., but this British drama is really just about a grouchy detective who assembles a small team of misfits to help solve a cold-case.
That case strains credulity, but the show is so well-acted and well-plotted, I couldn’t help but enjoy the ride. Matthew Goode (of Downton Abbey fame) oozes lovable-curmudgeon humor; his oddball assistants add to the fun. It’s definitely a bit grim and gruesome in places — this is a cop show, after all — but if you like a good crime thriller (and Scottish accents), it’s absolutely worth your time. Rick’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for reading Deal Secrets! Questions? Comments? Shoot me an e-mail. I’ll do my best to respond to all inquiries!
Want to show your support? Some options:
My “tip jar”: Buy me a coffee
My book: Everything I Need to Know, I Learned Playing Pickleball
My curated reading list at Bookshop.org, which donates to local bookstores with every purchase
My work-in-progress Amazon storefront, home to only those products I’ve tested and wholeheartedly recommend
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