Wake up and smell the savings! It’s a new day with new ways to save — if you know where to look. We’ve done the legwork and found the best deals worth shopping now. Today you can score a Saker Mini Chainsaw to clean up your yard for just $40 (was $80) and Apple Airpods for a low $80! (Either would make a stellar Father’s Day gift.) We’re also eyeing swoon-worthy picks such as Le Creuset cookware for a sweet $150 off and a pebbled leather Coach bag that’s $230 off. And don’t miss the $15 rain shower head upgrade and $25 Crocs. Keep scrolling and get your spring shopping on.

Amazon

Prune branches and cut wood like a pro with this compact, easy-to-handle electric chain saw, currently half off for Prime members. Shoppers say it’s a little beast that’s capable of ultra-smooth cuts. This No. 1 bestseller comes with a 20-volt rechargeable lithium battery for cord-free convenience.

Over 8,000 five-star fans are thrilled. “Excellent tool for small to medium tree and shrub trimming!” raved one. “The Saker Mini Chainsaw exceeded my expectations. … It carves through branches like a full-size chain saw. I was able to cut down branches in excess of 3 inches thick in seconds, saving hours of time in getting our yard ready for spring and summer. I bought the extra battery pack thinking I would need it, and I didn’t, as the battery life is very impressive. “

“Love this tool,” wrote another. “My arthritis makes it hard to use pruning shears or … manual shears for trimming trees. Thanks to this wonderful tool, I can now do it myself again! So powerful!”

$40 at Amazon

Coach Outlet

This beauty of a bag does double duty. With a few flicks of the thumb, it switches from a shoulder bag to a crossbody (two detachable straps included). And like a chic haircut, it can lean luxe or hip ‘n’ casual thanks to the rich, pebbled leather body and simple lines. The medium size is just right for daily use and can hold all your essentials (even an iPad 11 Pro).

One fan nearly bought a smaller purse when this “gorgeous” option caught their eye: “Spacious, dual straps, inside pockets and the gold hardware puts it over the top! 10/10 recommend!”

$199 at Coach Outlet

Amazon

Suck the gunk out of the air before you breathe it with this majorly marked-down, large-capacity purifier — now at the lowest price on record. The 1,076-square-foot capacity machine features double inlets (front and rear) to catch pollen, dust, dander, odors and more. There are four speeds and three timer settings.

One “very happy” shopper wrote: “My family and I live in Louisville, Kentucky, a city ranked as one of the worst to live in for allergy sufferers. We have ours set to automatically monitor the air and change fan speed when needed. … Most of the time we can’t hear it running, but if we burn something on the stove, open windows or do anything that puts contaminants in the air, the the fan will speed up and clean the air quickly.”

Save $90 with coupon

$70 at Amazon

Le Creuset

Le Creuset — the coveted French cookware brand known for durability, quality and incredible beauty — is offering a rare price break. It’s knocked a whopping $150 off its ever-popular round wide oven. This dynamo is similar to a Dutch oven, but wider and shallower and can braise, bake, roast, fry, steam and serve. That means you can prepare and present dishes such as fried fish, braised short ribs, roasted chicken with vegetables, Grandma’s famous chili and more in this gorgeous piece. The enameled cast iron pot is oven- and dishwasher-safe and suitable for all cooktops, even induction. There are still 16 wonderful colors on sale, including a new peach hue (pictured), but they are selling out fast.

One fan who uses it “almost every day” shared: “Have made bread, an entire chicken, all kinds of sauces, one-pot dishes veggie and meat dishes. I just love the size as it gives you space to brown the meat and soften the veggies. Have not had one bad cooking experience with it, even made perfect fries with it!”

$280 at Le Creuset

QVC

Want to get that sun-kissed glow without getting bitten? This two-pack of self-tanning body butter (that’s $100 less than it would be sold separately) promises to deliver with no orange surprises in three simple steps. Exfoliate first, apply lotion, wash hands. The coconut, eucalyptus and peppermint oils hydrate the skin as the tan activators get to work. Formulated for all skin tones, this lotion is buildable and can last up to a week.

One pleased user wrote, “I have porcelain skin and one use was a perfect base tan for me. I [exfoliated] prior to application and had no streaks. It has a nice smell and it did not transfer onto my sheets or PJs. It takes several hours to develop. This is much easier than the tanning foam and mitt.”

$40 at QVC

Amazon

Rare deal alert: second-generation Apple AirPods are down to just $80 — that’s on par with the lowest price ever! If you haven’t yet made the switch to wireless earbuds, here’s your chance to do it right for way less. Some 538,800 five-star fans swear by these buds for stellar sound, fit and durability, and they last up to five hours on a single charge. The charging case slips easily into your pocket so you can stay juiced up all day long. And if you ever have a question for Siri, she’s just one “Hey Siri” away. The AirPod Pros (also on sale) offer a few extra features, but many fans prefer this more affordable version.

This longtime fan tried more expensive models but ultimately returned to their best buds: “Great sound quality, lots of bass and bold sound. They fit nicely in my ears and don’t fall out. The price is reasonable too, half the price of AirPods Pro and PowerBeats Pro.”

“The best option for Apple users,” added another. “I’ve tried cheaper options, I’ve tried more expensive headsets. Nothing beats the convenience of using Apple AirPods with my Apple products. When I want to switch from device to device, boom … it happens. Every alternative gave me troubles. … These AirPods are also the most comfortable option I’ve tried. They are what my ears crave the most.”

$80 at Amazon

Walmart

PSA: We’ve spotted on-sale Crocs in the wild for a wild half off. The bestsellers are down to $25 (from $50). Fans rely on the waterproof, lightweight, easy-to-wear slip-ons for gardening, long work days, recovery and more.

“They are the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn,” raved one five-star reviewer. “I don’t get sore legs like I used to after walking.”

Added another: “There are little bumps on the insoles too, so it feels like my feet are getting a little massage every time I put them on. I also really like that I don’t have to worry about where I’m going or what I’m doing while wearing these, since they’re easily rinsed and cleaned.”

$25 at Walmart

Walmart

Spills, pet accidents and other mishaps are no biggie with a Bissell, but these handy gizmos can be pricey. Not today: $99. Fans praise the bestseller for its cleaning prowess on rugs, stairs, upholstery, car interiors and more. Plus it weighs under 10 pounds! One handheld stain removal tool and a pet stain remover is included.

“With two kids that constantly spill drinks, slime, yogurt, etc., and also pets in the home, I am beyond amazed at how good my couches look again!” shared one fan.

“Easy cleanup for pet accidents,” wrote another. “This machine is a lot easier to use rather than pulling out the big steamer vacuum cleaner. … This is simple: Pick up, add water and cleaner and do what you need to, and empty and put back in the closet.”

$99 at Walmart

Amazon

Upgrade your bathroom this spring without shelling out for a reno with this high-pressure rain shower head — just $14 for Prime members (that’s nearly 55% off). This top-seller with 16,200+ five-star ratings features 66 little nozzles to deliver high pressure without water waste. There are five modes to choose between, including mist, rain and massage.

“What an amazing difference!” wrote one five-star fan. “The pressure is fantastic and the install was super easy. It is also very easy to change settings while showering. No work was needed to the head prior to install — I installed it as is. (Takes five minutes.) It comes with everything you need to install it: Teflon pipe tap, wrench, extra filter screen and even two shower caps!”

Save $16 with Prime

$14 at Amazon

Amazon

Coffee snobs, listen up: Nespresso machines are finally on sale! Our editor’s pick — the VertuoPlus — is down to just $119 (was $170). This upscale pod-style machine finishes off each espresso and coffee with smooth crema. A starter set of rich Nespresso coffee capsules is included.

One self-described “coffee fanatic” said: “Starbucks line no more. This machine is a game changer! The coffee is so strong and rich, coffee shop-quality for sure.”

“Once you’ve tried a Nespresso, you’ll never go back,” agreed another convert. “I have had drip coffeemakers and Keurig, and both were okay (Keurig better), but once I tried coffee from a Nespresso, I did not enjoy any other! There is a nice foam on top even without the frother, and the coffee tastes perfect. The variety pack received with the machine is perfect to decide which are your favorites.”

$119 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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A parasite expert has warned Australian dog owners to be on the lookout for a potentially harmful infection that can impact the health of dogs and humans.

Recent warm and wet weather across the country poses an increased risk of exposure to Toxocara roundworms, according to University of Melbourne parasitologist Dr Vito Colella.

This parasitic roundworm can cause toxocariasis, a usually mild but chronic disease that results in a range of health issues.

Toxocara roundworms are found in the small intestines of dogs and cats, with the eggs from the female parasites passing through the animals and into the environment via faeces.

This is particularly problematic for dogs who often pass faeces in public places, such as parks, hence spreading the roundworms to other dogs as well as humans.

Both parties can become infected by eating the soil that has been contaminated with the eggs.

The eggs are microscopic, Colella said, so even a “minimal amount of fecal material that is heavily contaminated” is enough to cause an infection.

In dogs the infection is usually mild and symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, failure to gain weight and a swollen belly.

“The majority of dogs develop something … called pot-bellied syndrome,” Colella said.

“The belly, especially in puppies, is dilated, it’s particularly swollen.

“The Toxocara parasites … can take up the nutrients that should have gone to the animal.”

Intestinal obstruction can also sometimes occur, Colella said.

This can lead to perforation of the small intestine (a hole that develops in the wall of the organ), releasing the roundworms into the abdominal cavity.

Anaphylaxis can then occur, resulting in the death.

In humans, children are more commonly affected by the disease than adults simply due to the likelihood of them playing with, and picking up, soil.

“They could get infected from the environment where the dogs live, especially public parks or if they are in the garden, if the faeces are not picked up in a short time and disposed of properly,” Colella said.

A range of health issues can occur if a human becomes infected with Toxocara roundworms.

It can cause abnormal blood test results, enlargement of the liver, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pains, abdominal pain and rashes.

These symptoms occur because the worm larvae migrates through the body, causing tissue damage.

If the larvae migrate to the eye for example, permanent vision loss can occur.

It is extremely rare for toxocariasis to cause severe disease or death.

“There are cases in which the parasites cause brain and heart dysfunction that have led to death, but the mortality rate of this infection is very, very low,” Colella said.

The impact of warm and wet weather

This year’s winter in Australia is expected to be warmer than usual, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, posing ideal conditions for Toxocara parasites.

The parasite’s larval eggs will develop into the infectious stage during humid weather conditions, with the optimal temperature about 20C.

Anything below 10C or above 37C will stop the larval eggs from reaching this stage.

Wet weather also plays a part in spreading contaminated soil.

“If faeces are left outside in the park or in the garden for a couple of days, and then it rains, there will be a sort of wash effect on the faeces that means that the eggs then can travel,” Colella said.

Treatment

Both dogs and humans can be treated fairly easily for Toxocara roundworms through the use of different drugs.

Most humans recover without specific treatment.

Prevention

To protect both animals and humans, Colella said it was important for dog owners to stay on top of their pet’s health.

This includes doing simple things such as deworming their dogs monthly, annually treating them for external parasites and going for regular check-ups with the vet.

Dog owners should pick up their pet’s faeces as quickly as possible, and ensure they dispose of it correctly.

Colella said they should also wash their hands after interacting with soil or objects that could potentially be contaminated.

“This is important for all dog owners, but particularly so for those with young children who we know are at greatest risk,” he said.

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Most of us are trying to make some improvements in our lives right now. Sometimes the littlest changes make the biggest impact. And when it comes to tidying up a closet or drawers, there’s a simple gadget that can streamline your laundry process while straightening your clothes and putting them in perfect order: the BoxLegend T-shirt Folding Board and it’s just $11 at Amazon.

BoxLegend

Designed with neatness in mind, this problem-solving gadget guides you into folding your T-shirts into perfect rectangles to save time and space — all while keeping your drawers and closets tidy.

$11 at Amazon

The BoxLegend T-shirt Folding Board is one of those products that is so uncomplicated that you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself. It’s made up of six plastic panels that are held together with hinges. All you do is lay your shirt or sweater on it flat and then fold the panels over. The results are clothes folded into perfect rectangles. When your clothes are all folded uniformly, they stack better and fit neatly in drawers.

For people who love a well-organized drawer but don’t like to fold laundry, this gizmo is a dream. It’s efficiency and organization at its best — even one of TV’s most beloved and persnickety characters of all time uses one and makes it look so easy. We’re talking about The Big Bang Theory‘s Sheldon Cooper, of course. With a flip and a clap, a t-shirt is folded in a snap!

What reviewers say:

This genius little gadget has organized the laundry for more than 3,000 rave reviewers.

“This is one of the best things I have ever bought!” shared an excited shopper who says it makes doing laundry fun. “Apart from the fun part, it folds all the shirts and sweaters the same width and length so now when I put them in my dressing room they look really nice, neat and the same size. It is plastic that has to open and close so don’t expect it to be heavy or thick.”

“I saw something like this in an infomercial,” a rave reviewer wrote. “I figured, ‘Why not?’ What I didn’t expect was how well I enjoyed folding my clothes and it helps me save room. I have a drawer with one side has socks and underpants and the other for my undershirts. This thing works well for me.”

“I made a concerted effort to organize more areas of my life and figure out more space-saving options,” a five-star fan wrote. “With this, I don’t have to hang everything up in the closet and use the space-saving skills while traveling as well. I knew these existed and was shocked it took me this long to grab one. Very happy and would buy it again if it broke.”

“I saw Sheldon on Big Bang use this product so I ordered one and love it!” gushed a five-star fan. ” My husband’s T-shirts are so neat and organized now.”

BoxLegend

For people who love to be neat, you’ll be happy to know this gadget is Sheldon Cooper-approved. 

$11 at Amazon

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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Stephanie Long has been best friends with her mother, Li, for as long as she can remember.

As an only child, Newcastle local Long knows her parents almost better than she knows herself.

“She is sparkly and exciting and has the best personality,” the 28-year-old told 7NEWS.com.au about her mother.

But 18 months ago, everything changed.

Long returned from an eight-week holiday to find her “larger than life” mother was now someone who had shrunk in on themselves, crippled with anxiety.

“It was such a shock,” she said.

“I broke down crying seeing her. She’d declined so much.”

Li, who lives in Terrigal, was overcome with anxiety and depression that consumed her.

Visits to the GP failed to provide answers before Li was finally referred to a neurologist, who diagnosed her with Parkinson’s disease.

The family were unaware anxiety and depression are common non-motor symptoms of the neurological disease which is caused by changes in the brain chemistry.

More than 150,000 people in Australia live with the disease — the second most common in Australia behind dementia, according to Parkinson’s Australia.

Fifty Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each day. For the Longs, that was the day “everything stopped”.

“We were in denial and then grief,” Long said.

“It was a really sad time for all of us.”

Long saw her mother go from an “amazing, independent” person, who was known to talk to strangers or go to a party alone, to someone who became so closed off “she didn’t even want to drive around the corner”.

Coming to terms with Parkinson’s has been a confronting journey for the family.

“She kept saying, ‘This is so unfair. I’ve worked hard my whole life. I’ve done everything right. Why is this happening to me?’,” Long said.

For Long, it meant having to face the daunting reality her parents were not invincible.

“Mum and dad have been my best friends,” she said.

“It’s quite a confronting thing that comes on, the fact they’re not going to be around forever.”

But Li has finally started getting her spark back.

“She said, ‘I’m not going to let this beat me’ and it was such a massive relief,” Long said.

“She’s alive. She has this disease but it’s not going to stop her from living.

“It changes your life but it’s not the end.”

Long organised a fun run last month which attracted more than 150 people and raised more than $8,000 for the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, which promotes and funds Parkinson’s disease research.

“It was an amazing turn out and brought people together,” she said.

The event gave Li the chance to open up to friends about the disease.

“She hadn’t told many people but it’s giving mum confidence and helping her realise she doesn’t need to be embarrassed,” Long said.

‘You can carry on’

As her family takes Parkinson’s day by day, Long wants others to know they are not alone.

“Don’t hide away,” she said.

“There are so many things you have to deal with,but taking care of your mental health is important because that’s often forgotten.

“You’re still there, and it’s still your mental health.”

Give people the space to figure out their diagnosis, she added.

“It can be frustrating giving people advice and them not taking it, but you need to realise that person is grieving the life they thought they’d have,” Long said.

“It does completely change your life plan and that’s difficult to come to terms with.

“Some days are better than others. It’s about accepting that and knowing the bad days will be there but you can carry on.”

This Mother’s Day Stephanie is sharing her story to inspire, engage, and recognise those living with Parkinson’s disease and raise vital funds for Shake It Up Australia. You can donate here.

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Looking forward to a big trip this summer? Well, when in Rome, (and if in Rome!) do as thousands of Amazon shoppers do — pack this fold-up Fyy Daily Pill Organizer. Sure, you could just throw all of your pill bottles into your suitcase and hope for the best, but if you want to save space and keep your meds organized, this nifty accessory is the way to go. Even TikTokers are going gaga over its ingenious design and sleek aesthetic — and seeing as it starts at a very reasonable $7, bon voyage, indeed!

FYY

It is normal to have a crush on a pill organizer? Asking for a friend.

$7 at Amazon

You might be thinking, “How obsession-worthy could a pill box really be?” Well, according to many a viral TikTok video, this one’s pretty darn cool — and we’re inclined to agree, thanks to its foldable, space-saving design and double locks. That’s right: Not only does it snap shut to protect your meds from spilling out, but it also has clever little magnets inside to ensure that everything stays in place. And at just 3.8 by 2.7 inches, it’s only about the size of a pack of gum, making it easy to fit into any bag.

Open it up and you’ll find seven compartments, including a roomier one for storing larger pills. You can organize your meds by day or type — just note that labels aren’t included (though there’s a suggestion for that below). The lids are clear, so you’ll be able to see what’s in each container, and the entire box is made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic.

While it’s perfectly portable, this pill holder also makes a great everyday organizer if you’re looking to sort your daily meds. And who’s to say you couldn’t use it for storing other small objects, such as earrings, beads or office accessories? The limit does not exist!

Oh, and we’d be remiss not to mention this pill organizer’s swoon-worthy appearance. Its sleek shape and minimalist style make it nice and discreet, and it comes in 11 lovely pastels and neutrals (prices vary slightly by color), as well as in a larger size. Hey, if we have to take pills, we might as well have an aesthetically pleasing container to make it more pleasant.

TikTok users aren’t the only ones singing the pill organizer’s praises. It’s racked up nearly 11,000 five-star ratings from Amazon customers, too.

“Perfectly compact and discreet for travel!” gushed an enthusiastic shopper. “It stays closed nice and tight and doesn’t pop open by itself. I love that it’s folded closed, so if it’s left on the countertop or if you have to go through your luggage in a public place, all your business isn’t out on display. … It’s very sleek, stylish and would make a great gift for someone who’s about to go on a trip!”

“I got this to put medicine and pills in for an upcoming trip, and I’m buying another for daily use!” exclaimed another happy reviewer. “No more ugly day-of-the-week pill containers! Very cute aesthetic and it works very well. I like the magnetic snap closer, it does not come open when traveling but is still very easy to get into. No more struggling to open my pill containers!”

Another super fan has found some alternative uses for this organizer. “I purchased five of these, both the small and large sizes. … I do use them to hold meds for travel, but also use as a travel jewelry case for earrings and pendants. My husband uses one to hold small bike parts in the garage … Highly recommend!”

“I love this case!” exclaimed a final user. “Magnetics work great! I had my own labels (that would be my only complaint, no labels).” Psst: These itty-bitty ones would work.

Amazon

Whether you use it for travel or everyday organization, storing meds or jewelry, this versatile accessory belongs in your cart.

$10 at Amazon

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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