Prime Day week nearly broke me — these 11 products kept me going

I’m a writer at the New York Post, a Juilliard-trained violinist, and a three-time marathon runner. At times, my life can feel…a little full.

And as a commerce writer, I’ve tested thousands of products, but today I’m sharing my unadulterated thoughts and the beloved products that have seen me through hell and back.

This past week, as Prime Day took over everyone’s carts and my calendar, I found myself thinking about just how extreme this balance is. Because while the world sees Prime Day as a chance to score deals and move on, for me, as a commerce writer, it’s a high-stakes sprint. Weeks of prep, early-morning call times, and 10- to 12-hour writing days that start around 4 a.m.

During this time, brands compete for the best discounts, and we track every flash sale, algorithmic shift, and surprise restock like we’re trading on the floor of the NYSE. I wish that were an exaggeration, but I’m as serious as calling my 55-pound Sheepadoodle back during off-leash hour at the park. We’re talking hands-on-hips serious.

But the madness doesn’t stop when I log off. That’s when my second life begins.

Most days, I squeeze in a break to run four miles because marathon habits die hard, and then write 1,000 words on the thriller I’ve been writing as part of an 80-day 1st draft challenge I’ve been publicly documenting on Instagram to hold myself accountable.

And yes, I know it sounds like a full day’s work, but then, I run down to Lincoln Center to perform with the American Ballet Theatre. I am a violinist for some of the most legendary dancers this world has ever seen: Skylar Brandt, Catherine Hurlin, Herman Cornejo to name a few of my faves (but also the iconic Misty Copeland in a legendary hall: the Metropolitan Opera House).

It’s exhilarating, exhausting, and makes life a little more beautiful. And in a world filled with chaos and despair at every turn, isn’t that worth striving for?

People always ask me how I keep it all together. And the truth is, I really don’t, I just have a very patient husband and loving dog who support me every step of the way. But I also have products I rely on for survival mode, and it gives me so much joy to share them with you. I know you’ll enjoy as much as I do!

When I’m not styled to the nines in the office, I wear this PJ set as my off-duty uniform. It’s so soft and hangs on my skin with a comforting weight, but since it’s made from viscose, it’s also cooling. Plus, it’s available in inclusive sizing from XS to XXXL.

Save an additional 35% with our exclusive coupon code: NYPOST.

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I love ending my day with a good book instead of mindlessly scrolling through my phone. Clémence Michallon is the bestselling author of The Quiet Tenant, which I enjoyed immensely. If one can say that about a serial killer book?

I highly recommend picking up a copy of her newest release, Our Last Resort, to slip away for a much-needed vacation. Don’t worry, your life will be there when you get back.

Michallon has a beautiful way of writing with such vivid detail that it feels like you’ve stepped into the pages; everything she writes is a must-read.

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It’s the next best thing to having a dog, weighted, cushy, and so comforting, I want to snuggle in it all day, even in the summer with the AC blasting. I look forward to it after work, and honestly, I’ll probably buy a new one every year for the rest of my life. It really is that good! CozyEarth, please never stop making it.

Save an additional 15% with this coupon code: COZYDAYS

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I never cared about vacuums at all until I started writing for The Post. That’s when my vacuum testing journey began, and this robot quickly became a standout. It’s saved me hours cleaning my apartment. I just tell Google to activate “Winston” (yes, I named him), and he gets to work, vacuuming and mopping while I write, practice violin, or head out for a gig. You can read my full review to see how he performs and judge for yourself.

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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch

I have this laptop for work at The Post, but if you can splurge on one for yourself, I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to reset the brain and not be bothered by work on off-work hours. I love my Apple MacBook Air because of its lightweight, which makes it easy to travel with and take to a coffee shop or park to finish out my word count.

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Owning a scooter has saved me so much time; I no longer have to wait for public transportation or pay for every swipe. There are tons of options on Amazon, and with fast, free shipping for Prime members, they’re well worth the investment. Just think how much you’ll save in the long run, I know I have.

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I love this dress because I often find myself in the office, but also performing at Lincoln Center. It’s very hard to find a dress that can go from day to night, but the midi length of this makes it easy for me to do a round trip to home and back only once. And it’s under $100!

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Hear me out. These shoes are three and a half inches tall, and yes, that normally sounds like a horrible idea, but they make me look like a supermodel and actually feel really comfortable. I would never lie to you about this, and I will be honest: I did lie to my third-grade teacher. However, I’m a changed woman.

I also own these shoes in a 2.5-inch height for walking around and running errands, but the 3.5-inch height is better suited for shows and fancy events. INEZ shoes are handmade in Spain and will treat you right. Be gentle with the soft leather, as it can wear easily if handled roughly.

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If I’m going to get through these long days, I need sleep desperately. As much as I adore my husband, he can be a loud sleeper with snoring that will kiss my sweet ZZZs goodbye. I love to turn on my book at night or listen to ambient waterfalls to help me off to sleep.

These noise-canceling headphones block unwanted noises like snoring and horns. They also turn off your podcast or music when you fall asleep and use a gentle alarm in your ear to wake you. These headphones sense when you fall asleep and then switch off your preferred streaming service to play built-in soundscapes instead, including babbling brooks and deep brown masking noise.

The price is a little steep, but if you struggle with getting solid shut-eye, they’re worth the investment. Read my full review here.

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As I’ve stated, I’m a reader right before bed, but I also read in the Broadway pits between rests while performing. It’s an ar,t but I am really good at multitasking. But I will say it can be very dark, so I keep my reading light with me to pull me through the long days and keep my spirits high. It has soft, warm light and rarely needs to be charged.

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I’ve tried a lot of running shoes, but the Brooks Women’s Glycerin 21 has been one of my go-to shoes recently. It has enough cushion to help me cover lots of miles in a day while still being structured with lots of support from heel to toe.

If you’re just getting into running or have years under your belt, I highly recommend giving these a try. And since running shoes need to be replaced regularly once the cushioning wears down, why not make these your next six-month go-to?

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This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter and resident fashionista. Emma is one of the best-dressed ladies in The Post’s office, and also known for finding an unbelievable deal on any one of her stylish outfits. Divulging on everything from the most-popular and most-underrated purse brands to her honest thoughts on Kim Kardashian’s Skims undergarments and apparel, Emma has cultivated an eye for style and an expertise for identifying the clothes and accessories worth your coin. At the same time, she proudly models the products she picks so you can see their fit and function first-hand. Emma has been creating shopping guides for The Post since 2024, and previously held bylines in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.

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