Happy Wednesday, friends!
As we make our way back to Dallas from New York this morning with the girls, I thought I’d share a little hodgepodge post with you. It’s a little Apple Watch, a little Oura Ring, and a little Amazon lately all in one post…because with the holidays approaching, I know many of you might be contemplating these items as gifts for yourself or others.
First up…
…I upgraded my Apple Watch mid-September to a Series 11.
If you’ve been here for a bit, then you know that I LOVE my Apple Watch. I bought my first one in 2016 (the Series 1) and then traded it in and upgraded it to the Series 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and now 11. You can read all of my Apple Watch Reviews HERE, but the last time I actually reviewed my watch was the Series 7 in November 2021.
All of that to say, since I have a lot of Apple Watch experience, I get a lot of Apple Watch questions…especially when the holidays are approaching. I was answering a DM just last week about my new watch (someone noticed the new band which prompted me explaining that I upgraded my watch which prompted more questions…) and thought it was time for a “mini” review.
Why not a full review? Because honestly, I don’t think enough has changed between my 9 and 11 to require a big review.
The biggest difference has been the battery life. By the end, my 9 was not quite lasting the full day. I would put it on at 4:00 AM, and it would be dead by 8:30 PM. My new watch is lasting me almost 48 hours which is a huge pro especially when I’m traveling. I know many of you like to sleep in your watches to get the sleep metrics, so this will also allow you to sleep without worrying that it dies over night.
If you have any questions about Apple Watches, feel free to comment, and I’ll try my best to answer them. I have received so many specific questions about the Watch vs…
I have three different reviews about my Oura Ring that you can read HERE. I have received MANY questions asking me whether one should buy the Apple Watch or the Oura Ring as a gift for their loved one this holiday season.
My answer is I don’t know because they’re very different.
If I had to pick my personal favorite between the two, I would without a doubt say the Apple Watch. Andrew though, would say the Oura Ring.
Here are just a few reasons why we each feel that way:
1: Andrew prefers to wear his “real” watches.
2: I don’t mind wearing a watch, but I don’t love wearing extra rings on my fingers (they get in my way when I’m writing, lifting weights, etc).
3: Andrew just wants the basic data (steps, exercise metrics, heart rate, sleep data, etc).
4: I love that I get not only an actual watch to tell time, but all of the health data plus, I can text and call from my watch, check apps (weather, calendar, calculators, set alarms, Starbucks, American Airlines, my kids’ grades, etc).
In a nutshell, they both allow you to gain insights about health data, but the Apple Watch has way more features that I love and Andrew doesn’t need.
Both items would make EXCELLENT gifts this holiday season (and like me, you can certainly use both), but I would get more info from the recipient before you make your decision.
And since we’re on the gifting front, here’s a mini look at Amazon lately…
…I’m sad I don’t actually have a photo of me in this ZIP UP JACKET, but it’s super cute and I will share one soon. I love how it zips but doesn’t have a hood. It comes in many other colors, but I loved the black the most.
Ashby has to dress out at school twice each day (once for cross country and then again for her strength and conditioning class), so she asked if we could get her a straightener to leave in the locker room. I bought THIS ONE because the reviews were good, and it was affordable enough for me not to worry that she was leaving it in her locker.
Speaking of cross country, the kiddos have to have a watch for practice every day, so we bought Ashby THIS ONE because, once again, it was affordable enough to keep at school without me worrying that it will get stolen or broken, but it has all the bells and whistles she needs for athletics.
Speaking of walking/running…
My amazing WALKING PAD is on sale and would make a really great holiday gift!
I use it every single day.
Speaking of every day…
…I use these VITAMIN C EYE MASKS every single morning.
Both my TOILETRY BAG and my MAKEUP CARRIER FOR TRAVEL came to NYC with me…
…I LOVE both of these items for travel!
MY WEIGHTED VEST is on sale right now too (I use the 12 pound version)!
I absolutely LOVE my vest!
A fun gift this year would also be our SUNRISE ALARM CLOCK !
And one last thing…
…our BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is so beloved that we bought one for both Nantucket and McKinney. We have yet to create a problem at our house that this machine cannot get out. Truly, it’s incredible! This would make a great holiday gift, birthday gift or even wedding gift.
Alrighty, drop any questions you have in the comment section.
Have the best best day! I’ll see you tomorrow. xx
Kari Miller says
Nice sleep data! 💪 I think the ring would drive me crazy, but the data it provides does intrigue me. My BIL wears his Apple Watch to sleep and it gives sleep data too. But I can’t imagine sleeping in my watch.
Loved your Amazon finds. Thanks for sharing!
On my blog today I’m sharing gift ideas for Christmas. 🎄 Tis the Season! 🫣😂
https://karimillerblog.com/christmas-wishlist-wednesday-the-best-gifts-for-the-person-who-has-everything/
Elspeth Mizner says
I love my Apple Watch!! It’s so helpful and i love all the features!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jess says
Curious – have you upgraded to the latest iPhone? Which do you use? I feel like my battery is dying and need something that would last that takes great pictures! On another note, I love my Oura ring for sleep but usually take it off for workouts but they do have silicone covers on amazon to protect them from scratching!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just had to look because I didn’t know (because it’s not the newest one), my iPhone is a 15.
Bren says
Thank you for the Apple watch update! I have been debating on upgrading mine, simply related to the battery life = I too have experienced my 9 barely making it through the day. So this was very helpful and so great to hear about the battery life of the 11. Thanks, Shay!
Diane Moore says
I’m glad you posted this. I put a few items on my Christmas list for my family. It will be here before we know it! 🎄
Maria says
Did you also purchase a heat resistant holder for the flat iron? I’m such a worrier that made me nervous a flatiron at school in a locker with books. I’m surprised that’s permitted.
https://a.co/d/3rk8x7t
Mix and Match Mama says
I did not get the holder for it.
Noel says
Hi Shay! I love your tech updates, so thanks for that. I want to buy my husband an Oura ring or iPhone for Christmas, and I’m still torn – you present pros for both.
The Oura sleep data is interesting. Is 64 really your lowest resting heart rate for sleep? Seems high. What’s your average?
Thanks for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
My resting heart rate is typically higher.
Susan Fitzpatrick says
Thanks for the reviews. You are always so thorough! I’m eyeing an Oura ring because I have sleep issues. Might have to send a gift suggestion to my husband 😉
Mary Clark says
Do you use a case on your Apple Watch?
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not!
Heather says
Ok, I need to crowdsource an Apple Watch question that I know may open a can of worms… considering an Apple Watch with cellular for my 9 year old. Here’s the thing, we have a ton of kids in our neighborhood and so it helps to have a way for her to communicate with e when she and her friends are traveling from house to house to play. She has a Gabb watch right now and it has been nothing but problems and SO unreliable. She is a long way from getting a phone, but I’m wondering if people think the watch is “safe” for kiddos. I have one and really only use it for texting and activity tracking, so I don’t know what all the risks are. Thoughts?
sandi says
There are ways to “dummy down” an Apple watch to protect your kids.
School mode can be set for specific hours where apps and notifications are disabled. Basically during those hours it is a watch only showing date/time. With all tech, I am sure there are ways kids can disable things, but you would probably get a notification that it had been disabled.
Jamie S. says
We were in the same boat with our 9 year old. Our cell phone company really tried to push the apple watch on us for her but I just couldn’t justify getting a 9 year old something with so much outside access. We ended up getting the AmiGO watch through AT&T. We’ve had it for about a month and it’s great. It was inexpensive but looks more like a ‘grown up’ watch than the Gabb watch (we had one with our older daughter and also had nothing but problems). The only weird thing is texts come through the AT&T AmiGO app rather than as a regular text message. But location settings work great, you can create safe zones that will alert you when they arrive or leave the location (similar to Life360). You control the contacts. It was simple to set up and inexpensive to add to our cell phone plan. She also loves that regular watch bands can be used to swap out just like with an apple watch.
Elizabeth says
Does Ashby’s watch track the distance of an outdoor run? My ten year old has been borrowing his older siblings apple watch so that he can run and know the distance he’s gone. I can’t tell from the description on Amazon if this is a function it has.
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t think so. She specifically needed her watch is to track the time, but I don’t think it tracks the distance.
Peyton Cline says
I love that yellow watch band!!! Do you have a link?
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s the band that actually came with my new Apple Watch.
Julie says
Does the walking pad come with the handrail to hold onto ? If not , would you please link the handrail?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!
Nicole H says
Thanks for this review! Do you have the 42 or 46 mm watch screen?
Mix and Match Mama says
The 46 mm.
Elizabeth L says
So interesting that you like the Apple watch better than the Oura ring. I got the Oura ring for Christmas last year and I absolutely am obsessed with it. I wear it all day and night and it doesnt even bother me when I sleep. I cant even sleep with my engagement ring on, yet the Oura doesnt bug me! The Apple watch on the otherhand I was wearing and I couldnt wait to take if off at the end of the day because it was so bulky and drove me crazy. I actually havent been wearing it for the last 10 months at all. I could see why you like all the other features of it though. I just always have my phone on me, so I guess i dont technically feel like I’m missing anything. But makes sense if you dont always have your phone!
Brianne Cole says
From central Pennsylvania and when I read “dress out” I didn’t understand at first… then I read it again. I think it’s the same as what we call like “having to change for p.e. class!?! Never thought to have my daughter leave a straightner at school… will be buying one for her! Thanks for the idea and link!
Windy says
Hello!! There are so many choices for walking pads and so with the one you have do you use it in place of a traditional treadmill or you have or use both?? I want to get one that I can get good walking in on a daily basis!
Mix and Match Mama says
I use my walking pad in place of a traditional treadmill. It’s not NEARLY as fancy as the treadmills at my gym (it doesn’t elevate and you really can’t run on it as it doesn’t go that fast), but for what I need, it certainly does the job. Plus, it’s so compact, it’s easy to move around my house and tuck under a bed or slide into a closet.
Karen says
Is that sleep data from the Oura ring? I have never been able to work out how to get sleep data on my Apple Watch. I used to have a Fitbit (many years ago now) and it provided great sleep data. I miss that!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! It’s from my Oura Ring. I’ve never tracked my sleep on my Apple Watch, so I don’t have the answer. Maybe someone else will though!
Brandi says
I was wondering if you could tell me more about the sports watch. My daughter is also a cross country runner and wanted to get her a sports watch for Christmas. Thank so much.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ashby loves it for XC! It’s durable, water resistant and keeps track of her timing really well.
Ann Marie G. says
Thanks for this fun info. Did you consider the Apple Ultra Watch? I heard battery life is best. Have always wanted Apple Watch so it’s big decision for me ☺️ Thanks for any input.
Mix and Match Mama says
I did consider it, but for what I need, the price and trade in seemed better for me to get the 11.
Michelle says
I’m thinking about upgrading my watch for better battery life. Is that the rose gold or gold though?
Mix and Match Mama says
I always get confused because Apple used to call it rose gold, but now, I *think* they call it “gold” even though it’s still rose gold.