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Winter is here, and So Are Shopping Alternatives for Coats, Boots, Gloves & more!

I hate winter, but I’ve been learning to appreciate it more over the last couple of years. One thing I decided is that I won’t let the cold stop me from going outside and enjoying things. So now instead of trying to pretend it’s not happening, I actually get proper winter gear and feel like […]

Alternatives for Everything You Need to Bake & Decorate This Holiday Season

If you love to bake but are sick of getting your supplies from Amazon, Michaels, or other companies, I have alternatives for you 😁 Pastry and baking equipment (i.e. pans, molds, etc), tools, decorations, colorings, fondant, chocolate-making, and I’m pretty sure almost any type of baking item you would need – even sugar, since the […]

The Most Comprehensive Alternative Gifting Guide You’ll Ever Need

If you want to get gifts differently this year, I’ve put together a big big list of alternative ideas and ways to shop, including how to find and support local. It might not *actually* be the most comprehensive, but it does cover a lot! Check out my deep dive on Kids Toys for more gifting […]

Wishlist and Registry Options for the Holidays, Weddings, Babies & Charities/Non-Profits

If your kid is looking to put together their Christmas list, why not use a wishlist service that you can utilize for multiple retailers versus one like Amazon? While all of these work for the holidays, Things to Get Me is great for wedding registries & creators, and Little Wishlist is designed for baby showers, […]

Where to Shop for Kids Toys This Holiday Season

If you need to shop for a kid in your life, I think you’ll find some pretty cool stuff from this list. You can shop at FAO Schwarz for popular toys like Barbie & Hot Wheels, or Pop Mart for Labubus, and I also included sustainable and STEAM/STEM focused options. However, I do not have […]

New Logo Launch, Paid Benefits & More

Cut Off the Spigot has a new logo! The logo was designed by Lyubava Kroll, an incredible artist recommended to me by a friend. If you want to see more of her work, check out her Instagram account @boony_world or her website lyubava.com. While new logos may not be the most exciting thing for a […]

Holiday Decorations for Christmas, Hanukkah, & Kwanzaa from Companies that Don’t Suck

It’s getting to be that time of year, and if you are looking to decorate your home for whatever December holiday you celebrate, you’ve got plenty of options. Before we jump in – my stance on the Blackout the System Mass Blackout 11/25-12/2 is thus: While I think the goal is noble, local businesses are […]

Co-Op, Non-Profit, & Other Alternative Music Streaming and Purchasing Platforms to Pay Artists More $$

Want to find a way to support musicians getting paid more but aren’t sure what’s out there? I’ve taken a look at alternative models, including co-ops and on for streaming, purchasing music, and supporting artists. I will note – a lot of these are in their beginning stages, so their catalogs aren’t going to be […]

Latest Boycott News Roundup

I wanted to wrap my own head around the more recent boycott-worthy bad company behavior news and boycott calls, so I put together a comprehensive list. I don’t have alternatives to some of them yet, but hopefully this also helps your understanding of things! Companies Running ICE Ads Spotify – and recently doubled down on […]

Where to Buy Physical Media – DVDs, CDs, Vinyl and more

So sick of streaming that you just want to get back to your CD wallet and DVD collection? I hear you! I’ve researched where to buy DVDs, Blu-Rays, 4K Ultra HD, vinyl, CDs, and books, as well as where to find media players for CDs and DVDs. You can find both local ideas and options […]

Free Kids Streaming, Crunchyroll Alternatives, and Even More GOOD Streaming Platforms

Lots of cool and interesting platforms in this one. You can also check out my posts on good streaming options, some questionable ones, and where the big players stack up. Subscribe now Kids Platforms – All FREE PBS Kids: Separate free app from PBS Passport for all PBS Kids content. What they have: Beyond popular […]

BONUS: Where to Shop for Halloween Mega-Thread

It’s October, which means it’s Halloween season! (and Spooky Lake Month if you celebrate 🙂) I’ve done some new research and put all my other relevant articles in one thread, so hopefully this will cover all of your Halloween needs. And if not, let me know in the comments! Subscribe now Costumes HalloweenCostumes.com/Fun.com: This website […]

The Big Streaming Platforms Review

Most of the larger streaming platforms have at least one if not multiple issues, but here’s all the info so you can decided who you want to support. And if you missed it, check out my good options for streaming and some more questionable ones. Before We Jump In Apple TV, YouTube Premium: covered both […]

Where to Shop for Halloween Mega-Thread

Hi Paid Subscribers! I’m testing something new and sending this to you 1 day early before sharing with everyone. If you find that helpful or a good benefit, let me know! Leave a comment It’s October, which means it’s Halloween season! (and Spooky Lake Month if you celebrate 🙂) I’ve done some new research and […]

Questionable, Smaller Streaming Companies

I’ve put together borderline streaming platforms that aren’t as clear cut as the good options I shared in this post. I view this list as a bit of a choose your own adventure – based on what is most important to you, some of these may be complete no-gos and some may seem fine. I’m […]

Cancelled Disney+/Hulu? Here’s where else to stream without giving your $$ to more bad companies

Disney cancelled Jimmy Kimmel last week because the FCC chair was following Project 2025 and Trump’s wishes to quell dissent. If you want a great breakdown of what happened, check out Last Week Tonight. And as a reminder, Disney capitulated to Trump in late 2024 and paid him $15 million even though they likely would […]

Diaper Retailer Options & Costco Update

Check out my diaper brands breakdown for good brands to buy and local, thrifting, and free options like diaper banks. COSTCO UPDATE I have recommended Costco in the past as an alternative, but Costco is now on my sh*t list, which sucks. Costco decided in August 2025 to not sell mifepristone at its pharmacy locations, citing “lack of demand,” […]

Diaper Brands Deep Dive

Diapers are a tricky category. Proctor & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark control ~70% of the diapers market in the US through their brands Pampers, Huggies, Luvs, BumBum, and Ninjamas. BUT! I was able to find some good alternatives, even a black-owned brand! I will admit though – none of the brands I found were particularly affordable […]

Where to shop for bras – in all sizes and types!

Bras can be so frustrating – finding the right fit and size, finding something actually comfortable and/or sexy, and having it last more than a few months. And while I can’t make bra shopping more enjoyable, at least I can share with you some good companies to shop from for all types of bras and […]

Where Not to Shop for Bras

Check out my Where to Shop for Bras post for good companies. ThirdLove: Founded by current CEO Heidi Zak, David Spector, Ra’el Cohen and funded through venture capital. They do not have a profile on Open Secrets. For diversity, they do not have a clear statement/page supporting it on their site. In 2019 ThirdLove faced […]

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