Limited Stock: Loco Paddle Restocked for Valentine’s Day with the Best Discount Code SIMPLY15
The Loco from Bread & Butter Pickleball is back in stock—perfect for Valentine’s Day! Grab yours or gift it to a favorite player before they’re gone again. Shipping starts mid-February. Discount code SIMPLY15 will work on any paddle and stays active.
They have a super cute pinked-out Psycho paddle we love too.
Want to learn more about Bread N Butter and this paddle? Check out this post.
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Simply Living Brands has been a longtime ambassador of Bread N Butter pickleball. We’ve loved their family-owned business and their commitment to delivering not just a great paddle but a lot of fun too!
Happy first week of Fall! We are crossing our fingers for cooler weather soon. Being in Texas we have several stages of summer before it gives way to “real” fall weather. We think we are in the last stage now 🙂
We are linking for you here, all of the best sellers from the past few weeks on Amazon. We hope you enjoy!
What has been a game changer for you recently? Please share with us.
The fall weather will be bringing many of you to a pickleball court for a first time. We talked here about the best things to consider in a paddle.
If you are looking for the perfect fall road trip we have an idea for you. Austin! We wrote about a fun quick weekend trip from Dallas to Austin here.
But time has passed, and there are new contenders! Bread & Butter’s Loco—with pre-orders kicking off today (August 20, 2025)—and Wild Thang paddles are here to bring fun and performance. These USAP-approved Gen 4 paddles offer pro-level spin and control, rivaling brands twice the cost. Crafted by a Florida-based, American, veteran-owned company, they’re perfect for intermediates seeking power, precision, and court swagger. Save with code SIMPLY15 for discounts on Bread & Butter pickleball paddles.
Still learning or want a great paddle for your family full of beginners. This is a solid choice.
Searching for the best intermediate pickleball paddles or discounts on Bread & Butter pickleball paddles? We’ve got you covered. We’ll break down their specs, compare them to top brands like Selkirk and Joola, explain what makes Gen 4 paddles special, and show why these are the ultimate fun-first choice for intermediates.
Why Bread & Butter Paddles Are Top Picks for Intermediates
Bread & Butter Pickleball, founded by Marine Corps veteran Doug Sapusek in Florida, makes pickleball a blast. Their USAP-approved paddles, like “Loco” and “Wild Thang,” add personality to every swing. For intermediates, these paddles balance power for drives, spin for sneaky shots, and control for pinpoint dinks, all tournament-ready. Check out our intermediate pickleball tips for more ways to up your game.
What’s the secret? They use T-700 carbon fiber faces and advanced cores—features found in premium brands—at a fraction of the cost. Players love the lively “pop” and quiet hits that surprise opponents. Learn more about paddle technology at Pickleball Studio.
What Are Gen 4 Pickleball Paddles?
Gen 4 pickleball paddles, like the Loco, use advanced tech like full foam cores for balanced power and control, improved durability, and a forgiving sweet spot compared to Gen 3 paddles with polypropylene layers. These USAP-approved paddles are ideal for intermediates.
What to Look for in Gen 4 Paddles:
Spin-Friendly Surface: Gritty carbon fiber for trick shots and control.
Balanced Core: Full foam for power and touch, ideal for dinks and drives.
Weight: 7.8–8.2 oz for fast swings without fatigue.
Durability and Sweet Spot: Enhanced materials and a forgiving sweet spot for consistent rallies, plus USAP approval.
Loco: The Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle for Control
The Loco, with pre-orders live today, is a control beast with a playful edge. This USAP-approved Gen 4 paddle has a T-700 carbon fiber face with a fiberglass layer, delivering spin and a hybrid shape for maneuverability.
Key Features: Gritty weave for high spin, 16mm dual-density foam core (EPP and EVA), forgiving sweet spot, USAP-approved.
Why It’s Fun: Quiet yet explosive, it’s a ninja paddle—subtle on dinks, fierce on drives. Reviewers on Reddit call it a “control beast.” Want more power? Try the Shogun.
Best For: Dink-heavy intermediates who want tournament-ready versatility.
Pre-order your Loco here with SIMPLY15 for top savings.
Wild Thang: Power-Packed for Aggressive Intermediates
The Wild Thang is Bread & Butter’s power beast, with a T-700 carbon fiber and aramid weave face for monster pop and spin. Its USAP-approved, elongated shape maximizes power.
Key Features: Advanced face for high spin and pop, elongated design, USAP-approved.
Why It’s Fun: Quirky graphics and powerful feel bring energy, perfect for bold shots.
Best For: Power-driven intermediates who crush drives and overheads.
How do these paddles compare to 2025’s best? Bread & Butter’sUSAP-approved paddles deliver premium features at budget-friendly value, making them a no-brainer for intermediates. See more comparisons at DUPR.
Paddle
Weight (oz)
Length x Width
Core Thickness
Material
Spin Rating
Best For
Bread & Butter Loco
7.9–8.1
16.2″ x 7.6″
16mm
T-700 Carbon + Fiberglass
High (Gritty Weave)
Control & Spin
Bread & Butter Wild Thang
8.1
Elongated
16mm
T-700 Carbon + Aramid
Very High (Pop Layer)
Power & Speed
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0
7.7–8.1
15.5″ x 8″
13–16mm
Polypropylene + Carbon
Medium-High
All-Court Balance
Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS
7.8–8.2
16.5″ x 7.5″
16mm
Carbon Fiber + Foam
High
Pro Control
Six Zero Double Black Diamond
7.9–8.1
16″ x 8″
16mm
Carbon + Hybrid Core
High
Value Spin
Bread & Butter’s Loco matches competitors’ swing weights and stability, with playful designs and a veteran-owned ethos adding flair. Wild Thang’s power rivals pricier options, making it a smart choice for intermediates.
Why Bread & Butter Paddles Are Smarter for Intermediates
Bread & Butter’s Florida-based, veteran-owned ethos shines in every USAP-approved paddle. Their carbon fiber faces and spin-heavy surfaces rival high-end brands but stay affordable. More spin means trickier shots, and lightweight designs let you play longer. Use SIMPLY15 for discounts on Bread & Butter pickleball paddles.
These paddles cut through gear noise, giving intermediates quality gear without drama—perfect for Simply Living Brands’ mission.
Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddles for 2025
Ready to spice up your game? The USAP-approved Loco (pre-order today!) and Wild Thang are your tickets to fun, fierce, affordable play. Use code SIMPLY15 at Bread & Butter Pickleball for the best savings. Drop a comment—Loco or Wild Thang, which vibe’s got you? 🏓
Hesacore Grips: Level Up Your Game
Pair your paddle with a Hesacore Grip for better control. Its hexagonal shape improves finger placement and power. Use code SIMPLY for 10% off at Hesacore.
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Hey simplicity seekers! Thanks for stopping by Simply Living Brands. If you’re hunting for the best places to get away from Dallas or the best places to get away from Houston, we’ve got a gem for you. Our recent weekend road trip in Texas led us to the Commodore Perry Estate in Austin—a historic 10-acre oasis that’s one of the best weekend getaways in Texas that feels a world away. Perfect for couples seeking the best couples hotels in Texas, this spot oozes culture in Texas with its blend of history and modern comfort. In this three-part series, we’re breaking down our cozy escape: starting with the hotel itself, then things to do, and finally the dining. Let’s dive into Part 1!
The Road Trip Kickoff
From Dallas, it’s a breezy 200-mile drive down I-35 (about 3 hours), or from Houston, just 165 miles (around 2.5 hours)—making it an easy weekend road trip in Texas. We packed simple: summer shorts and dresses knowing that the hotel would have everything else we needed. Arriving at the oak-lined driveway felt like stepping into a serene, storybook world, far from everyday hustle. You really don’t feel like you are near a city at all, it’s more like a preserve.
A Thoughtful Welcome
The staff texted us pre-trip to handle reservations or plans—such a personal touch that screams best couples hotels in Texas. Check-in at the main building was effortless, with warm chocolate chip cookies and garden-fresh herbal iced tea waiting. At 5 p.m., we toasted with free champagne happy hour in the lounge—romantic and relaxing. Poolside, Tajín-dusted watermelon slices cooled us off. These little perks embody Texas hospitality, making you feel instantly at ease.
Our Cozy Room in the Main Building
We stayed in the main building, where stucco walls added a timeless charm, paired with heavenly linens and organic linen robes we lounged in all weekend. The walk-out patio was our spot for morning coffee from local Austin roasters. A rollaway bed fit perfectly for extra affordability (rates start around $500/night—hunt for packages). It’s luxury that feels approachable, ideal for best weekend getaways in Texas that feel a world away.
Perks That Make It Special
We borrowed a complimentary Mercedes for a night out—sleek and fun— and they also provide pedaled free bikes to buzz around Hyde Park’s quirky neighborhoods, soaking in culture in Texas. The 10-acre grounds, with blooming gardens and ancient oaks, invite peaceful strolls. Whether you’re escaping Dallas or Houston, this estate is a top pick for recharging in style. Check availability and learn more about their special packages here!
Stay tuned for Part 2: Things to Do at the Estate and in Austin! Book your stay at the estate’s website—we’re already dreaming of fall. Share your Texas getaway tips in the comments!
Sending your kid to summer camp? Don’t sweat the packing! Here’s a quick, no-fuss summer camp packing list to make sure they’re ready for fun in the sun. We’ve kept it light and easy—because camp is about making memories, not lugging extra baggage!
We have gone to Pine Cove for years and we cannot say enough good things about it! https://www.pinecove.com/
Father’s Day 2025 is almost here, and at Simply Living Brands, we’re all about celebrating the dads who love and support us so well. From their endless encouragement to their knack for making life better, dads deserve the best.
Here are our top picks for quality, curated Father’s Day gifts. #ad #affiliate
Bringing the best in products and discounts to our community. Links and codes below. #affiliate
At Simply Living Brands, we’re here to help our community live simply, so you can focus on what matters—time with family, a quiet evening, or chasing your passions. We love tools that make life easier without the clutter. If you have been wanting to learn new technology trends or even dabble with how AI can help your day, we are here for you!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a game-changer and many of us are starting to incorporate it in new ways!
We’re sharing how AI, especially Notion AI, will simplify your days in the near future, a year out, and years ahead. Plus, we’ll show why Notion AI is our go-to for organizing life and building family websites. Try these tips, and enjoy the extra time they bring.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you. We only recommend tools we believe in. #ad
Why AI Fits Simply Living Brands’ Mission
AI clears the noise, tackling chores like planning or organizing so you can savor life’s simple joys.
It’s not about replacing the human touch; it’s about freeing you from endless lists or apps. Think of it as the assistant you’ve never had before with a helpful personality and endless knowledge.
Notion AI is a standout, keeping your life tidy with one clean workspace. Our community uses it to streamline tasks, preserve ideas, and even create free, simple websites. Try it here.Affiliate link.
How We Use Notion AI
Notion AI is a game-changer for keeping things simple and saving time with its clean interface and flawless formatting. Here’s how we use it:
Perfect List Formatting: Copy AI-generated lists from AI tools (e.g., meal plans or to-dos) and paste into Notion—formatting stays intact, no tweaking needed. For example, paste a weekly menu from any AI source, and it’s ready to share with the family. For extra ease, use the AI tool built right into Notion!
Family Planner: Organize schedules, from kids’ school events to date nights, in one view. Notion AI suggests tasks or reminders, like “Add soccer practice gear to shopping list,” cutting planning time.
Quick Family Websites: Build a free Notion website in minutes for grandparents to share photos, post calendar links, or track family plans. It’s simple, no coding needed, and updates instantly.
Shared Plans: Paste links to Notion pages for family trips or events, keeping everyone’s on the same page—no group chat chaos.
Why It’s Great: Notion AI saves hours by handling formatting and organization, so you focus on living, not fixing bullet points. Try it here. Affiliate Link
Three Months Ahead: AI as Your Helper
Near Future
Soon, AI will slip into your routine like a trusted friend. Expect:
Smarter Homes: Devices like Google Nest tweak lights or AC to save energy.
Easier Planning: Notion AI creates to-do lists or grocery plans in minutes.
Better Shopping: AI apps find deals on essentials, skipping the fluff.
Try This: Use Notion AI to plan your week in 10 minutes. Tell it what ingredients you have on hand and ask it for a recipe. For bonus points, ask it for a recipe that can be converted to another dish with leftovers for the next night. Amazing!!
One Year Ahead: AI as Your Guide
One Year Out
In a year, AI will tailor your life, keeping simplicity first. Look for:
Wellness Support: Apps like Headspace suggest quick meditations for busy days.
Money Made Simple: AI tools like YNAB sort budgets, saving stress.
Curated Content: Platforms like Spotify pick podcasts for simple living.
Try This: Start a 5-minute mindfulness habit with a wellness app. Use Notion AI to track wellness or health tasks or build a family website or even try their new mail platform. Try it here. Affiliate link.
Three Years and Beyond: AI as Your Partner
Years Ahead
In a few years, AI will work quietly, making life smoother. Expect:
All-in-One Hub: One app plans your day, orders groceries, and reminds you to rest.
Sustainable Choices: AI suggests eco-friendly products for minimalist living.
Community Ties: AI connects you to local events for real-world friendships based on your specific preferences.
Try This: Start with Notion AI to build habits for the future. Create a family website to share plans and photos. It’s a tool we trust. Check it out. Affiliate link.
Let us know how you use AI and Notion to streamline your day!
This is the cutest patio set that has been doing amazingly well and happens to be modular so you can make any configuration you like on your patio. Out of these 7 pieces you could make so many seating options depending on what type of event you are having. It has such a laid back boho vibe also. This will be a Prime Day sale and won’t last long.
