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Month: August 2025

5 Aesthetic Amazon Decor Finds to Elevate Your Space

Beads // Basket // Woven Tray // Vases // Storage Ottoman

Here are a few decorator items we are loving lately. They tie together so well!

#SimpleLivingPicks #AestheticHomeDecor #AmazonFinds #MinimalistDecor #CozyHomeVibes #HomeInspo #InteriorSimplicity #SimplyLivingBrands #DecorOnABudget #BohoChicDecor #SustainableLiving #HomeStyleIdeas #AffordableDecor #CuratedLiving #SereneSpaces

🍋 Thanks for stopping by. At Simply Living Brands we are curating the best so you don’t have to. 🍋

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Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players 2025: Bread & Butter New Releases

Simply Living Brand pickleball logo with lemon and cursive writing. Highlights articles where pickleball is discussed on the Simply Living Blog website.
Bread & Butter Loco Gen 4 Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players

Hey, pickleball fanatics! Ready to level up your game with the best intermediate pickleball paddles? We wrote a post here about what to consider in a paddle as an intermediate player.

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.

Bread & Butter Wild Thang Pickleball Paddle

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.

Bread & Butter Pickleball Paddle Design

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.

Bread & Butter’s Loco nails these Gen 4 features, offering pro-level performance at a budget-friendly price. Use code SIMPLY15 for discounts on Bread & Butter pickleball paddles.

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.

Unleash the Wild Thang here with SIMPLY15 for discounts.

Specs Showdown: Bread & Butter vs. Top Brands

How do these paddles compare to 2025’s best? Bread & Butter’s USAP-approved paddles deliver premium features at budget-friendly value, making them a no-brainer for intermediates. See more comparisons at DUPR.

PaddleWeight (oz)Length x WidthCore ThicknessMaterialSpin RatingBest For
Bread & Butter Loco7.9–8.116.2″ x 7.6″16mmT-700 Carbon + FiberglassHigh (Gritty Weave)Control & Spin
Bread & Butter Wild Thang8.1Elongated16mmT-700 Carbon + AramidVery High (Pop Layer)Power & Speed
Selkirk Vanguard 2.07.7–8.115.5″ x 8″13–16mmPolypropylene + CarbonMedium-HighAll-Court Balance
Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS7.8–8.216.5″ x 7.5″16mmCarbon Fiber + FoamHighPro Control
Six Zero Double Black Diamond7.9–8.116″ x 8″16mmCarbon + Hybrid CoreHighValue 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.

Hesacore Grip on Pickleball Paddle

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Unwind in Austin: Our Stay at the Commodore Perry Estate – Part 1

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!

Hat at the Commodore Perry Hotel in Austin Texas

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.

The grounds of the Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Collection, Austin, Texas.  View of fountain and gardens.

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.

Welcome gift from Commodore Perry Hotel, Austin, Texas

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!

P.S. Our first travel series! Love it? Share and follow @SimplyLivingBrands on Instagram.

On any trip we usually have a pickleball paddle with us. We talk about our favorite one here. We also had our favorite basics from this list!

🍋 We are curating the best so you don’t have to! Thank you for stopping by. 🍋

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