About Jen at Big Life, Small Steps

I am Jen. Just turned 65, practical, and online. I review products for real life, and as I’ve gotten older, I want products that actually work for me. And I show how to earn a little extra in retirement using tools that actually work. I am an Amazon Influencer, a YouTube content creator, a lifelong knitter at JennyKnits.com, and a breast cancer survivor. If you like straight talk and simple steps, you will feel at home here.

My mission

Help people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond shop smarter, set up simple systems, and create side income with calm, clear guidance.

What I do

Amazon Influencer

I test items, curate lists, and link to what I would buy again. Some links are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

YouTube reviews

I’m posting review videos on YouTube and will use these videos in my blog posts. Short demos and honest pros and cons so you can decide fast. My goal is to save you time and money.

JennyKnits

Knitting is my creative center. I share tools, books, and ideas that make making easier. If you knit, you can find me at JennyKnits.com. I also have a knitting YouTube channel.

Why I built Big Life, Small Steps

Retirement is not the end of earning or learning. I wanted one place to collect my reviews, show how I use products day to day, and document the small online steps that add up to extra income. Clear info beats hype. Real use beats guesswork.

How I make extra income in retirement

Amazon affiliate commissions
YouTube revenue when eligible
Simple brand partnerships that fit my audience
Future digital items: checklists, comparison guides, printable planners

I only recommend products I would hand to a friend.

What you will find here

Kitchen and household: tools that make daily cooking and cleaning easier
Lifestyle and organization: decluttering, simple routines, small upgrades
Health and wellness: skincare, comfort items, everyday helpers
Travel and outdoors: bags, pool gear, portable chargers, easy trip helpers
Office and productivity: home office basics and simple creator setups
Crafts and hobbies: helpful gadgets and supplies
Pets: practical picks I would buy again
Tech for creators: tripods, mics, lights, and easy video workflows
Unique gifts: useful ideas people will use
Jen Recommends: my short lists of top picks across categories

A few personal notes

Farm kid roots taught me to solve problems fast and fix things with what I have
Knitting keeps my hands busy and my brain calm
Cancer survivor: I value energy, comfort, and small daily wins
Still learning, still curious, still building

Start here

Read the latest reviews
See my top picks in Jen Recommends
Watch my YouTube reviews
Shop my Amazon Store if you want a fast path to the exact items

Trust and Disclosures

I buy and test many items. Some are sent for review. I will tell you if that is the case. Some links are affiliate links. You pay the same price. I may earn a small commission. Read the full Affiliate Disclosure for details.

Contact and Requests

Have a product you want me to test or a category you want me to cover. Email me at biglifesmallsteps @gmail.com. If you are a brand, send fit, budget, and timeline. I only accept items that serve my readers.