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Showing posts from September, 2025

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The Stray Cat Who Chose Me: My Kitten Rescue Story

It all started with a stray cat, a beautiful black and gold tortoiseshell. I began feeding her back in April, just leaving some food out for her. By mid-May, she was a regular visitor, and I noticed she was pregnant. My heart just went out to this expectant mother. I made it my mission to keep her well-fed, which, let me tell you, was a task. Her appetite was huge, and she was eating three to four times a day. She practically lived in our yard, a silent agreement that this was her safe space. She'd be there to greet me in the morning and would come and go throughout the day. My indoor cat, Adah, eventually got used to her presence, a big step considering her initial reaction was to lunge at the window. The stray, whom I affectionately started thinking of as “Mama Cat” (I even called her “mama”), seemed to settle in, making our yard her home. As June progressed, she started staying even after sunset, a sign of her growing trust. The dynamic was peaceful, and I was happy to provide ...

A Lactose Intolerant’s Guide to Eating Dairy Again

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Being lactose intolerant is no fun. I know from personal ( and painful ) experience. So, when I get invited to dinner and someone serves a creamy lasagna or a cheesy pizza, I just feel left out. The thought of that delicious, melty cheese and the creamy sauce is so tempting, but the result is always the same: bloating, gas, and a whole lot of discomfort. It's a real bummer. It’s a challenge to enjoy things with everyone else. I've tried a bunch of stuff to help. I've eaten those chewable lactase enzyme tablets, and they work pretty well, but you have to take them right before you eat. And let's be honest, I often forget. Then there's the whole "lactose-free" trend, which is a lifesaver, but finding lactose-free ice cream in a small town can be a mission. So, when a new product called Bactose came across my path, I was hopeful. Bactose is supposed to be different. It’s a probiotic that works long-term. You take it for a week, and then you’re good to go fo...

SHAMPOOHOTEL: The Best New Beauty Brand at Ulta?

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I’ve been on the hunt for new hair and body products for a while. I like to switch things up and try out different brands. I’m always looking for something that not only works well but also smells great. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the SHAMPOOHOTEL Rio line for free, and let me tell you, I was pretty excited. I’d heard about the brand and their destination-inspired hair and body care products, and I was curious to see if they lived up to the hype. The Rio line is inspired by a warm and intoxicating destination, with a scent that includes lush vanilla orchid, coconut, and sandalwood. The brand says the Rio shampoo and conditioner are supposed to add volume and body to fine, flat hair, thanks to key ingredients like bamboo extract and biotin. They also have a body wash and body lotion in the same scent. The idea of the whole line smelling the same is great. It means you don't have to worry about clashing scents from different products. Disclosure: I received the...