A Little Bit Of Me | Lifestyle Blog by Charnita Fance

Let’s be real for a second: 2025 was rough . Between the global chaos and just the general heaviness of the world, it felt like we were all holding our breath for twelve months straight. It’s hard not to feel a bit cynical when looking ahead, especially when the previous year left such a mark. But here’s the thing: we survived it. We made it through the noise, the bad news, and the stress, and that counts for something. Personally, I’m ready to turn the page. While 2025 had its moments (I finally got my eyes checked and found out they’re surprisingly healthy, and we even got a rare snow day down here in Dothan), the overall vibe was just heavy. So, I’m looking at 2026 not as a magical fix, but as a chance to rebuild. We don’t need "revolutionary" changes; we just need practical self-care, a little more joy, and a lot less doomscrolling. If you’re feeling worn out but hopeful, let’s talk about how to make this next year genuinely bigger and better. ⚡ Key Takeaways ...

I'm currently sitting at home, trying to ignore the fact that I have a ton of bills piling up, and distracting myself with Season 4 of The Vampire Diaries . My husband and I just celebrated our 20th anniversary back in November, and he's been a good sport about me hogging the TV. Although, I think even he is getting invested in the drama, even if he won't admit it. I’m surrounded by my zoo of pets, and it's chaotic here, but honestly, it’s nothing compared to the chaos in Mystic Falls. Since I am rewatching this in my 40s, I am noticing so many things that went right over my head years ago. I have a lot of feelings, and most of them are frustration. When I watched this show originally, I just went along for the ride. Now? I have questions. I have complaints. And I seriously need to talk about how the writers treated some of my favorite characters. It's a mix of nostalgia and pure annoyance, and I can't look away. ⚡ Key Takeaways 🧔 Alaric ...

I can't believe we're inching closer to 2026. My husband and I just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this past November, and it really got me thinking about where we are in life. We've been in our current residence for exactly 10 years as of this month. While I love our neighbors (especially the cat next door, Noro, who visits me every single day for treats), I'm so ready for a place that's actually ours. The biggest issue right now is space. My kitchen is incredibly small. I love to cook, but trying to make a big holiday meal in there is a nightmare. I just want to host a dinner where I’m not bumping into the fridge every time I turn around. I know I need to buy a house, but to do that in 2027, I have to fix my credit starting now. I’ve done a lot of research, and I’m personally using a few of these programs to get my score up. If you're in the same boat, here is what is working for me and what experts say are the best options out there. Disclosure: T...

I recently woke up and realized I am 44 years old. It sounds funny to say, but for the longest time, I just drifted along thinking retirement was this far-off thing that old people do. But now, hitting my mid-40s with a husband, a duplex we are renting, and a whole zoo of pets to feed, the reality is setting in. I have about 20 years left to really aggressively save money if I want to stop working one day. I have a 401k through my job, and I contribute to it, but I started to get this nagging feeling that it wasn't enough. Disclosure: This post contains referral links; as a SoFi customer, I earn a small amount from qualifying sign-ups. I appreciate your support. That's why I finally opened an account with SoFi a couple of months ago. I went with their Robo Traditional IRA. I'll be honest with you: I chose the Robo option because I know absolutely nothing about investing. I didn't want to pick stocks and mess it up. I also realized after the fact that a Roth IRA might...

I was lying in bed the other night and couldn't sleep because my mouth felt like a desert. Dry mouth is a side effect of a medication I take, and it drives me crazy. It makes it hard to swallow, and I wake up thirsty every few hours. Since it's usually quiet and there's nothing to distract me, I just lay there and focus on how annoying it is. I started feeling sorry for myself and frustrated that I couldn't just get a good night of rest. But then I started scrolling through health articles on my phone, which is a dangerous rabbit hole. It didn't take long for me to realize how small my problem actually is. I stumbled upon lists of rare medical conditions and severe neurological disorders that people deal with every single day. It hit me hard. My dry mouth is a nuisance, but it's not ruining my life. Reading about what others endure shifted my perspective immediately. We often forget to appreciate the basic functions of our bodies until something goes wrong. He...

December hits differently when you don't have children. You might think it means zero stress. People assume you have all the free time in the world. But that is rarely the case. Instead you often become the backup plan for everyone else. You travel more. You attend every late night party. You cover shifts for coworkers who have kids. The pressure to make everything magical for everyone else can drain you fast. I used to crash hard by December 25th every single year. I would wake up sick, tired, and resentful. I realized I was pouring from an empty cup. Now I follow a strict routine to keep my sanity intact . This isn't about bubble baths or expensive spa days. This is about survival. It's about entering the new year feeling like a person rather than a shell. This guide breaks down practical ways to manage your physical and mental health this month. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases. I ap...