Losing a pet is a uniquely painful experience. For many of us without children, our pets aren't just animals; they're our family. They're our confidants, our daily companions, and a source of unconditional love. So when they're gone, the silence they leave behind is deafening. I recently lost my guinea pig, Cinnamon, after almost five years together. The worst part was that I had to sit there and watch her die, completely helpless. There wasn't a single vet in a 100-mile radius who would see her. The feeling of watching a beloved friend suffer and not being able to do a single thing about it is something that will stick with me for a long time. R.I.P. Cinnamon! 💔 This kind of loss brings a complicated type of grief. It's not just sadness; it's layered with guilt, anger, and a profound sense of failure, even when there was nothing you could have done. The world keeps moving, but your little world has stopped. People, often with good intentions, might say t...
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My Favorite Products of 2025: Tech, Home & Beauty Picks
I honestly can't believe we're already in 2026. It feels like just yesterday I was celebrating my birthday in February and wondering what the year would bring. Looking back, 2025 was a year where I really focused on making my life easier and more comfortable. I live in a duplex here in southeast Alabama, and while I'm still renting and hoping to buy a home soon, I've spent a lot of time this past year turning our current place into a sanctuary.
Being 44 years old, I've realized that I just don't have the patience for things that don't work well. I want products that solve problems. Whether it was managing my health issues like anxiety and PCOS, organizing the chaos caused by my five pets, or just feeding my inner geek with some new tech, I found some real winners this year. I'm excited to share the things that actually made a difference in my day-to-day life. These aren't just things I bought; they're things I use constantly.
⚡ Key Takeaways
💻 The 2024 Mac Mini and 2025 iPad Air were my top tech investments for work and play.
💰 I made over $8,500 using the Dscout app as a side hustle alongside my full-time job.
😴 DUWZGU Gummies and Biotene Gel finally helped me manage my sleep anxiety and dry mouth.
🧴 Cream of Nature and Haruharu Wonder are my holy grail beauty picks for type 4 hair and aging skin.
🏠 Simple upgrades like large storage bins and a Philips 75" TV transformed our loft living space.
Tech Upgrades That Powered My Year
I've always been a bit of a nerd. I love gadgets, and this year I made some significant changes to my digital lineup. It wasn't about having the flashiest gear but about finding tools that fit my workflow and my downtime.
I've got mixed feelings here, but I still used this tablet every single day. I upgraded to this from a 2020 iPad Pro 13-inch. To be honest, I miss the Pro. The iPad Air's beautiful, and the performance is snappy, but the battery life just isn't what I was used to on the older Pro model. I also really miss that larger screen size.
I'll admit that I'll probably upgrade again once the new iPads drop later this year. I made the mistake of cracking the screen on this one. It's barely noticeable, but I know it's there. It bothers me every time I swipe across it. Also, I refused to spend $200 on an Apple Magic Keyboard this time around. I bought a generic case from Amazon, and it works perfectly. It proves you don't always need the name brand accessories to get the job done.
This was a special one. My husband bought this for me for our 20th wedding anniversary back in November. He paired it with two new 24-inch 2K monitors, and it's a dream setup. For the last 14 years, I was a die-hard Linux user. I loved tinkering with it. But since I use macOS for my job, I realized I wanted that consistency at home too.
The transition was smoother than I'd expected. Having the same keyboard shortcuts and gestures just makes my brain hurt less after a long day. It's super fast. I can have a dozen apps open, stream music, and edit photos without a single stutter. I don't know why I didn't switch to a desktop mac sooner. It anchors my workspace in a way a laptop never did.
Making Home Cozy and Organized
Our duplex is a bit unique. We've got a loft-style master bedroom on the second floor that takes up the entire level. It's about 600 square feet, which sounds great, but it becomes a magnet for clutter. Plus, with five pets running around, keeping things tidy is a survival skill.
These black and red bins are the unsung heroes of 2025. I bought 12 of them. Yes, 12. Our master bedroom had turned into a "hot mess" of piles. We've got a young cat named Micah who's about 8 months old now, and he gets into everything. We had to clean up to keep him safe and to stop him from hiding in junk piles.
These bins stack perfectly and the snap lids are actually secure. We organized everything from seasonal clothes to extra tech gear. Now, the loft actually feels like a bedroom and not a storage unit. It's amazing how much mental clarity you get just by putting clutter into a matching set of boxes.
I created a quiet corner in what we call the "pet room." I set up a recliner and this shelf-lamp combo. The lamp's great because it holds my phone and a drink, saving space since I didn't need a side table. It came with a smart bulb, which was a fun bonus. I set up an automation so it turns on a warm, dim light right before sunset.
The recliner I paired it with isn't the most luxurious chair on the planet, but it works. I've taken a few naps there while hanging out with our rabbits, Lucy and Ricky, and I didn't wake up in pain. That's a win in my book.
We grabbed this TV in December, and it's massive. The price was an absolute steal at Walmart. We actually had a bit of a disaster getting it home. We were supposed to borrow a friend's truck, but he ghosted us at the last minute. We ended up strapping this giant box to the roof of our car. I was terrified the whole drive home, but we made it!
The picture quality's fantastic for the price. We bypassed the Google TV interface and plugged in our Apple TV 4K, which is just my preference. However, I do use the Google TV software on a smaller TV in the pet room, and it's decent. It's a bit convoluted compared to Apple, but better than the Fire TV interface in my opinion.
I kept seeing ads on TikTok for those expensive Skylight calendars. I almost bought one until I realized I could just get an Echo Show 15 for less money and get way more features. I got a rotating stand for it, and it keeps us organized. I can see our shared calendar, shopping lists, and even watch YouTube while I'm cooking.
I'm actually thinking about buying the new Echo Show 21 for the master bathroom. I know that sounds a little extra, but I love watching videos while I get ready in the morning. It makes the routine go by faster.
Health, Beauty, and Self-Care Essentials
With my PCOS and insulin resistance, my body goes through a lot. I've also got sensitive skin and type 4 natural hair. Finding products that don't irritate me or actually do what they say they'll do is a challenge.
This is it. This is the product. I've been natural for 16 years, and I've spent hundreds of dollars on products that promised definition but gave me frizz. This curl activator's cheap, and it works. It keeps my hair moisturized for days, which is rare for my texture.
It defines my coils without making them crunchy. My husband's even started using it for his hair. It smells great, isn't too heavy, and plays nice with other products. If they ever discontinue this, I'll be devastated.
I'm creeping up on 45, so eye cream's non-negotiable. I've been using this one for nearly two years. It features bakuchiol, which is a gentler alternative to retinol. Since I've got sensitive skin, retinol can sometimes be too harsh for me.
This cream doesn't sting, and a tiny bit goes a long way. One small tube lasts me months. It keeps the skin around my eyes looking hydrated and smooth. The reviews on Amazon were right about this one.
I stumbled upon this by accident, and I'm so glad I did. Most moisturizers either break me out or leave me looking like a grease ball. This one repairs the skin barrier and feels so soothing. I use a pea-sized amount every morning after my serums. It absorbs quickly and doesn't conflict with my sunscreen. It's affordable and effective, which is my favorite combination.
My anxiety often spikes right at bedtime. I've got Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and while I can stay asleep, falling asleep is the battle. I hate the groggy feeling that high doses of melatonin give me.
These gummies are perfect because the serving size is two, but I usually only take one. That gives me just enough help to drift off without feeling like a zombie the next day. If I'm having a really bad night, I can take the full dose. They taste good, too, which helps!
This product's a lifesaver. I developed severe dry mouth recently, likely a side effect of some meds and my GERD. It was so bad it was waking me up. I tried sprays, rinses, and lozenges, but they wore off in minutes.
I found a trick with this gel. I "sandwich" it between my tongue and the roof of my mouth, like the cream in a cookie. If I let it sit there rather than rubbing it around immediately, it provides relief for hours. It gets rid of that cotton-mouth feeling so I can actually rest.
Household Favorites and Gaming
Sometimes the best purchases are the ones that just handle the dirty work or help you blow off steam.
Living in Alabama, the humidity brings bugs. We had a horrible gnat infestation this past summer and early fall. I found out that Dawn Powerwash kills them on contact. I went through so many bottles.
Beyond killing bugs, the Pine Scent is my favorite for actually cleaning. I use it on countertops, the stove, and even to spot clean the floor. It cuts through grease like nothing else. I currently have about six bottles stockpiled in the cabinet because I refuse to run out.
I know everyone was talking about the Switch 2 release this year, but I stuck with my OLED model. I just can't justify spending $500 on a new console when my current one plays everything I like. I gamed more in 2025 than I have in years. It's a great stress reliever.
I'm not trying to be an influencer or keep up with the Joneses. The OLED screen's vibrant, and the library of games is huge. I'm happy to save my money and enjoy the backlog of games I already own.
Apps and Services That Paid Off
I want to give a shout-out to the digital tools that helped me financially and mentally this year. These aren't physical products, but they were huge for me.
This app was my MVP of 2025. I managed to make over $8,500 just from this platform. That's serious money for a side hustle. It involves doing video surveys and live interviews.
At first, I was terrified. My anxiety made me dread the idea of a live interview. But the more I did, the easier it got. Now I feel like a pro. It helped us pay down some bills and build up savings. If you're willing to talk to a camera, it's worth the effort.
I finally broke up with Google Chrome. I switched to Comet, which is an AI-based browser. It has an assistant built right into the side panel that can summarize pages or explain complex terms. It's just as fast as Chrome and feels less bloated. I do use the Dia browser occasionally (from OpenAI), but Comet's my daily driver.
Google actually got this one right. I use NotebookLM for organizing my work meetings, Bible studies, and learning new topics. You upload your documents, and it creates a knowledge base you can chat with. It's incredibly powerful. I got a bit lazy with it towards the end of the year, but I'm planning to dive back in for 2026.
I know people make fun of NextDoor, but I actually like it. I've stepped away from toxic social media platforms, and NextDoor feels different. It connects me with my actual neighbors. Since most of the user base is my age or older, it feels a bit more polite. I like being able to help people find lost pets or recommend local plumbers. It feels like a real community.
Don't sleep on Tubi. It used to be the place for bad B-movies, but they've stepped up their game. They've got a ton of great shows and movies now. My husband and I watch it constantly. We still roast the "Tubi Originals" because some of them are hilarious, but honestly, for a free service, you can't beat it.
Looking Ahead to 2026
So that's my list. It's a weird mix of high-tech gear, hair products, and cleaning sprays, but that's real life. I'm hoping 2026 brings us closer to buying our own home so I can stop using temporary solutions and really put down roots. Until then, I'll keep using these favorites to keep our duplex cozy and my life running smoothly. I'd love to know if you guys have tried any of these, especially my fellow tech-loving ladies!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to start a side hustle like Dscout with anxiety?
Start small with the "diary" missions where you just record short videos of yourself answering questions. You don't have to do live interviews immediately. I was terrified at first, but exposure therapy really works here. Once you realize the researchers are just normal people looking for feedback, it gets much easier. Just be yourself and be honest; that's what they're paying for.
Is the Mac Mini worth it if I'm coming from Windows or Linux?
Absolutely. The value for the price is hard to beat, especially with the 2024 models. The transition's easy because the interface is user-friendly. If you already have an iPhone or iPad, the ecosystem features like copying text on your phone and pasting it on your Mac are incredibly useful. It offers a stability that I found superior to my Linux setup for daily work tasks.
Do you really need a smart bulb for a reading lamp?
You don't need one, but it makes a huge difference in comfort. Being able to change the color temperature to a warm, amber glow in the evening helps your brain wind down for sleep. Standard bulbs are often too harsh or blue-heavy for nighttime reading. Plus, the convenience of turning it off with a voice command when you're already comfy in the chair is a nice luxury.
How do you handle the high humidity in Alabama with type 4 hair?
Hydration and hold are key. That's why I love the Cream of Nature activator. You need a product that seals moisture into the strand so the humidity doesn't make it puff out immediately. I also suggest layering your products. I use a leave-in conditioner first, then the curl activator, and sometimes a light oil on top to lock everything in. It helps the style survive the sticky Southern heat.
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