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I Don't Know When You're Home's Birthday Is, But It's Probably Overdue For One Of These 32 Practical Gifts

I Don't Know When You're Home's Birthday Is, But It's Probably Overdue For One Of These 32 Practical Gifts

Buzz Feed03-05-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Get it something good so it doesn't resent you for all the other birthdays you missed. 😒
1. A bright and cheery fruit bowl with a secret — there's a hidden colander! The sneaky bowl lets you rinse your fruit and then display it on the counter while it dries.
Amazon
Promising review: "I LOVE the look of this fruit bowl. I also love that its pedestal minimizes the space it takes up on the counter. I wasn't sure about whether I would like that it is plastic but now consider it a big plus. It keeps the bowl lightweight (but it is still sturdy) and makes it easy to clean. I highly recommend this fruit bowl. I couldn't be more pleased with mine." — Opinion o'Jen
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in four colors).
2. A small dry-erase board complete with a pen holder so you can jot down notes quickly without having to frantically search for something to write with. It lifts up to reveal a storage compartment for your markers, pencils, and other desk doodads. It even comes with markers and an eraser!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Love the writing surface. Feels sturdy and looks great. The ink wipes off with ease and leaves no excess residue. Goodbye, sticky notes. Inside storage is a bonus to help keep working space clean. Highly recommend." — Teresa
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 25 colors).
3. Mrs. Meyer's multi-surface spray in a seasonal scent (fresh cut grass! dandelion! tomato vine!!!!!!!) to make your home not only spotless, but incredible smelling as well. I've never met a Mrs. Meyers fragrance I didn't like, and I have to say they really knocked it out of the park with these.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Sadly, the fresh-cut grass scent is only available in a mini size, but you can still snag it in dish or hand soap form.
Promising review: "Excellent Mrs. Meyers quality! Great value, strong cleaning power with a bright, grassy scent. It's easy to use, cuts grease, and a perfect cleaner. I only wish I could get the large in this scent! Will buy again!" — A. QueenIsis
"This cleaning spray works really well and is a great value. I'm particularly obsessed with the tomato vine scent. I know it's a limited edition during the springtime, so the next time it's available, I'm going to buy multiple bottles for the rest of the year. Smells very high-end without having a high-end price tag." — James
Get it from Amazon for $4.89+ (available in three scents).
4. And a set of Command spray bottle hangers to stick to the inside of a cabinet door for easy storage, so you can grab some cleaner *the second* you hear food hit the floor.
Check out a TikTok of the Command spray bottle hangers in action.
Promising review: "Love these! They have helped organize all my products underneath my kitchen sink. The Command hooks are strong, and nothing has budged, even with the weight of the spray bottles! Highly recommend." — Talayfor87
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.99.
5. A grassy drying rack for parents who have a ton of bottles to clean and don't want their carefully balanced mountain of dishes to come crashing down. The grass keeps bottles, tops, and other small items upright without you needing to constantly rearrange or navigate weirdly placed dividers. It's also just cute! Look at the little nipple tree.
www.amazon.com
Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping editor Heather Braga has to say about this:"I have this drying rack! We keep it next to our full-sized drying rack, and as my son has gotten older, we've also started using it to dry reusable food pouches (and all the pieces that go along with that) as well as his sippy cup and any teethers we've washed."
Promising review: " Newborn twins are a mess. They took over our house within moments of coming through the door. For this type A mama, it was a horrifying side effect of the two most precious things in the world. A friend gave us one lawn at our shower, and we promptly hopped on Amazon and bought a second to manage the sheer volume. The lawn and the accessories are a convenient and cute way to keep your bottles and pump parts organized. There is ample space in one for one baby's needs." — Lacey
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four styles).
6. A pair of fan light pull cords so you can finally know which turns on the fan and which turns on the light. What an ~illuminating~ product!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These fit my fan, they're super cute, and very good quality. I was happier with them than I expected. All of my girls thought they were super cute, too, and they're happy they can reach the chain now." — Kate
Get them from Amazon for $5.60+ (available in two lengths and three finishes).
7. A pack of butterfly-shaped sticky traps to install near your houseplants so you can finally evict all those tiny fly free-loaders.
Promising review:"I have a plant in my office that had terrible gnats. I ordered this product and put one in my plant. Within one hour, there were about 10 gnats stuck to it. Within four days, it was covered on both sides with gnats. Very pleased with this product! Very easy to use, no odor, and even looks cute in my plant!" — HD6774
Get them from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four pack sizes).
8. A set of massively popular moisture-wicking double-brushed microfiber sheets so soft and cuddly, you'll feel like you're staying at a 5-star hotel. You'll forget aaaalll about thread count when you slide into these sheets.
LuxClub is a small business that specializes in soft, durable, luxury-style sheets.
P romising review: 'LOVE THESE!! I was searching for a sheet set that would help me sleep more comfortably at night and found these. I have terrible hot flashes with night sweats and get up in the morning, just miserable. Of course, these do not eliminate my hot flashes as no sheets will, but they definitely make my nights much more comfortable by eliminating wet bedding, and I definitely appreciate that! Aside from their moisture-wicking abilities, they are very soft, easy to look at, and launder extremely well. I would highly recommend these for anyone shopping for sheet sets and especially for anyone experiencing night sweats!! ' — Shannon Warfel
Get it from Amazon for $29.71+ (available in sizes Twin–California King, with deep pockets, and in 40 styles).
9. And a pack of sheet suspenders for the restless sleeper who always ends up in a tangled ball by morning. Keep those suckers in place!
Amazon
Promising review:"My husband turns a lot in his sleep and has always woken up with the fitted sheet halfway off his side of the bed. We bought these and we have NEVER once had to adjust the sheet in the morning! These are amazing! They're the kind of thing you'll never know how you lived without before." — LinseyB
Get them from Amazon for $8.95 (available in two pack sizes and three colors).
10. A set of extra mini drawers that clip onto your shelves so you can easily grab what you need instead of having to remove half the contents of your fridge just to get to the mayo.
Amazon
Promising review:"I bought a new refrigerator, and I missed my deli drawer. I purchased this as a way to store deli cold meat. I'm so glad I bought it" — wendy
Get one from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two size packs).
11. A journal happy to store all your increasingly complicated passwords. At least 12 characters, including a symbol, number, capital letter, ancient rune, and the fleeting details of a half-remembered dream? COME ON!
It's alphabetized so you can easily find the one you need!.
Promising review:"This was exactly what I wanted. The book has a heavy plastic cover and heavy-duty wire binding. The paper is good quality, although my favorite gel pens did have some bleed-through. I'd recommend ballpoint or pencil. The entries have wide spaces, with room for website, email, username, password, and notes (which is perfect for noting the answers to those security questions... What's your favorite ice cream flavor? I don't remember what I answered a year ago!). The password section has a good number of extra lines for those sites that make you change your password with annoying frequency." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in three sizes).
12. A rotating spice rack that not only provides you with all the spices you need to start your culinary journey, but also comes with FIVE YEARS of free spice refills; that means you can sprinkle your sea salt with reckless abandon.
The next time you want to make a mushroom gravy, you'll have Herbes de Provence right there! And chicken is going to taste so much better with a dash of rosemary. This tower comes with 20 jars of spices. I personally have this rack and can confirm it's legit. The construction is obviously a little flimsy, but it spins nicely and doesn't wobble. All the spices are fresh and quite nice!
Promising review:"I LOVE THIS! It looks great on my counter, and all the new choices I have to cook with are just exciting!! Plus, the five years of refills is just icing on top." — Imani
13. Luigi's Sink and Drain Plunger, your new personal plumber to pull up hair, food debris, and other gross stuff lurking in your pipes. The plunger works on any drain small enough to be fully covered, and the flexible bellow is as much as 10 times more effective than a regular rubber cup plunger. Mama mia! This thing is useful.
Promising review:"Y'all, this thing is amazing! My kitchen sink was completely clogged for four days. I've been trying to clear the drain with a different sink plunger that I already had and it didn't do diddly squat. I was about to give up and call a plumber. Then I decided to order this one, and it just arrived… it completely cleared the drain in like three minutes. So then I decided to take it to the bathroom sink that had been draining extremely slowly, and within a minute, I had the water running so quickly and smoothly again. I got the small one, and it's the perfect size for kitchen and bathroom sinks." — JNeen
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes and toilet plunger styles).
14. A plastic bag dispenser that neatly fits in your drawer so you don't have to battle with five crushed cardboard boxes. You can store this horizontally in a drawer or get fancy and mount it vertically in a cabinet.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
These come with optional sticker labels, so you know which size bag you're grabbing.
YouCopia is a woman-owned small business that specializes in home storage solutions.
Promising review:"I like it very much. Not so large. Lightweight. Would look nice on top of the counter. What I like is that you do not have to wrangle the box into the slots. Simply pick up the roll of bags from their packaging and put them in the designated slot." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three- or four-slot models).
15. A set of wildly popular"hotel" pillows so you can feel like you're falling asleep at the Ritz. Reviewers rave that these are the perfect balance of fluffy and firm, meaning you can prop yourself up for a good in-bed TV binge. Plus, they're breathable and cooling, so you won't overheat while wrapped in all those blankets.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"These had great reviews, but I was still a bit skeptical. I'm a bit of a pillow snob. These pillows — these amazing, heavenly pillows — are now my favorite part of going to bed. Soft but firm. How does that work? It gives support for me to sleep slightly propped up but I sink into this comfortable personal cloud. Soft but firm. My head isn't sinking through the pillow to rest on my mattress, but I feel comfortably enveloped. Heaven. I bought two but think that would be too much fluff, so now my husband and I each have one. Buy them. Add to cart. Buy now with one click. Stop the research. You've found the pillows you were looking for." — Marissa Urey
"God himself must use these pillows. I have (or had, haha) insomnia, not to mention a bad neck/back *and* hot flashes. The comfort and the cooling is AMAZING (even with a silk pillowcase). Thank you, TikTok, for influencing me!!!!" — Rickie White
Get a set of two from Amazon for $46.97+ (available in three sizes).
16. An interlocking storage organization set that lets you harness the power of CUBES. Assemble them in whatever grid works best for your closet. The set comes with a little rubber mallet so you can feel like Bob the Builder while creating your ideal storage unit.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I put these in my closet to make extra shelves for sweaters/sweatshirts. They were easy to assemble and worked great at adding additional space to my closet. I like that my clothes don't topple over into the pile next to them anymore. They were easy to put together, and if I move, they will be easy to take apart, put in a small box, and move. I'm very happy with this purchase." — Goldensummerdog
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in five colors and two pack sizes).
17. FryAway Waste Cooking Oil Solidifier Powder because you absolutely, 100% cannot just pour it down the drain. Sprinkle the powder in the oil while it's hot, let it cool, then scoop it right into the trash.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
FryAway is a woman-owned and Latine-owned small business started by Laura Lady, who loves both cooking and being kind to the planet. They donate 1% of revenue to nonprofits focused on water conservation.
Promising review:"I used to HATE cooking with oil because I never knew what to do with it when I was finished. Not anymore! This stuff works amazingly well, is easy to use, and allows me to trash oil without a big mess! It just takes a little scoop and a short amount of time for it to set into a gel, and then it all scoops out of the pan so easily! I'm just sad I didn't find this product sooner!" — TheBjamin
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two styles).
18. A silverware sorter that takes up very little space in your drawer but can fit up to 24 pieces of cutlery. With the extra space, the possibilities are endless. Maybe it's time for a novelty monstera slotted spoon?
Promising review:"I have a tiny kitchen with only three drawers, so space is at a premium. My silverware organizer took up almost all of one drawer, so this organizer is a godsend. You can fit quite a few spoons, etc., in each slot. My beater attachments fit perfectly into the top two hollows. I will say I have to flip my forks over face down in order to be able to shut and open my drawer, but then the drawer itself is kind of shallow. You NEED this if you have a small kitchen with few drawers!" — mialro
Get it from Amazon for $9.52.
PS: You can get the knife organizer (also pictured above) for $7.99.
19. Baseball hat organizers to finally address the fact that half your home is just cap clutter. Now you can proudly display two hats from your winning team — and hide the 20 other hats from teams currently disappointing you.
Promising review: "Loved the simple installation. You can install using the adhesive or using the mollies and screws. I used the adhesive since the hats are not heavy. I may order more to hang all my cross-body purses and wristlets as well. Good purchase at a good price." — Diva
Get them from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two sizes, four colors, and four pack sizes).
20. A WD-40 pen that provides all the same benefits as the spray can (quieting squeaks, lubricating hinges, preventing rust, etc.) but now with an easy-to-maneuver, precise pen tip. You could just walk around your home, touching up every hinge you see!
Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and the house toolbox." — BBP623
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
21. A tea bag organizer for avid tea drinkers who are sick of getting hit with an avalanche of boxes every time they open their cupboard. This slim device can fit up to 120 standard-sized bags.
www.amazon.com
This is brought to you by the small business YouCopia.
Promising review:"It holds so many; the storage capacity is wild! It was able to clean up all of our various types of tea boxes and slim down the space. I should have bought this sooner." — BB
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes).
22. An automatic toilet cleaning system that shoots a bleach cleanser in your bowl with every flush, keeping things fresh between scrubbing sessions. I don't know why, but the toilet stamps kind of embarrass me — I don't want people to know I'm off-loading my toilet cleaning duties — so this is the perfect solution. 🤓
It's super quick to install, and one cartridge can last up to three months!
Promising review:"I used to use those deodorizer tablets for all my toilets in my home, and they worked. However, the chemicals from the tablets would harden the plastic/rubber flap valves in the toilet and cause them to slowly leak overnight. My water bill would be high every month. Once I switched to the Fluidmaster 8300 dispenser, keeping my toilets clean and odorless became easy. Plus, maintenance on my toilets decreased! The cartridges last three months, and replacing them requires no tools. Highly recommend." — Mikiloti
Get it from Amazon for $10.49.
23. A grater with a built-in container so you don't have to worry about having to balance it over a plate or cleaning up stray shavings. It comes with three grating surfaces you can swap out to meet all your grating needs. Taco night, anyone?
It also comes with a vegetable peeler.
Promising review:"What an incredible product...truly! The concept is simple, but this item puts it all together seamlessly — with bonus implements! Sturdy, compact, easy to use, clean, and store. What more could any cook want? The cutting area is safely designed with different shredding sizes possible. Bonus items are well constructed with blades and handles of noteworthy quality. Impressive package deal. Well priced. Very pleased!" — Krow
Get it from Amazon for $12.71+ (also available with a garlic mincer).
24. A pack of Miracle-Gro water storing crystals that'll prevent both under- *and* over-watering, which I believe are the top two killers of plants. When you water your houseplants, the crystals retain the moisture and release it as the soil dries.
This works for both indoor and outdoor plants.
Promising review: "I have deck rail flower boxes and they get full sun most of the day. I filled in the drain holes to hold more water and added these to the soil. Both made a huge difference in the quality of life for the plants. They were and still are gorgeous even if I couldn't water every day. I do have to admit I used more per planter than the recommended amount." — Pattijwr
Get it from Amazon for $10.28.
25. A Howard Products Feed-N-Wax wood polish and conditioner to give your furniture an impossibly lustrous shine previously never seen in your home. The carnauba wax and beeswax enhance and protect your wood from drying out, so you can keep your great-grandmother's rocking chair in tip-top shape with just a few swipes.
Many reviewers started by using Restor-A-Finish to blend out minor scratches before finishing with the Feed-N-Wax. It's as simple as wiping on and off!
Promising review:"I got this product a few hours ago from Amazon and now have shiny floors! It gave the really dull hardwood floors of my prewar NYC apartment an impressive shine. Really impressive. A little goes a long way: I used only about two ounces to shine about 500 square feet of clean floors. Before using it on the floors, I tested the polish on an old wooden side table that is scarred and needs sanding. It looked a lot better afterwards." — KindleCustomer2
Get it from Amazon for $9.80.
26. And a set of wood repair markers ready to turn back the hands of time to before your cat went to town on all your chair legs. It'll feel like an art project, but you'll end up with refreshed wood furniture.
The kit comes with markers, crayons for deeper scratches, and a sharpener.
Tip: Some reviewers suggest applying the marker and then quickly wiping it with a paper towel to avoid over-applying.
Promising review: "This product did a great job on my severely scratched wood flooring. I used it in a rental home and on our own floors. The markers did a great job on the wood flooring and there are several colors you can sort of mix and match to get the right shade. It dries with a slight shiny, waxy shine. Good value for the money! The wax pencils work OK, too, but the markers did fantastic. They didn't repair the wood but certainly hid some of the damage. To me, well worth the price." — Reviewer
Get a set of six markers and six crayons for $8.88.
27. A solid wood countertop that fits over your washer and dryer in case you're really hurting for space in your cramped laundry room. The water-resistant surface will give you space for your various laundry accouterments, plus room to fold.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "This shelf is really well-made and looks great. I like that they included a hex bit for a drill and an Allen wrench to tighten things up by hand — a thoughtful touch. Plus, they used hex screws instead of cheap Phillips ones, which makes it way easier to put together and feels more solid overall." — wildelmo
"This is the best purchase yet! I no longer lose my socks behind the washer or dryer! Keeps laundry room looking clean and neat! Easy to put together and just perfect." — deanna defrancis
Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in six colors).
28. A fan-favorite all-season comforter if you took your old one out of storage and realized it's a bit lumpy. Over 98,000 5-star reviewers swear by this affordable, machine-washable option thanks to its warmth and cloud-like softness.
Amazon
Promising review:"This comforter is amazing! I was getting too warm with my down comforter, but I still wanted something soft, and this was the answer. It's very light yet still provides enough warmth that I'm only using this with a flat sheet. It fits perfectly in my duvet cover and comes with loops on each corner and midway between the corners." — Joiseygirl
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in twin–California king and two colors).
29. Game board storage cases so you can ditch the cardboard boxes in favor of slim, easy-to-stack organizers. The transparent plastic and built-in handle make it easy to take multiple games while traveling — now you can pack Codenames *and* Monopoly.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "We loved these containers and have now bought 20 to hold our entire game closet! We have been able to fit multiple games in some. Easy to store and easy for my kids to find and then put away when finished. Good quality, haven't had any problems with durability yet, and we play a LOT of games." — bradfieldfamily
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $49.49 (also available in thicker shape).
30. A chenille tufted pillow perfect for when you're trying to enjoy some pillow fort time or just wanna sit on the floor while working from the coffee table (me). It'll come in handy when you have more guests than chairs for movie night.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Cozy vibes. I purchased two of these. I think they're wonderful. Soft. Comfortable. Perfect floor pillows." — Courtney R.
Get it from Amazon for $35.27+ (available in two shapes and eight colors).
31. A bottle of lavender-scented Therapy stainless steel cleaner and polish to revive your tired-looking fridge in a snap. The plant-based cleaner can remove years of smudges, dust, dirt, and oil, leaving it so sparkly, no one will ever know how long you've been neglecting it.
Britt Ross / BuzzFeed
The pH-neutral formula is made with coconut oil and works on appliances, grills, sinks, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, range hoods, trash cans, and more. You'll also get a large microfiber cloth with the bottle.
Former BuzzFeed writer Brittany Ross says, " I don't know what kind of fairy dust this plant-based spray is hiding inside, but it made my mucked-up fridge sparkle within a MINUTE! I was skeptical when I first sprayed it onto my fridge because it took a second for the streaks to start fading, but lo and behold, there was *zero* residue left behind after a super brief wipe sesh. Once I saw how downright dazzling my fridge looked, I decided to put it to the ~real~ test — my filthy dishwasher. Again, a minute of buffing with a microfiber towel was enough to make it look like a brand-new appliance, and it worked wonders on the greasy stainless steel edges of my oven, too."
Promising review: "This is a miracle worker on stainless. I have tried everything to get my stainless to shine like it should, even the home remedies, which do NOT work — sorry but they don't. This stuff is the best I have tried. I follow a girl on TikTok that recommended it and she has been right 100% on her Amazon recommendations. She nailed it again. You will love this stuff." — Amazonwoman
Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).
32. An expanding file folder you can fill with up to 200 pieces of paper and free up sooo much desk space. As an accordion folder follower, I have to say these things are top-notch for organizing everything from restaurant menus to ticket stubs.
Amazon
Promising review: "I am going through some legal things, and this folder has been perfect for keeping all my paperwork together! And boy, can it hold a lot! The snap closure is very sturdy, and the color is spot on!! An amazing value and great quality!" — MomOf2
Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in 11 colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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These Drugstore Products Are Better Than Luxury Ones
These Drugstore Products Are Better Than Luxury Ones

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These Drugstore Products Are Better Than Luxury Ones

As a beauty reporter, it's not just my personal obsession but also my job to research and test my way through skincare and makeup products at every price point. What I've found is that, in many cases, you do get what you pay for. But other times, I learned that drugstore formulas outperform their luxury competition for a fraction of the price. Always the advocate for a good bargain, I've curated the upcoming list of beauty products that I've not just tried, but use regularly, for their capacity to enhance my beauty routine at drugstore prices. It's an affordable collection that includes lush body oils, high-powered eye liners, wrinkle-fighting facial lotions and tons more. A makeup artist-endorsed definition mascara This was the tube of mascara that, for me, solidified the potential of drugstore formulas. 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Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. In fact, it works better as a base than some other expensive primers that I've tried. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.I hesitate to make this comparison, since I'm such a huge fan of the slightly pricier version, but this reminds me of the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a magical French facial cream that also doubles as a makeup primer. Get it from Amazon for $13.68+ (available in two sizes). A velvety liner that rivals Charlotte Tilbury's famous "Pillow Talk" Everyone is most likely familiar with the iconic "Pillow Talk" lip liner by Charlotte Tilbury, which I'm also a devotee of, but cringe at the $26 price tag. Milani is the maker behind tons of notable drugstore cosmetics, including this retractable lip liner that comes in nearly identical shades to the luxury version (Cinammon Statement or Nude Entrance). It's creamy, long-lasting and doesn't feather along or above the lip line when I want to accentuate my lips.I'm equally obsessed with the Milani Color Fetish line of matte lipsticks, which are ultra-pigmented and very soft on the lips. Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in 12 colors). A flexible and imperceptible concealer The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it's so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don't even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 28 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.I personally can't speak to this comparison, but the Age Rewind is often cited as an affordable alternative to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer, a medium-coverage product that promises to be good for dark it from Amazon for $8.98. A fine-line liquid eyebrow pen that looks like real brow hairs I have some sparse patches on my left eyebrow from previous scarring, and I adore how NYX's Lift & Snatch eyebrow pen manages to fill in the gap, without making it look like I just have a solid block of color on my skin. The flexible tip is ultra-fine to help mimic the look of brow hairs, while the ink-like formula is instantly drying and completely budge-proof. Available in 10 shades, this product is strikingly similar to my beloved micro-stroke pen by Anastasia Beverly Hills, a brand known for its incredible brow products. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+. Latex-free makeup sponges that perform exactly like the Beauty Blender For the longest time, I only used a Beautyblender to apply my makeup, a $20 tool that is so revered it can even be considered the industry standard for makeup sponges. Then, about three years ago, I discovered these latex-free lookalikes that cost around $5 for a colorful carton of five and have never looked back. Like the Blender, this delightfully squishy sponge makes my foundation look airbrushed and mimics the original's exact shape: a round body and a pointed precision tip. I use this damp for the perfect dispersion of products and bounce it along the skin in a stippling motion to apply my foundation, blend cream products and even a five-piece set from Amazon for $5.38+ (available in five color combos). The most hydrating and cushiony lip oil I've ever used If you're not familiar with lip oils, think of them as a grown-up version of those sticky glosses from the '90s that promise the same coveted shine, but with the feel of a hydrating balm. Colour Pop's Lux lip oils were the first I ever tried and ultimately the reason I fell in love with this type of formulation. Available in four sheer shades, this lip oil has a unique gel-like texture that melts down to a lightweight and cushiony gloss that's incredibly comfortable and smooth to wear. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula oils to help nourish lips and keep them feeling hydrated. In my opinion, the feel and longevity of this gloss even beats the cult-favorite Tower 28 high-shine lip jelly, which costs $6 more. Get it from Amazon for $9.97. A milky skin conditioner that reminds me of Laniege Although this isn't a product that you could grab from your local Target or Walmart, it does have a drugstore price and a list of ingredients that is strikingly similar to the Laneige Cream Skin milky toner, a formula that's also Korean and costs over twice as much. The PDRN pink milky toner is a recent find from buzzy Korean skin care brand, Medicube, and so far, I'm loving it. The hydrating skin conditioner contains both ceramides and peptides (just like Laneige's Cream Skin product) for brightening and plumping power, but it also contains the addition of salmon-derived PDRN, an anti-aging ingredient that's risen in popularity this past year for its potential to improve skin texture and collagen production. Even after just a few months of use, I've already noticed increased softness and better bounce-back to my it from Amazon for $16.16. A nourishing body oil that's not greasy My skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improved skin texture and stave off my chronic eczema. This was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and you want to go a step further, I also use Saltair's SPF-infused version of this body oil because I prefer it significantly more than rubbing on regular SPF lotions that feel suffocating on my it from Amazon for $22.

Author Provides an Intimate Look at the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Adoption of her Native American daughter
Author Provides an Intimate Look at the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Adoption of her Native American daughter

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timea day ago

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Author Provides an Intimate Look at the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Adoption of her Native American daughter

Book covers the difficulties that arose from adopting a Native American child and managing the unknown health history, disabling physical conditions, and the reconciliation of all participants LAKEWOOD, Colo., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In 1970, Colorado Child Welfare labeled author Dianne Haaland's future daughter as "unadoptable" because she was a minority. At the time, few people knew about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders or the Indian Child Welfare Act. At their first meeting, Haaland and her husband were mesmerized by a beautiful, beguiling baby girl and wanted to bring her home immediately. The final adoption occurred six months later. In "Finding Pieces and Peace," Haaland shares the challenges she and her daughter, Tanya, faced, including lies and misleading statements form officials, suicide attempts and drug abuse. They chose to share their stories to help others, including some alternative pathways that they tried and often failed at. "Many times, people don't take the time to learn about the past and have no base or starting point to do something better," said Haaland. "We can't offer advice for your situation, as no two conditions are the same. But we can offer ideas to give you a multitude of choices to evaluate and choose for your situation." Haaland and her ex-husband had one child and were a foster home to thirty-three, mostly Native American, children over three years. Besides her own story, she also includes information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, the Indian Child Welfare Act, court appointed special advocates and the American Indian Movement, as many are not familiar with these topics, and they play largely into her story. "I hope our book gives a voice to foster children, adoptees, and relinquishing mothers who wanted to share their stories," said Haaland. "Finding Pieces and Peace: My Apache Daughter's Journey for Answers in a White World" By Dianne Haaland ISBN: 9781665764070 (softcover); 9781665764094 (hardcover); 9781665764087 (electronic) Available at Archway Publishing, [Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Dianne Haaland is a lifelong learner who earned a bachelors degree at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, S.D. and an MBA from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. This is her second memoir. Haaland and her ex-husband have one daughter and were a foster home To learn more, please visit Media Contact Ziggy Goldfarb, Archway Publishing, 4803067065, zgoldfarb@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Author Dianne Haaland Sign in to access your portfolio

15 'Ew...That Gave Me The Ick" Relationship Red Flags That Are Secretly Huge Green Flags
15 'Ew...That Gave Me The Ick" Relationship Red Flags That Are Secretly Huge Green Flags

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time2 days ago

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15 'Ew...That Gave Me The Ick" Relationship Red Flags That Are Secretly Huge Green Flags

Red flag this, green flag that. When dating, people have so many characteristics they look for in a partner. Or more truthfully, traits they try to avoid. Sometimes, though, one person's red flag is another person's green flag. We asked the BuzzFeed Community for examples of things that, when dating, some might see as a reason for pause, but they see as a good thing. The responses were fascinating: Responses have been edited for length and clarity. 1."Not having social media. I have heard (and read on BuzzFeed) that 'not having any social media is a huge red flag for me.' WHY?! HOW?! So you're upset that you don't have to police their Instagram, Facebook/Messenger, TikTok, Snapchat, etc? My partner of six years only has Snapchat and literally has like 25 friends. They are 99% friends I have met, have mutual friends with, or are his family. It's a HUGE green flag that they don't give a crap about social media and what others think about his life/our life. It's OUR life, so why should anyone expect to see into it if you're not invited? I have social media only because it's how I communicate with family. He has full access, and I have full access to his phone, etc. Why? Because we trust each other. It's so nice having a partner who doesn't give a fuck about what others think of him as much as I don't give a fuck. If you think it's a red flag, you need to ask yourself why." —Anonymous, 36; Tennessee 2."Having a quirky or weird interest. That does not automatically make someone a weirdo or obsessive. For example, my husband has ADHD and tends to get very interested in a hobby or topic quickly and loves to geek out about it. Some of his interests are kind of out there. For example, he's 27 and LOVES Disney (especially the parks and movies), LOVES gardening, LOVES caring for our bearded dragon, LOVES working on his tank, and LOVES improving his life quality. A lot of other girls in college thought he was weird for his niche and intense interests, especially because he can be kind of shy and quiet. I was the only girl who gave him a chance. And I won the jackpot! He's caring, romantic, respects me, takes great care of me and our home, and he's wicked smart. Sure, he's quirky. Sure, he doesn't have typical 'masculine' hobbies. But he's a great guy, and I wish more people saw more for him than his quirks." —Anonymous, 25; Virginia 3."Not doing surprise gifts, dates, etc. Spontaneity and big gestures are highly romanticized, but they can often set both parties up for disappointment or unrealistic expectations. Communicating and involving your partner instead is a green flag for me. My partner and I like to discuss and plan fun ideas together. We go shopping for gifts together as well, so we get to pick out exactly what we like. It's so much more fun, and there is less pressure to like a gift or hope they like a gift. (And wastes less money)." —Anonymous, 30; Canada 4."Inserting himself into my college life. We currently go to different colleges, but he makes the effort to see me at my college because he wants to get to know my friends and new interests I've picked up. It's so, when I talk, he knows how to contribute to our conversations in a way that he understands what and who I'm talking about. Some people may see it as signs of insecurity or jealousy, but he truly wants to see the way I've been growing as a person now that I'm in college." —Anonymous, 18; New York 5."Online gaming. I've dated a couple of people I've met through online gaming. I know people tend to think that's a bad thing (to game a lot), but it requires communication and planning skills, especially when their gaming group includes people around the world." —Anonymous, 39; Phoenix, AZ 6."Not being close to their parents. It's great if your family is close. It's also absolutely okay if it's complicated, but sometimes it is better to cut ties with abusers or toxic people. I think it can be healthy to be no or low-contact, and it can protect partners and future children. It takes a lot of strength to break cycles." —Anonymous, 32; California 7."It's not toxic to have never dated someone before. Like, they're waiting for the truly right person to date." —Anonymous, 20; South Carolina 8."When people always respond with 'What do YOU want to do?' People find it weirdly annoying, but I think it just means they care about how you feel. I don't like it when people are like, 'What do you want to do?' 'Oh, I was thinking ice skating, then lunch at this restaurant, then a museum…' That just feels like they've been creepily putting this whole date together for months. No, thank you." —Anonymous 9."Not responding to texts quickly. My bf was sooooo slow to respond to texts when we first exchanged numbers. I thought he wasn't interested, but it turned out that he was not a very tech-savvy guy and had no interest in his phone. This makes dates great as we can converse for hours on end and away from screens. Our interactions are always genuine, and he's so thoughtful!" —Anonymous, 16; Oklahoma 10."Having girl friends as a man. It's not a red flag. It actually tells me women feel safe around you, and you can build a relationship with a woman other than a romantic one. So that means you don't see women only as objects for your pleasure. You actually see them as human beings you can interact with just like you do with other men." —Anonymous, 22; Romania 11."Not telling someone their WHOLE life story. The older I get, there are things people keep to themselves for a reason. Doesn't mean they don't trust you or you can't trust them. If it's significant enough, it will reveal itself. I am not going to force someone I am with to tell me everything if they're not comfortable doing so. That being said, if you don't communicate what is important to you for them to share about themselves, that is all on you." —witchysorcerer621 12."Not being a self-proclaimed nice guy. This might be specific to my relationship, but he straight up told me he was 'kind of an a**hole' on our first date and said he wasn't good with emotions. It was refreshing as hell, coming from seemingly endless dates with self-professed 'nice guys' who were anything but. Turns out he's not an asshole at all, and he's pretty damn good with emotions now. That first date was 15 years ago." —rakishrogue 13."A guy cooking, cleaning, and being able to do stereotypically 'female' stuff." —Anonymous, Maddi, USA 26 14."Being upfront about dating other people. It might seem like a red flag at first, but it's actually a green one. Honesty about where you stand shows emotional maturity and respect. It also sets the stage for clear communication when the time comes to discuss exclusivity — if and when both people are ready for that step." —Anonymous, 37; Mexico "On a blind or first date: I am totally OJ with small talk. People have all sorts of different levels and experiences when it comes to meeting with a person for the first time. Being nervous is OK, and not knowing what to say is OK." —sparklysalt40 Have examples of your own where a perceived red flag is actually a green flag? Let us know in the comments or through the anonymous form below!

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