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If Your Busy Season Is 'All Of Them,' Here Are 33 Products To Help You Carve Out Some 'Me Time'

If Your Busy Season Is 'All Of Them,' Here Are 33 Products To Help You Carve Out Some 'Me Time'

Buzz Feed19-04-2025
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.
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Even the busiest human can spare a second to toss one of these cult-fave relaxing steamers in the shower and do one silly little page of this "Reverse Coloring Book."
1. A set of self-heating lavender eye masks that might be juuuuust the ticket to releasing the stress and tension that keeps your brain going in circles at night. Reviewers also swear by these for headache and migraine relief!
Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins.
Promising review:"While they don't reduce my dryness, I have never slept better wearing these before bed. The heat is so nice. The fit is perfect. Light on my face, and after about 30 seconds, I don't even feel it around my ears. I'm so glad I discovered these. Will be buying again!" — Tiffany Campbell
"So soothing and relaxing 😌. I deal with chronic pain on a 24/7 basis, and that can include headaches, migraines, anxiety, and sleeplessness. These eye masks are such a nice way to relax and drift off to sleep. They smell like lavender and are warm against my eyes and temples, helping to soothe any tension or puffiness from being upset over the pain. They were a gift to me, but I'll be ordering more 💜." — Megan Masser Reaves
Get a set of ten from Amazon for $7.99.
2. Eos Cashmere Vanilla Cashmere Whipped Oil Body Butter — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in a luxurious body butter form, and it's every bit as decadent as it sounds. Now you can spend all your self-care nights fully moisturized in a cloud of whipped vanilla, musk, and soft caramel.
Promising review: "If I could give this 10 stars, I would. The consistency is perfection. It's thick, silky but not greasy, and the scent is dreamy. I think my skin cried when I put it on. I have only used it three times, but I have already ordered another jar so I don't run out!" — The Flying White Boxers
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
3. A copy of Burn After Writing, a guided journal that tens of thousands of reviewers swear by — through a series of questions and thought experiments, it encourages people to take time away from their screens to explore their feelings, both new and old, so they can embrace meaningful ones and try to let others go.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It's a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable to different things in your life. I love what it stands for, and I look forward to when I burn mine after I'm done. Self-love, self-care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow are always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things differently." — Brent Helm
Get it from Amazon for $7.70.
4. And No Worries: A Guided Journal designed to help with managing anxiety, stress, and the general "adkfjgaldkjfgalkj" in your brain. Each day has a similar set of prompts for 12 undated weeks to help you reflect on your thought patterns and sources of anxiety, and gradually find self-care practices and management strategies that suit you best.
Promising review:"I've never been a journal or diary person, but needed an outlet for my anxiety and stress. Each day has the same two-page spread that prompts you to think about your day, how you felt, and why you felt that way. There isn't really any inspiration or advice, just open lines for your thoughts without it being an intimidating blank page. This journal has already helped me see patterns in my thoughts/emotions and I feel better overall. I would recommend this journal to anyone." — Kari Madsen
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
5. A set of reviewer-beloved aromatherapy shower steamers to help energize yourself at the start of the day or unwind at the end of one. Oh mighty grapefruit shower fizz ... please do for our sleepy brains what the snooze alarm could not!!!
Cleverfy is a small business that specializes in beauty, home, and self-care products.
Each kit comes with six shower steamers, including lavender, menthol with eucalyptus, vanilla, watermelon, grapefruit, and peppermint, with explanations for each scent's intended use. Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins.
Promising review:"The scents are amazing. The eucalyptus cleared my sinus and rejuvenated my whole being. The watermelon was sweet and enjoyable. My favorite is the lavender, that was so relaxing and left such an amazing scent with me and my bathroom the whole day." — fashiongirl
Get a pack of six from Amazon fo r $11.99 (available in five styles).
6. A set of delightfully ~~tingly~~ self-heating soothing foot masks made with Epsom salts, lavender, and peppermint perfect for anyone whose recent step count is "too many." Nothing like a lil' self-care on those aching feet to lift your spirits!
Check out a TikTok of the foot masks in action.
I'm a long-ish distance runner, and these were certainly an interesting experience for my feet! You slide them on and, after a few minutes, feel a tingling, mildly burning (in a good way) sensation. It doesn't quite numb your feet, but it relaxes them. I kept them on for 30 minutes and then toweled my feet off, and the tingling sensation slowly faded over the next 30 minutes. After that, my feet felt very refreshed and relaxed at a time of day when they're usually aching from all the miles I put in. The whole thing was a mess-free, easy process, and I will definitely keep them on hand for longer run days!
Promising review:"Very soothing. My husband and l used these on our European vacation, and they definitely felt good on our feet!" — KS2018
Get a set of three pairs from Amazon for $11.97.
7. A reviewer-beloved Cozy Spaces-themed coloring book featuring lil' bugs sleeping in upside down teacups, koalas snuggling in mushrooms, and all kinds of little critters reading, eating, and chilling in whimsical scenes.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Psst — Coco Wyo has a *ton* of other cozy stress relief coloring books with different themes in their Amazon storefront!
Another psst — you can pick up a cult-fave colored pencil set on Amazon.
Promising review: "This coloring book is a wonderful way to unwind and de-stress. The illustrations feature familiar, cozy corners that are both charming and relaxing to color. The designs are intricate enough to keep you engaged but not overly complicated, making it perfect for both adults and teens. The quality of the paper is great, holding up well to colored pencils, markers, and gel pens. I love how each page feels like a little escape, and coloring them has become a therapeutic routine." — Ali El-Khatib
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
8. And a Through The Seasons Reverse Coloring Book, which is a newer edition of the original Reverse Coloring Book that took the internet by storm — reviewers swear by this easy, calming artistic outlet to help ease their anxiety, relieve stress, and unleash their inner creativity without taking up too much brainpower.
For those new to the concept — instead of adding the color to these, you add the lines to create images within the colors. Sort of like a Rorschach test, but make it whimsical.
Check out a TikTok of the reverse coloring book in action.
Promising review: "Kendra Norton's beautiful art books, Reverse Coloring books, have changed my world! My whole life, I thought I was not creative and therefore, had zero artistic ability. Now, this has become my favorite form of artistic expression. I turn on music and/or an audiobook and allow myself to go for an adventure outside of my mind, beyond my mind, if you will. T his has become my favorite way to process through difficult emotions and experiences I'm working through." — K. DeWitt
Get it from Amazon for $8.29.
(Psst — check out these cult-fave black fine point pens on Amazon for a good doodling option!)
9. A guided visual "breathing partner" you can use for meditation and calm to shift your mindset. This is designed to guide you through either the popular 4/7/8 or 5/5 "calming breaths" to help reduce stress and anxiety, using colors that fade in and out softly as cues. Bonus: it's kid-friendly!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Mindset is a small business that specializes in calming personal care and decor products.
Promising review:"I started meditating over a decade ago. Intermittent in the beginning, progressing deeper, and finding new joys over time. With Breathing Buddha, the last thoughts have dropped away as counting breath always seemed to keep me conscious of, well, counting. Granted, I have always dropped the counting after a handful of breaths, but Breathing Buddha has made for a delightful transition as I realize it doesn't have to count at all. It is a lovely concept, well executed, and very easy to start using." — Lynn
Get it from Amazon for $22.95 (available in two styles).
10. An oh-so-snuggly Kindle, iPad, and phone lap pillow holder so you can stream content or read the latest fairy, dragon, and/or "dead girl found in the woods" book in the *ultimate* comfort. This can rotate and easily adjust the angle of the screen, and even comes with a little spot to hold a snack!
Promising review:"I love everything about this! Easy to use! Works great for phones or Kindles! Decently priced, lightweight, and very sturdy! The soft pillow provides a comfortable lap experience while reading!" — Kimberly
Get it from Amazon for $35.98.
11. Murdle, Volume 1, a true essential for anyone who relaxes to true crime podcasts or Only Murders in the Building. The book is full of 100 mystery-themed logic puzzles with four different levels of difficulty that they can do solo or with pals, and in order or out of order (although if they do it in order, they get the full scoop on Deductive Logico and Inspector Irratino, whose hilarious misadventures guide you through the book).
Check out a TikTok of Murdle in action.
The best part?? Once you finish "Murdling," you can use your sleuthing skills on Volume 2, Volume 3, and a whole BUNCH of other themed Murdle books!
Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun but the characters, story lines, and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativeness! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes but this one will keep me busy for awhile!" — Liz Gately
Get it from Amazon for $10.25.
12. An oh-so-luxe set of tie-front satin PJs you will be SO glad you purchased when you're about to sweat bullets on humid nights and this cooling, breathable set is like, "Hey — I got you." These sets are so chic and affordable that a lot of friend groups get them to match for events, and even wear the tie-string top as a going out top!
Promising review: "It's always a gamble getting pajamas online, especially when they're supposed to be silky; sometimes you get that unyielding plastic-y feeling material. That's not the case with these! They're soft and flowy, and the ties in the front, while not Fort Knox, are still more secure than I thought they'd be. I'm definitely going to order in more colors." — Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $28.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 27 colors and patterns).
13. A set of reviewer-beloved "Loops Quiet 2," aka the "ear plugs for people who hate ear plugs." These lightweight plugs are so subtle that people won't notice you wearing them, and are meticulously designed to muffle distracting, irritating, or overwhelming noise without completely blocking out the world around you. Reviewers love to wear them at the office or in noisy homes — this way they can still stay aware of your surroundings without getting overwhelmed by them.
Promising review:"These earplugs are so good!! I had originally bought a completely different brand (because I was being cheap) and let me tell you, you get what you pay for. I found these Loop earplugs and decided to give them a try and I'm so glad that I did! They are so comfortable! Made from silicone so they are flexible and fit great. I've slept with them in all night without issues. The noise cancelling is fantastic! Now does it block everything? No, but I think that's a good thing for safety reasons. They do block my husband's chainsaw snoring and that is exactly what I needed them to do." — melanie98837
Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in seven colors; check out Loop's Amazon Storefront for more options related to concerts, offices, and parenting!).
14. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit for anyone on their "happy accidents" beat — this itty bitty set comes with everything you need to create three tiny masterpieces of your very own.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
The kit comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel.
Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and what a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" — slb m
Get it from Amazon for $6.80.
15. A set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious (far more AFFORDABLE!!) cocktail in one minutes.
Sayso is a small woman-owned business that specializes in the first-ever cocktail tea bag, perfect for cocktails *and* mocktails.
Promising review: "I was a bit skeptical when I purchased, but these are actually fantastic. The taste is great and the bags make it incredibly easy to mix up what would otherwise be complex cocktails quickly and easily. I've had the spicy marg, espresso martini, and old fashioned versions, and while they aren't exactly the same as the original they are wonderful for making yourself a cocktail at home. Highly recommend." — Meredith
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $14.99 (available in six other cocktail styles and larger packs).
16. Biodance's TikTok-beloved Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask for an overnight ~refresh~ to help firm skin, boost elasticity, and minimize pores. Reviewers mention noticing a visible difference even after one use! You are about to become the definition of "I woke up like this" ✨.
Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week.
Promising review: "Caught wind of this on TikTok and decided to give it a whirl. Honestly, it's pretty solid! It really makes my skin look tight and shiny, like I just came out of a professional facial. It's an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic, and the pores look minimized too. If you don't mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game changer for your skincare routine!" — Nala
Get a set of four from Amazon for $19 (also available in a set of 16).
17. An "Everyday Mindfulness"-themed word search book full of unique, relaxing puzzles designed to keep you engaged without stressing you out.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is exactly what I was looking for! It lays flat to easily complete the word search and not have to fight with the book. There are different types of puzzles, and some have extra secret searches! It's great for the slow days at work!! I will definitely be buying more of these word searches!" — Roy Y Hahn
Get it from Amazon for $11.68.
18. A lightweight, expandable bamboo bathtub caddy to turn your boring bathroom into a veritable spa. Pinot? Poured. Candle? Lit. Netflix? Queued. Now, all you have to do is calmly explain to their loved ones that you live in a tub now.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Bambusi is a small business that specializes in quality made home products.
Promising review:"Surprisingly sturdy and well made. Assembly and construction is excellent, and the accessories are quite clever. On balance, the tray is impressive and well worth its cost. A thoughtful gift, especially for anyone who likes to relax in the tub, but not without their accessories and a glass of wine." — Barry
Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in four colors).
19. Plus a cordless portable bath jet spa, which is the fastest way to turn any boring bathtub into a hotel-worthy oasis — simply attach this under the spout and you can activate "jet mode" or "bubble mode" and live your best, bougiest bath life.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This lil' thing rocks! I didn't think it would be as powerful as it is, but my tub time now is sooo relaxing. It makes bubbles well and soothes you with that jet stream. If you like to soak for your health. I highly recommend this lil' powerhouse. Worth every penny." — TabbiJCMA
Get it from Amazon for $75.99 (available in three colors).
20. And a bottle of sensitive skin-friendly Honest Company lavender bubble bath reviewers are obsessed with because the bubbles are GINORMOUS and super long-lasting. Rumor has it Glinda came down in a bubble made from this very bubble bath blend.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "We love this brand and have been using this bubble bath for years. Just two squirts fills out tubs with a ton of bubbles. I love the ingredients list and it gives off a pleasant scent. Definitely will continue using this bubble bath for years to come!" — Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $12.97+ (available in four scents).
21. A mini weighted blanket perfect for people who want a quick dose of calm and relaxation, but don't want to overheat or commit to the whole heavy shebang of a full-size weighted blanket. This one's the perfect size to easily drape over yourself on the couch.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Read more about how to choose a weight and what these blankets help with and how from Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"I love weighted blankets, but I always get way too hot with them. This is perfect because I can cover up the half of my body that I want the weighted feeling on while the rest do my body gets to stay cool. It is perfect for me." — Patricia Newt
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in three weights and four colors).
22. " The Peckish Pirates," a brand spanking new addition to the cult-favorite Magic Puzzle series so beloved on TikTok. Like the others before it, this isn't just a puzzle, but a whimsically illustrated, colorful journey — there are tons of Easter eggs in it, a collection of miniature scenes full of optical illusions and surprises, *plus* a magical twist at the end. You'll have to solve the puzzle to find out!
Promising review:"Another stellar puzzle from Magic Puzzle Company, featuring high-quality pieces, a hidden final image, and a unique solving experience. The artwork is full of detail, making it an immersive and engaging build. The pieces fit together snugly, with no puzzle dust, and the final reveal adds an element of surprise. If you're looking for a high-quality puzzle that's more than just a standard jigsaw, this one is worth every penny." — Baloptimus
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (and check out the DELIGHTFUL assortment of Magic Puzzles for more options!).
23. A simple silicone bread maker that proves you don't need any know-how or complicated instructions to make delicious bread at home — in fact, you can mix the ingredients right into the silicone maker and pop it right into the oven. (A bunch of easy recipes are included to prove it!)
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is a must have. Best lazy bread making experience you'll ever have! Put everything into one container and then cook it in the same container! When you wash it, everything slips off with no scrubbing needed. The brioche recipe rivals fresh bread served at restaurants." — FutureMrsBLW
Get it from Amazon for $32.01.
24. A handy adjustable neck reading light so you have to let the sun and/or the humans living with you decide when their Designated Reading Time is over. This flexible neck light comes with three brightnesses that all keep the focus on the page, so you can keep the strain off your eyeballs without disturbing anyone else's darkness.
Amazon
Reviewers also swear by these for crafts with fine detail work, like painting and embroidery.
Promising review:"I had seen this product from someone I follow on TikTok, and they have a great review on it. I absolutely love it!! I t's great because it hangs around your neck and it's lightweight. It has three different light settings on it, so you can choose what is best for your eyes. And it also has a 30-minute timer you can set in case you fall asleep, so it will go off and you don't have to worry about it staying on the whole time. I highly recommend it!!" — Tabatha C.
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in eight colors).
25. A personal popcorn popper from BuzzFeed's Tasty line so compact, affordable, and easy to use that you might just want to equip every room in your home with one. All you have to do is fill the kernels up to the max fill line and let it do its magic. It even has a built-in measuring cup you can use as a butter warming tray!
Promising review: "Everyone needs one. This makes the best popcorn. It is so easy to use and so fast. And it is healthy for you so that is a plus." — Kate
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in four colors).
26. A facial steamer that's basically as close as you can get to bringing a mini hot spring right into your home. This uses a specialized nano-ionic steam to gently and far more effectively penetrate the skin, giving you the glowy refresh and oh-so-calming spa vibe that you deserve, for a FRACTION of the price.
This also comes with a stainless steel tool kit for skin extractions, but be sure to use those only if you've been properly educated on them to avoid damaging your skin!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. I purchased it when I was congested because I wanted to use steam to break up congestion. This steamer felt amazing. It definitely helped with my congestion and it opened up my pores too. I used the skin tool kit and that worked great as well. I love that this comes with so many settings including a humidifier and towel warmer as well. This was an absolute game changer for me and I highly recommend it." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in teal or silver).
27. A pickling starter kit complete with everything you need to start fermenting small batches of INFINITE delicious things, from the traditional cucumbers and onions to yummy sauerkraut and kimchi to adventurous watermelon and mango. 😋 (If you've never had pickled mango before ... THANK ME LATER.)
Amazon
Fermentaholics is a small business that specializes in pickling and kombucha starter kits.
Promising review: "This kit is great for first timers or experienced, and makes DELICIOUS pickles, or pickled anything for that matter. Pickles, carrots, onions, asparagus. The instructions are easy to follow and understand. Will be buying as gifts for my pickle loving friends and more for myself. Makes me want to try the other products this company offers." — KelF
Get it from Amazon for $16.49.
28. A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay to let you finally follow your inner pottery dreams without all the mess and effort of taking classes. After you pull the clay out to shape it, it'll harden on its own — no oven or any effort required! From there you can leave it as is or paint over it for a fun vibe.
www.amazon.com
Psst — a lot of reviewers use silicone or plastic molds to get specific shapes!
Promising review: "It's honestly just a really nice material to work with! If you want to create things with clay, this is definitely a good choice! It's definitely not for professional use, but I feel like that's a given? I mean, it is Crayola. But all in all, great for those who want to use it for fun!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.96.
29. Small Batch Cookies, tailor made for folks who live alone *or* for people who want to broaden their baking horizons, but don't want to deal with the mess of big batches (or the leftovers!). This book takes you through a bunch of delicious recipes for one to six people using minimal equipment, so you can have hassle-free treats and live your most delicious life.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Edd Kimber is so creative with his bakes, and this book is full of fun and interesting cookie recipes. love the flavors in this book...subtle and layered. Baking small batches is surprisingly liberating. Most ingredients are on hand and I'm not stressing about what to do with large quantities of cookies. With small amounts, it feels easier to play and experiment." — Monica
Get it from Amazon for $20.10.
30. A compact, beginner-friendly watercolor palette that comes with everything you need to start creating your own masterpieces you can use to decorate your walls in the coziest, most colorful way imaginable — especially with 100 (!!) colors to choose from.
www.amazon.com
Each set comes with a 100-color palette, a sketch pencil, a sponge, a swatch sheet, and three water brush pens.
Promising review:"Love collecting watercolor sets, and this one is amazing — so many exquisite colors to paint with. Creativity is everything, and imagination with all these colors is unlimited. Pure happiness!" — pve
Get it from Amazon for $32.99.
31. A set of reviewer-beloved chocolate bar molds for anyone who dreams of DIY-ing their ultimate dessert. These are great for mix-ins like nuts and cereal, but also have enough depth for you to add fillings like peanut butter, jam, and caramel.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I used these molds to create homemade Nestle Crunch bars. It was easy to load these molds. I placed them on baking sheets and banged them on the counter to remove air bubbles, then loaded into fridge/freeze r. The molds are compact enough that they fit easily into my side-by-side fridge. I did not add any release agents to the molds before using, and the chocolate bars popped out very easily." — Keith G.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 12 other styles).
32. An ultimate "girl dinner" plate — okay, technically a cheeseboard, but HEAR ME OUT. This labeled board is the *gremlin's kiss* perfect size for a human who wants to curl up with a Netflix rom-com alone and eat sharp cheddar cheese, Ritz crackers, and stuffed olives on a Friday night.
Amazon
Bonus: it's blank on the other side if you want to flip it over and use it for entertaining!
Promising review: "Perfect. The charcuterie board looks exactly like the picture. I am very happy with it." — Joetta Adgate
Get it from Amazon for $15.41.
33. A tear-off daily self-care calendar for a gentle way to start your day and still keep it productive and fulfilling — this has space not just for a to-do list, but affirmations, things you're thankful for, reflections, meals, and plans for self-care.
Amazon
Bliss Collections is a family-owned, Wisconsin-based business established in 2012 that specializes in stationery, planners and pads, and drinkware.
Promising review:"I got this for my mental health when I was in a really bad place mentally, and I was trying to figure out why I was having so many panic attacks. This made me feel on top of stuff and gave me something to look forward to. Super cute, super cheap, and it makes me happy." — katelyn
Get a 50-sheet pad from Amazon for $9.99.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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When the companies refused to take responsibility, some of the women fought back by taking them to court, winning a settlement in 1928. Related: tragic 2017 murders of two friends, 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German, who were gruesomely killed during a walk near the Monon High Bridge trail in Delphi, Indiana. Often referred to as the "Delphi murders," the crime went unsolved for many years and became an international news story. The case was particularly notable because Liberty managed to capture a chilling video of a man following them on the bridge and saying, 'Down the hill.' If you haven't seen that footage, you can watch it here, but fair warning, it's SUPER creepy. Amazingly, Liberty's video actually helped catch their killer, though it took several years with a string of dead ends and wild theories. But in 2024, a local man named Richard Allen was convicted of their murders and sentenced to 130 years in prison. The girls' story is actually featured in the new three-part ABC News docuseries, Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge, which just came out on Hulu. And it's particularly noteworthy because the doc features some rare behind-the-scenes content and even a first-time-on-camera interview with Kathy Allen, Richard's wife (who maintains his innocence). the story of serial killer Rhonda Belle Martin, a waitress from Alabama, who was a rare example of a female family annihilator. Related: In the 1940s and '50s, Martin killed her husband, mother, and five of her children, using rat poison. However, one victim — her stepson, who later became her fifth husband — actually survived the ordeal but was left paralyzed. Martin was executed in 1957, becoming the last woman to be electrocuted and executed in the state of Alabama until 2002. Her last meal: A hamburger, mashed potatoes, cinnamon rolls, and coffee. Well, my brain is completely wrecked now. How about yours? Next week, I'll cover the gruesome crime that inspired Fargo and the murder of Sade Robinson, which not enough people talk about. Until then, stay safe, keep the lights on, and I'll see you for another horrifying trip down the rabbit hole… Love this kind of content? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get a weekly post just like this delivered directly to your inbox. It's a scary good time you won't want to miss. Do you have a weird, creepy, or shocking story you want to share? Perhaps there's a strange Wikipedia page you want to talk about? Tell me all about it at thatgotdark@ and who knows, maybe it'll be featured in a future edition of That Got Dark! Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds:

A Few Dark And Terrible Things I Learned This Week
A Few Dark And Terrible Things I Learned This Week

Buzz Feed

time6 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

A Few Dark And Terrible Things I Learned This Week

Hello! I'm Crystal, and I write the That Got Dark newsletter, BuzzFeed's weekly roundup of all things creepy, macabre, and horrible AF. And if you looooove this kind of content, you should subscribe to get your weekly dopamine fix of the macabre delivered RIGHT to your inbox! Here's what the newsletter is covering this week: The nightmarish story of a man who was declared brain-dead, but actually WOKE UP while having his organs harvested. So, in October 2021, a man in Kentucky named TJ Hoover was declared brain-dead and taken to a Louisville hospital for organ donation. Shortly after being brought into the operating room, just as doctors were preparing to remove his organs during surgery, he suddenly opened his eyes and began moving. Staff said he started thrashing and showing signs of life, and a doctor quickly stopped the procedure, later telling the family, 'He's not ready — he woke up.' It was later revealed that staff had actually seen signs like eye movement earlier, but the organ harvesting process continued anyway, with TJ being paralyzed and sedated for surgery. The incident triggered a federal investigation into the organ donation organization involved and raised major concerns about how death is confirmed before organ removal. As for TJ, he survived the ordeal but now suffers from PTSD. The existence of City of Refuge/Miracle Village, Florida, a community for registered sex offenders. "Tucked away in the vast, quiet stretches of South Florida, Miracle Village stands out for reasons that make you blink twice. Built in the 1960s for people who worked on sugar cane fields, it now houses a population you won't find gathered anywhere else. Florida's hardline laws push people convicted of sexual offenses to the margins, and these margins lead straight to Miracle Village. It's a place where they're allowed to exist, one of the very few places that'll have them. Here's where it gets sticky, though. The town offers a shot at redemption, but at what cost? Some folks think cramming everyone with the same past into one place is a ticking time bomb. But life there? It's quiet. Almost too quiet. The village's isolation serves two purposes: keeping the residents out of sight and giving them some peace, a sanctuary of sorts. It's eerie and leery." The horrific experiences of the Radium Girls, a group of young women in the 1910s and 1920s who worked in factories painting watch dials with glowing paint that contained radium, a radioactive element, ultimately leading to their horrifying deaths from radiation. The young women were told the paint was safe and were even encouraged to lick their brushes to get a fine point. Over time, many of them became very sick — losing teeth, suffering from broken bones, and developing terrible jaw problems — because the radium was poisoning them from the inside. When the companies refused to take responsibility, some of the women fought back by taking them to court, winning a settlement in 1928. The tragic 2017 murders of two friends, 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German, who were gruesomely killed during a walk near the Monon High Bridge trail in Delphi, Indiana. Often referred to as the "Delphi murders," the crime went unsolved for many years and became an international news story. The case was particularly notable because Liberty managed to capture a chilling video of a man following them on the bridge and saying, 'Down the hill.' If you haven't seen that footage, you can watch it here, but fair warning, it's SUPER creepy. Amazingly, Liberty's video actually helped catch their killer, though it took several years with a string of dead ends and wild theories. But in 2024, a local man named Richard Allen was convicted of their murders and sentenced to 130 years in prison. The girls' story is actually featured in the new three-part ABC News docuseries, Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge, which just came out on Hulu. And it's particularly noteworthy because the doc features some rare behind-the-scenes content and even a first-time-on-camera interview with Kathy Allen, Richard's wife (who maintains his innocence). Finally, the story of serial killer Rhonda Belle Martin, a waitress from Alabama, who was a rare example of a female family annihilator. In the 1940s and '50s, Martin killed her husband, mother, and five of her children, using rat poison. However, one victim — her stepson, who later became her fifth husband — actually survived the ordeal but was left paralyzed. Martin was executed in 1957, becoming the last woman to be electrocuted and executed in the state of Alabama until 2002. Her last meal: A hamburger, mashed potatoes, cinnamon rolls, and coffee. Well, my brain is completely wrecked now. How about yours? Next week, I'll cover the gruesome crime that inspired Fargo and the murder of Sade Robinson, which not enough people talk about. Until then, stay safe, keep the lights on, and I'll see you for another horrifying trip down the rabbit hole… Love this kind of content? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get a weekly post just like this delivered directly to your inbox. It's a scary good time you won't want to miss. Do you have a weird, creepy, or shocking story you want to share? Perhaps there's a strange Wikipedia page you want to talk about? Tell me all about it at thatgotdark@ and who knows, maybe it'll be featured in a future edition of That Got Dark!

24 Underrated Pet Products Actually Worth Purchasing
24 Underrated Pet Products Actually Worth Purchasing

Buzz Feed

time17 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

24 Underrated Pet Products Actually Worth Purchasing

An allergy supplement to give your pup probiotics and other nutrients that help improve their immune system, aid digestion, and even promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. If your pooch suffers from unavoidable allergies making them itchy, this could provide them with some much-needed relief. Promising review: "I never write reviews but this one deserves it. My dog was compulsively licking herself and losing her hair. I had tried several other brands before Zesty Paws and none of them helped at all. Took her to the vet and after several hundred dollars of testing they had no idea what it could be. They didn't feel allergies could be THAT bad in a dog but all bloodwork and testing came back perfect. They told me to just keep watching her and hoped as the seasons changed so would the problem if it actually was allergies. Three seasons later and nothing had changed, it was actually getting worse. Finally tried these and WOW! She's been on these for a month and her hair is coming back and she isn't licking herself at all now. The first product to actually help! As others have said it does take a few weeks for a change to be noticeable, but when that change happens you won't be disappointed. Would definitely recommend when all else has failed!! Will be keeping her on these long term." —hgbGet a pack of 90 from Amazon for $32.97 (available in lamb, peanut butter, and salmon). A length-adjustable broom for pet hair that might end up replacing your vacuum (just kidding, you'll still want to vacuum because of dirt, dust, and surface pet hair), but its rubber bristles will remove all the embedded pet hair your vacuum misses. Just look at those pet-sized piles of hair in the photos! 😭 Promising review: "Nothing else would take pet hair off of my outdoor porch furniture cushions. This broom took it all off easily. One of the best brooms I have ever had for pet hair removal on floors and furniture." —Kelli ThompsonGet it from Amazon for $ out our FURemover broom review for more satisfying before and after photos! A simple stuffed duck because reviewers swear this plush dog toy holds up to even the fiercest of puppy teeth. So much so that your pup may even go from tough love to building a fur-ever friendship with it. If you need even more convincing, here's a review by BuzzFeed contributor AnaMaria Glavan on why the Multipet yellow duck toy is the best $8 she's ever spent (plus, cute photos of her pup!)Promising review: "My dog Hazel LOVES this duck! She has had it for nine months now, and it's still intact! It somehow made it through her teething as a puppy. She rips and tears apart all of her toys, but this one still looks decent!" —Emily AnnGet it from Amazon for $5.39. A bestselling stain and odor eliminator that's created with an enzymatic formula, so it goes beyond erasing the dirt of the stain to *literally* eating up the smell-causing compounds, too. If you have a pet or child and have to deal bodily messes (read: blood, vomit, urine, etc.), an enzyme cleaner like this one is the best choice to banish them — preserving your carpet, furniture, and upholstery, so you don't have to replace it completely. Basically, this will be your new secret weapon. A cardboard box with refill scratch pads for any cat whose favorite hobby is tearing up furniture and bodies with their claws — this simple form of entertainment will keep them busy and satisfied, and both of you will be oh, so grateful for it. An automatic pet feeder, so you can leave the house, participate in a meeting, or actually sleep until your alarm goes off because it'll feed your pet for you at a specific time. No more huffing or howling because it's dinner time and you can't look away from Big Brother for a single second. You can store up to 12 meals in this feeder depending on portion size (1/8 to 4 cups). Promising reviews: "This is the best, most reliable feeder I have tried. Worth every penny for the peace of mind knowing that if you are running late (or want to sleep in on the weekend), the cats will be fed and content." —Karen Demont"Our cat is fat. Her life is pretty much driven by food and the only way we've been able to keep her at a moderately sustainable weight is by giving her healthy food she hates and this pet feeder. Every time we come back from a trip, there are a few more claw and bite marks on it, but it holds strong. She's even tried to sit on it, but it's done nothing more than presumably horrify it a little. I would recommend this for anyone who has a cat who is consumed with eating and getting food. Her persistence has defeated every other one we have tried. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is absolutely worth it." —BMoneyGet it from Amazon for $94.95. The ChomChom — it's a reusable pet hair remover that you simply push back and forth to collect all the hair and lint from clothes, furniture, car seats, cat towers, etc., into a chamber. Then all you have to do is remove and throw all that hair away. Over 140,000 reviewers have rated it 5 stars, and we agree: If a member of your family happens to have four legs and a ton of hair, this is a must-buy. Promising review: "This thing is aahhhh-mazing! I've had several kinds of cat hair removers — adhesive strips, sticky rollers, rubber nubby gloves. Nothing else works as well and as quickly. Easy to clean out, too. I bought one handheld and a bigger one on a long handle for carpet and area rugs. Love them! They even clean the hair off the stupid red velvet drapes that came with the house when we bought it." —M. BauerGet it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three colors). A cozy window cat hammock, so your feline king can survey the lands from his perch like his Egyptian ancestors before him, watching all the birds, neighborhood drama, squirrel politics, and whatever else happens on your street. Promising review: "Our cats love their new sun beds! Perfect for snoozing, spying on the neighbors, and squirrel watching! Easy to assemble, sturdy, and attractive." —26.2 MamaGet it from Amazon for $24.99. Some calming bites designed for soothing high-energy or anxious pets without having any drowsy side effects. These are perfect if you want to settle your pup before a long road trip or deter them from getting up to any late-night shenanigans while you snooze. Promising review: "Our senior dog Allie has always been anxiety ridden — she came to us from an abusive situation. In her old age, almost everything seems to make her nervous. We got a new microwave, and she is terrified of it. We give her one of these every day with her other meds, and she is so much better. I like that it is NOT a benzodiazepine and it's not sedating. She is able to enjoy life without being stoned. I didn't expect much, but it works great for us." —Shawn MurphyGet it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in four flavors). A pack of matatabi chew sticks — they make a perfect treat if your cat turns their nose up at regular catnip. This alternative is made with Silvervine for a delectable treat that also helps keep their teeth gleaming. Promising review: "I have two young Siamese mix cats who chew wires, shoes, wooden spoons. These chew sticks are perfect for them. They sniff the sticks, rub on them, and then start chewing. My two cats who are over 10 years old just rub on them but don't enjoy chewing them. If you have a very active cat who does destructive chewing, these are a great substitute." —JEM4612Get them from Amazon for $ Janes is a small business based in New Jersey that specializes in catnip and catnip alternatives (if the name didn't spoil it for you). 😸 Or a wall-mounted catnip toy featuring four all-natural flavored balls with catnip, silvervine, gall fruit, and cat sugar that will have them licking the walls instead of bouncing of of 'em! Plus, it helps improve your kitty's oral health by reducing dental plaque and bad breath as they nosh on the rotating balls! Promising review: "I have never seen my cat so happy! He really liked his flavor explorer toy! It has very good adhesion, and you can place it where you prefer, even on the floor. I think it is an excellent purchase to see my cat super happy!" —Karla VillafuerteGet it from Amazon for $9.98 (also available as singles not on the board). A ridged slow feeder bowl to help your pup eat their meals a lot slower. If they usually inhale their kibble and leave an empty bowl before you even make it out of the room, this is *definitely* a must. This bowl can also help improve their digestion, reduce bloating, and even provide a little mental stimulation as they navigate the grooves! Promising review: "We adopted a sweet three-legged 50-pound Dutch shepherd from the Humane Society recently. Her former two homes were bad, and she had to fight for her food. Because of this, she has food aggression and inhales her food in a regular bowl. A friend recommended this bowl to us and it is FAB-U-LOUS! We mix up some homemade dog food (wet) along with grain-free kibble and spread it around the bowl. Our girl takes FAR longer to eat now. I'm guessing around five to seven minutes? The bowl works best on a smooth, noncarpeted surface as it has grip on the bottom. This ensures that the bowl doesn't slide around. It is also heavy-duty, durable plastic that can go in the dishwasher (if I hand clean it, I soak in soapy water and scour with kitchen scrubber). Great product! I highly recommend this bowl for your fur baby too." —Shan the PainterGet it from Amazon for $7.39+ (available in two sizes and seven designs). A Wobble Wag Giggle ball — it boasts a battery-free noisemaker on the inside to keep your pup engaged and entertained, not to mention there are six pockets so they can easily grab and hold it with their mouth! Promising review: "WE FOUND IT! A play ball that can stand up to our 14-week-old part black Lab, part shark. We have tried several toys that would stand up to the extremely sharp teeth. Nothing has worked for over 15 minutes of intensive playtime. We heard about this ball from a fellow puppy owner and ordered immediately. Added bonus: She is exhausted after chasing this thing around, so nap time comes quickly." —james BennettGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four styles and a two-pack). A creamy paw butter for dry paws and snouts that features moisturizing and soothing ingredients including shea butter, jojoba oil, and aloe vera. Plus, it's completely safe if your furbaby licks or swallows some of it! Promising review: "I love this paw butter. For so long my Aussie had the driest, most cracked paws. I would cry and stress out because nothing worked. I tried shea butter and coconut oil but it wasn't enough so one night I ended up buying this paw butter and tried it on my dog. First off it smells amazing — so good that my Aussie licks his paws for an hour after applying the product, so I had to put regular baby socks on his paws to stop him from licking. I'm almost done with the product and my dog's paws have improved enormously. He no longer has super-dried-up, cracked paws. They are soft and pink how a dog's paws should be! I love this products. It saved my dog's paws and I use it every other day, sometimes twice a day. Lifesaver!" —Juliet BetancourtGet it from Amazon for $9.69+ (available in oatmeal or coconut and two sizes). Orrrr forget balms and try out a pack of paw-cleaning tablets formulated with tea tree oil and aloe to offer relief to itchy, irritated paws. Give your pup a spa(w) day and let them enjoy a nice warm soak that will leave their paws hydrated and feeling so much better! Promising review: "This worked great! I have an itchy Boston, so itchy it was said that it would probably be better to put him down by a vet. Defective dog or not, this was not going to happen. Many weeks of trying to figure out what was causing his itches, CHICKEN! Took that out of his diet and no more itches! Wow, rocket science, right. Nonetheless, left my Boston with the in-laws for two days and came back to a flared-out, itchy dog. He didn't sleep, I didn't sleep. He was digging at his paws so bad they were swollen. I looked on Amazon and saw this item, tried it, and within an hour of the five-minute paw soak, no more itch!" —geniphreGet 12 tablets from Amazon for $19.99 (also available as a pack of 30, 75, or 300). An automatic water fountain to help your cat stay hydrated since some cats simply hate drinking still water (apparently, it's a defense mechanism), so running water might just be the solution! Promising review: "Cats aren't prone to drinking enough water, and they also abhor getting their whiskers wet. This fountain, recommended by a friend, was a huge hit from the moment I set it up and solved both of those problems. My kitty now guzzles water any time she wishes, which is definitely more than before (and yay, I don't have to turn the sink on for her now, which was the only way she'd drink water). This is fantastic!" —HermitGet it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two styles). A wood polish for when you need to cover up those scratches on your wood floor or doors from your pet's nails. My pup likes to "dig" before settling down, so this is definitely going in my cart. Promising review: "I honestly can't believe how well this stuff works. Like magic it restored pet claw- AND pet water bowl-damaged wood all over my house. I am amazed at the results. Thank you!" —Nicole ThomasGet it from Amazon for $11.48. Earth Rated's grooming wipes if you've got a pup with a fluffy butt that gets seriously nasty on a 💩 walk. Instead of using rough paper towels on your pooch's most sensitive area, these plant-based, odor-controlling wipes are perfect for keeping your pup clean without having to give them a bath. A fruit tart pet bed because your furry friend deserves an ultra-comfy and adorable place to snooze, so you can take hundreds of photos of them sleeping. Plus, the pieces of fruit are removable cushions — if your pet isn't Instagram or TikTok famous yet, this bed will rake in the likes! Check out my colleague's review of the fruit tart bed for more deets and some seriously cute photos of her cats enjoying review: "This bed is adorable! I saw a lot of the reviews that stated that it was a bit small, so I went with the larger size option, which I would say is plenty big enough for an average-size cat. My cats are both relatively small and can fit inside with room to spare, and they love it! The fruit bits are very cute too. I've only had this for about two days, and I've already found the strawberry batted halfway across the house. It seems the cats like fruit toys just as much as the crust pillow! Honestly, I've been eyeing this bed since before I even decided to adopt another cat, and it's definitely living up to my expectations! Can definitely recommend." —TaylorGet it from Amazon for $31.99 (also available in a bread design). An easy-to-use dental powder packed with probiotics and nutrients to support gum health, that you just sprinkle in your pet's food to help protect their teeth from plaque and eliminate foul breath. Promising review: "My smaller dog unfortunately has pretty bad breath (not your typical dog breath, much worse). Brushing her teeth regularly helps somewhat alleviate the problem, as do dental foams and rinses, but nothing has worked as noticeably as this powder. She has no issues eating it (although, she'd eat anything) and it lasts a while considering that she only goes through one teaspoon a day. I would definitely recommend giving it a try if nothing else is working and medical reasons have been ruled out." —DGGet it from Amazon for $23. A food tracker in case your feline companion has become a mastermind at conning you and your housemates out of a second lunch and third dinner. Your cat may get a little grumpy with the results, but no more overfeeding on our watch! There's also a "Did you feed the dog?" option in black and a medication tracker version for dogs. Promising reviews: "If your cats are manipulative little jerks like mine, you need this in your life. No more will they trick members of your household into giving them second breakfast!" —Stephanie"My husband and I usually work opposite shifts and slowly came to the realization that the cats were getting double fed during the day. This keeps us both updated on the feeding schedule!" —VanessaGet it from Amazon for $9.61. An under-$5 interactive flier cat toy if your cat is shockingly high-energy and they need somewhere to put it, or else they'll transform into the predator lurking within. It might only be a few paper rolls bouncing at the end of a 30-inch steel wire, but you can literally sit on the couch holding it in one hand while scrolling your phone with the other, and your feline friend will still have an absolute BLAST. Promising review: "Simply the best cat toy you can buy. My cats go wild as soon as I pull this out. Nothing else gets them up and moving like this toy now that they're getting older. Seems silly that they love a simple wire with a cardboard tip, but there's something about it that's irresistible. Buy it. Your cats will love it." —A customerrrGet it from Amazon for $3.99. A set of stainless-steel elevated pet bowls just perfect for your spoiled four-legged housemate, so they can enjoy their meals without straining their neck or having their whiskers overstimulated thanks to the wide, deep design. Promising review: "I have always had a problem with my one cat vomiting undigested food. My vet told me she was probably eating too fast. I stumbled upon an ad on Facebook stating the bowl position was the reason for cats vomiting; bowls resting on the floor put their neck at an odd angle and can cause acid reflux. I've used them for about two weeks and my cat has not vomited once! It was almost a daily occurrence prior to purchasing these! I did have to rest their old bowls inside these to get them to eat. But after a few days I could put the food directly into these bowls and they did not complain." —kindlefire09-8Get it from Amazon for $23.99. A set of recordable answer buzzers in case you want to train your pet to "talk" to you like the snarky cats and dogs on TikTok. You can record your voice and set up any phrases or responses, so you can actually *know* when your pup needs to go out and do their business or if they're just trying to sunbathe! Promising review: "We're using these to give my dog a voice. I've recorded 'potty outside,' 'water please,' and 'treat' into these buttons and put them around the house for her to use. Now when she needs to use the restroom she says 'potty outside.' When she comes back in, she goes straight to 'treat' and asks for her reward. When her bowl is empty she lets me know by pushing 'water, please.' She is a 9-pound Chihuahua with arthritis in her front paw and has no problems pushing the buttons down to make them speak. Great purchase. I want to buy more and add more phrases. (Phrases like 'play,' 'car ride,' 'bedtime,' and 'cuddles!') I am 100% happy!" —Tye RannosaurusGet it from Amazon for $22.20.

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