Latest news with #Katelyn
RTÉ News
01-06-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Laois Rose hopes to inspire young women to consider apprenticeships
As pupils prepare to start their Leaving Cert in just a few days, we are hearing from young people who took alternative paths to the CAO. An apprentice electrician - who also happens to be the Laois Rose - hopes that she can highlight to young women that a trade is a great career option for them. Katelyn Cummins grew up on a dairy farm in Co Kilkenny and now lives and works in Laois. She has always enjoyed working with her hands, and going to college never appealed to her. A self-professed "girly-girl", Katelyn was the only young woman in her apprenticeship class. "It's not something you hear about every day, a woman going into a male-dominated trade, but you can still do it no matter what and I wasn't treated any differently," she said. When Katelyn was selected to be the Laois Rose earlier this year, she saw it as a great opportunity to make friends with other women her age. "I don't meet them in my workplace, so it's been incredible because I've met such amazing girls and made really good friends with a few of them now, so I'm delighted with that," she explained. Katelyn said people are often surprised when she tells them she is an apprentice electrician. "When they see me at an event in a dress, they're like, 'And you're supposed to be an electrician?' And it's like, 'Yes, I wear work pants and a baggy hoody every day, that's my normal wear, but at the weekends I'm in a dress, I love my makeup and doing my hair, its two different sides to me." In 2024, a record 9,352 new apprentices registered across 77 different offerings, according to SOLAS. Katelyn hopes to see more women and girls consider exploring the apprenticeships available to them. "Anything that makes you happy is worthwhile doing, no matter if it's going to college, doing an apprenticeship, a PLC course, there's something out there for everybody and it doesn't have to be the traditional route of college," she said. "I think look into the trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical - they are all crying out for people to join that industry and whether you're a woman or a man, you can still do it no matter what."
Tatler Asia
06-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tatler Asia
The easy way to make a strawberry matcha latte
Sweet strawberry dreams Now for the strawberry base—this is what adds that signature fruity sweetness and stunning colour contrast. No need to boil strawberries over a stove for hours; we are keeping it simple here. Take a heaping teaspoon of your favourite strawberry jam (Bonne Maman works beautifully, but any thick jam or preserve will do), and spoon it directly into the bottom of your glass. Be generous with it—the more you add, the sweeter and more pronounced the strawberry flavour will be. If you prefer, you can also use ready-made strawberry puree or compote, or even blend fresh strawberries with a splash of honey or maple syrup for something homemade and rustic. This layer adds that burst of berry goodness and balances the slight bitterness of the matcha—trust us, you are going to love this combo. The milky middle Next comes the milk. Pour in about half a cup of your milk of choice—fresh dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy all work well. It is all about preference. The creaminess of the milk (especially oat or whole milk) adds a luscious richness to the drink and helps tie everything together. Watch as the strawberry jam starts to swirl into the milk. You could stop here and just admire those layers for a second—the pink, white and green contrast is the kind of thing you see all over Instagram for a reason. Once the milk is in, gently pour your matcha on top. If you are careful with your pouring technique (tip: pour over the back of a spoon), you will get beautifully distinct layers. Or just go wild and let it all swirl together—both ways taste phenomenal. Read more: 10 new restaurants, cafés, and bars in Malaysia to visit in May 2025 Dress It Up (Optional but Highly Encouraged) Above Strawberry matcha latte almost done (Photo: Instagram / @ Now you could absolutely stop here. But if you are feeling extra—and we hope you are—why not take it to the next level? As recommended by Katelyn, our Dining Editor, you should top your drink with a generous swirl of whipped cream for that dessert-like finish. You can even sprinkle on some matcha powder or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a café-style flourish. A drizzle of extra strawberry syrup down the inside of the glass never hurt either. This extra layer adds richness and texture, making your drink taste like a luxe dessert in a cup. And let us be honest—sometimes we all deserve a little indulgence. Sip, smile, repeat Above Strawberry matcha latte done (Photo: Instagram / @theslottedspoons) And that is it! A strawberry matcha latte you can make in under 10 minutes, with zero fancy tools and ingredients that you probably already have at home. It is refreshing, energising, and completely customisable to your taste. This drink is perfect for slow mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or serving at your next gathering when you want to show off a little. Whether you are Team Frothy Matcha or just in it for the strawberry swirls, this drink never disappoints. So go ahead—grab a whisk, pick your jam, and make this dreamy drink your own. Once you start, you will be making it on repeat. Trust us, your kitchen is about to become your new favourite matcha café. NOW READ The best bak kut teh in Malaysia, according to chefs Inside Tatler Best of Malaysia, a celebration of the best of hospitality Sakana Japanese Dining: Where tradition meets inclusivity
Hamilton Spectator
25-04-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
More Commentary from Katelyn Zimmer
The Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek candidates were given additional opportunities to comment on topics such as agriculture, manufacturing, housing affordability, healthcare, efforts to lessen our dependence on American produce, as well as anything they saw as key issues. What follows are Liberal candidate Katelyn Zimmer's comments. Agriculture has long been the backbone of the Saskatchewan economy, and when asked about the Liberal Party's plans to protect and support the industry here, Katelyn pointed to the measures already in place. The Federal Government currently funds 60% of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) AgriStability Program, which helps protect farmers against significant revenue losses. In the event that a Liberal Government is elected, they propose to substantially enhance this support by doubling the revenue protection limit for individual farms from $3 million to $6 million. This increase aims to provide a stronger safety net for agricultural operations facing revenue declines due to factors such as tariffs imposed on exports and the effects of extreme weather events, which are becoming all too common. In addition to these financial protections, she said, the Liberals plan to invest in expanding domestic food processing capabilities. A new $200 million Domestic Food Processing Fund will be established to encourage the development of food processing facilities, particularly in rural and remote areas. This initiative aims not only to create jobs but also to reduce dependency on foreign processing and to ensure that local farmers have greater access to markets for their produce. Moreover, there will be an increased commitment to helping farmers, ranchers, and food producers access new markets for their products. An additional $30 million will be allocated to the AgriMarketing Program, which is designed to assist agricultural businesses in promoting their products and reaching consumers more effectively. This funding will help farmers expand their market reach and enhance the competitiveness of their goods. Lastly, the proposed plan includes a significant boost for farmers and ranchers looking to invest in new, more efficient farm equipment. An injection of $30 million will be added to the Agriculture Clean Technology Program. This funding will support the adoption of advanced technology that improves farm productivity while also promoting sustainable farming practices. These initiatives collectively aim to strengthen the agricultural sector, making it more resilient and more capable of meeting both local and global food demands. On the topic of manufacturing and value-added ventures, the Liberal Party vows to take decisive action in response to the U.S. tariffs by implementing targeted trade measures. The goal is to ensure that these measures have a significant impact on the U.S. economy while keeping any repercussions on Canadian businesses and workers to a minimum. Katelyn said that during these challenging times, their primary focus would be on safeguarding Canadian workers and supporting local industries. However, their vision extends beyond mere protection, committing to building a new, resilient Canadian economy that can thrive in the face of global challenges. By unifying the economy, moving away from the fragmented system of 13 provinces and territories, their ambition is to foster a stronger Canada and create an economy that allows businesses to sell their products to consumers across the country and beyond, while providing individuals the freedom to work wherever they feel their talents can be best utilized. To achieve this vision, the Liberals will make substantial investments in critical infrastructure that supports trade and enhances productivity. This includes modernizing and expanding ports, railways, airports, and highways to ensure that Canadian products can move seamlessly to markets both domestically and internationally. By laying a solid foundation for trade, Canadian businesses will be enabled to compete more effectively on the global stage and ultimately contribute to the prosperity of all Canadians. Affordability and housing are of great concern to people across the country, and when questioned about how the Liberal party would respond and support consumers, Katelyn noted that Mr. Carney has officially cancelled the carbon tax, which is expected to save Canadians an average of 18 cents per litre on gasoline prices. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on families and individuals who rely on fuel for their daily commutes and essential activities. Additionally, she said, a new middle-class tax cut will be introduced, providing financial relief to two-income households with potential annual savings of up to $825. This initiative is designed to help middle-class families retain more of their hard-earned income to support their household expenses and savings. A Liberal government is committed to housing development and significantly increasing the number of homes built within a decade, to double the rate of construction, targeting nearly 500,000 new homes annually. This initiative is crucial in addressing the ongoing housing shortage and making homeownership more achievable for Canadians. As well, first-time homebuyers will benefit from the complete elimination of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on homes priced at or below $1 million. This change can result in substantial savings, up to $50,000, making it easier for newcomers and young people to enter the housing market and invest in their first property. Dental coverage will be expanded by a Liberal government to include all Canadians aged 18 to 64, effectively providing access to dental care for approximately 4.5 million people. This expansion aims to ensure that more Canadians receive essential dental services, promoting better oral health and overall well-being. Through these efforts, Canadians are projected to save about $800 in dental care costs, enabling them to allocate their resources more effectively towards other essential needs and improving their quality of life. All sides of Canada's healthcare system, from long-term care to acute care to primary care, struggle to find enough people to fill vacancies, to protect, preserve and improve access to Canada's public health care system. Katelyn said a Liberal government will add thousands of new doctors and health professionals. This will be achieved by increasing training spaces, building new medical schools, and addressing labour mobility issues so that health care workers can be employed anywhere in the country. Streamlining credential recognition for internationally trained health professionals will make it easier for those already living here to contribute, and utilizing a new global recruitment strategy will attract physicians practicing abroad. A critical issue that Katelyn identified is the representation of the rural West. As Canada continues to focus on efficiently transporting resources from coast to coast, the insights and perspectives of rural and prairie communities will be increasingly vital. Addressing infrastructure needs, advocating for sustainable practices, and ensuring access to essential services are all areas where rural representatives can provide invaluable input. Their firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities in these areas and understanding of local conditions and priorities enables them to contribute meaningfully to national discussions, ensuring that the voices of rural Canadians are heard and considered in the decision-making process. Individual MPs from western Canadian regions are highly qualified advocates for their constituents' needs. They represent an equal number of voters as those in Ontario and Quebec, yet they must navigate a much larger and more diverse geographic area. This vast territory includes varied landscapes, economies, and cultures, which can complicate the delivery of services and resource distribution. In light of President Trump's economic attacks and his persistent verbal aspirations to make Canada the 51st state, many Canadians are boycotting American products and produce. Katelyn shared that a Mark Carney-led Liberal government will strengthen Canada's food security by investing in greenhouses, hydroponics, and other controlled environment agriculture that allow us to grow more types of food, here at home. They will work with the private sector to protect Canadian food security. This will help to ensure that Canadian families have access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food while supporting Canadian farmers and food producers.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Mom of SOTA student turns tragedy into determination to spread awareness
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — It's been more than two weeks since a 15-year-old School of the Arts student fell off the school's roof and ultimately died from her injuries. Tuesday, News 8 learned the incident was self-inflicted. The student's death has led to mental health forums in her honor hoping to spread a message of kindness and create safe spaces for youth to talk about their mental health struggles. The mother of teen spoke with News 8 Tuesday who shares the same sentiment. SOTA student dies after mental health crisis, support available to students 'There is still that feeling of it being so surreal,' Andrea Lincoln told News 8 Tuesday. 'I think the biggest thing that is going to be hard is accepting a new normal without her here. That's going to be the hardest part.' Andrea Lincoln said her daughter Katelyn was passionate about so many things. 'Designing outfits and stuff, she had to look perfect before she left the house,' Lincoln said. 'She always stole a bunch of my clothing.' That passion — also came with some challenges. Lincoln said Katelyn, a transgender teen struggled with depression and eating disorders while also dealing with bullying. 'She had bullying and harassment both in school and online sometimes,' Lincoln said. 'She would sometimes be reluctant to talk about it and even going to a great school like SOTA. There are still unfortunately anti-trans sentiments around the school that [staff] was not able to keep on top of. That's unfortunately the world we currently live in.' In March, first responders were called to School of the Arts after Katelyn jumped off the top of the building. She was taken to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries. 'Knowing that other people have experienced this as well and the moments after it happened is just… I'm just so thankful for everyone who did what they could to try and help in that situation,' Lincoln said. As Lincoln and the rest of Katelyn's family continue to grieve this unexpected loss. They say they will honor her strength and authenticity and are hoping to spread a message along the way. 'I think it's very important to take the energy of a situation and synthesize it into something good to give back to the children and the youth in our community,' Lincoln said. 'It's important to fight against that by being kind and finding it within ourselves to accept people for who they are with open arms.' The City of Rochester alongside the Rochester City School District will host a Youth Forum this Saturday at School of the Arts that starts at 11 a.m. There will also be a candlelight vigil on Sunday in Katelyn's honor which Andrea said will be a safe space for all. We have more information here. As always, if you or someone you know or love are experiencing a mental health crisis, free 24/7 help is available by calling the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Buzz Feed
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
33 Things You Can Buy Because You're An Adult And Make Your Own Decisions
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. Shopping · Edible cocktail glitter, a rhinestone calculator, an infectious disease coloring book, and more not-so-practical items that would make your parents roll their eyes. 1. A shaker of Thin Mint seasoning for the person who stocks up on Girl Scout cookies every year but always runs out pre-maturely. This fairy dust will make anything from milkshakes to popcorn taste like your favorite elusive treat. Emma Lord/BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord loves this stuff. She says:"I stared at this for months online before caving and buying it, and when I tell you!! It jazzes up my morning coffee in a way that makes my little '90s baby heart sing. I've also loved it on Greek yogurt, oatmeal, and mug cakes. Plus, when I feel lonely for a real Thin Mint, and we're not in Girl Scout cookie season, I'll shake this on an Oreo Thin to stave off the despair." Promising review: "I have been using this to mix with Greek yogurt!...Tastes really similar to the cookies and a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth!" — Katelyn Get it from Amazon for $5.99. 2. A somewhat rude sticker to make your commute feel a little more like Mario Kart. Leave those slow-driving jerks in the dust! Amazon Promising review:"I put this on the driver-side mirror of my car. The instructions were clear and simple. It came with two decals, but I only used one because my passenger mirror has the usual writing about objects in the distance. I've been through a few car washes, and so far, it's stayed in place. I love that it is subtle, but gives me a chuckle when I remember that it's on my mirror." — J.Z. Get it from Amazon for $0.99. 3. A jar of black truffle "caviar" for when you want to feel tuxedo-level fancy, but don't have the funds (or heart) for the real deal. These truffle pearls are made with squid ink, so they still have an ocean-y kick without any sturgeon endangerment. Promising review: "These truffle pearls are a game changer! Their rich, earthy flavor elevates pasta, eggs, and more to restaurant quality. Easy to use, fresh, and luxurious — a must-have for any truffle lover!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $38.99. 4. A pack of colorful Starface pimple patches — hydrocolloid stickers that protect open pimples while slowly sucking out gunk from your skin, potentially speeding up the healing process. Bonus: On top of their classic star shape, they now have these really cool fruit sticker designs so you can do your best apple-at-the-grocery store impression. Amazon Promising review: "If you are one of the skeptics that are not sure about this product working, what? It honestly works! This is my second time ordering and a bigger pack is just what I needed! I recommend putting these on at night before you go to bed to give the stickers time to absorb fluid. No, it does not work immediately overnight. It may take two to three nights to completely go away. Which, based on the information of the product, is 100% understandable. Will be using these from now on!" — Michaela Get them from Amazon for $21+ (available in four pack sizes, eight star colors, or a jumbo fruit/flower pack). 5. A shaker of edible cocktail glitter, because what drink wouldn't benefit from a little razzle dazzle? The halal- and kosher-certified glitter is exactly what you need if you're going for "my bartender is a fairy" type vibes. Bakell is a small business established in 2016 that specializes in edible glitters for food and drink. Promising review:"Don't think any further and just buy it. This was so cool, and everyone loved it! I got the clear one because it will go with any drink. I will be the one to put this in all my friend's drinks. Also had no taste so it was just the look. Sooooooo cool!" — gigi Get it from Amazon for $9.75+ (available in 17 colors). 6. A pack of glittery highlighters for people who want some extra ~oomph~ when they highlight a really juicy part of their textbook. Promising review: "They were complete eye candy 🍬 They are beautifully smooth and perfect. The Japanese Zebra brand has never disappointed me, and I am truly grateful. 👊❤️🔥" — Junkie4fitness Get a pack of five from Amazon for $7.40. 7. A wind-up toy shaped like a cat riding a robot vacuum. We've all seen the videos — it's time to recreate it at home. Amazon, This toy is battery-free! It also comes with a little booklet. Promising review: "I think this little toy is adorable. I have it on my coffee table, and you just wind it and watch it go. I bought one for a friend and she loved it. Cute gift for cat lovers." — T Get it from Amazon for $10.18. 8. A working claw machine you can fill with any tiny treats you'd like, from squishy toys to candy bones. Now you can say, "we have claw machine at home." The machine comes with fake coins to activate, but it also works with real quarters. Reviewers warn that it's pretty loud and burns through D batteries. Promising review: "This game is awesome! So worth the purchase! I got it for my niece's 4th birthday, and it was a hit! I read all the reviews prior to purchasing and I highly recommend doing that. I was able to buy smaller toys and figurines to throw in there as well as some bite-size candy so I could have it ready for her to open and play with." — Chelsey Get it from Amazon for $38.55. 9. Chatter mouth silicone grips for a somewhat unsettling cooking experience. These pot holders can withstand up to 450 degrees and double as a tool to torment your guests with lil' nibbles. >:) Amazon Promising review: "I love these for getting stuff out of the microwave I've made far too hot. They really work and clean well! Good Fred product as always." — Jessi Get them from Amazon for $19.99. 10. A "Bling Thing" calculator with rhinestone buttons offering a new definition for "girl math." Sure, your phone has a calculator. But is it this cute? Amazon Promising review:"This calculator is so cute. I get comments and laughs each time I use it. Think Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. It's that type of cute. I love it. Would definitely buy again to give as a gift. Also the display is a good size so it's very easy to read. I wish that had different colors, but this is still super cute." — Karen Johnson Get it from Amazon for $13.29. 11. A Lumon Industries badge holder for anyone who sometimes wishes they could forget a day of work. It works for keycards, IDs, cosplay, and making your boss roll their eyes. Potter Prints Stuff is a small business that sells 3D-printed items. Get it from Potter Prints Stuff on Etsy for $11.62 (available in three colors). 12. A NeeDoh Dream Drop that even comes with its own little stand to really sell the appearance of a droplet of magical goo. The mesmerizing glitter is already a treat, but you'll be in love once you feel how satisfyingly SQUISHY this is. Schylling is a small business that specializes in modern and retro toys, games, and sets. Check out a TikTok of the Dream Drop in action. Promising review: "Great, and I love that it has a tray to sit on. I love how firm this is to squeeze, and the slow release is really relaxing. The included dish is a great touch — it keeps it clean and gives it a dedicated spot to rest." — AZMOM Get it from Amazon for $8.40 (the color is either blue, pink, or purple and gets selected for you at random). Check out the rest of the Needoh fidget toy options on their Amazon storefront! 13. A pair of chandelier earrings for an over-to-top, iconic look that will make everyone's eye light up when they see your earrings light up. They don't just look swanky: They're made with flexible oxidized silver and clear Czech teardrop crystals. Diana Caldarescu / Etsy You don't need pierced ears to enjoy! They hook over the top. Grab some CR1632 batteries to turn them on. Diana Caldarescu is a small business that sells unique made-to-order jewelry. Get it from Diana Caldarescu on Etsy for $158 (single) or $298 (pair). 14. An enormous, five-pound bag of gummy bears, because you're financially independent and can buy your own candy, Halloween be damned. Listen, I'm gonna leave a short review here, but click through and read some of the dang novel-length reviews some people are leaving. People are passionate about these gummies! Maybe it's because they're softer than other brands and have 11 (!!!) flavors. Promising review:"As a gummy fanatic for more years than I care to admit, I have tried all sorts of brands, both popular brands and generic, domestically and internationally. In terms of taste, moisture, aroma, and variety, Albanese gummy bears are unmatched. Yes, they're pricey, but if you prioritize quality over quantity, this is the purchase for you. Treat yourself to absolute quality and go for Albanese." — trev rogers Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in various pack sizes and 11 flavors). 15. A " Grievance Journal," aka a "burn book for the discerning misanthrope" for people who use complaining as their main form of communication. There are 52 prompts and "darkly funny" quotes to guide you through a thorough vent sesh. Your only complaint when you get this will be, "Why didn't I get this sooner?" Amazon Promising review: "Bought this intending to gift it to a friend but ended up getting really into the prompts and decided to keep it for myself. WOW, what an awesome way to vent and articulate the negativity you're feeling by actually forcing yourself to form coherent thoughts around your emotions. Cheaper and more effective than therapy, buying several more for friends and fam." — Alex Get it from Amazon for $27.99. If you want something a little less grim, check out this Burn After Writing book with a similar but lighter sentiment. 16. A pack of merit badges for the modern adult who needs a little encouragement. Congrats on flossing — it's a big accomplishment! Amazon Promising review:"These badges are beautifully made, high quality, with vivid colors and no fraying — looked just like the pictures. Very easy to adhere. I used these to personalize my work bag, which is made out of heavy canvas. Highly recommend it, will buy more." — M Simon Get a pack of three from Amazon for $18 (available in 28 sets). 18. An "ugly" custom pet pillow offering a hilariously warped version of your scrunkly companion. Just send in a photo that you think could be distorted into something perfectly meme-able. Promising review: "This product had me rolling on the floor laughing. It is the best thing I have seen in my entire lifetime because of how funny, cute, and how overall accurate is to my cat. Please buy this if you have living or late pets because it is very nice. 😊😊😊" — Stephanie Get it from Amazon for $8.88. 19. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit that comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel to display your tiny masterpieces. It's perfect for adults and teens looking for a quick project and kids working on their fine motor skills. The kit comes with two landscapes and one portrait of Bob. 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. 20. An infectious disease coloring book oozing with hours of gross relaxation. This purchase is nothing to sneeze at. It has over 35 pages filled with icky stuff like flesh-eating bacteria and parasitic worms. Promising review: "This creepy book is not only fun to color but it's actually informative too. Each page has a picture of a disease and then information on the disease itself! I thought that was pretty cool. Color gross stuff and learning. It's got a good amount of pages to color and each one a different picture." — Shelbe Clark Get it from Amazon for $9.86. 21. A ransom note sticker book so you can spend less time cutting up old magazines and more time sending threatening letters. With fewer magazines in print these days, it's getting harder to kidnap people the right way. Amazon The book has 2,000 peel-off stickers, including letters, accents, numerals, and punctuation. Promising review: "Perfect for scrapbooking or journaling. There's plenty of stickers for each letter and extra for the more popular ones! Good variety of colors and fonts. Even some cool graphics at the end — stars, hearts, angel wings, etc. Would definitely recommend to anyone that likes to craft!" — Anna L. Get it from Amazon for $15.68. 22. A Grim Steeper silicone tea infuser that doubles as a useful reminder to people not to bother you until you're done with your morning cuppa. Promising review: "My best friend loved this for her birthday. She loves Halloween and tea, and this was such a cute and perfect gift." — Harley Nixon Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 23. Nostalgic bath pearls for anyone who misses taking a truly fun bath. Throw a couple into your tub, put on "Candy" by Mandy Moore, and recapture some '90s magic. Bare Boutique is a small business based in the UK. Get a bag of 30 from Bare Boutique on Etsy for $15.77. 24. A set of cowboy straw toppers that add a little "don't mess with Texas" vibe to your water bottle by protecting the drinking straw from strangers bumping into it. Look how cute this bottle looks with a lil' hat on! It thinks it's people. :') Promising review:"So SO CUUUTE! 10/10!! Good product and keeps my straw from getting bugs or germs on it! Plus, it's really cute." — JennA Get a set of four from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in four other styles). 25. A Lego cherry blossom kit for decor you can build yourself. The 430-piece set comes with everything you need to build two stems, and at less than $15, it's a steal compared to most Lego kits. Promising review: "Great afternoon activity. All of the flower Lego sets are great for a break and getting your mind off things. We have several different flower ones in a vase, and they all seem to fit nicely together." — Jeremy Moeller Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 26. A Skin1004 Zombie Pack to bring your skin back to life in a good, non-horror movie way. The mask tightens as it dries, creating a fun undead look (just like the more expensive Hanacure). When you wash it off, you might be pleasantly surprised to see bouncier, more hydrated skin. This mask is made with albumin, a component from eggs that helps moisturize skin. It claims to help tighten pores, hydrate, promote elasticity, remove dead skin, and balance pH. To use, mix the included powder and liquid together with a brush. Spread the mixture evenly over your face and leave until it begins to dry. Wash after 10 or 15 minutes, and enjoy your freshly hydrated face! Promising review:"I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 zombie mask, and at about $2.50 a pop, why not?! Let me tell you, this mask is just straight-up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later, when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!?? don't get me wrong, the Hanacure mask is amazing and magical, too, but it's expensive and impossible to maintain the twice-weekly mask schedule recommended. T his Zombie mask is every bit as magical with better results in my opinion. And it's super funny. A lot of the reviews mention a bad smell, which I was worried about, but I didn't notice a smell, and I'm so sensitive to smell I can't use scented lotions, lip balms, etc. Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure both price and results wise." — Dana Dane Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $18.50 (also available in multipacks). 27. A teeny-tiny board game (like Operation, Connect 4, and Hungry Hungry Hippos) with working pieces for the competitive mouse in your life. Promising review for Monopoly:"This is, hands-down, the coolest Monopoly game ever made! It has every piece and detail that the full-size version has, and the quality exceeds my expectations. 😊 Can't wait to play it!" — Andrea Promising review for Bananagrams: " This is adorable! I was worried the tiles would be too small to play with (and they are indeed tiny!), but I've actually had no trouble playing with them at all. I'm using it to practice my Spanish vocabulary. It is amazingly portable (fits in my small purse without issue) and looks just like the larger version. Also, it doubles as a cat toy! (at least according to my cat, who keeps trying to steal the zipper pouch)." — Elise Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in 15 games), or see even more tiny toys here. 28. A pack of six giant catnip joints so you can get high with your cat. That's everyone's dream, right? The "Meowijuana" is made of catnip rolled in Raw rolling papers. Instead of smoking it, your cat can bat it around. Amazon And I'm sure you know this, but actual THC is toxic to cats. Promising review:"Bought these as a gift for my cat's birthday. Both cats absolutely adored them. They are whimsical and hilarious and such a fair price for the amount of joy my cats seemed to have." — Harmanjote Kaur Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four styles/bundles). 29. A mini desktop dog park because dog parks are the best places on earth so having one nearby could only help. Promising review:"This is the perfect addition to my desk. Great conversation piece. Each pup is cuter than the other. Love it!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $8.99. 30. A"Gracula" garlic crusher that ironically helps you with one of the most tedious chores in the kitchen. Just throw in the peeled cloves, twist, and feel grateful you Let the Right One your kitchen. Promising review: "I love this little guy. I found him on a BuzzFeed list and had to have it as soon as I saw it! I've minced as many as five cloves in it in seconds. It's a little tricky getting all of the garlic out once minced (I use a silicone basting brush to get most of it, but I always use more than the recipe calls for anyway, so it's not a deal breaker). Cleanup is a breeze because he goes right in the dishwasher!" — Barbie Get it from Amazon for $13.96. 31. An unbelievably cute tomato lamp so you can bathe your home in a saucy red glow. Reviewers say it's just as cute as the more expensive one you might've seen on Urban. It comes with a white cord, but it would be kinda cute to paint it green so it looks like a vine. Promising review: "Found a similar one on UO for close to $100, and this one takes the cake! Has a broad dimming and brightness setting as well as a timer and pulsing options. There's a remote for it as well as a controller on the cable. I'm a self-taught home cook and am obsessed with anything food-related, and this has completed my kitchen! Definitely recommend!!" — Merrie Get it from Amazon for $29.90. 32. A dino nugget plush because stuffed animals make the best throw pillows. Now you can just add some stuffed peas and a plush pile of mashed potatoes to hide them under. Promising review: "Adorable, soft, textured fabric, great stitching, and most importantly, plenty of fluff! It came vacuum-packed but quickly reshaped. I was planning on making this custom myself, but for the price, I'm very pleased, and I have one less project on my plate." — Mackenzie Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 33. An enamel pin shaped like a stamp from a magical realm. You may never get the opportunity to visit Emerald City or Hyrule, but you can dress like a letter that's been posted from there! Joy Addict Joy Addict is a small business that sells cute stationery based on pop culture. If you can think of a magical place from a video game, book, movie, or show, there's probably a pin for it. Get it from Joy Addict for $15 (available in 100+ designs). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
