My Favorite Things, 2025 Edition
Every year I do a post with a few of my favorite things for Christmas shoppers, but I’m a little late to the game this year! So maybe you need a belated present, ideas for other celebrations in the coming new year, or just a self indulgent treat - these are a few of my new favorite discoveries from this year.
Custom Waist Bag from Tee Public
I love a good “fanny pack” (yes, I know, nobody calls them that anymore)! This isn’t the first time I’ve shared one. These are invaluable during sessions - extra cards, batteries, pet treats, a place to put client’s phones, etc. I stuff them all in here and keep my hands free to work, and this one holds a surprising amount for the comfortable size. But even if you aren’t a photographer or pet lover, waist packs are perfect for everyone who wants to keep their hands free. Purchases from Tee Public support independent artists, but you can also upload your own art (like a business logo) and get invaluable advertisement as well!
Get yours HERE.
2. Dot. The Modern Business Card.
I have the mini version - which attaches to my phone case and includes a QR code that people can conveniently scan and get sent all my contact info. While I do have traditional business cards, this is a very convenient way to give someone all my info quickly, because who doesn’t have their phone with them at all times?
There are multiple versions available, depending on which style you prefer.
Get yours HERE.
3. Almay Skintone Matching Foundation
Ladies, this one is for you! I have struggled with finding a foundation I like for years. $5-$50…doesn’t matter. I have very sensitive skin, and everything seems to dry it out or cake by the end of the day. Then, along came this little miracle. It goes on white and quickly turns to match skin tone. Not only is it the best color match I’ve ever had, it doesn’t dry my skin out, doesn’t make it break out, and stays smooth all day.
Get it on AMAZON.
4. Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick
Along the same lines….
I’m a lipstick girl. I never leave home without it. And I prefer long wear so it isn’t gone 20 minutes later. All brands I purchase have to be clean or at minimum, cruelty free. The problem I found with long wear is that it is very drying. But not this one! It doesn’t feel like you are wearing a thing! Luv Ya Backtalk is my personal favorite shade.
Get it on Amazon.
5. HONEY CARE Petrichor Mix Cat Litter
Another thing that I feel like I have tried to find, then tried again and again…the perfect kitty litter. This one was a clear winner in all the tofu based litters I tried. If you’re not familiar, you can actually flush this litter right down the toilet. It perfectly clumps, doesn’t stick to the litter box, lasts a long time, and fully masks kitty smells without having a strong fragrance itself.
The cheapest place I have found it is Amazon, and I have it set for auto deliveries (Chewy also carries it, but I have not found it in store).
6. Amazing RCA brace
This little l-brace has changed my life!
I’m not even joking - I’ve tried a MINIMUM of 30 wrist braces for my carpal tunnel (surgery has not been an option). I started searching for alternative options and came across this little device. To say I was skeptical would be an understatement. Not only does it claim to get rid of pain, it claims to reverse damage. And friends, it’s the truth. I’ve worn this for six months now. I started out wearing it 24/7 and within TWO DAYS my pain was gone. No tingles, no pain, and no numbness. And my carpal tunnel is severe. After six months, I can take it off and I don’t have pain…I’m scared to try for too long, but have gone over a week without and stayed pain free. I have one complaint, and it is a small one in comparison to the relief I have got. And that is that I hope at some point they find a different attachment other than velcro. After six months, it’s time to replace it because it is wearing out (the website claims one year of use).
Purchase it HERE.
7. Jumbo Sticky Roller
A lot of people come to the studio and see me using this….and rarely have they seen a jumbo roller so I thought I would add it to my list. There are multiple brands to choose from on Amazon (just look up extra large lint roller). This works as good as a vacuum! I use this on my backdrops for pet hair, food crumbles (pet and human variety), etc. It does a fantastic job on quick messes.