LIFE AND DIY ARCHIVE
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Devices & TreatmentsiRestore Laser Face Mask Pro Review: A Closer Look at the Lasers (First Impressions)I went looking for the most advanced, feature-rich LED mask I could find, and the iRestore Laser Face Mask Pro stood out: 150 low-level lasers, 8 wavelengths and a lot of power. Here's a closer look.November 6, 2026
Food & SnacksFree Lineage Protein Bar Variety Pack With Your Order (Ends Around Nov 2)Lineage is adding a free 5-bar variety pack with all five flavors when you spend $120 or more after my 15% code. Here's how the deal works and when it ends.October 27, 2026
SunscreenI Dug Into the Research on Bemotrizinol, the First New Sunscreen Filter in 20 YearsEveryone's calling it the first new sunscreen filter in 20 years. I wanted to know how much research is actually behind it, so I went through the safety studies myself.October 7, 2026
Products I UseThe Glycolic Acid Toner I Keep Repurchasing: Good Molecules ReviewThis is my all-time favorite skincare product, and I repurchase it all the time. Here's what's in it, why it keeps my pores clear, and the one rule you can't skip when you use it.October 2, 2026
Medical WarningsCanadian Prescription Ban Starting October 22? What’s Really HappeningIf you order your prescriptions from Canada or any other country overseas, you probably won't be able to get them after October 22. Canadian pharmacies say a new U.S. Customs rule will stop most shipments at the border, and they're telling customers to order refills by October 10. I'm affected too, since it's how I get my cat's asthma inhaler. Here's what the government actually changed, who's behind it, and what you can do right now.September 29, 2026
Health Tests & LabsMy DEXA Scan Results: What the Scale Couldn’t Tell MeI put on 10 to 15 pounds over the last year or two, and I was sure I knew exactly where it went. So I got my first full-body DEXA scan, which measures your body fat, muscle, bone density, and even the hidden fat around your organs. It turns out I was wrong about a few things. Here's what my results showed.September 26, 2026
SupplementsCan Luteolin Help Gray Hair? What the Mouse Study Actually FoundA 2024 study found luteolin helped prevent gray hair in mice. Here's what researchers actually did, what it doesn't prove, and why I'm trying it anyway.September 23, 2026
Hidden ChemicalsThe Plastic Hiding in Popular Lip Products (and the Old Safety Tests Behind It)A lot of everyday lip products contain polybutene, a liquid plastic. The “safe to swallow” case rests on old rat and dog feeding studies. Here’s what those reports say, and why I switched my daily lip product to 100% pure lanolin.September 14, 2026
MicroneedlingBio Pen 6 Microneedling Stamp: Quick Review + TutorialAll about the Bio Pen 6, my first impressions and a tutorial on exactly how I use it. This is a great starter option if you're new to microneedling, and a great alternative to add in if you're already needling with a Dr. Pen.September 8, 2026
Fitness & DietMy Favorite Organic Berries & Powders: LOOV OrganicLiving out in the boonies means frozen fruit only gets me so far. Here's why I started keeping wild-harvested, freeze-dried LOOV Organic berries on hand instead - plus how the polyphenol (antioxidant) content can vary a lot depending on where and how a berry is grown.July 17, 2026
Medical WarningsI Got an Insanely Rare Infection Abroad (H. Heilmannii)I almost refused the upper endoscopy - it felt unnecessary at the time. I'm so glad I didn't. The biopsy came back positive for H. Heilmannii instead of the common H. Pylori - a rare bacteria you catch from animals rather than people. Here's how I think I picked it up in Thailand, what the treatment was really like, and the surprising change that happened weeks later.May 28, 2026
Fitness & DietMy Favorite Meat Sticks & Jerky-Type Snacks: Lineage Provisions (Not Sponsored)I've been meaning to share these for the longest time. Lineage Provisions makes some of the cleanest meat sticks and jerky-style snacks I've come across - no sugar added, 100% grass-fed, with beef heart and liver. With my limited diet from food sensitivities, finding nutrient-dense snacks I trust is tough. These have become a regular for me. Not sponsored. Honest Opinions.April 26, 2026
SunscreenThe Last “Microplastic Free” Affordable Mineral Sunscreen Just Got DiscontinuedNative is phasing out their original Unscented Mineral Sunscreen, the only truly clean affordable microplastic-free mineral sunscreen I could confidently recommend. The reformulated replacement is a real downgrade - going from mostly natural ingredients to mostly synthetic ingredients.April 25, 2026
MicroneedlingDr. Pen Hydra H6 Review - First Use, Demo & Results UpdateI've microneedled for years and never seen results this quickly from a single treatment. The Hydra Pen H6 is Dr. Pen's most unique innovation - and after one treatment, it's become my favorite device they've made. I share my full demo, honest first impressions, and results that I genuinely didn't see coming.March 9, 2026
ThoughtsStarting Over at 43 - Why Staying Feels Harder than LeavingAt 43, I chose to start over. This is the honest story behind that decision and the reasons I'll be moving to Japan in the near future.December 30, 2025
Medical WarningsBPPV Exlained: What Happened & What You Need to KnowIf you’ve ever felt a sudden onset of severe dizziness and nausea the moment you turned your head, you’re not alone. I recently went through one of the worst episodes of my life and later discovered it was BPPV - something many people experience without realizing what’s actually happening.December 3, 2025
SunscreenMicroplastics in Mineral Sunscreen - What You Need to KnowYou may have switched from chemical to mineral sunscreen for cleaner ingredients, but most mineral formulas still contain microplastics. So even when you think you’re choosing the safer option, you might still be putting plastic on your skin every day without knowing it. Almost every mineral sunscreen I checked contained microplastics. I did manage to find two clean, affordable options.November 18, 2025
MicroneedlingFDA Microneedling Update Late (2025): News & Where to Buy Authentic Dr. PensIn 2024, Amazon pulled nearly all Dr. Pen microneedling devices, leaving users wondering if the FDA had banned them. Here’s what’s really going on - including the latest FDA warning about RF microneedling risks, where you can safely buy authentic Dr. Pen products again, and a first look at the new Hydra Pen H6 that dispenses serum as you microneedle.October 22, 2025
SupplementsBest Supplements & Tools for Energy and Focus (Without Coffee or Caffeine)In this post, I share the most effective tools and supplements that help boost energy and focus naturally - from research-backed supplements that actually make a difference, to tools you can use.October 8, 2025
SupplementsNMN is FDA Approved (& Can Lawfully Be Sold as a Supplement)Big news: the FDA just reversed its stance and made NMN legal in supplements again! For years now we've been waiting to hear this - and for years it's been banned and removed from the shelves and taken off of Amazon. This should reverse shortly. Here's what you can expect going forward.September 29, 2025
Fitness & DietI Quit Coffee 1 Year Ago - Was It Worth It?Is quitting coffee really worth it? After one full year caffeine-free, I have an update for you! This is what I've experienced - the good and the bad. Did I ever slip? Do I miss it? And most importantly, how has quitting coffee affected my sleep, cortisol, energy, and overall health?August 28, 2025
Health & LongevityFDA to Ban NDT? Latest Updates & What You Need to KnowThe FDA has just set a 12-month deadline that could wipe Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) off the U.S. market. The FDA is going to ban NDT - giving doctors 12 months to get their patients off of NDT and onto a synthetic T4 medication. Most companies won’t be able to meet the new biologics requirements - but one pharmaceutical giant may have a plan. Here’s what’s changing, what it means for patients, and why the future of NDT could come down to a single clinical trial. Get all the details and updates here.August 15, 2025
Products I UseSkincare Products I’m Loving (Fragrance-Free, Korean, Affordable): APLBI’ve been trying out a Korean brand called APLB, and it’s quickly become a staple. Fragrance-free, packed with good ingredients, and better than many higher-end expensive products. Here are the products I’m loving - including my new favorite face mask.July 31, 2025
SupplementsBest Turmeric Supplement & Warning About Heavy Metal ContaminationWorried about heavy metals in your turmeric? Many turmeric supplements have tested positive for lead contamination - especially imported products. In this article, I break down what’s really going on, what USP verification means, and how to choose a safer turmeric supplement that’s been properly tested.July 31, 2025
HaircareCan Rogaine Work for a Receding Hairline? My Rogaine ExperimentsCan Rogaine regrow a receding hairline? I’ve tested it myself - multiple times - and was surprised by the results. Even with minimal use, I saw real regrowth along the front. Here's what happened when I used it once a week... and then stopped completely.June 24, 2025
Supplements3 Best Supplements for Inflammation, Allergies & Immune SupportThese are 3 of the most effective (and underrated) supplements I always keep on hand. Backed by real research - they’ve helped with everything from sinus pressure and histamine reactions to joint pain and immune support. If you're looking for natural support that actually makes a difference, this is a great place to start. These are some of my favorite supplements to date.June 23, 2025
Health & LongevityDUOX2 Gene Mutation and Thyroid Issues: Why You Might Still Feel Hypothyroid on MedicationStill feeling hypothyroid on medication? Learn how DUOX2 gene mutations, poor T4-to-T3 conversion, and common thyroid med mistakes may be preventing you from feeling better - even with “normal” labs.April 2, 2025
Health Tests & LabsMetabolomix+ Review: My Full Test Results & What I DiscoveredI just did the most comprehensive at-home health test available: Metabolomix+. I've been eating low-carb since 2022, and I've struggled when I've tried to add more foods into my diet. I decided to do this test to get a comprehensive look at all aspects of my health: from my microbiome, to micronutrients and amino acids to antioxidants, essential fatty acids, heavy metals, and gut markers. Here I share my full results!March 2, 2025
Products I UsePurito Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack Review: Best Moisturizer of 2025I've been on a mission to find the best affordable face moisturizer - perfect for use after doing a skincare treatment, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. Most importantly, this product has top-notch ingredients to soothe, repair, hydrate and replenish your skin. I've tried a lot of high-end products and this beats them all. This is my new holy-grail face moisturizer - the Purito Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack with squalane and panthenol. I highly recommend it!February 1, 2025
Medical WarningsGadolinium Warning: The Hidden Risks of MRIs with Contrast (See My Lab Results)If you've ever had an MRI with contrast, or likely know someone who has - you need to read this. It's been nearly 8 years since I had my MRI with Gadolinium as the contrast agent, and I have high level of it in my urine.January 15, 2025
Chemical PeelsChemical Peel Aftercare Guide, Tips & RecommendationsLearn how to care for your skin before, during, and after at-home chemical peels to prevent pigmentation issues, soothe irritation, and promote faster healing. From must-have product recommendations to aftercare tips, this guide has everything you need to transform your skin.January 6, 2025
Chemical PeelsBest Beginner At-Home Chemical Peel Products - for Sensitive Skin too!Discover beginner-friendly chemical peels that are gentle, effective, and ideal for sensitive skin or those new to exfoliation. This guide highlights affordable options, tips for safe use, and how to achieve smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin without irritation.January 2, 2025
Health & LongevityLuminette Glasses 3 Review (2025) My Honest Experience & What to ExpectStruggling with 3 a.m. wake-ups, disrupted sleep or some other type of insomnia? It's all too common in our day and age and most of us are not getting enough light exposure. Here I share an update on my experience with the Luminette 3 Light Therapy glasses and how they've helped reset my body's clock and circadian rhythm.December 30, 2024
My PoetryI Question It AllSometimes our biggest battles are the ones within ourselves - the tension between heart and mind, fear and longing, struggle and the slow work of overcoming.June 10, 2020
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