A Little Bit Of Me | Lifestyle Blog by Charnita Fance

I'm not usually one to jump on the latest app craze. As far as I'm concerned, TikTok is just Vine 2.0 with more egregious challenges, and teenage egos run amok. But I must admit, as much as I dislike the darn thing, TikTok is a goldmine for finding unique and creative gift ideas this holiday season. Source: Pexels Even I can appreciate how TikTok takes the latest viral products and helps them explode. So, in the spirit of the holidays, I decided to swallow my pride and scour TikTok for gift ideas, and I found some pretty cool things. We're talking gifts tailor-made for Gen Z but cool enough for millennials like me. So gather around and check out 17 of the app's most viral products that make stellar Christmas gifts. Even if I don't like TikTok, I can agree that these gifts will "sleigh" with your friends and family. Fa la la la, let's go! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purcha...

I've significantly cut back my spending this month as part of my commitment to better budgeting going into 2024. But even so, I simply couldn't pass up these gems I discovered in November. These purchases have brought me joy, from self-care treats to perfect gifts for my husband. Read on for the highlights! Source: Pexels Healthy Breakfasts, Fast Mornings are always a rush at my house between getting up late, feeding the pets, and logging into Slack for work. Plus, I often just drink some coffee and then fast until lunchtime. Even then, finding time to make something to eat feels like a stretch. But no more! Oatsome's Organic Overnight Oats are my new solution for healthy, convenient breakfasts.

As a teenager in the late 90s, the original Super Mario RPG easily became one of my favorite games. It was a breath of fresh air for the Mario franchise, and it introduced a number of innovative gameplay mechanics that would become staples for future Mario RPGs. The game was also full of charming characters, engaging dialogue, and fun mini-games, making it a truly unforgettable experience. In a very unexpected and shocking announcement on June 21, 2023 , Nintendo announced that they'd be remaking this marvelous gem! Screams were heard across the world, and tears of joy were shed (yes, I was one of those overjoyed people)! I literally counted down the days until its release, and now, it's finally here! I've been really enjoying playing the remake of Super Mario RPG, and it's brought back a lot of nostalgia for me. The graphics are absolutely stunning, and the developers have made some small quality-of-life improvements that make the game even more enjoyable to play.

As someone who has spent decades immersed in Scripture, I'm always eager to learn about new resources to take my Bible study to the next level. In The Old Testament Handbook , I've found just that—a visually beautiful, content-rich companion that breathes new life into my understanding of God's Word. From its high-quality construction to the scholarly insights within, this handbook from B&H Publishing Group exceeds expectations. It's an absolute must-have for anyone serious about studying the Old Testament, which we all know can sometimes be challenging to understand. An Heirloom-Quality Resource Built to Last My first impression upon unboxing The Old Testament Handbook was simple awe. This is no ordinary study guide. The striking charcoal cloth cover has a subtle sheen, accented by cream endpapers and a foil-stamped title. The thick, opaque pages have an elegant feel. It's clear no expenses were spared in the production.

When it comes to Christmas movies, the classics often revolve around heartwarming romances and family gatherings. However, for those who seek a different kind of holiday cheer, there's a treasure trove of non-romantic Christmas films that deserve the spotlight. From thrillers to dramas to horrors, these movies offer a unique and sometimes chilling perspective on the most beautiful time of the year. Source: Pixabay A Shift from Tradition As the years have rolled on, filmmakers have begun to explore the holiday season from a different angle. Thankfully, the Christmas movie genre has diversified to include suspense, drama, and even terror while still capturing the essence of the season.

In the video game world, life simulation games have long held a special place in the hearts of gamers. From the iconic The Sims franchise to more recent titles like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, these games offer a unique blend of creativity, escapism, and challenge. With the upcoming release of InZOI, Krafton , the renowned game developer behind PUBG, is set to take the life simulation genre to new heights.

Staring at a computer screen for hours and hours can take a real toll on your eyesight and overall eye health ( ask me how I know ). As more and more of our work and leisure activities involve looking at screens, computer eye strain, or digital eye strain, has become increasingly common. Source: Pexels For the past few months, I've been having horrible headaches that come and go, and they're linked to my extreme computer usage. I work on a computer for 8 hours and have side hustles that require the computer. And don't even get me started on my Nintendo Switch; one of my favorite games of all time just got a remake , and I've been playing for at least 2-3 hours a day. So, the struggle is real! If you spend a large part of your day looking at a computer, TV, tablet, e-reader, or smartphone screen, you may benefit from a pair of computer glasses. I've started to wear them whenever I'm looking at any time of screen, and thankfully, my headaches have vanished. Here...

The holidays are a joyous time for giving thoughtful gifts to loved ones. To help spark gift ideas, Google analyzed search trends throughout the year to identify 100 of the most popular and unique products people are searching for this holiday season. Ranging across all categories and budgets, this list offers the perfect present for everyone on your list. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support.

Working out. Ugh! For many of us, those words conjure up images of torture sessions on medieval rack machines at the gym. You know the ones I'm talking about—the elliptical trainer that feels like it's ripping your joints apart, the chest press that crunches your shoulders because the seat doesn't adjust quite right, the leg curl that pinches your hamstrings because the pad is cracked and peeling. Source: Pixabay But here's the thing: Working out doesn't have to hurt. In fact, your workouts should bring you joy, not pain. Exercise can and should be an opportunity to connect with your body positively. Luckily, the era of YouTube brings us countless workout routines to try at home, many of which are designed explicitly for joy over pain. Here are 8 YouTube channels that'll leave you feeling energized, strong, and happy!

The holidays are right around the corner. It's time to start thinking about what to put in those Christmas stockings! Stocking stuffers are a fun tradition, but finding little gifts that are both affordable and unique can be tricky. Source: Pexels Not to worry—I've got you covered. Here are 12 great ideas for inexpensive stocking stuffer gifts that anyone will enjoy. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support. 1. Nice Socks You can never go wrong with socks! Get fun, patterned socks to add some flair. Go with warm wool blends for cozy comfort during the chilly months. Just make sure they're nicely made—no one wants socks full of holes.

Meetings. For some of us, just hearing that word is enough to trigger waves of dread and anxiety. Our palms get sweaty, our hearts race, our stomachs bubble, and our minds go blank at the thought of having to speak up in a meeting. Source: Pixabay I get it. I've been there (still there, depending on who the meeting is with). I even take a stress-relief supplement  ( affiliate link ) around 30 minutes before a minute to help calm my nerves! As someone who has dealt with meeting anxiety for years, both in-person and on Google Meet, I know how hard it can be. But with some preparation and self-care, it is possible to get through meetings with less stress. Here are some handy tips for success. Prepare and Practice Half the battle is just being prepared. If you know what the meeting is about and have done some thinking about what you want to contribute, it will go much smoother. Jot down an agenda, main talking points, and any questions beforehand. I always take 10-15 minutes before mee...

The 75 Soft Challenge is a 75-day program to help you build healthier habits. It seems like an impossible feat when you're out of shape, overwhelmed, and strapped for cash. But with some strategic planning, it's more attainable than you may think. Source: Pixabay Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support. To start, there are four main rules you've gotta follow: Eat healthily and limit drinking to social events. No strict diet, just focus on making good choices most of the time. Sidenote: I'm leaning toward the Blue Zones diet . Work out for 45 minutes five days a week and rest one day a week to let your body recover. The workouts you do are up to you! Drink 3 liters (about 12 cups) of water daily. This one's essential for staying hydrated and healthy. Some other liquids that would count toward your water intake include: Plain seltzer or sparkling water (no added flavors or sw...

Student loan payments have resumed after a long pandemic pause. Now, many Americans face hundreds of dollars in new monthly bills. Source: Pixabay I know from firsthand experience that this can and will strain budgets that stretched over the last few years. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce expenses and find extra cash. With some planning, you can make those new student loan bills manageable. This guide shares simple money tips tailored to different income levels. Use these tricks to free up cash and budget for resumed student loan payments. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support. Making It Work On $1,200 Per Month Bringing in $1,200 monthly means tight margins. Student loan payments can really squeeze your budget. To make it work, ruthlessly cut expenses and hunt for extra income.

Life is hard. Whether you're struggling in your marriage, overwhelmed as a parent, battling anxiety or depression, or facing any other challenge, we all need wisdom and help to get through the storms. The good news is that in the pages of Scripture, we can find the counsel we need to walk through any difficulty and overcome it. The brand new CSB Life Counsel Bible is an incredible resource that brings biblical help and hope alongside God's Word, equipping you to find healing and wholeness. I'm always looking for new resources to help me grow in faith and experience true life transformation through Christ. After exploring this Bible extensively, I'm confident it deserves a spot on my list!  Here's why I believe the Life Counsel Bible is such an invaluable tool for anyone seeking to better apply the truths of Scripture to their lives.

Vlogging has become a trendy way for people to share their lives online and make money. But at what cost? The price of fame and fortune through vlogging is a complicated issue. Source: Pixabay The Allure of Vlogging It's easy to see the appeal of vlogging. Who wouldn't want to get paid to share their life online, work from home, and build a personal brand? For many vloggers, it becomes a full-time career. Vlogging allows creators to build deep connections with viewers who feel invested in their lives. Fans loyally tune in to see updates on everything from everyday routines to significant life events. For the vlogger, this provides a sense of community and validation.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. For many, this means lots of rich, heavy foods that leave you feeling stuffed and sluggish. But it doesn't have to be that way! Source: Arkansas Blog  ©2018 Alicia Bruce This year, have a healthy and delicious Thanksgiving by trying out recipes from the Blue Zones. These are regions around the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives. Their traditional cuisines are full of fresh, wholesome ingredients that nourish your body. In this post, we'll share 20 easy Blue Zones recipes to give your Thanksgiving meal a makeover. They're simple to prepare but packed with flavor. Let's get started! What are the Blue Zones? The Blue Zones refer to 5 regions identified by National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner where people live extraordinarily long lives. These include: