The Bag That Carried My Entire Personality This Weekend
Listen… I love bags. Almost as much as I love tumblers. Which is honestly dangerous, because if I’m not buying a new cup, I’m probably buying a new bag to carry the cup.
So when I tell you that the Emmafy Minimax Backpack has officially entered my core rotation, I mean it with my whole chest.
This past weekend, I went to Lake Winni, and this little sage‑green angel did something no other bag has ever done for me: It held EVERYTHING. Like… everything everything.
I thank my anxiety for this, honestly. Because when you live in a constant state of “What if I need ___?” you become a master of preparedness. And this bag? She understood the assignment.
Let’s talk FEATURES, because this thing is basically a portable life‑support system:
The pockets?? There is a spot for literally everything. Not metaphorically. Literally.
The structure?? Sturdy enough to hold your chaos, soft enough to still be cute.
The size?? Somehow compact AND Mary Poppins coded.
The vibe?? Sage green + gold hardware = aesthetic serotonin.
And here’s what I actually fit inside her this weekend (brace yourself):
makeup bag
sunscreen
first aid kit
umbrella
sunglasses
420 bag
mini toiletry bag
AND still had room for the little trinkets I picked up along the way
I was genuinely impressed — like, standing‑in‑my-cabin‑with-my-mouth-open impressed. It was so helpful being able to just grab my bag and know that everything I could possibly need was already inside. No digging. No panicking. No “Wait, where did I put that?”
Just pure, anxiety‑soothing organization bliss.
And because I am who I am… I ordered another one. Because when something works this well, I don’t question it — I duplicate it. This bag is about to become one of my reliable staples, and my only regret is that I didn’t get one sooner!
This week’s note is a little more personal, because I’ve officially hit six months alcohol‑free, and it feels… honestly, incredible. Not just because of the number, but because of what it represents. I’ve been calling it alcohol‑free instead of sober because it feels more true to what this journey has been for me. I don’t feel restricted — I feel free. Free of the chains alcohol had on my life, my routines, my emotions, and my sense of self.
I didn’t make a big announcement when I stopped drinking. I didn’t set out to hit a milestone. I just wanted to feel better. I wanted mornings that didn’t feel heavy, nights that didn’t blur together, and a life that wasn’t quietly shaped around something that wasn’t actually giving me anything good.
Somewhere along the way, I realized I was choosing myself — over and over again — in small, quiet ways that added up to something huge.
Six months later, I feel clearer. Calmer. More present. More connected to the things I actually care about. I feel like I’ve gotten pieces of myself back that I didn’t even realize I’d lost. And I feel proud — genuinely proud — of the version of me that’s growing from this.
It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it. And I’m celebrating this milestone because it represents freedom, clarity, and a kind of self‑trust I didn’t have before.
Here’s to six months alcohol‑free. Here’s to choosing myself. Here’s to whatever comes next — because I’m walking into it with a clear head, a full heart, and a version of me I’m excited to keep becoming.
There are some small businesses that immediately feel like home — warm, welcoming, and full of personality. For me, that’s My Stoner Friends, a family-run brand that originally started in Tewksbury, MA and has since made its way to New York State. Even with the move, their Massachusetts roots and their family energy are still woven into everything they create.
Meet the Family Behind the Magic
The heart of My Stoner Friends is this incredible trio: Jay, Kristen, and Emma — genuinely some of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.
Emma deserves her own paragraph. She may be young, but she works with the drive and determination of someone who’s been running a business for decades. She creates, she manages their social media, she brainstorms new ideas, and she hand‑crafts clothing with so much love that you can feel it in every stitch.
Jay is a talented tie‑dye artist whose color work is instantly recognizable — bright, joyful, and full of personality. Kristen’s crochet and patchwork creations are absolutely beautiful, adding a cozy, handmade charm to the brand that makes everything feel extra special.
Together, they’ve built something that feels less like a business and more like a community.
What They Create
My Stoner Friends offers a huge selection of tie‑dye clothing — and I mean huge. They carry sizes from newborn all the way up to 5X, making their brand truly accessible for everyone. Their lineup includes onesies, t‑shirts, skirts, dresses, tapestries, and so much more. Every piece is made with intention and care.
They’ve also recently launched their Sew Groovy department, which features 100% handmade clothing items. So far, they’ve released pashmina shrugs, shorts, and overalls — and knowing them, this is just the beginning. I’m already excited to see what they dream up next.
If you don’t see something that catches your eye or you’re looking for something specific, they take custom orders! They love creating pieces that feel personal.
My Favorites
I’ve collected a few pieces from them over time, and they’ve become staples in my wardrobe:
My three pairs of knee‑high socks — cozy, colorful, and ridiculously cute.
My gorgeous magenta duster — vibrant, flowy, and one of those pieces that makes you feel magical the second you put it on.
My harem pants — comfortable, colorful, and perfect for everyday wear.
Each piece feels like it was made just for me.
A Quick Note
I wasn’t able to get in touch with My Stoner Friends for this month’s Q&A — they’re currently busy on their summer festival tour (which honestly makes me love them even more). We’ll catch them next time.
Where to Find Them
Make sure to follow them on their socials to keep up with new drops, festival dates, and behind‑the‑scenes magic. Supporting them feels good because they are good. I have also linked their online shop so you too can have some handmade clothes made with love!
This week has been all about slowing down, breathing a little deeper, and letting myself create again. I’ve somehow become the kind of person who casually picks up needlepoint, cross stitch, and bargello like it’s no big deal — which is hilarious because two months ago I didn’t even know what bargello was. Now I’m out here stitching zigzags like it’s my full‑time job.
Learning a new skill as an adult is wild. One minute you’re convinced you’re a hopeless beginner, and the next you’re like, “Wait… I’m actually kind of good at this?” I haven’t finished a project yet (perfection takes time, babes), but I love how these crafts fit into my life. I can stitch for five minutes, stitch for an hour, abandon it for three days, come back, and it still loves me. Flexible queen behavior.
And listen… my doomscrolling? Practically extinct. Turns out stabbing fabric with a tiny needle is way more satisfying than spiraling through the internet. Who knew mental health could be found in a pile of embroidery floss.
I’m already plotting handmade Christmas gifts — slow, intentional, stitched‑with‑love little pieces that feel personal and cozy. So yes, I guess you can say I’m officially in my granny era… but like, the cute modern granny who drinks iced lattes, has a Pinterest board for everything, and refuses to knit because she’s too busy making tiny geometric masterpieces.
Now I need to know: what’s your favorite creative outlet right now Are you painting? Baking? Scrapbooking? Hot‑gluing chaos together and calling it “art”? Tell me everything — I want to know what kind of creative trouble you’re getting into 💜😄
This week wasn’t about routines or flare-ups or gentle resets. This week was about a plot twist — the kind that makes you sit down, blink at your reflection, and rethink your entire skincare identity.
Let’s get into it.
✨ The Ah‑Ha! Moment That Changed Everything
For YEARS I thought I had dry skin. Like, aggressively dry. Sahara Desert. “If you don’t moisturize me I will peel like a croissant” dry.
Except… that wasn’t true.
My skin wasn’t dry — it was damaged.
My barrier was wrecked. Crispy. Fragile. A little pathetic, honestly.
And I spent almost a full year babying it back to life — thick moisturizers, gentle cleansers, barrier repair everything. I was basically raising my skin like a small, needy plant.
And once it finally healed… once it finally reached its actual normal…
I realized something wild:
I’m not a dry‑skin girlie. I’m COMBINATION.
My entire identity? Shattered. Rebuilt. Reborn.
✨ The Foundation Revelation (the moment of truth)
The real Ah‑Ha! moment hit when I started playing around with foundation last year.
Liquid foundation was always… fine. Passable. It worked, but it wasn’t IT. It never gave that smooth, flawless finish I wanted — just “okay enough to leave the house.”
Then this week, I tried powder foundation again.
Fully expecting it to betray me. Fully expecting it to cling to dry patches that no longer exist. Fully expecting to look like a dehydrated lizard.
Except it didn’t.
It looked good. Suspiciously good. Like “wait… why is this blurring my face??” good.
And that’s when it hit me:
My skin wasn’t rejecting powder all those years — my damaged barrier was.
Now that my skin is actually healthy? Powder foundation is thriving. My T‑zone is like, “hey bestie, welcome to the oily side.” My cheeks are like, “we’re still soft and hydrated, don’t worry.” It’s giving dual citizenship.
✨ Processing the Identity Shift
I stood in the mirror like I was having a coming‑of‑age moment in a teen movie.
I questioned everything:
my routine
my product choices
my entire personality
every time I said “I have dry skin” with confidence
I feel betrayed. I feel enlightened. I feel like I need to reorganize my entire makeup drawer.
But mostly? I feel relieved.
Because now everything makes sense — the midday shine, the makeup melt, the weird texture, the “why does this look good today but not yesterday” moments.
My skin wasn’t dry. It was healing.
And now that it’s healed? It’s showing me who it really is. I guess you can call it a "skinwakening"
💜 Final Note
This week wasn’t about calm routines or gentle resets — it was about a full identity shift. A skincare awakening. A moment of clarity delivered by powder foundation and a repaired barrier.
Here’s to embracing the chaos, discovering new things about ourselves, and letting our skin be the dramatic little liar it apparently is.
July is all about keeping things calm, hydrated, and happy — especially when your skin likes to throw a tantrum the second the weather changes. These are the five products that have genuinely carried my routine this month, kept my skin steady, and made everything feel a little easier.
1. Good Molecules 10% Azelaic Acid Treatment — The Calm‑Down Queen
This was a slow‑and‑steady win for my skin. I started with once a day for the first two weeks to let my skin adjust, and honestly… that was the move. Azelaic acid speeds up cell turnover, which means it brings all those little clogged pores to the surface faster — aka skin purging. Mine lasted only about a week and was super minor, and I fully believe that starting slow kept things from going off the rails.
Once I bumped it up to twice a day, everything clicked. My skin has been noticeably calmer, way fewer flareups, and my tone looks so much more even. And when I forget a day? Oh, my skin reminds me by trying to purge again — like “hey girl, consistency please” 😭
It’s also way gentler than The Ordinary’s version, which was a little too intense for me. This one is soft, steady, and effective. Plus… the tube lasts about six weeks and it’s twelve bucks. Twelve. It’s genuinely one of the best steals in my routine.
2. Prequel Sulfur Cleanser — The “Hot Take” Skin Saver
Okay, hot take: sulfur gets a bad rap… but this cleanser is genuinely one of the gentlest, most calming products I’ve ever used. It has a low odor (thank god), and even though sulfur is notorious for smelling awful, this one is surprisingly tolerable — especially considering how well it works.
It’s incredibly soothing during rosacea flare-ups. My skin just chills out when I use it. I keep it in my night routine so I’m not walking around smelling like an egg during the day 😂 but honestly, the tiny bit of scent is a small price to pay for how much calmer and clearer my skin has been.
It’s one of those products where you think, “Ugh, sulfur…” and then suddenly you’re like, “Wait… why is my skin actually thriving?”
⭐ Special Shout-Out: De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment
Now THIS one… this one smells like sulfur with a capital S. No hiding it, no pretending — it’s intense. But when my skin gets mad (like real mad), this is the only thing that gets it together.
I use it as a spot treatment or a full mask on days when my skin is especially angry at the world. It dries up breakouts fast and calms redness like nothing else. Because it’s such a high concentration, I always follow with a super moisturizing routine — sulfur can be drying, but the results are worth it.
It’s not glamorous, it’s not cute, but it WORKS.
3. Thayers Milky Hydrating Face Cleanser — The Creamy Morning Reset
This cleanser is the definition of gentle. It’s creamy, no lather, and somehow still manages to cleanse really well without stripping your skin at all. No tightness, no irritation — just soft, comfortable skin that actually feels better after you wash it.
The ingredients are honestly the star here: hydrating botanicals, barrier‑supporting extracts, and soothing elements that make it perfect for a morning cleanse. It’s the kind of wash that wakes your skin up without overwhelming it. If your skin is sensitive, reactive, or just needs a calm start to the day, this is the one.
It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s one of those cleansers you don’t realize you love until you try something else and immediately miss it.
⭐ Special Mention: Anua Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
If Thayers is the calm morning reset, Anua is the nighttime deep‑clean queen. It’s foamy, moisturizing, and non‑stripping — the rare combo that actually exists. I use it as the second step in my double cleanse after micellar water, and it takes off every trace of makeup and sunscreen without irritating my skin.
It leaves you feeling clean, fresh, and hydrated, not squeaky or tight. It’s the perfect “end of day” cleanser when you want everything off your face but still want your skin to feel soft afterward.
4. Bubble Star Dew Eye Cream — Holy Hydration, Batman
Holy hydration Batman — this eye cream shocked me in the best way. I originally got curious about Bubble because of how affordable their products are, and Star Dew ended up being the one that completely won me over.
STORY TIME: I got a little too consistent with red light therapy under my eyes (oops), and it triggered a psoriasis patch right underneath one of them. Normally, during a psoriasis flare-up, I reach for my bison tallow balm — but I definitely didn’t want to put that under my eye. So I tossed Star Dew into my cart, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.
And let me tell you… after about a week of using it AM & PM, the plaque subsided. I was genuinely shook. It’s hydrating without being heavy, soothing without being greasy, and it made that irritated area calm down so fast.
The bottle has lasted me well over two months — and I’m pretty sure I can squeeze out a few more weeks. At $12 a bottle, and with a little girl math, this eye cream is practically free. It’s become one of my favorite “quiet hero” products in my routine.
5. Dermaflash Luxe+ — The Best Dermaplane Upgrade Ever
This is hands‑down the best dermaplane upgrade I’ve ever made. I used to rely on the Jill brand blades, and while they were fine, the Dermaflash Luxe+ turned a once‑messy, 20‑minute chore into a quick, five‑minute, mess‑free ritual I actually look forward to.
The device itself is designed to give a super smooth, even exfoliation without tugging or irritating the skin. You can make multiple passes over the same area with zero redness or discomfort — which was definitely not the case with manual blades. My face is noticeably smoother, makeup applies better, and the whole experience feels elevated instead of chaotic.
It’s one of those upgrades where you immediately think, “Oh… this is what dermaplaning is supposed to feel like.” I LOVE.
💜 Final Note
July has been all about calming flare-ups, keeping things hydrated, and finding products that actually make my skin feel supported. These five have been the MVPs of my routine — gentle, effective, and surprisingly affordable.
Okay, listen — every once in a while you come across a small business that just gets it. Not just cute branding, not just good intentions, but actual quality that shows up in your day‑to‑day life. That’s Queen Bees Farmacy for me.
From the first product I tried, I knew this wasn’t going to be a “use it once and forget it” situation. This is the kind of brand that sneaks into your routine and suddenly you’re like, “Oh… I actually rely on this now.”
So yeah — she’s getting the spotlight this month, and honestly, she deserves it.
Why I Love This Brand
Queen Bees Farmacy is one of those businesses where you can feel the intention behind everything. Every product is small‑batch made, and every ingredient is either grown by Liz herself or sourced from vetted, trusted suppliers. Nothing is rushed, nothing is mass‑produced, and nothing is done halfway.
Her bees are treatment‑free, her honey is never heated, filtered, or altered, and everything she makes feels like it was crafted with actual care — not shortcuts.
It’s simple, clean, and genuinely effective. No gimmicks. No weird ingredients. Just good stuff.
My Go‑To Products
🐃 Bison Tallow Balm
This balm is my holy grail. I use it on dry patches, irritated spots, and — my favorite hack — as an overnight scalp mask when my psoriasis decides to act up. It calms everything down without feeling heavy or greasy. My skin LOVES it.
🐪 Camel Milk Soap (Lavender + Unscented)
This soap is so gentle but still gives the most satisfying lather. It doesn’t leave my skin tight, stripped, or irritated — which is rare for me. No reactions, no dryness, just soft, calm skin. I rotate between the lavender and the unscented depending on my mood.
🍯 Raw Honey
Her honey is a natural mix from all her hives, and because it’s never heated or altered, it tastes like actual honey — not the grocery store stuff. I only use it in tea, and it’s honestly perfect. Smooth, rich, and naturally sweet without being heavy.
✨ Colloidal Silver Spray
This is my little first‑aid MVP. I use it on cuts, burns, and sunburns to help soothe and support healing. It doesn’t sting, it doesn’t irritate, and it’s one of those products you don’t realize you need until you have it.
More Good Stuff She Offers
Because yes — there’s more:
Body care products
Bulk honey
Tallow skincare
Bee venom skincare
Elderberry syrup
Cooking tallow
Plus…
🐝 Bee School
Yes, an actual bee school. Hands‑on, educational, and open to anyone who wants to learn.
🍯 Honey CSA
Seasonal honey straight from her hives. It doesn’t get more local or more real than that.
🐝 A Chat With the Founder
I asked Liz a few questions because I wanted to know the heart behind all this goodness — and her answers made me love the brand even more.
What inspired you to start your business?
“I wanted to be fully present for my child. I found something I was in LOVE with besides her and went all in. Over time things have manifested into a much larger vision.”
What sets your products apart?
“The quality, hands down. I never settle for anything less than the best. I use all my products — sourcing the ingredients, whether in house or from someone else, always has to be the best quality.”
What part of your work are you most proud of?
“That my friends buy and support my business. It speaks volumes. It’s not required that they support me — but seeing a name I know and love pop up on an order? Best feeling in the world.”
Anything new or exciting coming up?
“YESSSSS. We just moved to a massive 17‑acre farm in Honesdale, PA — Mellifera Estates. We’re expanding with farm and agro/ecotourism plans. We’re partnering with The People’s Herbalist to help people — especially kids — connect with nature and their food supply.
And now that we have a permanent location, our bee school can be open to anyone who wants to visit!”
Final Thoughts
Queen Bees Farmacy is one of those rare small businesses that blends heart, quality, and intention in a way you can actually feel. Her products have become staples for me — especially with my sensitive skin — and I’m genuinely excited to share them with you.
If you’re looking for a brand worth supporting, this is absolutely one to keep on your radar.
I wanted to share how things will flow around here from now on — nothing rigid, nothing overwhelming, just a steady rhythm for this little corner of the internet. Think of it as the heartbeat of The Last Note, living on Instagram and Tumblr for now.
June (Launch Month)
June is a soft start. I’m easing us in while everything finds its shape.
• June 1 — Top Five
• June 15 — Small Business Showcase
• Weekly posts begin in July, once we’ve all had a moment to settle in.
Starting July (and moving forward)
From July onward, this becomes our ongoing rhythm:
• Weekly — The Weekly Note (on Wednesdays)
• Every 1st — Top Five
• Every 15th — Small Business Showcase
Thank you for being here and growing this space with me. This rhythm is meant to feel sustainable, welcoming, and alive — something we get to build together, one post at a time.
When I started The Last Note, I knew I wanted this space to feel different — real, useful, and rooted in the things that actually make my life better. Not the trendy stuff. Not the “everyone’s talking about it” stuff. Not constantly getting ads shoved down your throat. Just the products that have earned their place in my daily routine. So, for my first official roundup, I’m sharing the five lifestyle essentials I reach for constantly — the ones that survived the chaos of my day‑to‑day and proved themselves worthy of a permanent spot in my life.
1. Comfrt Minimalist Hoodie & Sweatpants
Comfrt was created to provide versatile, and superior comfortable clothing. Our hoodies are slightly weighted with special fabric that our c
Why it made the list: Because it’s the only hoodie and sweatpant set that replaced twenty others in my closet and became my fall/winter uniform overnight.
You’ve probably been haunted by Comfrt ads on your feed for months. Same. And listen — they’re sitting at my number one spot for a reason. I am a chronic seeker of comfort. At one point I owned almost twenty hoodies and six pairs of sweatpants. It was getting… concerning. Eventually I caved and placed my first (of many) Comfrt orders.
I grabbed the Minimalist Hoodie and Sweatpant set in insert color here. I love to swim in my hoodies, so I went with a 3XL top and 2XL bottoms.
Shipping - about a week.
First Impressions: Calling myself “excited” for this delivery is an understatement. The second I put the set on, I fell in love. It felt like being wrapped in a warm hug. The material is heavy in a cozy way — not the suffocating, overheat‑in‑five‑minutes kind. A lot of hoodies I’ve bought in the past felt stiff or needed a break‑in period. This one? Brand new but already had that lived‑in softness.
Longevity: After that first wear, I immediately went back and ordered two more sets. This is now a non‑negotiable staple in my fall/winter wardrobe. I’m literally wearing one while I write this.
They’ve held up incredibly well: no loose threads, no thinning fabric, and they tolerate stain removers without bleaching — crucial for my messy ass. The only wear is a little peeling on the Comfrt logo, which is 100% on me for throwing it in the dryer. Avoidable, but not a deal breaker.
TL;DR: I live in these all fall and winter. I’ll be budgeting for new colors every season. I cannot live without this set. Worth every penny.
2. Clean Simple Eats Protein
Supplements that are undeniably clean, 100% delicious & meant to be enjoyed every day. Fuel up with Clean Simple Eats high-quality and best
Why it made the list: Because it’s the only protein that keeps me from turning into a hangry gremlin before noon.
Ah, protein powders. I lost count after ten different ones I’ve tried. I suffer from decision fatigue, and for so long I wouldn’t eat all day — simply because I couldn’t decide what to eat (thanks, brain). I started testing proteins to give myself something quick in the morning so I didn’t morph into a gremlin by lunchtime.
I started with the Variety Pack so I could try all the flavors. When I first tested this protein, it was the old formulation, and I was SUPER bummed to see erythritol in the blend — but I tried it anyway because I was desperate to find something that checked all my boxes.
Shipping: Shipping was pretty quick. From order placement to receiving the package took about a week.
First Impressions: I put a scoop into a shaker bottle, added almond milk, and shook that baby up. I’ve found most protein powders taste better after sitting for a few minutes — it really helps the texture. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked every single flavor. Special shoutouts to Coconut Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, & Snickerdoodle!
Longevity: I was SO SAD about the erythritol and didn’t repurchase. HOWEVER — about a month ago, I got an email from Clean Simple Eats saying they reformulated: no sugar alcohols, no xanthan gum, and now third‑party tested. I immediately went to the website and subscribed to auto‑ship the Classic Vanilla. It tastes like melted vanilla ice cream.
I pair it with either my matcha or espresso depending on my mood. From my research, this is one of the cleanest protein powders on the market, and it’s officially a forever staple.
TL;DR- Delicious. Tons of flavors. Third‑party tested. No sugar alcohols. A morning non‑negotiable.
3. Revomatic Cupping Device
REVO exists at the intersection of wellness, beauty, and recovery. Our technology helps you move better, recover faster, and look better lon
Why it made the list: Because it keeps my shoulders away from my ears and my hips from feeling glued in place.
When I first saw this ad, I’d heard of cupping but never actually tried it. I was hesitant — Facebook ad energy — but for $50, it was cheaper than a massage, and I ultimately decided: F** it, let’s try it.*
Shipping: Since it was a Facebook ad, my expectations were low… and after two weeks with no package, those expectations were correct. I emailed customer service, and they told me they were overwhelmed with orders, opening more warehouses, and my package would be delayed 4–6 weeks. I was pissed and told them I felt like I was getting scammed. They reassured me I’d get my order within that window and offered a recovery lotion as an apology.
I am not a patient person, but I waited — and when it finally showed up, I was ridiculously excited.
First Impressions: I opened it up, applied some massage oil, turned it on to the lowest setting, and placed the cupper on my upper back. I’ll admit - it hurt a little at first. But as the skin started to release, I felt real relief. I do get some bruising afterward, but that’s normal and fades in a few days.
This device takes me from stressed and crabby to thinking clearly in about 20 minutes.
Longevity: I use this cupper about three days a week, rotating between my shoulders, upper back, hips, and glutes. I feel a noticeable release every time. The fact that I actually reuse this consistently makes it a huge win.
Revomatic also included a card saying if you post a video review and tag them on Instagram, they’ll send you a free cupper. I was hesitant after the shipping fiasco, but I did it for science. I messaged them my proof, they replied saying they’d ship in 1–3 days, and a week later… a second cupper arrived. I’m genuinely happy they seem to have fixed their shipping issues.
TL;DR: This cupper will literally suck your stress away.
4. Coldest Tumblers
Coldest offers tumblers, water bottles, and insulated bottles with handles. Discover durable drinkware, icepacks, and gear that stays colder
Why it made the list: Because this tumbler keeps me hydrated, keeps my drinks cold for an astronomically long time, and took my water tumbler collection from ten down to three.
Staying hydrated has always been a struggle for me — I either forget to drink water or I’m sipping something that turns lukewarm in ten minutes. Enter: the Coldest Tumbler. I’d seen the hype everywhere and finally decided to test it myself to see if it actually lived up to the name.
I picked up the Limitless Tumbler 46oz in the Polka Dot pattern.
Shipping Shipping took about a week — pretty standard for today’s shipping environment.
First Impressions This tumbler comes in a box, which instantly makes it feel luxe. Inside was the gorgeous polka dot tumbler. The dots are slightly raised, giving it a satisfying texture when you hold it. I was surprised at how light it was considering the size.
It also came with not one, not two, but three different lids: a sports straw lid, a traditional straw lid, and a chugger lid (which includes a fruit infuser so you can flavor your water). The versatility alone is wild.
I filled it to the top with ice, added water, and — of course — forgot about it for two days. When I finally grabbed it… IT STILL HAD ICE IN IT. I was shook.
Longevity I absolutely adore my 46oz for daily hydration. I ended up placing another order for a 34oz tumbler and a 20oz handle‑free tumbler for tea. I use all three regularly and was able to declutter my massive water bottle/tumbler collection down to just these.
TL;DR Cold drinks stay cold forever. Hydration is suddenly easy. A daily essential.
5. BIIVOYA Diaper Tote Bag
Why it made the list: My absolute must‑have bag for travel and adventures.
One day while doom‑scrolling, I started getting ads for this “life‑changing bag” that could be worn as a shoulder bag or a backpack. It bragged about 16 pockets, drawstring sides for easy access, and a fully opening main compartment so you can actually see everything inside. I clicked the link… and the bag was $100. Absolutely outrageous.
So I went to Amazon and found this gem for just over half the price. Sold. I picked it up in Mushroom Brown.
Shipping Amazon shipping — super fast. It arrived in two days.
First Impressions I squealed when I got the delivery notification. The material is soft to the touch but durable. All the zippers glide smoothly, and holy WOW is there space. No matter the outing, I can stay fully prepared.
I especially love the front pocket — it opens about ¾ of the way and has a dedicated wipes pocket plus a key loop for easy access. It’s the kind of thoughtful design that makes you wonder why every bag isn’t built like this.
Longevity Whether I’m heading to the Boston Common for a picnic, taking a road trip, or hauling around whatever crafting supplies I’m currently obsessed with, this bag has become a staple. I’ve packed it to the brim and the straps handle it like a champ.
TL;DR - You need this bag in your life.
If you made it to the end, thank you for being here for my very first deep dive on The Last Note. These five items have carried me through busy days, cozy nights, and everything in between — and I’m excited to keep sharing the things that truly make a difference. This is just the beginning. More honest reviews, more essentials, and more “final word” moments are on the way.
Something new is coming to The Last Note. Five things I reach for every single day — the ones that have carried me through busy mornings, cozy nights, and everything in between.
No spoilers yet. Just a little hint that something special is on the way.
I’m Hayley — creator, tester, and the person behind every review you’ll read here.
I started this blog because I was tired of beauty and lifestyle content that looked good but didn’t say anything. Products that photographed beautifully but fell apart in real life. Reviews that felt like ads. “Must‑haves” that didn’t actually do anything.
And honestly, I didn’t grow up with a mother figure to help me navigate any of it — makeup, skincare, or even the everyday lifestyle items that make routines feel easier. I had to learn everything on my own, through years of trial, error, research, and a lot of disappointment. That experience shaped how I approach products now: with intention, curiosity, and zero tolerance for empty promises.
The Last Note is my answer to all of that.
This is a space for performance‑driven beauty and lifestyle — makeup, skincare, and everyday essentials that earn their place through actual use, not hype. Every review here is intentional, tested, and rooted in how products behave in real routines, on real skin, and in real life.
You’ll see wear tests, ingredient context, small‑business spotlights, lifestyle recommendations, and long‑form reviews that go deeper than “I liked it.” My goal is to make this the kind of blog I always wished existed: honest, detailed, and genuinely helpful.
My first full post — The List Begins— will be live on June 1st. These are the items that have survived months (or years) of real‑world testing and still earn their spot in my daily routine. It’s the perfect place to start, because these essentials set the tone for everything this blog stands for: performance, longevity, and actual value.
If you’re here for products that truly work, you’re in the right place.
