Recommendation Posted September 22, 2026
Meet Hali
Widowed mom of four. Full-time grad student. Hairstylist and salon owner of 17 years. Traveler. DIYer. Beauty lover. And someone who can turn almost anything into a project.
Hali lives in Kansas, where she’s raising four kids while working toward her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. After life changed in ways she never could have imagined, she began rebuilding and learning how to create a life that holds both grief and joy at the same time.
When she isn’t momming or studying, Hali is probably planning a trip, decorating a room, collecting another houseplant, trying a new beauty product, writing something from the heart, or convincing herself she can absolutely DIY whatever she just saw online.
She loves products that make real life easier, more organized, more beautiful, or simply more fun. And with everything she has going on, she especially appreciates the things that save a busy mom time, money, or a little bit of her sanity.
Hali’s Recommendations
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Bio Ionic 1" Long Barrel Curling Iron
“As a former licensed hairstylist/salon owner of 17+ years, I have tried EVERY hot tool under the sun. This Bio Ionic iron is hands down the secret to curls/waves that last for DAYS instead of hours. The science is in the far-infrared technology and the proof is in the pudding—trust me, you won’t regret this purchase!”
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ODODOS Work Pants
“Have to dress business casual but want to feel like you could melt into your couch simultaneously? These pants are it. Trust.”
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Micro Magna-Tiles
“If you have kids who love Magna-Tiles and need/want a quiet, screen-free activity for those long waits at a restaurant, car trips, or on an airplane—these make a great stocking stuffer AND will keep them busy for hours!”
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Magna-Tiles Rail Extension
“Sticking with the Magna-Tiles theme—these add a little bit more STEM to your playtime and make it fun to race cars/marbles, etc. down Magna-Tiles tracks! Think Hot Wheels without the giant heap of plastic to trip over.”
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Car Phone Mount
“This thing will adjust to SO many angles, keep your phone locked in place, and withstand the HOT summer temps.”
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Jelly Bra
“This is the ultimate wearing-a-bra-without-feeling-like-you’re-wearing-a-bra bra. No underwire, serious support, straps that stay in place, and a wide back band to eliminate unwanted bulge—say LESS.”
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Lash Kit
“If you love the ease of lash extensions but don’t have the time or budget for maintenance—this is your kit. Anyone can learn to apply these, and mine last a MINIMUM of 7 days per application.”
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Bathtub Color Tablets
“My kids love bath time, and I love that these add to the fun without adding to my time spent scrubbing the tub!”
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GreenPan Slow Cooker
“I know this is a bit spendy, BUT this is the best slow cooker I have ever owned. Plus, with the ability to brown/sear meat IN the same pan/crockpot without heating up the stove, it makes Crock-tober SO much easier. The inner pot is lightweight compared to the traditional slow cooker inner pot, and it’s the easiest to clean. No scrubbing—it just wipes clean. The locking lid is perfect for traveling. AND there’s a spot to wrap the cord on the back to keep the counter and storage mess-free.”
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Sheet Set
“This is the LAST sheet set you will ever buy. Hand on the Bible, they feel like luxury for less than a Benji. They might honestly be witchcraft because they keep me cool in the summer, snuggly in the winter, and legit have a deep enough pocket that they stay ON my mattress even if my toddlers are acting out the ‘No More Monkeys Jumpin’ on the Bed’ song.”
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Plant Grow Light
“If you have plants that you think don’t love you—buy them this light, follow the super easy wall-mount directions, and then watch those plants grow like crazy! Chances are they aren’t getting the light they need, and with an aesthetic grow light like this, you no longer have to find the perfect window spot in your home. You pick where you want your plant and then mount this hanging wall light in the vicinity!”
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Laser Level
“Gallery wall, but the thought of all the math gives you the ick? Add this to your tool bag and get perfectly level lines and a gallery wall of photos in a fraction of the time.”
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