Before we close out the year, I wanted to share a fun roundup of a few of the things that carried me through 2025; the beauty products I kept reaching for, the shows that helped me unwind, the work moments that grounded me, and the small comforts that made the days feel lighter.
This was a heavy year, especially because I lost my dad. And in seasons like this, I’ve found that joy doesn’t always come in big, obvious ways. Sometimes it shows up in the simplest, most ordinary moments. These little pockets of joy may seem small or trivial on the surface, but they mattered, and they helped me keep going.
That said, here are some of my 2025 favs.
P.S. I try to mostly buy my beauty favs during various department store sales and I’d recommend the same to you too! (Some links shared are affiliate links - just so you know!)
💸 My Savings Binder Challenge!
One of my absolute favorite things this year, and something so many of you joined me in, was a savings binder challenge I started with my friend Nikki.
We kicked it off in April, committing to stashing away spare change and the money we would’ve wasted on random takeout or impulse buys. It felt simple, doable, and honestly… fun.
A few days ago, I completed my binder.
It has $3,800 in it.
The fact that I completed this binder makes me so happy because this was money that would’ve vanished into nonsense. This binder gave me a renewed sense of structure, nourished the habit of consistency, and brought me a tiny burst of joy every single time I added to it, especially during the chaotic months after losing my dad.
And yes, I already have my new binder ready for 2026. Nikki and I are doing it again, and I’ll be sharing all the updates on my YouTube Lives and on the CGF Instagram Channel.
Join us!
✨ Beauty Favorites
I’m not a big beauty products or makeup person. I tend to stick to what I like and what works and I don’t mind spending on it but I avoid amassing too much of it.
Here are my 3 top favs this year!
Summer Fridays Lip Gloss
My daughter put me onto this one, and I’m so glad she did. I was super hesitant at first; I mean $$ for what?!! But it’s hydrating, glossy, and honestly just so good!
My fav: Pink Sugar
Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream (Caramel)
This whipped oil body cream is soft, luxurious, and smells amazing. My favorite post-shower treat. This was a limited edition but this overall product line is just so good; I’m about to finish my 2nd tub!
LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturizer
This moisturizer has been a godsend. It’s rich, hydrating, and reliable, and has kept my skin looking alive especially on those super cold skin drying days this winter!
📺 TV Favorites
As you’ll see, I pay for quite a number of streaming services (thanks to my family lol) and I must put them to good use!
The Rookie (Hulu)
Feel-good, easy, binge-able and my comfort show of the year; it’s usually on in the background while I work. They deal with silly, bizarre, every-day and seriously crazy crimes and criminals! I mean who doesn’t love a good cop show. This is my next fav cop show after S.W.A.T.
Mayor of Kingstown (Paramount+)
I watched this with hubby and it’s intense and gripping. I’m talking about serious crime, questionable ethics and a lot of craziness. It focuses on prison and police politics, crime in and out of the town’s prison and one man called “the Mayor”.
A completely different vibe from The Rookie but SO good. My favorite character? Bunny Washington.
The Diplomat (Netflix)
My husband and I also watched this one together. It’s smart, sharp, witty and addictive. This show is all about politics, diplomatic relations between the US and the UK, and crazy coverups! Loved every episode. This has to be one of my favorite shows. Looking forward to the next season.
Paradise (Hulu)
Another really good (hubby and me) show! It’s a political thriller about a secret service agent investigating the murder of the U.S. President in an underground bunker community. Looking forward to season 2!
Other shows I loved and enjoyed watching this year:
The Pitt (HBO Max)
Task (HBO Max)
The Wheel of Time (Prime Video)
Tulsa King (Paramount +)
Percy Jackson And The Olympians (Disney+); with my kiddos
The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power (Prime Video)
💚 Work Joy: Clever Girl Finance YouTube
Filming YouTube videos this year became a grounding ritual for me. Creating, teaching, breaking down money topics, all brought me a sense of normalcy and purpose, especially after my dad passed.
Your comments and engagement kept me going on the hardest days. Truly.
If you’re not subscribed to the CGF YouTube Channel yet, join us! More videos, more intentional content, are coming in 2026
📚 A Huge 2025 Milestone: Finishing Clever Girl Millionaire
One of the biggest highlights of my year was finishing the manuscript for my next book, Clever Girl Millionaire, coming in 2026.
Writing this book through grief, transition, and long nights made it even more meaningful. I poured so much honesty and heart into these chapters. I cannot wait for you to read it.
Looking Ahead
These small joys, skincare, TV escapes, creative work, and a fun savings challenge, helped make a heavy year feel lighter.
I hope you had your own favorites in 2025; things that brought you peace, pleasure, or a sense of control.
If you want, reply or comment and tell me yours (fav beauty, TV shows, or anything else!). I’d love to hear what made your year a little brighter.
Here’s to more joy, more intention, and more peace in 2026. 💛
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