Our top 10 fave Life hacks of 2025: DWOM edition

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 Here are our top 10 best hacks, grouped by how they help you mother yourself.


The Aesthetic & Beauty Hacks

These are about softening your presence and reclaiming the "small things" that signify self-care.


1. Prioritize Scent as Your Signature

Finding a signature fragrance (like the Victoria’s Secret or OUAI scents I like check them out here) isn't just about smelling good. It’s a way to claim your space and leave a gentle, lasting impression of polish and refinement.


2. The Power of the Arch (Eyebrows)

Eyebrows frame your face. By shaping them with a soft, clear arch rather than a heavy or straight line, you "lift" the eye area and instantly create a more open, feminine look.


3. The Vitality Flush

When life feels hard, it can show up as "sharpness" or "dullness" in your face. Looking a little gray in the face? Using a touch of pink/peach blush and a tinted lip balm mimics the natural flush of health and vitality, instantly softening your appearance.


4. Focus on the Details (Hands & Nails)

Neglect often shows up in the hands trust me I would know. You don't have to spend a bunch of money on fake mails that you're gonna bite off later anway.. simply Keeping your nails neat with a "clean girl" finish (like the GAOY Jelly Polish) is a physical reminder every time you look down that you are worth the effort of being looked after.


5. Movement in Your Hair

Avoid blunt, flat styles that act like a "shield." Adding volume and soft waves counteracts the rigid lines often associated with "hiding" and creates a more fluid, graceful silhouette.


The Survival & Life Hacks

These are the "hard truth" lessons for navigating independence and the system.


6. The "License Before Metal" Rule

Never buy a car before you have your physical license. Without a license, you can’t get insurance or registration—and driving uninsured is a legal trap that can derail your progress before it starts.


7. The $50 Emergency Save

If you are still receiving foster care payments, save at least $50 from every check. Whether it’s for a $200 dental bill that Medi-Cal won't cover or a car breakdown on the freeway, having your own "backup plan" is the only way to survive the "cliff" at age 21.


8. Warm Food for Better Digestion

Your body works best at 98.6°F. By choosing warm, cooked meals over icy ones, your stomach doesn't have to waste energy heating up your food. This prevents bloating and makes your internal "engine" run much more efficiently.


9. The "Paid to Learn" Education Hack

In California, school can be a paycheck. Between FAFSA, Chafee Grants, and EOPS, foster youth often get their first two years of college free plus extra money for books, gas, and groceries.


10. The Ward of the State "Loophole"

If you were on juvenile probation in California, you were a ward of the state. This means you qualify for the exact same resources as any other foster youth (Free Medi-Cal until 26, EOPS, etc.). Don't let the label of "probation" stop you from getting your benefits.


At 25, I’m realizing that beauty and survival are two sides of the same coin. You need the survival hacks to keep your head above water, and the beauty hacks to remind yourself that you deserve to enjoy the view.

 



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