From American Idol to Icon: Five of The Most Successful Contestants

 

Who Acquired the Most Success After American Idol? (It's Not Just the Winners!)

Have you ever caught yourself wondering, Whatever happened to all those American Idol contestants? Same here. Some of them disappeared, while others became megastars. Since the show first aired in 2002, American Idol has had 22 seasons (as of 2024), and over the years, it has produced a mix of one-hit wonders, quiet careers, and a few absolute powerhouses.

So I got curious and decided to dig into it—not just who won, but who actually made it big after the show. And I'm talking real-world success: money, record sales, awards, tours, TV deals, the whole thing. Some names will be prominent (hello, Carrie), and a couple might surprise you. Spoiler alert: you don't have to win to win big.

Here's my rundown of the top 5 highest-earning American Idol contestants of all time.

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1. Carrie Underwood (Season 4 – Winner)

Carrie is basically the gold standard of American Idol success. She won Season 4 back in 2005, beating Bo Bice, and then she just took off. 

With over 70 million records sold worldwide, she has had hit after hit in country music, as well as numerous crossover successes. She's racked up 8 Grammy Awards, 16 ACM Awards, and more than I can count. 

She also has a fitness clothing line, a book, and that epic Sunday Night Football theme song she's been doing for years.

Estimated net worth: $140 million+

Not bad for someone who started out singing in church choirs, right?

Here's my favorite Carrie Underwood song, "See You Again." I dedicate this to my parents, whom I miss beyond this world, as I'm sure some of you understand only too well. Do you have a favorite Carrie Underwood song?

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2. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1 – Winner)

Kelly was the original Idol—literally. She won the very first season in 2002, beating Justin Guarini, and has stayed in the spotlight ever since. She has sold over 25 million albums, won three Grammy Awards, and now hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She has also been a coach on The Voice and has released several hit albums along the way.

Estimated net worth: $50–60 million

She's a powerhouse and honestly feels like a friend you've known for a long time. And she's still going strong.

Here's my favorite Kelly Clarkson performance of all time. She performed this on Idol, and watching it live, I remember the tears pouring down my face. She was expecting at the time. I know her life has taken another direction since then with her spouse. However, there's no denying the power of this performance. 

Do you have a favorite Kelly Clarkson song?

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3. Jennifer Hudson (Season 3 – 7th Place!)

Jennifer didn't even make the top five in her season—she came in seventh. That was the same year Fantasia won the award. But talk about making a comeback! 

Jennifer starred in Dreamgirls and won an Oscar, which is already a considerable achievement, but she didn't stop there. 

She has also won a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy, making her an EGOT winner (a distinction held by very few people on the planet). She's now hosting The Jennifer Hudson Show and continues to act, sing, and perform.

Estimated net worth: $30–40 million

Proof that you don't have to win the show to win in the end.

This is my favorite, off-the-cuff performance by Jennifer Hudson! 

She's often a Judge on The Voice UK, and the Judges are known to spontaneously perform. Ms. Hudson DELIVERS on this one!

Additionally, this song holds a special meaning for me personally. Back in the day, I was a figure skater, and this was one of the songs I skated to for my solo performance in the local ice show. It made my dad cry, in a good way.

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4. Adam Lambert (Season 8 – Runner-Up)

Adam was the runner-up in Season 8 (Kris Allen won that year), but he's one of the biggest breakout stars in Idol history. 

He launched a solo career right away and then became the lead singer for Queen (yes, that Queen), touring the world with them as "Queen + Adam Lambert." 

He has sold over 5 million albums and 45 million singles, and his stage presence is truly next level.

Estimated net worth: $35 million+

He brought glam rock back and gave Queen a whole new chapter.

Adam Lambert is my favorite.

This performance at the Queen's Jubilee Party in 2022 is fun!

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5. Chris Daughtry (Season 5 – 4th Place)

Chris came in fourth during Season 5 (Taylor Hicks won, and Katharine McPhee was runner-up), but that didn't slow him down at all. He launched his band Daughtry right after and released a debut album that became one of the fastest-selling rock albums in history, with over 7 million copies sold. His gritty voice and rock style stood out at the time, and they still do.

Estimated net worth: $10 million+

He's stayed true to his sound and continues to tour and release music.

I don't have a favorite Chris Daughtry song, but this one shows his incredible voice.

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So—Who's Your Favorite?

That's my roundup! Whether they won, placed, or got eliminated early, these five made the most of their time on Idol. I'm always amazed at how different their paths turned out to be.

Do you have a favorite American Idol contestant or winner from over the years? Did someone surprise you on this list? I'd love to know who you think should've made it—or maybe who you wish had.

I just want to add that, in no way, do I believe that money "defines" a person. I'm very curious to know who benefited the most from their time on Idol, whether they won or not.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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You Will Love These Moist, Delicious, Low Sugar Protein Brownies

A delicious brownie that treats your tastebuds and supports your wellness goals? Yes, please.

As someone who prioritizes health without sacrificing enjoyment, I’m always on the lookout for snacks and desserts that feel indulgent but support my body, especially my skin, joints, and energy. So when I came across Prime Bites Protein Brownies, I was intrigued. A brownie with 19 grams of protein, 5 grams of collagen, a moist, fudgy texture and fairly low in added sugars? That definitely caught my attention.

After trying several flavors and incorporating them into my daily routine, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts. Here's my product review.

What Are Prime Bites Protein Brownies?

Prime Bites are individually wrapped high-protein brownies created by Alpha Prime. Each brownie is:

• Generously sized (my husband and I sometimes split one)
• Packed with 19g of whey protein
• Enriched with 5g of collagen
• Low in added sugars, sweetened using a blend of erythritol and other sweeteners
• Around 200–240 calories, depending on the flavor
• Available in fun dessert-inspired flavors: As of this writing (July 2, 2025), the flavor choices are:
• Peanut Butter Candy Crunch
• Glazed Cinnamon Roll
• Glazed Chocolate Donut
• Chocolate Cookie Monster
• Cookies & Cream Blondie
• Banana Nut
• Cookie Dough
• Blueberry Cobbler
• Birthday Cake Blondie
• Red Velvet
• PB&J
• Variety Pack
• Crafted in small batches in the company's Miami bakery for quality control
• Absolutely delicious!

These aren’t dry, chalky protein bars pretending to be brownies. They’re surprisingly soft and satisfying.

What I Love About These Protein Brownies

Excellent Texture and Flavor

I was honestly surprised by how moist and rich these brownies are. (They're even better after a quick 10-second warm-up in the microwave.) The texture is soft and slightly dense, much like a traditional fudge brownie. My husband and I have enjoyed all the flavors we have tried so far: Glazed Chocolate Donut, Chocolate Cookie Monster, Banana Nut, Cookie Dough, and Red Velvet brownies. (The Banana Nut isn't quite as indulgent as the other flavors we've tried.)

These taste like indulgent bakery treats, minus the sugar crash. They’re especially good when you’re craving something comforting but want to stay on track.

Packed With Protein and Collagen 

Getting enough protein, especially as we age and lose muscle, can be a challenge. The combination of whey protein and collagen makes these brownies more than just a snack; they’re also nutritionally beneficial. I love knowing that I’m supporting my skin, joints, and lean muscle while indulging in something that tastes like dessert.

For those of us over 50, this collagen boost is especially welcome, since natural collagen production declines with age and affects everything from skin firmness, hair health and nail health to bone health.

Portability and Convenience

Each brownie is individually wrapped, which makes it easy to throw one into a handbag, gym bag, or even your car’s center console for a mid-day boost. They don’t melt or crumble, and they are much more delicious and feel more satisfying than typical protein bars.

A Few Things to Consider

Flavor Preferences Vary

Some flavors lean sweeter than others, and a few have a noticeable sugar-alcohol aftertaste. If you're sensitive to erythritol or similar sweeteners, you might want to sample one or two before buying a full box.

Not Budget-Friendly

These come in boxes of 12 individually wrapped protein brownies. At around $3–$3.50 per brownie, these are on the pricier side, but you are paying for high-quality protein, added collagen, and convenience, as well as supporting a small business. 

I try to wait for a promo code or sale and stock up on the flavors we love.

Nutrition Snapshot

Per brownie (approximate):

• Calories: 200–240
• Protein: 19g
• Collagen: 5g
• Added Sugar: ~4–11g
• Net Carbs: 7–14g (varies by flavor)
• Sweeteners: Erythritol, allulose, and others

Where to Buy

I find the best promos are usually directly from the brand's website, where you can also create a custom assortment box with four flavors of your choice. You can also order the Brownie Variety Pack that includes all the flavors for you to try.

I love these brownies (and the brand new muffins) so much that I became an affiliate partner. You can save 15% when you order Prime Bites Protein Brownies through my affiliate link. 

If you prefer to order Prime Bites Protein Brownies on Amazon, you can. You can also sign up for a Subscribe & Save subscription on Amazon. 

Prime Bites Protein Brownie from Alpha Prime Supplements | High Protein, Collagen Fortified Low Sugar Treat | Delicious Snack | 12 Bars per Box (Variety Pack)

Final Thoughts

I’ve tried dozens of high protein snacks and desserts over the years, and most have been too dry, too chalky, lacking in taste, texture, or both. But Prime Bites Protein Brownies stand out. They satisfy my sweet tooth, deliver meaningful nutrition, and support my healthy aging goals with that bonus dose of collagen.

If you're looking for a protein-rich treat that aligns with your skincare and wellness routine, these are absolutely worth trying—especially when you want a little indulgence without the guilt.

You Will Love These Moist, Delicious, Low Sugar Protein Brownies by Margaret Schindel

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Life, Loss, and Puffins - Book Review

Review of a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde

For two teenagers, their bucket list isn’t about dying. It’s about finally living.

Highlights of the Story

Life, Loss, and Puffins: A Novel

The two main characters in Life, Loss, and Puffins are teenagers Ru Evans and Gabriel.

Ru lives in California with her mother. She is freakishly smart. She taught herself euclidean geometry at age seven and has a photographic memory and total recall. As the story begins, Ru is about to enter college, and she is only thirteen years old. 

The college is 150 miles from Ru’s home, so her mother arranges for her to board with a family near the college campus. This family consists of a mother and her seventeen year old son, Gabriel.

Gabriel is very much an outsider like Ru. They both have trouble making friends; Ru due to her intelligence, Gabriel because he has his own way of ‘being’, which includes wearing makeup on his eyelashes and nail polish on his fingers.

Ru and Gabriel, perhaps because they recognize the ‘uniqueness’ in each other, form a deep sibling-like bond. Being able to relate to someone else in their world that they can talk to is a first for each of them. 

Originally, Ru’s mother planned to come pick up Ru each weekend, but the first few weeks she comes up with excuse after excuse why she cannot come. Finally Ru gets Gabriel (who drives her to the college campus every day and picks her up in the afternoons after his own college classes) to drive her home to see her mom. She discovers her mom’s sister is there and that her mother is terminally ill. She had tried to keep this from Ru. Quite soon, Ru’s mother dies and Ru is expected to go live in Kentucky with her miserable aunt, her only remaining relative and one she has never gotten along with. 

The Trip of a Lifetime

Not able to bear the thought of life with her aunt without ever really having a normal life (wanting to go from being a smart person to just being a ‘person’), Ru tells Gabriel what she would like to do. Gabriel agrees to help her fulfil her ultimate dream. They set off from California and head for Canada. Ru’s bucket list includes seeing the aurora borealis and the Atlantic puffins in the wild. 

Summary

Atlantic Puffin (Source: Pixabay)

Ru & Gabriel know that they will be in trouble when caught, but their special friendship, combined with help in unexpected places, combine to help them both see what it feels like to really ‘live’ as a normal person as they take life one beautiful and spontaneous day at a time. 

This is a delightful feel-good, coming of age story about two young people you will really enjoy getting to know. 

• For more books by and about Catherine Ryan Hyde, click here.
• For more book reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of Life, Loss, and Puffins written by Wednesday Elf

 

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Review of A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes

I must admit, I was rather sad when I finished reading the third book in the series, "A Chronicle of Misadventures".  I thoroughly enjoyed all of the misadventures of the brothers.  I felt a bit lost and wondered what could I possibly read next that would even come close to this series.  Suffice it to say, even though I am always reading a book, they are not all as captivating as this series.

We met the Yorke brothers in the first book, "Reputation at Risk".  An underlying concern for the family in all of the books, is Silas Yorke's situation.  He has been accused of murder and subsequently left England to hide out in France.  His time in France was quite difficult.  He had to find a way to survive in a foreign country without any friends or family, plus he suffered illness. Unfortunately, most of his family believed he must be guilty since an esteemed member of Parliament claims to have witnessed the murder.  It takes time for the family to conclude that Silas was falsely accused.  

We follow Silas's plight through each book.  We can almost feel his desperation to prove his innocence and return to his normal life, home and family.  When he sneaks back to England in the second book and hides in his brother, William's guest house, we come to adore this impetuous and somewhat mischievous character. 

Book 3 is all about Silas and his misadventures incognito in London. 

 

Synopsis of A Reckless Courtship

 A Reckless Courtship: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 3)Check PriceSilas Yorke is determined to find someone who will help him prove his innocence.  His accuser, Lord Drayton, would rather see him hanged or stay excelled in France, than to see him free.  

Silas has been told that Sir Walter Bence has fallen out with Lord Drayton over a failed joint business venture.  Silas assumed a false name and returned to London with his youngest brother, Frederick, who plans to introduce him to Bence in the hopes that they can join together against Drayton.  

As luck would have it, there is a masquerade in Vauxhall Gardens.  The brothers believe Silas can go into the crowd and not be recognized by anyone, especially since he will be wearing a domino (a long hooded cloak with a mask).  It would be the perfect opportunity for Frederick to innocently chance upon Sir Bence and introduce him to Silas.  Plus, they have two friends that will also be attending the party, so Silas should be able to blend in without a problem.  One of the friends is even meeting his aunt, cousin and her friend there.  The group should give Silas plenty of cover.  

When the group gets separated momentarily, Silas is late for the introductions to the women, but that matters not.  He is there for only one reason.  However, when one of the young women gets her costume caught in a bush and inadvertently left behind, Silas steps forward to help her.  She is rightfully leery of any stranger and insists she can manage for herself.  She does manage to get untangled and Silas simply says, "when I see Fairchild, I shall inform him his cousin is safe" which informs her that she really would have been safe to accept his aid, but he has already disappeared.  Now, Arabella realizes she must find her group which had moved on ahead.  When she is approached by two inebriated men, she is quite frightened and runs, headlong into Silas's arms.  She smacks his arm and states "what sort of gentleman leaves his wife in a maze such as this?"  Silas willingly plays along, the men apologize and take off in the opposite direction.

 

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And, that is how A Reckless Courtship begins, but their odd meeting is not the only thing reckless about Silas continuing to pursue Arabella!     

  

 

Reputation at Risk: a Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 1)

Secrets of a Duke: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 2)

A Reckless Courtship: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 3)

Review of A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures, Book 3 by Martha Keyes by:

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Review of Reputation at Risk: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes

For sometime now, I have considered Martha Keyes one of my favorite authors.  She always delivers a sweet and clean romance with witty repartee between the characters.  Her "Chronicle of Misadventures" series is no exception and kept me so entertained that I couldn't put the books down to sleep.  Plus, I immediately downloaded the next book as soon as I finished each one.

"Reputation at Risk" is the perfect place to start.  There are 3 brothers in the series who each meet their future wives, but none of the relationships are a guaranteed success in the beginning.  All of the plots are fabulous and unique.  

As in all great Regency Romance novels, the setting is England, in the early 1800's where families, titles, age, etc. mattered.  A woman's value is determined by the prominent man in her life; first her father, then her husband.  Her personal accomplishments are not a consideration, unless they are related to her value as a bride or wife.   

 

Reputation at Risk Book Synopsis

 Reputation at Risk: A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 1Check Price

Charlotte Mandeville is not trying to "hook" a husband like most young women of the 1800's in England.  She is simply trying to save money to provide for her mother, her sisters and herself since her father recently died.  The women are all awaiting the heir of their home and their inevitable need to find somewhere else to live.  Charlotte wants to be financially prepared.  In the meantime, Charlotte secretly draws caricatures of members of the "ton".  Her artwork is purchased by the owner of the inn in town and he displays it in his front window.  The innkeeper happily pays Charlotte for each of the popular one-of-a-kind caricatures.  The new, weekly caricatures draw quite a bit of attention and business to his inn and tavern.  The more scandalous actions depicted in the caricature, the more attention they draw as people speculate about the subject, as well as the artist's identity.  Clearly, the artist knows their subjects well.  However, no one would suspect Charlotte Mandeville is the artist.  The source of the gossip varies since it is based on overheard conversations within the inn.  One of the waitresses, Mary, shares the stories with Charlotte, then Charlotte draws the caricature and delivers it to the innkeeper or waitress when no one is looking.  

While waiting on one particularly busy day in the inn, Charlotte finds a small book hidden under a table and sticks it in her purse hoping for a fresh bit of gossip and replaces it with the new caricature for Mary to retrieve later.  When Anthony Yorke finds a caricature in place of the book he sought under the table, he recalls seeing Charlotte with her hands under that very table when he arrived at the inn.  Had she taken the book?  Anthony needs that diary to save his brother from being hung for a murder he did not commit.  He absolutely has to find that diary, which means he has to find that woman!  Once he obtains her name and address, he leaves the inn intending to first meet with his informant, and then with Miss. Mandeville if she, in fact, has taken the diary.

That is when life for Charlotte becomes a lot more interesting.  She, herself, could become the subject of gossip if not extremely careful.

Anthony Yorke finds himself entangled with Charlotte Mandeville and caught in an unexpected predicament just trying to protect his brother.

 

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The drama that follows the diary discovery is quite entertaining for the reader, especially the hopeless romantic who loves a touch of mystery and intrigue.

The things I love most about Martha Keyes' books are the witty banter between her characters and the unusual dilemmas they seem to get themselves into.  Meeting secretively with a man, regardless of the reasons why, is certainly putting a reputation at risk.

Review of Reputation at Risk: A Chronicle of Misadventures, Book 1 by Martha Keyes by:

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War Dogs, A Movie Based on True Events That Had Me Saying “No Way This Happened!"

My Personal Review of War Dogs - A Wild Ride of a Movie I Couldn't Look Away From!

I watched War Dogs, and it completely surprised me in the best way possible. 

Starring Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Bradley Cooper, and Kevin Pollak, this movie is based on true events that are almost too unbelievable to be real! Yet here it is, brought to life on screen in the most entertaining, jaw-dropping way.

I don't always gravitate toward this type of movie, but I could've watched this one twice in a row. 

That's how much I enjoyed it.

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Based on True Events – Wait, This Really Happened?

What drew me in immediately was that War Dogs is based on a true story. 

That always adds an extra layer of fascination for me. As the story unfolded, I kept shaking my head in disbelief. Two young guys—barely out of their twenties—manage to land a $300 million arms deal with the U.S. government? It's crazy outrageous, reckless, and somehow, true. 

And despite all the antics, I found myself rooting for them a little! Even though I knew they were headed for disaster, I was hoping they could pull themselves out of the mess they ended up in!

The film makes you feel like you're right there with them—caught up in the adrenaline, the risk, and the denial of just how far over their heads they really are.

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Outstanding Performances All Around

The acting in this movie is top-notch. Jonah Hill absolutely nails his role—he plays Efraim Diveroli with this mix of charm, manipulation, and just enough unhinged energy to keep you guessing. It's probably one of my favorite performances of his.

Miles Teller brings a grounded, relatable quality to his character, David Packouz, who helps balance out the chaos. You can feel his inner conflict as things spiral out of control. And Bradley Cooper, in his brief but impactful role, adds that mysterious power-player vibe that always enhances a film.

Even Kevin Pollak as the dry, slightly confused but ultimately helpful investor brought a quiet layer of humor to the mix. Every performance felt authentic and engaging, which is probably part of the reason the film held me from start to finish.

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The Tone: Dark Humor Done Right

I especially appreciated the film's tone—it had just the right touch of dark and dry humor—the kind where you're laughing but also slightly horrified at the absurdity of what you're seeing. It's not slapstick or overdone; the humor comes from the situation itself, the ridiculousness of it all, and the characters' overconfidence and greed.

It reminded me a bit of The Wolf of Wall Street or American Hustle, in that you're watching this rollercoaster of bad decisions, but you can't look away—and somehow, you're still entertained the whole way through.

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A Story That Keeps You Hooked

From the very beginning, the pacing is solid. It's one of those movies where you're never left wondering, "When will this pick up?" It is picked up. Right from the start. The narration works well, too—it helps to walk you through the chaos, especially when you're sitting there stunned by what's happening.

Every twist and turn just pulls you in deeper. I didn't find myself checking the time once, which says a lot. It's the kind of movie that fully immerses you—and even when it's over, you're still thinking about it.

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Just a Heads-Up: Not Everything Actually Happened

As much as I loved War Dogs and was blown away by its true-to-life basis, it's worth mentioning that the movie definitely took some creative liberties. 

Not everything played out exactly the way it's shown on screen. For example, that intense and crazy road trip through Iraq's "Triangle of Death"? Yeah, that never actually happened. It made for great suspense, but in real life, the guys never did that themselves—they hired someone else for the job. 

While the core of the story is true, quite a few dramatic moments were added to give it that Hollywood punch. 

Still, knowing that doesn't diminish how entertaining and wild the whole thing is—it just adds another layer of "Can you believe this?" to the experience.

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AirTag Cat Collar: Keep Track of Your Furry Escape Artist

I never really thought about tracking a cat until my friend's indoor cat, a true escape artist, started sneaking out and disappearing. 

It was nerve-wracking for my friend to not know if the cat was safe or where it had gone. That's when I discovered a simple and affordable solution—an AirTag cat collar.

Easy Cat Tracking with an AirTag Collar

This collar is designed to hold an AirTag, making it easy to monitor your furry friend. The Airtag is not included; this is only the collar that safely holds the Airtag.

It has a secure, elastic AirTag case that keeps the tracker snug and prevents it from dangling or falling off. 

With this collar, you can quickly check your cat's location, giving you peace of mind without the hassle.

Safety First with a Breakaway Buckle

One of the best features is its breakaway buckle. 

Cats are naturally curious and love to climb, so there's always a risk of getting caught on something. 

The breakaway design ensures that if your cat gets stuck, the collar will safely release, preventing injury. 

Plus, the reflective strip makes spotting your cat in low-light conditions easier—perfect for those late-night adventures.

Comfortable and Gentle on Fur

Comfort is key, and this collar is made from soft, reflective nylon rather than silicone, which can sometimes irritate a cat's skin. 

It's lightweight and designed to be gentle on your pet's fur, so they won't even notice they're wearing it. 

The adjustable fit means you can find the perfect size, ensuring it stays secure without being too tight.

Waterproof and Easy to Clean

Another great thing? It's waterproof and easy to clean. 

Cats get into all sorts of messy situations, but this collar is made to handle it. 

The AirTag holder protects the tracker from moisture, and dirt can be wiped off quickly—there's no need to worry about your cat's playful antics.

Choose the Right AirTag for Your Device

When selecting an AirTag for your cat’s collar, ensure it’s compatible with your device. 

Apple AirTags work with iPhones and iPads, while Android users may need a different tracker that functions with their system.

Choosing the right AirTag ensures seamless tracking and peace of mind.

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This Airtag Cat Collar is available on Amazon.

Again, the Airtag is not included with the collar. Here's an Apple Airtag for Apple users.

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Gracie's Edge of Knowing - A Flash Fiction Story

My Flash Fiction Short Story

This story is about Gracie, an 82-year-old woman who reflects on the choices that shaped her life, wondering if she unknowingly chose hardship over ease or if each struggle was a lesson meant to expand her soul.

Gracie's Edge of Knowing

Gracie rocked gently on the front porch, the creak of the wooden boards beneath her chair keeping time with the rhythmic chirp of the crickets. The air was thick with the scent of earth and wildflowers, the sun dipping below the trees in a lazy surrender to dusk. 

She watched the world settle, the sky shifting from gold to deep violet, the colors blending like the years of her life—some vibrant, some shadowed, all layered upon each other.

Eighty-two years had come and gone, each one filled with choices—some deliberate, some made in haste, some dictated by circumstance. They all brought her to this porch, in this moment of reflection.

She had never been unhappy, not truly. Even when life was at its hardest, when the money ran thin, when loss hollowed her out, when the weight of responsibility pressed upon her shoulders—there had always been a quiet joy inside her. A knowing. An acceptance. 

But tonight, as the twilight deepened, a familiar question lingered on the edges of her thoughts, like the echo of a song she could never quite forget: Had she chosen wisely, or had she simply chosen difficulty? Had she spent her years intentionally growing or foolishly suffering?

You see, Gracie had never been one to take the easy road. Even as a girl, she felt drawn to the winding paths that made her think, feel, struggle, and stretch. 

Some had said she married young, too young. But she and Jack had built a life together, one of hard work, sacrifice, and victories that only they could fully understand. 

Jack had been gone for five years now, but his echo still lived in the walls of their home—a presence that whispered through every corner and crevice, like the wind moving through the trees.

Their children had grown, as children do, into lives of their own—busy lives, full of their own choices. She was never upset when they couldn't visit. She knew how it was; she had once been them, caught in the whirlwind of a young, on-the-go life. 

And she was not lonely. Loneliness was an emptiness, and she was not empty. She was simply wondering.

Had she wasted this trip to earth?

Her hands, wrinkled and wise, rested in her lap as she reflected upon her life. 

She had lived at the edge of outer peace, always on the periphery of the easy life. But inner peace? That she had. A deep well of it, a knowing that everything—every heartbreak, every struggle, every joy—had led her to an understanding that could not have come any other way. 

She had not walked the simplest path, but perhaps she had walked the one that mattered most for her needed life lessons.

Maybe that was the point of it all: To arrive at the end with a soul that had stretched and softened, that had learned love beyond self, that had carried burdens only to lay them down with grace. To have gathered wisdom not from ease but from experience.

She exhaled, long and slow, as if releasing the weight of the question into the evening air. The answer was not hers to fully grasp, not yet.

Perhaps she wouldn't understand until she left this place, until the universe whispered the truth into her soul as she crossed into whatever came next. And that was fine. She could wait.

For now, she lived with love in her heart, and that was enough. The night deepened, the stars blinking awake one by one, and Gracie rocked on, peaceful in the not knowing.

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I hope you've enjoyed my attempt at flash fiction 🕮

If you're into a longer story, I've penned this short story, The Gift of Knowing (can you sense a theme here?).

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50 Years of Poetry - We Will Have Morning Smiles, Available on Amazon (A lifetime of my personal poetry).

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Best Affordable Hair Refreshing Overnight Dry Shampoo

I wear my hair quite long and, at age 70, it's thinning noticeably at the crown. My stylist recommends shampooing only twice a week to avoid drying it out further. However, by day three, it tends to start looking a bit limp at the crown. So, I usually use a dry shampoo to absorb the excess oil near the scalp.

Unfortunately, most dry shampoos leave my hair straw-like, and many have strong fragrances. Worse yet, many also feel heavy, weighing my hair down instead of giving it the lift I'm looking for. So, I was delighted to discover the Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse that I'm reviewing today.

Image courtesy of Canva

Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse

Batiste is a well-known brand in the world of dry shampoos, and their Overnight Deep Cleanse Dry Shampoo promises to refresh hair while you sleep, absorbing excess oil, impurities, and product buildup. As someone who understands the importance of keeping hair fresh and voluminous—especially for women over 50 who may struggle with thinning or dry hair—this product caught my attention.

Key Claims & Features

• Designed to work overnight, absorbing oil, dirt, and buildup while you sleep.
• Infused with charcoal and baking soda for deep cleansing.
• Lightweight, invisible formula that won’t leave a white residue.
• Features a calming, relaxing fragrance that isn't overpowering like that of many other brands and formulas.

First Impressions

The scent is fresh and slightly powdery, with a hint of lavender—pleasant without being overpowering.

Application & Texture

• The spray is fine and evenly distributed, making application easy. 
• Section the hair (I did sections about an inch apart) and, holding the can 12 inches away from your scalp, spray the dry shampoo at the roots along each section.
• When you have finished applying, massage it in. 
• Unlike some dry shampoos that leave behind a chalky residue, this one absorbed quickly and felt weightless.
• Apply at bedtime and, in the morning, massage again to see fresher, fuller-looking hair!

Results in the Morning

• My hair felt noticeably fresher, with less oil and buildup.
• It didn’t add as much volume as some daytime dry shampoos, but the hair felt soft and manageable and noticeably fuller (see my before and after photos).
• No white cast or stickiness, making it great for dark-haired users.

Bonus: Great for a Daytime Refresh

• Although Batiste makes regular dry shampoo formulas for daytime use, I actually prefer this one for that purpose as well when my hair is looking a bit limp and could use some extra body.

Day 3 after shampoo — hair is flat near the crown

Day 4, after using Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse the night before — hair is fuller at the crown

Who Is It Best For?

• Great for women with oily roots or who want to extend the time between washes.
• Ideal for fine or thinning hair, as it won’t weigh hair down.
• Best for nighttime users who prefer a fresh start in the morning or who prefer to shampoo in the evening.

Potential Downsides

• The scent, while pleasant, could bother you if you’re sensitive to fragrances, although I found it quite mild.

Where to Buy

Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse (affiliate link) is available at Ulta.com, which is where I bought mine, or in Ulta stores as well as some other retailers. You can also order Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse on Amazon.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Final Verdict

Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse is a fantastic overnight refresh for those with oily or thinning hair or who shampoo less frequently. It’s a lightweight, residue-free formula that absorbs grease without the stiffness of traditional dry shampoos. While it won’t provide dramatic volume, it definitely provides a lift and is a perfect low-maintenance solution for waking up with cleaner, fresher hair.

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially for women over 50 who want a no-fuss way to keep their hair looking fresh without frequent washing!

The Best Affordable Hair Refreshing Overnight Dry Shampoo by Margaret Schindel

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