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RTIC Ultra Tough Tote & 2-in-1 Chillout Bag Review: Are They Worth It? (RTIC vs YETI)

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If you’ve been eyeing the RTIC Ultra Tough Tote or the 2-in-1 Chillout Bag, you’re not alone. These bags have been popping up everywhere (especially now that the warmer weather is coming out to play) and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably also been debating whether to just go with a YETI instead.

I’ve tested both the RTIC Ultra Tough Tote and the 2-in-1 Chillout Bag in real life—not just for aesthetics, but for actual everyday use. So in this post, I’m breaking down what I love, what I don’t, and whether they’re actually worth your money.

Watch my full video review here:

First Impressions of RTIC Bags

Right out of the gate, RTIC gives off that same rugged, durable feel that you’d expect from higher-end brands. Honestly, I would consider it a higher end brand with an affordable price point.  The material feels sturdy, structured, and designed to handle real life – not just look cute on camera.

But here’s the real question: does it actually perform?

RTIC Ultra Tough Tote Review

This tote is clearly designed to compete with the YETI Camino – and honestly, it holds its own in a lot of ways.  I will say, that while it may not have been designed to be an alternative and RTIC can surely stand on its own, I do think they have many similarities.

What I Like:

  • Structured shape (it doesn’t collapse on you)
  • Easy to clean material (huge plus)
  • Spacious enough for everyday carry, errands, or beach days
  • Durable enough to actually use without babying it

What I Don’t Love:

  • Can feel bulky depending on how you use it, especially since there is only one pair of shoulder straps
  • While lightweight, once you stuff it, it can get heavy (like any bag)
  • Organization may be limited depending on your needs

This isn’t a “throw it over your shoulder and go” soft tote – it’s more of a functional, heavy-duty carry.

Chillout Backpack Review

Now the 2-in-1 Chillout Bag is where things get interesting -especially if you’re looking for something that doubles as a cooler and everyday bag.

What I Like:

  • Insulated design (perfect for snacks, drinks, outings)
  • Hands-free option compared to the tote
  • Great for moms, beach days, or long outings
  • Holds temperature well for what it is

What I Don’t Love:

  • Can get heavy when fully packed
  • Bulkier than a standard bag (as you see in my video – this bag is quite huge)
  • Not ideal if you’re looking for something sleek/minimal

This one is definitely more of a function over fashion piece – but it does its job.

RTIC vs YETI: Is It Worth It?

Let’s be real – this is the comparison everyone cares about.

RTIC is often seen as the more affordable alternative to YETI, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in quality.

My Take:

  • RTIC gives you durability and function at a better price point
  • YETI still wins on brand recognition and some design details but truly – if you’re not a Yeti lover, I highly doubt this will be an issue.
  • For everyday use? RTIC absolutely holds up

If you’ve been stuck choosing between the two, RTIC is not a “cheap” option – it’s a smart one.

Who These Bags Are Actually For

These bags make the most sense if you:

  • Need something durable for everyday life
  • Want a bag that can handle beach days, errands, or outings
  • Prefer function over trendy aesthetics
  • Are looking for a YETI alternative without the YETI price

If you’re more into lightweight, soft, or fashion-first bags… these might not be your vibe.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both the RTIC Ultra Tough Tote and 2-in-1 Chillout Bag do exactly what they’re designed to do – they work.

They’re not delicate, they’re not overly trendy… but they’re reliable, durable, and practical.

And honestly? That’s what makes them worth it.

Let’s Talk

Are you team RTIC or team YETI?

Drop a comment on the video or here on the blog – I’d love to hear what you’re using and what you prefer.

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post.  Products featured on this post were sent for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links can and may be posted throughout.

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Why I Stopped Posting Like I Used To (And Why I’ll Never Share the Same Way Again)

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For a long time, I couldn’t quite put my finger on why my content started to feel… off.  I’ve been creating content for over 17 years — on YouTube, my blog, and across social media. And in all that time, one thing I’ve heard over and over again is:

“You need to pick a niche.”

Stay in one lane.
Stick to one type of content.
Be consistent in one thing.

But the truth is… I’ve never fit into a niche.  And honestly? I don’t think I want to.

I Don’t Fit in a Box — And I’m Okay With That

My content has always been a mix of everything — lifestyle, beauty, reviews, bags, organization, real talk, and now Honey, Unscripted.  That’s not confusion.  That’s who I am.

And for a while, I started questioning if that was the problem…
If maybe the reason things felt off was because I wasn’t doing what everyone says you’re “supposed” to do.  But the more I sat with it, the more I realized:  I’m not here to shrink myself to fit into a box.  I’m here to share what feels real — even if that doesn’t fit into a clean category.

Why I Haven’t Been Posting as Much

If you’ve noticed I’ve been a little MIA… you’re not wrong.  Part of it is life — being a business owner, event season, running Rare Breed Maui.
But the bigger reason?  I started looking at social media differently.  And it made me pause.

The Reality of Posting Your Life Online

There’s a side of content creation that people don’t really talk about.  Especially when it comes to daily vlogging or sharing your life in real time.

Because you’re not just “posting.”

👉 You’re mapping out your life.
👉 Your routines.
👉 Your locations.
👉 Your habits.

And whether people realize it or not… that information adds up.

When It Became Real for Me

Years ago, I shared on social media that I was heading out to grab coffee.  Nothing crazy. Just normal, everyday content.  But when I got there, someone approached me and said:  “I knew you were going to be here.”  He had seen my post and came to find me.  And while that might sound harmless to some people… it wasn’t.  It shook me.  Because it made me realize something I hadn’t fully processed before: This isn’t just content. This is my real life.

The Internet Doesn’t Forget — And It Connects Everything

We live in a time where everything is searchable.  Your content.  Your patterns.  Your surroundings.  Even small details people don’t think twice about sharing.  And when you put it all together?  It becomes easier than you think for someone to figure things out.  Especially when you live in a smaller community… like I do.

Why I Pulled Back

After that experience, and others over time, I started to change how I show up online.  Not because I’m afraid to share…  But because I became more aware.

I stopped:

  • Sharing real-time locations
  • Posting certain places repeatedly
  • Showing too much of my surroundings
  • Including parts of my life that weren’t mine alone to share

My Family Is Not Content

This was a big one for me.  My kids didn’t choose this life online.  My husband didn’t choose that level of visibility.

And at some point, I had to ask myself:  Is this fair to them?  So I made a decision.  My family is part of my life…

but they are not content.

Privacy Over Views — Every Time

I’ve worked with hundreds of brands.  I’ve made income from content.  I’ve built a platform over years.  But at the end of the day?

None of that matters more than my safety or my family.

I will choose:
✔ privacy
✔ boundaries
✔ peace

Over views. Every single time.  And I sleep better because of that.

So… Where Does That Leave My Content?

It means I’m still here.  Still creating.  Still sharing.  Still talking story.  But I’m doing it differently.  More intentional.  More aligned.  More real.

And About That “Niche”…

I’m not building content to fit into a niche.  I’m building content that fits me.  That means:

  • lifestyle
  • conversations
  • real talk
  • reviews
  • whatever feels right in the moment

Because I’m not here to perform.  I’m here to be real.

Let’s Talk About It

I’m genuinely curious…

👉 Do you feel like social media asks for too much of your real life?
👉 Do you feel pressure to fit into a niche?

Let’s have that conversation.

Watch the Full Video

If you want the full story and deeper conversation, you can watch the video here:

Listen to the Podcast on Spotify here.

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How to Have a Happier, Less Stressful Lifestyle

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Everyone wants to have a happier, less stressful life. But, that doesn’t mean all of them know what they’re doing. You could want to have a better life but struggle with getting there. As natural as that is, it doesn’t have to be nearly as difficult to get out of as you could’ve thought.

Image Credit: Joe Caione from Unsplash.

More than a few steps and lifestyle tips could have an impact on this. There’s no reason why a few of them shouldn’t help you feel happier and happier as time goes on. Four of them could end up helping a whole lot more than you would’ve thought.

Think Good Thoughts for Others

How you think of others can often end up having more of an impact on your other thoughts than you might’ve thought. If you think negative about someone, your thoughts will become overly negative whenever you think about or see them, ruining your mood.

By thinking good thoughts towards others, however, you reframe your mindset and encourage your brain to think more and more positively. It’ll end up helping you feeling happier, and better, as time goes on.

Manage Your Anxiety

Stress can often turn into anxiety as time goes on, especially when it’s not properly dealt with. It’s always worth putting the time and effort into managing your anxiety as much as you can. While this seems complicated, it doesn’t always need to be.

Sometimes, it could be as simple as trying anxiety relief with CBD + THC, doing a bit of yoga every day, or even going for a short walk. There’s no reason why it should have to take a lot of time and effort to help get your anxiety under control.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is vital to making sure you feel as great as possible every day, and it affects both your physical and mental health. If you’re not getting enough of it every night, you’ll end up feeling worse and worse as time goes on, feeling stressed, exhausted, and more.

Nobody wants that to happen. Put the effort into creating a nighttime routine that actually helps you drift off when you want to sleep. This could mean making a few adjustments, but it’ll be more than worth it once you’re sleeping enough every night.

Be With Good People

The people you have around you play a major role in how you feel. Make sure they’re the best possible people to surround yourself with. That way, you should end up having a strong social circle and support group you know you can rely on.

For a few people, this could end up meaning cutting off those that aren’t good for you. While this can be a bit of an awkward process, it should end up being the best one for you so you can actually be happy moving forward.

By focusing on the right steps, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a happier, less stressful life. It’ll take a little work, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get there.  What steps do you take to try to have a happier, less stressful lifestyle?

Disclaimer:  This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links are posted throughout. Feel free to read my Disclaimer Page for details and information on collaborative (collab) posts, guest posts, sponsored posts, affiliate links, and more.

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GRWM with the Alter Ego Mishaven Palette: Life Updates, Makeup Therapy & New Year Reflections – Video

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Welcome to a new year and a fresh start! Today, I’m sharing a Get Ready With Me (GRWM) experience featuring the gorgeous Alter Ego Mishaven Palette. This palette has been my go-to for creating soft glam looks that feel perfect for kicking off the year with a little sparkle. But this post isn’t just about makeup—it’s about life, emotions, and finding ways to push through when you’re in a funk.

Life Updates & New Year Reflections

Let’s be real—this year hasn’t started the way I hoped. I’ve been feeling emotional and stuck in a bit of a funk. The post-holiday blues and the pressure of New Year’s resolutions have been weighing on me. In this post, I’ll talk about how I’ve been processing these feelings and what I’m doing to reset my mindset.

The Mishaven Palette: A Makeup Therapy Moment

Makeup has always been therapeutic for me, and the Alter Ego Mishaven Palette is a standout. Its versatile shades make it easy to create looks that go from everyday chic to full glam.

This palette is not only affordable but also a great alternative to higher-end brands.

Tips for Getting Out of a Funk

While makeup is my creative escape, here are a few other tips I’ve been leaning on to feel better:

  1. Journaling: Writing down my thoughts has helped clear my head.
  2. Self-Care Rituals: Whether it’s a face mask or a walk outside, little things matter.
  3. Setting Small Goals: Achieving even tiny tasks boosts my motivation.

Final Look & Thoughts

After creating this look, I felt a sense of accomplishment and calm—a reminder that self-expression can be a powerful tool for healing. Check out my full GRWM video on YouTube here to see the step-by-step process and hear more about my journey.

Shop the Mishaven Palette

Interested in trying the Alter Ego Mishaven Palette for yourself? Shop here and let me know your thoughts!

Thanks for joining me on this little journey of makeup therapy and life updates. I hope this post inspires you to embrace creativity and give yourself grace as you navigate the highs and lows of life.

Disclaimer:  The products featured in this video and discussed were either sent to me for review consideration or purchased with my own money.  Affiliate links are listed throughout this post.

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Why Your Old Car Might Be Unsafe for Your Family

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When you buy a car, you’re usually looking into a car that’s considered safe for the family, right? Well, have you ever taken a moment to consider how safe your old car is for your family? While upgrading your vehicle isn’t always at the top of the priority list (that’s money spent, after all), it may need to still get done. 

Maybe it holds sentimental value or has been running smoothly for years. However, there’s a lot more to think about when it comes to your family’s safety. So, with that all said, let’s dive into some reasons why that trusty old car might not be the best choice for your loved ones.

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Outdated Safety Features

One of the most significant reasons your old car might be unsafe is the lack of modern safety features. You have to understand that today’s vehicles come equipped with advanced technologies designed to keep you and your family safe. Just think about it, nowadays there’s automatic emergency braking to lane departure warnings, and so much more too (especially with the help of that infotainment system.

So, these features can make a massive difference in preventing accidents. But older cars simply don’t have these built-in protections, leaving you more vulnerable on the road. At this point, they’re not even luxuries, but they’re now necessities.

Wear and Tear

No matter how well you maintain your vehicle, time takes its toll. Parts wear out, rust creeps in, and overall reliability decreases. As you might already know, components like brakes, tires, and suspension systems are really important for safe driving, and when they start to fail, your car becomes a hazard. While yes, it’s true that

Regular maintenance can help, but it can only do so much. That’s the thing to understand; it can only do so much! So, eventually, the cost of keeping an old car in safe, working condition can outweigh the benefits. 

So, it might get to the point that you should just consider selling it to a company; for example, WhipFlip buys cars so you could look into them. But, the faster and sooner you sell it, the higher the likelihood is that you might get a bit more money out of it so you can buy a new car.

Limited Crash Protection

You’re going to want to think back to when your car was made. Needless to say, automotive technology has come a long way since then, especially in terms of crash protection. Plus, modern cars are designed with crumple zones that absorb impact energy, protecting the occupants. 

This is something that’s been more focused on this past decade. They also have multiple airbags strategically placed to provide maximum protection during a collision. Older cars? Not so much.

Poor Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

While it is not directly a safety concern, poor fuel efficiency, and higher emissions are common issues with older cars. But how is that so awful? These factors contribute to environmental pollution and can also affect your wallet. You’re putting yourself and your family at a financial risk.

Disclaimer:  This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links are posted throughout. Feel free to read my Disclaimer Page for details and information on sponsored posts, affiliate links, and more.

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