2025 was a year of stories, and I dove headfirst into 95 books! Some made me laugh, some made me stare blankly, and a few I couldn’t stop thinking about long after I turned the last page.
I’m sharing my favorites, from romance to twisty mysteries, magical fantasies, and everything in between. These are the stories that stuck with me, and that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a good read.
(Book cover photos and Amazon links included so you can grab them too!)
Joyful, affirming, and totally binge-worthy. This book celebrates self-love, confidence, and a love story that feels real without any sugarcoating. A perfect beach read—or anytime read!
-The Secret World of Maggie Grey (Book 1) -The First Family (Book 2) When a Wolf Loves the Moon (Book 3) (also published as The Three Brothers -The Mortal Affairs (Book 4)
This series kept me hooked from page one, every book added more depth, drama, and magic.
A story about connection, love, and resilience. This statement is slightly over used, but it’s an absolute page-turner. You won’t put it down, until you’re done!
This one kept me wondering and drawing scenarios in my head from start to finish. Cleverly paced, emotionally charged, and suspenseful, perfect for mystery/suspense lovers.
There are nearly 20 books in this series. Don’t let that stir you, they are attention holding, action packed, you will be apart of the family once you finish and waiting for the next release.
Budget-Savvy Pro Tip
Your library card is a hidden gem. A lot of these books are available on Libby or Hoopla, free e-books and audiobooks included. No card? You can get a digital one online in minutes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Reading 95 books in one year was a ride, and it took me a while to narrow down The Best Books I Read in 2025. It was worth the mental recap. Each one entertained me. If you pick up any of these, I hope you enjoy each and every one. If you’ve read any of them, drop a comment below, telling me which one you enjoyed.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: Gilbert, Arizona’s Hidden Nature Escape
Whenever I discover a place that I love, I can’t wait to come back and tell you all about it. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona was no different. We intended to take a quick one-mile walk, but ended up wandering over two miles. This place was just that captivating.
TIP: Bring a water bottle. You’ll need it!
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Gilbert, Arizona
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a local park managed by the Town of Gilbert. Let me tell you, it’s a magical little world tucked right in the middle of the city. Think Bridge to Terabithia vibes: peaceful, lush, and full of surprises.
When you arrive, you’ll notice a small parking lot on the north side that fills up quickly. If you continue further west, there’s also a public library with plenty of parking. Yes, you can park there while exploring the Preserve. The parking is free.
Parking near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona.Parking near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona at the Library
What You’ll Find at the Riparian Preserve
Serene walking path surrounded by lush greenery at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona.
We didn’t follow a specific trail; we just let curiosity lead the way. That approach turned out to be perfect because there’s so much to see. Here’s what you can expect:
110-acre wetland and wildlife sanctuary
7 ponds connected by scenic hiking trails
1 recreational urban fishing lake (fishing license required)
1 floating boardwalk
3 overnight campsites
2 reservable small ramadas
2 restroom facilities (north and south ends)
Serene walking path at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona.
According to AZCentral, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch was created in 1999 to help recycle and replenish groundwater. The preserve also supports native riverside forests and wildlife habitats. Over 70 acres are dedicated to seven recharge basins, which are filled on a rotating basis with treated wastewater. I am always fascinated by how we can re-use our resources time and again.
Nature, Wildlife, and a Touch of Mindfulness
During our walk, we spotted several bird species, squirrels, rabbits, and turtles swimming through the ponds. Me and another trail-walker even discovered some wild mushrooms growing near the trees.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona – Turtles
One of my favorite features, were the posted Mental Health Tips along the trails. I thought the mindful health tips was such a thoughtful touch. It made me pause every time and really breathe in the calm of the space.
Whether you are coming for exercise, photography, a quiet moment of reflection, or a family stroll, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch lets you choose your own pace. There are benches scattered throughout the trails where you can sit and take it all in.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for peaceful outdoor thing-to-do, this preserve is an absolute must-visit. It’s beautiful, free, and full of life, literally and figuratively. Let the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, in Gilbert, Arizona, remind you how good it feels to just wander.
Plan Your Visit
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch 2757 E. Guadalupe Road Gilbert, Arizona 85234
Hours: Sunday – Saturday: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona Creek
Dental Tourism in Los Algodones, Mexico: Saved Me Thousands on Dental Implants
If you’ve ever considered traveling for dental care, Los Algodones, Mexico, nicknamed Molar City, has probably popped up on your radar. I recently had someone ask about my experience getting implants there, which inspired me to finally blog about it. So, here are the deets.
Where I Went: Best Dental Clinic in Los Algodones for Dental Tourism
Walking through Los Algodones might look a little suspect at first, but once you step inside Supreme Dental Clinic, you’re immediately relieved. The office is clean and modern, and the dentists, as well as the front desk staff, speak English.
A lot of people worry about language barriers when it comes to healthcare. At Supreme, every patient is assigned a coordinator to answer questions and help with scheduling. The dentists are accredited, well-trained, and affiliated with the American Dental Association. You don’t just have to take their word for it; their identification numbers are published publicly so you can verify them yourself.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Los Algodones, Mexico?
One of the biggest draws? The cost.
I’m paying about a quarter of what the same procedures would have cost me in the U.S. For example, I needed 8 implants plus some minor work. My U.S. dentist gave me an estimate of around $50,000. At Supreme Dental, I was quoted about $2,000 per implant (that includes the implant, abutment, and crown). That doesn’t include additional dental concerns, like bone grafting or sinus lifts, which some people may need before implants.
Supreme Dental also offers other services such as cleanings, whitening, extractions, veneers, full mouth restoration, and packages.
💡TIP: If your job offers an FSA account/card, Supreme accepts it as long as it carries a Visa or MasterCard symbol.
Crossing the Border to Los Algodones: Parking & Travel Tips for Dental Tourists
There’s a large, gated, paved parking lot called the Andrade Parking Lot. This is the location I enter in my navigation system, and it costs $10 per day to park. You insert your money into a machine and a ticket is printed. If there are ever any problems, we’ve noticed an attendant that is there, but not always. While they do accept cards for parking payment, I highly suggest cash. On one occasion, the card system was down.
We are about 2.5 hours from the border, because we live west of the Phoenix city center. If you enter Phoenix to Los Algodones, you’ll get an estimated drive-time of about 3 hours.
Once there, crossing the border is easy if you plan ahead. Just remember to bring your passport. It makes re-entry to the U.S. much smoother.
Here’s how it goes: park, hop out of your car, walk about 5 minutes, and you’ll reach the Mexico Customs & Immigration building. They’ll ask for your passport to make sure you have one. Then you’ll walk through a metal detector, and you’re in Los Algodones in about 10 minutes.
💡TIP: Use the clean bathrooms near the parking area before heading into town.
💡TIP: Don’t rush! Give yourself plenty of time for navigating and crossing back. The line to enter back into the U.S. can get lengthy.
You can also drive right into Los Algodones, however we’ve noticed the lines are always long and parking isn’t that great along the streets.
A question I’m always asked is: Do you really need a passport to go to Los Algodones? Yes. Don’t be fooled by how easy it is to enter Mexico. It’s still another country, and you need to follow their rules and laws.
You can use a U.S. Department of State issued passport card or even a birth certificate paired with a photo ID. But I always recommend traveling with a full passport when crossing any international border.
The Implant Process: Step-by-Step Dental Implant Process in Los Algodones
My first implant was placed, and implants need about 3–4 months to heal and integrate with the gums before attaching the crown. When I returned after the first healing process, I had my first crown placed and also had two additional implants placed.
The healing process is fairly quick, about three to four weeks without soreness. Since the implant sits under the gum line while healing, there’s nothing visible until the crown is placed.
I chose Straumann implants, the most reputable option, because they’re made of titanium and last the longest. I researched materials beforehand since I’m sensitive to metals, and titanium was the safest option to avoid rejection.
💡TIP: Use your patient coordinator! They’re there to answer questions, adjust schedules, and make sure you feel supported.
Return Visit & Dental Crown Fitting in Los Algodones
When you come back for your crown, the dentists will measure the space/fit, then cast your crown in their in-house lab, so you don’t have to go elsewhere. You’ll return the next day (or a very short time after) for them to fit the crown.
Overnight Stay Option & Return Visit Logistics Overnight Stay & Return Visit Tips for Dental Tourism in Los Algodones
Just outside the Andrade Parking lot is Quechan Casino Resort (a casino + hotel) in Winterhaven, CA, about 3 miles from the Andrade border crossing, just off Highway 8. It’s a convenient choice if your treatment spans multiple consecutive days and you don’t want to commute back and forth.
💡 TIP – Alternative: Yuma, AZ Stay (what we chose) Yuma is only 20–30 minutes from the border (depending on your starting point), and there’s an abundance of hotel options, making it another solid choice.
You can also find lodging within Los Algodones, MX, if you prefer not to leave. Supreme Dental Clinic partners with a hotel provider, so ask your coordinator if you’d like this option.
Challenges of Dental Tourism in Los Algodones (What to Expect)
The only real downside I’ve experienced is occasional waiting, it’s simply because they’re busy. Once, the power surged twice and we had to wait about 10–12 minutes for it to return. We were told that’s just Los Algodones life, and honestly international travel in general. Still, nothing that would deter me.
Final Thoughts: Is Dental Tourism in Los Algodones Worth It?
Dental tourism isn’t for everyone, but it’s a solid option for Americans seeking quality care at a fraction of the price. Dental work is a process, and it can feel like a lot, but doing your homework, knowing what to expect, and giving yourself grace along the way makes all the difference.
With preparation, Los Algodones can be a smooth, cost-effective, and feasible option for dental work you may have thought impossible in the U.S.
My Skincare Routine: Simple, Steady, and Here to Stay
Let me say this right off the top:
Cleansed Unfiltered Face
I am not the “20 products, switch it up every season” girlie. I am a creature of habit with dry, sensitive skin, and once I find something that works, I stick with it.
It is not about chasing perfect skin.
Wait… yes, it is! Ha.
But it is also about feeling clean, hydrated, and cared for, with the fewest steps possible.
Building a Skincare Routine
If you are trying to build a skincare routine, you might have to go through a little trial and error. Do not get discouraged. You are just figuring out what your skin likes, and that takes a little patience.
If you are anything like me, this part can be fun.
Researching, discovering, reading reviews, it is all part of the process.
Biggest Tip!
Add one new product at a time.
That way, if something causes irritation or throws your skin off, you know exactly what to eliminate, without having to guess.
My Morning Routine: Rinse, Hydrate, Protect
I do not cleanse my face in the mornings. Why? Because honestly, what were you doing overnight that your face needs a full reset?
Never mind, I do not want to know. Unless you want to tell me.
Here is what I reach for in the AM:
• Splash of cold water – That is it. Just to wake up my face.
• La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum – A quick hit of brightness and antioxidant protection. Lightweight and smooth under everything.
• The Ordinary Squalane Oil – My OG. My day-one favorite. I have used this for years, and my skin loves it, especially when it is dry or irritated. A few drops and my skin feels instantly calmer and smoother.
• Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream – Hydrates and softens. I told my cousin I felt like I needed Botox under my eyes. She said, “No you do not,” so I bought this instead.
• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane – My favorite moisturizer. Thick enough to do its job, light enough not to feel greasy. My other favorite moisturizer, La Roche Posay Double Repair.
• Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen (SPF 40) – No white cast. Great for us brown-skin girls. No irritation. No weird smell. Just clean sun protection that layers perfectly, even if you are applying make-up.
That is it. Five products. Five minutes. And I am out the door—or at least closer to it.
New Facial Cleansing Tool
I’ve been using my new FOREO facial cleansing device, and I love it. It’s incredibly soft on my skin but still feels like it’s doing real work. My face feels cleaner and smoother every time I use it.
The silicone bristles are gentle. The T-Sonic™ pulsations give a deep cleanse without stripping my skin, which is perfect for my dry skin.
I love it so much. I’m seriously considering upgrading to the larger version and passing this one down to my daughter (she’s already been eyeing it!). It’s one of those skincare tools that makes you wonder why you didn’t add it sooner.
Foreo is currently having a Birthday sale. Visit, http://www.foreo.com and use promo code: PARTY35 for 35% off.
Night Routine: Cleanse, Restore, Sleep
At night, it is non-negotiable: I double-cleanse my face.
Not because I wear a full face of makeup, I usually do not, but because the air is filthy.
Pollution, sunscreen, whatever is floating around out there, it all needs to go.
• La Roche-Posay Lipikar Oil Cleanser – Gentle, hydrating, and removes everything. It breaks down makeup effortlessly, even waterproof stuff, and still leaves my skin soft, not stripped. Their Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is also good!
• Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream – Hydrates and softens. I told my cousin I felt like I needed Botox under my eyes. She said, “No you do not,” so I bought this instead.
• Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Oil (New Addition) – During girls’ night, this was said to be a must-have. I picked it up during Kiehl’s SALE. It adds a little glow and feels like quiet luxury.
• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane – Same as the morning—because why mess with what works?
Why This Works for Me
This routine is:
• Hydrating, not heavy
• Simple, not boring
• Consistent, not complicated
It is easy, it is gentle, and it makes me feel like I am doing something good for myself every single day.
And I love that for me.
Skincare rule: Do not let your neck betray you.
Youthful face + moisturized neck = aging gracefully together.
For Anyone Who’s Overwhelmed
If you are building your routine or trying to simplify things, here is what I have learned:
You do not need a shelf full of products. You just need a few that your skin responds to, and that you enjoy using.
Start simple:
Cleanser + Moisturizer + Sunscreen
What about you?
Are you a routine lover or a product explorer?
Drop your faves or your ride-or-die skincare items in the comments.
I always love hearing what works for other people, even if I am not changing up anytime soon.
Waffleto Brunch & Waffles: Worth the Hype or Another Overrated Spot?
Can We Talk About Social Media Food Hype?
The way I am so tired of over-hyped TikTok and Instagram eateries. Social media has disappointed me too many times with perfect reels, staged bites, and then… underwhelming food.
So, when my husband showed me an impressively edited reel for Waffleto Brunch & Waffles in Goodyear, AZ, and asked if I wanted to try it, I gave him a non-committal, “I guess.”
First Impressions: Busy but Welcoming
We pulled up around 11 a.m. on a Saturday. It was busy, but we didn’t have to wait, major win. The place is a small sit-down brunch spot with a casual, open feel. We were greeted right away and handed menus, which gave us a moment to look things over before ordering.
Waffleto Menu: Sweet Meets Savory
Waffleto’s menu offers hearty savory waffles and over-the-top sweet creations. in a good way:
Savory Options Include:
Fried egg, bacon, and spinach
Chorizo and egg
Grilled chicken with pesto
Omelets and traditional breakfast plates (for the non-waffle folks)
Sweet Options:
Strawberries and cream (with seasonal berries, but you can request strawberries only)
One Fried Egg, Bacon, and Spinach Waffleto (no syrup drizzle—because I don’t trust the drizzler!)
One Berries Waffleto (strawberries only)
You can split your waffle between savory and sweet, which we loved—it felt like a brunch plate and dessert all in one.
And I have to mention this, the home-fried breakfast potatoes were delicious. I live for a good breakfast potato, and these hit the mark. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly seasoned. Don’t skip them.
Watching the Waffle Magic Happen
The open kitchen gave us a view of the action, and I noticed the waffles looked darker than I prefer more brown than golden. I’m a light, fluffy, slight-crunch-on-the-edge kind of waffle girl.
When I asked about it, our server reassured us that the color comes from the batter, not overcooking, and they’re still soft inside. She was right. The waffles were perfectly cooked, lightly sweet, and honestly, some of the best I’ve had.
Is Waffleto Worth the Trip?
If you’re in the Goodyear, Avondale, or West Phoenix area—yes, Waffleto is worth a stop.
If you have to drive far or wait in a long line? Maybe not. It’s good, but not a “drive across the Valley and wait an hour” kind of place. That said, Waffleto delivers on flavor and creativity, and the service was on point.
Waffleto Brunch & Waffles Location + Hours
Heads up: If you love breakfast for dinner, this isn’t your spot. They close early and stick to brunch hours.
🕒 Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 2 PM Saturday & Sunday: 8 AM – 3 PM
📍 406 N. Litchfield Rd., Ste 208 Goodyear, AZ 85338
Final Thoughts
Waffleto might not be the viral hotspot you travel for, but it’s definitely a local gem if you’re nearby. The flavors are solid, the sweet/savory combo is fun, and the vibe is low-key and relaxed.
Have you tried Waffleto or any other social media-famous food spots that were actually worth it? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram @SharondaShariee (yes, I’m posting again!).
Sharonda Shariee 