Hello! I’m Joyce Fansler, the voice behind this blog. Before I launched this review site in 2025, I spent almost a decade working in the interior-design merchandising world. After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textile & Surface Design from Savannah College of Art & Design, I worked as a junior merchandise planner for a mid-sized home furnishings brand. I fell in love with the practical side of selecting materials, evaluating how things would wear over time, and figuring out what makes a product both beautiful and usable.
Living in Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by creative craft-shops and homeowners who care deeply about how things look and perform — helped sharpen my eye. Even though I loved the creative side of my job, I found myself increasingly curious about one thing: when a product claims “luxury finish” or “durable build”, how often does it deliver in daily life?
The Shift to Honest Reviews
In early 2025, I realised that so many of the picks and trends I helped bring to market weren’t being discussed candidly from the consumer side. That’s when I decided to take all the experience I’d gathered, sourcing, testing, comparing — and bring it to a fresh place: a blog where I review real products, share my hands-on experience, and tell you when something works (and when it doesn’t). That’s how this site came to life under the domain cathleendavittbell.com, now reimagined as a hub for trustworthy product reviews and buying advice.
I believe a good review isn’t just “this is good” or “this is bad” — it’s “here’s how it performed for me given how I use it, here’s what I noticed, and here’s whether I think it’s worth your money.” I pull no punches when something disappointed me, and I try to highlight smart alternatives or things to watch out for.
How I Approach Product Reviews
When I pick a product to review, I bring both the designer’s eye and the daily-user’s lens. That means yes — I notice aesthetics, materials, finishes, and brand promises. But I also live with the product for a while: I test it in real-world conditions, I consider longevity, ease of care, value for money, and how it fits into everyday life. I often share photos or stories of my actual use (no staged perfection). I consider this blog a conversation: my goal is to help you decide whether you should buy it, not just to show off a “nice new thing”.
Since I moved the blog into its current form in 2025, I’ve reviewed everything from kitchen gadgets and home storage systems to wearable tech, skincare devices, even outdoor gear. But I always come back to one filter: “If this were in my own home, would I keep it — or return it and warn my friends?” That question keeps the reviews grounded and honest.
Why This Site Matters to You
There are two big reasons I wanted to build this site. First: because shopping online is so overwhelming. Product pages promise everything. Brands tend to highlight only the best case, and sometimes real-life use doesn’t match the hype. I want to bridge that gap. Second: because you deserve to read someone’s real voice — someone who’s not just a “content producer” but a real person who uses these things, asks hard questions, and tells you the truth.
If you’re here because you’re trying to decide: “Is this unit worth the price? Will it last? Is there a better alternative?” — then you’re in the right place. I invite you to browse, read the full “how I tested it” section on each review, and feel free to reach out if you have specific questions.
A Bit About My Life Today
I’m based in Asheville, working from home (with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains) and often juggling my time between review-sessions, my spring-vegetable garden, and weekend hikes. When I’m not writing or testing something, I’m likely listening to a podcast about minimalist living, experimenting with one-pot meals for my partner and our two rescue cats, or browsing for a great deal for my next review. I aim for a relaxed, authentic voice in everything I publish — because if a product works well for me, chances are someone reading here will find value in it too.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m grateful that you’ve allowed me a few minutes of your day — and I hope you find your next great purchase (or avoid a costly mistake) through the work I put into this site.
Author Profile
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Joyce Fansler is the founder and writer behind cathleendavittbell.com, where she shares honest, experience-based product reviews and practical buying advice. With a background in textile and product merchandising, Joyce spent years evaluating design quality and durability before turning her attention to helping consumers make smarter choices. Her approach blends professional insight with hands-on testing, creating reviews that feel both personal and dependable.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Joyce lives a life that balances creativity and simplicity. When she’s not writing or testing a new product, she enjoys gardening, experimenting in the kitchen, and exploring local artisan markets. Her goal is to make online shopping easier by cutting through the noise and offering real opinions backed by real experience.
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