Purchased and tested
Buying a product and testing it are different things. I identify what I purchased, what I used, and the experience behind my observations.
About Dr. Elena
Hi, I’m Dr. Elena.
Research first. Real purchases. Honest opinions.
I’m Dr. Elena—an educator, researcher, business owner, and very detail-oriented shopper. Shopping Guru PhD brings together the things I enjoy: useful technology, colorful finds, a good comparison, and figuring out whether something deserves a place in everyday life.
You’ll find enthusiasm here, along with the questions I ask before recommending a product. Something can be lovely to look at and still have a drawback worth discussing.
The story behind the finds
Curiosity usually gets me started. The details keep me interested.
Shopping Guru began as a hobby and passion project. I often discover keyboards, collectibles, stationery, beauty products, and useful tools through TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and other creators. A product catches my attention, and then I want to know more.
What does it actually do? Who is it for? What’s the trade-off? Could a different option make more sense? Comparing sellers, product details, coupons, and cashback terms helps me work through those questions. Sometimes the find lives up to the excitement. Sometimes the most useful thing to share is a limitation.
I enjoy the cute, colorful, and occasionally bougie side of shopping. I also want readers to have enough context to decide whether my enthusiasm makes sense for their needs and budget.
Behind the reviews
Education is my profession. Shopping Guru is my passion project.
My work spans education, curriculum development, research, software engineering, and marketing. I have a PhD in Engineering & Computing Education and an MS in Software Engineering. That combination brings together two habits that matter to me: understanding how something works and explaining it clearly enough for someone else to use.
As a Florida-certified educator, I serve learners from early childhood through adulthood. Developing lessons and supporting diverse learners means thinking about the person who will use an explanation: what they already know, where a step might be confusing, and what an example needs to show.
I bring that same attention to shopping comparisons. A list of specifications is a starting point. I want to explain why a difference could matter, what the available evidence supports, and what I still cannot tell you.
For tutoring, curriculum, educational resources, and support for diverse learners, visit Lifetime Tutors.
Technology in everyday work
I use the tools, and I ask questions about them.
I’ve spent years working with technology across teaching, research, and software. Today, I run Shopping Guru PhD and Lifetime Tutors, moving between product stories and the practical work of building lessons, websites, and the systems behind them.
That gives useful tools a place alongside the more playful finds. I’m interested in what a tool helps me do, where it adds work, and which parts of the experience might matter to another person. My business and editorial decisions remain mine.
Read how I use technology across my two businesses →The person behind the pink
A colorful desk, plenty of curiosity, and room for cute things.
The pink laptop, flowers, notebook, and Shopping Guru details in my portrait are a good introduction to the visual side of this space. I enjoy a pretty setup, and I want the information around it to be just as thoughtfully put together.
You’ll see keyboards and desk setups, beauty, bags, stationery, useful tools, and cute finds, along with the shopping strategies that help me compare my options. These interests can share a page without every product needing the same kind of review.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my rabbits and designing beadable pens. Building educational technology and helping neurodiverse learners succeed are also close to my heart. Shopping Guru gives the shopper and creator in me a place to share what catches my attention.
Why Shopping Guru exists
Useful context, not generic shopping noise.
The internet has plenty of lists that make every product sound amazing. I built Shopping Guru for the part that actually helps: real-world experience where stated, careful research, price awareness, clear choices, and honest trade-offs.
First looks
An initial impression can describe setup, appearance, or an early experience. It cannot establish long-term comfort, durability, or reliability.
Ongoing testing
When testing is still in progress, I say so. What I like, what bothers me, and what remains uncertain can appear together.
Research
Specifications, policies, and comparisons can help explain a product without hands-on use. I keep that research distinct from my own testing.
What I actually paid
A purchase snapshot, not a promise about today’s price.
When I have a verified purchase price that’s appropriate to share, I may tell you what I actually paid. It’s historical context from my purchase—not private order evidence and not necessarily the price you’ll see today.
Why prices differ
Sales, coupons, cashback, gift certificates, promotions, merchant pricing, and timing can all affect the final cost. Not every product will have a “What I Paid” amount.
Check the current offer
Current or recently observed shopping information is kept separate from historical cost. Prices can change, so always confirm the retailer’s current price and terms before buying.
Website first. Video when it helps.
A helpful review does not need to wait for a video.
Some reviews start as detailed written guides, with photographs, pricing context, comparisons, and real-use observations. Video may be added later when movement, sound, setup, scale, or a demonstration genuinely makes the product easier to understand.
A product does not need a TikTok video to deserve a thoughtful review.
See the less formal side of Shopping Guru →Affiliate transparency
Some links may earn Shopping Guru a commission.
Some shopping links are affiliate links, which means Shopping Guru may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Not every product or merchant shown has an affiliate relationship, and affiliate availability does not decide whether I like—or dislike—a product.
Read the Affiliate Disclosure →Explore Shopping Guru
Choose your next smart-shopping stop.
From keyboards and tech to beauty, stationery, cute finds, home organization, shopping tools, cashback, and deals—there’s always room for another useful discovery.
Reviews
Reviews with the details that matter
See the reasoning, real-use details when available, strengths, weaknesses, and who each product may suit.
Read the reviews → The Smart Cart JournalThe thinking behind the shopping
Read my shopping strategies, comparisons, practical explainers, and stories about the tools I use.
Read the Smart Cart Journal → Shop my findsQuick access to useful finds
Browse products, shopping options, price context, and eligible purchase links where they are available.
Visit Finds → Deals & cashbackSee what the savings really mean
See where the savings come from, what qualifies, and what to check before you count on them.
Explore cashback →Ready when you are
Let’s find something worth buying.
Start with a detailed review, browse the latest Finds, or send me a question. I’m glad you’re here.