trends

Things Everyone Is Obsessed With Right Now—And Why I’m Not

Things Everyone Is Obsessed With Right Now—And Why I’m Not
Every once in a while, something becomes so popular that it’s impossible to avoid. It’s everywhere—online, in stores, in conversations—and people genuinely love it.

And then there’s me, standing off to the side thinking… am I missing something?

This isn’t a critique. This isn’t a proclamation.
This is just a short list of things that are very hyped right now that, for me, didn’t quite live up to the buzz.


 Stanley cup tumblers

Stanley Cup tumblers

I understand the appeal. They’re sturdy, they come in pretty colors, and they apparently hold enough liquid to hydrate a small village.
What I don’t understand is how one cup became a lifestyle, a collection, and a personality trait.
Also, I’m going to need an entire cabinet just for tumblers, and I’m not prepared for that level of commitment.


 Iced drinks in winter

Iced drinks… in winter

I see people walking around with iced coffee when it’s freezing outside, and I just have questions.
My hands are cold. My nose is cold. My spleen is cold. Why would my drink also be cold?
No judgment—I just don’t want my drinks matching the thermometer.


 Apps for things we already know how to do

Apps for things we already know how to do

Drink water.
Breathe.
Stand up occasionally.

I appreciate the reminders, but at some point I start wondering who’s actually in charge here—me or my phone?


 Walking pads under desks

Walking pads under desks

I admire the ambition. Truly.
But the idea of walking, typing, thinking, and not face-planting all at once feels like a skill I was never meant to master.
I’ll just sit. Or walk. Separately. Like nature intended.


 Filming normal daily life

Filming normal daily life

Cooking dinner. Running errands. Folding laundry.
Somehow, these things are now social media content—and honestly, I’m impressed by the dedication.
I just don’t feel the need to document my trip to the post office for future generations.


 Minimalist homes that look uninhabited

Minimalist homes that look uninhabited

They’re beautiful. Calm. Serene.
They also look like no one actually lives there, owns things, or has ever relaxed on the sofa with a blanket.
I like a home that shows signs of life—maybe even a little cluttered evidence that humans exist. I mean, where do y'all put your stuff?!


 Final thoughts

Final thoughts 

If you love any—or all—of these things, please carry on.
Truly. I’m not here to yuck anyone’s yum.

This is just me opting out of a few recent trends. What would you add to the list?







If you’ve made it to the bottom of this post, I’m guessing something here resonated—whether it’s navigating grief and growth, diving into natural wellness, or just trying to live a more intentional life in a fast-paced world.

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✨ My blog exists because I know what it feels like to keep everything jumbled in your head — like a messy pile of clothes you can’t sort through.
 Writing it all down brings clarity, calm, and sometimes even healing answers I didn’t know I was looking for.

Honestly, that’s why I keep showing up to write — it helps me make sense of things. 

 Even if you have no intentions of ever publishing your work, I highly recommend writing stuff down. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece or even full, grammatically correct sentences... just dump those random thoughts onto paper... you'll see what I mean.

*This blog centers the GenX experience, simply because that’s the lens I live through—but anyone looking for connection, natural wellness, grief support, or a little real-talk in this messy stage of life is more than welcome.

✨ My blog exists because I know what it feels like to keep everything jumbled in your head — like a messy pile of clothes you can’t sort through.

 Writing it all down brings clarity, calm, and sometimes even healing answers I didn’t know I was looking for.


Honestly, that’s why I keep showing up to write — it helps me make sense of things. 

 Even if you have no intentions of ever publishing your work, I highly recommend writing stuff down. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece or even full, grammatically correct sentences... just dump those random thoughts onto paper... you'll see what I mean.

*This blog centers the GenX experience, simply because that’s the lens I live through—but anyone looking for connection, natural wellness, grief support, or a little real-talk in this messy stage of life is more than welcome.

Hi! I'm AJ Flanagan.

 
Hey there! I’m a GenX empty-nester - and recent widow - who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products we used growing up. Our parents didn’t know, and honestly, we were clueless too. But now, I’m all about sharing the details and helping others kick those sneaky chemicals to the curb for a healthier, happier life. 🌿

Life threw us a curveball in 2018 when my amazing husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia. And then a second type of cancer in 2023.  Supporting him through his treatments was challenging, but it also inspired us to make some positive changes. We embraced holistic wellness practices, worked to transform our home into a toxin-free sanctuary, and incorporated relaxation techniques like meditation, music therapy, and aromatherapy into our daily routine.

Caring for and supporting Eric deepened my commitment to living well. From choosing natural products and prioritizing nutritious foods to finding strength in vulnerability, we built a daily routine focused on positivity and wellness. 

I’m passionate about sharing our story, the lessons we learned, and the simple steps we took to enhance our overall well-being.


Creating a Nurturing Space Together

We focused on creating a nurturing environment where both of us could thrive. It was a process of resilience, love, and continuous learning that I'm determined to carry forward from here. I’m eager to share our experiences, the lessons we picked up along the way, and the small changes that made a big difference in our lives. Whether you’re looking to make minor adjustments or dive into a complete wellness transformation, I hope our story can inspire and support you on your own path.

Here’s to embracing change, supporting each other, and living our best lives—together! ✨

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