Look, I’m not saying I’m a trend forecaster or anything, but I am saying I have a lot of feelings about things right now. Spring has me in a refresh-and-renew mood. Think open windows, iced drinks, and a chaotic urge to either completely change my life or do absolutely nothing. There’s no in-between. I live in a world of extremes…
So here it is: a completely arbitrary and highly personal list of what I’m loving lately and what I’m politely (or not so politely) retiring. No real logic. Just vibes.
🌸 What’s IN (aka bringing me unreasonable joy lately)
- Cream soda – I don’t know why this tastes like childhood nostalgia and magic at the same time, but it does. Bonus points if it’s pink.
- Cute coffee shops – I’m talking mismatched mugs, plants in every corner, and baristas who remember your name. We’re romanticizing our lives this year.
- Taking walks everywhere – Walking as a personality trait? Absolutely yes. Give me sunshine, a good playlist, and no real destination.
- Impressionistic art – Big yes to blurry florals and soft, moody landscapes. If it looks like a daydream, I’m into it.
- Gas station snacks – High-end cuisine? No thanks. Give me peach rings and a questionable corn dog.
- Retro games – N64, pixelated chaos, that clunky PS1 startup sound. Inject that straight into my bloodstream please.
- Pasta – Any kind. All kinds. Pasta is self-care now.
- Formal gowns for no reason – Go ahead, wear that dramatic dress to buy toilet paper. I support you.
- Saying “no” to protect your mental space – Revolutionary, honestly. I feel like I have to remind myself to do this at some point every year. Gotta keep that FOMO in check.
- Giving people the benefit of the doubt – Life’s weird for everyone. Let’s chillout for a second and maybe stop making character assessments of everyone on the interstate just because they didn’t use a turn signal once. Draining honestly and yet I indulge.
- Microwave popcorn – The perfect snack for every situation. Salty, satisfying, and takes two minutes. Iconic.
- Herb gardens – Even if it’s just one sad basil plant on a windowsill. We’re farming now.
- Petting as many cats as possible – If there’s a cat, I’m stopping. Priorities.
- Body spray – Strong 2006 mall energy.
- Changing your bedding regularly – Like hitting a mental reset button. Plus clean smelling sheets are *chef’s kiss*,
🧼 What’s OUT (aka, I’m over it)
- Buying ingredients but never cooking – If I have to throw out one more wilted bunch of cilantro…
- Cheap soap – We are grown. Our hands deserve better.
- Grudges – Too heavy to carry. Let it go, Elsa-style.
- Cruddy socks that need to be replaced – Why do I still have socks with holes in them?? And why does it feel illegal to just throw them away?????
- Plain coffee – I want cinnamon. I want foamed milk. I want joy.
- Falling asleep to your phone/TV – No more scrolling into the void. Let’s reclaim bedtime.
- Minimalism – Bring back cluttercore. Give me trinkets. Give me personality.
- 6am alarms – Unless it’s for something exciting or airport-related, no thank you.
- Self guilt – You don’t have to earn rest or joy or snacks. Be nice to yourself.
- Hanging in groups that make you feel bad – Nope. Friendship should feel like sunshine, not stomach knots.
- Not complimenting people but still thinking it – Just say it! Give strangers their flowers!
- The color grey – It’s giving “dentist office.” Let’s inject some color into our lives.
- Monochrome stuff – Matchy-matchy is out. Chaos layering is in.
Anyway, that’s where I’m at right now. Spring is the time to throw open the windows, eat snacks that make no sense, and maybe (just maybe) give yourself a break.
Tell me what’s on your in-and-out list. I love knowing what little things are making people happy lately.
🌼✨
By the Brooke 