Quickly Chaotic Volcano

Just a slice of my life. Share a slice of yours.

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A lil week of self-care

Monday I had off from work, and it was much needed. I'm so burnt out. This year, I told myself I wouldn't stress so much, I wouldn't let work get to me like it had last year. And by week two, I was already so stressed out, I could feel myself making myself sick. I had no appetite. I didn't want to move or do anything. That's not me. Well, I know its not me, its been me for a while now.

So with Monday off, I decided that I was going to do a little self-care this week. Monday I went shopping at the outlets, by myself. I wanted a coffee not made by my espresso machine so bad, but I'm still boycotting Starbucks. I missed the whole holiday season due to the boycott, but I'm okay with that. So while at the outlets I treated myself with a little tiramisu latte from a shop there.

Wednesday I have a massage and facial booked for myself. My Hand and Stone is right by a Crumbl and I still have points for a free cookie, so I'll head there after. Then I'll probably go food shopping, which at night, I find deeply relaxing.

It is apparently supposed to snow again this weekend here, so I want to buy stuff to make Ambrosia. Why... I have not a clue, but for some reason I want to try it so bad. But who cares, its my self care week, not yours... and if its gross... well at least I did something I wanted to this week.

I have a whole list of things I want to do this year and another is to try the "viral pregnancy sub" from Jersey Mike's. I know, I hate that I want something viral from social media, but I mean the thought of a BLT on a roll with pickled goodies, you'd catch me eating that even if it wasn't viral. I just never thought to get a BLT from Jersey' Mike's. Plus I've gone there the last two weeks (each time telling myself, get the sandwich). Maybe since its a week of self-care, I'll get it... or I won't its up to me.

I don't know what else to add to this self-care week, but I can make it up as I go.

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Bring back the free promotional sunglasses.

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Be kind to yourself

I feel like people preach self-care, but that's so much easier said than done. I'm sure everyone here has heard it at least once... because I like to think of myself as pretty balanced, anxious, but balanced...

You'll feel better if you just...

Drink water

Excerise

Stress less

Eat better

Go to bed earlier

Move more

Try a little harder

And then some...

But the truth is, life it tough. There's so much going on just to keep yourself alive and out of trouble. Telling someone, just exercise and you'll feel better is insensitive. As if I've got time to do all above the above, while working, keeping my house clean, keeping contact with people who I love/need support/care about me. You've got to go food shopping, take out the garbage, check your personal email, pay your bills. I hope you find time to see your primary care doctor, your eye doctor and your dentist. I think most adults also have a specialist or two too. As I write this out, it doesn't sound like all that much, but its draining.

When someone tells me, its hard to get moving, its hard to work out, they may cite pain, difficulty or lack of motivation and I always tell them, I get it. I get it that you are just surviving and its so exhausting to get through the day. I encourage that even little steps are better than nothing. You may not run a marathon anytime soon, but if you just do a little something, its better than nothing. We don't need to hit dramatic numbers to find personal success.

I've had people tell me you should download this app or that app to push yourself further at the gym. Baby, sometimes just showing up at the gym is pushing myself. Sometimes doing that five extra minutes is pushing myself. I'm proud that I've cut down my mile time, but when it increases, I remind myself, I'm proud I still gave it a shot. I'm proud I returned that day. Its more than I would have done if I didn't.

So I remind you, be kind to yourself. Others too. But today, be kind to yourself, you deserve it.

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Feeling like I should save

Recently I've been feeling like I really need to save money. Of course its the end of the holidays season and every probably feels like they have spent a little too much, but I feel like I've got to be prepared.

I don't even want to blame it on the state of the world, its more of a sinking feeling. Waiting for the other financial shoe to drop. Though the chaos of the world isn't making anything either. We've got so much violence and unrest happening right now globally.

I think its important for everyone to be aware we are always one accident, one medical emergency, one OH SHOOOT, away from being in a rough financial situation, from losing all comfort.

I've worked with folks who have had nothing, folks who are homeless, folks who grew up in poor financial situations and folks still living in poor financial situations. I'm grateful for my place in life, that I've never had to experience such hardship.

Even when life seems hard, I know I've got it good.

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I feel like I'm always cleaning

Seriously, how did my mom do it back in the day. Work, raising kids, house was always spotless.

Me, working, has pets, always tired, home always needs tidying up.

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I used to love to write

My goal is going to be to write here every day, even if its just a short post. I used to love writing. Not that I ever thought I would be a famous novelist, but growing up I thought it was a strength of mine. When I got my undergrad, I studied a writing-heavy field only to go into the nonwriting part of it for several years. I later got a masters in a non-writing field and now I hardly ever write more than grocery lists.

Is it growing up and having responsibilities that take away the enjoyment in writing? I used to have so many ideas for stories, characters, plots. I used to be able to let my mind and stories wonder. Now as it wonders its just filled with anxiety.

Is this burnout? Probably.

I don't think even if I had a writing prompt I would be enticed to creatively write. I can't think of a single person who creatively writes.

Like I said earlier, I studied a writing-heavy field in my undergrad. I had a couple friends who swore they'd write series, some got as far as one book, others I never saw anything.

I guess the good thing about writing is you're never too old. And I guess another good thing is its free.

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I went a year without buying clothing, part 5

Last year I challenged myself to go a year without buying clothing. I'll start with this disclaimer though, I did buy an outfit for a wedding with a specific theme. That's it though.

Links to my previous posts are at the bottom.

Here's where I am now, I don't know where to shop next. I don't know what brands are trusted now-a-days. You see so many advertisements on social media for this brand and that one and now you have to search reviews to see if they are real, legit, or another ultra fast fashion brand who are delivering who knows what.

I'm loving the dark colors with a slight pop of color. I love checkered print. I love overalls and jumpers. But where is a legit place to find this sort of clothing?

A friend of mine loves Anthropologie, every time I tell her I like one of her pieces, that's where she got it, but to be honest that's a little more than I'm looking to spend. I know clothing is an investment in a sense. Not one that's going to make you rich in 20 years, but investing in good quality clothing will hopefully make it so you don't need to buy more soon. However, $42 for a tank top is a little much for me, $138 for a cardigan is a little much for me. Some of its real cute though.

I did hear of a place down near Philly called Reclectic which I hope to get to. Apparently the store carries brands like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters at lower prices.

Then when I search "women's clothing alternative" I get tons of ads for Disturbia. I mean I see ads for them all the time on social media, but I don't know anyone who has actually bought anything from them. Per Reddit, it seems as if this is another one of those companies where you have to be careful with what you buy. Reviews again make it sound like at one point, this was a legit store, but as time has gone on quality has shifted.

Also in my search of "women's clothing alternative Reddit" I found a whole list of alternative-styled brands, which, by the way, did you know that Vampire Freaks apparently now sells clothing -- ya know the old social media site for alternative folks?

In my journey, I've also seen Quince as a brand to check out. Looks simple, sleek, comfortable, I'll have to come back to this one.

I also used to get advertisements for the WildFang Debbie Harry line. This site looks pretty cool too, I'm loving the overalls and coveralls. I deff want to add a coverall to my lineup. Reviews I've seen from them are pretty good, prices seem reasonable.

What other suggestions for stores do you recommend?

In my first post, I discussed how I got rid of much of my Shein collection.

In my second post, I discussed considering going secondhand shopping.

In my third post, random side thought about how often hygienically should I get rid of clothing?

In my fourth post, I purchase from Old Navy.

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I went a year without buying clothing, Part 4

Last year I challenged myself to go a year without buying clothing. I'll start with this disclaimer though, I did buy an outfit for a wedding with a specific theme. That's it though.

Links to my previous posts are at the bottom.

So like I said in my last post, I thought for sure at the strike of midnight on Jan. 1, 2026, I'd be filling my virtual shopping cart with every retailer I had considered in the year prior.

My first purchase was placed around Jan. 5 from Old Navy. I saw an ad on Instagram and of course I'm a sucker. The item set I wanted wasn't even available. I love Old Navy though, all my jeans are from there, so I knew I would be returning either way.

I ended up buying two pairs of pants, yoga pants with pockets, a three quarter blocked pattern shirt, fashion socks (which I'm still waiting to be delivered) and one dress. I felt bad though, I still have so many pairs of pants, I certainly did not need anything new. (That should tell you something about Old Navy's jeans quality though! They held up!)

So what made me want to buy these pants since I still have so many?Over the course of 2025, I was put off so many times from shopping because I had SO much it felt somewhat sickening. I wouldn't even say I'm someone who has a massive closet either. You'll catch me wearing the same items on a regular basis it feels.

My partner was able to tell they were new pants right at the jump though. The ones I bought (not jeans) fit well and the color was vibrant. That was nice. Though when I bought the pants, the intention wasn't compliments, it was, I owned another pair of these and liked them, let's get a different color.

I also certainly did not need another dress. I'll be honest, the quality of the dress makes me a little nervous, but its more of a summer look anyway, so we've got a couple months before I can give a good review of that.

And then my socks. My sock draw is bustling. Barely closes, but I wanted fashion socks. I have these ideas in my head to wear these fashion socks with a dress and Doc Martens, but is that necessary?

Fashion is about self-expression and self-expression can make you feel good about yourself overall, but why do I still feel somewhat guilty about adding to my closet. I know I still have way too much stuff, but I still want more.

I'll tell you though, when I wore that first new outfit, it felt good. It felt good to have items that fit well, that were still snug and not stretched out. It felt good to have a sweater that was soft and bright.

In my first post, I discussed how I got rid of much of my Shein collection.

In my second post, I discussed considering going secondhand shopping.

In my third post, random side thought about how often hygienically should I get rid of clothing?

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Went one year without buying clothing, Part 3

Last year I challenged myself to go a year without buying clothing. I'll start with this disclaimer though, I did buy an outfit for a wedding with a specific theme. That's it though.

In my first post, I discussed how I got rid of much of my Shein collection.

In my second post, I discussed considering going secondhand shopping.

I thought for sure, the moment the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, 2026, I would be raring to go, buying everything in sight.

First thing I bought, new undergarments. Sorry if that's too much information, but I was in desperate need. I've tried Google-searching before "how often should I replace my underwear" and most posts are like "daily." I'm like... "after how many wears should I replace my underwear" and the posts are like "one." I eventually will find a source that says "every six months" or "when its stained." Is that true though or is that consumerism?

What is the optimal time length to own a garment? I remember my friend from high school had a shirt that her mother wore when she was a kid -- and her parents always seemed older than mine. The shirt was unique, had a character I had never seen before, but had armpit stains. Many of my first have armpit stains -- well did before the clothing purge.

Some people hang on to garments for decades and they still look amazing. Of course though, when something sits in a closet and is only occasionally worn its going to look better than the shirt that gets weekly use.

Hygienically, how often should I be switching out my clothing? Is there a hygienic time? Or does this "hygienic time" come from companies that want us to buy buy buy? Or is there something to it? Is it bad for my skin, my body, etc., to keep wearing something made 10 years ago that I wear on a monthly basis?

I guess this was a side thought to my main post...oh well.....

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Went one year without buying clothing, Part 2

Last year I challenged myself to go a year without buying clothing. I'll start with this disclaimer though, I did buy an outfit for a wedding with a specific theme. That's it though.

In my first post, I discussed how I got rid of much of my Shein collection.

So here we are in 2026. I still have way too much clothing. My closet is still overflowing and there is still plenty of stuff tucked away because it's not the right season.

I'm at the point where I dislike most things in my closet, they just aren't my style anymore or they are baggy and worn, or the colors just aren't as vibrant as they once were. I guess that somewhat comes with wearing the same select items over and over again.

I thought It would look at 2026 as a chance to find my style again.

Part 2: Do I go secondhand?

I considered only shopping via thrift/consignment stores, but I feel like that has become its own type of game. In my brief research it seems like many of the websites online for that are filled with scammers.

I will say, in the past I have used ThreadUp and thought it was great. That was about four-ish years ago. Again, that's another place where you have to put effort into finding what you want. The stuff in my latest search of it, just wasn't giving me that dopamine rush that I had hoped for.

I've seen online people say to wait until after January to go thrift/consignment shopping as its when everyone has gone through their stuff and donated it.

For me, there are several things that are attractive about buying secondhand. Of course I love that its less clothing going into the landfills, but I also love that its a chance for items to be a little more unique. Something from several seasons ago but still in good style, sounds like a good deal to me!

Give me that bright yellow jacket that may be from 2010, give me that dress that someone's aunt had living in her closet until she decided to downsize into an apartment. Just give me something that isn't what everyone else is wearing. Give me a statement. But also, give it to me at a decent price.

A couple months ago, I went to a "vintage clothing market" and of course everything is upcharged because what's old is in. My close friend always jokes that she wishes she saved all her old band tees because now she wants to wear them again -- we're no longer embarrassed to say who we like. She gave me one shirt in particular because I loved the style, and I still have it. She's shown me its now going for $50+ online but when she bought it, it was probably $15.

These vintage markets also have me questioning what's true "vintage" and what is a reprint. I have no qualms with reprints, but don't' call it vintage just because its the same "Dookie" shirt that Hot Topic is still selling today as they did in 2006.

I'm guessing I'll just have to find a solid consignment shop and take a look.

Here's where I need anyone who has been reading my blog's help. What do I look for in secondhand clothing? Is there anything I should know? Anything I should look out for?

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Went one year without buying clothing

Last year I challenged myself to go a year without buying clothing. I'll start with this disclaimer though, I did buy an outfit for a wedding with a specific theme. That's it though.

In 2024, I decided I had way too much clothing, and even after a year of not buying clothing and donating what I could or throwing out items that I didn't think could be reloved, I still have way too much clothing. I can honestly say I donated at least four garbage bags of my own clothing in November -- my big purge. My household, just my partner and I, donated at least ten bags all together, some of stuff, some of their clothing, shoes. Then we had to prep for hosting Thanksgiving so, I jammed the other half filled bag in the attic, forgot about the half filled bag in the basement, and just live with the fact that I know there is more I need to get rid of.

I got rid of things that had stains I couldn't seem to get out. I got rid of things people bought me with the best intentions, thinking they knew what I would like -- some of this never even worn. I got rid of the things that were just too small but I had made them work by rolling up the sleeves or tucking the top into a bottom. I got rid of all the things I bought from places like Shein.

Part 1: I think this is where this turns into a Shein review?

That was probably my favorite part. I loved doing "hauls" from Shein because it offered a chance to test new styles, things I wouldn't typically buy, things that I thought I would wear for work, all at an affordable price... and if I didn't like it, who cares it was $10.

I remember my first Shein order, probably 2021... as I remember challenging myself to not buy any new clothing in 2020 (that year I only bought a pair of stockings and a bathing suit so again, not 100% pure but things at the time I felt like I needed). I remember Romwe (to be exact) seemed a little sketchy. I looked at multiple reviews and decided, eh its the pandemic, the reviews say it takes some time to deliver. Items arrived at an average speed and I LOVED them. I still have most of those original items I believe.

Every haul had items that gained compliments. I always sort of sheepishly would say, "oh its from Shein" since its not secret, the reputation or connotation.

I was a part of a Shein Facebook group and the folks in there would post amazing looks which always brought me back for more.

As most people who have bought from Shein/Romwe/the others on that site, realize, the quality has significantly declined over the years. It went from, just look at the sizing as somethings aren't traditional American sizing to look at the size, look at the reviews, no I mean the photo reviews, look close at the material, some materials smell, etc. I think off my final Shein order in 2024 I own two pairs of pants still and I debate donating them every time I wear them. Of course that order had 12+ items.

So during my purge, I cleansed my closet of many of my Shein items. I got rid of all the things that shrank after one wear, I got rid of things that were the materials I couldn't stand, I got rid of the things that just didn't fit right. I got rid of things that I thought were quirky when I bought them, but didn't fit into my normal flow. I got rid of the things that weren't what I thought they were even after I read the reviews. I got rid of the things that didn't feel like me. I got rid of all the accessories that I saw and thought, "oh I could rock that."

Don't get me wrong, there is still a large portion of my closet that is Shein. I think they have some great pants that I can wear in my line of work, I've got several wedding outfits still, and of course the other odds and ends.

I got rid of the app -- which was my favorite, I would look and favorite items for weeks, then when I was ready to purchase, I'd go through it all and find what I really wanted. I had things saved for my potential parties and gatherings that never happened.

Even before I made it through 2025: The year without buying clothing, I decided that I don't need to shop there anymore. Not because of some moral high ground. I've just grown past it for now. Perhaps I'll be back in the future, not for clothing but for parties or décor or maybe gag gifts.

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Thinking about taking a break from social media titans

As I doom scrolled on Instagram and Facebook today, I had the same thought I do each weekend. None of this is real, its all staged, its all for views. I supposed that's what social media has always been, the face we put on for others, but for some reason, it has felt so much more pointless recently.

Everything feels like an advertisement, you know the weird faces and expressions people are going to make. Now I'm not saying it needs to be genuine, but I don't need another video of the hard blink and the over enthused MMM. I don't need a video of someone's nails tapping or a knife scraping over something crunchy. I don't need some wrap up of songs or moments or clips from some TV show. I know its my algorithm since you stop once and you get more like it.

Last year, I decided to use Facebook and Instagram only during the weekends, but this year, I'm considering going without it for a month to see how I feel. I've done this in the past, but here I am again. I feel like I waste far too much time just doom scrolling. I suppose I could end up doing the same thing here, but here, I'm looking to hear other people's stories, other people's life stories -- or I guess the fiction they are writing with the intention of it being fiction.

It is interested to see how much social media has evolved. From MySpace, the classic. You actually connected with people, you could find bands and artists, but I think for the most part, people were friends with friends or people they wanted to be friends with. It was much heavier on the social part versus the influencer part. Not to say they didn't exist, those influencers of the 2000s crawled so today's influencers could STRUT.

From MySpace we evolved to Facebook. My friend in high school told me of a cool new website but you had to have a college email to join it. I somehow made one pre-college, must have been when they very first opened it up to non-students. So when I entered college I already had a Facebook but was so hesitant to use it -- at least my freshman year. Then Farmville took over my brain. And all these new connections who weren't on MySpace. That same friend also loved Twitter, so I had one of those before college too but didn't do much with it until I was told it was the way of the future. Then of course, Tumblr. Oh I loved Tumblr from I guess 2011-12ish. I remember I tried to get back into it in 2014, but it didn't hit like it did back in 2012. Oh course it was more for reblogging and posting things that I thought would make me cool... which ya know, goes back to the first paragraph here, a face we put on for others.

What were the other moments in time from like 2011-15? Vine? Kiik? Music.ly?

I went to college in the time when people were warned everything you put on the internet stays on the internet. Maybe that's why people were so much more cheesey, more social connection heavy? When its all people you know?

Instagram has been the big dog for me since 2013 on. One of my co-workers ruined Facebook for me in like 2018 when he was like "oh you know its like every 5 posts its an ad." Then it was every three posts. Now its all videos and posts from people I don't know. The people I did go to school with, or did know in a past life, they don't post.

Instagram in the pandemic was fun. I feel like that was a big evolve. We got more music, more videos, more wow. I guess with people being home it gave them more time to work on things. I guess that's how we got here today.

I wonder where the world will go next. I never picked up Tiktok, so I guess I'm lucky for that one. However, Instagram is just Tiktok's dumping ground.

I think people see influencers and think, "how glamourous" or "that's got to be easy." I can't even imagine the work that goes into getting a following, crafting your craft, making perfection on a regular basis.

But, really, what comes next. What will be the way for people to connect socially again. I can't imagine its just going to be people wanting to be just influencers forever. I think we'll have a great divide. People yearning for that human connection again and then people who want to see these skits.

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Baby's first blog post

Well, sort of.

This morning I had the thought... do people still write personal blogs? And according to a Reddit post made five years ago, the answer was yes.

So here we are, back on Tumblr. I found an old Tumblr account of mine that had a post last made in 2014 -- so over a decade, but hey, the posts, were reblogs of lyrics for bands I still listen to today. I quickly deleted that and started over. However, while there, I did notice that one of my friends at that time -- I haven't spoken to her in probably eight years, still kept her account active and reblogging, so good on her.

Don't expect too much from me, I don't have high hopes on my consistency just yet. Here's just a slice of my life.

Just as any popular Youtuber would say now-a-days, share your thoughts below. I'd love to hear from you.