Tired of Junk from Temu, Shein and Amazon? Here’s What I Do Instead.
I wish I could say I’m one of those people who grow their own food, sew their own clothes, or live that dreamy farm-to-table life.
I’m not. But I have started being more intentional about what I buy and bring into my life.
It started with frustration. Like so many of us, I’d turn to Amazon when I needed something, only to end up scrolling through pages of options that were cheap and often disappointing. One of the last straws was when I ordered a basic plain black rash guard workout shirt. All I wanted was something simple and functional.
What I got?
A shirt with Qucik dry misspelled on the tag (yes, really!) and a weird, random design on the back. If you have a guess at what this is, please comment below! To this day, I still don’t know what it was supposed to be. That was when I thought, Why am I wasting my time and money on stuff like this?
Creating Exactly What I Want
So, I started designing my own things—products that meet my needs and reflect my style. In the photo I’m sharing here:
The planner? I designed it to fit my goals and daily routine perfectly.
The Smells bussin’ no cap candle? 100% soy, non-toxic, and even teen-approved (my kids actually like it).
The space? I built this butcher block nook myself, complete with a backsplash that my daughter and I installed in my kitchen.
It’s been such a satisfying experience, knowing that everything I make fits exactly what I’m looking for.
Finding My Perfect Hoodie
I love hoodies and one of the biggest learning curves was finding the perfect hoodie. I waded through so many brands—Gildan, Bella + Canvas, Comfort Colors, and more—trying to figure out what worked.
Some were stiff, some didn’t survive the first wash, and some just didn’t feel right. Spending more didn’t always mean getting better quality. After a lot of trial and error, I finally landed on my ideal hoodie: soft, durable, and just the right fit.
Now, when I want a new hoodie, I skip the guessing game and design one myself. I’ve created hoodies with designs tied to special memories, like the spot my girlfriends and I love in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, and a weightlifting-themed hoodie I wear to the gym. Every piece feels personal, and I know it’s worth the time and effort.
A New Way to Shop
Designing my own things has become my new way to shop. Instead of settling for “good enough,” I create exactly what I want. No more endless scrolling, no more cheap surprises, no more wasted money.
If this sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry—I’ve already done the trial and error for you. The things I create are available to buy, and trust me, they’re worth the price. Skip the frustration and go straight to something you’ll love.
