Here’s What Happened When Millennials Put Pen to Paper for a Week

Writing things down doesn’t have to be sentimental. Journaling — in the form of writing, doodling, list-making and more — can help us process emotions, and it’s a simple way to tap into the imaginative part of our brain. With these benefits in mind, we partnered with the Paper & Packaging — How Life Unfolds ™ Campaign to explore how journaling would affect an array of B+C staffers.

The Paper and Packaging Board’s latest campaign, Letters of Peace, is all about encouraging people to express themselves creatively using paper. We were particularly curious to see how journaling with paper and pen could help us with self-reflection and creativity. Participants had one rule: They must journal 20 minutes every day for a week using a notebook and a pen. Two designers, one analyst, an editor and the President and GM of Media volunteered. We’re fascinated with the results!

MARIANNE, THE VISUAL THINKER

Meet Marianne Koo, warmly known to her B+C pals as “Koo,” “Koo-licious,” and as a genius industrial designer with a heart of gold. Given her profession, it’s no surprise that she’s a visual thinker. We regularly catch Koo hand-lettering for our Instagram and blueprinting future company projects. For Marianne, we were particularly interested to see how carving out 20 minutes of *personal* creative time each night would affect her. Let’s find out!

What did you journal about?

“I journaled about EVERYTHING! I tried to let myself dwell a tiny bit on even the smallest thoughts. It feels like a good way to give something the time it deserves; then I can allow myself to move on. It’s something I’m trying to be better about, because I often let thoughts build up and they fuel my anxiety.”

How did you journal?

“I did a bit of lettering, writing and doodling. Sometimes it felt easier to express how I was feeling that day with a diagram, other days I felt like I really needed to articulate myself with large chunks of text.”

What time of day did you usually journal?

“Usually in the evenings after work, but some days I woke up and immediately started journaling. One morning in particular, I woke up from a dream with the most amazing textile. I dreamt that a good friend’s grandmother hand-embroidered this intricate blanket and she was showing me every detail of it. It was insane. I woke up and knew I had to sketch it out. Maybe one day I’ll recreate it.”

Did it feel like a chore? Why or why not?

Some days writing did feel like a chore, but I had to remind myself that it’s such a healthy release. Again, it’s so necessary for me to give myself the space to think about something, and then to let it go. It’s a way for me to exorcise the negative thoughts that would otherwise stress me out.

Was it easy to fill the full 20 minutes every day? Did you?

“20 minutes felt like a lot of time! Some days it felt like I had zero thoughts in my head. With my creative job, I’ve been conditioned to feel that 20 minutes is more than enough time to crank out a concept sketch or to write an email, so it was definitely challenging to spend 20 minutes on one thing strictly dedicated to my personal life.”

Did you find yourself thinking in a new or unexpected way?

“Expressing myself in diagrams is definitely an interesting way to think. I don’t think anyone naturally breaks themselves up into bits of information, so learning to do that was SO weird. Like is this percentage of me really angry? Or sad? On a scale of 1-10, how excited was I today?”

What was your overall experience with this challenge? Any big takeaways?

“The big takeaway is that it’s difficult to make time for a designated activity every day, but the payoff can be so rewarding. Ultimately, writing and drawing in a journal is dedicating time to reflect on yourself, and I think it’s a form of self-care that’s often overlooked.”

How do you think using pen and paper affected your journaling?

“Woof, have you ever considered how much your handwriting deteriorates after using a computer for X amount of years? Yikes! It was scary to think that a pen on paper felt foreign, and some days my writing was complete chicken scratch. As a visual person, that drove me crazy and made me want to practice and work on that muscle memory a bit more.”

What word/phrase comes to mind to sum up this experience?

“Therapeutic.”

EMILY, THE #GIRLBOSS

Next up, Emily Smith! As our President and GM of Media *and* a mom of three, it’s no surprise that Emily is a very busy person. We were curious to see how designating a chunk of time to creative self-reflection would impact her week. Take a look.

How did your week with journaling go?

“Last week was completely nuts and I found it impossible to journal during the week. However, feeling bad about that, I doubled down and journaled all weekend. If I left the house, I slipped my journal into my purse so I would have it handy. It basically never left my side.”

How do you think using pen and paper affected your journaling?

“I have tried journaling in apps a few times recently, and I really enjoyed using paper instead. With apps, you end up drifting over into other digital distractions, such as email, texts, news alerts. But with paper, I found myself staying in the moment a lot more. I also liked documenting the daily details — writing in pen made the whole weekend feel more permanent and memorable.”

What did you journal about?

“I cooked a lot and entertained this weekend, so my poor journal is covered in cooking debris and smudged with dirty fingerprints. I wrote down menu plans, to-do lists, and groceries that I needed. As I cleaned up from my daughter’s earlier birthday party, I clipped samples of her gift wrap so I could remember the day. On Sunday night, I cranked out a list of all the things that happened that weekend.”

Did you find yourself thinking in a new or unexpected way?

“In some ways it was a perfectly normal weekend, but I knew it was filled with the kinds of things I would forget over time. Some mundane — my son’s soccer game got rained out; some amazing — my daughter’s friend brought over a puppy and we had a puppy play date that was about the cutest thing ever; some awful — our neighbor got robbed (in her home while she was there!) and a police officer came over to ask if we had seen anything unusual. I wrote it all down in my journal.”

Will you continue to journal now that the exercise is over?

“I will definitely keep it up!”

What word or phrase comes to mind to sum up this experience?

“It made the little things matter more.”

JEFF, MR ANALYST

Jeff Kneis is quite literally analytical — his job at Brit + Co is to decipher our content analytics across the web. If you asked someone else, he’s very creative — heck, he has the most expansive knowledge of GIFs and memes I’ve ever seen, and knows the perfect moment to share the virtual gems. IMHO, that’s definitely a form of creative thinking ;) But Jeff was certain he’d have the least creative POV when it came to his journaling. Let’s see what happened.

What did you journal about?

“I journaled about different topics each day, through a mixture of drawing and writing.”

Did you find yourself thinking in a new or unexpected way?

“I did feel more creative, mostly when drawing. I found it difficult to break out of my analytical mindset and think of ideas, so I drew images inspired by other artists instead. But it definitely made me think about things in a different way. Journaling forced me to use parts of my brain that I didn’t use regularly. I think (especially with work the last few years) I have really focused on thinking analytically. I lost some of the creativity I might have had in college when I was reading and writing more often.”

Was it easy to fill the full 20 minutes every day? Did you?

“It was pretty easy to take up 20 minutes. I probably ended up journaling for more like 30 minutes a day without even realizing it.”

Did it feel like a chore?

“It did feel like a chore on the weekend and one day during the week. It was good to set some time out of the day to just relax and do something different. It only felt like a chore when I had a lot of other things going on.”

What was your overall experience with this challenge? Any big takeaways?

“I think it was a nice challenge. I always knew this would be a little harder for me than a lot of people here at Brit + Co. It’s just not something I do too often anymore. The patterns were a nice transition though. That helped me ease into it.”

What word or phrase comes to mind to sum up this experience?

“Interesting and challenging. It was harder than I thought it was going to be to break my analytical thought process.”

CORTNEY, THE WRITER

Disclaimer: Cortney Clift is a writer, and a good one. In fact, she’s authored more articles on Brit + Co than anyone else! With a job where she literally writes all day, we were curious to see what she’d take away from solo creative journaling. Take a peek.

What did you journal about?

“I’ve recently read about how doodling can be cathartic. Since I rarely draw on a regular basis, I decided to do different doodles of things I had done each day.”

“Actually no! By the third day I was looking forward to it. It was nice to exercise that part of my brain that I haven’t really used since art school. I think I actually journaled more than 20 minutes each night.”

Did you find yourself thinking in a new or unexpected way?

“Any time I draw, I have to think differently and kind of stretch a different creative muscle. So, yes!”

How do you think using pen and paper affected your journaling?

“For me, journaling on pen and paper is very therapeutic. It’s nice to see it actually on the page. It’s also really nice for me to purposefully spend some time away from my phone/laptop/tablet.”

What word or phrase comes to mind to sum up this experience?

“Cathartically creative!”

MARISA, RESIDENT B+C DOODLER

Next up, Marisa Bo Kumtong! She’s an incredibly skilled visual designer that’s a master of doodling and graphic design. Her whimsical illustrations can be seen all over brit.co, our Instagram and even in our coloring book. Another reason we adore this girl: She’s like, permanently wearing her dancing shoes. Let’s see how her week with journaling went!

What did you journal about? How did you journal?

“I always started off the journal with how my day went, and it would usually stem off from something that happened that day. I would start by writing, then I’d spend the last few minutes drawing either how I felt that day or just with shapes and embellishments that would help the page come to life a bit. The drawing part was a good closer to each day’s journal entry.”

What time of the day did you usually journal?

“I usually journaled about an hour before I went to bed. When I’m done with work, I’m either at the gym, watching TV or working on a project, and I liked to clear my head right before I head to bed. My mind is still going hours after the work day and I took these 20 minutes as a cool-down and a time to reflect about the whole day.”

Was it easy to fill the full 20 minutes? Did you?

“I found myself not checking on the timer too often, which was pleasantly surprising. Before I started the first entry, I didn’t think I would make it to 20 minutes every day, but I actually did and it felt like just the right amount of time to sit down, get settled, get in the mode of writing and clear almost everything out of my head.”

Did you feel creative while journaling?

“I didn’t feel creative until the drawing part that happened at the end. The writing portion was just plain writing for me, a way to dump everything from my mind onto paper. I felt creative with some of my drawings at the end because I knew there was no pressure to make it look good, because it was for my eyes only. I feel like projects that I know won’t be critiqued by others are precious; that’s when I feel the most creatively free.”

Did you find yourself thinking in a new or unexpected way?

“Journaling always helps me think in a new way. I made it a point last year to start writing out my thoughts every day before I went to sleep because that was a time when I was going through something stressful — and it was hugely helpful! Writing it out is a good way for me to get all my crazy thoughts out of my jumbled brain. I think when I see something written out, I’m able to take a step back and realize that my fears and thoughts may be exaggerated, so it helps me realize how outlandish I might be at that moment.”

How do you think using pen and paper affected your journaling?

“I actually thought about this the second day of this exercise — like would this be any different than if I were to be typing this on a computer? Maybe that’s something I’ll try in the future. My guess is that writing with a pen and paper is more thoughtful and it takes more time to write something out than to type it out, so you choose your words more wisely. Also, maybe I’d feel less connected to the journal entry if it was typed out. There’s something magical and precious about being connected to something that’s tactile and that you can hold in your hand.”

What was your overall experience with this challenge? Any big takeaways?

“The overall experience was very positive. I want to remember how good it felt to force myself to sit down for 20 minutes and have a chance every day to reflect on my day.”

Will you continue to journal now that the exercise is over?

“YES, or hoping to at least :)”

What word/phrase comes to mind to sum up this experience?

“Emotionally releasing.”

The verdict? Journaling helped every participant think creatively and reflect on his or her week. For professional creatives, it served as an outlet for personal creative thinking; for busy-bees, it was a relief to designate a period of time for self-expression. Using paper and pen bolstered the practice — compelling the participants to think visually and focus on the exercise at hand (literally). Four of the five B+C staffers are planning on making journaling a daily practice; how awesome is that? I’d say this challenge was a success!

Want to participate in the #LettersofPeace campaign? Share images of your journals and paper projects with us on Instagram so we can take a look!

Production + Styling: Maddie Bachelder

Participants: Marianne Koo, Jeff Kneis, Emily Smith, Marisa Kumtong + Cortney Clift

Photography: Brittany Griffin

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward.


In this segment, Paige Wiese, founder & CEO of Tree Ring Digital in Denver, CO, walks us through some of the ways she encourages clients to double down on marketing when business is slow. Paige built her business as a solopreneur graphic designer to a team of 15, helping clients with SEO, online ads, and social media management. Here’s her Take 5, plus more tips for surviving the business lulls below!

What's a recent small win for you and your business?

Paige: A recent small win has been just seeing business pick up again. I am seeing businesses start to engage with their marketing efforts and really trying to get to the root of why their website might be underperforming. We look at what they can be doing to see their money actually go to a place that it should be going.

What's a big piece of advice that you give to your clients?

Paige: A lot of them want to back off anytime there's a little bit of scarcity. I really think that's the time to double down, whether it be your digital presence, your website, or just adjusting how you're spending your money. But instead of just saying, ‘Hey, we're going to stop [investing in marketing],’ ask ‘How do we double down in the correct way and make sure we're seeing measurable results out of it?’ I do it myself anytime business is a little slow. I think we have to either change or we need to be doubling down. A lot of clients come to us when the pipeline is already dry and money is tight and they’re hoping for a quick fix. Marketing, unfortunately, isn't a quick fix.

See more tips for surviving business lulls below!

What's an unexpected business challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

Paige: I think one of the bigger challenges that we've run into has been more on the employee side, some of the retention or the hiccups that come along the way and then just learning from them. So how can we be a better, stronger company coming out of this and how do we use it as a growing opportunity?

How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?

Paige: I learned about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). It's a free resource that’s self-paced and very digestible. The variety of topics it covers is a large gamut for any size business. The Selling with Storytelling course, especially, was really valuable to me, just really getting your messaging out there. I laugh that I sometimes enjoy the marketing ones a little bit more just because it is a refresher or another take on how we do this.

Thanks Paige!

Here Are More B+C Tips For Surviving The Small Business Lulls

Photo by Kampus Production

  1. Refine Your Strategy
    • Review your business plan and goals. Are you on track? What can be improved?
    • Analyze customer feedback and sales data to spot trends and areas where you can grow.
  2. Boost Your Marketing Efforts
    • Refresh your website or social media profiles. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s free Put Your Website to Work course will help you get started with best practices for building your business website.
    • Create engaging content through blogs, videos, and newsletters. Verizon’s free Creating Compelling Content course can help you create consistent, quality content for your target customers.
    • Offer promotions or limited-time discounts to attract new customers.
  3. Invest in Learning
    • Take an online course related to your industry, like Verizon’s free Planning for the Unexpected course for building resiliency in your business.
    • Stay updated on industry trends and innovations.
    • Engage with customers too. Send personalized emails to loyal customers or clients. Ask for reviews!
  4. Improve Your Processes
    • Streamline operations or explore new tools to increase your efficiency.
    • Organize your workspace and declutter your digital files.
  5. Self-Care and Rest
    • Take advantage of the slower pace to recharge. A refreshed mindset is exactly what you need to bring forth fresh ideas!

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Tree Ring Digital.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces.

Love may be blind, but is it written in the stars? Season 8 of Love Is Blind premiered on February 14, with 32 hopeful romantics putting their hearts on the line in the ultimate social experiment.

Sagittarius women and Taurus men dominate the cast this season, but they're not the only ones hoping to prove love transcends first impressions. Let's dive into the zodiac signs of each cast member. Their astrological profiles might reveal something about their journey to "I do."

Scroll to find out every zodiac sign for the Love is Blind season 8 cast!

Netflix

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

There are only three Aries on the reality show this season: Britanny, Monica, and David.

Britanny is 35 years old, works as a partnership executive, and relishes new experiences, which is why she relocated to Minneapolis. Meanwhile, Monica is 28, a digital marketer, and describes herself as family-oriented, wanting her partner to "feel like another family member."

David, the only male Aries, is a 33-year-old medical device salesperson who, contrary to what his job might suggest, hates superficiality and "too much Botox."

This zodiac sign is known for its boldness, passion, and unwavering determination when it comes to love. They have strong and adventurous personalities that could bring excitement and maybe even a little drama to Love Is Blind.

Netflix

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

There are four male Tauruses in the cast this season, including Alex, Daniel, Joey, and Mason, as well as one female, Casandra. So, ladies first! Casandra is 30 years old, a hairstylist, and believes that the "ultimate green flag" is a good sense of humor.

Moving over to the men, Alex is 29, works as a commercial real estate broker, and plays a ton of instruments, including the guitar, piano, bass, violin, drums, and clarinet.

Netflix

Daniel, on the other hand, is a 30-year-old sales account executive who was actually a former Gerber baby model. Finally, Joey is a 35-year-old physician associate, and Mason is a 33-year-old cinematographer.

Tauruses are known for their loyalty and appreciation for the finer things in life. This group can bring stability (or maybe even some stubbornness) to the season.

Netflix

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

There's just one Gemini on Love Is Blind this season, but she shouldn't be overlooked!

Tiera is 34 years old, employed as a marketing strategist, and values the "old ways" of dating. In fact, she even ditched dating apps in hopes of meeting her beau-to-be in the real world.

Geminis are witty, adaptable, and curious. Tiera's mindset and adoration of traditional romance could bring a refreshing mix of charm and depth.

Netflix

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Only two men are Cancers on Season 8. First up is Andrew, a 27-year-old realtor who wants to connect with someone on a deeper level, saying, "I'm someone who is constantly searching for answers to not always the simplest questions. I'm looking for someone who is willing to go on that journey."

Brian, a 30-year-old wine bar owner, also bears this zodiac sign and hopes to achieve a better work-life balance with his future significant other. He's also most complimented on his smile.

Cancers are very emotional, intuitive, and devoted partners who seek meaningful connections and a strong sense of home. With Andrew's introspective nature and Brian's desire for balance, these two water signs may spark some sentimental moments in Love Is Blind.

Netflix

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Watch out: there are two Leos on Season 8, and they could try to steal the spotlight.

Madison is a 28-year-old artist who admitted her most stable relationship has been with her French bulldog named Henri. The pup even has his own Instagram. Meanwhile, Adam is a 33-year-old co-owner and fashion director who traveled to six continents by the time he was only 13.

This zodiac sign is confident, charismatic, and loves being adored. As fire signs, Madison and Adam will surely inject the show with some passion, excitement, and perhaps a touch of drama.

Netflix

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Season 8 has no male Virgos, only two women. Ashley is 28 years old, works as a client success manager, and has previously been told by past partners that she's "a bit too much."

"I'm not willing to sacrifice my excitability. I really just want a partner that can embrace that fully," she said.

Then there is Kylie, a 28-year-old medical student who's "very religious" and wants to find a husband who shares her values.

Virgos are intelligent, practical, and deeply devoted, hence why they make thoughtful and committed partners. Ashley and Kylie seem like they'll approach love with both passion and purpose.

Netflix

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Just one man and one woman are Libras in the latest Love Is Blind installment. Meg is a 31-year-old oncology nurse who's free-spirited, goofy, and can be a little "air-headed" on occasion. On the other hand, Ben is 28 years old, works as a developer, and admits to being competitive. Even so, he doesn't like seeing others get excluded.

"I have kind of a sixth sense for that and love to just bring people in and make them feel included," he explained.

As charming and social peacemakers, Libras appreciate harmony in relationships. Meg and Ben embody this zodiac sign's balance between fun and fairness.

Netflix

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Tom is the lone Scorpio in Season 8. He's 38 years old, works as a management consultant, and is a native of Brazil. However, he was raised in Minnesota and calls himself a "fitness fanatic." Now, he wants to channel his determination and commitment into a lifelong relationship.

This zodiac sign is intense, passionate, and deeply loyal. Tom is clearly disciplined and desires a lasting connection so he can bring depth, focus, and a touch of mystery to the table.

Oh, and Nick and Vanessa are Scorpios, too! They even share the same birthday — November 9!

Netflix

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Lauren, Molly, Vanessa, and Yemi are all Sagittarians seeking love this season. For starters, Lauren is 31 years old and works in educational sales, but her past relationships haven't lasted longer than six to nine months. She's seeking a partnership that lasts the test of time.

Next, Molly is a 30-year-old executive assistant who owns her own home, and Vanessa is a 31-year-old media planner who's actually a classically trained ballerina. The final Sagittarian woman is Yemi, a 30-year-old product sales manager. She's independent and successful in her career, so she wants an ambitious man who helps her grow.

Netflix

There are just two male Sagitarrians: Brad and Scott. Brad is 35 years old, works as a dentist, and hopes to find a "best friend" who's easy to talk to. As for Scott, he's a 34-year-old project manager who's been described as a "golden retriever" and has a close bond with his loved ones.

These adventurous and free-spirited singles balance a mix of ambition with a longing for deep connections. They could bring spontaneity and a few bold moves to Love Is Blind.

Netflix

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Mo is the sole male Capricorn in Season 8. He's a 35-year-old property manager who actually learned English as his third language and hopes to find someone who's trustworthy and values his big heart.

Amanda, Sara, and Virginia are the three female Capricorns. Starting with Amanda, she's 43, works as a district retail manager, and really wants a real-life meet-cut. Sara is a 29-year-old oncology nurse who's seeking a goal-oriented significant other. Lastly, Virginia is 34 years old, employed as a healthcare recruiter, and has endured draining situationships.

"Still showing up and wanting love is my hugest accomplishment because it's really easy to become jaded," she admitted.

This zodiac sign is ambitious, practical, loyal, and focuses on long-term goals. Whether this season's Capricorns are looking for trust, stability, or a fresh start, they'll bring determination and resilience to Love Is Blind.

Netflix

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Benji, a 26-year-old entrepreneur and realtor, is the only Aquarian in Season 8. He's bounced around over the last seven years as a "huge traveler," but now, he's hoping to settle down with someone who checks all of his boxes.

His dream partner is spontaneous (with the ability to plan) and pushes him to try new things (while also making him feel comfortable).

Will Benji find everything he's looking for? It's unclear. Nonetheless, Aquarians are innovative and forward-thinking, so Benji's curiosity could lead him somewhere unexpected.

Netflix

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Last but certainly not least is Pisces, the sign home to one woman and two men this season. Let's begin with Taylor. She's a 32-year-old colonoscopy nurse who lost herself in previous relationships and wants to "love fearlessly and wholeheartedly" again.

As for the men, Devin is a 29-year-old youth director/coach who built a basketball training business and hopes to find a woman who supports him from the sidelines. Meanwhile, Hugo is a 30-year-old marketer who enjoys escaping the mundane and wants a woman who matches his spontaneous spirit.

This zodiac sign is romantic and intuitive. Viewers can expect some empathy and creativity from the Pisces on Season 8 of Love Is Blind.

Looking for more astrology or entertainment news? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter & follow us on Facebook!

There are so many ways you can reach customers today, from online marketplaces to social media platforms, websites and beyond. But which is right for you? To keep up with the fast-paced world of online selling, you want to explore ways to stand out in your market and create new revenue streams. A unique way that’s proven to be fun and actually effective for many small businesses? Live selling.

What exactly is live selling? Think of it as your own online show, where you invite new and loyal customers to chat and join in a livestreamed auction of whatever you’re selling. Entrepreneurs sell everything from trading cards, comic books, and memorabilia to fashion, beauty, electronics, and even live plants on Whatnot’s livestream platform. They share product details in real-time, chatting directly with potential buyers, and selling to the highest bidder.

Here are five reasons why small business owners are loving Whatnot to build their business, grow their online community, and connect with their customers.

1. Create new revenue streams

As a small business owner, you want to look for additional ways to boost your income or diversify your revenue streams. With Whatnot, you can tap into the rapidly growing livestream shopping market and boost your bottom line. In fact, according to Whatnot’s State of Livestream Selling Report, 66 percent of Whatnot sellers earn more than $10,000 per month through livestream selling, and one in four sellers report making over $300,000 each year! That’s a pretty sweet side hustle, andyou may even find it’s your favorite way to sell.

2. Build your community

Whatnot isn’t just a sales platform; it’s a space where you can build a strong community. Through livestream selling, you can connect with customers in real-time, build meaningful relationships, and host dynamic auctions or flash sales – turning sales into engaging experiences that drive loyalty and repeat business.

3. Reach a wider audience

Finding the right customers is critical, and your odds are better when you can reach a broader audience instantly. Whatnot’s interactive format lets you share your product or service with millions of users. Livestreaming offers a way to reach potential customers who may not have discovered your business through traditional channels.

4. Make selling and buying more fun!

Whatnot takes e-commerce to the next level by making sales more interactive and fun. Livestream selling turns ordinary sales into exciting events, with real-time auctions, flash sales, and engaging chats. This approach not only boosts sales but also creates memorable experiences that keep customers coming back for more.

5. Stay competitive

By offering a platform that blends community and commerce, Whatnot empowers small business owners to scale faster, adapt to market changes, and stay competitive. The sense of community is an element that makes the sale less transactional and more relational. And that’s good for business!

Learn how to become a seller on Whatnot today – it’s a total game changer!

As times change, so do our cultural norms, and what was once considered groundbreaking or entertaining in Hollywood can now raise eyebrows or leave modern audiences downright appalled.

So, many old movies have themes, scenes, or characters that just wouldn't fly if they were made today. Whether due to outdated stereotypes, problematic depictions, or jokes that have aged like milk, here are 10 classic movies that would definitely get canceled in 2025.

Scroll to see which classic movies would totally get canceled in 2025!

Universal Pictures

1. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007)

Adam Sandler may be a comedy legend, but it's no secret that his seemingly fun-loving material can toe the line of offensiveness.

One of the biggest examples is his 2007 film, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. Starring alongside Kevin James, the pair portray two straight firefighters who pretend to be a married gay couple in order to secure health benefits.

The movie relies on outdated gay stereotypes, ranging from exaggerated mannerisms to jokes that depend on the mere idea of queerness being inherently funny. If it were made today, this film would definitely be viewed as tone-deaf.

Jack Rollins & Charles H. Joffe Productions

2. Manhattan (1979)

It's hard to think that Manhattan would ever be made today in the post-#MeToo era. The plot's central romance revolves around Isaac Davis, a 42-year-old man dating a 17-year-old high school student named Tracy.

Sure, the movie acknowledges the ethical concerns of the relationship. Nonetheless, the fact remains that this dynamic is the core of the film, and many have questioned how such a story was ever normalized in the first place.

Everyman Pictures

3. Borat (2006)

When this mockumentary came out in 2006, it raked in over $260 million at the box office and became one of the most quotable films of its time.

Regardless, this satirical film leans into a lot of offensive stereotypes to get laughs. The title character is misogynistic, mocks feminists, adopts exaggerated Black stereotypes and expresses antisemitic beliefs.

While the movie's intention was to expose ignorance and prejudice, many would probably miss the joke (and only see the offense) in today's climate.

MGM Studios

4. Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971)

Written in 1981 by Gene Roddenberry, Pretty Maids All in a Row follows a high school gym teacher who seduces multiple female students. It's deeply unsettling.

There is a serial killer subplot, but this attempt to balance the story does little to condemn the predatory behavior. And it wouldn't go over well with audiences today.

United Artists

5. Rain Man (1988)

Rain Man was a huge success in 1988, but its portrayal of autism hasn't aged well. This comedy-drama is about a car dealer, played by Tom Cruise, who finds out his estranged father died and tries to make sure his late dad's $3 million estate is left to him instead of his brother, Raymond, who has autism.

Dustin Hoffman's performance as Raymond might've helped win the film four Academy Awards, but it also fueled misconceptions about autism.

United Artists

6. Stagecoach (1939)

Stagecoach was a landmark in movie history, but today, its portrayal of Indigenous people is impossible to ignore.

Directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, the film reduces Indigenous people to violent antagonists who are just obstacles for the white cowboys to overcome. It reflects the deep racism of early Hollywood and would never be made in the same way today.

MGM Studios

7. Freaks (1932)

Freaks is one of the more controversial horror films of the 1930s. It's set in a circus and follows a group of sideshow performers played by real people with disabilities who take revenge on a cruel trapeze artist and her strongman after they plot to murder one of their own.

This film has been applauded for its sympathetic portrayal of the performers as more humane than their able-bodied counterparts. Still, it also sensationalized their differences, so it's unlikely a major studio would attempt anything similar today.

Universal Pictures

8. Howard The Duck (1986)

The 1980s undoubtedly produced plenty of bizarre films, but Howard The Duck took things to the next level. It was marketed as a family-friendly adventure despite its raunchy humor, adult themes, and bizarre moments.

The movie left parents horrified even back in the 1980s, so you can probably imagine how much outrage it would spark today.

20th Century Fox

9. Home Alone(1990)

Home Alone is still a favorite holiday classic, but its premise would definitely cause some major controversy today. The idea of two parents accidentally leaving their young son behind and not noticing until they're halfway across the world wouldn't be played for laughs.

Add in the fact that Kevin McCallister is left to fend off two burglars by himself, and it's easy to see why audiences now might view the film more critically and have concerns about child neglect and endangerment.

Dreamworks Pictures

10. Tropic Thunder (2008)

Finally, Tropic Thunder may be a cult classic that was intentionally provocative and used satire to critique Hollywood, but there is no way it could hit big screens today.

The character Kirk Lazarus, played by Robert Downey Jr., along with the film's outdated humor and portrayal of race (like the use of blackface), just wouldn't fly.

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If you're someone with a dimly lit home or office, you might think that adding greenery to your space would be impossible. Think again!

There are actually plenty of low-light houseplants out there that thrive in even the darkest corners. These resilient beauties simply don't need direct sun to flourish, making them perfect for areas that lack natural light.

Whether you're a veteran plant parent or just starting out, here are 15 low-light options to brighten up your interior.

Scroll to see which plants will still totally thrive in your low-light spaces!

The Sill

1. Bromeliad Plant

The Bromeliad is a unique, low-light indoor plant that's great for spaces with limited natural sunlight. It can even thrive under fluorescent light, making it a solid choice for offices or rooms without windows.

It also loves humidity, so it does particularly well in bathrooms where moisture is abundant. The best part? They're non-toxic to pets, meaning you can enjoy some colorful blooms worry-free.

West Elm

2. Snake Plant

Sometimes referred to as "mother-in-law's tongue," the Snake Plant is the ultimate low-maintenance houseplant. It can survive for months without light and requires very little water, making it ideal for even the busiest plant parents.

For optimal care, just water it every two to three weeks, and it will flourish with minimal additional effort.

Rooted

3. Boston Fern

The Boston Fern also does well in areas with indirect sunlight, and it loves humidity.

To keep it happy, simply ensure the water stays consistently moist and mist the plant periodically. Regular pruning every few months will prevent it from becoming too unruly as well.

Plants.com

4. Prayer Plant

The Prayer Plant is known for its unique foliage that opens and closes with the sun, giving it the appearance of "praying" as day turns to night. Even with this cool behavior, though, it's quite easy to care for.

This variety thrives in low to medium light and appreciates humidity, so it's best kept in bathrooms or kitchens. All you have to do is water it when the top quarter of the soil feels dry.

Williams Sonoma

5. Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is one of the most popular houseplants, and for good reason. It's flexible and extremely simple to care for.

It can adapt to low light conditions and prefers comfortable room temperatures. Just make sure the soil is always slightly moist to keep your Spider Plant happy.

The Sill

6. Parlor Palm

This variety is a resilient and attractive low-light plant that can brighten up any space with its feathery, arching leaves.

While it thrives in medium light, it can also tolerate lower light conditions. Otherwise, it enjoys humidity and extra moisture, but it doesn't require frequent watering. Every two weeks is typically enough to do the trick.

The Sill

7. Wax Plant

Wax Plants are super easygoing when it comes to light and care. They flourish in bright light, but they also adapt well to lower light conditions, making them a versatile pick for a variety of spaces.

They're also able to bounce back if you forget to water them every now and then!

Amazon

8. Sago Palm

Have you always wanted a palm tree in your home? If so, the Sago Palm offers the perfect opportunity.

Even though this plant does best in bright, direct light, it can deal with lower light conditions due to its adaptability. However, it's important to note that it's particular when it comes to watering.

You should only water the Sago Palm after the top inch of soil has dried out. Over-watering is the quickest way to harm this plant.

The Sill

9. Monstera Deliciosa

Known for its large, dramatic leaves, the Monstera Deliciosa is surprisingly adaptable. It can tolerate low-light conditions while growing at a slower pace.

Just keep in mind that, while stunning, this variety is toxic to both humans and pets, so it shouldn't be ingested.

Rooted

10. Calathea Peacock

Featuring pink and red flecks, the Calathea Peacock is a stunning addition to any indoor plant collection. It can flourish in bright light and handle up to eight hours of sunlight per day.

Yet, at the same time, it's also perfectly content in lower light conditions and is non-toxic.

The Sill

11. Money Tree

If you're searching for a larger indoor plant that does well in medium, indirect light, look no further than the Money Tree. It's sure to be a standout in any room and is extremely easy to care for.

Simply plant it in a well-draining potting mix and place it a few feet away from a sunny window.

The Sill

12. ZZ Plant

New plant parents shouldn't overlook the ZZ Plant, which is beloved for its low-maintenance nature. It can tolerate low light and can go weeks without water!

Just be sure to water this variety whenever the soil has dried out entirely. Also, remember that it is toxic to both cats and dogs.

Williams Sonoma

13. English Ivy

English Ivy enjoys high-humidity environments and doesn't need bright light to flourish. So, it's ideal for moist, low-light areas, just like your bathroom!

It has fast-growing vines and can quickly become a lush addition to your space. You can consider using a hanging planter or vine supports to guide its growth and keep its spreading under control.

The Sill

14. Red Anthurium

The Red Anthurium is an excellent choice if you want to add a splash of color to your space. Sometimes referred to as the flamingo flower, it features stunning red blooms that can last up to eight weeks.

It does well in low to medium light, too, making it a versatile option for all sorts of spaces.

Home Depot

15. Begonia Rex

Last but not least is Begonia Rex, a low-light indoor plant that prefers bright, indirect sunlight because direct rays can scorch its leaves. To keep this variety comfortable, ensure conditions remain humid and around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

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