How I Found Joy in Ariana Grande Cosplay Art

I always thought grocery shopping was about one thing: efficiency. Get in, get out, get on with life. The goal was to spend as little time as possible in those fluorescent-lit aisles, clutching a half-crumpled list and dodging the bakery section because I knew I’d leave with three extra pastries.

But something changed last winter, and it had nothing to do with food at all.

Turns out, I’d been missing the point—not just about groceries, but about what actually makes the whole experience feel good.

"The albums were the most important. Just hope there will be a special edition of Eternal Sunshine released one day, so I can add that too."

That’s when it hit me: maybe shopping isn’t really about the groceries at all.

Why "Get In, Get Out" Was So Convincing

I blame the endless barrage of life hacks and productivity podcasts. Everywhere I looked, people were talking about optimizing their shopping lists, using apps to shave minutes off their weekly runs, and meal prepping with the precision of a NASA engineer.

I bought into it, hard. Who wouldn’t? Time is precious. If you’re not moving fast, you’re falling behind—right?

So, week after week, I’d rush through the store, headphones in, eyes on the prize. I’d celebrate when I made it out in under twenty minutes, even if I forgot half the things I actually needed.

But here’s the embarrassing part: I was miserable. The more I tried to optimize, the less fun I had. Grocery shopping felt like a chore, not a ritual. I’d come home, unpack my bags, and realize I’d forgotten the only snack I actually wanted. Again.

The kicker? I wasn’t even saving money. I just bought faster, not smarter.

It was like listening to Ariana Grande on Spotify for months and realizing something was missing. "Used to listen to her on Spotify a lot, but when I got my turntable a few months ago her albums were the first I wanted to get." There’s a difference between consuming and savoring. I’d been doing the former.

My Wake-Up Call: Grocery Joy, Cosplay, and Belonging

It was a rainy Saturday in early March when things finally clicked. I’d just come back from a grocery run that felt as bland as the generic crackers I bought. As I dumped my bags on the counter, my eyes landed on something I’d left out from the week before—a tiny Ariana Grande cosplay art card I’d picked up on a whim online.

I know, it sounds random. But there was something about that little card—a custom ACEO art piece, glossy and bright, already in a protective sleeve—that made me pause. I’d paid about $5 for it, less than a fancy coffee, and it instantly made my kitchen counter feel more like my space.

I started thinking about why I’d bought it in the first place. I’m not a hardcore collector. But having that card sitting there, next to my grocery list, made me smile every time I passed by. It reminded me of being a kid, when grocery trips meant begging for a pack of trading cards or a silly sticker at checkout.

That’s when the connection hit me: shopping isn’t just about what you need. It’s about the small things that make you feel like yourself. Like how owning merchandise has a big impact on the sense of belonging within the fandom. It’s not the groceries that matter most—it’s what you bring home that feels personal.

I started making little changes. Instead of dreading the store, I’d bring my art card with me, tucked in my wallet. I’d let myself linger in the international aisle, picking out something new just because it looked fun. I’d grab a snack that reminded me of a concert night or a favorite movie.

One afternoon, I even found myself chatting with a cashier about Ariana Grande vinyls. She showed me her phone background—a rare album cover. Suddenly, the store didn’t feel so sterile anymore. It felt like a place where people shared tiny pieces of themselves.

That’s when I realized: the most satisfying shopping trips weren’t the fastest—they were the ones where I left with a little more joy than I came in with.

Applying This Perspective: Grocery Shopping as Self-Expression

You don’t need to buy a new art card every week. But finding a way to bring your interests into the routine changes everything.

Here’s what worked for me:

Keep something personal in your shopping bag (art card, pin, sticker)
Let yourself buy one fun or nostalgic item each trip
Talk to someone about your favorite artist, show, or food
Display a small collectible in your kitchen or pantry

Suddenly, the process isn’t about efficiency. It’s about making the mundane a little more meaningful.

If you’re curious, the Ariana Grande #6 (2026) eXcess Cosplay art card was just one way to do it. There are tons of options—pins, magnets, recipe cards, even a quirky mug from your favorite show.

Some people go all-in on vinyl records, others collect limited edition snacks. The point isn’t what you buy—it’s that you let yourself enjoy it.

"I am doing research on pop music fans and their engagement with merchandise. owning merchandise has a big impact on the sense of belonging within the fandom."

It’s true for fandoms, and it’s true for life. The small things you surround yourself with matter more than you think.

Final Thoughts and Your Next Step

If you’re tired of treating grocery shopping like a race, try making it yours. Add something personal—whether it’s a custom art card like this one, a favorite snack, or something else that sparks joy to your next run.

Or try a different collectible, a new recipe, or even a playlist that makes the aisles feel like your own personal concert.

Stop letting routine steal your sense of fun—whether it’s art cards, vinyl, or something else, just find a way to make the everyday yours.

How I Found Joy in Ariana Grande Cosplay Art