As you can tell by the title of this email, it's a long one. 

I had a soapbox moment below and at the end of the email. Only because I care about other women and want the best for each and every one of you.

I realize you can do whatever you want. You're an adult. But I hope we inspire each other to be better. Not just in our fashion choices, but in everything. 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Get rid of your salad dressings. They are one thing that shouldn't be in your refrigerator.

It's seriously not hard to make your own. OR just use olive oil and any kind of vinegar or lemon juice.

This guy is sharing an easy one that we use regularly. TT video

Another version I use often is a yogurt base, lemon juice and any herbs and spices. 

If you've been around a while, you might remember, I bought this dress from eShakti. 

It looks cool, right? Super artsy and flowy.

But it was weird. Even too weird for me. 

But I loved the material and figured I could transform it.

My first attempt last year was to turn it around and open the back seam to be the front (I thought the "v" would be better in front).

I shortened the sleeves and placed 2 snap clasps for closure across the body to give it a bit of shape.

It was still very overwhelming and while I can usually deal with that, it didn't float my boat.

Then I saw this TT video and when she spun around, it gave me the idea of what to do with this piece.

I actually googled the top because she shared the brand.

This was the top. 

It was a lightbulb moment for me.

So I went to work.

And made my version of it.

I didn't want to shorten the sleeves more, so I kept them short.

I turned it around again so the "v" was in the back as originally it was.

And while you don't see the folds quite as much with the print material, it really tickles my fancy.

I'm finally at a point where I'm happy with it!! You'll see it in this week's daily outfit post. I wore it to our neighbor's celebration of life event.

And I have some leftover material...we will see what happens with that. 

How do you like that for a photo? 
Straight out of bed, no filter, no nothing. Heck, I even have my mouth tape still on.

I've been working on embracing my curls and saw this silk bonnet advertised on IG. 
It makes sense since I use a silk pillowcase that it would be better for my curls. 

This is the exact brand I bought, but I'm sure they are all similar.

While I start the night with my ears under the bonnet, I find that they get irritated halfway through the night. So I push the bonnet up. 

Does it work? Yes, I like it for my curls to stay curly. 
Before using this bonnet, I would pull up my hair in a ponytail (with a silk scrunchy) but then many of the curls would be straightened out.

Granted, I still have to refresh them in the morning, but I'm a fan.

BTW, I tried it with my straight hair too, but I don't think it made such a difference then. 

1-Did you know this about citric acid? IG video

2-I shared this in my stories recently. It makes you think, right? IG post
Now before you rant at me about this, I understand some of the arguments. But I'm that person who looks at the ingredients in my salad dressing, so shouldn't I/we know what's in our medicine too? 

3-Gaps in your wardrobe. I love how she talks about different modes. I think I'm still in experimental but working towards refinement. TT video

4-I see #10 a lot. Women who can't get up out of a chair without using their arms to push. IG post
And after I write this we are going to the gym. Who's going with me? 

5- I wanted to give a shoutout to my friend, Kim, who I met in New York when we visited years ago. She just did her 250th Pilates class and we were talking about how she stuck with it.

She shared that Pilates is something that she likes because it doesn't make her sweat yet she gets a great workout. 
Because of her commitment to it, she is stronger than her friends and siblings. 
One reason she stuck with it is because her class is full of women her age so she doesn't feel intimidated. 

AND, it's only a 50-minute class.

My hope is that each and every one of you finds a way to stay strong and healthy. 
Sure, we are all going to pass away, but the quality of the life we live when we are on this planet can be the difference between a good life and a great life.