Electric vehicles (EVs) used to be an unusual choice, driven by a small group of people who could afford this expensive new technology. But the decrease in the cost of electric cars, government incentives and concern about climate change has meant that we’re beginning to see more and more of them on the roads. In fact, 57% of consumers have reported that they would change their shopping habits in order to reduce their environmental impact.

They’re much better for the planet than owning a traditional car, but buying one is just the start. Even with an EV, you’re still driving, so it’s important to understand how that impacts the planet. How can we make sure that we’re being as sustainable and responsible as possible as a car owner? We take a look.

Understand your carbon footprint

It’s important to recognize that just because you’re driving an electric car doesn’t mean that you don’t have a carbon footprint. It’s much reduced when compared to a petrol vehicle, with the average EV emitting three times less CO2, but the production of electric cars is still far from ideal. 

Whilst efforts are being made to improve this, batteries in particular use limited raw materials, and should be properly recycled. There are some second-hand EVs on the market, but as the technology is fairly new, it’s more likely that you’ll be buying a new one, so it’s good to understand where the materials in your car come from.

You also need to consider that every journey counts. It’s still important to walk for short trips, as it reduces your overall carbon footprint. Adding your car to the road creates more traffic, and for all the non-EVs on the road, this means releasing emissions whilst idle.

Use renewable energy

One of the biggest changes that you can make if you have an EV is to switch to renewable energy. There’s no way to only get renewable energy from the main grid, but you have two options if you’re looking to make your electric car even greener. 

The first (and easiest) option is to switch to a green tariff. Whilst this won’t fill your car with green energy, it will increase the amount of green units in the grid mix overall. If everyone did this, it could make a big difference.

If you have the budget, then why not get solar panels or a small wind turbine generator installed at your home? Generating and storing your own renewable energy means that you can be assured that you’re powering your car purely off green sources. If you create enough and don’t need to use it, you can even sell it back to the grid.  

Maintain your car 

Your car will only run efficiently if you take proper care of it. You should complete regular checks, such as keeping an eye on your tyre pressure and condition. Making sure that everything is running smoothly will use less power, and so you’ll make your charge go further.

My creation  is called sleeves in a bag. There's a little bag that fits into your purse nicely and inside. Is what I call sleeves and they, go on easy peasy. They are so great for like a cold restaurant or if you're in the theater and it's cold or riding your bike, somewhere, and you need something to put on, there's just so many possible uses for these sleeves.

I could go on and on, but. I'm just gonna tell you that they are made of a really soft, super, sustainable fabric. And they're made right here in the United States, they come in three sizes and two colors, and I am wearing the extra small, see how that fits.

Not only that they are machine washable and , they just fit so perfectly in your purse. And the other thing is, because I, am fashion designer, I made sure they looked good too. 

Get on the list to order them when we launch and BONUS you might just win a pair. 

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Summer is just around the corner, and now that traveling is taking off again, it's likely that you're looking for a new swimsuit or two. According to the Global Swimwear Market 2022 Research Report, there is an increasing demand for swimwear this year, with a predicted $8.3 million revenue by 2027.  The increased spending is partly due to the availability of a wide range of styles, including size-inclusive swimwear. More brands are now providing bathing suits for all shapes and sizes, especially for plus-size women. 

There are a lot more swimwear style choices for plus-size women today, so you may need tips on shopping for your size and shape to make the ordeal less daunting. If you're looking for swimsuit styles that would show your curves in the best ways, here are the trends that you need to check out for your next swimsuit shopping trip. 

Swim Tops With Support

Bust support is important, especially if you have a large cup size. Recently, swimsuit brands have re-engineered their swimsuit tops to cater to plus-size women, and one of the most popular styles they offer are bikini tops that offer support. An example of this is the balconette top. It has underwire cups that provide comfortable support and at the same time gives that needed lift for fuller busts. If underwires make you uncomfortable, you can go with bikini tops with wide straps. They offer more support and structure and are usually adjustable to ensure proper fit. 

Play on Ruffles

Swimsuits with ruffles can help you show off your curves. Well-placed, tiered ruffles can highlight the curve of your hips. Angled ruffles, on the other hand, are highly flattering since they draw the eye downward and away from the midriff. You can also look for a swimsuit with a ruffled plunging neckline and a high-cut bottom to create a streamlined shape. Meanwhile, a swimsuit with wide ruffles and a striped pattern can make you stand out on the beach or pool. 

The Swim Dress

A swim dress has a skirted bottom, usually with an attached brief. The skirt detail adds flowy fabric to your hips, which can make your waist look more defined. It also adds a very feminine and sexy look. Look for a swim dress tankini set, as it's very flattering and looks more modern than the typical swim dress. Something with a sweetheart neckline, a supportive built-in bra with molded cups, and a fluttery long-length silhouette will look perfect for lounging by the pool or hanging out at the beach. 

The Reliable Maillot

The maillot, or the tank suit, is a one-piece swimsuit that consists of a tank-style torso top with high-cut legs. Recently, brands have made upgrades on this classic style to highlight womanly curves, adding plunging necklines and cutouts to the basic swimsuit. Look for a maillot that has a scoop design and light shirring to flatter the midsection. Meanwhile, a maillot with bold designs or colors can be a fun look, and it offers good coverage for swimming and other water activities. 

Looking for the right swimsuit can be daunting, but knowing what styles to pick can help you choose the most flattering swimwear for your summer holiday. Pick out one or two styles from the ones mentioned above, and enjoy looking your best on your vacation! 

I have Spring on my mind these days.  How about you? So I started thinking about lighting and wanted to share my research.

When you're planning your garden this year, don't forget to invest in some solar-powered landscape lights. Not only do they provide illumination for safety and security purposes, but they can also add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Plus, since they run on solar power, you can rest assured that you're doing your part to go green

There’s nothing that brings a garden together better at night than mood lighting. During warm summers, proper lighting allows you to sit on your porch with friends and family and enjoy the weather well into the evening.

Going Green

In recent years, eco-friendly lighting has been a hot new trend for both interior designers and landscapers alike. There’s been a push for our society to cut emissions and preserve our environment for future generations, but each of us needs to play our part by reducing our carbon footprint.

One of the easiest ways to go green around the home is to replace your lighting system with something eco-friendlier. Most older houses weren’t built with energy preservation in mind and used inefficient bulbs such as incandescents to light indoor and outdoor spaces. By replacing these lights with low-energy alternatives, you can help to do your part to save the environment.

LED Lighting

LED lights are nothing like they used to be. Whereas LEDs used to be expensive and fragile, they’re now built to last. You can find LED lighting in just about any tone, including mood lamps that change colors. Outdoor LED lights are also made to be waterproof and weatherproof so that they’ll last you for years.

Perhaps the best thing about switching to LEDs is the cost. LEDs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, not only helping you to save the environment but also to save on your monthly bills.

If you live in a dry environment, using LEDs is one of the safest options when installing outdoor lighting. They don’t produce heat like incandescent bulbs, and so you don’t have to worry about any accidental burns or backyard fires.

Solar Lanterns

While installing LED lighting can help to slash your energy bills, solar cuts the energy company out of the equation completely. Solar lighting collects energy during sunny days and shines at night, allowing you to enjoy soft illumination at no cost to yourself other than the initial investment.

As solar lighting has become more popular in gardens, you can find more and more options available to install. There are solar windchimes, ground stakes, string lights, and even fountains that you can use to light up and decorate your outdoor space.

Lighting your garden at night doesn’t have to be a drain on the environment, By switching to eco-friendly lighting such as LEDs, you can illuminate your garden without guilt.

It's finally starting to feel like springtime and that means it's time to start thinking about how to update your skin care routine for the season. Here are five tips to help you look and feel your best this spring.

1. Protect your skin from the sun.
Long-time exposure to the sun is more likely to produce wrinkles and spots to your skin. Use a sunscreen, re-apply if necessary.

2. Be careful of not bathing too much.
Hot showers and long bath times can take a toll on your skin, as they are removing natural oils from your skin.

3. Apply moisturizer on dry skin.
Use a moisturizer that fits for your skin type.

4. Eat healthily.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Keep your diet in order and drink a lot of water to keep your skin dehydrated.

5. Don't smoke.
Smoking narrows your blood vessels on the outermost layers of skin, which weakens the blood flow and makes your skin pale. Also, smoking contributes to wrinkles.

It’s important to protect your skin from the sun, especially if you want to maintain a youthful appearance. There are many ways to do this, and we’ve outlined some of the most important ones here. However, it’s also crucial that you take care of your skin in other ways – like avoiding excessive bathing and using moisturizer on dry skin. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

Last week, I partnered with Ann Chikahisa who is a Jewelry Designer that creates beautiful things and uses the word Wabi Sabi to describe her work.

In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi (侘寂) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.^[2] The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature.^[3] It is prevalent throughout all forms of Japanese art.^[4] It is a concept derived from the Buddhist teaching of the three marks of existence

Dennis shared the following with me and I wanted to share it with you.  A really great story with Wabi Sabi in mind.  Happy reading.

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water..

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.

'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'

The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?'

'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.'

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.

Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.

You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

SO, to all of my cracked pot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

--

Live, laugh and love.

I was contacted recently to contribute to and article called The Real Cost of Fashion.  I thought that I would share my question with you and the actual post so read thru and hit the link at the bottom to read the full article.

Can finding your own personal style help you buy fewer clothes and opt for organic options?

What’s better than feeling like the most fashionable version of yourself? The answer: Feeling like the most fashionable version of yourself while also reducing your carbon footprint.

There are lots of ways to give back to the environment, but one way that doesn’t get talked about as much is making thoughtful choices about what goes into your closet. What’s in your closet matters—it affects how you feel about your own style, it impacts your bank account, and it can have a huge environmental impact. According to the EPA, consumers in the US throw away almost 10lbs of clothing every month. And according to The Guardian, 1/5 of all freshwater pollution comes from textile dying and treatment. Not only does this affect our ability to protect our natural resources, but it also exploits those who make clothes for less-than-minimum wage and often in dangerous conditions.

So it’s important that we hold ourselves accountable for how we’re treating our planet and others by being mindful about where we shop and what we purchase.

But it’s also important that we focus on what makes us feel good, too—and that can be hard when you’re trying to be more sustainable with fashion. Here are a few things to consider in defining your personal style while working towards being sustainable.

#Define your style Find the clothes that you gravitate toward, whether that’s dresses, bright colors, or comfy threads. This will help you feel more confident about your purchases and reduce waste and buyer’s remorse.

#Go for quality It may seem like a splurge to buy a higher-quality piece of clothing, but it’ll last longer and reduce your need to go shopping. If you’re on a budget, try looking at secondhand shops!

#Don’t be afraid to try something new Be creative with what you have! That sweater that you always wear with jeans? Try pairing it with a skirt or over a dress. That flowy sundress might look great with boots and tights underneath as the weather cools down.

Joanne Litz
Steel Pony

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As we enter Spring, the season for new beginnings, it’s a great time for sustainable fashionistas to reassess what’s in their closet and figure out ways to help reduce their wardrobe’s footprint. Sustainability made easy with these 5 simple hacks.

1. Wash your clothes less You can significantly reduce your impact on the environment by washing your clothes less. Instead of washing your clothes after every wear, wear them three to five times.

2. Organize your wardrobe .  By organizing your wardrobe, you're more likely to buy less as you see exactly what you have at hand.

3. Avoid fabrics that use microfibers Buy natural fibers. Microfibres often end up polluting the oceans and are difficult to get rid of once they set in.

4. Check the quality before buying Always aim for longevity - get pieces that are timeless and durable.

5. Alter the pieces instead of throwing them in the bin A piece that is torn or doesn't suit you as it did in the past can be fixed or altered. Instead of throwing an old shirt away, you can rebirth it into something you love!

Would you be interested in learning how to do that?  Comment what item you would like to restyle and maybe I will do a tutorial for you.

There are plenty of ways to make your clothing more sustainable, from cutting down on fast fashion to beginning the slow process of switching to a more eco-friendly fiber. Whatever you do, remember that this is a lifestyle change rather than a one-time solution. Find what works for you and stick with it. You may not realize it now, but soon you’ll have a wardrobe that’s not only stylish and fashionable, but also sustainable.

If you're like most women, you probably have a lot of clothes. And if you're like most women, you probably want to do what's best for the environment—even when it comes to your laundry. So how can you wash your clothes in an eco-friendly way? Here are five tips that will help!

1. Use low temperatures
Most of the energy consumed goes into heating up the water.

2. Full loads only
The less you wash each week, the better. Even the most energy-efficient loads use a lot of water.

3. Use green laundry detergent
Some of the detergents on the market can contain ingredients that aren't good for you, your clothes, or nature. Look for detergents that are biodegradable and phosphate-free and made from plants.

4. Hang clothes if possible
The dryer uses a lot of energy and lessens your clothes' life. Line drying can be done indoors or outside, all around the year, and without increased energy consumption.

5. Wash by hand
Let's be real — Hand washing is burdensome and time-consuming, but it's the most energy-efficient way to do the washing. Luckily, some products help with it.

So there you have it! Five easy tips for eco-friendly laundry. What are your thoughts? Do you have any of your own tips to share? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check back soon for more posts on sustainable living.

Are you afraid to start working? Do you think that people will judge you? Have you been looking for a job for months but are still unsuccessful? If this sounds like you, don’t worry. You are not alone, as many people feel the same way. Fortunately, Steel Pony presents some helpful tips that can aid you in overcoming your fears so that you can reenter the workforce with confidence.

List Your Fears

The first step to getting over your fears is to find out what they are. This can be difficult because they may not be very clear. If you know what the fear is, then you can start figuring out how to handle it. You might need professional help or guidance if you don’t think you can do it on your own — and that’s perfectly fine.

Next, write down 10 reasons why starting work is worth it. Think of the positive effects of having a job and what your life will be like when you have one. Doing this list will help with overcoming your fears and deciding that starting work really is worth the time and effort you put into it.

Start a Fitness Routine

Image via Pexels

Trying to stay motivated? It’s hard to commit to a healthy lifestyle when you are at home all day. It can be hard enough to find time for yourself without having to worry about your routine.

What if there was a way you could return to work after being away by starting a fitness routine? You absolutely can. How, you ask? A fitness routine is a great way to build the confidence you need to go back to work. What’s more, you’ll have more energy and motivation than ever.

Engage a Healthy Diet

Eating healthy foods goes a long way in improving how you feel. If you’re used to eating whatever you want, including junk food, you’re going to feel a lack of energy and drive. As a result, you won’t feel like returning to work.

But by ditching those unhealthy foods for good, nutritious foods, you will start to notice a change in how you feel. The more you stick to it, the better you will feel.

Seek Relaxation Techniques

Work can be a very scary experience for many people. Especially if it is a fear that has been around for a long time, it can be hard to overcome. The good news is that it’s not impossible.

There are many ways to help you conquer your fear of returning to the workforce. Some of the most popular options include therapy, counseling, yoga, meditation, and martial arts. When practicing yoga or meditation at home, ensure that your surroundings are calm and serene; if you are surrounded by cluttered possessions, you’re undoing the sense of peace you’re trying to achieve.

These methods allow you to confront your fears in a safe environment, so they don’t have as much of an effect on your life as they originally did. Many of the above examples give you an outlet to express or face your fears head-on.

Enhance Your Appearance

Many people gain confidence when they’re happy with the way they look. To help you with this step, invest in clothing items and accessories that boost your mood. Many people turn to jewelry made of ammolite, as it boasts a variety of colors and attractive iridescence. Or, you could pick up a new dress, an accessory or two, or a handbag from Steel Pony.

Overcoming your fears means facing them head-on — and you can get started today. Whether it’s working toward living a healthier life or simply looking for ways to relax a little when you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re taking steps to improve your life. Keep pushing forward, even when those fears keep telling you otherwise.

The Jet skirt is made a modal and you know what, I'm going to grab one . It is on a hanger, you know, and it's just a really, really drapey, great asymmetrical skirt. I think, a lot of you may have one of these it's one of my favorite pieces. But you know, it's so versatile. You can wear it in so many different ways. So. As I said, I have three different outfits here.

I'm going to start over here with this outfit and I'll be moving them closer because I'm not sure that you can see them all. So in this outfit, I have it as wearing it as a skirt. And I have. In the Roxy jacket. And that's a great suit, you know, just a great, beautiful suit. You can put, I used a scarf for the belt, but you could do anything there.

OUTFIT 1

Roxie Jacket/Jest Skirt/Silk Scarf

You could actually, if you didn't want to belt it, you could just put a pin. And then you've got another way to wear it. so that it's, it's not tight around the waist, if you don't like your waist to be tight, but also this, jacket, if you wanted to wear a tank with it you can also tie this in the front so that it, you wear, a tank underneath of it and it's another way to wear it. And it gives you a little bit more. So, that's one way to wear it. So to me, this is, wear to work, right.

And I just put this bag with it because I think this bag works really well. with that particular outfit, I just think it's really pretty together. I don't remember what it's called, but it is on the website. I hope if you want to go for it that's the journey bags. And, I put this with the peace necklace, which is on the website as well.

That is the first outfit. Second outfit.

OUTFIT 2

Jet Skirt BLK Collection/ Silk Scarf/Sleeves in a bag

I took the jet skirt in the, in the solid black, because I do have that solid black collection, the BLK collection I have it on her as a dress. And what I did was I took a silk scarf and I tied around the chest. And then you have a whole nother look. It's like this really beautiful, pretty dress very dressey. I put on the sleeves in a bag, with it,This is the special Valentine's additions sleeves in a bag, and it has hearts on the back and hearts on the sleeve. So wear your heart on your sleeve for this Valentine's day.

And then what I had is I have the chunky necklace with it. So I think that's like a nice little cocktail set

OUTFIT 3

Taylor Tunic Top/Jet Skirt

We get the weekend wear outfit. So I have her more of a dress type body, but I put thetunic on top and also you could see a little bit of the color from underneath.

It gives a nice two-tone look about it. So it's just a great for the weekend and, you know, going out with the gals. So, this is the Taylor tunic and I have, a little, Sun necklace that what goes with it? I think I have, I believe that's on the website as well,

Wearing the right bra offers many advantages. A perfect fit can accentuate a woman's figure and enhance her clothing. It also protects and supports the breasts. As a wardrobe essential, choosing a high-quality bra is necessary for every woman. However, doing so isn't always easy.  

While there are many brands to choose from, it's essential to know what to look for to find those that suit you best. Here are some factors that you could consider when selecting a bra: 

You'll need to find out your correct bra size so you can find the perfect fit. To do this, you can take bust measurements at home using a tape measure. You can also go to lingerie shops that have assistants trained to get the correct measurements that you could use as a basis.  

Aside from the size, some signs indicate whether the bra fits you well. These are as follows: 

• The straps, bra band, and cups don't feel too loose or tight. No parts should dig into the skin or leave red marks. 
• The cups and straps should stay in place regardless of movement. 
• Both breasts are well supported and aren't peeking out of the bra. 
• The cups are of the right size and give the breasts full coverage. 
• You can breathe and move comfortably while wearing it. 

Finding a well-fitting bra can make your outfits look better. It can also give you a boost of confidence because of how good you feel while wearing it.  

Many women wear bras based on design to make them more suitable for the clothing they want to wear on different occasions. For instance, some may prefer to wear soft cup bras at home for a more relaxed feel. Meanwhile, they may choose to wear push-up bras for going out, especially when they want a more figure-flattering silhouette. 

If you want more flexibility in design, you can choose a convertible bra. You can style the strap of this type of bra in different ways. This way, you can conveniently wear it with strapless clothing or one-shouldered tops. To give you a better idea, you can look at Natori's latest push up bras to see some examples of convertible designs.  

The kind of fabric used in a bra determines how comfortable you'd be while you wear it. The bra will be in constant contact with your skin, and it will have to absorb sweat as well. Given these considerations, the fabrics of choice are cotton and microfiber, as they're known to be the most comfortable. Lace, meanwhile, is commonly used as a decorative element for bras. It's also a light and breathable fabric ideal for lingerie.  

The following are some of the characteristics most women look for when it comes to the bra's fabric: 

• Soft to the touch 
• Durable 
• Breathable 
• Absorbent  

You can recognize many of these characteristics when you try on the bra. You can also identify comfortability when shopping online based on the fabric descriptions provided. 

The bra's color can also influence your whole outfit. For instance, a nude-colored bra is best to wear with light-colored or thin garments so the color difference won't be too visible. In contrast, a black or white bra may be easily noticeable underneath a light fabric, which may be unsightly, especially if you're wearing work attire.  

However, you can enjoy more freedom with colors if you wear a casual wardrobe. You can choose brightly colored bras with visible straps on the beach as well. Given this, it's essential to have enough variety of colors that you could match with what you're wearing.  

Quality fabric and design usually come at a substantial price for bras. Aside from this, the brand name can also influence how much the undergarment will cost. Thus, it's essential to give equal importance to both quality and price so you can get the most out of what you'll pay for. You'll be washing and wearing your bras often, so you'll need something that could last for a long time with constant use.  

Moreover, you'll need to set a budget before you go shopping for your perfect bra. You can also compare prices online so you'll know what type of bra would best suit your budget.  

Conclusion 

Experts recommend replacing a bra every six to nine months, depending on how often it's used. As such, you'll need to have several pieces that you could use alternately so you can prolong the life span of your undergarments. Furthermore, it's crucial to follow care instructions when it comes to washing your bras to avoid damage