Some of my most treasured memories are stitched into the fabric of long summer evenings on my grandparents’ front porch, tucked deep in the heart of twentieth century Appalachia. The old porch swing creaked gently beneath my aunt and I as we rocked back and forth, sipping lemonade from Mamaw's Bolero Thermoware cups, the kind that were multicolored like her summer flowers, and had just enough sweat on the outside to make you appreciate the ice inside.

Today, I did something completely radical. And no, it didn’t require a helmet or a lawyer. But friends, it did take courage. This particular act of rebellion has been bouncing around in my head for over 15 years. I’ve had full-blown internal debates about it—everything from “Will I need this again someday?” to “This could destroy the entire functionality of the item!” You’d think I was planning a heist, not doing what I actually did: I cut the plastic hanger straps out of

Some people light up a room when they walk in. Others? When they walk out. At this stage in life, we’ve earned the right to curate our circle like it’s fine art. We know the difference between acquaintances and true blue friends. But every now and then, someone slips in wearing the mask of sisterhood while quietly rooting for our downfall. That, my friend, is a frenemy—a friendly face with hidden claws.

For seasoned ladies, being called one of the O.G.s is a powerful affirmation of our journey and contributions. Here are some ways to celebrate and embrace this title

amidst the schedules, caregiving, Zoom calls with grandkids, there’s one thing that often gets left behind: Play

We’re communal beings, and we thrive when we nurture those connections. It’s a matter of health, really, to feed that need for “people-ing.”