Tuesday

"I am safe to slow down and savor this moment."

Welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• The truth about fast fashion

• Cooking for longevity

• A trick for better sleep during the holidays

• Tips for maintaining healthy hair

• How to find the best car insurance rate

What You Should Know About Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is everywhere. It’s the racks that seem to refresh overnight, the $12 tops that look like whatever you just saw online, and the constant feeling that there’s always another trend arriving tomorrow. At its core, fast fashion is the rapid churn of clothes made quickly, cheaply, and in massive quantities.

What makes it such a problem is how much it relies on low-quality materials and rushed production. Factories push out new styles every week, often using synthetic fabrics and poorly regulated dyes. It keeps prices low, but the trade-offs show up somewhere: in landfills, in polluted waterways, and in the lives of underpaid garment workers who make the clothes at breakneck speed.

Most people don’t see this part. We just see the price tag or that feeling of wanting something “new.” But understanding how much waste and stress this cycle creates is the first step toward choosing differently. Slow fashion isn’t about perfection. It’s simply about buying less, choosing better, and knowing your clothes shouldn’t cost someone else their safety, health, or dignity.

The Cooking Trick That Supports Longevity

Fall cooking naturally nudges us toward cozy bowls of soups, stews, and simmered dishes, and it turns out those habits may support long-term health too. Nutrition experts say water-based cooking methods like simmering, steaming, boiling, and poaching create fewer compounds linked to aging, making them a gentle choice for your body.

These compounds, called AGEs, form when foods hit very high, dry heat. Think roasting, grilling, or frying. Our bodies make AGEs on their own, but consistently eating a lot of them can add stress over time, affecting things like blood vessel health and insulin sensitivity.

Water-based cooking, on the other hand, keeps those levels much lower. It also helps preserve more vitamins and minerals, especially when the liquid becomes part of the meal. This is one reason soups and stews feel as good as they taste. You’re getting warmth, hydration, and nutrients in one pot.

Looking to Kickstart the Holidays with Better Sleep?

Cornbread Hemp has you covered with their all-natural, melatonin-free sleep support. Their gummies are crafted with USDA organic ingredients like full-spectrum hemp extract, valerian root, lavender, and chamomile, ensuring you avoid the groggy hangover often associated with melatonin. Vegan and guilt-free, they seamlessly fit into your bedtime routine, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Embrace the new year with calm and restful nights, knowing sweet dreams are just a gummy away.

Plus, Cornbread is giving Note To Self readers 30% off your first order when you use code GOODFEELS at checkout.*

Order now and get the sleep you deserve.

*One-time purchases only, cannot be combined with subscription discounts.

Thank you to Cornbread Hemp for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Hair Health 101

When you picture healthy hair, it’s probably strong, soft, and shiny, and that’s exactly how experts define it, too. Each quality reflects how your hair is cared for, not just how it looks.

Strength starts with how you treat your strands. Hair can stretch about 30% before breaking, especially when wet, so gentle detangling is key. Heat tools are fine if you use protectants and keep them clean. Regular trims also help prevent split ends and breakage.

Softness comes from smooth cuticles and moisture. Daily conditioning is one of the easiest ways to lock in hydration. For an extra boost, try a weekly deep-conditioning treatment with added heat to help it absorb better.

Shine happens when your cuticle lies flat, and light can reflect off it. Pat hair dry instead of rubbing, blow-dry in the direction of growth, and finish with a light mist of shine spray. These small adjustments can make a big difference in the way your hair looks and feels.

Your annual insurance check, now headache-free

When did you last review your insurance rates? Life changes, driving records improve, and insurers update pricing constantly. You might be missing big savings by not checking. Use EverQuote as your yearly insurance reset—compare trusted carriers quickly, confirm your coverage, and ensure you’re getting the best price with zero hassle.

Check your rates today.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: False. Many sustainable swaps (like reusable cotton rounds or water bottles) save money over time.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Taking care of yourself and the planet doesn’t have to be perfect—just intentional. Small changes count.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!