And we'll never be royals ... 👸

May 23, 2018

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#WednesdayWisdom

"It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it. Carry it by the comfortable handles of gratitude for what's positive and that it is not worse, rather than the uncomfortable edges of bitterness for the negatives and that it is not better." — Lena Horne

Morning Musings

Even though I proudly identify as a feminist, I'd be lying if I said part of me still wishes I could be a princess (although the new Duchess of Sussex is proof that you can be both).

Admittedly, the night before the #RoyalWedding, I threw myself a mini-pity party over the fact that I'll never be a princess. Not because I want to wear a tiara and ballgown (eh, who I am kidding? I definitely want that, too -- have you seen my wedding dress?!), but because of the international platform it provides.

That's what I really want -- the power to affect change on a global level, something that's typically reserved for the royals, Oprahs, Obamas and Beyoncés of the world.

As I was complaining to a girlfriend about this during the wee hours of Saturday morning as we anxiously awaited the start of the wedding (yes, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. to watch it, don't @ me), she happily reminded me that I'm well on my way to having that international platform.

I don't know about all that, but I certainly appreciate her vote of confidence. While my journalism career may have had humble beginnings in Harford County, Maryland, my blog has the ability to reach anyone with Internet access (shout-out to my international subscribers, I see you!). My point is, you don't have to be a princess or a president to make a difference in the world.

As tennis legend and activist Arthur Ashe said so eloquently all those years ago, "To achieve greatness, start where you are, use what you have, do what you can."

And if you want to do it in a ballgown and tiara, then so be it.

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

Y'all, I had to do it ... for the culture. Check out my essay about all of the #BlackExcellence at the #RoyalWedding in my latest for HelloGiggles.

IRL

I've got a couple of cool events coming up! If you live in the Chicagoland area (or if you happen to be passing through), I'd love for you to join me.

May 29: I'll be speaking at Ignite Chicago ... it's a TED-inspired talk where I have five minutes to share an idea and the slides automatically advance every 15 seconds (pray for me). Use the code SPEAKERFRIEND for 15 percent off your ticket!

July 14: As I mentioned last week, I'm throwing a blogaversary party this summer to support local women-owned businesses and benefit Polished Pebbles, a mentoring program for young Black girls in Chicago. Get your tickets here and use the promo code LTINTHECITY for $5 off!

Links I Love

My Latest Obsession

Speaking of thrones, here we have the new Pedi Thrones at Ezza Nails in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. I visited for the first time last week and, I have to say, I'm in love.

The sleek, sophisticated salon is a sanctuary for busy professional women (you can book appointments AND select your nail color online). With operating hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. during weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, you can select the time that's most convenient for you! #MorningMani, anyone?

Did I mention they're completely cashless AND include a 15% baseline gratuity for their nail technicians? No more fooling around with your wallet and ruining your nails! {insert praise hands emojis here}

Plus, their whole aesthetic is just #Goals. Want to have your own Ezza Experience? Learn more at my blogaversary party!

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Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this edition of LT in the City Weekly! Be sure to follow me on the Interwebs using the buttons below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!