In the latest in a series of dramatic developments affecting the fate of Missouri's last remaining abortion clinic, the Planned Parenthood branch has been allowed to continue providing abortions after receiving a "motion to stay" from a state administrative commissioner on Friday afternoon. This means the clinic can operate despite the state declining to renew its license last week.
The clinic had been allowed to continue providing abortions by a judge-ordered injunction that was meant to expire on Friday at 5 p.m., making this under-the-wire decision the only thing keeping the state from becoming the first without a legal abortion provider since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.
"We are relieved to have this last-minute reprieve, which means patients can continue accessing safe, legal abortion at Planned Parenthood in St. Louis for the time being," Dr. Colleen McNicholas, OB-GYN at the clinic, said in a statement provided to Refinery29. "This has been a week-to-week fight for our patients and every Missourian who needs access to abortion care. There are two things that remain unchanged in Missouri: the uncertainty our patients face, and our will to continue fighting for their right to access safe, legal abortion."
Last month, Republican Gov. Mike Parson signed a measure into law banning abortions at eight weeks of pregnancy, which is meant to go into effect by the end of August. Shortly after that, Missouri Health Department officials moved to stop the clinic from offering abortions, citing safety concerns.
"Patients should never have to worry that they may lose access to healthcare tomorrow because of a politically driven campaign to end abortion access," said McNicholas. "Yet, here we are, facing this reality week after week because of Gov. Parson’s agenda to ban abortion. It is unjust and cruel, and as the court and now the Administrative Commission Hearing recognize, unlawful. Planned Parenthood will continue responding to these political attacks on reproductive rights and healthcare with unrelenting vigor. Because abortion is healthcare and every person deserves the right and freedom to decide when and whether to be pregnant — no matter what."
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I get it. The two nights of Democratic debates were packed with too many candidates, moderators, and issues to track. The debates were exciting, gut-wrenching, and substantive, and they covered a wide range of threats, travesties, and kitchen-table challenges, all of which deserve attention. And seeing six women on the stage over the past two nights was a thrilling game-changer.
So maybe I’m being too greedy or too narrowly focused for being disappointed that core economic security issues that are particularly salient to women — paid family leave, equal pay, child care, and gender-based harassment — got short shrift. But I don’t think so.
These issues are on voters' agendas and the candidates’ agendas, but somehow the debate moderators didn’t get the memo, and most of the candidates neglected to pivot.
That left us with this tally: One question — and one acknowledgment — of the gender-based pay gap (former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro; Rep. Tulsi Gabbard inexplicably pivoted away from discussing equal pay). Two mentions of paid family leave, the first from former Rep. John Delaney early on night one and the second on night two from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who has made paid family and medical leave a centerpiece of her work in the Senate and is committed to enacting her campaign’s Family Bill of Rights within her first 100 days. Two references to the Equal Rights Amendment (Secretary Castro and Sen. Kamala Harris). A handful of references to child care and pre-K (Gillibrand, former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Mayor Bill de Blasio).
The fact that the moderators asked just one question about these issues over two nights is stunning. And that most candidates failed to weave these policies into their answers about the economy, jobs, and healthcare was a lost opportunity to speak to women, who are 47% of the U.S. workforce, 51% of the population, 57% of Democratic primary voters, and 64% of breadwinners in families with children, and for whom work and family challenges and the struggle for workplace dignity are all too common.
All of these issues — and the intersections among them — deserve more attention, but paid family and medical leave would touch the greatest number of people over their working lives. It’s also an issue that excites Democratic primary voters in early states, appeals broadly to voters nationwide across the political spectrum, especially women of all backgrounds, and has a chance of moving through Congress this year.
Ahead is a roadmap for candidates and moderators to do better next time.
Step 1: Show us you’re human.Paid family leave quite literally has the capacity to affect every U.S. worker and their family — and it can be a connection point between candidates and voters. On night two, as part of a lively discussion on healthcare, we heard from four of the men on stage about personal family and health issues. South Bend, IN, Mayor Pete Buttigieg mentioned his father, who passed away earlier this year; Biden recalled the need to be with his sons as young boys as they recovered from a tragic accident and to be with his son, Beau, at the end of his life; Sen. Michael Bennet shared that he had a recent bout of cancer and that his daughter had an appendectomy; Rep. Eric Swalwell touted his fidelity to changing his baby’s diapers. Klobuchar has previously discussed the importance of paid leave in her own life as the mother of a medically fragile newborn.
Step 2: Show us you see us. Next time, the candidates should acknowledge that time to care — to see a baby’s first smile or hold the hand of a parent taking their last breath — is too rare and must change. Today, 83% of the workforce is without access to paid family leave and more than 60% is without short-term disability insurance for paid personal medical leave, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Women, low-wage workers, and workers of color are most likely to be without paid leave and also most likely to be family caregivers, according to the National Partnership for Women & Families. They’re also key constituencies as we head into 2020.
Step 3: Bring us together. If candidates embrace paid leave and give it the attention it deserves — that we and our families deserve — the issue could not only energize women and people of color, it could also be the connective tissue that brings together seniors, "sandwich generation" workers, and millennials; rural and urban voters. It could bolster candidates’ bona fides on gender equity, economic inequality, and entrepreneurship for the audiences that care most about each. That’s because access to paid leave would help close the gender-based wage gap and boost women’s employment and earnings, strengthen retirement security, re-orient caregiving norms to include people of all genders, and level the playing field for small businesses. It would also reduce healthcare costs and improve access to healthcare services.
Step 4: Pick and champion a policy. The candidates in the field have strong records on which to build a robust debate. Every current or recent former member of Congress running for president is a supporter of Gillibrand and Rep. Rosa DeLauro’sFAMILY Act, which would create a national paid family and medical leave insurance fund that would cover nearly all working people in the U.S. for up to 12 weeks when they need time away from work to care for a new child or address a serious personal or family health issue. Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee signed one of the nation’s most robust state paid leave laws, which will go into effect just before the Iowa caucuses next winter. Mayors Buttigieg and de Blasio adopted paid parental leave programs for the public employees in their cities. Even President Donald Trump has proposed six weeks of leave for new parents. Candidates’ lived experiences, policy expertise, and worldviews make this issue ripe for discussion and differentiation.
Step 5: Be part of the paid leave action on all fronts. Finally, paid leave is having a moment borne of a growing movement. The 2020 campaign season is happening amid the growing potential for paid leave action in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate; progress in states like Connecticut, which just passed the nation’s seventh paid leave law, and Oregon, which may soon pass the eighth; and new company policies, like those at the fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen and mega-retailer Target, which show businesses are increasingly aware paid leave has value that offsets their costs.
So, to the entire field: Let’s see you do better. When you hit the stump this weekend and take the debate stage in Detroit next month, don’t forgo the chance to connect with voters — especially women — about the issues that deeply affect their work, families, and economic security. To debate moderators and journalists: Ask the questions. Women are watching and waiting to be seen.
Vicki Shabo is a senior fellow at New America, a think tank focused on renewing America, in Washington, D.C. Shabo has testified multiple times in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures about the need for improved workplace policies, including paid leave, and in 2016 successfully advocated to the Democratic Party Platform Committee for a plank endorsing a 12-week national paid family and medical leave program. The views expressed here are her own.
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Prime Minister Jacinda ArdernPhoto: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images.
During Thursday night’s Democratic primary debate, Oprah’s spiritual advisor Marianne Williamson — the only presidential candidate who wants to "harness love for political purposes" — proclaimed that her first move as president would be to challenge New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to a Mom-off. "My first call is to the prime minister of New Zealand, who said that her goal is to make New Zealand the place where it’s the best place in the world for a child to grow up," she said. "I would tell her, 'Girlfriend, you are so wrong,' because the United States of America is going to be the best place in the world for a child to grow up." It was a weird moment, to say the least. While it is clear the presidential hopeful is signaling that child advocacy is a large part of her platform, what’s less obvious is why she zeroed in on Ardern, and exactly how she plans to back up her trash-talk.
Ahead, we analyze what happened.
Why did Marianne Williamson mention Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the debate?
Following the Christchurch terrorist attack, Prime Minister Ardern stepped into a role of “national healer, ” a unifying leader who was nurturing with mourners and sensitive to spirituality. Although she was raised Mormon, Ardern now identifies as agnostic, according to The New Zealand Herald. “I have a real respect for people who have religion as a foundation in their lives. And I respect people who don't,” she said. “I just think people should be free to have their personal beliefs and not be persecuted for it, whether they be atheist or staunch church members.” After having a baby with her long-time partner last year, Ardern was also only the second world leader to give birth in office. Williamson, who is running her campaign on the power of love, is likely interested in Ardern’s international profile as a healer and a mother. And even if she invoked the Labour Party leader competitively, it seems Williamson aspires to be friends with Ardern — hence the “girlfriend.”
#DemDebate2 Marianne Williamson: Is this the Prime Minister of New Zealand?
In an op-ed for Magic, Ardern said it was one of her administration's goals to "make New Zealand the best place in the world to be a child." She outlined legislation like Best Start Payment, which would give new parents an extra $60 a week for the first year of a child’s life after paid parental leave, and Mana Ake, which provides health support for children in Canterbury and Kaikōura primary schools who were affected by the earthquakes. Ardern's focus on "wellbeing " in her country seems to be something that Williamson also aspires toward.
How does America compare to New Zealand in terms of living standards for children?
Currently, with the epidemic of school shootings, thousands of migrant children living in state-sanctioned squalor, and widening inequality, it is hard to consider the U.S. as a shining example of a place to raise children. The way the U.S. treats its children was a recurring topic throughout night two of the debates. Candidates brought up children during a number of debate topics, including immigration, healthcare, gun violence, poverty, and student debt. The word “child” (and different variations of the word) was mentioned over 45 times throughout the night. Children are often a conduit through which we speak about policies in America — from using younger generations to emphasize the need for environmental protections to citing statistics on children killed by gun violence to push for gun reform.
Issues related to child care, like universal Pre-K and maternal leave, are important to quality of life for younger generations, but there are several intersecting issues like gun reform and immigrants’ rights that also factor in. For example, around seven children die a day as a result of gun violence, and there have been 15 school shootings in America so far in 2019. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ardern banned assault weapons less than a week after a white supremacist opened fire in two mosques in New Zealand.
— sloane (sipihkopiyesis) (@cottoncandaddy) June 28, 2019
What is Marianne Williamson's plan for child care and other children's issues?
Williamson has child advocacy listed first on her campaign’s issues page. While she waxes on about the “millions of suffering children” and the ways she would advocate for them, she doesn't appear to have concrete plans. In fact, she has said plainly she doesn't think plans are all that important. “It’s really nice if we’ve got all these plans, but if you think we’re going to beat Donald Trump by just having all these plans, you’ve got another thing coming,” Williamson said when asked about healthcare policy, seemingly referencing Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s unofficial campaign slogan. “We’ve got to get deeper than just these superficial fixes, as important as they are.”
As far as the other candidates go, Warren has been the most explicit with her plans, pushing universal child care and even going as far as creating a calculator to show people how much they would save once the policy is in place. Meanwhile, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has unveiled a "Family Bill of Rights " and has long advocated for 12 weeks of paid family leave for new parents and caregivers.
As candidates continue to invoke children in their policy arguments, we would love to see both: holistic approaches that recognize the multiple issues children are facing and policy plans that will truly make a difference. And there's nothing wrong with borrowing from leaders like Ardern and bringing some healing and mothering to the mix.
Marianne Williamson is the only candidate bold enough to propose a witchcraft based health care system.
We so often hear about the importance — and extravagance — of various skin-care routines, whether we're devouring celebrity profiles or swapping product recs in the group chat. From extensive, 11-step Korean methods to more minimal, one-product-wonder approaches, there's seemingly endless discussion and debate surrounding our skin-care rituals. But where's the same chatter when it comes to our hair -care routines?
"I have, for many years, been preaching that hair care should be looked at just the same way that skin care is looked at," says Kevin Mancuso, Nexxus global creative director. "It shouldn’t be just routine, it should be regimen." While skin and hair are both primarily made of protein, there are a few basic differences between the two: Skin is biologically active and constantly regenerating, whereas hair’s protein structure is dead. But nourishing the hair’s strands is still just as essential nonetheless.
To better understand exactly why we ought to be investing more in our hair-care routines, we tapped Mancuso and Dr. Fraser Bell, Nexxus science insights leader, to dive into the nitty-gritty details of why a hair-care routine is such a worthy endeavor and why your consistent efforts won't be for naught. "Understanding how hair protein changes at the molecular level lets us select the right molecules, proteins, and actives to put back into the hair to nourish, replenish, and rebuild its structure," says Bell.
We're not going to lie, our conversations lit a fire under our butts to get more invested in our own personal hair-care routines. Read on to join the club.
Your hair changes as you get older.
"We like to think about aging in two ways," Bell says. "There’s one from childhood through adulthood into old age, and the other is about how hair ages on your head."
When you're very young, your hair is much finer and therefore more subject to tangling. In your teens and throughout adulthood, your hair becomes thicker, and as you produce more natural oils, it can become greasier. As you move into middle age, "the hair fibers themselves become finer, the natural oils that you produce decrease, and the number of hairs that you produce decreases, as well," says Bell.
As hair grows, it goes through an individual aging process of its own, too. "At the root, hair is at its healthiest, most natural condition and in its optimal state," says Bell. (Hair that hits at your shoulder, for context, is roughly three years old.) The older hair is, the more cycles of damage it has endured — from color processing to hot-tool styling — so the structure starts to break down. "Replenishing the hair fiber from the inside, as well as protecting the surface from the outside, becomes really important," Bell says.
Different areas of your hair require different care.
Hair care isn't a one-size-fits-all operation — and we're not just talking about from person to person with varying textures. Just as there are different zones of our face that we cater our skin-care routines to (from oily T-zones to acne-prone areas to the delicate skin below our eyes), there are also different sections of our hair that can benefit from a more bespoke, customized approach.
"It’s really important to think in zones," says Mancuso,"and the longer your hair gets, the more zones you start to have." Hair at the root, as mentioned in the previous slide, is in its most optimal state, requiring less intense replenishment and damage control than longer strands. "You may want to condition [the ends] more heavily than you would condition the hair closer to the scalp," Mancuso suggests.
The order of your routine matters.
Just as with a multi-step skin-care routine (where, ideally, you're progressing from thinner formulas to richer emollients), the sequence in which you apply your hair products will make them more or less effective in delivering their proposed benefits. It starts with your cleansing routine: "[At Nexxus,] shampoos are largely designed to clean, remove product buildup and excess grease, and refresh the hair fiber surface," says Bell, "and that enables the conditioner to deliver optimal conditioning of the hair surface and key active ingredients to the core of the fiber."
Post-shower, you can add on special treatments to your routine for bonus, need-specific results (anything from using silky serums on dry ends to overnight masks for the ultimate deep conditioning). And for those in-between wash days, second-day stylers such as dry shampoo or salt spray can work wonders in keeping hair looking and feeling fresh as it becomes greasier over time. It's all about utilizing the products in your arsenal to keep hair looking its best, longest.
Nexxus Between Washes Smooth & Clean Dry Shampoo Foam, $11.99, available at Target
You should be mindful of your scalp.
Your scalp is skin, after all, and just like the skin on your face, it requires diligent, consistent care. A few things to consider that might inspire you to invest more heavily in your scalp routine: "If you live in a dense city or suburb where there’s a lot of pollution, dust collects in your hair," Mancuso says, "and over time, these pollutants and toxins migrate their way down to the scalp." A more frequent wash schedule, then, is helpful in maintaining optimal scalp health and hygiene.
Scalp care also comes in handy if you are prone to dandruff. "Dandruff means that you have an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus that’s caused by a buildup of oils and dead skin," explains Mancuso. More consistent washing — and finding a great detoxifying scalp scrub — can help keep your scalp squeaky clean and properly exfoliated. If you have a dry scalp on the other hand (which small to medium dusty flakes may signal), you would want to prioritize moisturizing your scalp, instead.
Nexxus Nexxus Clean and Pure Scalp Scrub, $14.99, available at Target
Color-treated hair requires different care.
"Colorants are of really quite harsh chemistry," says Bell, "and they’re not specific in how they act: When they’re breaking down or building color in hair, they start to attack the hair’s protein, as well." The protein structures that make your hair flexible, strong, and resilient — such as the cortex, matrix, and cuticle — are inevitably compromised in the process.
The problem with damaged hair (aside from, well, the obvious) is that it's more vulnerable to color loss, since dye molecules will fall out of these porous, weakened strands more easily.
That's why, when you switch up your hair shade, your new care routine is all about color maintenance, which requires a mix of repairing damaged strands and optimizing color vibrancy with gentler products. A sulfate-free cleansing conditioner, like Color Assure Cleansing Conditioner, "detangles and cleanses hair in basically one step," says Mancuso, offering an effective cleanse while not unnecessarily stripping hair of color.
Nexxus Color Assure Cleansing Conditioner, $11.99, available at Target
You can achieve better shine.
Shine is not just dependent on the surface level of your hair, but rather "is largely dependent on the condition of the hair fiber itself," says Bell. "If the hair fibers become damaged and the internal structure is broken down, light can penetrate right through and won't be deflected from the surface." As an example, Bell says to imagine someone with long brown hair: Their ends might look more porous or not as rich in color ("even a bit orange") due to light penetrating through the fiber instead of bouncing off of it.
To achieve better shine, then, you have to work from the inside out. Among the intensely reparative Nexxus Keraphix line, Bell calls out the Keraphix Gel Treatment, which facilitates deep replenishment to the protein structure to optimize fiber performance. "[The Keraphix regimen] rebuilds from within and provides optimum care and conditioning to the outside of the fiber to make damaged hair look, feel, and shine like undamaged hair," Bell says.
Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Reconstructing Treatment , $8.29, available at Target
Hormones, nutrition, and stress can affect your hair.
In the same way our skin changes due to hormone imbalances, the same can happen for our hair. "Hormones help control some of the natural oils that we produce for our scalp and for our hair," Bell explains. "As we get older and we produce different hormones, the hair, the skin, and the scalp can become drier for that reason."
Nutrition, similarly, can impact the oils we produce and the way in which our hair grows. "There’s some evidence that consuming particular amino acids and oils [in your diet] can promote hair growth," Bell says, though the condition of the hair fiber itself may not necessarily change. "The hair fiber is largely made of what we call nonessential amino acids — amino acids that our bodies can produce — more so than amino acids that we need to consume."
The effects that stress can have on hair, though, are a little more vague. "The scientific literature is less developed in terms of how stress actually influences the fibers that you produce, but [stress] certainly changes the way in which we feel about our hair." When we are reasonably stressed out, Bell acknowledges, it's not uncommon for us to perceive stress as a significant source of hair damage, even if physiologically, the hair fibers that are being produced are similar to when we're not stressed.
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Lady Gaga surprised the crowd at New York City’s Pride Live Stonewall Day Concert on Friday with an impassioned speech about love, acceptance, and the progress the LGBTQ+ community has inspired and fought for.
Countless people gathered outside the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which many attribute to galvanizing the gay rights movement. “This community has fought, and continues to fight, a war of acceptance, a war of tolerance, and the most relentless bravery,” Gaga told the crowd. “You are the definition of courage. Do you know that?”
Gaga didn’t perform at the event, but she closed her inspiring speech by bringing attention to the rising number of attacks on the transgender community. “It is said that those who threw the first brick on that historic night were members of the trans community,” she said. “And while we have made tremendous progress, we find ourselves at a time where attacks on the trans community are on an increasing rise each day. I will not tolerate this.”
The pop singer shared more of her thoughts on Instagram. “This community inspires me so much,” she captioned a photo of herself in the head-to-toe rainbow outfit she wore during her speech. “Your courage, your bravery, your relentless pursuit of kindness. Celebrate yourselves today, and hopefully every day. I love you.”
Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.
Today: an area senior sales manager working in hospitality who makes $92,400 per year and spends some of her money this week on a book called The Ethical Slut.
Occupation: Area Senior Sales Manager Industry: Hospitality Age: 31 Location: Los Angeles, CA Salary: $92,400 + $10,000 annual bonus (average) Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $2,485.79 Gender Identity: Woman
Monthly Expenses Mortgage: $2,300. I own my two-bedroom condo and live with my rescue pup, who pays rent in the form of puppy kisses. Car Loan: $300 Condo HOA Fee: $405
Netflix: $12.99 Spotify: $9.99 Cell Phones: $100 ClassPass: $45 Amazon Prime: Free (I pay for Netflix and my sister pays for Prime) Health Savings Account: $160 deducted monthly from my paycheck (50% of which is used directly for 2x/month therapy) 401K/Roth IRA: $462 deducted monthly from paycheck (6% deduction + my company offers a 100% match for up to 3%)
Day One
8:05 a.m. — I wake up around a little after 8, but as it's Saturday I snooze a bit before getting up and getting the day going. I make myself coffee and avocado toast at home while I call my parents on the East Coast to catch up.
12 p.m. — I'm meeting my colleague in Burbank for an event. It's technically a "work" event, but it's at Warner Bros. Studios, so it's more fun than actual work. It's an augmented-reality (AR) event, so we'll get to test out new AR/VR devices and tour the studios. Not a bad Saturday, in my book. My gas light signals empty as I pull out of my parking garage, so I stop by to fill her up. $58.00
12:30 p.m. — We catch up over some lunch before the event starts. I haven't seen this colleague in a few weeks (we work in different locations at the same company), so it's nice to catch up over a meal. She purchased her condo a few years ago, so I ask her a bunch of questions about home renovations, contractors, etc. I just purchased my condo in April, so I'm still adjusting to homeownership. So far, it's just like rent, but more expensive. I went from paying $1,900/month for rent to $2,700/month for my monthly mortgage + HOA fee. I also went from a 600-square-foot one-bedroom to a 1,000-square-foot two-bedroom in a building with a pool, so the perks are great, but it's still a big adjustment on my usual spending and savings. Since we're on our way to a work event, I expense the $24 lunch. ($24.00 expensed)
11:30 p.m. — I have a date this evening with someone I've been seeing for a few months. We haven't talked about dating exclusively yet, but we've been seeing each other pretty consistently. We decide to go out for some drinks in my neighborhood, as I haven't really explored the new bars and restaurants since I moved. We grab a dozen oysters and a round of drinks (mezcal on the rocks for me). The convo is flowing, and we're really enjoying our time, so we order one more round before heading out. I pick up the bill, as he's paid the last few times we've gone out and we're in my 'hood, so I feel like it's my turn to treat. $122.00
Daily Total: $180.00
Day Two
6:50 a.m. — We wake up pretty early on Sunday morning and spend some time in bed talking, cuddling, and making out. We each share what we have to do that day — a friend's party for him, an unexpected and very uncommon lazy day with no commitments for me. We move from the bed to the couch and keep chatting over coffee I've made us. He heads out around 9 a.m.
5 p.m. — I have a truly lazy day and never leave my house. My best friend moved to Amsterdam two years ago, but we try to stay in touch as often as possible. Typically it's a few exchanges a week on WhatsApp or email, and a monthly phone call. This Sunday was our monthly phone call, so we spend about an hour chatting and catching up. It's one of my few friendships that has stood the test of time and distance. I'm really proud of us for committing to maintaining our relationship. After I chat with her, I settle in for some TV time. I have two episodes of Handmaid's Tale and one episode of Big Little Lies to catch up on. I don't have HBO, but I have a former boyfriend's HBO Go auto-logged in on my TV, so I can watch BLL. I snack on some fruit and popcorn while I watch, but come time for dinner, I treat myself to some Thai delivery. $27.00
Daily Total: $27.00
Day Three
8:30 a.m. — I'm running late to work, so I don't pack any morning snacks (I usually make myself avocado toast in the office). I stop by and get myself a large coconut milk cappuccino and bacon cheddar croissant on the way into work. $10.25
5:30 p.m. — I have a really busy day at work, and it seems to fly by. My company provides daily lunches (they're hit or miss), but it was pretty good today, so I ate at work and got to save some money. I stop by Target on my way home for a few necessities like toilet paper, paper towels, and body wash. As expected, I scoop up a few more things than were on my list (because Target) and end up spending more than I planned. I do get some tomatoes and mozzarella cheese to add to what I already have in my fridge, so I'm able to make myself a salad and pasta for dinner at home without spending too much. $88.00
Daily Total: $98.25
Day Four
10:10 a.m. — I get pulled over while driving to work and get a texting-while-driving violation. Since I'm a first-time offender, the fine is $20 without any points on my record. It feels totally unfair, as I was not texting or moving — I was fully stopped at a red light when I used my phone to turn off my navigation and refresh my emails. I set it down before the light turned green and I started moving again, but I'm not one to argue with a cop, so I accept the ticket and learn my lesson: Having your phone in your hand while your ignition is on in the state of California is a violation of the law, even if you are fully stopped at a red light. He suggests I get a holder for the phone, as that's the loophole. If the phone were in a holder and I were to use it while at a red light, that would be legal. Go figure. Twenty bucks and an "UGH" feeling all day, because who likes getting a ticket, even if it's only $20. $20.00
12 p.m. — Taco Tuesday at work, so I take the free lunch.
6 p.m. — I stop by the grocery store on the way home to get a few things for dinner. I pick up ground turkey, two avocados, a bell pepper, and a bottle of red wine. I like to end my day with some dinner and a glass of wine most nights, so a bottle lasts me the work week. $23.00
Daily Total: $43.00
Day Five
6:55 a.m. — I get up for work at my usual time. I grab one of the avocados from my mini grocery run to make avo toast in the office. I get a large coconut milk cappuccino to enjoy with my toast and leave the barista a $2 tip. Feeling generous today. $6.00
12:30 p.m. — I packed leftovers from my dinner last night for lunch today. The free lunch is some type of mystery meat, so I'm glad I brought mine from home. I have a stressful day at work, as a client of mine had to cancel their event, so I try to do damage control. My job is a salary plus bonus based on sales goals, so it would be a huge hit if this deal were to cancel. After many phone calls and emails, we land on a rebooking agreement and I allow them to move their dates, but keep their revenue commitment. Crisis averted, but not without tons of stress.
6 p.m. — I get home a little after six and pour myself a large glass of wine. After the day I've had, I even allow myself two. I'm too mentally exhausted to make a proper meal, so I have popcorn and wine for dinner. Not eating much + two glasses of wine makes me feel a little loose and empowered. I text a girl I went on a few dates with recently but lost touch with as my move took over my life for a while. I apologize for going dark, tell her I had a really nice time getting to know her on the few dates we had, and ask if I can see her again. She tells me she's really excited to hear from me and feels the same, but she's started dating someone. She tells me she'll be in touch should her situation change. I'm flattered, but I go to bed feeling a little deflated.
Daily Total: $6.00
Day Six
6:55 a.m. — Alarm goes off at the regular time, but getting up is tough today. I guess wine will do that. It's my every-other-Thursday therapy day, so I head to my appointment. Normally, I really look forward to my sessions, but after drinking a little too much and seeking attention from an old flame, I'm not feeling really great about it. I try not to beat myself up about it too much, and drive to the session and call my grandma on my way. She lives on the East Coast, so it's about 10 a.m. her time. We catch up. I always feel better after talking to her. I grab my usual large coconut milk cappuccino on my way in. $4.00
5 p.m. — The day absolutely flies by today. Therapy usually makes me feel pretty vulnerable all day, so I schedule a hot yoga class to wind down and practice some self-care. I decide to go to a studio near me, which isn't available on ClassPass where I have a membership, so I pay $14 out of pocket. So worth it. $14.00
11 p.m. — After I get home, I get a text from an old fling, and we start flirting via text. The topic of polyamory and open relationships comes up (we're talking about the show Easy on Netflix), but we playfully start transitioning the idea to ourselves and if it could work. He lives in Seattle, so we're not in the same town. The texts heat up, and he calls me. We talk for three hours about intimacy, relationships, and various forms of non-monogamy, and whether we think they could ever work for us. It's all theoretical, but it's an interesting way to connect with someone and learn about fears, insecurities, and opportunities in relationships. We decide we're both going to read The Ethical Slut and talk about it once we're done. I place an order on Amazon. $17.00
Daily Total: $35.00
Day Seven
6:55 a.m. — I wake up at my regular time and feel pretty good. I grab an avocado and head to the office. I forgo my usual coffee order and make myself good ol' office coffee and save myself a few dollars.
4 p.m. — I'm renovating some things in my condo, so the list of items to buy is never-ending. I'm trying not to do it all at once, but it's a hard balance because I'm eager to make my place feel like home. I place an order on CB2 for a few items I've been meaning to get, like a vase and organizational baskets, and the total comes to $112. I have a 20% promo, so I use that. $89.60
6 p.m. — Its my friend's birthday, so I stop by Sephora to get her a gift card. She's been a really good friend to me, so I want to get her something nice. I know she loves makeup, but I don't know which items or brands, so I figure a gift card is best. Her party is tomorrow night, so I'll bring the card with some flowers and her favorite Champagne. $100.00
7:30 p.m. — I go to a concert with my client — she has turned into a friend over the years, so we have a great time chatting and catching up over a drink before the show. She's getting married next month, so we talk about her wedding plans. She asks me if I'm dating anyone, and I question how much I should share. I could tell her the truth — I'm dating a guy and a girl, and toying with the idea of an open relationship with a guy who lives in Seattle, but I decide to keep it slightly professional and just tell her, "Yeah, a few people, but nobody worth talking about." Concert tickets were $15 each, and drinks were $40 altogether. I expense the evening. ($70.00 expensed)
Daily Total: $189.60
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As Grace Semler Baldridge arrived in Birmingham, Alabama to investigate the city’s sex education for the second episode of her Refinery29 webseries State of Grace, Alabama’s state senate passed the most restrictive abortion ban in the country. While Baldridge was still reporting this story, Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law (though it has yet to, and maybe never will, go into effect).
Baldridge sees Alabama’s abortion ban as at odds with its sex education — which is basically nonexistent. “You can’t not educate people on something, not talk about something, and then effectively punish them for the silence that you implemented,” Baldridge says.“It was overwhelming to me that a local government that was not mandating sex education was regulating the results of having sex."
In the United States, just 24 states require that sex education be taught in schools, and only 13 require that sex ed be medically accurate. Additionally, six states have “no promo homo” or “don’t say gay” laws — laws that prohibit discussing the LGBTQ+ community in a positive light or at all. Only two states prevent the promotion of religion in sex ed classes. Alabama has “no promo homo” laws on the books, and it does not require or regulate sex education. In fact, Baldridge could not find a single Birmingham high school that taught it. And young people badly need accurate information about sex: Alabama ranks 11th in the country for teen pregnancy and Birmingham has the 17th rate of newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS in the nation.
In the episode, Baldridge speaks to a doctor; a self-described “Southern queer mom”; educators at an LGBTQ+ youth center; and an activist for anti-choice, abstinence-only sex education. It’s clear that when it comes to sex education in this country, we need to do a lot better by young people.
As Baldridge puts it, “The lack of regulation and the stigma surrounding sex education has resulted in a stalemate that is harmful to the mental, physical, and emotional health of American students. We need to be talking about sex. Education is a human right. We can’t deny American students the right to understand their bodies and the ways in which they can protect and accept themselves.”
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Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas have tied the knot at their second wedding, this time in France, making the pair officially married in every capacity.
Turner and Jonas — aka Jophie — held their wedding ceremony in Sarrians in southern France, reports E! News, with white flowers and glass candles along the aisles. The couple then headed to the Château de Tourreau, an estate in the south of France, with their guests for the wedding reception.
Refinery29 has reached out to representatives for Turner and Jonas for confirmation.
Prior to the event, the couple spent some time relaxing with their respective wedding parties. “Sophie was drinking champagne with her girlfriends and brunch was also delivered. Joe had a few shots with his groomsmen to ease the nerves,” a source told E! News.
Turner and Jonas enjoyed themselves in various spots throughout Paris ahead of the festivities. Turner shared an Instagram photo of the two preparing for a “French” kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower, and they were seen having dinner at Costes. Turner and Jonas also showed up to their rehearsal dinner wearing matching red outfits while their guests wore white, reports People. (Did anyone say “red wedding”?)
The summer wedding followed the couple’s surprise Las Vegas wedding, where the Turner and Jonas tied the knot at Chapel L’Amour inside A Little White Wedding Chapel following the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. The couple wed in front of friends including Khalid, Diplo (who livestreamed it on Instagram), Dan + Shay, and Chopra.
Mars enters Leo on July 1, an appropriate start to the hottest month of the year (in New York, at least). Named after the God of War, Mars rules attraction, energy, and courage. And Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac, is a fire sign that’s known for being charismatic, outgoing, and impatient. Add these two together, and what do you get?
“DRAMA (in all capital letters!!),” says astrologer Lisa Stardust. During this transit, which lasts until August 18, “Arguments will take on a fiery, passionate, egocentric energy and will go on until there’s a winner,” Stardust says. “The flip side is that we also may overshare or rush into our feelings.”
Narayana Montúfar, Senior Astrologer for Astrology.com and Horoscope.com, explains that Mars and Leo are a natural fit. "Ruling things like sex, ambition, and drive, Mars is not only very comfortable in the most expressive sign of the zodiac, here it can function at its best!" she says. "We can expect to feel a surge of fun-loving energy in the form of courage, confidence, leadership, and passion… lots of passion. Mars in Leo is generous, proud, dramatic, and by far the sexiest combination. No matter what your sign is, this sign-planet blend will have us craving for more attention as we enjoy making huge strides towards our loftiest goals."
Now is the time to live life to the fullest. "If there was ever a time to be generous and express our feelings, it is now as we actively channel Leo’s big-hearted, fearless, and bold nature," Montúfar explains. "The one thing to look out for would be to keep our ego in check as the need to be adored and admired can easily creep in on us. Yes, Mars in Leo is what soap operas are made of, when colorful fireworks can turn into big blowouts in just a matter of seconds. In true Leo fashion, the next eight weeks are ideal to take charge and lead with our hearts as long as we don’t let our inner drama queen get out of hand."
This summer, following your impulses might not be a bad idea. “Word of advice, take a moment to think about how you wish to express your truest desires and heart,” suggests Stardust. “Then, send the email or text. Don’t hold back, just watch the tone because we may accidentally trigger the tempers of others.”
If that risky text is going to your partner, a crush, or an ex, it might be time to break out the handcuffs and flogger. “Sexual desires will be heightened, as well as our need to express our kinks and desires,” Stardust says. “Don’t repress your lusty thoughts. Go BIG or go home!”
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We’re looking to solve problems this week. Our thoughts quickly search for answers all day Sunday until Monday at 5:48 p.m. EST, while the Moon wanes in witty Gemini. Willful Mars makes his way into passionate Leo on Monday, infusing a new dignified manner into our actions. Keep your energy high during this transit by putting your best foot forward — remember what you bring to the table, burn off your excess energy safely and plan out foolproof and sweat proof) summer outfits. The Moon enters Cancer on Monday evening at 9:23 p.m EST, helping us to solidify our feelings in anticipation of Tuesday’s new Moon and total solar eclipse at 3:16 p.m. EST. Prepare your intentions leading up to this event on Tuesday to support goals you’d like to achieve in the next six months. Tap into your creative side as this eclipse will sextile change-making Uranus. Seek out creature comforts on Wednesday, when sensual Venus makes her way into the emotional water sign of Cancer. Looking to upgrade your outdoor setup? Bring beauty into your space with a few patio inspired upgrades for hosting friends and finding sweet solitude. Take it slow on Wednesday, when the Moon goes void-of-course from 10:24 a.m EST until 11:19 p.m. EST. The Moon’s VOC period is a little like a retrograde for a planet — it’s best used for reflection and rest. Hold off on beginning new projects or burning off a ton of energy that you’d like to see results from. Our energy ramps up on Wednesday night when the Moon waxes in Leo from 11:19 p.m. EST until 2:24 a.m EST on Friday morning. We’re prepared to step into the spotlight, crack jokes and get creative. It’s also an emotionally vulnerable time when we are ready to ask what we need from others. The week runs a bit like a rollercoaster, as the Moon goes void-of-course again all day Friday until 12:25 a.m. EST on Saturday. Trust your timing, and gather your strength for Saturday, when the Moon waxes in organized Virgo early on Saturday morning at 12:25 a.m EST. Spend the day getting prepared as our communication planet, Mercury, goes retrograde early next week.
Aries March 21 to April 19
Comfort is king this week, Aries. It’s time to make your home summer-friendly, while the Sun lights your 4th house of family, instincts, and foundations. It’s important to keep your cool, especially while the Sun, your personal planet of creativity and entertainment lights this domestic house. Make yourself a creative sanctuary in your space to find inspiration at home. Mars, your planetary ruler helps to boost your confidence on Monday as he makes his way through charismatic Leo. Take a cue out of the Lion’s book and pay extra attention to your mane. When you’ve got a ‘do you can be proud of, you walk a little taller. A solar eclipse and new Moon in Cancer arrives on Tuesday at 3:16 p.m. EST, calling attention to your creative pursuits. Meditate on your goals and how you can set out to achieve them over the next six months. Your love ruler Venus enters sensual Cancer on Wednesday, encouraging you to invest more of your mind into your sex life. Focus on creating a deeper connection with your partner to heat things up in the bedroom. If you’re single, use this planet’s movement to get to know your body better.
Celia Jacobs.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Looking for some intellectual stimulation this week, Taurus? You won’t have to travel far this week as your domestic ruler, the Sun, lights your 3rd house of communication, thought, and community. Instead of spending a few hours glued to your phone, unplug and enjoy a new book. If you’re itching to get out of the house, invite your friends to check out an art show and take in your local culture. You radiate strength on Monday, when your spiritual ruler Mars makes his way into charming Leo. You’re more comfortable moving through the world and finding peace as the action planet passes through this caring and generous sign. Our first total eclipse of the year arrives on Tuesday in intuitive Cancer. Set an intention around your living space, and how you’d like to see change happen over the next six months. Self-care becomes a priority on Wednesday, when your planetary ruler of health and work, Venus, enters homey Cancer. If a good night’s sleep is hard to come by, you might want to experiment with some blue-light blocking glasses. Reducing the amount of blue light can help you improve your sleep cycle.
Cachetejack.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
How do you identify your needs against your wants, Gemini? The Sun will help you establish these differences as he moves through your 2nd house of finances, values, and possessions this week. Consider how you can build wealth as opposed to getting rich while your attention is focused on this important house. The Moon, your personal planet of money, helps you to pinpoint your financial concerns while she wanes through your sign from Sunday until Monday evening at 5:48 p.m. EST. Set an ambitious goal for yourself on Tuesday in anticipation of the new Moon and total Solar eclipse in Cancer at 3:16 p.m. EST. Remember to keep building towards your goal over the next six months. When a new Moon coincides with a solar eclipse, it increases the impact of your objective. Rest and recharge on Wednesday and Friday, when the Moon is void-of-course for the majority of the day. Hold off on spending, and do a little research on how you can stretch your dollars. Instead of spending your extra cash on an expensive cold brew, learn how to make your iced coffee at home. If you’re dying to get away this summer, try a few money-saving travel hacks to satiate your wanderlust.
Amber Vittoria.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Give yourself a little credit this week, Cancer. It’s time to gracefully shed that humble attitude and learn how to ask for what you want. The Sun, your personal planet of finances, lights your 1st house of self, first impressions, and appearance all week, helping you to make a breakthrough in your attitude towards your earnings. Try downloading a budgeting or savings app to get a better handle on your assets, if you haven’t yet. Mars, your personal planet of career, makes his way into larger-than-life Leo on Monday, helping you to take on a can-do mindset at work. Get ready to stand up for your ideas and go after the jobs that you want while the red planet moves through this bold sign. Your ruling planet, the Moon, wanes in Cancer on Monday evening from 9:23 p.m. EST, helping to solidify your feelings as we approach Tuesday’s Solar eclipse. Ruminate on what you’d like to accomplish over the next six months as we approach this event at 3:16 p.m. EST on Tuesday. Think about how can you combine your creative pursuits with your financial needs. You’re ready to reinvest time into beautifying your space on Wednesday as Venus, your personal planet of home and family speeds into Cancer. The Moon takes two especially long void-of-course periods on Wednesday and Friday, opening up time in your schedule to take extra care of your skin or catch a summer blockbuster.
Ariel Davis.
Leo July 23 to August 22
The Sun’s shining, but you need just a little more time to yourself right now, Leo. Your 12th house of inner growth, vulnerability, and conclusion is being highlighted by the Sun this week, focusing your energy towards self-development. Make sure that you’re slowing down between work and relationships to focus on your priorities. You’re ready to get to work as you get your confidence back on Monday, when fiery Mars enters Leo. Avoid burning out and take care of your muscles while the warrior planet ignites your sign. A total solar eclipse in Cancer arrives on Tuesday at 3:16 p.m. EST, helping you to set long-term intentions that you’d like to carry out over the next six months. Venus, your personal planetary ruler of career makes her way into intuitive Cancer on Wednesday, inspiring you to pick up some new creative skills. It’s important to keep learning as you progress in your professional journey. If you’re an entrepreneur or want to beef up your social media presence, it could be a smart move to work on your personal brand as Venus moves through this creative sign. The Moon waxes in Leo on Wednesday evening from 11:19 p.m. EST until 2:24 a.m EST on Friday morning, highlighting your best qualities. You’ve got what it takes to succeed.
Lynnie Z.
Virgo August 23 to September 22
Summer socializing invigorates you this week, Virgo. Your 11th house of groups, friendships, and goals is illuminated by the Sun, putting you in the mood to collaborate and connect. If you’re single, you could match up with someone who appreciates your forward nature. Mars, your personal planet of sexuality, begins to draw more people into your orbit starting on Monday when he enters charismatic Leo. If you’re attached, you’re in for a summer of love while Mars moves through this sexually generous sign. Giving really is as great as receiving, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. A total eclipse in Cancer arrives on Tuesday at 3:16 p.m. EST marking an opportune time to reflect on what you’d like to achieve over the next six months. Venus, your personal planet of finances moves into the intuitive and domestic sign of Cancer on Wednesday, encouraging you to take care of minor home improvement projects. If you don’t want to shell out for design upgrades or new furniture, give your home a deep clean to feel refreshed in your space. The Moon waxes in Virgo onwards early on Saturday morning at 12:25 a.m EST improving your mind for practicality and organization.
Simone Noronha.
Libra September 23 to October 22
Is it time for you to brush up your online persona, Libra? The Sun lights your 10th house of career, structure, and public image this week, helping you to tighten up your personal brand. If you want to start self-promoting, but don’t know where to start — try giving your LinkedIn page a refresh to help recruiters find you. If you’re happy where you are but want to move up at work, book time with your boss or a trusted colleague to get started on your action plan. Your attention shifts dramatically to romance on Monday, when your love ruler Mars enters the flirtatious sign of Leo. If you’re single, you may notice that your new attitude is attracting all kinds of new people to your dating pool. Get ready to dive in and enjoy the attention. If you’re in a relationship, use this sexy new energy to sweep your partner off their feet. Pump up the volume on an erotic podcast for some inspiration in the bedroom. The Moon, your personal planetary ruler of career, undergoes a dramatic solar eclipse and new Moon at 3:16 p.m. EST on Tuesday. Use this potent energy to set intentions around your work and professional life that you’d like to accomplish over the next six months. Venus, your planetary ruler makes her way into domestic Cancer on Wednesday, helping you to get in touch with your emotions.
Sarah Mazzeti.
Scorpio October 23 to November 21
A sabbatical is in order, dear Scorpio. You’re ready to take a break from work this week while your personal career ruler, the Sun, makes his way through your 9th house of exploration, adventure, and belief. If you aren’t able to get away from it all, try to make time to expand your mind away from the office. Take back a bit of your independence as the Sun moves through the expansive 9th house, as you’ll find pleasure and feel revived after feeding your soul. A new mindset overtakes you on Monday as Mars, your planetary ruler of well-being, makes his way into regal Leo. You’re walking taller, and taking more time to appreciate your surroundings. Elevate your routine and trade in your work-out gear for a look that makes you want to run out the door. If you’ve been wanting to make a change at work, meditate on your short term goals on Tuesday at 3:16 p.m. EST during the total Solar eclipse in Cancer. Remember, your goals don’t work unless you do. Embrace your vulnerability on Wednesday when your love planet Venus moves into the sensitive sign of Cancer. If you’re in a relationship, this is an ideal time to be honest about what you need from your partner. Singles can use this emotionally raw energy to get to know themselves better.
Kelsey Wrotten.
Sagittarius November 22 to December 21
Who are you becoming, Sagittarius? You’re slowly figuring out this complicated question as the Sun lights your 8th house of transformation, mystery, and dramatic change this week. Play with your image and experiment with new trends while the Sun moves through this fluid house. Channel your creativity and mood into your outfits during this warm week. Make time to set a short term intention on the direction that you’d like to head over the next six months on Tuesday at 3:16 p.m. EST, during our first total solar eclipse of the year. Connect these goals to your emotions, as the new moon and eclipse occurs in deep feeling Cancer. Venus, your planetary ruler of well-being, enters the intuitive sign of Cancer on Wednesday, encouraging you to create healthier habits at home. Make the most of this positive movement by trying your hand at meal-planning and creating a work-out schedule that integrates seamlessly into your routine. Getting organized in your work and health zones will help you to save cash and find harmony, especially before Mercury retrograde hits early next week.
Kissi Ussuki.
Capricorn December 22 to January 19
Who do you want to spend your time with, Capricorn? You’re busy strengthening your connections this week as the Sun lights your 7th house of partnerships, contracts, and business. If you feel like you’re ready to try out the world of entrepreneurship or freelancing, make sure that you get advice from your peers and mentors before jumping the gun. Spend as much time as you can researching your dream job so that you can forge ahead with all of the facts. On Monday, Mars, your personal ruler of home and family enters caring Leo. It’s an excellent time to organize a family BBQ or catch up over a phone call. Brighten a family member’s day with your sweet spirit as Mars makes his way through this generous house. Whether you’re single or attached, prepare for your heartstrings to be pulled on Tuesday at 3:16 p.m. EST during the total solar eclipse and new Moon in Cancer. Before you set an intention, think of the eclipse as a supercharged new Moon, as the effects will take about six months to emerge. Get comfy with your emotions at work on Wednesday when Venus, your planetary career ruler, enters sensitive Cancer. Remember to take breaks if you’re getting overwhelmed, and allow yourself to feel the emotions that drive you.
Loveis Wise.
Aquarius January 20 to February 18
Take care of yourself this week, Aquarius. Your romantic ruler, the Sun, lights your 6th house of health, order, and service this week, inspiring you to make healthy choices. If you’re in a relationship, get your partner in the same groove by introducing delicious summer snacks that are chock-full with water. Single Water-bearers might be interested in starting a new solo workout routine with the help of an app. A total solar eclipse and new Moon in Cancer arrives on Tuesday at 3:16 p.m. EST, bringing an exciting new energy to your love life. Consider your emotions and what you value about yourself while this momentous event occurs. The Moon is responsible for your health and work zones, while the Sun rules the way that you express love. It’s critical that you consider your wellbeing over the course of the next six months. Think about the people that you choose to connect with, and how you can best spend your time developing and relating to others. Venus, your personal planet of home and family speeds into the intuitive sign of Cancer on Wednesday, helping you to be more honest and open with your emotions. Get in touch with your sensual side while Venus moves through this watery sign.
Hilda Palafox.
Pisces February 19 to March 20
The world is your oyster, Pisces. The Sun, your personal planet of well-being, illuminates your 5th house of creativity, pleasure, and romance this week, bringing joy to everything that you do. You’re able to inspire your co-workers and friends, with your infectious positive vibes. Tackling your finances is an adventure going forwards on Monday, as Mars, your personal planet of cash makes his way into charismatic Leo. If you’ve been thinking about travelling far and away, do some research on how you can make your dream vacation a reality. Tuesday’s total solar eclipse and new Moon in Cancer at 3:16 p.m. EST promises big changes in your well-being over the course of the next six months. There’s a catch — you need to be willing to put the work into it. Consider how you’d like to change your life for the better as these two heavenly bodies work their magic. Charming Venus makes her way into the domestic and sensitive Cancer on Wednesday, inspiring you to spend more time at home. If you’re craving some face time with friends, make your space a destination for your friends this weekend, and host a breezy summer get-together.
Rachel Jo.
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Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.
Today: a public relations manager working in design who makes $120,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on iced coffee.
Occupation: Public Relations Manager Industry: Design Age: 34 Location: New York, NY Salary: $120,000 + annual $5,000 bonus Paycheck Amount (Monthly): $6,954 Gender Identity: Woman
Monthly Expenses Rent: $0 (My husband and I keep our finances separate but cover different portions of our essentials. He pays the rent, utilities, cable, and internet and I pay for the majority of items related to our daughter.) Student Loans: $0 (I went to school in-state and my parents paid my tuition.) Phone: $109.35 Health/Dental/Vision Insurance: $50 Health FSA: $41.67 Transit Card: $127 (pre-tax) Hulu: $5.99 Netflix: $12.99 Gym: $70 (My husband and I split our family membership; this is my share.) Housekeeper: $130 biweekly (My husband and I split this cost.) Indoor Playspace Membership: $72.94 401(k): $300 (50% employer match. I currently have around $28,000 saved.) Savings: $500 Credit Card Payment: $1,500 (I currently have about $7,500 in credit card debt that I am furiously trying to pay off.)
Day One
6:10 a.m. — I wake up to my daughter yelling “mama” from her crib; I grab her from her room and make a toaster waffle and slice a peach for her breakfast. She usually sleeps later, so I am groggy and unprepared for this. I stumble around trying to get ready while she plays with stickers, watches Toy Story 2, and eats breakfast.
8:15 a.m. — Nanny arrives. My nanny is amazing and insanely punctual. She is the reason our home runs with any semblance of order, and we adore her. I take the subway to work and read on the train. I am attempting to read 52 books in 52 weeks this year, so I try to read a few pages whenever I get the chance. Right now, I am reading My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Brathwaite, which is fantastic.
9:06 a.m. — I arrive at work and my stomach is growling, but I didn't pack any breakfast. I peruse the Ritual app, which one of my coworkers introduced me to, and see that Lenwich is having a 50% off any order of $5 or more promotion. I order an egg and cheese on a roll and a large hazelnut coffee. $3.42
1:30 p.m. — My daughter needs a lunchbox for camp, which starts next week. Camp is also vegetarian and nut-free, so I need to buy some additional groceries. I take a break from work and walk to Whole Foods, where I buy milk, nectarines, plums, cucumbers, watermelon, nut-free butter, snap pea crisps, frozen waffles, yogurt pouches, a Bento-style lunchbox, and coconut butter cups ($48.92). I stop at Target on the way back to work to buy potty training rewards: Toy Story stickers, gummy worms, and watercolor paints. I am not above bribery. ($9.76) $58.68
3:15 p.m. — I refill my water bottle and eat the coconut butter cups. I spend the afternoon taking care of work while listening to a Fresh Air interview with Christina Applegate. I just finished binge-watching Dead to Me, and I am longing for more Christina Applegate content.
6 p.m. — I head home to play with my daughter while my husband gets ready to leave on a weekend fishing trip. We put the kid to bed around 8, then decide to order pizza for dinner. My husband pays. We watch When They See Us while we eat.
Daily Total: $62.10
Day Two
6:15 a.m. — My husband leaves early in the morning on his fishing trip, which means I get to shower before work. He has to be at work much earlier than I do, and it's difficult to shower and get ready after my daughter wakes up, so he generally gets to shower in the morning and I do my routine at night. My daughter is still sleeping, so I take advantage and shower/get ready before she calls for me. Girlfriend is up around 7, and it's time for more waffles and peaches for breakfast. We watch Sesame Street while she eats. Nanny arrives, I draw several Elmos on my daughter's easel per her request, and then I leave for work. I read on the subway.
8:57 a.m. — I arrive at work, still thinking about my delicious Lenwich breakfast from yesterday. I stop there again for a repeat egg and cheese and hazelnut coffee order, but this time, without the discount. $6.84
1 p.m. — I leave work, since we have summer Fridays. I pay my nanny the same amount weekly regardless of number of hours worked (unless, of course, she works overtime), which means the next five hours are mine! I take advantage of this time and run a ton of errands. First, I visit TJ Maxx to pick up a birthday present for my daughter's friend's party next week. I buy a couple of wooden toys, three books, and an inflatable pool and sunscreen for my daughter ($51.06). I also return a pair of pants to Zara. Finally, I pick up some new bras and underwear at Gap ($58.82). $109.88
3:30 p.m. — I am famished and meeting a friend for drinks later, so I stop at Sweetgreen. I get the seasonal elote salad and it is delicious. I read at the table while I eat. $13.61
5:30 p.m. — I stop by a friend's birthday happy hour for 30 minutes before I have to run home to relieve my nanny. Normally I would have her stay so that I could visit longer at happy hour, but I worked late twice this week and my husband is traveling. I down a glass of Pinot Grigio in record time. It costs $8, and I tip $2. $10
8 p.m. — My daughter is in bed, and I have the place to myself. I spend the evening organizing laundry and watching The Handmaid's Tale. Wild Friday night!
Daily Total: $140.33
Day Three
7:15 a.m. — We wake up a little later today (past 7 is late on a weekend with a toddler) and make more waffles and peaches for breakfast. We switch it up this morning and watch Peppa Pig.
8:30 a.m. — We are out of the apartment and the first stop is to drop off a massive amount of laundry. Normally we do it ourselves, but the machines in our building are currently out of order. A bottle of detergent sprung a leak in our linen closet resulting in a bunch of sheets/towels to wash, so the load is heavier than usual. Honestly, the cost of wash and fold is worth it as opposed to posting up in the laundry room on a gorgeous day.
10 a.m. — We head to the first playground of the day. On the way home, we stop at a farmer's market and buy sourdough bread and a chocolate croissant for my daughter and me to share ($8). We also stop to pick up my dry cleaning ($39.50). $47.50
12 p.m. — My daughter is napping. I check my bank account and notice that I have been charged for the third installment of a CSA I'm doing through work. We will start receiving farm fresh vegetables next week and I'm excited to try some new recipes. $66.25
4 p.m. — My daughter is awake, and we start the trek to the Upper West Side to meet a friend for dinner and to see her apartment. Luckily, riding the subway is akin to Disneyland for a toddler, so my daughter is PUMPED to take not one, but two trains. I refill my emergency Metrocard since my nanny keeps our monthly card on nights and weekends. $16.50
6:30 p.m. — After playgrounding for about an hour, we go to Tacocina for dinner with my friend and her husband. I order a Paloma and chicken, fish, and carnitas tacos, and we all split guac and Mexican-style street corn. Our bill comes to $130.28, and I Venmo $40 for my portion. $40
Daily Total: $170.25
Day Four
7:45 a.m. — We sleep in (lol) until 7:45 since we were out late eating tacos last night. My daughter rides her scooter and we go to Dunkin' Donuts for a chocolate frosted donut with sprinkles — a special weekend treat. $2
9:30 a.m. — Playground #1 of the day. My daughter makes friends with an older boy and they chase each other around for close to two hours. On the way home, we stop at Whole Foods to pick up a few more groceries for the week. We get peaches, watermelon, salsa, an avocado, spinach, milk, salmon, and peanut butter sandwich crackers. $40.78
1 p.m. — Nap time — every parent's favorite time of day! Instead of napping myself, which is what I feel like doing, I meal prep for next week. I make wild rice in the Instant Pot, sauté Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, soft boil a few eggs, and dice some beets for easy veggie bowls. I watch a couple of episodes of Killing Eve and snack on popcorn and almond butter cups.
4 p.m. — My daughter is up and it's raining, so we decide to go to our gym, which has an indoor pool, for swim time. We splash around in the pool for awhile before heading home for dinner. My daughter goes to bed around 8 and I watch the first two episodes of the new season of Big Little Lies and read in bed before falling asleep.
Daily Total: $42.78
Day Five
6:15 a.m. — Hubs is still on his fishing trip, which means another morning shower! I am able to get ready and drink my coffee before my daughter wakes up. Once she's awake, I make peanut butter toast for her with a sliced peach. Nanny arrives and I am out the door.
1:30 p.m. — Break for lunch. I eat one of the bowls I meal prepped yesterday and brought from home — wild rice, beets, Brussels sprouts, squash and a soft boiled egg with Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning and tahini sauce.
6 p.m. — I head home, listening to an episode of the Longform podcast with the author Sloane Crosley on the train. I don't usually like short stories, but I am thinking of reading her newest collection, Look Alive Out There. I really enjoy her writing and it's interesting to hear about her process.
8 p.m. — My husband returns from his fishing trip! While he is showing our daughter photos of the fish he caught (thank goodness he has found a captive audience for this, since I am completely uninterested), I make salmon and spinach for dinner. The salmon sticks to the pan, and the dinner turns out pretty terribly. We eat it anyway. I also make my daughter's lunch for her first day of camp, which consists of apple slices, a yogurt pouch, a soy butter and jelly sandwich, and snap pea crisps.
Daily Total: $0
Day Six
6:45 a.m. — Hubs is back, so it's back to business as usual. I get out of bed, empty the dishwasher, make coffee, and prep my daughter's breakfast, yet another waffle with fruit. My nanny arrives at 8:15, and I stay a little longer at home to give her camp instructions, draw many Elmos, and finally head to work and listen to the Mom Rage podcast on the subway. I love the two women who host the podcast and I always look forward to a new episode each week.
9:03 a.m. — I arrive at work and decide that I'm going to need Starbucks to survive this day. I order a tall iced coffee with coconut milk and add $25 to my app. The rest of the day is a blur of meetings and a site tour, which are always fun. $25
6 p.m. — I stop at Trader Joe's on the way home from work because we have somehow eaten almost all the groceries that I bought on Sunday already. I buy ground beef, shredded cheese, an avocado, nectarines, strawberries, frozen waffles, bread, frozen tempura chicken, vegetable fried rice, cauliflower gnocchi, almond butter cups, Greek yogurt, cherries, and pretzel thins. If it feels like all I do is buy groceries, that's correct. Honestly, living with a toddler is like living with a professional athlete. They. Eat. So. Much ($63.63). I also stop at Old Navy to buy more summer PJs for the kid since they're on sale. I buy a pair with planets and a pair with sunglasses on them, and a pair of striped bike shorts. Kids' clothes are so cute ($27.78). $91.41
8:30 p.m. — One of the many reasons that I am thrilled that my husband is back from fishing is because he usually cooks dinner. Tonight, he makes tacos, yasss. He has also brought home some rosé cider and more almond butter cups for me. We decide to start watching Schitt's Creek because everyone we know loves it. We watch a couple of episodes while we eat. I set a goal to finish my book before bed and stay up too late reading before falling asleep around midnight.
Daily Total: $116.41
Day Seven
6:45 a.m. — The day begins anew. I wake up, get ready, drink coffee, make more fruit and waffles, and we watch Toy Story while my daughter eats. We are gearing up for Toy Story 4 by watching all of the old movies, and honestly, they hold up! My nanny arrives, and today, before I can leave for work, my daughter requests that I draw a few sharks.
9:01 a.m. — I order a coconut milk iced coffee from Starbucks and stop to pick it up on my way into work. I pay with the app. Once at my desk, I drink my coffee and eat my Greek yogurt, which is coconut- and almond butter-flavored and a little slice of heaven, plus some cherries. Today one of my coworkers brought vegan donuts. I eat a piece of a matcha coconut donut and a piece of a PB&J donut. This is some vegan wizardry.
1:25 p.m. — At lunchtime, I go to the Apple Store to get my headphones repaired. Once I meet with the employee at the Genius Bar, they tell me it will be a $99 repair fee, or I can buy new headphones for $150. I decide on the third option, which is to borrow some superglue from the model shop at work and repair them myself. Success!
6 p.m. — I head home and take my daughter to the playground for an hour. We run into her camp friend, and her mom and I spend most of the time chatting. Before we leave, we exchange numbers, which is really nice because, since I work full-time, I don't have many mom friends and I don't often meet my daughter's little buddies. The girls hug goodbye, which is very cute.
8 p.m. — My daughter is in bed, and I decide to redeem myself after the great salmon debacle by making Trader Joe's fried rice and tempura chicken. We turn on Schitt's Creek while we eat and then I clean the bathroom and kitchen because my mom and brother are visiting tomorrow!
Daily Total: $0
Getting married isn't exactly cheap — & we're curious about how real women are managing the money breakdown. We want to know: Who paid (or is paying) for your wedding — you, your spouse, your family, your spouse's family? And who covered which expenses? Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in an upcoming wedding story!
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A Princess Lives In This $3,775 West Village Space
In Refinery29'sSweet Digs, we take a look inside the sometimes small, sometimes spacious homes of millennial women.Today, 26-year-old Hong Vu shows off her one-bedroom apartment in the West Village.
Hong Vu's new West Village apartment is everything her old apartment wasn't. While her last apartment only had a window in the bedroom, her current one has a whole wall of vitrines. While her last place had a bathroom the size of a closet where the sink was over the toilet, her current place has a bathtub.
Hong is a copywriter, and her current monthly rent is $3,775 (her last place was about $1,800). Of course, no New York apartment is perfect: Hong's least favorite feature is the small non-clothing closet in the living room, which is so full and crammed that, "anytime we need a suitcase or something, it's a really big production to get it out."
But this covetable find is the product of an almost year-long search: "When our lease ended at our last place we actually got our landlord to put us on a month-to-month lease so we had more flexibility in regards to when we had to move out so I basically stalked StreetEasy until this place came on the market."
The "we" in this case, includes Hong, her partner, their dog, and their cat, Princesa. "We really love the vibrance of the community and one of the perks is that we know where all of the store cats are," Hong explained. Their building, which has a courtyard, is on the edge of West Village, one of Manhattan's most coveted neighborhoods.
What is your favorite part about your apartment? My favorite part about my apartment is definitely the light. We have three huge windows in the living room and that’s definitely what sold me on the apartment. It’s just so nice to have all that natural light come flooding in at all times. And I’m someone who needs that. We don’t hang curtains in our living room, just because I enjoy having light all year round. You know those gated areas, where it has a courtyard, like those little pockets? We live in one of those. I think that’s such a unique situation to be in, out of all the millions of apartments, I think there’s only a couple hundred like this. It feels like you’re living in your own special secret in New York.
What’s the worst part about your apartment? The worst part about my apartment is just how the closet in the living space, it’s the only storage we have that’s not for clothes, but we have to fit so much in that closet, that I should have organized it a lot better. For example, anytime we need a suitcase or something, it’s a really big production to get it out. But because it fits so much in there, it’s just really, really hard to find a way to organize that. I’m sure if I sit down one weekend and just really work through it, I’m pretty sure there’s a better way to do it.
Can you talk about what room you use the most? Definitely the living space. Since my partner works from home, he needs a designated desk and also I can also work from the coffee table. So the living space for sure.
What’s the most expensive item in your apartment? Our couch. But it’s so worth it. Our old couch was so uncomfortable, that even our dog refused to sit on it. Comfort and durability were definitely priorities for us when we were shopping for a new couch and we wanted it to be an investment piece so we wanted something that was going to last us hopefully 10 or more years. Actually a few of my friends actually bought this couch after they sat on my couch because it’s just so beautiful and soft and it’s really comfortable.
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Natalia Dyer groans. The Stranger Things star is sitting in the East Village’s cozy Cafe Mogador, a liter of Pellegrino and a cold brew in front of her, and gives my question a mile-long stare. Is she trying to avoid spoiling the ending of her Netflix blockbuster’s third season? Have I asked her something that’s out-of-bounds; perhaps too personal? No, the question sitting in front of Natalia Dyer is when she’ll know she’s fallen into the Hollywood machine. She shudders.
“I think it’s if I start posting a lot of random selfies,” she says with a laugh. Dyer does have a point. As Stranger Things ’ season 3 premiere looms less than a week away, the actress has a mere 82 photos posted to her Instagram account, @Nattyiceofficial, a title culled from a high school nickname. You’ll spot red carpet photos of Dyer, editorial fashion photos of Dyer, and even a few shots of her IRL boyfriend/ Stranger Things love interest Charlie Heaton on the page, which has 3.7 million followers. But, there are just four selfies of the 24-year-old to be found (yes, she is 24, no matter what lies Wikipedia says). Half of those selfies seem to be more about her dog Ozzy than herself.
Dyer rarely wants to turn the camera on herself, but the rest of the world certainly does. Ever since Stranger Things ’ 2016 breakout, two versions of the Nashville native have powered a cottage industry of Twitter threads, fan speculation, and think pieces. The first image is that of her character, Nancy Wheeler, the quiet 1980s teen who becomes a monster fighter… and survives a love triangle more challenging than any Demogorgon battle. Is Nancy a feminist superhero or a sexist disaster? There is an internet article out there for everyflavorofopinion; you just need the right search term.
Then there’s the Dyer we see splashed across the Daily Mail week in and week out with Heaton, who plays Nancy’s boyfriend Jonathan Byers. Every time you glimpse the duo in their two-dimensional tabloid selves, they’re clad in baseball caps and big jackets, attempting to, in DM parlance, “enjoy a stroll” — despite the strange cameras tracking their every move. These are the cameras they never look at.
But, the Dyer in Cafe Mogador is neither of those personas. She may share a voice with Nancy and the downtown New York-friendly duds of a woman dodging tabloid paparazzi, but this Dyer looks you straight in the eye while talking about working with Heaton and the always-viral Stranger kids to the rumors about when their show will end.
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Right now, Dyer is working on embracing her anger. Atlanta’s oppressive summertime heat almost pissed her off last year when Stranger Things filmed its upcoming eight-episode third season, premiering Thursday, July 4, in the Georgia city. Almost. Today, on a sunny June day, it’s a rude passerby who almost disrupts her unfailing preternatural calm.
“I was walking down the street on my way here, and like, you know that little dance that you do?” she asks, before pantomiming the sidewalk shuffle all polite women know well. “This guy literally just like pushed me out of the way. I was like, What?! ”
After a flicker of shock, Dyer, let it go. After all, she grew up a quiet art school student in the South whose supportive mom ferried her to community theater rehearsals. Her close-knit family, which also includes her father and younger sister, isn’t prone to explosive East Coast anger. But then, Dyer changed her mind. “I was like, ‘Get mad! He pushed you! Get angry,’” she recalls of the incident. Still, Dyer lets it go a second time, sighing, “But that’s a waste of energy most of the time, though.” It’s the thought that counts.
It’s easy to imagine Dyer’s character, Nancy, tracking down that sidewalk stranger to tell him off. Ever since viewers met Nancy in July 2016 when Matt and Ross Duffers’ surprise Netflix creation broke the internet, she has embodied no-nonsense teenage relentlessness. She is a girl who once marched into the Upside-Down while on the hunt for her best friend Barb (Shannon Purser) and managed to come back to our dimension alive. Nancy went claw-to-pistol with the Demogorgon, a nine-foot tall interdimensional beast with flower bud-shaped rows of teeth for a face. She spent season 2 trying to shut down the lab responsible for Barb’s death.
Nancy doesn’t ask to speak to your manager; she breaks into your back office and drags him out by his ear. That’s why, when Dyer is asked what Nancy would do if someone shoved her in the middle of the street, all she says in response is “ Excuse me,” in the character’s classically persistent timbre.
When Stranger Things returns, it’s 1985, and Nancy is the lowest woman on the totem pole at the Hawkins Post. While the cub reporter is hellbent on breaking news, her superiors simply wish she would go pick up their lunch orders and stop talking. But silence, as we’ve learned over the years, isn’t Nancy’s strong suit. Especially as some very strange reports start bubbling up in Hawkins.
“I have to see how people react to it. It will be a very timely little arc,” Dyer teases of her character’s upcoming storyline, which feels like Stranger Things ’ answer to #MeToo discussions around workplace harassment. “It makes you think. I’m glad the brothers were going in that direction [with the show] and would like more. Let’s have it, we want it.”
After three seasons of playing Hawkins’ answer to Nancy Drew (as her belittling male superiors call her), Dyer is more certain than ever about where Nancy should be going next. “This season more than any other season — maybe similar to Nancy — I had a lot more dialogue with the [Duffer] Brothers about suggestions,” Dyer explains.
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The actress isn’t the only one on set who notices a connection between Nancy’s fearless drive this season and Dyer’s own behavior on set. “Natalia has always been incredibly confident from day one,” Stranger Things ’ Cara Buono, who plays Dyers’ on-screen mom Karen, tells Refinery29 in an email. Nancy and Karen share one of the most thoughtful and emotional scenes of season 3 as the former is continuously knocked down by the sexism at the Post. “Just as Nancy is taking risks in her work, Natalia isn't afraid to put herself out there and challenge herself.”
Dyer is enjoying the challenge. “It’s really nice to be able to be like, Hey, this line is weird. Or, I feel like because of this past scene … [The Duffers] will be like, Oh. Huh. You’re right. We need it to do this. What can we do?,” Dyer explains. “It’s easy sometimes to take the backseat as an actor and be like, I’m here. You hired me. Tell me where to stand. Tell me what to say.[To need] validation like, Was that good?”
That period of her life is waning as Dyer learns to trust her gut. When she speaks about collaborating on the Stranger Things ’ set, she describes work as “playing.” It’s a word that comes up again when she describes working with Charlie Heaton throughout season 3. While the series usually jumbles up pairings episode-by-episode, Nancy and Jonathan spend the first half of season 3 in their own little world, investigating their Indiana town’s latest supernatural crisis.
“It’s an interesting thing to work with somebody who you go home with,” she admits of her “long days” on set with Heaton. “It’s always really fun. We’re really comfortable with each other, so we can play and feel more free, and we can talk about it before.”
A certain level of uncertainty also makes Dyer appreciate her working relationship with her real-life partner. When the Stranger Things crew first wrapped season 1 — and long before the sci-fi series was a phenomenon — the cast had no idea what was next. “We were all very much like, ‘Well, I don’t know if I’ll ever seen you again,’” she confirms. A small part of that dubious energy remains in the actress’ mind.
“There’s that sense of who knows if you’ll ever work together with this person ever again? Who knows?,” Dyer says of her scenes with Heaton. “This might be your only chance to play like this.”
While she visibly lights up talking about acting with her boyfriend, Dyer is less interested in speaking about their personal life together. “That’s something important to me — with my family, with my friends, I really like to keep it for me,” she says.
It’s protective moments like this that crystalize just how abruptly Dyer was thrown into instant, peak 2010s fame. At 20, Dyer was a bright-eyed NYU sophomore just starting to explore her love of language, art, and her dream city when she was tapped by Netflix for a top-secret new project and shipped to Atlanta for half the year to film. The little series surprise premiered over the summer of 2016. One second, she was an aspiring actress with a small part in the Hannah Montana movie and possible future in writing. The next, Stranger Things was a mega hit, and Dyer was plastered across gossip sites and Reddit with her body, relationship, and every waking moment up for debate.
“It was definitely something to navigate,” Dyer, a self-described social introvert, says. “Especially living in New York, I was so used to this life of walking around and not thinking about anything. But very quickly I was like, Sunglasses. Baseball cap. Keep your head down.”
“Nobody really tells you about the baseball cap thing,” she laughs. “All I know is I’ve never worn one before, and I now I wear them all the time.” Yet, Dyer isn’t avoiding her fans. In fact, she would be happy to shake your hand and thank you for enjoying Stranger Things, or Coco in Netflix’s Velvet Buzzsaw, or maybe her upcoming coming-of-age movie Yes, God, Yes, which premiered at SXSW Film Festival earlier this year to a 100% Tomatometer rating from early reviews.
“Sometimes you do have a good conversation, and then in your mind you’re like, Please don’t ask for a photo. Please don’t ask for a photo,” she says of fan interactions. “It’s like a lovely human-to-human thing. It’s not for the ‘Gram. It’s just for us, and it’s so nice.”
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As Dyer figures out her own boundaries, she’s also watching her much younger co-stars like Millie Bobby Brown, 15, and Finn Wolfhard, 16, manage that same relationship. “They’re handling themselves really well, and they have families who love them and are grounded,” Dyer says. Regardless, she still “feels” for them.
“It can be vulnerable. It’s the sociology celebrity thing — how does that affect how they’re going to grow up, and who they’re going to be?,” she asks. “Hopefully not that much, but how could it not?” At least the last time Dyer saw the Stranger posse, “They were still lovely kids,” she confirms with a smile.
No one can predict what’s ahead for Dyer or any of the Stranger Things kids — or when this ride will be over. Although many wonder if Stranger Things 3 will be the series’ swan song, she isn’t so sure. “I’ve heard like four different versions of how long the show’s supposed to go for,” Dyer says before painstakingly choosing her next words. “Umm, I will say the end, definitely leaves us… in a place… Where you… do… want more. I would want more.” The Netflix spoiler police is always looming.
Outside of Hawkins, Dyer is looking for a project that will make her “uncomfortable.” “I’m waiting for that next thing that really ignites me,” she announces minutes after raving about her latest binge watch, Fleabag(yes, she agrees Hot Priest is hot). “I’d love to do like a really funny movie. I’d love to do an action movie, just because it sounds fun. I read for a lot of younger roles or coming of age [parts] … But you want to be like, Let me show you that I can be sassy or something.” She would also be interested in doing theater, trodding the boards on the Great White Way like her Velvet Buzzsaw co-stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Sturridge.
It’s this open-ended ambition that has Dyer rolling her eyes about inquiries into when she’s planning to settle down, get married, and start popping out babies. Apparently quite a few people have been asking, and she has a response. “No, like never, if you ask me now … I think I’d have to really feel like, Well, I did literally everything I wanted to do, ” she muses. “[It’s] far too young for me. If there are people who [are ready]... I admire you.”
After a little bit more chit chat, Dyer is ready to be off. She slips back on one of her baseball caps, one the Daily Mail seems especially fond of featuring. It’s a black hat with a red devil on it, the same color scheme as the Stranger Things logo. The three dimensions of Dyer — 1980s Nancy, paparazzi dodger, and the real one with a love of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and linguistics — achieve singularity.
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We enter July with a sassy new attitude on the first, as action planet Mars enters bold Leo. It’s time to put your best self forward when the action planet tours this charismatic sign. A new Moon arrives on July 2, coinciding with a total solar eclipse in deep-feeling Cancer. You may feel that you’re coming to a crossroads and need to put aside what no longer serves you. Weigh your options carefully as you sit with this energy. Charming Venus, the planet of love and wealth enters domestic Cancer on July 3, encouraging you to create harmony and romance in your home through beautifying your space. Mercury, our communication planet, joins Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto for the ultimate retrograde party on July 7. So many planets are moving in reverse, helping us to become more accountable for our actions and decisions. It’s time to watch what we say, and take a little extra time to make sure that we’re getting our ideas across clearly. Take a breather and avoid big groups on July 9, when the Sun opposes a retrograde Saturn. It’s easy to get frustrated with people and crowds while these two heavenly bodies are at odds. Sometimes, only you can take care of yourself. The Sun trines with a retrograde Neptune on July 10, bringing more clarity to our collective creative projects. It’s an excellent day to get group efforts back on track. Fiery Mars squares unpredictable Uranus on July 11, driving our need to create. If you feel yourself losing control, try to blow off a little steam to temper your reactions to authority. Channel your energy into productive pursuits and remember to be thankful for what you’ve accomplished in your journey. Go easy on yourself on July 14, as the Sun opposes a retrograde Pluto. This transit can stir up a need for transformation — don’t rush it. Refocus your attention on your body to quiet your mind. The Moon waxes full during a partial lunar eclipse in hard-working Capricorn on July 16, changing our view of authority figures and who should hold power. Meditate on how you’d like to take control of your professional image during this movement. Revamp your resume, network in your industry or seek out a mentor to help you find a new focus. Thought ruler Mercury moves in reverse through Cancer on July 19, intensifying our emotions, and dredging up old wounds. Try to stay present while Mercury makes his way through this highly sensitive sign, and let yourself experience the lows to enjoy the high points. It’s okay to be a little down sometimes — check in with friends to find perspective if you feel lost. Venus opposes Pluto on July 21, inspiring us to transform our outward appearance. Use this spicy energy to tussle around in your closet and get inspired with some new outfit combinations. The Sun conjuncts a retrograde Mercury on July 21, helping us communicate more honestly with each other. We begin Leo season on July 22, bringing forth a more playful and adventurous atmosphere. Get in touch with your inner performer while the Sun lights up this charismatic sign. Speedy Mercury conjuncts Venus on July 24, inviting us to open up emotionally. Looking to ignite a spark? Let nostalgia take the lead and invite the person you’d like to smooch to a kissing game while these planets work their magic. A healthy spirit of competition is stirred up on July 25 when action planet Mars trines lucky Jupiter. Explore this energy by getting your friends together for a friendly game or exploring a new team sport. Our dramatic sides are magnified to the extreme on July 27, when sensual Venus makes her way into bold Leo. Mercury moves direct as of July 31, helping us to think and speak with more clarity and ease. Take the lessons learned from this retrograde period with you into July 31’s new Moon in Leo to help ideate your next big venture. Use this new Moon as a mirror to imagine how you’d like to see yourself through someone else’s eyes.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Fortune favors the bold, sweet Crab. Although You’re a sensitive soul known for your humble attitude, you’ll be ready to command the attention you deserve at work. Start July with a bang on the first when your career ruler Mars enters charismatic Leo. Your ruling planet, the Moon, begins a new phase in your sign on July 2 and undergoes a solar eclipse on the same day. Keep working to improve your understanding of your finances over the next six months. The Sun helps you relate to your assets. The solar eclipse marks a period of renewal and rebirth. Prepare to let your guard down at home on July 3 when Venus, your domestic ruler, enters Cancer. Embrace your softer side as she helps you to find beauty and love in your safest space. Slow down and smell the roses on July 7, when Mercury, your personal planet of inner growth goes retrograde. It’s time for you to stop being so hard on yourself — get comfortable in your feelings. You could come across a lucrative opportunity on July 10 when you explore your creative interests. Your financial ruler, the Sun, trines Neptune, your personal ruler of good luck, which draws attention to your talents. It could be easy to get carried away on July 14, so play it safe and leave your credit card at home when the Sun opposes Pluto, your personal planet of entertainment. Celebrate your hard work on July 16 when the Moon waxes full in Capricorn. This event coincides with a partial lunar eclipse, bringing up strong emotions tied to your accomplishments and dreams. Mercury, the guide of your spiritual journey moves in reverse through Cancer on July 19, unearthing memories and emotions. Confront these feelings by writing or journaling, and reach out to friends for guidance, or invite your BFF’s to binge watch your favorite rom-coms. Financial direction comes from an unexpected place on July 21, when the Sun conjuncts Mercury. Listen to your intuition when money is brought up in conversation — you’ll know what call to make. The Sun lights up your 2nd house of finances, values, and possessions on July 22, fine-tuning your analytical mind. Look at your relationship with the material work, and consider what you no longer need, and how you quantify your desires. You could create a positive new workspace for yourself on July 25, when your career ruler, Mars, trines Jupiter, your personal planet of well-being. It could be a great day to approach your boss about bringing your favorite furry friend into the office. Get ready to find new self-direction as your spiritual ruler Mercury goes direct on July 31. We end the month on an optimistic note with a new Moon in courageous Leo on July 31. Set intentions that you’d be proud to show off.
Ariel Davis.
Leo July 23 to August 22
A new fire burns from within you this July, Leo. Action planet Mars enters your sign on July 1, emboldening you to put your money where your mouth is. Your emotions help to inspire your plans for the next six months on July 2 with the arrival of a total eclipse in Cancer. Consider how your work makes you feel on July 3, when your career ruler, Venus, moves into deep-feeling Cancer. It might be time for you to explore a side gig in a profession that excites you, or allows you some transferable skills. You could find yourself in an unexpected place that helps you to realize your dreams. Mercury, your personal money planet goes retrograde on July 7, encouraging you to reach out to family and financial advisors to get on the right track. Stay calm and start small to get a better handle on your financial confidence. If friends are inviting you to go out on the town, try embracing your FOMO and hold out until Leo season officially begins on July 22. Lay low on July 11 when action planet Mars squares against your love ruler, Uranus. You’re more passionate than most people, Leo. However, your bark is worse than your bite. If you find yourself losing your cool, blow off some steam by listening or singing along to some stress-relieving music. Plan a beach or pool day on July 14 when the Sun opposes Pluto, your home and family ruler. You’ll feel invigorated by soaking up the summer sun on your mini stay-cation. Open the lines of communication at home on July 21 when your career ruler Venus opposes Pluto. Be ready to listen to your loved ones when discussing your professional pursuits. A little luck comes your way on July 21 when the Sun conjuncts money-minded Mercury — it’s an excellent day to put together a proposal for a raise, or look into maximizing your earning potential. It’s officially your time to shine on July 22 when the Sun lights up your 1st house of self, first impressions, and appearance. Treat yourself to something that’s been in your online shopping cart for ages! You could be inspired to beautify your workspace on July 24 when financial ruler Mercury conjuncts professional Venus in Cancer. You’re possessed by a new sense of empowerment at work on July 27 when Venus enters bold Leo. If you’re looking to level up or explore a new opportunity, make sure that your work wardrobe reflects your serious skills. Mercury moves direct on July 31, supporting the important financial lessons you absorbed during his backward movement.
Lynnie Z.
Virgo August 23 to September 22
It’s time to scratch that itch, Virgo. Mars, your personal planet of sexuality makes his way into generous Leo on July 1, encouraging you to explore more adventurous moves in (or outside of) the bedroom. Venus, your financial ruler, makes her way into domestic Cancer on July 3, placing your attention on small fixes in your home. If you don’t have a big budget to reinvent your space, try making some minor updates that make a major impact. Get ready to go back to the drawing board on July 7, when your career ruler Mercury goes retrograde. When the messenger planet moves in reverse, it’s an excellent time to focus on your strengths and ask for help. Instead of tackling your projects solo this month, reach out to colleagues and coworkers to get a better perspective when you get stuck. Relying on teamwork will help you through this transit. The Sun trines Neptune, your personal ruler of love on July 10 creating stronger connections with your romantic partner. If you’re single, it’s a beautiful day to get to know someone on a deeper level. Pick out a flirty date night outfit that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable while these planets complement each other. Look into your ability to work from home on July 19 when your career ruler Mercury moves through Cancer. Clean up your home workspace while the messenger planet makes his way through this domestic sign. The Sun conjuncts professional Mercury on July 21, drawing attention to your accomplishments at work. Book time with your manager outside of the office to show initiative and find out what you can do to press on and further support your team. The Sun lights up your 12th house of inner growth, vulnerability, and conclusion on July 22, connecting you to your spiritual side. Make time to explore your hidden self. There’s an opportunity to investigate new income opportunities on July 24 when career minded Mercury conjuncts with Venus, your personal planet of cash. Look into expanding your skills and investing in your expertise. Inject a little romance into your space on July 25 when your sexual ruler Mars trines Jupiter, your personal planet of home. You’re empowered with new financial confidence on July 27 when Venus enters charismatic Leo. Ii’s time to stand up and show up for your dreams. Mercury ends his retrograde on July 31, and blesses you with the tenacity to make a real impact in your career.
Simone Noronha.
Libra September 23 to October 22
You’re crushing hard, Libra. Your personal love planet, Mars, enters passionate Leo on July 1 setting your heart on fire. If you’re single, your magnetic nature will be sure to charm — just don’t get hung up if it isn’t meant to be. There’s a whole lotta summer left to mingle, so enjoy the season while you can. The Moon, your personal planet of career undergoes a total solar eclipse and begins a new phase in Cancer on July 2. Set an intention around this rare opportunity, as the effects will work its magic over the next six months. Spend time rejuvenating yourself at home on July 3 when your ruling planet Venus enters the sensitive sign of Cancer. It’s especially important to slow down on July 7, as Mercury, your personal planet of inner growth and good luck goes retrograde. Your self-care regimen will pay off on July 10, when the Sun trines Neptune, your personal planet of health and work. Next time you hit the gym, pack a little beauty bag to help you get your glow on post-workout. Pay special attention to your money on July 14 when the Sun opposes your money ruler, Pluto. Hold off of making any large purchases that claim to change your life — you’re in charge of this journey. A full Moon in Capricorn arrives on July 16, shining a light on your professional accomplishments. Make time to celebrate them with your coworkers and ditch the office lunch room for some time in the summer sunshine. Cozy up at home on July 19 when lucky Mercury moves backward through Cancer. Dive into your keepsakes while the messenger planet takes you down memory lane. Have you been dying to see more of your besties? The Sun lights up your 11th house of groups, friendships, and goals on July 22, opening up your social calendar. Take your BBQ to the next level with a few well coordinated party accessories, and you’ll be the star of instagram stories. You’ll know exactly what to say when your love ruler Mars trines Jupiter, your personal planet of communications on July 25. If you’re in a relationship, this is a magical day to talk about what you need and amplify your sex life. Your posture shifts on July 27 as your ruling planet Venus enters regal Leo — is it time for you to take on a bold new hair color? Set intentions around your professional goals on July 31 in anticipation of the new Moon in Leo. Your intuition gains strength on July 31 as Mercury moves direct.
Sarah Mazzeti.
Scorpio October 23 to November 21
You’ve been gifted a brand new attitude, Scorpio. Mars, your personal planet of health and work enters ultra confident Leo on July 1, infusing a sense of poise into your daily schedule. A solar eclipse in Cancer on July 2 inspires you to take on a new career goal over the next six months. Venus, your personal love planet enters sensitive Cancer on July 3, encouraging you to tap into your emotions with more honesty. Get out of your usual dating ruts and try exploring some refreshing new summer options to keep the romance flowing. Have patience while communication planet Mercury goes retrograde on July 7. The messenger planet will be slowing down the rest of the zodiac’s thoughts and trifling with our phones and computers. Keep your composure on July 11 when angsty Mars squares against Uranus, your domestic ruling planet. If you’re working on July 14, remember to take a breather as your career ruler, the Sun, opposes Pluto, Scorpio’s ruling planet. If you’ve got the day off, take time to process your emotions and remember that you’re working to live, not the other way around. The Sun conjuncts Mercury on July 21, helping to clear up any miscommunications at work. Use this transit to your advantage while the messenger planet moves in reverse — you could make some major headway. It’s time to make some major strides at work when the Sun brightens your 10th house of career, structure, and public image on July 22. Managers and higher-ups are taking notice of your work in a big way. Prepare notes to discuss how you can move forward, or create a happier work environment that functions more smoothly. It’s an opportune time to clean up your resume, your online presence and also look for new work. Mars, ruler of your well-being trines with Jupiter, your financial ruler on July 25, helping you to streamline your health routines and make your money go further. Instead of attending an expensive class, why not try teaching yourself yoga in the comfort of your home? Your ego gets a boost on July 27 when your love ruler Venus enters charismatic Leo. Tick a few to-do’s off your summer sex bucket list while the ruler of romance moves through this adventurous sign. Summer moves just a little smoother on July 31 when communication planet Mercury moves direct.
Kelsey Wrotten.
Sagittarius November 22 to December 21
You’re interested in taking a more cautious approach towards your routine this month, Sagittarius. Venus, your personal planet of health and work makes her way into sensitive Cancer on July 3. Instead of relying on the conveniences of coffee shops on your morning commute, start your day smarter by prepping what you need for the day at home. Build your schedule to save a little cash, and a little sanity as you arrive unhurried to work. Mercury, your personal planet of both love and career, goes retrograde on July 7, encouraging you to slow down. When the messenger planet moves in reverse, he asks us to take our time and do a little self-editing. Thoughts don’t come as quickly, and it’s easy to get caught up in problems that aren’t important — relax and chill out. The Sun trines Neptune, your personal planet of home and family on July 10, bringing you some much-needed harmony to your foundations. Neptune is currently moving retrograde, allowing us to see things as they truly are. Don’t turn a blind eye if something is revealed to you — confront it head-on. Mercury moves backward through Cancer on July 19, infusing emotions of nostalgia into your relationships and work. Experience them and understand their importance in your personal journey. A day of clarity arrives on July 21 when the Sun conjuncts Mercury. It’s a sweet little break from this retrograde period, so make the most of it by communicating clearly with your romantic partners. The Sun enters your 9th house of exploration, adventure, and belief on July 22, encouraging you to do what you do best — learn through expansion. Now is the perfect time to delve into subjects you’ve always wanted to explore, get a jump on your summer reading and travel. Seek out balance in your work and relationships on July 24 when Mercury conjuncts Venus, your personal planet of well-being. Take a leap of faith on July 25 when action planet Mars trines Jupiter, your ruling planet. If you’ve been itching to make a bold move, now is the time. Elevate your routine on July 27 when Venus makes her way into regal Leo. Celebrate the lessons that Mercury retrograde taught you when the messenger planet moves direct on July 31.
Kissi Ussuki.
Capricorn December 22 to January 19
Home is a place to celebrate, Capricorn. This rings especially true on July 1, when your domestic ruler, Mars, enters the supportive Leo. Open your heart and carve out time for your loved one while this passionate planet moves through the sign of the Lion. Unplug and treat yourself to a digital detox as you catch up with your family IRL. A total solar eclipse arrives on July 2 coinciding with a new Moon in Cancer. If you’re looking for love, the Moon rules your romantic relationships, so set an intention you’d like to fulfill over the next six months during this event. Venus, your personal career ruler enters intuitive Cancer on July 3, bringing a new emotional perspective into your work. As one of the most ambitious signs, it’s important for you to understand how your feelings are tied to your accomplishments and failures. If you’re feeling a little burnt out, try introducing some rituals into your schedule that allow you to reflect on your worth apart from your career. Mercury, your personal planet of health and work, demands that you slow down on July 7, encouraging you to take a quick reality check. On July 10, the Sun trines Neptune, your communication ruler, helping you get your points across with ease.You’re comfortable expressing your heightened emotions on July 16 when the Moon waxes full in Capricorn. The partial lunar eclipse will reflect your need to be better understood by your partner. If you’re single, this movement can help you get more comfortable with your independence. The Sun conjuncts a retrograde Mercury on July 21, offering a little more ease to routine — keep up the good work while the messenger planet moves in reverse. Your 8th house of transformation, mystery, and dramatic change is illuminated by the Sun on July 22, fostering a new chapter of self-discovery. It’s easier to hit your stride on July 24, when your health and work planet Mercury conjuncts professional Venus. Your sign is represented by the sea-goat, a tough critter that can weather the roughest storms and climb the highest mountains. Check in at home on July 25, when domestic Mars trines Jupiter, your personal planet of inner growth. Rejuvenate your optimistic spirit by supporting your foundations. Venus gifts you a new sense of self-assurance on July 27, as she enters charismatic Leo. You’re ready to lead, take on exciting projects that challenge you, and grow further in your career. Make time to love yourself more wholly on July 31, when the Moon begins a new cycle in Leo. Mercury goes direct on July 31, helping you reconfigure a new routine that helps you to be your best self yet.
Loveis Wise.
Aquarius January 20 to February 18
You’ve got so much love to give, Aquarius. Make sure that you’re getting back what you put into your relationships on July 2. The Sun, your romantic ruler, undergoes an exciting eclipse in Cancer, connecting you closer to your emotions. The Moon, your personal planet of well-being begins a fresh new cycle on July 2 as well, helping you to set important new intentions over the next six months. Venus, your domestic ruler enters sensitive Cancer on July 3, further bringing out your feelings to the surface. Don’t hold back while Venus makes her way through this intuitive sign. You may notice a few glitches occur after July 7, when communication planet Mercury goes retrograde. Take a little time to retreat into a safe space on July 9, when the Sun opposes Saturn, your personal planet of inner growth. The Sun trines Neptune, your planetary ruler of finances on July 10, helping you to better create financial boundaries for your emotional well-being. Get started by organizing your spending categories, and setting achievable financial goals. This smart cleanup will definitely spark joy. You may feel compelled to stir the pot on July 11 when action planet Mars squares against Uranus, your ruling planet. Harness that chaotic energy and turn it towards creating something productive — try taking up a cost-effective workout with resistance bands to turn that mood into muscles. Get ready to flex on July 16 when the Moon, your health and work ruler, waxes full in Capricorn. You’re ready to reinvest your time in your network on July 22 when the Sun illuminates your 7th house of partnerships, contracts, and business. The opportunity to collaborate with like-minded people could help to catapult your passion projects. Charming Venus, your personal planet of home and family enters honest Leo on July 27 strengthening your connections to your loved ones. Invoke the regal design side of Leo by shopping for stylish yet affordable upgrades for your space. Set intentions in time for the arrival of our second new Moon this month in Leo on July 31.
Hilda Palafox.
Pisces February 19 to March 20
Feeling inspired, Pisces? Mars, your planetary ruler of money enters Leo on July 1, helping you to find the drive to make some major financial decisions this month. Meditate on your creative goals during the Solar eclipse and new Moon in Cancer on July 2. This energy needs a little help from you — start planning and figure out how you’ll bring your ideas to life over the course of the next six months with the help of the Solar eclipse. Work to temper your reactions on July 7 when Mercury, your planetary ruler of love, home, and family goes retrograde. As one of the most emotionally intelligent signs of the zodiac, Pisces are known for their empathic and psychic qualities. However, when two of you major planets, Neptune and Mercury, are in retrograde, it’s a little easier to get your wires crossed. Be patient with yourself while the messenger planet moves in reverse. The Sun, your personal health and work ruler trines Neptune on July 10, helping you to take better care of your personal happiness. Invest in some new plants, get hooked on a new podcast, or lose yourself in a brand new book. Celebrate your creative triumphs on July 16 when the Moon waxes full in Capricorn. If you’ve been looking to create more balance in your routine, a solution may present itself to you on July 21 when the Sun conjuncts Mercury. After a season of pleasure and indulgence, the Sun shifts his gaze to your 6th house of health, order, and service on July 22. Money-minded Mars trines your career ruler Jupiter on July 25, blessing you with an exciting opportunity at work. A new Moon in Leo arrives on July 31 opening up space in your life to express your artistic nature. Love ruler Mercury goes direct on July 31, helping to bring direction back to your romantic relationships.
Rachel Jo.
Aries March 21 to April 19
It’s time for you to be fierce, Aries. Your ruling planet, Mars, enters Leo on July 1, helping you realize your power through determination. The Moon, your domestic ruler, begins a new phase and solar eclipse in Cancer on July 2, boosting the goals that you set around home and family for the next six months. This movement is an optimistic one, as the Sun is responsible for helping you find joy and creativity in your daily life. Venus, your personal planet of love, makes her way into sensitive Cancer on July 3, impacting your romantic relationships. If you’re in a relationship, be open and ask for what you need from your partner. Single Rams should lean into their most honest selves while this transit takes place to find happiness. If you bottle up your emotions, it can spill out in unexpected ways. Pay attention to how you take care of your well-being on July 7, when your personal planet of health and work, Mercury, goes retrograde. Try to take a digital detox and focus on getting outside and getting active while this planet moves in reverse. Buckle down at work on July 9 when your entertainment planet, the Sun, opposes Saturn, your career ruler. It could be tempting to take the afternoon off or skip out early while the sunshine is out, but you’ll be wiser for pushing yourself a little harder when these two heavenly bodies are at odds. On July 10, the Sun trines Neptune, your personal planet of inner growth, encouraging you to get to know yourself a little better. The blue planet (a.k.a. Neptune) is currently retrograde, helping you to overcome illusions that you previously might have accepted as facts. A full Moon and partial lunar eclipse in Capricorn arrives on July 16, revealing changes that need to be made in your relationships. Consider how you can better support your loved ones with empathy. A retrograde Mercury enters Cancer on July 19, bubbling up emotions around your day-to-day schedule. Is it time for you to switch up your routine? You’ll have what you need to create a solution on July 21 when the Sun conjuncts Mercury. The mood lightens on July 22, when the Sun makes his way into your 5th house of creativity, pleasure, and romance. Mercury conjuncts your love ruler Venus on July 24, bringing a spontaneous new vibe (or person) into your life. If you’re in a relationship, you might want to explore some exciting new positions to enhance your usual romp-routine. Be on the lookout for great travel ideas on July 25, when Mars trines Jupiter, your personal planet of adventure and expansion. It’s time to embody your sexiest self as of July 27 when Venus enters fellow fire sign, Leo. Mercury goes direct on July 31, putting you back into the swing of things — it’s time to take charge. Meditate on what you’d like to manifest on July 31, when the Moon begins a new cycle in Leo.
Celia Jacobs.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Are you ready to take on a different kind of confidence, Taurus? Mars, your personal planet of inner growth, enters magnetic Leo on July 1, revealing a new sense of self-assurance. Let your heart lead you this month as you travel through the world. July 2 brings a new Moon and total solar eclipse in Cancer, helping you to celebrate your loved ones and improve harmony in your home. It’s a beautiful day to connect with your family and ideate how you’d like to enhance your living space over the next six months. Venus, your personal ruler of well-being, enters sensitive Cancer on July 3, Get comfortable with your body, and allow yourself to indulge in healthy ways while charming Venus moves through this watery sign. Mercury, your personal planet of finances, goes retrograde on July 7, inspiring you to get a more in-depth look into your assets. Try out an app to get started on saving, budgeting, and investing. Spiritual Mars squares against Uranus, your career ruler on July 11, drawing you towards a more fulfilling path. It could be time for you to explore new opportunities in an unexplored calling. Your romantic relationships could take center stage on July 14, when your domestic ruler, The Sun, opposes Pluto, your personal planet of love. If you’re in a relationship, facing the music with compassion and keen ears will serve you well. Single bulls may feel restless in their search for a companion, so why not try entering the dating pool with a little astrological insight? Money-minded Mercury enters Cancer on July 19, calling your attention to emotional spending habits. Pay attention to your relationship with cash as the messenger planet moves through this perceptive sign. The Sun conjuncts Mercury on July 21, offering you a positive new direction for the improvement of your home. If you’ve been looking to work on your space, this is a wonderful time to start making plans. Settle into your space on July 22 when your domestic ruler, the Sun, lights your 4th house of family, instincts, and foundations. It’s time for you to recharge your emotional batteries. Consult your loved ones on July 24 for their financial opinions when Mercury conjuncts Venus, your personal planet of health and work. They could have some excellent insight to help you find better balance in your schedule. Venus enters Leo on July 27, lending you an impressive self-assured attitude. Stay humble on July 29 at the office, when the Sun squares Uranus, your professional ruler. Your cash ruler Mercury goes direct on July 31, leading you into a bright new future.
Cachetejack.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
It’s never too late to start learning, Gemini. Educate yourself on money matters, and take advantage of this mindset when a new Moon and full solar eclipse arrives on July 2. Decisions and intentions set during this day have a long term impact — for approximately six months. Measure your progress and be present to make the most of this helpful energy. Mercury, your sign’s ruling planet, goes retrograde on July 7, slowing our thoughts and encouraging us to double check our work. The messenger planet also rules your domestic zones, helping you to find lost things, revamp old ideas, and reach out to old friends and mentors. Do something to help heal yourself as this speedy planet moves backward this month. The spotlight may fall on you July 10, when the Sun trines Neptune, your personal career ruler. Be proud and take credit where it’s due. Is it time for you to ask for more responsibility or promote your next big idea? The Moon waxes full in persistent Capricorn on July 16, helping you to better understand your financial goals. Keep track of your progress and learnings to stay motivated. Mercury moves in reverse through intuitive Cancer on July 19, helping you open up to family and friends and say “thank you” more easily to them. . Your mind speeds up on July 22 as the Sun enters your 3rd house of communication, thought, and community. It’s time to get out of your head and find inspiration. If you’re tired of lugging your laptop to a coffee shop, why not check out a co-working space? You could meet some like-minded people who motivate you. If you’re single and looking to mingle, muster up your courage on July 25 when brave Mars trines Jupiter, your personal planet of love. A new Moon in Leo arrives on July 31, lending you new financial confidence. You’re ready to end the month on a strong note as your planetary ruler, Mercury, goes direct on July 31.
Amber Vittoria.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Contrary to what you may have read at the nail salon or in the checkout line, celebrities are not just like us. Last time we checked, we didn't have a private chef, driver, or trainer — although we're totally open to all three — nor do we live in a gated community or vacation on yachts. (Again, we wouldn't mind...) But one way celebrities — even the richest, the most famous, the most successful — actually do seem relatable? They love cheap beauty products.
Yes, sometimes even Kylie Jenner and Beyoncé have to make a pit stop at their local Walgreens for a re-up on their favorite makeup-removing wipes. Sure, they probably send their assistants, but shopping at the drugstore is shopping at the drugstore. That's why we're rounding up the products the rich and famous rave about and that we can actually afford. (Note: None of the products that follow are ones the celebrity is paid to endorse. This is legit, people.) So check them out in the slides ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Laverne Cox
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
In an interview with Refinery29 promoting her new partnership with Olay, Cox revealed that her absolute go-to mascara is this one from L'Oréal Paris. "That mascara is so good," she says. "It’s good for upper lashes, where I just do two or three coats. For bottom ones, it’s like one coat and you’re gorgeous."
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, $6.83, available at Amazon
Sofia Vergara
Photo: George Pimentel/Getty Images.
The Modern Family actress revealed to Who What Wear that since she's developed rosacea, she's swapped out most of her heavier skin products for lightweight formulas that won't irritate her skin. Her current fave: Cetaphil's $13.99 cleanser. "I try different ones all the time, because people recommend me stuff, especially in this business," she said. "But the basic stuff works best for me."
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $13.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Blake Lively
Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images.
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Face Lotion
It's rare that we get a full glimpse into Lively's beauty regimen, so we were all ears when she broke down her routine via her Instagram Stories this week. The actress revealed that while she loves to splurge on lipsticks, she relies on this $16 sunscreen as part of her glowing skin-care routine.
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Face Lotion, $15.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Admit it: You'd be willing to spend a hefty amount of cash to achieve Lopez's famous glow, right? Luckily, her secret doesn't cost more than $8. Lopez's long-time makeup artist, Scott Barnes, revealed to YouTube star Tati Westbrook that this is his favorite drugstore buy of all time because it gives an instant glow to the body and provides sun protection, too.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray, $7.49, available at Target
Ariana Grande
Photo: Gregory Pace/REX/Shutterstock.
Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes
After falling asleep in her eye makeup, Grande recently defended her skin-care routine on Twitter. Sure, she sometimes goes to bed without washing her eyeliner off (who doesn't?), but she is diligent about using makeup wipes (and toner and face masks) to rinse away everything else on her face. Her go-to makeup remover: Burt's Bees $5 makeup wipes.
Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes Cucumber and Sage, $5.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Meghan Markle
Photo: Samir Hussein/Getty Images.
Biore Daily Cleansing Cloths
Although it's never been confirmed whether or not Markle packed these cleansing wipes when she moved to Adelaide Cottage, we do know that, before she was a Duchess, these were her go-to after a long day on the set of Suits. Not only did she admit to Beauty Banter that she used to buy them in bulk, but that they were her answer to a lazy skin-care routine.
Biore Daily Cleansing Cloths, $7.99, available at Target
Constance Wu
Photo: J. Merritt/Getty Images.
Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment Wash
The Crazy Rich Asians star told The New York Times all about her daily aspiration to reach peak J.Lo glow. Overall, Wu has a pretty pricey makeup routine, and she washes all the product away at night with an equally expensive oil cleanser from SK-II. But she follows it up with this $6 pick. "I’ve been using it since I was a teenager," she tells the publication.
Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment Wash , $10.89, available at Target
Hilary Duff
Photo: John Lamparski/WireImage.
Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula
Duff recently shared some of her pregnancy beauty hacks with Byrdie, but made sure to say — pregnant or not — she adores this under-$10 body oil: "It smells so good to me. I love, love, love smelling like that," she says.
Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula, $9.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Madelaine Petsch
Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.
Pacifica Stunning Brows Eyebrow Gloss and Set
This Riverdale star just so happens to be a low-key beauty blogger on the side — seriously, her YouTube channel is a goldmine. In fact, that's where we found her favorite everyday brow gel, which is not only cruelty-free and vegan, but also under $15.
Pacifica Stunning Brows Eyebrow Gloss and Set, $14, available at Pacifica
Yara Shahidi
Photo: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic.
Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Oils
According to Shahidi's interview with E!, her first step in a solid skin-care regimen is using the right cleanser. She gravitates toward oil-based formulas, saying they're better for her dry skin. Occasionally, she'll even use pure cut Aloe Vera or vitamin E oil, she adds. Finally, we have some clue to how she achieves that perfect glow.
Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Oils, $15.99, available at Target
Ecoco Style Gel Olive
Shahidi once told Byrdie that she owes her enviable curls to this cult lightweight gel. "EcoStyler is a $3 gel that I swear by because it’s not always about the most expensive product, but the most efficient," she says.
Ecoco Professional Styling Gel Olive, $2.99, available at Target
Ayesha Curry
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images.
Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel
Even before she became one of the many new faces of CoverGirl, Curry was an under-the-radar beauty guru. Now, she's laying down some wisdom for affordable edge control. "I wear a lot of hair extensions because I’m doing a lot of shoots and things like that," she told The Cut. "But for me, a good edge control is really important, and then a headscarf at night. So I always keep some Cantu edge control around and I’ll use a toothbrush and smooth down my edges."
Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel, $3.97, available at Target
Zoe Saldana
Boiron Calendula Homeopathic First Aid Ointment
The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 star once revealed that she swears by calendula to hydrate her lips. Saldana told Byrdie: "I buy this thing in Europe whenever I go, or whenever anyone I know goes to Europe." Lucky for us, the ointment can be purchased in the U.S. — and for less than $6, too.
Boiron Calendula Homeopathic First Aid Ointment, $6.48, available at Jet
Culpo's signature bob doesn't come without some prep. According to Byrdie, hairstylist Justine Marjan uses this drugstore staple to prep Culpo's blunt cut, then some salt spray for a bit of grit before blow drying.
TRESemmé Expert Selection Pre-Styling Spray Repair & Protect 7, $6.79, available at Walgreens
Zosia Mamet
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This drugstore staple has a lot of fans among the celebrity community, including Mamet. "I wash my face every morning and every night with Cetaphil," she told us. "It's my favorite — I’ve used it for years. I will never use a different cleanser."
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $13.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Khloé Kardashian
Photo: Jason LaVeris/Getty Images.
Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighters
The celeb's former makeup artist, Joyce Bonelli, shared on the Kardashian's app the beauty secret we've always wondered: Khloé gets her glow with a drugstore highlighter. "Your highlighter should be a shade lighter than your natural skin tone, and bronzer a shade darker," Bonelli says. For $6, that hardly feels like an extra step.
Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighters, $6, available at Ulta Beauty
Zendaya
Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images.
Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Acne Fighting Sheet Mask
Breakouts can be a nightmare, but instead of opting for a drying spot treatment, Zendaya keeps an emergency set of sheet masks to get the job done. She explained on her app and website, "If my skin is trippin' and I have a few zits, I'll use one that fights acne." Her go-to? This gentle spot fighter from Yes To. (And you can't beat that price tag.)
Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Acne Fighting Sheet Mask, $2.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Kylie Jenner
Photo: Gregory Pace/BEI/Shutterstock.
Maybelline Fit Me Blush
We're no strangers to Jenner's extensive — and super glam — makeup routine, but we were kind of shocked to hear she had a drugstore must-have: Maybelline's Fit Me Blush. She told Violet Grey that out this power pigment formula is one of her daily go-tos.
Maybelline Fit Me Blush, $5.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Gigi Hadid
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images.
St. Ives Fresh Skin Face Scrub Apricot
In an interview with Allure, Hadid revealed the reason this drugstore scrub has remained a long-standing staple in her beauty routine. "It's been around because it's the best," she said. We love the gentle exfoliator, too, especially because it uses natural powders from walnut shells, so it's less irritating. But Hadid's stamp of approval definitely serves as a reminder to use it more religiously.
St. Ives Fresh Skin Face Scrub Apricot, $3.69, available at Target
Kendall Jenner
Photo: Jason LaVeris/Getty Images.
Finesse Moisturizing Shampoo
Yesterday, if you had told us that shiny-haired Kendall Jenner's favorite shampoo is under four dollars, we would have laughed. But it turns out the joke's on us because she once told Allure, "Kim likes Finesse shampoo, and now so do I. I’ve tried all the expensive things, too. It just works for my hair and makes it so silky." BRB — running out to pick up this old-school classic now.
Finesse Moisturizing Shampoo, $2.99, available at walgreens.com
Beyoncé
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve
Back in 2011, when Beyoncé was rising to her Queen B status, she told Allure that this product is a must-have. “I wear it with my lipstick. I did this trick last summer, when I was on vacation: I used it to prime my lashes before curling. It was like a natural mascara. It made the lashes hold the curl and look shiny. I use it for everything!” In that case, point us in the nearest direction to buy this magic in a tin, stat.
Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve, $7, available at Sephora
Selena Gomez
Photo: Denise Truscello/Getty Images.
eos Shave Cream
Gomez saves a few bucks on beauty favorites from time to time, including this standout shaving cream. She told Into The Gloss that she uses this formula because "it isn't too thick" — and we agree.
Kim’s beauty routine comes with a hefty price tag; happily, we can all afford the facial wipes she stands by. She’s even Snapchatted her morning routine and these double-duty towelettes made an appearance. “But 1st I scrub with these wipes! #obsessed,” she captioned the snap.
Kiko Cosmetics Exfoliating Wipes, $6.3, available at Kiko Cosmetics
Lupita Nyong'o
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Now Solutions Avocado Oil
The award-winning actress told InStyle that for her, nothing works better than avocado oil. “This is what I use to wash off my makeup,” she said. “It's gentle and natural, and my skin tends to be pretty dry, so I need the extra oil.”
Now Solutions Avocado Oil, $7.99, available at GNC
Anna Kendrick
Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images.
Schick Intuition Sensitive Care Women's Razor Handle
One of Anna's top picks is a throwback some of us can appreciate — hello, annoying razor burn — especially if we want silky skin. "If you're not using Intuition razors, you're wasting everybody's time," she told The New York Times. "Whenever I hear someone is still using a separate shave gel, it's like hearing they still use dial-up internet.” (For the record, the Intuition has a built-in shaving-cream cartridge.)
Schick Intuition Sensitive Care with Aloe, $7.99, available at Target
Shay Mitchell
Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage.
CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara
This badass actress tends to keep her makeup light and fresh. She told Teen Vogue: “In the morning, I only use CoverGirl Lash Blast (I purchase 10 at a time in case they discontinue!). It just works really well.”
COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara, $8.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Emma Watson
Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
L'Oréal Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner
“A makeup artist I met recently used a nude pencil around my lips to give them a perfect outline that’s not as obvious as a red liner,” Emma told Marie Claire a couple years back.
L'Oréal Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner, $8.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Olivia Wilde
Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images.
Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap
Olivia swears by this true-blue winner. “I’ve been using the same hippie shit my whole life,” she told Byrdie. “It’s the greatest! You can even use it in your hair when you go camping.”
Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap, $15.99, available at Target
Lucy Hale
Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage.
Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes
“At the end of a long day, wiping my makeup off and feeling so clean, it’s the best feeling in the world,” Lucy told Into the Gloss. She praised the wipes' ability to “take everything off without irritating [my skin]."
Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $8.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Jessica Alba
Photo: Gary Gershoff/WireImage.
Turbie Twist The Original Turbie Twist
You're not the only one who's been strangely tantalized by As Seen On TV beauty scores. Jessica told Into the Gloss that she lives for the Turbie Twist. "It’s the greatest thing in the world," she raved. "It’s like a towel that you pull your hair up in after the shower."
The Original Turbie Twist Turbie Twist, $9.63, available at Amazon
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Welcome to Refinery29’s Feel Good Diaries, where we chronicle the physical and mental wellness routines of women today, their costs, and whether or not these self-care rituals actually make you feel good. Have your own Feel Good Diary to submit? You can do sohere!
Today: A woman whose relationship to wellness is informed by a past history of struggling with eating disorders. As such, she tries to approach health with grace. She says wellness is an important part of her daily life, but she doesn’t put pressure on herself to follow a specific routine. She tries to be intuitive and do what feels best for her body and mind at any given moment.
Age: 27
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Occupation: Environmental Consultant
Salary: $55,000
Day One
7:30 a.m. — The one constant piece of my morning routine is a cup (or two) of coffee. It's less about the caffeine boost and more about the ritual of slowing down and enjoying a cup before my day starts. I sometimes brew coffee in a French press, but I’ve recently switched over to iced. Anything hot sounds gross right now because of the humid weather. I recently tested out iced coffee concentrate from Lidl ( $7.99), which turned out to be really tasty. Today, I make it in my favorite Healthy Human tumbler ( $22.99), which comes with a metal straw. This keeps it cold, and it’s good for the environment — score! There is no us without an Earth, so I try my best to limit my impact where I can. I try to incorporate reusable items into my routine, recycle, and purchase products that don't use environmentally harmful chemicals. I'm not perfect at this, but I strive to be better.
8 a.m. — In the past, I wrote in a gratitude journal every morning before work, but I’ve gotten out of that habit. In an effort to do it more often, I bought a sparkly Spiderman journal from a craft store for $4 that makes me smile every time I use it. As part of my journal, I pick a card from a deck I bought for $11 called Affirmators! 50 Cards to Help You Help Yourself - Without the Self-Helpy-Ness! These cards help me set an intention for my day. Today, I pull the “self love” card. We could all use more of that. I definitely notice an overall difference in my attitude when I journal in the mornings. I head to work feeling good.
6 p.m. — Our apartment gym is pretty bare bones, but nice. It's convenient to be able to walk two minutes and get a workout in. I warm up on the treadmill and then complete a sweaty 20-minute Tabata circuit. I use the freeInterval Timer — HIIT Workouts app to keep track of each Tabata round. I used to have a complicated relationship with exercise, but now it’s a way for me to feel strong and manage stress. After a lot of practice, I’m much better at listening to my body and only working out in ways that make me feel good.
Daily Total: $39.99
Day Two
8:30 a.m. — My daily commute is about 30 minutes each way. To keep myself from going crazy, I listen to a lot of podcasts. I am currently loving Armchair Expert with Dax Sheppard. Hearing celebrities talk candidly about their struggles is oddly comforting to me. It makes me feel like we’re all humans dealing with crazy emotions. We’re all just trying to make the best of our messy lives.
2 p.m. — After lunch is the hardest part of the day for me. My job is extremely desk-based, and afternoon slump tends to hit me hard. Today I decide to take a quick 10-minute walk. I come back to my desk feeling refreshed. I decide I need to make this part of my daily schedule. Nature is really the best medicine, and it's free!
6 p.m. — I signed up for ClassPass (my package is $29 per month) a few months ago, and I love it. Tonight, I decide to take a class at my favorite hip-hop dance studio. Dancing is one of my favorite ways to exercise since it feels more like a party than a workout. The community at this studio is awesome. After my contemporary-style class, the owner convinces me to stay and take a new class they're offering. Halfway through the second class, I realize that this was overly ambitious. I return home sore and exhausted.
Daily Total: $29
Day Three
12 p.m. — I usually pack my lunch, but I treat myself by going out once a week. Today I’m craving the modern Greek salad from Panera ( $12). I add smoked chicken and have a baguette as my side.
7 p.m. — The two dance classes last night have me feeling so sore. It's obvious that my body is crying out for some rest, so I happily oblige. I take the night off from exercise. I decide that a face mask sounds nice, and put on my favorite chlorophyll mask, which is $19 from Cocokind. It's dark green, and my husband tells me I look like the Hulk. Rude. We snuggle on the couch with our dog as we watch a 2002 action film with Christian Bale on Netflix called Equilibrium. We love over-the-top action movies like this. It’s a perfect night.
Daily Total: $31
Day Four
6 a.m. — My body is still feeling a little tender from the dance marathon (lesson learned), but I’m craving some movement. I sign up for a hot yoga class through my ClassPass account. I hope it will help loosen me up. The workout ends up being just what I need. I’m a sweaty, noodle-y mess afterwards.
5 p.m. — Tonight, my husband offers to cook Korean food for us. He makes spicy chicken thighs using gochujang(Korean pepper paste), while I pickle some cucumbers. We eat it wrapped in lettuce with rice and more gochujang on top. All together, the ingredients cost about $20. When I was struggling with my eating disorder, I needed to control every little thing I ate, so I never let others cook for me. Today, I’m so grateful to be healed, and to be able to share moments like this with my husband.
6:30 p.m. — Most Thursdays, I get together with a group of friends for drinks. We try to do different things each week. We hit up trivia nights, breweries, food truck rodeos, and concerts. I consider myself an introverted extrovert, so I enjoy having a mix of social and non-social nights throughout the week. After a few nights in, I’m excited to see my friends. My hubby joins too! We go to a taproom where you pour your own beer, paying by the ounce. It allows you to try different brews without committing to a full pour. The weather is great, so we sit at a table outside and chat until almost 9 p.m. We leave feeling grateful for our friendships and cheap beer — our bill was only $22 for the both of us.
Daily Total: $42
Day Five
7 a.m. — Now that I am in my late twenties, I’m more conscious about taking care of my skin than I used to be. I don't have an extensive skincare routine, but I have a couple of things I use every day. If nothing else, I always use a face moisturizer with SPF. Since my skin is not particularly sensitive, I'm not too picky about the brand. Currently, I am using the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Cream SPF 18. It's typically $60, but I received my bottle for free as a gift from my mother-in-law. I slather it on my face, neck, and ears. I feel moisturized and protected. I use the Cocokind mymatcha stick ( $8.99) to help reduce the appearance of my dark circles under my eyes. I also rub it on my lips. It’s a multi-functional staple of mine.
6 p.m. — Instead of going to the gym to exercise, I decide to take my dog — an adopted border collie mix — for a long walk. She loves walks, and enjoys being out in nature as much as I do. I throw on my favorite Plantronics BackBeat Fit Bluetooth Headphones ( $80), and listen to music on Spotify while we walk along the river. It's so nice to be outside after a long day in the office. I zone out as we cover four miles. Although I haven't mastered quiet meditation, I feel like walking in nature clears my mind and helps me relax in a similar way.
Daily Total: $88.99
Day Six
9:30 a.m. — It's the weekend, so we sleep in. I slowly enjoy my coffee on the couch. After taking the dog out, I head to our apartment gym for a quick workout. I decide to play around with some equipment I don't typically use. I incorporate the battle ropes and TRX bands into my circuit. It's fun to switch things up. I leave the gym feeling energized after my 30-minute sweat session.
11:30 a.m. — A friend invites us to hang out at his apartment's pool, so we throw on our bathing suits and head over. It's over 90 degrees outside, so this feels like the perfect activity. We pick up a case of Corona Refrescas ( $19) to enjoy poolside. I’m obsessed with the coconut lime flavor — it’s become my drink of the summer. I enjoy two while lounging and reading Origin by Dan Brown on my Kindle.
7:30 p.m. — My husband and I typically dine out at restaurants a few nights a week. Tonight we meet some friends at our favorite Chinese place. We share the dumplings for an appetizer, and I order the tofu and veggie stir-fry as my entree. The portions here are huge, and it's one of the few places that we actually leave with leftovers. Our bill ends up being about $50. I cover it, since my hubby paid for groceries this week. We're all still having a great time after dinner, so we decide to walk over to a nearby brewery to continue the night. Hubby pays for our beers, and we stay out for a few more hours chatting and playing ping pong. I crash into bed at midnight and sleep hard.
Daily Total: $69
Day Seven
6 a.m. — Despite the late night, I'm up early to drive to North Carolina to visit my parents. It's Father's Day and my Dad's birthday, so my brother and sister are also in town. We have a BBQ, play corn hole, and enjoy cake. I spend most of the day laughing. It’s so good to be surrounded by family. I make the drive back to Richmond feeling loved and recharged. Time with family and loved ones is priceless, and great for my mental health.
7:30 p.m. — My husband and I have a shared love for puzzle games. I’m not typically interested in the computer games he plays, but we recently found an app we can play together. I make us popcorn from kernels on the stove top ( $3) and we snack on it while playing The Room ( $.99) on his phone. We have a blast solving creepy puzzles for a couple of hours before heading to bed.
Daily Total: $3.99
Weekly Total: $309.96
Reflection: Wellness impacts how I show up to life. If I’m not taking care of myself, it negatively affects my work and relationships. This week, I was able to spend a lot of quality time with friends and family, while still having time alone to recharge. I'm not always great at balancing these things, but I'm getting better. Having more grace and flexibility in my wellness routine has been really positive. I no longer set stringent expectations or rules for what I have to do to be “well.” Instead, I take it day by day. I try to respect what my body needs.
Refinery29 does not test out the services or products in this series, and does therefore not necessarily endorse them.
Have your own Feel Good Diary to submit? You can do so here!
If you are struggling with an eating disorder and are in need of support, please call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. For a 24-hour crisis line, text “NEDA” to 741741.
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We know and love her as a stylist, fashion commentator and the former co-host of What Not To Wear, but Stacy London has been out of the spotlight for a few years with one personal challenge after the next: Spine surgery, money problems, a painful breakup and, last year, the death of her much-loved father. With a new TV project in the works (details TBD), Stacy is entering her next phase with clarity and optimism. But she’s completely unafraid to share her ongoing mourning process — sometimes illuminating, often excruciating — with Christene Barberich for her third appearance on the UnStyled podcast.
The death of any parent is painful for anyone, and in Stacy’s case, it meant losing a role model, and a constant, loving presence; her father was someone who called his kids “every day of our lives,” and who sent flowers every Valentine’s Day. With raw, unflinching candor — seriously, this episode made us cry — Stacy admits that witnessing her dad’s passing, after many months of a protracted heart-related illness, wasn’t precisely how it’s often portrayed.
“I was with him when he died [and] the moments after that. His eyes were wide open. They were still alive to me,” she recalls tearfully to Christene. “It was the weirdest, hardest, most complicated, confusing moment for me. I didn’t feel like his spirit left his body and it was all around me. I don’t know who comes up with this crap, but it wasn't like that at all. It was the emptiest, loneliest feeling in the world and I still feel bad. I still feel that when I think about the void that he left.”
Speaking on UnStyled four months after that difficult day, Stacy has found that grief “never presents itself neatly. It’s never one thing. It’s this amorphous thing. Sometimes grief is like a warm blanket; sometimes it's the thing that makes me feel like I'm still connected to him.” At other moments, though, “the pain of losing them is so massive, it sometimes feels like you can't breathe.”
All of it, she realized, is a gift. “You have to have gratitude for that kind of pain. Because that pain is only possible if you've loved somebody just as greatly. This idea that if you can carve out all that space for joy you're going to leave all that space for pain to enter as well.”
Stacy had much more to say — about her father, getting older, why her new TV show isn’t about fashion and where her career’s headed — in this unforgettable, deeply moving episode of UnStyled. Have tissues at the ready. Listen now and subscribe via Apple Podcasts today.
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Okay, first a Stark girl saved the world and now her TV sister did something arguably more thrilling — she nailed down a Jonas Brother. Sophie Turner (a.k.a. Sansa Stark) and Joe Jonas literally had another wedding this weekend in France (without a Diplo live-stream, though) at the Château de Tourreau. They first got married by Elvis in Las Vegas in May, which Diplo live-streamed on Instagram. It was a simple affair after the Billboard Music Awards, with a white dress, three JoBros, and ring pops in lieu of gold bands. Now that it's official, we're excited to dive into just how much this power couple is worth.
Sophie Turner's Net Worth
Though there has been some controversy about Turner's Game of Thrones paycheck, Turner is definitely not hurting for coin. She reportedly makes $175,000 per episode, and though that's a bit less than her more established co-stars, it's not bad at all for a first big gig. While on GoT, she's been in a few feature films as well, including Another Me and X-Men: Apocalypse. Now that her reign as Lady of Winterfell is coming to a close, Turner is free to explore all that Hollywood has to offer — and she's starting out big with an upcoming starring role in X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Plus, in 2017 she was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list, so you know she's destined for greatness. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the actress is worth $6 million.
Joe Jonas' Net Worth
Joe Jonas rose to fame in 2005 as part of the Jonas Brothers, along with his brother's Nick and Kevin. The middle of the three brothers, Jonas was known for his harmonies, his eyebrows, and, of course, as the love interest in Camp Rock alongside Demi Lovato. This was followed up by a stint on Hannah Montana as well as the Jo Bros' own Disney Channel show, Jonas. In his early years he dated many a Disney Channel star, and he famously dumped Taylor Swift via a voicemail. The Jonas Brothers saw immense success from 2007 to October 2013, selling 17 million albums worldwide, when they parted ways due to creative differences. Jonas went on to lead the band DNCE, most famous for it's single "Cake By The Ocean," which achieved multi-platinum status. In 2016, he reportedly sold his house in Sherman Oaks for $3.7 million, making him a pretty penny. That same year, Jonas met his now wife, Turner, and three years later she starred (along with the other Jonas wives) in the Jonas Brothers' comeback music video, "Sucker." The song debuted at number 34 for on the Billboard Top 100 Chart, making the Jonas Brothers reunion the beginning of a surefire success. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Joe Jonas is worth a whopping $25 million, as are both his brothers.
What Is Their Combined Net Worth?
Together, the newlyweds are worth $31 million, which means they've got quite a bit to spend on a second wedding, should an Elvis Vegas elopement not completely satisfy their wedding needs.
And if you missed the wedding, don't worry, we got you.
Here’s some news that will make your Monday morning that much better: Starting today, you can shop The Ordinary at Ulta Beauty.
Few brands have reached cult status on the level The Ordinary has in the past couple years. The wildly affordable skin-care brand is a celeb- and editor-favorite, and is often the subject of rabid conversation on Reddit subthreads. In December 2017, an edited assortment of products launched at at Sephora, and after a brief hiatus from shelves, fans speculated that an Ulta arrival was imminent. Two years later, their dreams are officially coming true.
“The Ordinary is for everyone, and partnering with Ulta Beauty gives us the opportunity to be more accessible to the consumer than ever before," Nicola Kilner, CEO of The Ordinary’s parent company, Deciem, exclusively tells Refinery29. "Ulta has given us the incredible platform to reach our community where they’re shopping in real life."
While you won't get to shop the entire suite of The Ordinary's products, nearly all of the fan favorites will be available to buy: The does-it-all "Buffet" serum, the blood-like AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (seriously — the stuff is out of a Halloween nightmare) and the acne-clearing Niaciamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum are among our favorites. Come August, you'll even be able to shop the brand in-store, and the brand reportedly has plans to expand the assortment. The name may suggest otherwise, but trust us when we say that there's nothing ordinary about this launch: "The Ordinary was created out of our frustration within the beauty industry, when price was associated with quality," Kilner says. "Today, we see the impact that our seemingly simple idea has already had on this industry, and look forward to continuing on our promise to bring pricing and communication integrity to beauty."
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Once upon a time, Elizabeth Holmes was America's youngest self-made female billionaire and the head of biotech company Theranos, which promised new blood-testing procedures that would revolutionize health care. But, beginning in 2015, the cracks in Holmes' tech empire and veneer of prestige started to show, with reports trickling out that the level of technology she championed was "exaggerated" at best. In 2018, Holmes was formally indicted on charges of fraud, and now faces upwards of 20 years in prison.
With a fall this great, people are naturally obsessed with Holmes, and the many more stranger-than-fiction details of her life — wolf/dog, mysterious fiancé, deep baritone, and calculated image included. Inspired by Steve Jobs, she donned a uniform centered around a signature black turtleneck, and always paired it with straight blonde hair, bright lipstick, and a clean French manicure.
"She has a consistent, uniform look," says Amanda Sanders, an image consultant based in New York City. "It becomes recognizable. It’s smart in and of itself, because her look became her trademark." Ahead, see how that beauty uniform evolved — and what Holmes looks like now.
2009
A decade ago, Elizabeth Holmes was a 25-year-old giving speeches about team building, as a series of videos posted on YouTube by Entrepreneurship.org shows. The most notable difference between the Holmes we know now and the one seen here is the hair color, but what we can also see in this clip is that she was a big fan of heavy eyeliner even then.
Image consultant Carol Davidson finds the liner look interesting. "To me, it had a very strong aggressive feel to it," she says. "It feels like that was playing into that strong, 'can play in a man’s world' kind of vibe. It's almost like she's trying to assert her dominance through this heavy, intense, alpha makeup."
YouTube
September 2014
Fast forward five years, and the Holmes we know has arrived. The CEO of Theranos, speaking on stage at a tech conference in San Francisco, wore her now-blonde hair in a messy bun.
Photo: Steve Jennings/Getty Images for TechCrunch.
April 2015
Months later, Holmes made her first real red carpet appearance at the 2015 Time 100 Gala in New York City, debuting what would be her beauty uniform for the next few months: straight hair, bright-pink blush, smudgy dark eye makeup, and cherry-red lipstick.
Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images.
September 2015
We weren't kidding. For nearly every major event in 2015, from red carpets to meetings for the Clinton Global Initiative (seen here), Holmes showed up with bright-red lipstick, pink blush, and dark eyeshadow.
Photo: Adam Jeffery/CNBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images.
October 2015
For a cocktail party hosted by Vanity Fair in San Francisco, Holmes switched up her beauty uniform, wearing mauve lipstick rather than bright red, shimmery eyeshadow as opposed to matte black, and much more minimal eyeliner. She did, however, keep up with her usual French manicure. "When she would speak, she spoke a lot with her hands," says Davidson. "That was always on display, so I do think that the image and appearance was intentional."
Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Vanity Fair.
November 2015
Here, Holmes took a toned-down approach to certain aspects of her usual dramatic look, with a more neutral lip color than her preferred red, brown eyeshadow instead of black, and a lighter blush application.
Photo: C Flanigan/Getty Images.
November 2015
The next day, Holmes showed up to the 2015 Glamour Women of The Year Awards with her hair styled into a sleek and shiny lob. Was this the beginning of an entirely new look for the entrepreneur?
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Glamour.
August 2016
Guess not. In the summer of 2016, Holmes resurfaced again at an event hosted by Glamour, in her usual uniform of dark eyeshadow and red lips.
The next time she was publicly photographed was in 2018, when she was charged with wire fraud. As you can see from video taken outside the courthouse, Holmes sports a bare face, which is something Sanders would recommend going forward. "To not be associated with her old life, she should do something sort of dramatic," Sanders says. "She should remove that makeup and go back to basics. I'd recommend her even coloring or cutting her hair."
With so much scandal surrounding Holmes, and a HBO doc about her rise and fall about to debut, becoming virtually unrecognizable right now might not be the worst idea.
April 2019
As Holmes' reemergence earlier this year proved, a full makeover wasn't in the cards for the accused fraudster, though she did seem to tone down the dark eyeliner a touch at a hearing for her case in California.
Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.
June 2019
This past weekend, however, Holmes seemed to have reassessed her signature look, showing up to court on Friday with her hair styled into bouncy, pageant-worthy curls. She softened her makeup, too, with dewy foundation and light-pink blush.
Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.
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