Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.

This week: a senior account manager who makes $113,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on an iPad.

Occupation: Senior account manager
Industry: Healthcare
Age: 36
Location: Queens, New York
Salary: $113,000
Assets: Savings: $1,500
Debt: $133,000 (three personal loans, student loans, IRS tax liability, and two credit cards)
Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): $2,700
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses
Monthly Housing Costs: Rent: $3,250 (I live with my soon-to-be ex-husband. He does not contribute to any household bills or joint debts.)
Monthly Loan Payments: $2,092
All Other Monthly Expenses:
Gym: $10
Financial Resource Subscription: $10
Hulu Bundle: $17.99
Phone Bill & Internet Bundle: $199
Credit Card 1: $100
Credit Card 2: $100
Con Edison Electricity: $200
Biweekly Expenses
Savings Account 1: $150
Savings Account 2: $100
Savings Account 3: $25
Health Insurance: $123
401(k): $100

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
There was an expectation for me to graduate college and I was the first in my family to graduate with a bachelor of science (business administration). I went to a private college and my education was mainly funded through Pell Grants and student loans. My mother was a cosigner on my student loans so I graduated with extreme anxiety around paying back the debt so that her credit would not be impacted.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
Growing up, I did not have any conversations about money. I grew up in public and income restrictive housing and my parents did not make much money. My parents were teens when they had me and did not have much in terms of funds to talk about to to save, pay debt, or invest.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job was at the local movie theater and I got it the day after I turned 16. As the eldest of four children, I always had a place to live and food to eat but never had access to the things I wanted or opportunities to participate in different activities. My sole purpose of getting a job at 16 was so I could have my own money to open up more options for myself. My parents seldomly relied on me for money, but there were many instances where they’d ask me to borrow money or pay for certain household needs such as toilet paper, toothpaste, or laundry detergent.

Did you worry about money growing up?
Yes, I worried about money all the time. As a child of relatively young parents, I did not have more than my basic essentials. My parents did their best to provide for my wants but that was mainly during birthdays and during Christmas time. Once I went to college, my money worries increased as it became difficult for me to buy books and participate in activities outside of school. So to help support my education, I worked on campus and at other retail jobs.

Do you worry about money now?
Yes, I have extreme worries about money. Two years ago, I married my high-school sweetheart and we had a lavish wedding that cost about $80,000 (there are still personal loans in the process of being paid off). However, in early 2023 I was promoted to a senior account manager at work and started to making the most money I’ve ever made and my husband stopped paying towards the rent, household bills, and debts. At this time, I am in so much debt that there are days when I’m so stressed that I cannot eat. Money has been an extreme stress and living in New York with more bills than money is extremely overwhelming. Now the added stress of an impending divorce and having to pay for a divorce lawyer is even more stress that I am trying to work through.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
I became finally responsible for myself at 18. I do not have a financial safety net but if I lost my job and needed housing, I could always go home and live with my mother.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
In my first year of college, I received a life insurance payout from my grandmother that was about $10,000; however, it was the most money I’ve ever had and I wasted it on shopping and other frivolous items.

Day One

8 a.m. — I have an early morning dental appointment to have my new crown put in. I prepaid for all of the services on my credit card last month, so I did not have to pay anything out of pocket.

9 a.m. — After my dental appointment, I walk to my favorite coffee shop and order a large matcha latte, bacon quiche and raspberry beignet that I enjoy as I read a book. $18

1:30 p.m. — I take the Long Island Railroad to the other side of Queens (since it’s a two-fare ride, I can’t purchase a city ticket). $15.65

3 p.m. — I meet up with a friend to see a movie and I pay for the tickets and for our snacks. I have a small popcorn and soda and my friend has a pretzel with cheese. $50

6:30 p.m. — My friend treats me to dinner after the movie. We both order appetizers: I have a chicken Caesar salad and calamari and my friend has a shrimp Caesar salad and salt and pepper shrimp.

8:30 p.m. — I take an Uber home from my friend’s house. She lives on the boarder of Long Island so the Ubers to my area of Queens are very expensive. $40

Daily Total: $123.65

Day Two

11 a.m. — I meet up with a friend for bottomless mimosas and brunch. We share a Greek salad and I order the Mediterranean burger with fries and have 90-minute bottomless raspberry mimosas. My friend orders eggs Benedict with brioche bread and passionfruit mimosas. $46.82

1:45 p.m. — Go to a local cafe with my friend after brunch and order a dirty matcha. My friend orders a caramel latte and we sit and talk for another hour. $5.76

7:15 p.m. — I go to Target and purchase a new iPad, a denim jacket, and denim dress. The clothing is an unnecessary purchase that I buy out of want, not need. The iPad is for crafting ideas to generate more income. $869.82

Daily Total: $922.40

Day Three

10:47 a.m. — This is a highly stressful morning and I do not have anything on hand to eat so opt to get something quick. I walk to Dunkin’ to get to chocolate glazed doughnut and a medium hot coffee. $11.74

6:30 p.m. — I go to the local hardware store to purchase a lock for my impending U-Haul pick up. The lock will be used for my moving pod. $21.53

Daily Total: $33.27

Day Four

10:30 a.m. — U-Haul charge me a storage fee for the items that are picked up and need to be stored for up to a week prior to shipping to my new apartment. I charge my credit for this expense. $154.33

12:45 p.m. — I tip my U-Haul movers $20 a piece for supporting me with loading and moving my items. The service was fast and certainly worth the price. $40

2:00 p.m. — I treat my two cousins to lunch after they help me move my items out of my current apartment. They have been extremely supportive in helping me to navigate my impending divorce so I feel like lunch is the least I can do to show appreciation. $68.24

Daily Total: $262.57

Day Five

6:30 a.m. — Cash-app my younger brother $20 for school lunch. $25

12 p.m. — My cousin makes us breakfast and we have omelettes, toast, and coffee.

6 p.m. My cousin makes rasta pasta for dinner and purchases a bottle of wine for us to enjoy with the meal.

Daily Total: $25

Day Six

9:35 a.m. — Purchase new pajamas from a website that has a 30% off sale. $54.65

12 p.m. — Eat leftover rasta pasta and a cup of hot tea for lunch.

7 p.m. — Have dinner with my cousin and her family and we eat baked chicken, rice, and veggies while we watch a movie on Netflix.

Daily Total: $54.65

Day Seven

10 a.m. — My cousin buys breakfast sandwiches and coffees for us.

4 p.m. — Another large Target purchase: I pick up an Apple Pencil and toiletries for my extended stay with family (lotion, toothpaste, facial products, and feminine care products). $105

5:30 p.m. — Purchase a matcha latte from a local cafe. This latte is a reward for all the stress I endured during the week! $6.33

7 p.m. — My cousin picks up takeout and I have dinner with her and her family. We have pizza and salads. Grateful for the meal.

Daily Total: $111.33

The Breakdown

Money Diaries are meant to reflect an individual’s experience and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29’s point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.

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In our series Salary Stories, women with long-term career experience open up about the most intimate details of their jobs: compensation. It’s an honest look at how real people navigate the complicated world of negotiating, raises, promotions and job loss, with the hope it will give young people more insight into how to advocate for themselves — and maybe take a few risks along the way.

Been in the workforce for at least five years and interested in contributing your salary story? Submit your information here.

Age: 32
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Current industry and job title: Information technology, product manager

Current salary: $130,232/year
Number of years employed since school or university: 10
Starting salary: $49,500/year

Biggest salary jump: $87,000 to $115,000. I converted from contracting to working directly at the same company.

Biggest salary drop: $54,000 to $48,500. I was let go from my first job and decided to make a career change. I was willing to take the small drop to start getting experience in the new field. Plus, it was with a Fortune 500 company.

Biggest negotiation regret: Despite having some insider information when I was converting from contract to full time (as I could access the company interweb and see some pay details for my level), I think I should have asked for more. HR and my boss didn’t bat an eye at my salary request (it was a 33% raise for me). Then, the next year, I received both a normal pay raise of 3.5% as well as a cost of living adjustment. Between the two, my salary increased by another 13%.

Best salary advice: If the company doesn’t want to pay you a reasonable rate, don’t go through contortions of convincing yourself you want the job anyways. Politely decline and keep looking.

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Take a deep breath, cosmic beings. We’ve made it through the two eclipses of the season, and now we’re emerging on the other side. With Mercury in its last full week retrograde, all zodiac signs will be in a reflective mood during this final week of Aries Season. We’re being encouraged to think back on how much we’ve transformed since the Libra lunar eclipse took place on March 25. Monday’s quarter moon in Cancer is the ideal opportunity to introspectively seek answers and to indulge in deep self-care. 

The highlight of this week occurs on April 20 when Jupiter, the Planet of Luck, makes a once-in-every-14-years conjunction to Uranus, the Planet of Surprise. This conjunction occurs in the sign of Taurus, and since Taurus represents material goods, sensuality, and practicality, these are the themes that will be amplified in our lives on a personal and collective level. This conjunction changes the course of our lives as we know it by amplifying our desires and creating innovative pathways for us to reach them. Enjoy this exciting shift! 

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

Aries Sun & Rising:

How are you feeling now that you’ve experienced the solar eclipse in your sign, Aries? You’ll continue to tap into this transformative energy for the next year to come, and since Mercury is retrograde in your sign, you’re encouraged to ease your way into your fresh start rather than feeling like you have to have everything figured out right now. A lot will make more sense by the time we arrive at next week’s Scorpio full moon, so focus on being present in the moment this week and celebrating your existing blessings. 

On the 20th, Jupiter and Uranus conjoin in Taurus, activating your sector of money and self-esteem. You may be pleasantly surprised with a financial windfall within the next few weeks, or this weekend you may suddenly think of a great idea for increasing your revenue. The solution most likely has to do with decreasing the current responsibilities you have in order to make room for a more lucrative opportunity. 

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Enjoy this last week of Aries Season, Taurus, because once the sun enters your sign at 10 a.m. EST on April 19 (a bit earlier than usual), it’s game time for you. Aries Season was hibernation season, and last week’s solar eclipse in Aries helped you face your shadows head on and be honest with yourself about what you’ve outgrown. Now this week you’re integrating the lessons from the eclipse and cultivating a rich inner life, which will allow you to be outwardly celebrated once the Sun enters your sign this weekend. Happy start of your birthday season, Taurus! 

All eyes will be on you — in both a literal and cosmic way — starting April 20 when Jupiter and Uranus conjoin in your sign. A conjunction between these planets hasn’t occurred in decades, and it hasn’t happened in your sign in centuries. This is a period of redefining yourself, for yourself. You’re being offered a fresh slate and you can do whatever you want to do, as long as you give yourself permission to. Say yes to thrilling new adventures that present themselves during your solar return season. Say yes to joy! 

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Gemini, with Mercury retrograde still going strong this week, you may be feeling tired from all the nostalgia that’s been filling your mind lately. But there’s a reason that you’re being pulled toward your past. It’s best for you to get curious about what the cosmos is trying to teach you, because once you’ve cleared the air and tied up loose ends you’ll be able to focus on what’s ahead. Monday’s quarter moon in Cancer is the ideal time to assess what your priorities are, and to also be honest about what you may still be mourning or missing. 

On the 20th, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Taurus takes place in your sector of spirituality, healing, solitude, and closure. You may have an epiphany or a spiritual awakening of sorts. Use this weekend to chill out in your own haven, indulge in plant medicine such as magical mushrooms, listen to your favorite songs, meditate, and let your intuition lead the way. You’re gearing up for a major metamorphosis when Jupiter enters your sign on May 25, so enjoy this cocooning period before the breakthrough. 

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Whew, what a ride it’s been. You’re still taking in the intensity of the Aries solar eclipse which squared off with your Cancer nature. This final week of Aries Season could have you re-evaluating what you want to do professionally, but you may not make any final decisions until Mercury retrograde ends on the 25th. Instead, have fun imagining all the possibilities and writing down your intentions for the next six months, especially due to the quarter moon in your sign occurring at the start of the week. 

Then on the 20th we experience Jupiter and Uranus conjoining in the sign of Taurus in your sector of friendship, social networks, and technology. This conjunction is likely to simplify your social life, helping you be more discerning about who you share your visions and dreams with. Rid yourself of frenemies and surround yourself with people you can fully trust, because those are the ones you’ll want by your side once Jupiter enters Gemini next month and your spiritual ascension continues. 

Leo Sun & Rising:

The quarter moon in Cancer this week is encouraging you to truly ask yourself what your soul needs to feel a greater sense of emotional security. The solar eclipse in Aries lit you up and helped you understand just how powerful you are, but it could have also led to you easily being burnt out since Mercury is also retrograde in Aries at the same time. Now this week you’re receiving a chance to regroup and make sure that you aren’t rushing towards the finish line but that you’re instead creating a sustainable game plan to reach your goals. 

That plan may come into fruition this weekend, as on the 20th Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, aligns with Uranus, the Planet of Change, in the sign of Taurus. This takes place in your career sector, which could lead to sudden epiphanies regarding where you should be directing your energy for the rest of this year. If you haven’t yet set your new moon intentions, you’ll feel inspired to do so around this iconic conjunction — everything seems to be getting clearer now. 

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, you’ve made it through a solar eclipse while Mercury is retrograde in Aries. That’s a lot to be proud of. Use this week’s quarter moon in Cancer to assess your social circle and get clear about the energies that feel fulfilling and reciprocal to you. That’s what you should be pouring more of yourself into, rather than chasing after people or situations who don’t seem to be prioritizing you. 

This weekend the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Taurus harmonizes well with your Virgo nature, inspiring you to get out of your house and out into the world. It’s as though you’re looking at your life from a brand new set of eyes, allowing you to envision grander possibilities for yourself. There’s no need to make drastic decisions until Mercury has shifted direct on the 25th, but definitely journal the ideas coming to you. 

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, now that you’ve made it through the solar eclipse in Aries — as well as its conjunction to Chiron in Aries in your sector of partnership and marriage — you may be feeling more assertive about your romantic needs. But at the same time, Mercury’s continued retrograde through Aries in this same sector is making you a bit inconsistent in your approach to naming your needs. There’s still a major element of confusion or disorientation that you’re experiencing this retrograde season, so use this week’s quarter moon in Cancer to block out all the excess noise and tune into your intuitive awareness. What does your heart constantly need to feel safe and secure? 

On the 20th, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in your fellow Venus-ruled sign of Taurus may help you answer that question. It occurs in your sector of depth, merging, and outside resources, which means you’ll be understanding human psychology — both your own psychology and that of others — so much more profoundly. You’ll experience awakenings regarding some of the illusions you had previously fell for, and the realities that you must actually face. You may also receive partnership proposals (both romantic and business) around this time, so get ready for a period of major expansion. 

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

Scorpio, as we approach your annual full moon on the 23rd, you can tell that there are key decisions that you need to make to create greater stability in your life. But since we’re still feeling the effects of eclipse and retrograde season, you’re also advised to release the need to have everything figured out right now. Trust the messiness without immediately trying to clean it all up. There’s a lot of clarity that comes from perceived chaos. Use the quarter moon in Cancer at the start of the week to visualize your life beyond your current circumstances. What would you do and where would you be if you didn’t let your own mind’s limitations stop you from getting there and being there? 

On the 20th, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Taurus strikes in your sector of partnership and marriage. Many Scorpios are likely to make a significant relationship decision during the final ten days of April, due to this conjunction combined with the intensity of the Scorpio full moon. Once again, pace yourself in your decision-making because Mercury is retrograde until the 25th. But if you suddenly receive a clear sign from the cosmos regarding whether to say yes or not to a current, past, or potential relationship, make sure you pay attention to that sign and do not ignore its messages. 

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Sagittarius, as the week begins, the Cancer quarter moon may make you feel a bit uncomfortable due to the rush of buried emotions coming to the surface of your life. There’s a lot that you’ve been navigating this eclipse season, and perhaps you’ve been keeping busy as a way to escape the more tumultuous sensations that the combination of the eclipses and Mercury retrograde are bringing up for you. Start the week in the spirit of stillness, to calm your nervous system ahead of the major Jupiter-Uranus conjunction occurring on the 20th. 

You’re ruled by Jupiter, the Planet of Luck — and the largest planet in our solar system. On the 20th it connects with Uranus, the Planet of Surprise, in the sign of Taurus. This occurs in your sector of health, wellness, and service. You could receive an exciting work-related opportunity within ten days of this conjunction, or you could decide to get started on a health journey (or pick one back up) and actually commit to it this time. You’ll experience a major “Aha!” moment regarding the routines and systems you should put into place to guarantee your long-term wellbeing. It’s up to you to choose better for yourself, Sag. 

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, you’ve been a patient observer of the changes unfolding within and around you, especially now that Saturn is in the introspective sign of Pisces for the next two years and Pluto is now in Aquarius in your sector of security. You’re quite aware that even if you don’t always like change, there’s not much you can do about the fact that it’s a constant occurrence in your life. But this week’s quarter moon in Cancer is also encouraging you to have a lover, partner, or best friend with whom you can navigate and face life’s unexpected events, rather than doing it all on your own. Who do you trust and rely on most in your life? Your mission is to not be afraid of the power they hold, but rather celebrate them for being one of the lucky ones that your spirit feels called to open up to. 

On the 20th, Jupiter and Uranus conjoin in your fellow earth sign of Taurus. This influences your sector of fate, true love, and creativity and will make the last stretch of April a very exciting, romantic, flirtatious, and adventurous time. This is definitely a great weekend for going out on dates with yourself and others, taking on a creative project, or sharing something imaginative with your social network. You’ll be feeling more open-hearted during this conjunction, which could lead to an abundance of blessings and love pouring into your life. 

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Aquarius, as the week begins the quarter moon in Cancer lights up your sector of health, wellness, and service. You may realize that you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed emotionally due to the unpredictabilities of eclipse and retrograde season, and this could be taking a physical toll on your body and your mind. Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and setting healthy boundaries during the first half of the week, because your planetary ruler Uranus is getting ready to conjoin with Jupiter this weekend, and you’ll need all the strength and presence you can get. 

On the 20th, the revolutionary Jupiter-Uranus conjunction occurs in the sign of Taurus. Taurus is a fixed earth sign that squares off (creates astrological tension) with your Aquarius nature. This indicates that at first you may resist whatever changes pop up with this conjunction, particularly concerning your sector of home, the past, and the roots. But soon you’ll overcome the resistance and lean into the transformation, which could lead to a significant breakthrough and/or blessing emerging in your family sector, such as the arrival of a new baby, choosing to move in with someone (or get married), or deciding to relocate or renovate based on your heart’s desires. 

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, as the week begins, the quarter moon in Cancer helps you be more reflective about what you want from love and intimacy. You can attract the attention of several suitors with your magnetism (and with the fact that Mars, the Planet of Action and Sex, is in Pisces). But the question is, who do you really want in your orbit, and are they even worthy of being there? With Saturn and Neptune also transiting through your sign, you’re being cautioned to not fall for the illusion or fantasy of who someone could be — particularly during Mercury retrograde in your sector of security — but rather get clear about what emotional needs you’d like them to fulfill, and what you have the capacity to offer them too. Reciprocity and transparency is key. 

This weekend the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Taurus helps you gain greater clarity and trust, in others and in yourself. You’re ruled by Jupiter, the Planet of Luck, so its alignment with Uranus, the Planet of Surprise, in your sector of communication will lead to you surprising yourself and those around you with grand declarations of what must change and what must remain the same in order for you to fully show up for yourself, your relationships, and your purpose. This is a great weekend to journal with yourself, take part in therapy, or spend time with best friends who encourage you to speak your truth. Your mind will be filled with creative ideas. Allow yourself to indulge fully in them. 

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Your mom is obviously worth a million bucks — but we’re going to assume you’re working with a different kind of budget this Mother’s Day. Even if you only intend on spending $25 — or, heck, $10 — you can definitely treat your mom to something special on May 12. Pair your sentimentality with these meaningful and useful treats, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a happy giftee.

Ahead, we created a guide of thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts that ring in at or under $25. These are sure to make mom — and all of the mother figures in your life — smile. And with many options on sale, your bargain-loving mom would definitely appreciate your cheap Mother’s Day gift pick. Plus, we’ve included Amazon gifts to ensure you’ll get your gift it in time for the special day.

Our gift guide has a range of presents perfect for every type of mom. Whether they’re interested in jewelry, self-care, home decor, working out, traveling, or are even a new mom in need of some TLC, we’ve got you covered with the best Mother’s Day gifts that are cheap yet chic.

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. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Throughout Lululemon’s 25-year athleisure reign, the Canadian-born brand has garnered a passionate fanbase that few can hold a candle to. The brand has a Subreddit with more than 479,000 users, 4.8 million followers on Instagram, and #lululemon growing with over 590,000 videos on TikTok. Whatever’s in its best-selling secret sauce, the internet has a hankering for it. No matter where your habit falls on the shopping spectrum — from Lulu-curious noob to veteran Lulu-lover with a color-coded Align collection — you might want to know what the most essential, top-rated, and beloved styles are.

That’s where we come in. We dug deep for customer feedback, scrolling through reviews on Lululemon.com and elsewhere to suss out the cream of the Lululemon crop. We also consulted the exhaustive back catalog at Lululemon Fanatics (a must-visit for anyone looking to stoke their obsession with the brand). Ahead, find Lululemon’s most cult-favorite styles from leggings, workout tanks, and sports bras to loungewear, shoes, and gym bags — and be sure to let us know in the comments below if there are any must-haves we missed.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

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As professional online shoppers, Refinery29 affiliate writers have a *spidey* sense for the best virtual sale sections and limited-time deals. Whether it’s Lululemon’s ol’ reliable We Made Too Much sale or a flash deal on bestselling skin-care brands — where there’s a clearance rack, there’s an R29 shopping editor sizing up its price-slashed goods. And today, we present to you the best sales happening this weekend, according to us.

The best sales and/or deals must meet at least one of the following criteria: The discount is applied to a Refinery29 reader-favorite item (according to our anonymous shopping data), and it either takes a minimum of 20% off the full price or it’s an item that’s rarely discounted, making a slightly smaller price slash still notable. TL;DR: The following sales are ones to watch and worthy of a spot in all budget-friendly carts — we mean, in our opinion.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

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The day that Beyoncé’s most recent album Cowboy Carter was released, Vice President Kamala Harris sent a congratulatory tweet to the singer. “Thank you for reminding us to never feel confined to other people’s perspective of what our lane is,” Harris wrote from the official VP account on X (formerly Twitter). Here we have a snapshot of a world that maybe even a decade ago would’ve felt improper to envision. A Black woman occupying the second highest of the land, publicly communing with the most powerful Black woman in entertainment. 

It’s the kind of interaction that would’ve been charming, say, a decade ago. An obvious attempt at trying to return us to a sociopolitical era that has long lost its luster. A politician showing off their pop culture prowess and their ability to relate with their young constituents of color feels very of the Obama era. Now, however, one can only think about the atrocities being carried out by an administration that’s apparently being soundtracked by the new Beyoncé record.

It is a sign of progress or a sign from God of an imminent apocalypse that Black women are allowed this kind of power, depending on where you stand. A sign of wokeness gone amok. The Great Replacement set into motion. A dream of Martin Luther King Jr. proportions. It’s been fifteen years since the inauguration of the Black president, a historical feat that seemingly signaled America’s willingness to loosen its chains on its Black citizens.

In recent weeks the word reclamation has been used a lot, primarily in regards to Beyoncé and her new country album. On the album’s cover the singer sits side saddle on a white horse while holding the American flag. The image is striking, causing easy provocation. A Black woman in possession of one of the country’s most hallowed symbols, dressed in rodeo garb, riding off on a horse as her platinum blonde hair blows in the wind. One wonders where she’ll have us follow her on that white horse she’s on. In another photo, she reinterprets herself as the Statue of Liberty instead of being adorned in gaudy green paint, she allows her long braids and sash to cover her otherwise naked body while she stands tall, trading the torch for a lit cigar. 

These photos taken by photographer Blair Cadwell depict Beyoncé as a Black woman occupying a space America has told her she has no place belonging. Remaking American iconography in her image, forcing us to contend with her presence. There’s something admittedly very titillating about seeing a Black woman in a place where people say she’s not supposed to be. Traversing through scowling gazes, muttered disdain, and proverbial Do Not Enter signs. But once the temporary dopamine rush subsides, you’re left wondering if this was worth the temporary high. 

A few months ago at a UN Security Council, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the UN ambassador for the US and a Black woman, raised her hand proudly as she represented the US vote against a ceasefire of the genocide against Gaza. The current U.S. press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is a Black woman (the first in this position) who stands at her podium and defends the actions of the current administration.  It’s in these moments when you realize that whiteness isn’t loosening its reins, it’s expanding who it’ll allow to participate in its violence.

Despite right wing fear mongering about diversity programs and initiatives, the state has found an asset in Black women who are willing to be a face for a violent empire. Like giving the plantation walls a new shiny Black coat of paint when it should it instead be demolished, aesthetic changes to the state only makes the brutality easier to look at. There’s an impulse to redeem iconography or institutions steeped in colonialism and white supremacy by giving them the sheen of a pro-Black revamp, but that only affirm their existence and their power. 

Even as America existed as a mere embryo forming in the colonists’ imagination, Black people have been grappling with their place on this land. In her 1773 poem On Being Brought from Africa to America, Phillis Wheatly wrote that it was a “mercy” that brought her from her “pagan land,” owing her religious rebirth to her newfound homeland. Langston Hughes described himself in his 1926 poem I, Too as being “the darker brother” that America hides away from company in its proverbial kitchen, but regardless, Hughes continues to fortify himself for the day when he’s invited to their table.

It’s an election year so, if you haven’t already, you’ll eventually hear a lot of waxing poetics about the heroics of Black women voters. “Black women will save America,” as one of the slogans goes. Is it any wonder where the uptick in Black female faces in high places have come from? A steady incline since 2016 when people first began listening to Black women. What is it that’s being saved exactly? Black women have proven that we, too, sing America. It’s just not a song worth singing.

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With Mother’s Day about a month away, it’s time to find that perfect little something to let the mom figure in your life know she’s loved and appreciated. Special people deserve equally special gifts, which is why you don’t want to leave this particular task to the last minute. To keep your search on track, we’ve rounded up the best Anthropologie Mother’s Day gifts of 2024.

From new moms to long-distance moms to dog moms, moms are unique and there’s no one gift that’s perfectly suited to an occasion honoring them all. Sure, same-day flower deliveries are a safe bet, but it’s tough to beat a Mother’s Day gift that’s thoughtfully hand-picked for her from Anthropologie’s shimmering wealth of options. We scouted everything for any type of mom — from mom mugs to pretty floral pitchers, chic vintage glassware, luxurious vanity decor, and gardening tools.

Ahead, check out our top Anthropologie Mother’s Day gift picks to ensure this May 12 is the best Mother’s Day she’s had to date.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

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Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.

This week: a science writer who is currently unemployed and who spends some of her money this week on a quilting ruler.

Editor’s Note: This is a follow-up diary. You can read the original submission here.

Content Warning: This diary contains a reference to death.

Occupation: Unemployed (I graduated with my master’s two months ago, and have been job hunting since then.)
Industry: N/A
Age: 29
Location: Illinois
Salary: N/A. I went from a $2,000 monthly stipend to just living off my savings. My husband’s salary is $52,000, plus $5,000 to $10,000 annually from a small side business.
Assets: Checking: $210; personal savings: $8,200; joint savings: $18,210; retirement: $20,800 ($17,400 in a 403(b) and $3,400 in a state-specific retirement plan)
Debt: $840 (the bill for an ambulance ride and ER visit I incurred last year; I’ve been paying $230 a month.)
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $150 (from coaching sessions)
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses
Monthly Housing Costs: $800 for my half of a townhouse plus utilities and wifi, split equally with my husband.
Monthly Loan Payments: $0
All Other Monthly Expenses:
Pet Supplies: $96.20
Gym Membership: $87.50
Spotify Student & Hulu Bundle: $5.99
Extra iCloud Storage: $2.99
Microsoft Office: $7.56
Car Insurance: $402.79 every six months
Yearly Expenses
Phone Plan: $300 (Mint Mobile)

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
My parents are retired teachers, so education was always the top priority. I went to an in-state school for my bachelor’s and earned a few merit scholarships. My parents covered three years of tuition and living expenses, and I took out a small loan to cover the remaining semester.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
Our family did not talk about money; my parents felt it was uncouth, and that kids should not worry about money. They did open a savings account for each of us when we were in kindergarten, and that is where I chose to deposit most of my money from holidays and part-time jobs. To this day, I don’t think my parents are very financially savvy. My dad gets a full pension, but I’m pretty sure CDs (certificates of deposit) are their only investment tool.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
I started detasseling corn when I was 12. It was the only way to get a paycheck at that age, but I mostly did it to hang out with my friends because we were so rural that we’d never get to see each other in the summertime otherwise. In high school, I waited tables at a pizza place and cleaned kennels at a vet clinic.

Did you worry about money growing up?
Not really, my parents kept us sheltered from that. My mom stayed at home and my dad was a teacher for the first 30 years of his career, so he was supporting a family of six on that salary. I remember thinking it was kind of incongruous that almost all of our “vacations” were weekend visits to my grandparents’ house in-state and that we couldn’t afford traveling sports leagues, yet there was always money for name-brand groceries and new clothes for each school year (years later, my dad would confide that they were in about $30,000 of credit card debt at this time). I had friends with single parents who lived in trailer parks and ate all their vegetables out of cans, and friends who had their own rooms and a pool in the backyard. I just figured that we were the middle ground, and I don’t recall fixating on that a lot (aside from desperately wanting my own room).

Do you worry about money now?
I used to worry about retirement, but now I’m more anxious about the next five to eight years. I’d like to buy a house and expand our family, but housing and daycare are scarily expensive (not to mention the possibility of having a child with complex medical or behavioral needs). I think I can accept whatever our future will look like (renting forever, being pet parents only, et cetera), but I wish I could look into a crystal ball now and know for sure. I hate the not knowing.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
I graduated from college at 21 and assumed all of my own expenses (rent, groceries, health insurance, et cetera) except for car insurance and my phone bill. I didn’t get off my dad’s car insurance or phone plan until I was 25.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
No.

Day One

7 a.m. — It’s my birthday, and I’m awoken to my husband, V., football-launching a tulip arrangement across the room to where I’m laying in bed. He proudly explains his rationale for purchasing the fake variety: “so you wouldn’t have to figure out how to take care of them!” He also hands me a card and gift certificate to my favorite craft store, which I immediately use to order the Stripology XL Quilting Ruler that I’ve been lusting after for months.

9 a.m. — My mom calls to say happy birthday. We have a complicated relationship, but things have been better lately. I mention struggling with the job search and feeling like I’m not contributing to society. She goes full mom mode with a monologue on all the ways my quilts are a contribution to society, because I’m “bringing art into the world!” She also reminds me that the perfect job could show up any day, including tomorrow or a month from now. I can’t muster an eye roll because I’m smiling too much.

12 p.m. — I reheat some leftover minestrone and start a new book (All the Rage by Darcy Lockman). V. and I aren’t ready for parenthood yet, but there are some household inequities I’d like to address before we start the procreation conversation.

2 p.m. — I had a final round job interview last week and haven’t heard back, so I send a polite follow-up email to the hiring manager.

3:30 p.m. — It’s unseasonably warm today, so I take advantage of the weather with a nine-mile run. It’s my longest in several months and so good for my mental health, but my knees would like to speak with the manager.

6 p.m. — Birthday dinner at Costco! Their cheese pizza is my favorite food, so I treat myself to a slice. I did a no-buy month last month and haven’t been in a physical store since Christmas, so our next stop is Target. I pick up milk, instant hot cocoa, mushrooms, imitation beef crumbles, a couple of Purple Carrot frozen meals, mini ice cream sandwiches, a bag of Cadbury eggs, frozen pretzels, mac ‘n’ cheese, cereal, and a sheet mask. It’s been a while since I’ve bought cereal and I realize my favorite (Special K Red Berry) is up to $6 a box. I find a bunch of clearance cereals on an endcap and pick out a family size box of Strawberry Milkshake Frosted Flakes for $2.50 instead. I use the savings to justify the sheet mask. $41.37

Daily Total: $41.37

Day Two

7 a.m. — A morning workout class is my favorite way to kickstart the weekend. Because I coach Brazilian jiu-jitsu on the side on weekday mornings, this is my time to tune out everyone else and focus on myself.

9 a.m. — I drive across town to my favorite independent thrift store. I got a little overly optimistic in committing to a no-buy year, but I have some birthday money on hand and everyone knows that cash spending doesn’t count. I’m probably jumping the gun by looking for work clothes, but hopefully I’ll need them soon. I haven’t worn business casual in three years, so I’m starting from scratch. I love thrifting because it’s sustainable and fun, but it also gives me a chance to practice my poker face (my sister is forever making fun of my inability to hide my feelings facially). What’s that, the perfect pair of jeans? Dark wash, slight stretch, my size? Oh, and look at that giant multicolored bedazzled rose across the butt crack when you turn them around! How unexpected. My face is doing a great post-botox Jennifer Coolidge from A Cinderella Story. I am VERY upset about this! (But not too upset to leave empty handed.)

10 a.m. — Next stop is our local craft thrift. It’s an eclectic place with dollhouse furniture, greeting cards, scrapbooking supplies, puzzles, sewing notions, and odds and ends galore. Fabric is sold by the pound, and it’s a mixture of yardage, partially used fat quarters, and precuts from long abandoned projects. I’m finishing up a Knitted Star quilt, but my next project is a funky ’70s-inspired orange and green flower design. I fill up a huge bag of high-quality prints for $13.95. Overcome with generosity, I agree to round up for charity. $14

12 p.m. — V. and I drive to our favorite ice cream place. They’re closed for the winter, but opening for three hours today only to celebrate Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. V. and I each pull the trigger on something new. I order a PB&J shake (peanut butter ice cream with blackberry sauce and Graham Cracker Crumbs) while V. opts for a Rice Krispie shake (vanilla ice cream with cereal, sprinkles, and marshmallow sauce). I take one bite of the PB&J and the artificial berry syrup is overpowering. It’s a no from me, dawg. V. ends up eating both shakes, and I give myself permission to be internally bummed about this for a few hours because it was supposed to be my special climactic birthday treat. I forgot how trying new things is a luxury and a risk when you’re on a really tight budget. It’s my birthday and I’ll cry over peanut butter in ice cream if I want to. $12.35

6:30 p.m. — I pour a bowl of Strawberry Milkshake Frosted Flakes and immediately understand why they were on clearance. Post-dinner entertainment is brought to us by Barbie, which I buy on Amazon. We saw it twice last summer, and today feels like the perfect night for some silliness. And the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor goes to… Ryan Gosling’s eyebrows. I snack on an ice cream sandwich and my bag of Cadbury eggs. $17.74

Daily Total: $44.09

Day Three

7 a.m. — Sundays are our whole-house cleaning days, and I like to get an early start.

9:30 a.m. — My first Brazilian jiu-jitsu class of the week. It goes off without a hitch, and I stay after to do some cleaning at the gym.

1 p.m. — My in-laws invite me over for lunch and games. I haven’t seen my nieces since Christmas, and they are getting really good at G-rated trash talk. I stay for several hours and get pulled over on the drive home because one of my headlights went out. I dropped $4,000 on car repairs in November, so I was hoping to avoid vehicle expenses for a while. Fortunately I get off with a warning, and I place an order for a new bulb when I get home. $43.12

8 p.m. — Frozen pretzel for dinner, spiced up with some marinara dipping sauce. Whoever said potatoes are the most versatile food never tried soft pretzels.

Daily Total: $43.12

Day Four

5 a.m. — I coach another fitness class. In the summer I usually stay after to do my own workout, but my motivation is lacking in this dark and cold weather.

8 a.m. — I throw together a breakfast scramble with nutritional yeast and some expired tofu from the back of my fridge. 5/10 mid. I’m tired from staying up late last night and getting up early, so I lie down for a two-hour nap. This happens a lot these days, and it’s attached to a lot of shame and guilt since productive adults don’t have two spare hours in the middle of the day to sleep. But I’ve been pretty depressed lately, and sleeping helps the days pass by.

12 p.m. — I’m trying to use up all the random stuff in our pantry, and today’s lunchtime concoction is pumpkin protein waffles.

5 p.m. — I drag myself to an evening workout class. I’ve been competing in BJJ for a few years now, with minimal success. Each time I earn a new belt stripe, the workouts get a little less fun and a little more intense, and there’s much more scrutiny from my coach. I envisioned my amateur career going a lot differently, and I’m trying to make peace with this likely being my last competitive season.

7 p.m. — I eat a frozen pretzel and some dry cereal for dinner, then spend more time on my quilt. It’s all pieced and basted, so I just have to finish quilting and binding. This is my 20th quilt, and the actual free-motion quilting remains my least favorite step of the whole quilting process (the irony is not lost on me). My top thread is showing through the backing fabric, so I troubleshoot by messing around with the bobbin tension and disassembling the machine.

10 p.m. — I check my email once more before bed. The hiring manager has reached out to communicate some delays in the hiring process. The timeline remains unclear, but I’m hoping for a decision this week.

Daily Total: $0

Day Five

7 a.m. — I start my day with a bowl of dry cereal while browsing the obituaries and realize I am turning into my mom. I have an irrational fear of learning about my parents’ deaths through the obits (but mostly I’m just nosy about other people). I make a mental note to mention this when I’m back in therapy. Feeling cute, might spiral about my parents’ mortality later.

8:30 a.m. — I decide against going to my gym’s mid-morning class, and I opt for a four-mile run and some bodyweight exercises instead.

11 a.m. — I buy a set of hand weights off Facebook Marketplace, then use random leftovers to make a farro salad for lunch. $10

4 p.m. — I have a second-round Zoom interview for a different job. This is my 10th interview in eight weeks, and the thought of introducing myself to a hiring committee yet again is really working that Fiona Montgomery from A Cinderella Story impression. But I press on and the vibes are really good; the search committee seems excited about some of the ideas I suggest. Fingers crossed!

6 p.m. — Dinner is a frozen pretzel and hot chocolate before V. and I head off to a cookie-decorating class led by a local pastry chef. The class is a bit of a splurge, but I can’t remember the last time we had a date night. Tonight we’re designing breakfast-themed foods including eggs, bacon, and pancakes. A is very laidback and leaves the designs open to interpretation, while I remain an anal, process-driven shrew. Our cookies reflect this. $45

Daily Total: $55

Day Six

5 a.m. — My alarm goes off, but V. and I have already been up for hours yelling at our dog and cat to STFU. Our dog is an elderly rescue from a hoarding situation whom we love deeply, but she is a complete menace when hungry or not feeling like the center of attention. Unfortunately she tends to feel both of these things most mornings between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.

8 a.m. — After coaching and running through a test workout, I microwave a bowl of oatmeal with banana and brown sugar and pass out on the couch for two hours. This isn’t a depression nap, it’s an “I got no sleep thanks to my needy animals” nap. I definitely could have gone another hour, but instead I reward myself with last night’s bacon sugar cookie for being less of a bum than I could have been.

12 p.m. — I ordered a few pairs of Old Navy work pants online, and the at-home try-on is not going well. I don’t want to be that stubborn millennial clinging to her beloved yet outdated trends, but this wide-legged cropped situation is tragic. Fifteen years ago when my ankles were hanging out of full-length pants, I was “dorky” or “copying Urkel,” and suddenly this look is cool? Check on your tall friends — we are not okay.

6 p.m. — I trudge through an evening workout class and find myself in a much better head space. I whip up my go-to dinner (frozen pretzel and hot chocolate) and settle in for a free workshop at our local library. They host fun seminars and classes weekly, and I try to attend at least one each month. Tonight we’re learning about self-publishing! Most of these classes are saturated with retired people hijacking the seminar to promote their own (usually incorrect) knowledge of the topic, so I do that recovering-goody-two-shoes thing where I lean forward and force unbroken eye contact with the actual hired speaker so they know that I’m listening and value their time.

Daily Total: $0

Day Seven

9 a.m. — I can’t let this beautiful weather pass without a run. I was hoping for six to eight miles but my body is feeling really off, so I call it at four. I shower and get dressed, and as I’m eating a bootleg Panera salad on the couch, the hiring manager from my first interview calls with great news — a job offer! The salary is a bit lower than expected (and negotiations aren’t a thing in this industry), but I’m excited about the role and the benefits are fantastic.

11 a.m. — I’m visiting my parents for the weekend, so I top up my gas tank before hitting the road. They live in Iowa and got me tickets to a University of Iowa women’s basketball game as a birthday gift. Caitlin Clark is my girl crush, so I’m screaming internally. $16.43

4 p.m. — Quick trip to my (former) favorite hometown thrift. I’m looking for specific pieces to build a capsule wardrobe, so I scoop up a pair of straight-leg olive pants, two corduroy skirts, a black flutter-sleeve top, and a pair of navy Editor pants from Loft. The latter goes against my better judgment, as the top unanswered question of the universe remains, WHAT COLOR SHOES GO WITH NAVY?!?! (Influencers can stop telling me black, because that pairing has and always will be a crime). I also try on a pair of jeans that fit like a glove, but quickly pass because my raging feminist ass will not indulge the audacious douche-bro capitalistic desire to charge $18 for a pair of secondhand Old Navy pants. $38.37

6 p.m. — We stop at Texas Roadhouse and my dad insists on paying for the meal and tip. He asks the waitress for multiple modifications and refills in spite of the obvious dinner rush, so I surreptitiously slip an extra ten under my plate. We’re all doing this with our boomer relatives, right? $10

8:30 p.m. — My parents paid for dinner and gas, so concessions are on me. I also pick up a Hawks Basketball tee for myself. I get emotional just looking around the sold-out arena and seeing people of all ages repping Caitlin Clark and Hannah Stuelke jerseys. Growing up I was idolizing Jennie Finch, Mia Hamm, and Diana Taurasi, and I love that there are so many incredible Gen Z women stepping up to be quasi-gods for the next generation. I want nothing but good things for all of them — I hope they get that NIL bread and continue to market the shit out of themselves unapologetically. This has been the best live sporting event I’ve seen in years, and it’s the perfect way to cap off the week. $46.39

Daily Total: $111.19

The Breakdown

If you are experiencing depression and need support, please call the National Depressive/Manic-Depressive Association Hotline at 1-800-826-3632 or the Crisis Call Center’s 24-hour hotline at 1-775-784-8090.

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