Mars will enter Aries, one of its favorite signs, at 11:33 a.m. ET on April 30. The energy of Aries, a pure manifestation of fire, will be intensified by Mars, resulting in a surge of drive and motivation. Mars will ignite the flames and bring about necessary changes to set everything in motion. If there is anything we want to accomplish, the week ahead will give us the zest and inspiration to do so. From here on in, we are moving forward and not looking back. Full force ahead!

When Mars is in Aries, their combined energy creates an unstoppable force. Mars in Aries is known for its fierce passion and warrior-like nature, which means this planetary placement does not let anything stand in the way of attaining success. Mars in Aries is always ready to break down any obstacle or barrier that comes in its way. The confidence and drive exuded by this transit makes us feel as though we should win at all that we do, even if the stakes are high and competition is fierce. Even if this isn’t the case, we might believe it to be so and become fanatical about proving we are the best in every venture.

Mars and Aries have an impulsive energy, so it’s easy to feel that we need to act quickly, often without thinking things through. We might find ourselves wanting to jump into relationships or to make assumptions without having all the facts. It’s crucial to take a step back and carefully consider our thoughts and feelings before making any big decisions. If we act too quickly, we could end up regretting our choices. It’s important to avoid being arrogant or stubborn during this time and instead try to approach situations with an open mind.

We should also put our swords away! Trying to resolve situations with kindness instead of aggression can resolve a lot. It is better to let people discover the truth on their own terms instead of arguing, because Mars in Aries tends to be defensive. Don’t lock horns with the ram, let them come to their own conclusions. They will see the truth when they’re ready. Until then, don’t poke the ram. This will allow its soft and protective side to come out when safeguarding the people they care about. 

Since the transit of Mars in Aries is an extremely desirable time, it assures that our sexual prowess is at a high. Think of this as a moment when we want to enchant our lives with spring fever by getting a fling with whom we can have fun. Mars in Aries loves to chase what they want and will always be on the lookout for new conquests, so it’s important to play the field and to keep one’s options open. If you are in a committed relationship, you can use this time to keep things interesting in the boudoir by spicing things up. Don’t hold back on expressing your carnal urges — let your fantasies and kinks be known. Personal satisfaction is essential now, so ensure you are being taken care of by your partner or yourself.

This year, Mars in Aries is using its power for good. May 3 marks a transformative and restorative time as Mars and Pluto work together to bring about positive change. With the support of Pluto, we are encouraged to utilize our energy and break free from anything that is holding us back. On May 19, Mars links up with the north node of destiny, providing us with the courage and boldness to make the necessary changes in our lives. And on May 29, Mars connects with the healing centaur, Chiron, offering us a chance to embark on a new spiritual path.

One thing to remember, as Mars in Aries pushes us to new heights, is that we are in charge of our destiny. Mars in Aries is a tenacious force that will allow us to see that we can make our visions and dreams come true if we trust the process. It’s our life, and we can achieve whatever we want; we just have to do the work.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Taurus Season Is Here

Your Horoscope This Week: April 21 To 27

Your April 2024 Horoscope Is Here

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 research assistant who makes $55,473 per year and spends some of her money this week on playing pool.

Occupation: Research assistant
Industry: Higher education
Age: 27
Location: Madison, WI
Salary: $55,473 ($27,113 PhD stipend; $27,360 summer tech internship; $1,000 mentoring stipends)
Assets: Checking: $18,918.25; savings: $4,555.83; HYSA: $31,023.23; Roth IRA: $27,337.72. My partner, P., and I have separate finances (his net worth is higher than mine since he has a regular job), and we split expenses roughly 50/50.
Debt: $0
Paycheck Amount (bi-weekly): $1,360.90
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses
Monthly Housing Costs: $555 (I share a two-bedroom apartment with P. in university housing)
Monthly Loan Payments: $0
All Other Monthly Expenses:
Utilities: $20-70 (split with P.)
Spotify/Hulu: $5.99 (student deal)
Crunchyroll: $7.99
Health & Dental Insurance: $44 (deducted from my biweekly paycheck) Medication: $10
Savings: $1,360.90 (This is half of my paycheck. It gets deposited directly into my regular savings account, which I deposit into my HYSA when enough has accumulated.)

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?
Yes, there was definitely an expectation for me to go to college. My parents really value education and financial security. Growing up, there was a lot of pressure for me to excel at school and get admitted into a prestigious university. I am extremely fortunate that my parents were able to afford in-state tuition and living costs during my four years in college, so I have no student loans — a fact I do not take for granted. Currently, I’m enrolled in a PhD program, which not only has no tuition costs, but even provides me with a stipend with which to support myself.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
My mom emphasized the importance of saving money; she is the most frugal person I know, and my sister and I take after her. My sister advised me to open a HYSA and Roth IRA after I became financially independent, but she was surprised I did not already know of such things.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
Aside from the occasional babysitting gig during high school, my first job was with Jumpstart, the AmeriCorps program that recruits college students to teach in preschools in underserved inner city neighborhoods. I got the job because I was inspired by my civics class in high school to serve the country, and I have a soft spot for young children. Even though my parents were supporting me financially, it was still nice to have some money saved up; this money, along with the money I later made tutoring, helped fund my move to Wisconsin after college.

Did you worry about money growing up?
No, not at all, and I am very fortunate that was the case. As an upper-middle-class family from an affluent community in California, my family always had more than enough.

Do you worry about money now?
For the most part, I don’t, because I am very fortunate to have no debt or overwhelming financial obligations. But I do wish my net worth were higher, since I feel that I don’t have nearly enough money to afford a house anywhere I dream of living, or to pay for daycare if I were to have a kid (my partner and I would both want to work full time, so daycare would be a necessity).

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
I became financially independent when I turned 22 and moved across the country to start a new life in Madison, Wisconsin. Luckily, I had enough money saved up from jobs I took in college to fund the move and the first month before my first paycheck. Since my parents are well-off, they are my financial safety net, a fact I do not take for granted at all. I have never asked for their help financially since my move across the country.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
I haven’t received an inheritance yet since my parents are, luckily, still alive and healthy, but I expect they will leave a sizeable one for my sister and me. Again, I do not take this inheritance for granted at all and am resolved to not rely on it financially.

Day One

9 a.m. — I wake up, wishing I had gone to bed earlier. After lying in bed for 20 minutes checking my phone, I roll out of bed and get ready. Breakfast today is arugula, nutritional yeast, and avocados mashed with pico de gallo on top of some sourdough bread, all from my Trader Joe’s run from last week. I don’t like to work when I’m eating, so I put on an anime while I eat; this month, I have a Crunchyroll subscription (I’m planning to cancel it in two weeks). I got it to pass the time during my winter break, but I don’t think I need it every month especially since I normally don’t watch that much anime.

10:25 a.m. — After prepping a bit for my meeting at 11 a.m., it’s time to leave the house to catch the bus, which stops right next to my apartment once every 15 minutes. I don’t have to pay a fare because the bus that goes between university housing and campus is free. I normally bike to school, but I left my bike on campus after hitching a ride with friends on Saturday. The bus is crowded and the guy next to me has doused himself with Axe body spray, which I hate the scent of since it reminds me of middle school. I suddenly really miss my bike.

10:50 a.m. — I arrive at my office in time to set up my meeting with my future postdoctoral advisor, C., at 11 a.m. I just accepted the job offer last Friday, and we’re both really excited. I’m looking forward to living in a warmer and more diverse city, working with C., and getting the pay raise (it’s still less than half of what I would make if I were to take the industry offer I also have, but becoming a professor is my dream so I wanted to give it a shot). We plan my visit in early March and discuss a problem I’ve been thinking about sporadically for the past few weeks. We realize the problem has already been solved by a decades-old paper that I overlooked. I’m unfazed because such is research.

12 p.m. — After my meeting, I work for a bit, looking up the main result of the paper C. mentioned and feeling stupid about not having noticed it before. Then it’s time to get lunch with the seminar speaker. My research group has a weekly seminar that features an external speaker; we usually get lunch and dinner with the speaker when they visit. This week, the speaker is a graduate student like myself who’s planning on working in the industry, so I’m looking forward to meeting him. I order two vegan tacos, and my advisor picks up the tab since he always pays for my food. I feel bad about it, but he insists on doing it, telling me to pay it forward when I get students of my own.

1:30 p.m. — I arrive back at my office and work for a bit more before my seminar. I then head to the seminar at 2:30 p.m. The speaker has a nice talk prepared, so I pay attention the whole time (sometimes, I tune out after the first 20 minutes if I don’t understand the talk and/or am not interested).

3:30 p.m. — Seminar is over, and I have plans to meet up with my friend to get bubble tea. We head over to the tea shop, and I order a strawberry milk with boba, which I specifically pick because it’s not caffeinated. Even though I order the smallest size, the price still comes to $7.69 due to the non-dairy milk surcharge (and inflation). But it’s worth it since I get to catch up with my friend, who I haven’t seen in over a month. We talk about our job offers and some department gossip. $7.69

5:30 p.m. — My friend heads over to badminton while I find my bike on campus and bike home. It’s been a really mild winter, so I’m really lucky that I’ve been able to ride my bike almost everyday. I found it for $150 on Craigslist, so it’s much cheaper than buying a car and paying for insurance, gas, registration, and maintenance.

6 p.m. — I get home and heat up some rice and leftover vegan bulgogi (from Trader Joe’s) that I stir-fried last night with some leftover vegetables in my fridge. I add some gochujang sauce and kimchi. While I’m eating, I watch another episode of the anime I watched this morning. This is a bad idea, since I end up watching three episodes. For dessert, I have a blood orange and three peach and oolong tea Oreos (a Chinese flavor that I found in a local Asian supermarket).

10 p.m. — I finally begin working, going back to the paper C. pointed me to earlier. I work until 1 a.m., when I take a break to shower; I try to avoid showering right before going to bed because I find that it wakes me up. I work for another half an hour before heading to bed at 2 a.m. (I’m a night owl).

Daily Total: $7.69

Day Two

9 a.m. — I make myself the same breakfast as yesterday, pouring myself a large glass of soy milk for calcium. My favorite non-dairy milk is oat milk, but soy milk has more protein and is cheaper, so I buy it more often. I have a hankering for another episode of anime, but since my weekly meeting with my advisor is this afternoon and I feel very behind, I opt instead to respond to some emails while eating so that I don’t end up watching anime instead of working. I finish breakfast and get straight to work.

12:30 p.m. — It’s time to bike to class, which starts at 1 p.m. My commute to school, which takes 15-20 minutes, is along a bike path around a lake, and it’s an unusually warm day again, so the bike ride is enjoyable. Class has already started when I arrive; I’m always late because I have a hard time leaving my house in time. The professor teaching the class keeps me on my toes, so I’m hyper-focused for the entire 75 minutes.

2:15 p.m. — Class ends and I rush to my office to prepare for my weekly meeting with my advisor in 45 minutes. Almost as soon as I sit down and start poring over my notes, he asks to postpone the meeting to 3:30 p.m.; I gladly oblige. Since I have some extra time and haven’t eaten since this morning, I decide to grab a vegan breakfast sandwich from an on-campus cafeteria next to my department that I usually go to when I’m short on time. I have $30 deposited on my Wiscard, which I use to pay for the sandwich. The sandwich is tasty, but I wish the campus offered other plant-based options so that I don’t have to buy the same thing every time I get hungry.

3:30 p.m. — It’s time to meet with my advisor. We catch up a bit, chatting about our weeks; I tell him my plan to visit Houston, where my new job will be, and he’s really excited for me. We also talk a bit about job market gossip, which has been on our minds a lot lately since I was on the job market these past few months. I tell him about the paper C. pointed me to and discuss how it could applied to my thesis problem.

5 p.m. — I grab my stuff from my office and head upstairs to the departmental teaching assistants union meeting. I’m no longer a teaching assistant, but I still try to attend if I happen to be on campus. It’s pretty amazing how problems such as low pay for student lecturers, uneven teaching assignments, international student fees, and segregated fees were an issue when I started graduate school and still are an issue six years later. Luckily, in recent years there’s been a national movement by various graduate student unions to fight for better pay, which has been inspiring to see, even if change has been slow.

6:30 p.m. — The meeting ends, and I head home with S., my friend who lives across the street from me. I decide to take the bus so that I can talk to S., leaving my bike locked up on campus. S. invites me into her apartment to chat for a bit. We gossip about the apartment for another hour or so before S.’ husband comes home. The three of us chat for another hour before I decide to head back since S. needs to prepare for a meeting tomorrow and I need to do more work.

8:30 p.m. — I ate two slices of vegan pizza at the union meeting, but I’m still a little hungry. It’s late and I’m feeling lazy, so I make myself instant sesame noodles I bought from a Chinese supermarket a few days ago. I eat the noodles with tofu puffs, a chopped baby cucumber, and some kimchi. I eat a blood orange and a mini Trader Joe’s Drop the Dairy! ice cream cone for dessert. It’s been a long day, so I reward myself with a few episodes of the anime I watched yesterday, Skip Beat!, which I’m hooked on because of the strong, badass, female main character.

11:30 p.m. — I’m getting really tired so I hop in the shower and get ready for bed. The shower wakes me up again, so I end up staying up another hour before being tired enough to go to bed at 1 a.m.

Daily Total: $0

Day Three

9 a.m. — I wake up, get out of bed, and make myself the same breakfast I’ve been eating the past three days. It’s my last avocado, so I make a mental note to myself to stop by Trader Joe’s later today to buy even more of the same breakfast. I want to watch anime while I eat, but the wifi isn’t working. I spend half an hour trying to fix it, to no avail.

10:15 a.m. — I catch the bus to campus, grab my bike, and bike to a teashop downtown to work for a bit since my wifi isn’t working. The barista has my order memorized because I always have the same thing: black tea latte with oat milk, boba, and lavender syrup, less ice, 50% sugar. I prep for my meeting with my collaborators on Friday. $6.79

12:45 p.m. — It’s time to bike to campus to attend a graduate student reading seminar. I’ve gotten to a point where I have a hard time sitting through talks that are over an hour, so I start fading at the one hour mark, but the topic is interesting, the speaker gives a decent talk, and I’m engaged.

2:30 p.m. — Seminar ends. I read online that the wifi issue still hasn’t been resolved; I’m really annoyed since I was planning to go home and work since I already spent money on tea today, and I don’t work very well from my office. I end up biking to a coffee shop across the street from Trader Joe’s, where I was planning to get groceries for the week, and order a small chai latte with oat milk (it doesn’t help that I don’t like black coffee, so my drinks tend to be more expensive and sugary). The total, combined with tip and the vegan milk tax, ends up being just over $5. $5.04

5 p.m. — It’s starting to the get dark, and I like to avoid biking in the dark, so I decide to head to Trader Joe’s to get some groceries. I could probably buy more food for less at other grocery stores, but when P. is traveling, I go to Trader Joe’s because I like the frozen pre-made and low-effort food options they offer. Dinner this week will be another batch of vegan bulgogi; I grab a jar of kimchi and cucumbers for topping. I also grab a bag of microwaveable potstickers, frozen veggies, blood oranges, and more avocado toast ingredients. Finally, I grab some Impossible meat — a rare treat — and tempeh to cook when P. gets back. None of the snacks appeal to me — probably because I had too much sugar today. $45.76

6:30 p.m. — I arrive home and cook myself some vegan bulgogi from leftover vegetables in the fridge: half a bell pepper, half a shallot, half a bag of kale, and a carrot. I eat the mixture with rice, kimchi, a chopped baby cucumber, and some gochujang sauce. Luckily, the wifi is back on, so I of course watch a few episodes of anime.

8:30 p.m. — Time to do work again. I alternate between starting my dissertation (I found out today that I have less than three months to write it), reading the paper for my meeting on Friday, and proofreading and transcribing an idea one of my collaborators came up with. I’m a ball of stress, really feeling the pressure of all the work I need to get done between now and May. I stay up until 2 a.m. working.

Daily Total: $57.59

Day Four

9 a.m. — I wake up and lie in bed for another 30 minutes, trying to sleep some more, to no avail. I get up, make myself the same breakfast I’ve been eating all week, and sit down to watch another episode of anime.

10 a.m. — In the middle of watching anime, I get a call from the dental office I’m trying to schedule a preliminary visit at; I want to get my teeth checked out since I haven’t gone to the dentist in two years. After scheduling the first available slot they have, I decide to book a bang trim; I’ve been wanting curtain bangs for a while now. I then finish my anime episode and head back to my desk to write more of my dissertation.

12:30 p.m. — It’s time for the only class I’m taking this semester again, so I bike to school and go to class, packing some frozen potstickers to heat up for lunch afterwards.

2:30 p.m. — Class is over, and I go to a coffee shop to pick up a matcha latte with oat milk with my office mate. We sit at the coffee shop until it closes at 3 p.m., discussing some points we were confused about in class. $6.59

3 p.m. — I head back to my office, heat up some potstickers, and work on my dissertation some more, taking a break to go to my academic sibling’s talk at 4 p.m. I stay behind and chat with some friends before returning to my office at 4:45 p.m. Then it’s time for more thesis writing before my friend, J., is supposed to pick me up.

6:30 p.m. — I get an email about a tornado warning, so I text J. for a rain check. Even though the tornado is unlikely to reach Madison, we decide to reschedule for the next day just in case. I run to the bus to catch it home before the weather gets any worse.

7 p.m. — I’m home, so I quickly heat up a bowl of my leftovers from dinner yesterday, topped with the usual cucumber, kimchi, and gochujang. I watch the last two episodes of Skip Beat! as I eat, feeling really dissatisfied with the ending. I guess I’ll have to read the manga.

8:30 p.m. — After dinner, it’s dissertation writing time again! While I’m writing, A. texts a group text complaining that her ex-boyfriend, who just broke up with her a few weeks ago, has lost one of her favorite board games. The rest of us decide to all pitch in to replace the board game, Decrypto, as a Galentine’s gift; the breakup has been really hard on A. and we want to do something to cheer her up a bit. S. orders it on Amazon Prime and I venmo her a quarter of the cost since there are four of us. I work until 12:30 a.m., when I shower and go to bed. (It’s an “early night” for me since I have to get up “early” for a haircut tomorrow morning.) $6.59

Daily Total: $13.18

Day Five

8 a.m. — My alarm goes off; I have to get up earlier than usual today for the haircut I have scheduled for 9 a.m. I’m so tired I lie in bed for 10 minutes before realizing I really need to get up. I quickly get ready, make myself some avocado toast, and run out the door at 8:40 a.m.

9 a.m. — I arrive at the beauty school where I usually get my hair cut at 9 a.m. on the dot. I’m glad I’ve gotten faster at biking — it only took 20 minutes to ride my bike to campus, lock it, and cross the street to the hair salon. My stylist cuts the curtain bangs I requested and tells me how to style them. I don’t tell her that I’m a low-maintenance person, doing the bare minimum to get ready. I can’t even be bothered to brush my hair most days, let alone apply styling mousse, tease, and blowdry my bangs every morning. Plus I don’t even own a round-tip brush or blowdryer. My bangs look cute, though. $8

9:30 a.m. — I settle down in a coffee shop next to the hair salon and order my expensive iced matcha with oat milk and lavender syrup. I then start reading the paper I will be discussing during my meeting this afternoon. The paper is really dense and outside my comfort zone, so I don’t feel ready for the meeting. $7.81

11:45 p.m. — I head towards the department, drop everything off at my office, and head downstairs to meet with some undergraduates I’m mentoring.

1 p.m. — I run to my office to get ready for my Zoom meeting at 1:30 p.m. I try to go to the cafeteria by the department to get a vegan breakfast sandwich since I’m starving and didn’t have time to pack myself food while I was running out the door this morning, but they’re out and there are no other vegan options. I’m forced to go back to my office and go to the meeting hungry.

3 p.m. — The meeting is over, and I’m drained; the paper we are reading is quite dense and technical, but at least my collaborators are really nice and communicate effectively. I’m already 30 minutes late for the graduate student town hall my department is holding, but I decide that I really, really need food. I walk to Target, which is about 10 minutes from the department, and buy myself some non-dairy yogurt, a box of vegan mac ‘n’ cheese (for dinner), and a GoMacro oatmeal chocolate chip bar. It}s far from a proper meal, but I’m hoping this food will tide me over until dinner. I then rush over to the town hall to catch the tail end of it while devouring my GoMacro bar. $9.76

4 p.m. — The town hall is over, so I pack up my belongings and head towards my friend J.’s car for our weekly hangout. He drives us to the pool hall we go to every week to shoot some pool. Along the way, we chat about jobs (we’re both graduating, so this has been on our minds) and reflect on our six years in Madison; we’ve been friends since our first year and everything feels so different now. We get to the pool hall and I grab us a table while J. gets a beer; I decide to forgo one to save some money. We play four games, and I pay the $28 tab, which is unusually high since there’s a special Friday night rate. J. venmos me half. $14

7 p.m. — After I help J. pick up some of his belongings at his old apartment, he drops me off back at my place. I quickly cook up the box of mac ‘n’ cheese I just bought at Target. I also add in some arugula, broccoli slaw mix, and a cut up vegan buffalo chicken patty. I eat while watching my favorite YouTuber, Beryl Shereshewsky, who cooks foods around the world submitted by her subscribers with a common theme in mind. Today’s video is about mayonnaise dishes; even though mayo is usually not vegan, I like to think about whether I can veganize a dish that looks interesting.

8:15 p.m. — I shove the rest of the mac ‘n’ cheese in the fridge and make my way to the bus stop to go to my friend A.’s place for a weekly knitting night with a group of girls in the department. This week, I’m working on a sweater with the yarn left over from a scarf I knit for P. a while ago. A. made some delicious vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, which we snack on while we knit and gossip.

1 a.m. — Knitting night is over, so I hitch a ride with my friend S., who lives across the street from me. I vegetate for a few minutes, scrolling my phone before showering and crawling into bed at around 2 a.m..

Daily Total: $39.57

Day Six

9:30 a.m. — I wake up and lie in bed scrolling my phone for half an hour, really glad that I don’t have anywhere to be. I make myself some avocado toast and eat the rest of the mac ‘n’ cheese from yesterday. I finished Skip Beat! so I decide to watch two episodes of another anime, Yona of the Dawn, to test it out. I’m not completely hooked yet, but decide to give it a few more episodes.

12 p.m. — After responding to some texts, I start writing my dissertation again. For a boost of energy, I make myself a small matcha latte with soy milk and agave syrup.

2 p.m. — P. texts me and says that he’s arrived back in town, so I drive his car to go pick him up at the bus stop downtown; he flew out of O’Hare in Chicago since the tickets are a lot cheaper, and there’s a bus that travels pretty frequently between downtown Madison and O’Hare. I’m really excited to see him and we catch up about our weeks as he drives us back.

2:30 p.m. — We get home and P. immediately goes to bed for a nap since he’s been awake since 4 a.m. I decide to join him since I’m also exhausted from a long, draining week.

5:30 p.m. — I’m feeling really refreshed from my nap. We’re both starving, so I get up and rummage in the fridge before quickly making us some frozen vegan orange chicken from Trader Joe’s, steamed eggplant, and rice. P. and I split up the household chores; I’m in charge of cooking since I enjoy it, while P. is in charge of the dishes. We catch up some more as we eat dinner.

7 p.m. — P. and I drive to a nearby grocery store, discussing what to eat this week. Today’s list includes ingredients for two types of lentil soup, oatmeal with frozen fruit for breakfast, and a Thai green curry to use up the open containers of curry paste we have in the fridge. It’s P.’s turn to pay for the groceries (we switch off week to week), which are around $80.

8:30 p.m. — We get home, and I make us a blackberry cobbler using some blackberries I froze in the fridge from a grocery run two weeks ago; I saw them on sale for $1.99 for an 8oz carton so I came back with a mountain of cartons of blackberries. I then sit down to catch up on some administrative work and write more of my thesis.

12:30 a.m. — P. and I sit down to watch the episode of Spy x Family we’ve been ending our days with. I cut us up some blackberry cobbler topped with vegan vanilla ice cream to enjoy while we eat. After the episode of anime, we brush our teeth, and then I take a shower and crawl into bed with P.

Daily Total: $0

Day Seven

11:30 a.m. — P. and I sleep in because it’s Sunday. I finally get up at 11 a.m. to make some breakfast. This morning, I’m attempting to make dosa masala and sambar; P. bought some dosa mix a while back from the Indian grocery store, but I’ve been too lazy to make it. I figure that today is the right occasion since he just got back from his trip.

1:30 p.m. — P. and I finally sit down to eat the dosa masala and sambar with store-bought mint and coconut chutney. Breakfast took longer than expected to make in part because I had to steam potatoes, soak some pigeon peas, and cook the sambar for a long time. It’s also my first time making dosas, so my dosas do not look anything like the ones I’ve ordered at restaurants. Still, you can’t really go wrong with a crepe fried in vegan butter and stuffed with spiced potatoes, so the fruits of my labor still taste good.

2:30 p.m. — I finally sit down to work on my dissertation some more with EDM playing in the background. P. does the mountain of dishes from this morning and then browses some license plate options for his car in preparation for our move to Texas.

5:15 p.m. — One of the faculty members in my field, M., picks me up to get dinner with the seminar speaker this week. P. is jealous that I’m going to a diner with lots of vegan options that we haven’t been to for years, so I promise to bring him back some food. I order a tempeh and portobello sandwich with lemon tahini dressing for myself and a tempeh BLT to go for P. Everyone at the table orders milkshakes, so I get jealous and also splurge on a vegan Oreo shake to go for P. and I to share. The total comes out to $45.71, including tip. $45.71

8 p.m. — M. drops me back home, where I find P. sitting in the living room in the middle of a virtual movie night. I join him for a bit, sipping my half of the vegan Oreo shake. I’m so glad I decided to splurge since the shake is delicious. While P. finishes his movie, I return to my office to write my dissertation since every minute counts when you’re in a time crunch!

10 p.m. — P. wraps up his movie night, and it’s time for the two of us to go on our weekly Sunday night pool date. We like to go at this time since the hourly rate between 10 p.m. and 12 a.m. on Sundays is only $5 an hour. But today, when we get to the pool hall, we see that they have closed, probably because it was a slow night since not that many people are out after Super Bowl Sunday. Dejected, we drive back home and spend the rest of the night watching YouTube videos together.

12:30 a.m. — It’s time for our nightly episode of Spy x Family (we finish season 1!). I then shower and climb into bed with P.

Daily Total: $45.71

The Breakdown

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While nail art trends come and go faster than you can say “glazed donut”, there is one nail look that never dwindles in popularity: the French manicure. New interpretations of this classic nail style emerge each season, like the “deconstructed” French manicure, micro French tips and the chic French fade. There’s no denying that this timeless style has to be one of the most versatile manicures to opt for. It’s this latest iteration of the French manicure that has really got us excited for our next salon appointment, though.

Enter: the double French manicure.

Also known as “floating French tips”, the double French follows the same arched style as the classic French manicure, but with two strips of color at the tip instead of the single strip of white. It provides the perfect opportunity to play with different shades and widths and is pretty straightforward to achieve in a salon, or even at home if you have a small nail art brush.

“I think floating French tips really resonate because of their versatility,” explains Kirsten White, nail technician and CEO and founder of London Grace. “The negative space created by the design can showcase the natural nail while also adding a touch of colur in an interesting way. It’s the perfect nail art if you want your nails to make a statement and still look elegant.”

Ahead, we’ve pulled together 11 of our favorite double French manicure ideas to inspire your next nail appointment.

Golden Touch

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The sliver of gold at the tips of this otherwise simple French manicure by Alexandra Teleki adds a subtle hint of sparkle. It’s a chic nod to the double French trend and an undeniable winner for wedding season.

Ruby Red

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A glossy red polish always looks good — and it looks even better when used to create these beautiful floating French tips by nail artist Iram Shelton. Get the look at home with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Rhapsody Red.

Pastel Pop

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Pastel minimalism is dominating in this spring’s biggest nail trends. These candy-colored tips by Zara at The Nail Gal look so good paired with a more dialed-down nude base.

Neon Glow

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Proving that negative space manicures aren’t just for minimalists, this vibrant orange double French style by nail artist and content creator Sadie Jordan is so playful and perfect for sunshine season. China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Orange Knockout, will help you recreate the look at home. If you prefer shorter nails, take inspiration from this neon orange and pastel blue combo by Lois Samantha.

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Electric Blue

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Floating French tips provide the perfect opportunity to experiment with nail polish shades that you might otherwise steer clear of. This ’80s-inspired cobalt blue nail art by Karma looks so crisp teamed with a simple nude base. Essie Butler Please, is a great option if you want to try a similar color for yourself. Not sold on cobalt? The trend is equally as cute with baby blue, like these right angle tips by nail artist and educator Bryony Howell.

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Technicolour Clash

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While a lot of the double French nail art looks leave some bare space between the lines, this one pairs a vibrant tip with a micro line of contrasting color for a kaleidoscopic effect. Look to Melanie Graves for inspiration.

Monochrome Tips

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Why were French tips ever white when black looks this good? From the almond-shaped nails to the effortlessly sophisticated onyx double tips, this nail art by Iram Shelton is simple yet striking. For the perfect glossy black shade, try OPI Infinite Shine in Black Onyx.

Gilded Pine

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This teeny-tiny line of gold would pair perfectly with basically any nail color, but these deep forest green tips are undeniably captivating. Take inspiration from nail artist Amy Le.

Open Space

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Taking negative space to the extreme by bringing the second line of color down past the midpoint of the nail, these micro metallic lines by manicurist Megan prove that sometimes simple nail art can be the most impactful. Red Carpet Manicure Flash Glitter Special Effect Gel Polish, will help you recreate this minimalist style at home.

Rose Gold

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There’s a cute preppiness to this double French look by Amy Le, where instead of leaving the floating gold lines blank, they’ve been filled with a pop of candy pink polish.

Minimal Simplicity

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Pared back and elegant, there’s no arguing with how stylish this simple take on floating French tips looks. Courtesy of Kenzo Nail Studio, it’s a graceful nod to the classic French manicure, but with a modern upgrade. All you need is a steady hand and an opaque white polish like Sally Hansen Insta Dry Nail Polish in White on Time, to get the look on your own.

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As April transitions into May, all zodiac signs should celebrate the fact that we’ve made it through Mercury retrograde in Aries. We’ll continue to feel the post-shadow effects until May 7, but this week will already feel significantly lighter when it comes to communication, travel, and tech matters. 

On the 29th Venus, the Planet of Love, shifts out of Aries and enters its home sign of Taurus for the next four weeks. Then on the 30th, Mars, the Planet of Action, leaves Pisces and enters its home sign of Aries for the next six weeks. It’s not every day that we have Venus and Mars at home in their own signs, and this is an indication that the cosmos is bestowing us with astrologically compatible energy, which will make this week easier to flow through and navigate. 

But before you get too excited, we’re not fully out of the woods when it comes to retrogrades. On Thursday May 2, Pluto, the Planet of Transformation, begins its five month retrograde in the signs of Aquarius and Capricorn. While we won’t feel this influence as strongly as Mercury retrograde, as we kick off the weekend we’ll start to sense subtle shifts occurring on a psychological and societal level… 

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

Aries Sun & Rising:

It’s an exciting week for you, Aries. While you’re bidding adieu to Venus’ transit through your sign on the 29th, you’re welcoming your ruling planet Mars in your sign on the 30th, where it’ll stay for six weeks. This is the highlight of this week and allows you to start the month of May feeling empowered, sexy, alluring, magnetic, and ready to conquer the world. Just remember that since you’re still experiencing Mercury retrograde’s post-shadow until May 7, you may still have moments where you contradict yourself. 

With Pluto retrograde in Aquarius starting on the 2nd, you’ll be re-evaluating how you want to show up in your social circle. A part of you may have outgrown your current friend group, or you may have experienced a falling out during Mercury’s retrograde through your sign in April. Let Pluto retrograde help you get to the core of what your values are as a friend or acquaintance. This will help you attract people who are in alignment with your values, while peacefully releasing those who aren’t. 

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus Season keeps going strong this week, with Venus entering your sign on the 29th. Since Venus is at home in your sign, you’re likely to be feeling yourself. The Sun, Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus all being in your sign at the same time can lead to you feeling pressure to get your life together, but at the same time if this energy is used productively it can motivate you to cut out the waste and excess in your life and simply do what must be done. 

Pluto retrograde begins on May 2 in the sign of Aquarius, and this activates your sector of career and social networks. Use this five-month reversal to brainstorm ways to break free from any limiting beliefs that are holding you back from asking for a raise, looking for a better job, or more consistently investing in your own passion projects. Pay attention to your subconscious thoughts and dreams around this time. There are many lessons and pathways to be gleaned from them. 

Gemini Sun & Rising:

This first full week of Mercury direct in Aries is likely to feel stimulating and rewarding for you, Gemini. You’ll end the month of April feeling like life feels less confusing and all over the place. Venus’ entrance into Taurus on the 29th activates your sector of spirituality and closure, so you may decide to spend time alone meditating so that you can enter the month of May feeling grounded and emotionally secure. Once Mars enters Aries on the 30th, your social sector is activated, which may counteract your moodier energy from one day earlier. 

Pluto’s retrograde through Aquarius begins on May 2, and while you won’t immediately feel the effects of this, you’ll likely be taking trips down memory lane, as Pluto is currently in your sector of expansion, long journeys, and travel. If you find yourself longing for your golden days, be aware that Pluto retrograde can help you rediscover your deepest passions and your playful spirit — you just have to get out of your own way. 

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Cancer, the week after a full moon is about integrating the downloads from that lunation. With Venus entering its home sign of Taurus on the 29th and stimulating your sector of friendship and social networks, you’re likely to want to direct your energy toward nurturing bonds that feel fulfilling and purposeful. Then on the 30th, Mars enters its home sign of Aries for the next six weeks. Mars in Aries energy squares off with your Cancer nature, so during this transit you’re likely to feel a strong sense of restlessness as you evaluate what your most pressing priorities currently are, and take bold action on them. 

Pluto, the Planet of Transformation, begins its five-month retrograde in Aquarius on the 2nd. This takes place in your sector of depth, merging, intimacy, and outside resources. Chances are that you’ll be reflecting on times when you allowed your energy to be taken advantage of — either consciously or unconsciously. It’s time for you to take your energy back. Set healthy boundaries that help you preserve and protect your resources. 

Leo Sun & Rising:

Leo, with Venus entering Taurus on the 29th, you’re likely to enter a great groove at work — people are magnetically hitting you up for opportunities left and right, and if that hasn’t yet happened yet, get ready for it because having the Sun, Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus all in your career sector can only mean that you’re gradually yet consistently growing in the direction of your purpose and passions. Just do your best to not let your ego stop you from asking for help or admitting your weaknesses. 

Mars, the Planet of Action, enters your fellow fire sign of Aries on the 30th, activating your sector of travel, media, and higher education. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel the call to travel to a foreign country or embark on a new course of study. If you’ve been wanting to do this for a while but haven’t yet taken the leap, consider this a sign to at least begin planning your journey or new path this week, because you’re cosmically supported by the lingering energy of the solar eclipse in Aries. 

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, this is your first full week where your ruler Mercury isn’t retrograde, and this allows you to end the month of April feeling more grounded and in control than you have all month long. Then on the 29th Venus enters Taurus for four weeks, activating your sector of travel, expansion, and higher education. If you have the opportunity to travel somewhere new, cook or discover new cuisine, or take on a new course of study, you have the green light to begin this week, as Mercury’s direct motion is supporting you. 

Pluto’s retrograde in Aquarius starts on May 2 and activates your sector health, service, and wellness for the next five months. You may notice yourself having less motivation to work out around this time. Think of some of the simpler yet effective physical exercises you used to do — even if it was years ago when you were younger. Jump rope, skipping, twerking… You name it. The key is to use this retrograde to explore a variety of ways to remain healthy without feeling like it’s a burden or sacrifice. 

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, the month of April ends with your ruler Venus entering its home sign of Taurus on the 29th, and then Mars, the Planet of Action, entering your opposite sign of Aries on the 30th. This Taurus-Aries combination is encouraging you to find a balance between your desire to feel in control, and your search to completely relinquish control. If you find yourself filled with contradictions and double standards as the week begins, it’s perfectly normal. Just make sure you’re being flexible and making room for other people’s double standards too… 

With Pluto retrograde beginning this week on the 2nd, your sector of fate, true love, and routine is activated for the next five months. If you’re in a relationship and suddenly start to have second thoughts about the connection, it’s essential that you tend to your subconscious feelings, as Pluto is the Planet of the Subconscious. You don’t have to make any brash decisions, but now that Mercury is direct in your partnership sector you are likely to receive flashes of insight and feel greater clarity. 

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

Now that you’ve made it through your annual Scorpio full moon, you’re most likely feeling like anything is possible for you, Scorpio. But before you rush out of the starting gates, Venus’ entrance into Taurus on the 29th serves as a reminder of the necessity to ground oneself, and to also surround yourself with people who keep you grounded and make you feel safe. 

Then on the 30th, your planetary ruler Mars shifts into its other home sign of Aries for the next six weeks, and this serves as a contrast to Venus in Taurus. Don’t be surprised if one part of you wants to hibernate as May begins, and another part of you wants to suddenly improve every part of your life. 

Your second planetary ruler Pluto begins its five-month retrograde on May 2, in the sign of Aquarius. With this retrograde activating your sector of roots, the past, home, and your legacy, you may feel called to embark on a pilgrimage journey soon to better understand your heritage or to connect the missing pieces. Even if you can’t travel right now, you’ll feel inclined to reconnect with family members who can share some of your rich familial history with you, even if it’s complex, messy, or uncomfortable to face. 

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

As April comes to an end, Sag, you’re reflecting on the tumultuous yet expansive effects of eclipse season and Mercury retrograde. Now that Mercury is direct in Aries this week, your thought process is more streamlined and effective. Venus’ entrance into Taurus on the 29th allows you to think before you speak, and Mars’ entrance into Aries on the 30th encourages you to take creative and romantic leaps of faith without overthinking them. If this sounds contradicting in nature, that’s because it very much is. Accept the fact that life is filled with paradoxes. 

Pluto’s retrograde in Aquarius begins on May 2 and activates your sector of communication for the next five months. During this transit you’ll notice yourself wanting to speak your mind only with people who aren’t afraid of how daring your thoughts are and those who don’t attempt to dim your light due to how brightly you shine. Your mission is to not let your pride or your ego lead to you burning bridges during this retrograde period. 

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, with Venus entering its home sign of Taurus on the 29th and Mars entering Aries on the 30th, you’re likely to be supercharged with more luxurious and action-oriented energy this week. You’ll end the month of April feeling more flirtatious, daring, and somewhat aggressive — you’d benefit from finding creative and physical outlets for these feelings, because keeping them locked up within you is likely to feel overwhelming. 

Meanwhile, Pluto begins its retrograde on May 2 in your sector of money and security, so you’ll be grappling with these themes over the next six months. This means you’d benefit from focusing on cultivating an abundance mindset rather than getting stuck in fears of the worst case scenario. Pluto in Aquarius’ retrograde will initially make you uncomfortable, and it’s likely to challenge you considerably when it comes to rewiring your thought processes, but if you stay curious and adaptable it’ll help transform your life for the better. 

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

This is a major week for you, Aquarius. Pluto, the Planet of Transformation, is currently in your sign, and on May 2 it begins its five-month retrograde through your sign (and it’ll later retrograde through Capricorn in the second half of the year). Pluto’s retrograde will help you confront limiting beliefs that exist within you, and it’ll also lead to a gradual shift in the way you perceive and express yourself. This week is an invitation to pace yourself during this journey of exploration, especially since Mercury is still adjusting to its direct motion. 

Venus and Mars also make major moves this week, with Venus entering its home sign of Taurus on the 29th, followed by Mars being at home in Aries starting on the 30th. These astrological transits will help you learn how to feel more at ease with your own self, even if Venus in Taurus squares off (creates astrological friction) with your Aquarius nature and with Pluto retrograde in Aquarius. Pay attention to any triggers that are coming up for you this week: Mars in Aries in your communication sector will help you work through them. 

Pisces Sun & Rising:

With Venus entering Taurus on the 29th, Pisces, your sector of communication and creativity is activated for the next four weeks. This encourages you to delve into artistic projects that light you up. You don’t necessarily need to monetize these talents, but with Mars, the Planet of Action, entering its home sign of Aries on the 30th (after a six-week journey in your sign), your money and security sector is activated, which could lead to you manifesting new revenue streams with a relative amount of ease. The question now is: What will you do with this abundance? 

Pluto begins its five-month retrograde in Aquarius on May 2, and this activates your sector of healing, closure, and spirituality. Ever since Pluto entered Aquarius at the end of January, you’ve been practicing the art of healthy non-attachment. It’s definitely not a simple journey, and it may have led to you feeling frustrated with the process along the way, as you’re a deeply sensitive and intensely feeling being. But this retrograde will help you reflect on situations in your life where you must learn to let go, for your own sake, and it will provide you with the necessary tools to do so. 

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Spoilers ahead. We’re living in an era of anti-ambition, as the New York Times coined it. As the pandemic raged on, already thin boundaries grew even thinner as steady work became more precarious, leading to burnout and waves of quiet quitting, the image of the career-driven person glued to their phones during social functions or dropping everything for a “work emergency” during off-hours, became less and less attractive. After all, why would the goal-focused workaholic be an appealing partner when, instead, you could have someone who prioritized a healthy work-life balance and focused on more personal, fulfilling things? But Challengers, in which attraction and desire are intrinsically linked to drive and competition, makes ambition sexy once again — while also proving it can still come at a cost. 

The Luca Guadagnino-directed film stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor (The Crown), and Mike Faist (West Side Story) as a trio of tennis players tangled in a love triangle and bounces across time. There’s the current day, during which famous pro Art (Faist) is competing against his former friend and struggling athlete Patrick (O’Connor) in the finals of a lower-level tournament in New York, and the past, which starts 13 years earlier when the duo meets 18-year-old Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a young woman who has already been labeled as tennis’ next big superstar, and leads back to the present. It’s here, in these characters’ pasts, that the connection between ambition and attraction starts to form both on and off the court. 

“Tennis is a metaphor for so many other things: attraction, passion, desire. And these characters, at the end of the day, are incredibly complicated and messy,” Zendaya tells Refinery29. “The alternate [movie] title could be codependency instead of Challengers. They are searching for something in life that they can’t just quite get on their own, so they do whatever they can to be seen by each other. They’re kind of screaming out just to be in contact, to be able to touch, to be felt seen by somebody else because they feel very alone, and it makes them act out almost childishly.” 

When we meet teenage Art and Patrick, it’s clear that they’re both impressive tennis players. They’ve just won a doubles final together and will be competing against each other in the singles final. Still, there is something so unserious about them. They wear clothes that don’t fit quite right, joke about “letting” each other win certain points, and take their spot in the final — and the talent that got them there — for granted. They are charming yet silly boys who, frankly, lack the star power to earn attention.

Then, they meet Tashi. Art and Patrick lay eyes on the tennis prodigy for the first time while she’s on the court playing her finals match (she wins with ease). They can’t take their eyes off her, but it’s not just because she’s gorgeous (duh), or that they’re simply attracted to her (they unabashedly are). They are mesmerized by her skill and intense drive. When Tashi plays tennis, losing is not an acceptable outcome, and that is hot. 

That night, Art and Patrick stay late at Tashi’s victory party hoping to spend more time with her despite the fact that their final is early the next morning — which she quickly notes, the slightest hint of judgment in her tone. And when Patrick offers Tashi a cigarette, you can tell she’s about ready to write him off — why would a serious athlete do that to her body? — especially while he pokes fun at her plans to continue her education, like Art (they’ll both be attending Stanford), instead of going pro like he plans to do. Here, a spark of understanding flashes between Tashi and Art. On a fundamental level, he gets her plans and the way she carefully considers her career; that’s something that lies within him too. Art lacks confidence but wants to be better; Patrick treats tennis as, well, a game. While both boys are volleying for her attention, it’s that brief connection that makes you want to cheer for Art. Tashi deserves someone who understands her goals and whose own drive could potentially match her own. In this moment, Patrick is the fun fling; Art is the guy who could maybe come close to her level. 

Ambition and desire come to a head — almost literally — when the trio find themselves back in Art and Patrick’s hotel room, a scene now made infamous from the trailer. Tashi teases them, trying to pull their individual drive and competitive spirit to the forefront by offering the winner of the next day’s final the ultimate prize: her phone number. Suddenly, the two friends are more than ready to compete, leading to a steamy makeout session — first between all three of them, then between Art and Patrick. Their unspoken attraction toward each other is unlocked by Tashi’s own ambition and her desire to be surrounded by it. It’s the sexiest moment of the movie because each character is going after what they want, unencumbered and ultimately satisfied with the results while still wanting to push for more. 

But ambition being the main force behind attraction and desire eventually starts to take its toll. While competing at Stanford and dating Patrick (he won her number) some time later, Tashi experiences a career-ending injury, leaving her nowhere to channel her all-consuming ambitions. This is how she and Art become reacquainted after graduating. He’s been fueled by grander ambitions since their first meeting, his skill has improved and he’s starting to win. But he still has room to level up — something both he and Tashi recognize and want. So, Art hires her to be his coach, they giddily make out — their lofty goals turning them on. The spark that was there from their first meeting is now a full flame, and, eventually, they’re married, share a child, and, thanks to Tashi, Art is a multi-Grand Slam-winning tennis star.  

By the present day, however, that spark is completely gone, replaced by a coldness. Tashi has orchestrated Art’s entire career, propelling them both to “Royal Couple of Tennis” status. But Art’s ambitions have waned — he has, perhaps, passed his athletic peak and wants to spend more time with their kid — while Tashi’s have not. Art had let Tashi dictate the majority of his career and had taken on her ambitions as his own. Now that Art no longer wants what she wants, their relationship has become all business. It’s a stark reminder that, yes, ambition and drive can be hot — especially when your partner matches your energy — but it can’t be the only thing between you. Priorities change — people change — and if you let your career be central to your identity, eventually you’ll hit a wall.

“[For] these characters, their attraction is almost about the qualities each one of them lack,” Faist said. “Art is arguably the least talented tennis player, but he’s also the least secure. Both [Tashi and Patrick] have a very deep sense of self, and so he’s attracted to that innate quality that the both of them possess and that he simply does not. Because he is drawn to that, he allows himself, and his own identity, to be thrown to the wayside, and we see him at the tail end of his career start to realize and come to terms with that.” 

Reaching for ambition, then, becomes a desperate act for our trio. In a moment of self-doubt, Tashi tells Art, “Or you can keep being a tennis player. Which is what you are,” trying to push him back to his once-attractive self. Art, for his part, searches for that bygone ambition within him as a way to keep Tashi’s interest, begging her to tell him that she’ll leave him if he loses to Patrick in the final of the tournament. And Patrick, sensing the tension between his former friend and lover and refusing to accept that his lack of drive has squandered his own talents and desires, tells Tashi that Art “is ready to be dead. Who will he be to you if he’s not playing tennis?” 

As adult Art and Patrick face off in their final (which is broken up in scenes across the film), Tashi finds it hard to watch, in part because neither man is playing their best tennis. Their game lacks ambition. Whoever loses feels like they will lose everything, so they’re scared and sloppy. But as the match continues, Art and Patrick find their way back to each other, connecting like they did in that moment when they first met Tashi, and allow themselves to acknowledge their drive desires. Tashi is on the edge of her seat, her head whipping back and forth as she follows their high-stakes tête-à-tête. At last, she’s no longer alone in her ambition, and to her, there is nothing sexier. 

But we’ve seen this play out already. Striving for greatness is thrilling and propulsive in the moment, but also begs the question: once match point is served and they’ve all left the court, will anything actually be left for them?

Challengers is in theaters on April 26.

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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 best-selling 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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Spring Must-Have: The Patchwork Denim Jacket

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Denim-on-denim dressing is back and here to stay, especially for the spring and summer, so we’ve been perusing all the best denim trends and styles to cart up. And most recently, Madewell’s denim collection caught our attention. Refinery29 editors love Madewell, especially for its bestselling Harlow pants. Now, we’re eyeing the brand’s denim refresh with over 100 new denim styles for the spring. And the biggest, brightest spotlight is on the new Perfect Summer Denim capsule collection.

Madewell’s limited-edition capsule is a celebration of the brand’s iconic Fitzgerald wash, which debuted 10 years ago when it first appeared on the Perfect Summer Jean (a discontinued style that OGs will remember) and has since become a best-selling vintage style. With a lived-in, faded wash and an old-school rigid feel, the Fitzgerald is a nostalgic denim dream.

The Perfect Summer Denim capsule includes brand new Madewell styles, from a denim dress and a denim maxi skirt, to best-selling styles in the Fitzgerald wash, like the Perfect Vintage Crop Jean and more. Read on to shop Madewell’s new summer denim offerings and to build your head-to-toe denim outfits.

Low-Slung Straight Jeans, $138

This best-selling jean style just got the Fitzgerald treatment, and we’re obsessed. The slouchy straight-leg cut is the ultimate cool gal silhouette and the low slung waistband is easy and breezy. (But for those, like myself, who are scared of low-rise jeans, worry not because these jeans are merely relaxed; not dramatically low cut.) If you’re looking for a 100% cotton denim jean with a vintage feel (AKA no stretch) this is the style for you. 

Denim A-Line Sleeveless Mini Dress, $128

Denim dresses are back and better than ever, and this sweet mini dress is at the top of our lists. The casual and chic style has a flattering “squoval neckline,” seam details that mimic a pair of jeans, and a mod shift dress silhouette. You likely already have a little black dress in your wardrobe, but now it’s time to add a little denim dress into your spring closet too.

The Perfect Vintage Jean Short: Raw-Hem Edition, $78

I will forever defend my love for jorts (jean shorts) — they’re the perfect summer staple for casual everyday outfits, but can also be dressed up with blouses and strappy heels. The Perfect Vintage Jean Short comes in many top-rated iterations, but the style was just released in the light Fitzgerald wash with raw hemlines. The super high waist, “booty-accentuating shape,” and mid-thigh length make for the perfect short.

Denim Button-Front Top, $88

Like we said, double-denim dressing is in, especially thanks to the resurgence of Western style, ‘90s nostalgia, and festival season. So beyond throwing on a denim jacket, keep a lookout for denim tops, like this unique Madewell style. The button-up front is giving us trendy vest vibes, and the structured seaming reminds us of a chic corset. Pair it with your favorite jeans or denim skirt, and you’ve got yourself a look.

The Rilee Denim Midi Skirt, $98

You can’t go wrong with slipping into a denim skirt in any season, but they’re especially a great closet staple for the spring and summer. The Rilee Denim Midi Skirt in Fitzgerald is the perfect light-wash style for brunches and farmers market runs to backyard barbecues and festivals. The thigh-high front slit is especially great for easy movement and a breezy, sneaky leg-baring moment.

More Fitzgerald-wash denim:

Shop full Madewell Denim Dressing Edit

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Lately, it seems like recently a lot of us have started to take self-care seriously. Black women in my circle and across social media platforms have started placing themselves first in ways I haven’t seen before. For me, the initial focus of self-care gravitated towards external indulgences like waxes, nails, and hair. But when I did some self reflection, I realized that focusing on the physical wasn’t really taking care of me and actually was stressing me out more than anything.

This year, I really wanted to start a deliberate self-care journey. Thanks to the thought-provoking prompt from my former colleague, Christa, Unbothered’s social strategist, I asked myself “What do I need right now?” The resounding answer was rest — deep, rejuvenating rest. Despite spending at least eight hours in bed each night, I recognized my sleep patterns weren’t granting me the quality rest I craved. My bedtime routine of podcast listening and the worst habit of midnight TikTok scrolling were leaving me depleted. 

I also started to develop back problems last year that I initially attributed to aging. However, multiple chiropractor visits unveiled a different culprit—the hand-me-down mattress I’d been using for the past five years. After shelling out hundreds at the chiropractor, I decided it was time to invest effort in creating the perfect restful environment in my apartment.

Commit to Prioritizing Rest

Visible rest was scarce in my mom’s life. Reflecting on my upbringing, I realized that her experience inadvertently became a blueprint for navigating life without emphasizing rest. At the beginning of 2024, my mission was clear—break the generational cycle and construct a new well-being model that centers around intentional and restorative rest. Recognizing the need for Black women to access and deserve rest has become the cornerstone of my journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. This awakening prompted a reassessment of priorities, leading me to conclude that prioritizing rest isn’t just a luxury but an essential component of overall well-being.

Create the Perfect Sleep Sanctuary

In my quest to craft the perfect sleep sanctuary for 2024, I began by addressing the foundational element: the mattress. I had no idea if I preferred a firmer or softer option, so I took a journey to the Saatva showroom in NYC. The showroom experience allowed me to explore and understand the nuances of different mattress types. As I navigated through the various options, I learned that the choice of a mattress is not merely about personal preference but also about finding the perfect balance between support and comfort.

After careful consideration and testing, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress became the frontrunner in meeting my specific sleep needs. It has a fusion of innerspring coils and memory foam that blends both support and comfort – precisely the combination I was seeking to support my back while also having the cushiony softness that would gently lull me into a restful sleep.

The next item on my agenda was addressing my bed frame, which, much like the mattress, was a hand-me-down with broken slats that left my mattress sinking. Desiring a sleeping experience akin to floating on a cloud, I stumbled upon the Cigar Ankara Ivory Bed from Article.

Beyond its role as a stylish centerpiece, the Cigar Ankara Ivory Bed offers practicality with ample storage space, contributing to a clutter-free and serene environment in my bedroom. The plush upholstery, coupled with the beautiful creamy fabric, delivered that coveted cloud-like feeling I yearned for in a bed.

Recognizing the importance of a bed frame in enhancing the overall sleep experience, the Cigar Ankara Ivory Bed became one of my favorite pieces of furniture, not just for its aesthetic appeal but for its contribution to creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Topping this luxurious bed, I added the finishing touches with Muslin Comfort’s 365 Blanket and Coyuchi’s 300 Thread Count Sheet Set, completing the ensemble that transformed my bedroom into a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Give Couch Naps A Glow Up

I’ll be honest – I’m the kind of person who often finds themselves dozing off on the couch. After a thoughtful suggestion from my therapist, rather than trying to break this habit and force changes that might be challenging to commit to, I decided to embrace it and make it work for me. The idea was simple yet transformative: why not invest in a couch that’s just as comfortable and serene as my bed?

Drawing inspiration from my mom’s house, where there’s a couch affectionately dubbed the “melatonin sofa” for its incredible knack for lulling you into the best sleep of your life, I was determined to find my own version of this magical seating. Knowing that my mom’s couch had been bought years ago, I understood finding an exact match was unlikely. Undeterred, I turned to TikTok, to kickstart my search for the perfect “melatonin sofa” that would seamlessly fit into my quest for quality rest.

The Albany Park Kova Sofa emerged as the ideal choice for me. Picture this: a colossal, plush pillow that practically begs you to dive into it. It’s not just a piece of furniture; it’s the kind of sofa that becomes an irresistible spot for impromptu naps or, for those moments when making it to the bed seems like a Herculean task, the perfect haven for a tranquil and restful night’s sleep.

This sofa isn’t merely about style; it’s a statement of comfort and convenience. Its allure lies in its ability to transform my space into a sanctuary where rest is just a spontaneous leap away. The Kova Sofa has seamlessly integrated itself into my quest for better sleep, offering a cocoon of comfort. It’s the kind of furniture that turns a living room into a haven for relaxation, ensuring that a good night’s sleep or a rejuvenating nap is always within arm’s reach.

Need An Atmosphere Upgrade? There’s An App For That

Now that I had my bed and couch in place, there were just a couple of more things I wanted to test out. Magnesi-Om from Moon Juice, a transformative magnesium supplement that aids in relaxation and promotes a sense of calm, creating an ideal atmosphere for a serene and restful night. And the Headspace App, a mindfulness guide, offering guided meditations and sleepcasts to help me transition from the demands of the day to a tranquil state conducive to deep and restful sleep.

To track everything impacted impacted my sleep, I decided on the Oura Ring. This innovative wearable technology goes beyond conventional sleep tracking and provides comprehensive data on various sleep stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. It also captures the duration and efficiency of my sleep, offering a nuanced understanding of my sleep patterns. The real-time feedback allows me to make informed adjustments to my bedtime routine, ensuring that the rest I’m getting is truly restorative.

A notable improvement that I’ve observed, thanks to the Oura Ring, is a substantial increase in deep sleep. This insightful data has become a catalyst for ongoing adjustments, inspiring me to delve deeper into optimizing my sleep environment and habits. The ability to track these improvements quantitatively fosters a sense of empowerment, making my journey both tangible and measurable.

In my journey, I extend a sincere encouragement to fellow Black women to invest in their sleep and rest. While acquiring new products may not be universally accessible, the importance of prioritizing rest remains paramount. Simple yet impactful practices, such as meditation, can be a gateway to enhanced well-being without financial constraints.

By breaking generational patterns, learning from past exhaustion, and creating a new normal centered around self-care and transformative products, we can redefine our own narratives and contribute to a cultural shift that celebrates the significance of rest for Black women.

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Venus is about to enter Taurus, one of its favorite signs, on April 29 at 7:31 a.m. This transit will awaken our sensuality, creativity, confidence, and a yearning to commit to others. Also, it will heighten the need to indulge in decadence, since Venus in Taurus is all about joie de vivre and the beautiful life. There will be a slow start, due to Venus and Taurus’ tendency to take their time, but we will gain clarity in our decision making and make commitments that align with our desires.

Venus, the planet of love, romance, beauty, money, and pleasure, helps us identify what brings us joy and happiness while also reflecting societal norms. When Venus is in Taurus it creates a unique connection, as both embody the physical and earthy manifestations of Venusian sentiments. This connection allows us to indulge in physical gratification, such as fine food and cocktails, luxurious items like perfume, makeup, and clothing, while pampering ourselves with our riches.

The alignment of Venus in Taurus serves as a reminder that life is not a competition but rather a journey to be appreciated. It is crucial to appreciate the auspicious moments and bask in the good vibes as they arise. Instead of engaging in arguments and confrontations, it is important to relish the company of our loved ones and enjoy their presence. Let us focus on expressing romantic sentiments and refrain from dwelling on negativity as we strive to spread love and positivity.

With Venus in an earthy position, our touch, hearing, sight, smell, and taste can be heightened. We can engage in activities that allow us to fully experience life through these senses. So, why not stop to smell the roses and savor the flavors? Doing so will allow us to connect with our body, mind, and spirit in its purest form. We will feel as though we are one with the universe, and our emotions are grounded and simplified.

Venus in Taurus likes to keep the peace at all costs. This gives us a chance to embrace stability and to find security within ourselves and others. However, Venus in Taurus can be stubborn because they know what they want and won’t settle for anything less, so compromise can be challenging. Still, as long as we give others the space to understand situations, they might be able to find a middle ground or understand where we are coming from.

Venus in Taurus has a luxurious way of seducing partners. They tend to do it by giving gifts, treating them to sumptuous meals, and always staying close to them. Physical touch is their way of expressing love, and they are rational in communicating their feelings. Despite being open to romance and wearing their hearts on their sleeves, they prefer to take things slow and get to know their partners well before committing. Once they do, they are fiercely loyal and dedicated.

During the Venus in Taurus transit, individuals tend to be cautious with their money and often save it for future investments. They prefer to keep their money in the bank and let it grow over time, rather than spending it on themselves. It is important to have a nest egg saved up for unforeseen circumstances. It is recommended to do thorough research and analyze all information before investing in the stock market during this time.

The month of May is full of astrological events that can have an impact on our relationships. On May 1, Venus will square Pluto, which could trigger feelings of jealousy towards others. However, this can also be an opportunity to deepen our relationships with friends, family, and partners if we decide to change the dynamics. Venus will harmonize with Saturn on May 13, allowing us to make commitments to those we care about and projects that matter to us. On May 18, Venus will unite with Uranus, which may create a desire for us to evolve our relationships. This could be a time where we want to make breakthroughs, end relationships, or transform them in some way. On May 23, Venus and Jupiter will connect, making it an ideal day for romance and partnerships. Additionally, it’s a great time to invest in the stock market. Later in the same day, Venus will also harmonize with Neptune, adding a touch of sensuality, fantasy, and romance to the mix.

All in all, Venus’ transit through the sign of Taurus in the spring of 2024 will be magical and glorious. Although Venus in Taurus doesn’t like to make any sudden changes, we’ll learn that it’s okay to do so at our own pace. We can move in any direction and augment our situations whenever we are ready to. Then, we can charge forward.

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Your April 2024 Horoscope Is Here

Taurus Season Is Here

Your Horoscope This Week: April 21 To 27

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 researcher who makes $60,060 per year and spends some of her money this week on rubber gloves.

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

Occupation: Researcher
Industry: Museums/libraries
Age: 24
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Salary: $60,060
Assets: $8,335 in HYSA; $1,200 in Roth IRA; $3,040 in savings; $7,791 in checking
Debt: $33,117 in student loans
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,740
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses
Monthly Housing Costs: $713 (for my room in a three-bedroom)
Monthly Loan Payments: $350 (student loans)
All Other Monthly Expenses:
Utilities: Ranges from $50-$90
Health/Dental Insurance: $68
Roth IRA: $200
HYSA: $200
NYT Games: $5 (I get the news free with my old student email.)
Spotify/Hulu: $10
Max: $6
Phone plan: $0 (My parents pay.)

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 both teachers and I was a bookish kid, so there was some expectation — but never pressure — for me to attend college. I went to a private liberal arts college for undergrad and then moved to New York for graduate school. I got good financial aid in undergrad and graduated a semester early to save money, but I also worked three jobs so that I could pay the majority of my tuition myself. My parents also contributed about $1,000 a year and my grandparents set up a 529 account when I was born, $5,000 of which I used for undergrad and the rest (~$15,000) for my first year of grad school. I took out student loans for undergrad and my second year of grad school.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
My parents never really talked about money or educated me about money as a kid, though my high school had a required course on personal finance. When I started making money and thinking about getting a credit card, my parents generally trusted me to make good decisions and educate myself about things.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
I started working at a thrift shop when I was 16 so that I could start saving for college.

Did you worry about money growing up?
I worried a little bit about money growing up. We were comfortable and always had a roof over our heads and food on the table, but we couldn’t afford many luxuries, like the clothes, toys, or vacations that my friends had. I know now that my parents had a lot of credit card debt when I was young, so I think I could sense that anxiety about money when I was young.

Do you worry about money now?
For the first time in my life, no. I lived just above the poverty level in New York for the past two years while I was in school and working full time, then worked part time at my current job for six months. I just started working full time at my job last month, which doubled my salary and has alleviated a massive amount of stress. I am also lucky to have low living costs for New York and am trying to take advantage of this to pay off my student loans and build up my retirement/savings.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
I paid my own rent and living costs throughout college, but I only just now feel really financially responsible for myself (I started paying for my own healthcare when I became full time and was eligible for benefits). I’m still on my parents’ phone plan, but I plan to start paying for that as well. They are my financial safety net in that I could live rent-free with them if needed and they could help with some bills if I needed them to.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
When I was 17, my father was able to collect monthly Social Security payments for me as a dependent. He gave them to me and I used them to pay for my first year of college. They equaled about $6,000 total and stopped when I turned 18.

Day One

7 a.m. — My first alarm goes off and I immediately snooze it, along with the next three alarms. I slept terribly last night, but the truth is that I always lay in bed until the last second. Finally I force myself to get up, then make my bed and get dressed in a sweater, jeans, and my trusty Blundstones. I make some sourdough toast with butter and raspberry jam made by my aunt (which I’ll eat as I walk to the train), then am out the door by 8 a.m.

8:05 a.m. — I tap my card to catch the train. Normally I’m strictly a Metrocard gal, but I’m waiting for a monthly card to arrive in the mail through my work’s transit benefits, so I’m tapping until I get it. When the train comes it’s packed, but I manage to get a seat after a few stops and close my eyes for a nap. $2.90

9 a.m. — We have a visitor today, so after I clock in, I pull some boxes for him and get a cart ready to bring down to our reading room. He’s coming at the same time as my team’s weekly check-in meeting, so I let them know I’ll be late.

12:15 p.m. — My coworker and I head down to the staff cafeteria for lunch, and I pick up some beef stew and sweet potatoes, which comes to $6.40 — the food is priced by weight, so I try to be strategic about my plate and almost never pay more than $8 for lunch. $6.40

12:50 p.m. — As my lunch dessert, I have a cookie that I bought from the cafeteria yesterday, and try a Russian candy that my coworker brought in. She goes back to her desk, but I believe in using my entire lunch hour, so I go down and walk through an exhibit that I haven’t seen before. Then I make a cup of tea and sit down to answer more emails and update our reference log.

2:15 p.m. — My friend T. texts to confirm our dinner plans for tonight. A few days ago, I broke up with my year-long situationship, so we are commiserating/celebrating that tonight. I rarely go out to eat, so I spend a good chunk of the afternoon researching where we should go, and take the opportunity to text my ex to ask for the name of a restaurant we went to recently. It’s a little embarrassing that I was the first one to text after the breakup, but I do still want to be friends, so I hope it sends the signal that we’re chill.

5 p.m. — I say goodbye to our intern, then clock out before I hop on a Zoom call to meet with some members of a club sports team that I’m on. I recently agreed to help out with our social media, so we talk about the goals we have for the next season and set some action items to work on.

5:50 p.m. — That meeting went way longer than expected, so I text T. that I’ll be a few minutes late, then catch the train down to the restaurant. On the train, I read my book, A Man of No Moon, and finish it right as we pull into my stop. $2.90

6:20 p.m. — I was really craving oysters today, so we’re getting a happy hour deal at this restaurant and then moving on to get dinner somewhere else. We each get six oysters and a beer, and we gab about lighthearted things before I start unloading my heartbreak. I put the bill on my credit card, since I get cash back for restaurant purchases, but I’ll venmo T. later. $13.40

7:15 p.m. — We try to get a table at a vegan Thai restaurant around the corner, but it’s a 35-minute wait, so we walk another block to a cheap pasta place that I know of. It’s also packed, but we get seats at the bar without having to wait. We decide to get a little crazy and split a pitcher of sangria — I order a pesto pasta and she gets a pear and gorgonzola ravioli. She works in the restaurant industry here, so I love getting to hear the crazy stories she has. The sangria is pretty weak, but I still get a little tipsy. I pay again with my credit card, and we part ways. $30.75

9:45 p.m. — I catch the train back to Brooklyn, and start reading my other book, The Bluest Nude — it’s poetry, so I get almost halfway through. When I get off the train, I call my mom to chat about her upcoming visit this month. $2.90

10:45 p.m. — When I get home, I make a little ice cream sundae for myself with Cherry Garcia ice cream, strawberries, and hot fudge — I’ve had more Ben & Jerry’s this week than I’d care to admit. I watch It’s Always Sunny in Philadephia while I eat it.

11:45 p.m. — Brush my teeth and get cozy in bed. As I’m turning off the lights, I remember that I had planned to make chicken salad for my lunch tomorrow. Now that I’m full time, I try to bring in lunch at least two days a week, but unfortunately that won’t be happening this week. I take some melatonin to help me fall asleep.

Daily Total: $59.25

Day Two

7:00 a.m. — As usual, I snooze my alarm. I contemplate getting up and making the chicken salad really quickly, but my heart just isn’t in it. After 40 minutes, I finally get up and get dressed.

8:05 a.m. — Out the door — no breakfast today. I tap my card at the train station, and take a little nap on the train when it comes. $2.90

9 a.m. — After I clock in, I head to my first meeting of the day. I just recently started here as a full-time employee, which was only possible if I took on some additional responsibilities that are tangential to my role, so I’m meeting today with a colleague who’s been training me on these new responsibilities. He helps me download some software and walks me through running the codes I’ll be using.

11:45 a.m. — I head over to a different department for a monthly lunchtime lecture series — I try to contribute to the discussion that follows but am having trouble relating my work to the topic. Afterwards, I have a cup of tea while chatting with everyone, then walk back to my office.

1:25 p.m. — Since I didn’t have time to get lunch before the lecture, I head down to the cafeteria and splurge on a made-to-order turkey sandwich, since the other options are not appealing to me. $7.95

3 p.m. — We get a new reference request from a similar museum in England, so I work on that for the rest of the day. It’s surprisingly easy to find the answer to their question, which is refreshing.

5 p.m. — I tap my card to catch the subway and start my commute home. $2.90

6 p.m. — When I get off the train, I head straight to the grocery store and get eggs, avocados, chili powder, and a banana pudding cup as a treat ($11.86). Then I head next door to the liquor store and get the cheapest bottle of white wine and a small bottle of tequila ($13.11). $24.97

6:30 p.m. — My final stop is the discount store on the same block, where I get some household items that I finally feel rich enough for: rubber gloves, a sink strainer, and 2a shower caddy. I also get toilet paper and shampoo. $25.08

6:45 p.m. — Tonight’s dinner is sweet potato chili and cornbread, which turns out surprisingly well considering I didn’t follow a recipe. I admit to myself that it’s too late to make chicken salad, so the shredded chicken I had been saving goes into the chili as well. I make way too much and will probably be eating this for the next week. While I’m cooking, I listen to music and manage to finish the bottle of wine I just got.

8:45 p.m. — I try on a few outfits before settling on a T-shirt and jeans, then I head to the bar to meet my friends. The route I take requires me to get off the train and transfer at a different station, so I have to pay twice. $5.80

9:45 p.m. — Arrive at the bar for a Taylor Swift-themed dance party. I have conflicted feelings about her as a person/billionaire, but I cannot deny that it’s enjoyable to sing along to her music. My friends are already at the bar — one of them doesn’t like her gin and tonic, so I help her finish it. Afterwards, I get myself a cheap beer and tip $2. $7

12 a.m. — I go out and have a cigarette while my friend, P., smokes some weed. We have hooked up on and off, so we kiss a little. When we go back inside, I get another beer and tip the same. $7

1:15 a.m. — The party is wrapping up and I’m fairly drunk, so I decide it’s time to head home. I tap to get into the subway. $2.90

2:30 a.m. — Home! I eat the banana pudding cup I bought and then immediately fall asleep.

Daily Total: $86.50

Day Three

1 p.m. — The sun in my bedroom wakes me up. I’m incredibly hungover and chug some water, then lay in my bed on my phone for another hour. Finally, I get up for a much-needed shower, then make coffee and have two slices of sourdough toast with butter and jam. While I eat, I start a new library book, Cleat Cute.

3 p.m. — After lounging around in bed, I decide to take advantage of the nice weather and go for a run around my neighborhood. Unfortunately my hangover only lets me get about a mile before my body and mind feel like giving up, so I turn it into a walk. I do walk by my ex’s place of work with the secret hope we’ll run into each other, and let myself wistfully remember the time I spent there. When I get home, I go back to hanging out in my bed.

7:30 p.m. — My stomach is growling, but my roommates are in the kitchen talking loudly about memes, and the last thing I want to do is be pulled into their conversation. I wait for 30 minutes but eventually give in and emerge to heat up some leftover chili and cornbread, while politely making it clear I don’t want to chat.

8:30 p.m. — I tap my card to catch the train to a bar that my friend works at. $2.90

9 p.m. — There was supposed to be a pool tournament tonight, but it seems to have been canceled. I decide I still want to play a few games, so I get a plain seltzer (and tip generously) to drink while I wait my turn. $6

10:30 p.m. — I play two games of pool ($1.50 each) and lose both. A wave of sadness comes over me and makes it hard to chat with my friends who are there. $3

10:45 p.m. — I get another seltzer and keep watching pool games. $6

11:45 p.m. — I take the subway home. When I get home, I have a good cry and then smoke some weed to help me go to bed. I make a plate of nachos for myself, then turn off the lights after I finish. $2.90

Daily Total: $20.80

Day Four

12 p.m. — I’m not that ashamed to admit that these are pretty typical wake-up times for my weekends. I wake up to a phone call from my friend, A., but am not ready for human interaction, so I fall asleep for another 45 minutes and then get up to make some coffee before I call her back. We chat for about an hour, then I make my favorite weekend brunch: cheesy scrambled eggs on avocado toast. While I eat, I keep reading Cleat Cute.

2:15 p.m. — I do some household chores and then lay in bed on my phone for a while. Then I pack a bag with pajamas and head out the door to begin my Superbowl Sunday activities. My first stop is at the corner store to get chips — I know lots of people are bringing dips to the viewing party, so I hope this will be a useful contribution. $4

2:30 p.m. — I catch the bus over to my friend C.’s house. $2.90

6:35 p.m. — After playing some board games with my friends, we split an Uber over to the actual viewing party ($3.50) at another friend’s house. We’re a little late but haven’t missed anything big. $3.50

7 p.m. — I eat some wings, artichoke dip, and pigs in a blanket — these all make me a little thirsty, but I don’t feel like drinking today, so I run down to the corner store with two friends and get a Coke so that I too can have a fun bevvy. $2

10:30 p.m. — Most people have left by now, but the game is in overtime and I actually am curious to see who will win, though the result doesn’t really matter to me. I’m having a sleepover with my friend G. tonight, so we help clean up when the game is over, then catch the subway to her place. We spend the train ride dishing about some of her recent romantic encounters. $2.90

12:30 a.m. — We rewatch Usher’s half-time show and then head to bed.

Daily Total: $15.30

Day Five

8 a.m. — G’s alarm goes off and she snoozes it. I slept terribly and kept waking up during the night, but I actually feel okay as we slowly get out of bed. She offers me some peanut butter toast, but I’m not hungry yet, so I head to the train while she walks to work — I have a holiday today! I fill up a weekly Metrocard. $34

10 a.m. — The train is blissfully quiet, since people are generally commuting out of my neighborhood. When I get home, I smoke some weed and take a shower, then make peanut butter toast with honey, apple slices, and cinnamon, which I have with two cups of coffee. I start One Day on Netflix while I eat.

11:45 a.m. — I’m out of underwear so I pile up my dirty clothes and bring them to the laundromat, and add money to my laundry card. While I wait for my clothes in the washer, I read Cleat Cute. $6

12:10 p.m. — After I load the dryer, I walk to the grocery store and get eggs, tomatoes, shallots, cornbread mix, chicken, celery, and coffee. Once the groceries and laundry are put away/folded, I deep-clean my bathroom and my bedroom since my mom is coming to visit this weekend. $29.51

2 p.m. — I catch the train back into the city to go to an art museum with T., who also has the day off. I get free tickets using my old student ID.

5 p.m. — We walk around a little before I realize I need to get going. On the train home, I finish Cleat Cute and Bluest Nude, which makes me feel a little better about my reading progress — my goal is to read 70 books this year!

6 p.m. — I heat up leftover chili and cornbread for dinner again and start a new book, The Country Under My Skin.

6:30 p.m. — I catch the train to a pool tournament at my favorite bar. I have to transfer and swipe twice again, but this time it’s “free” with my unlimited Metrocard.

7:30 p.m. — Once I sign up for the tournament, I get a beer ($7). The first round of games goes slowly, but it gets more exciting as I make it into the semi-finals and then the finals. I buy a second beer before the final game ($7). A girl that I sometimes flirt with and kiss shows up to watch me, and I realize this is kind of a date. $14

9:45 p.m. — My partner and I win the tournament! The prize is a baseball hat from the bar, plus a free drink. I get a whiskey sour for free, plus a beer for my date (?) and I keep playing pool ($7). After a few games, she suggests we get an Uber back to our neighborhood and we head out. $7

11 p.m. — The Uber drops us off at my house, and we make out in front of my steps for a while. Unfortunately I tell her that I’m not ready to invite her in, so we part ways — she only lives two blocks from me, so she’s not far from home. I get ready for bed, watch One Day, and pray for a snow day tomorrow.

Daily Total: $90.51

Day Six

7 a.m. — My alarm goes off. I refresh my email several times in the hopes that it will change the fact that my office is not closed. I watch the snow fall and then double-check how much PTO I have… And then I call out of work. I’ll probably regret it later, but the fact that this is the most snow we’ve had in two years makes me think I may not have many snow days left in my lifetime, so I’d like to enjoy this one. After I email my supervisor, I fall back asleep.

10:30 a.m. — I’m awake again and lay in bed for a while watching the snow before I get up and make another piece of peanut butter toast with apple slices and honey.

4 p.m. — The snow stopped a while ago and I’m feeling restless. I smoke some weed and then go for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood with my headphones in. In the park, I look at all the different snowpeople being built and it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. Eventually I end up back at home.

6 p.m. — I am having regrets about using my vacation time for today, so I try to combat it by meal prepping. I make a pan of cornbread muffins, plus egg bites with cheese, tomato, and spinach. I throw some seasoned chicken breasts in the oven, too, which I use to make chicken salad with celery and red onions. Dinner is once again leftover chili with fresh cornbread.

9 p.m. — After I finish doing the dishes from my cooking sprint, I get dressed and take the train to a bar that I regularly play pool at. When I get there, I get a beer and sign up to play ($6). I play two games, and each time is free, since someone overpaid and left credits on the table. $6

11 p.m. — I want a cigarette but realize I’m carrying around an empty pack, so I say goodbye to my friends at the bar and go buy a pack, then take the subway home. $11.44

11:45 p.m. — I stop at the bodega on my way home and pick up a pint of cherry ice cream, and heat up some hot fudge for a sundae when I get home, then it’s bedtime. $6

Daily Total: $23.44

Day Seven

7 a.m. — I snooze my alarm until the last second as usual, then get ready for work. I pack my gym clothes and a chicken salad sandwich, and take two egg bites to eat while I walk to the train.

9:15 a.m. — Since I haven’t been here in four days, I have many emails to respond to. First I get a cup of coffee from the cafeteria and settle in. My coworker and I get the exciting news that we’ve been accepted to give a talk at a conference in the summer — this will be my first time at any professional conference! $1.63

12 p.m. — Break for lunch. I decide my sandwich won’t be enough and get a bag of popcorn from the cafeteria as a supplement. After I finish eating, I walk around another exhibit that I haven’t seen, then spend the afternoon finding articles in the library for a patron. $2.18

3 p.m. — I check my bank account and realize I received my tax refund! I use the opportunity to pay off the rest of my credit card — I relied on my credit card heavily while I was in grad school and have been slowly making payments on it, so this feels great. I know I’ll use a chunk of my tax refund to make a student loan payment, but I also want to treat myself to something fun so I do some research on where I could buy a pool cue in the city. $322.33

5 p.m. — Clock out and begin the 20-block walk to the rec center. It’s bitterly cold but it’s Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday, so the people-watching is enjoyable. At the gym, I do a quick arm workout and run two miles. The city rec centers are free for everyone aged 24 and under, and I am constantly extolling their virtues to everyone I know. Sadly I’ll probably have to buy a membership later this year.

6:45 p.m. — When I get off the train, I stop at the liquor store for a bottle of rosé. Back at home, I shower and start making dinner — there is plenty of chili left but I need some variety, so I make a risotto with pancetta, peas, and corn. It comes out too salty but it’s a nice solo V-day dinner, especially with the rosé. $12

9:15 p.m. — My friends are out at a dyke night and I heavily consider staying in with my rosé and a rom-com, but ultimately decide the social interaction will be good for me. Plus, I’m a little tipsy. I put on a pink button-up and Cupid earrings and catch the train.

10 p.m. — One of my friends found out that she passed a major med school test, so we’re celebrating — I buy her a beer and shot combo and get one for myself, too. $22.33

11:15 p.m. — I get an elderflower lemonade and we hit the dance floor. My friend and I do some smooching, and then it’s time to head home. She gets a car, but I walk to the train. When I get home, I make some nachos and then head to bed. $15

Daily Total: $375.47

The Breakdown

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