Beauty is what you buy

It’s 8:30 on a Tuesday morning at JFK’s Terminal 4, and Amanda Batula is between coasts — again. The Summer House star, Loverboy creative, and founder of Amanda Batula Swim is about to catch a flight to L.A., her second of three cross-country trips in less than a month. “I’ve been doing an insane amount of traveling,” she says, settling into a couch at the Marshalls Upgrade Lounge, a free pop-up space offering travelers snacks, a beauty bar, and a chic break from airport chaos through Memorial Day weekend. “I’m actually really surprised with how well I’ve handled it. Normally I crash after a trip, but I’ve just been on the move lately.”

That momentum is something Batula doesn’t take for granted. Not long ago, even routine parts of travel — packing a bag, getting out the door, and making it to the airport — felt paralyzing. “I’d back out of things, or just lie in bed telling Kyle [Cooke] I couldn’t even start packing because I was so overwhelmed.” After being diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2023, Batula began working with a psychiatrist and taking antidepressant medication. Now, tasks that once felt insurmountable have become manageable, which means Amanda is saying yes to events, trips, and work opportunities that she would have previously passed on. “I don’t get overwhelmed, it doesn’t take me a full day to pack. I can throw together a bag. It’s just so much easier,” Batula says.

Between destination weddings, business opportunities, and influencer engagements, Amanda is a certified frequent flier — which makes her partnership with Marshalls feel especially well-timed. “The most stressful thing about traveling is getting to the airport, getting through security, and then rushing to your gate,” she says. “It’s nice to have a place where you can just come and feel zen, especially if you’re like me and don’t have access to other [paid] lounges.” In addition to the Upgrade Lounge pop-up, the retailer offers an online shopping hub that features a collection of travel-friendly fashion and lifestyle finds curated by Batula to make packing and on-the-go style feel a little less stressful.

The reality star, now in her eighth season of Summer House (Batula joined the cast full time in Season 2), is well-accustomed to splitting her summers between NYC and the Hamptons, and is starting to embrace being a bit more strategic about what she puts in her suitcase. “Kyle and I are notorious for bringing our whole closet, especially back when I was working corporate,” she says. “Now I try to stick to a few staples and plan according to the weekend. We’ll get a heads up about what the events are and then do a little shopping.”

As for sharing clothes with her castmates while filming? “I’m always willing to share. Paige [DeSorbo] will only pack for the weekend, so she doesn’t really have any other options to share, and Ciara [Miller] will always order clothes to the house and if you need an option she’ll give it to you.”

Batula and I are meeting the day before the Summer House Season 9 finale aired, and naturally I ask about what’s next for the series, which typically films from July through August. Bravo fans and cast members alike have been speculating about the show’s future, including potential cast shakeups, but Batula doesn’t have much to offer in terms of clues.

“There’s no news yet… but no news is usually good news,” she says. “We typically hear from production the week before filming starts, and half the time we get the address to the house the day of. You don’t even know what house we’re driving out to.”

If past seasons are any indication, fans will have to wait until after the reunion episodes, which begin airing next week, for any concrete answers about Season 10. For those in-the-know, the reunion seating chart — and who sits next to host Andy Cohen — can be a subtle signal of who played a central role that season. Batula didn’t think much of it going into this year’s reunion, which filmed on April 24, until she showed up on set and saw where she’d been placed.

“I was told by one of the crew members, ‘Oh, Amanda, you’re going to like your seat,’ thinking that like I was on the end, because that would be somewhere that I’d like to be sat,” Batula laughs. “And when I walked out, like being right next to [Cohen], I was like, I’m either in big trouble and I did something really wrong or I’m being rewarded. I think I was more shocked than everyone else that saw the leak of the seating arrangement. It was crazy. I was not expecting to sit there… but it was great for me. I had a great time.”

The Upgrade Lounge by Marshalls is open May 21 through May 28 in JFK’s Terminal 4. Exclusive amenity kits will be available for visitors while supplies last.

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Refinery 29’s Global Fashion Director Irina Grechko knows a thing or two (or twenty-two!) about what makes a good fashion investment. Watch this space monthly to get answers to all your shopping questions, and insights on the season’s top trends and covetable styles, as Irina shares her shopping picks as if it’s her job… because it is.

While the solstice may mark the formal start of summer, Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff of the warm-weather season. The holiday weekend brings the return of whites, leg-baring dresses, and seasonal accessories like open-toe shoes and trendy sunglasses. If you’re in the process of flipping your closet from spring (or, if you’re a hopeless procrastinator like me… maybe even winter), now’s the perfect time to reassess your summer wardrobe and decide which seen-better-days basics need replacing — and which fresh-off-the-runway trends are still missing.

But filling those wardrobe gaps doesn’t have to drain your paycheck. Plenty of reader-favorite retailers are offering this season’s best summer trends for under $150. Ahead, our favorite fashion picks for every summery occasion, from vacation to wedding season.

Summer Fashion Under $150: Wardrobe Staples

Update your basics with luxe, versatile additions: soft, breezy sweaters to unwrap from your shoulders during sunset beach walks; go-with-everything cotton tees; pants that go from plane to sightseeing; and foolproof denim. If you’re investing in one sneaker trend this summer, make it a slimmer, retro-inspired pair. Add soft flats for packing ease. Finish any outfit with classic hoops (and a swipe of red lipstick).

Summer Fashion Under $150: Vacation Wear

This season is packed with fun prints — think fruit, stripes, and sea motifs. On the flip side, monochromatic linen sets remain wardrobe heroes, with endlessly mixable pieces. No matter your vibe, let your accessories do the talking: nostalgic jelly shoes, statement bags, and bandanas that double as tops or handbag wraps (if Labubus aren’t your thing).

Summer Fashion Under $150: Work Wear

A 9-to-5 wardrobe doesn’t have to be a boring one. Look for staples with a twist: collarless blazers, asymmetrical shirting, and Bermuda short suits. For those who wear jeans year-round, a denim dress is an easy office win. Suede-like textures are still trending, too, especially in slouchy bags and buttery-soft shoes that’ll earn their fair share of compliments.

Summer Fashion Under $150: Wedding Guest

If your weekend calendar is packed with weddings, don’t burn your budget on one-and-done looks. Reach for dresses, jumpsuits, or separates that can be styled up or down for multiple dress codes. Then let high-impact accessories do the heavy lifting — no one’s noticing a repeat when your shoes and earrings are stealing the spotlight.

Summer Fashion Under $150: Trend Must-Haves

If your closet needs a trend refresh, summer 2025 has you covered. Think retro polka dots, boho ruffles, east-west bags, and thong kitten heels. European summer and fisherman-core are still holding strong, as are butter yellow and the barrel-leg jean— just in case you’re fashionably late to the party.

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Thong kitten heels may not be new, but this season, they’re everywhere. The ‘90s-inspired style has been circulating for a while now, riding the wave of minimal nostalgia — but 2025 is teetering into full-on mania thanks to elevated takes on the flat flip-flop (thank you, The Row). Think ultra-slick leather in black, brown, and beige; playful pops of yellow, ice blue, or red; and even bold patterns (hello, zebra print).

The appeal is obvious: It’s the perfect heel when you don’t want to wear heels. A subtle lift that elongates the leg and feels a touch more dressed-up, without veering into try-hard territory. Whether paired with jeans or styled with your favorite breezy sundress, thong kitten heels are the cool-girl alternative to the expected block heel. Easy. Comfortable. Fancy-free.

Ahead, the 22 topping our list right now.

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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Any seasoned online shopper will have Memorial Day weekend bookmarked on their calendar. The long weekend falls on a sweet spot when it comes to planning your shopping list — the perfect window of opportunity to nab all the discounted goodies you need heading into summer, and it’s generally a less overwhelming time to shop than Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

More and more brands are offering Memorial Day markdowns that are comparable to Cyber Week, so if you can’t wait till the end of the year to stock up on your favorite perfume or are in desperate need of a new mattress for less, this is an excellent time to strike.

To make sure you don’t miss out on the hottest deals, we have asked the most in-the-know shoppers — aka, the Refinery29 Most Wanted team — to share the on-sale products they will be carting come Memorial Day weekend. From Lululemon deals to designer bags, read ahead for all the purchases our editors are setting an early alarm for. We will keep this story updated as more sales become available (and more discounted products pop up on our radar), so watch this space.

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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Finding the perfect skin tint takes a lot of trial and error. A good one should offer lightweight coverage and a natural finish that subtly enhances your skin, without sitting heavy or erasing your features. Add reliable SPF protection (which can complicate the texture of the formulation) to the list of requirements, and the search gets even more challenging. So when Merit Beauty unveiled The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $38, a tinted mineral sunscreen that offers both sheer and buildable coverage, not to mention broad spectrum UV protection, we were quick to take notice.

This new launch is a labor of love from the brand by all accounts. It took two years of development and more than 50 formulation attempts to get the consistency and finish just right. The sun protection comes from zinc oxide, a mineral filter that shields against UV rays by scattering and reflecting them away from the skin’s surface. Also featured in the ingredient lists are moisturizing plant-derived emollients (in place of heavy silicones) and ultra-fine natural powders for a weightless and even application.

We got our hands on this highly anticipated launch and have been wearing it as our go-to SPF over the past month. Read ahead for our honest thoughts on why it deserves a top spot in your summer beauty routine.

Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $38, in shade 24

“I don’t say this lightly: this is hands down the best tinted sunscreen I’ve ever tried. It’s replaced my foundation — and even my concealer. The texture is like a lightweight lotion, and whether I use my fingers or a brush, it melts into my skin easily, offering medium coverage that blurs dark circles and the marks left behind by breakouts. The finish sits in a cozy space between dewy and matte, so I don’t need to powder over the top, and the staying power is excellent. I can go a full day at work — in office air, no less — and come home to more or less immaculate coverage.

“On my hand, shade 24 skews a little pink, so I was apprehensive it wouldn’t suit my green undertones. But once on my face, it blends seamlessly into my light olive complexion, giving it a more uniform appearance without erasing my features. If I wanted to wear this on its own without blush or bronzer, I absolutely could, and it wouldn’t look like I was wearing a mask. One thing to note: it’s important to use a dedicated sunscreen first. Yes, this contains SPF 45, but it’s well known that we rarely apply enough SPF makeup (a teaspoon or two finger-lengths for face and neck) to properly protect ourselves from UV damage. So I layer it over my trusty sunscreen — it’s like insurance for my skin.”

Venus Wong, senior writer

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $38, in shade 22

“To me, the hallmark of a truly great sunscreen will always be whether I’m willing to wear it on an unbearably hot day. Anything that feels too heavy and icky breaks me out and will promptly get the boot. I took The Uniform out for a whirl on my recent travels around Asia, where temperatures hovered around 90°F with super high humidity, and I’m happy to report that it passed with flying colors. Out of all the sunscreens I’ve tried, this one has one of the most imperceptible textures. The carefully calibrated formula has definitely made a difference here; it feels very light and powdery and spreads evenly across the skin. There were days I almost forgot I’d put this on, if not for the flattering glow it imparts. For me, shade 22 provides the ideal level of coverage: just enough to neutralize redness and blur blemishes while maintaining a genuine skin finish. When it gets really hot this summer, I feel comfortable ditching all my other makeup and just wearing a layer of this tint, with my trusty Dr. Jart+ SPF stick as the final touch.”

L’Oréal Blackett, Editor, Unbothered

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $38, in shades 10 and 12

“I’m not the easiest to please when it comes to skin tints with sunscreen. With a medium-deep skin tone and a golden to neutral undertone, some skin tints tend to leave me with a grey-ish, dull finish — a familiar story for anyone with brown skin. This is not the case with Merit’s tinted sunscreen. This formula blends with my skin beautifully, slightly evening out my skin tone and leaving a fresh glow. It’s barely perceptible and doesn’t look like I’m wearing any makeup, but that’s the point. It is very lightweight and perfect for everyday wear — I’ve even been wearing it to the gym. However, I still need to go in with a concealer as it doesn’t blur my dark undereyes and blemishes.

“This is not for the full coverage-loving girlies. I wear other skin tints that offer me more coverage, such as Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $38 (shade 18 for my shade twins!), and Beauty Pie’s Luminous Mineral Skin Tint with SPF 40. Still, I love that Merit’s tinted sunscreen offers some of the highest sun protection and is a great shade match. I also have a darker shade of the skin tint on deck for my upcoming travels; I get significantly darker within five minutes of being in the sun and love that the tint contains SPF 45 and can help me prevent pigmentation issues. I typically wear a full-coverage foundation or no foundation at all, so this gives me a nice, reliable in-between option.”

Vanese Maddix, contributing beauty writer

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $38, in shade 8

“The Uniform has quickly become a staple in my routine. The formula is lightweight and blends effortlessly into the skin. As someone who prefers her skin tints and foundations to sit on the lighter side, this ticks all my boxes. While I typically dislike when brands describe their shade ranges as ‘flexible’, I was pleasantly surprised to find I could actually switch between shades 6, 8, and 10, depending on the look I wanted. I also appreciate that the deeper shades are numbered first (a thoughtful detail that didn’t go unnoticed, and one I wish more brands would adopt).

“My only critique is the packaging: The tube has a gray-ish tint, which makes it harder to see the true shade without swatching. The cap also falls off quite easily. It’s worth noting that the brand has created a shade range that corresponds with The Minimalist, its bestselling complexion stick, so finding your perfect match is a lot easier when you happen to own the latter. This product has shot straight to the top of my makeup bag thanks to its lovely finish and genuine lightweight feel. I wouldn’t rely on it alone to meet my recommended SPF protection, but it has become my go-to for layering over a trusted sunscreen.”

Tanyel Mustafa, senior writer

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $38, in shades 22 and 24

“Let’s start with the positives. This is a lovely formula. The tint gives just the right amount of coverage, and it dries down on skin while still appearing hydrated and fresh. I love how easy it is to apply with fingers. Where this product falls down for me, though, is in the very pink-leaning shade range. As a yellow-olive girlie, I found all of the shades I could make work too pink. Even the shade that corresponds to the Merit foundation stick I have (which I’ve used for years) is more pink. With this new product being a tint, the off-undertone shade isn’t a dealbreaker. Once it’s blended out with the rest of my makeup, it looks fine. But I wish I could apply this more confidently and without other makeup to offset the wrong undertone. Merit team, if you’re reading this: The yellow-olive girlies would love a shade expansion!”

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Year in and year out, the most popular summer nail colors have one thing in common — they’re bold. I get it. The arrival of sunshine season means that from our mood to our outfit choices, everything tends to get a whole lot brighter. When the chances to get our toes out are few and far between, it makes sense to opt for a pleasingly vibrant pedicure color.

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But for summer 2025, it seems like the tides are turning. Sure, there are still some eye-catching brights and more unexpected tones that are set to prove popular for the season ahead, but the dominating feel is a whole lot more subtle.

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From milky finishes to barely-there blushes, all of the nail experts that I spoke to seemed to point to a preference for calm, clean, and quiet shades that make for a pleasingly versatile base for both glamorous beach getaways and chilled summer afternoons in the city.

Scroll on for their favorite pedicure colors this summer.

Pastel French

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A fresh and playful twist on the classic French, pedicure master Milly Mason predicts that switching white tips for pastel hues will be huge this summer. “It’s so fun but chic at the same time,” says Mason. Opt for shades like mint, lilac, and baby blue like Mason’s sorbet-inspired pedicure here.

Almond Milk

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Creamy whites and translucent neutrals — think almond milk — are dominating for summer. “Milky pedicures are my go-to and I’m seeing them everywhere on my feed for summer ‘25,” explains global manicurist and Bio Sculpture nail technician Julia Diogo. To recreate something like this polished pedi by Elim UK, Diogo suggests seeking out a “sheer, creamy white as opposed to a harsh one”, like Bio Sculpture’s Seafoam Polish, $14.50.

Soft Lavender

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Pastels are reigning supreme ahead of summer, but this delicate and dreamy shade of purple is going to be especially popular. “Soft shades like lavender always complement sun-kissed skin and really capture the fresh, playful energy of the season while still looking contemporary,” says session manicurist Ami Streets. This glazed pedi by manicurist @nailsxbymilena is the perfect example.

Sheer Pink

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Much like the white T-shirt of pedicure colors, a soft pink is effortless and looks good on everyone. “Something like Essie Ballet Slippers, $10, is so soft and elegant and works perfectly for those who like a minimalist look,” says nail artist Iram Shelton.

Aqua Splash

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Consider this the wild card color for summer. While matcha and pistachio greens have been huge for spring, things are getting punchier for the season ahead. Aquamarine, cyan blue, and turquoise will be making a splash on toes, like this statement pedi by The Nail Atelier.

Black Gloss

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Black might sound like an unexpected choice for summer, but trust me, it’s the coolest pedicure of the season. “An ultra-glossy black pedicure pairs perfectly with a colorful sandal and is a year-round favorite of mine,” says Mason. Recreate her stylish color block pedicure at home using OPI Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx, $11.99.

Fiery Red

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“You can’t escape summer without a vibrant red on your toes,” says Shelton, and tomato red is the shade of the season. “It’s bold, fiery, and looks incredible against sun-kissed skin.” Recreate this crimson pedi by Bombnailz Bay Area at home using a high-shine shade like Essie Gel Couture in Rock The Runway, $13.

Iridescent Glow

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Soft shimmers, opalescent finishes, and pearly chromes are having a moment for summer — and we can’t get enough. “They give a luminous, barely-there glow that catches the light beautifully and makes a great choice for those who prefer a more low-key pedicure,” explains Streets. Manucurist Active Plump, $19, adds a pearlescent sheen to nails while hydrating and plumping.

Butter Yellow

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Light, bright, and instantly cheerful, butter yellow is like sunshine in a bottle. If you want to dip your toe into a colorful pedi, but aren’t a fan of summer neons, then this makes a great alternative. Try Gucci Nail Polish in 218 Cecilia Ivory, $33, to recreate the subtle golden warmth of this pedicure by Alisa.In_.

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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

Today: a speech language pathologist (assistant director) who has a $270,000 household income and who spends some of her money this week on oversized luggage.

If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.

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

Occupation: Speech language pathologist — assistant director
Industry: Nonprofit
Age: 35
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Salary: $93,500 plus about $15,000 from private clients (but this number varies).
Household Income/Finances Setup: $270,000. My fiancé E. and I live together, but finances are separate. We split rent evenly and he pays for weekly groceries and more daily expenses. He makes about $50,000 more than me (for the purposes of this diary I’ve used a ballpark household income).
Assets: Checking: $8,583; HYSA: $17,137; CDs: $44,356; various investment/brokerage accounts: $20,300; pension from an old job: $68,000; IRA: $25,679; 401(k) from current job: $7,699; HSA: $965.
Debt: Credit card: $3,212 (higher than usual due to a recent trip — I will pay it off this week).
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $2,244.18, plus about $425 from private clients (though this varies).
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses

Housing Costs: My half of $3,550 rent.
Loan Payments: $0
Verizon: $85 (split with E.).
PSEG: ~$120 (split with E.).
Hulu & Spotify: $21
E-ZPass: ~$250
Simple Practice: $49
401(k): I contribute 15% per paycheck, with a 3% match from my employer. I also max out an IRA annually.
Dog Food: $75 (every six weeks).

Other Expenses

Car Insurance: $443 every six months.
Website & Domain: ~$115 for private practice (annually).
Liability Insurance: $75 (annually).
ASHA Membership: $250 (annually).
Healthcare: This is fully covered via my employer, a perk of my job.

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, but I was an eager student. I went to a private undergrad college for two years and transferred to a public state school that had a speech pathology program for two and a half years. My parents paid about $20,000 and I took out loans for the rest. I went to grad school at a CUNY school. I paid as I went and had a small amount of grad school loans that I paid off quickly. Most of my loans were from the two years taking gen ed classes at the private school. Live and learn.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
My mom was very open with me about money, and her perceived lack of it. She always showed me the bills from my ballet classes, because they couldn’t really afford them. In college, she helped me fill out the FAFSA and applications for loans, but just to show me how to do it and how much they were able to help with financially. It felt like she was shaming me at the time, but I think she meant to equip me with more than she knew. I recently learned that she did not do this with my younger brother, which is strange.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
I worked at a camp every summer when I was about 14. I started assisting ballet classes to help towards tuition when I was about 15. I babysat my whole block through high school. I always felt like I wanted to hustle to try to have spending money.

Did you worry about money growing up?
Very much. My mom handled the finances and my parents fought about money constantly. I was the oldest, and my mom would often complain to me that my (dyslexic) dad refused to go back to college after he finished his associate’s degree, or that he didn’t have the drive to get a better paying job. In retrospect, that wasn’t appropriate of her to say to her child. She made more money than him, but he worked very hard, too. We lived in a very wealthy area, so I thought we were downright poor. In reality, we were very much middle class. When I transferred to the state school, I finally realized how lucky I was to have what I did growing up.

Do you worry about money now?
Yes. I want children soon and we live in a VHCOL area. I am proud of myself for what I’ve saved, and so happy with the life I’ve created, but I know I’m behind many financial benchmarks. My salary has fluctuated as I’ve switched between settings. Working for a nonprofit means I’m making less than I would in other settings in NY/NJ at this point in my career, so I offset it with my private clients. Since I love my job so much, it feels more than worth it for quality of life (but… Talk to me when I’m nearing retirement, and we will see if I still feel that way).

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
I lived at home in grad school, so probably when I moved out at age 24. When I was in grad school, my mom started showing early signs of dementia. Even though I was financially dependent on them, I became a young caregiver while living at home. My parents have relied on me for many things since I was about 22, and we have helped each other out in different ways. For example, she abruptly stopped buying groceries reliably while I was living there, so I took over that role and expense. My dad would gladly take me in if I needed somewhere to stay, though he has fairly tight finances himself. My fiancé E. and I are each other’s safety net as well. (Of note: This is a different partner from my prior Money Diary. I was also engaged in the last diary, but we called it off before the wedding after he was caught cheating for the second time. I couldn’t be happier with E. Thank goodness I got out of the last situation relatively unscathed, trust issues notwithstanding).

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
My parents gave me their old car my junior year of college. They contributed $20,000 towards college. When my grandparents died, I received $5,000 which also went towards college.

Day One: Sunday

9:45 a.m. — I wake up on the couch after a rotten night’s sleep. E. is sick, and since I gave the cold to him and he slept on the couch while I was sick, I figured it was my turn.

10 a.m. — Hop in the shower, walk the dog, tiptoe into the bedroom but still wake E. I get dressed while we chat; he still feels like garbage, woof.

10:30 a.m. — Head out for the hour drive up to my mom’s nursing home. I eat a banana that I threw in my bag. It costs $26.56 in tolls (covered by my E-ZPass) and this is going AROUND the route that would include congestion pricing, which would increase the total by another $27, round trip. Let us not forget that congestion pricing is really just a toll on New Jersey.

11:30 a.m. — Meet up with my mom’s friend who is joining for the visit. Mom has had dementia for 12 years; we placed her in a nursing home in August and it has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. She was tired today but we had a decent visit.

3 p.m. — On my way home I go to the grocery store to grab some items for the week. This is usually E.’s weekly task but again, I am a martyr. I grab toilet paper, salmon, lemons, cumin, pretzel sticks, asparagus, coffee creamer, cheese, and a few other things. $76.34

4:30 p.m. — Home and ready to crash out for a bit and have a sandwich. But first, a dog walk. I chat on the phone with my dad — he is a few months post radiation/chemo for cancer in the base of his tongue. He has a terrible ulcer and is in a lot of pain, but this weekend has seemed to be feeling a bit better.

7 p.m. — Make dinner and hang from afar with E. in hopes he joins the world of the living soon.

9 p.m. — Throw in laundry.

11p.m. — Realize I have forgotten aforementioned laundry. Run to the basement and grab it.

11:30 p.m. — Asleep on the other couch, not the one I slept on last night. We call this the dog couch — it is smellier but softer!

Daily Total: $76.34

Day Two: Monday

6:50 a.m. — Awake and better rested. Dog couch > human couch for night time. Morning routine of CeraVe face wash, vitamin C lotion and SPF, some concealer, blush and mascara.

8:30 a.m. — Get into work, make oatmeal, and chat with some coworkers as I’m gearing up for the day. I have the unicorn dream job and I feel so lucky to be working where I do. As a speech language pathologist, so many jobs are just about billing insurance so that your employer can make money on your back. Our intervention model is different from 1:1 speech therapy, but I still get to use my skills. I work with adults who have a very specific type of communication disorder and I don’t want to dox myself, so we will leave it at that.

10 a.m. — I get the news that my brother matched for his residency! He finds out where on Friday. As the elder daughter who basically taught him to read, I feel so proud. Salad and pretzels from home for lunch, plus dipping into the office chocolate stash.

4:00 p.m. — I usually head out around this time twice a week to see two clients, but my first one canceled. I use the time to vacuum my car with a new car vacuum. It is a gift from a client and I have been so excited to play with the attachments. I speak with my dad on the drive, and try to encourage him/remind him to time his meds around his meals. I also grab gas. $27

5:30 p.m. — Client session. My private practice is all pediatrics. I have a terrific set of clients, I currently only see four per week.

7 p.m. — Desperate search for parking, finally home. E is feeling way better and cooks! Here’s hoping any germs die in the oven.

9 p.m. — I walk the dog, exercise in my room, and finally chill out a bit.

11 p.m. — In bed. E and I are sharing a bed for the first time in a while since we have both been sick, and it’s comforting that the band’s back together.

Daily Total: $27

Day Three: Tuesday

6:45 a.m. — Wake up feeling groggy. My dog awaits me on the couch for cuddles and coffee. I get my butt into gear and do my morning routine, quickly kiss E. and head out the door.

8:30 a.m. — Oatmeal for breakfast. Very busy day at work today. We have an intake/tour with a woman and her husband — the woman reminds me a lot of my mom and it leaves me in a weird headspace. I don’t have a moment to process it because my day is pretty hectic, so it just sort of lingers in my brain.

12:30 p.m. — Leftovers and salad for lunch.

5:45 p.m. — I speak to my dad on the drive home. Feeling cautiously optimistic about his status. I rush home, and I’m just there long enough to change. E. got us tickets to a wine class for beginners.

6:30 p.m. — Swipe on the PATH train (my Metrocard is prepaid). We make it on time and the class is awesome. The teacher explained all of the things to smell for and taste for when you’re trying a new wine, and introduced the concept of how to select food and wine pairings. We taste based on things like salt and butter, we tried wines with different flavors. I feel like I learned more from this than any other wine tasting I’ve been to. We even get to take notes! We get one of the bottles of wine on the way out and I pay. $14.80

8:30 p.m. — We head to a ramen spot in the West Village and I eat until I’m uncomfortable, but luckily the walk to the PATH station makes me feel better. E pays.

10:30 p.m. — I tend to do the dog’s night walks and now that E. is better our normal routine is resumed. Shower, bedtime routine, and pass out hard after a very busy, jam packed day. I see that my monthly charge for my electronic medical record (that I use for the private practice) went through which went up considerably recently. It is now $49 instead of the usual $29. I contemplate getting rid of it, but I appreciate how much easier it makes my life so that will be tabled for another time.

Daily Total: $14.80

Day Four: Wednesday

6:45 a.m. — This morning I woke up feeling much more well rested; it sounds like E. did not have such luck. Dog cuddles, coffee, etc.

8:30 a.m. — Productive day at work: We hold an education program for people who are new to having the communication disorder that we treat. A big chunk of today was preparing for that, and even though it’s a lot of administrative stuff, there’s some nice satisfaction in checking that off the list.

12:30 p.m. — Lunch is random produce from home cut up, and turkey slices. A coworker always yells at me about my lack of protein and she usually isn’t wrong. When I say random produce, I mean I’m the lady who brings a full cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper into the office and cut it up throughout the week to force veggies on myself.

4:00 p.m. — Leave work — my first client canceled. It’s the same one who canceled on Monday. They’re having some health issues in the family so I end up with a free hour, and I sit at a park and do a little bit of life admin, like checking emails, which is made way better by doing it in the sun on a park bench.

5:30 p.m. — Head to my client. Oh no, the mom forgot to warn her kid that I was coming! I walk into a precarious situation with a cranky 7-year-old. We muster through with lots of choices and reinforcers (aka games), I’m not above it when the going gets tough.

6:40 p.m. — I meet up with a coworker friend. She is thinking of moving to my old neighborhood so we are working our way through all the good bars/restaurants, so she can make an informed decision. We stumble upon trivia night and decide to go for it. After fighting for our lives, we end up fourth out of eight teams and I feel proud. I get two beers and we split some apps. $36

9:45 p.m. — Home and chat with E. I take the dog out, shower, and collapse to bed.

Daily Total: $36

Day Five: Thursday

6:45 a.m. — Up and at ’em. Why am I always running late — how does this happen? Turkey sandwich for breakfast.

8:30 a.m. — Another busy day at work today: a new client intake process, run my sessions and a big team meeting at the end of the day. Lunch was some more random produce and leftovers. I head out an hour early for a doctor’s appointment.

5 p.m. — I head to a specialist — my obgyn wants me to see someone who specializes in higher risk pregnancies since I have hypertension. (We had a family planning appointment a few weeks ago.) This guy is… Something. He tells me it’s “sexy” that I’m a speech therapist, fist bumps me multiple times, and taps his watch when telling me that I need to get moving on having a baby since I’m 35. I promise you don’t need to remind me, I am super aware doc, thanks. Didn’t love that. He recommends changing a med I’m on and sends me to get an echo with a cardiologist. How fun. No copay, but I’ll get a bill in the mail.

6:45 p.m. — Home and tell E. all about the doctor and his strange behavior. I throw together a dinner of things in the pantry — cauliflower, frozen shrimp, pasta and pesto.

9 p.m. — Call my dad. He’s doing okay but still not eating solid food. I attempt a dog walk but it is pouring and the gal is not having it. She’s giving, “I hope we aren’t out here on my account.” I relax the rest of the night and head to bed around 11 p.m.

Daily Total: $0

Day Six: Friday

8:15 a.m. — I wake up to four texts and two frantic emails from my dad. We go on a family trip to Cancun tomorrow — my brother, his wife, my dad, me and E. It was supposed to be a celebration of dad’s cancer recovery, but it’s bittersweet that things aren’t where we would have hoped and he will be bringing a suitcase of Boost instead of enjoying the food. He is an anxious guy at baseline and hasn’t traveled much recently since he was caring for my mom for the last 12 years. Dude needs this trip, and maybe a sedative.

8:25 p.m. — WFH Friday means sleeping until the last possible moment! This is an amazing perk of my job. SLPs are never able to work from home unless they provide remote services (which isn’t fun, imo). However because my role is more administrative, I have one day that I don’t see any patients, and it can be remote, depending on the tasks at hand. Walk the dog, drink some coffee and jump into the work day.

11:30 a.m. — I finally pause to eat some leftovers from last night.

12:00 p.m. — My brother just found out he matched with his top choice for residency!!! I’m so proud of him! He went back to school many years after graduating and made some huge sacrifices, and worked his tail off! Proud older sister! I chat with my boss over the phone about a few things. Then I take a quick break to pack a bit.

1 p.m. — Back to work for a few more hours.

5:15 p.m. — Wrap up and take the dog for a long stroll. We stop to get a six pack of IPAs. $18.66

6:30 p.m. — I continue packing and prepping with a beer. E. gets home and we begin to get pumped for the trip. Leftovers for dinner to try and clear out the fridge.

10 p.m. — Watch TV and unwind while E. finishes packing. I watch Interior Design Masters on Netflix, a charming British competition. With both of my parents having health issues, my media intake is usually mindless and conflict free these days. I read some of my book (Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray) and head to bed around 11:15 p.m.

Daily Total: $18.66

Day Seven: Saturday

8:15 a.m. — I wake up and get ready to go! Take out the dog and make sure all her stuff is set for the dog walker who will be picking her up to stay over for the week (the dog walker will be $85 per night paid at the end of the trip).

9:05 a.m. — We head out to make the journey to JFK: PATH to LIRR to bus (air train isn’t running from Jamaica) to air train to terminal. Woof. I buy the tickets on LIRR for us both, everything else was prepaid Metrocards. $16.50

10:45 a.m. — We make it, just to find out that our giant shared bag we intended to check is 16 pounds overweight. Not even close! $150 fee — I cover it, just because I whipped out my card faster than E. $150

11:30 a.m. — Through TSA pre-check and unite with my family at the gate (my anxious dad has been there for a while). Our flight is delayed about an hour so we hang out. I get an açaí bowl and coffee. $18.71

1:00 p.m. — Boarding begins! I get a glass of wine and E. gets whiskey on the flight (E. pays). I read for most of the flight. My dad is in a lot of discomfort with all the travel. Hoping he can relax when we arrive.

6 p.m. — It took us a while to get off the runway; we make it in about two and a half hours late, go through customs, wait for our bags and head to the transport shuttle to the resort. (The flight was $405 per person and our room was about $3000. This was all pre-paid and split between me and E.) It’s all inclusive and a splurge in honor of dad. I’ve done all inclusive once before in my 20s, but it wasn’t nearly this nice. Shuttle to the hotel is $75 but covered by my dad.

7 p.m. — We get to the resort to learn that my dad booked the wrong hotel building within the resort, so we get a shuttle to all unite and get his room moved to the right building. Check in takes forever and I am hangry. I feel myself becoming the villain.

9:00 p.m. — Finally settled into the room, and head out to get food from the hotel bar. It’s a gorgeous building; we walk around the pool and smell the salty air. Music is playing and I morph back from a hangry villain into a grateful muggle. We have a drink with my brother and his wife but we are all wiped out. Up to the room. E. and I hang on the porch for a little, and I collapse into bed.

Daily Total: $185.21

The Breakdown

Conclusion

“In my last diary, I remember seeing so many comments about how much I overfilled my schedule. (One person commented that ‘something’s going to give’ if I kept myself so busy, and it ended up being my relationship — I don’t regret ending that relationship, but that commenter was ultimately correct.) After tracking everything for a week, my biggest takeaway is that I very much continue to overfill my schedule, five years later! It was a hectic week, but I can’t say this isn’t a typical week in most ways. I think it was much more family focused than most weeks, between my brother’s residency and the family trip. My parents’ health tends to consume all of my free headspace most weeks, but this was a particularly family-heavy week, for better or worse. I worry it is misleading that the trip to Mexico was prepaid, but it is what it is. Otherwise, it was a pretty normal spending week. Transportation is always such a huge part of my spending — mainly because of tolls, but since I spend so much time in my car around the NYC Metro Area, I guess that’s to be expected.”

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The last New Moon of spring is going to rock our worlds amazingly. For the first time in a while, we’ll be able to flourish with the Moon’s phases and begin anew. The possibilities to grow beyond our current range will be enormous and exciting. This lunation pushes us to think beyond ourselves and to give TLC to others who need our support. We are interconnected beings who require compassion and love. Isn’t that special?

May 26th’s New Moon in Gemini emphasizes self-expression, curiosity, and learning. At this moment in time, we can reflect upon the past to see where we’re going while offering ourselves a fresh start. The positive side of this lunation is that it allows us to discover and reinvent ourselves as we progress into our most valid form of being. The duality of the New Moon in Gemini urges us to shed the facade we show to the public by letting them see our unique and unfiltered qualities. There is beauty in being raw and pure. Allowing people to get deep with us will be a fantastic experience and adventure.

Communication planet Mercury in Gemini, responsible Saturn in Aries, visionary Neptune in Aries, and transformative Pluto in Aquarius all meet up with the New Moon. This promises to be a lunation that can change our being — for the better. We need to find a way to stop overthinking in the present and be in the moment. The moment we start feeling as though we are in alignment with the flow and rhythm of the universe is when we connect to our true selves. There is no more hiding behind the version of ourselves that we want others to see. The mask we’ve been wearing is coming off. The energy and persona we embody will be acknowledged and loved.

Around the same time as the New Moon, Mercury in Gemini harmonizes with Neptune in Aries. This magical transition will push us to dream big and assert our visions in the world. Mercury and Neptune are giving us the strength to do so. The caveat is that we may not be clear about our intentions, so it’s best to write them down ahead of time and think them through clearly. Then, we can easily assert our hopes and aspirations into the universe and allow them to take flight. Pretty soon, they’ll come true. We can attain our desires as long as we believe in our goals and give them the energy to come true in the physical world.

The fixed star Hyadum II gives the overall sentiment a zest of fierceness. Hyadum II is said to embody the characteristics of the action planet Mars, “Great Awakener” Uranus, and inspirational Neptune. These energies can elevate our spirit and make us want to take a humanitarian stand. Regarding our personal lives, it’ll be complicated to understand what we’re fighting for and looking to bring in before gaining clarity — which we will find once the fog clears. The only foreseeable consequence of Hyadum II is that we might get a little power-hungry and selfish if we don’t consider helping others along our journey.

We’ll feel a sense of confidence resulting from the celestial vibe. Looking forward allows us to walk on the “right” side of the street. As we’ll soon notice, there is no better avenue to hang out on since every path is coming up roses. Even if we choose to explore the trails, they’ll lead to the same road, guaranteeing a destined ending (we can thank Neptune and Pluto for this). Since we are guaranteed personal success, we should pay it forward by trying to make a difference in the lives of others. Once we comprehend these soulful passions, it’ll be hard to keep quiet when speaking on behalf of others. After all, what good is having a voice if we don’t intend to make some noise?

As we embrace the lunar vibes of the New Moon in Gemini, it’s important to savor the day. Bask in the joy and glory that you may feel. Enjoy the rush of optimism and good emotions that are brought to our consciousness and the world at large.

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