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The last month of summer brings the most dynamic and amazing vibe. From August 25th to September 19th, Venus is soaking up the sunny rays of Leo, creating a romantic frenzy that will light up our lives. Leo rules the heart chakra, so this placement adds zest to both creativity and love. We are in the mood for affection and adoration, as givers and receivers. 

Venus in Leo is asking us to drop our defenses. It’s time for you to go for what you want. The fiery and passionate sign of Leo shoots from the heart. This isn’t a go-with-the-flow type of placement for Venus. Venus in Leo is exuberant and loud. Venus in Leo can be a little messy because it loves drama. Venus in Leo excites the mind and makes us alive. That said, we may not be up for all of the drama this summer. Four other planets (Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus) are spending this transit in retrograde. We may, possibly, need a break when it comes to love.

This summer, Venus in Leo means we will want to define relationships on our own terms, even looking at radical concepts like relationship anarchy. Our beliefs are part of who we are and we won’t push them aside, or let them fall away, when we unite with others, especially on August 26th, when Venus and Uranus get cozy together in the sky. On that day, we should carefully consider, and come to terms with, the type of partnerships we really want. This clarity will feel refreshing when Neptune retrograde comes out to play later on in the day. This is our opportunity to embrace our true selves and innermost desires, although the Venus and Pluto retrograde opposition, taking place on August 27th, may cloud understanding for some others in your life. But remember, we do not have to conform to anyone’s ideals except our own. Let’s embrace Venus in Leo with an open mind and an open heart.

Venus also marks shifts in societal trends and social graces. We may embrace a new way of thinking at this time. Although seeking out new ideologies and coming to terms with new viewpoints might be challenging, we will lean into the energy. Look out for shifts in fashion, beauty, and self-care. The world is spinning faster than ever, so check out the changes. We’ll find that they’re cool, unique, and bold. 

On the financial front, pay attention to the stock market. We’ll see fluctuations that could ultimately reach a high note. Invest in areas that you feel a connection to. Try not to get caught up in a situation where you solely listen to one person giving you advice. Reach out and seek counsel from others with experience who can lend another point-of-view. Doing so will allow you to be more in control of the situation and lead to greater awareness of your financial situation.

Important Astrological Dates:

August 25th: Venus enters Leo, heightening our passion and lustful nature. As Venus flirts its way through the fire sign, we’ll be reminded of what is important and how we wish to grow in matters of the heart and finance.

August 25th: Venus in Leo aspects Saturn retrograde in Aries, pushing us to commit to who and what we love. This planetary aspect lends structure and resilience to the overall energy.  

August 26th: Venus in Leo harmonizes with Uranus in Gemini, suggesting autonomy in relationships and freedom of choice in how we implement romance.

August 26th: Venus in Leo connects with Neptune retrograde in Aries, sparking up our romantic sentiments and fantasies in the boudoir. Be careful, people might be acting dubiously on this day, particularly with money. 

August 27th: Venus in Leo opposes Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, creating power struggles with others. Triangular situations from the past will come back into our lives.  

September 16th: Venus in Leo connects with the centaur Chiron in Aries, offering us the opportunity to mend our emotional upsets from the end of August.

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The last time a new sunscreen active ingredient — you know, the good stuff that protects skin from the sun’s aging and cancer-causing rays — was approved in the United States, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were dating, “Believe” by Cher was top of the charts, and The Sopranos had just debuted on HBO. 

Before you cry a river, some good news: In June, four representatives from Congress introduced the bipartisan bill, the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act, to overhaul regulations many feel are more dated than the above pop culture references. If passed, the act would introduce more modern evaluation methods, including real-world studies and alternatives to animal testing, putting us better in line with current global standards.

“This is a big deal,” says Carl D’Ruiz, the head of science advocacy and business development at DSM-Firmenich in North America, which manufactures sunscreen ingredients, among other beauty products. “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been under fire from Congress for not having been able to add a new [sunscreen] ingredient since 1999. At least it gives you a fighting chance to bring innovation that hasn’t been introduced to the US that’s available in other countries.” 

Why do US sunscreens fall behind?

While in Asia and Europe, sunscreens are considered cosmetic, here they are classified as drugs and regulated by the FDA, which means any new filter needs to undergo a full approval process to be considered GRASE or generally recognized as safe and effective.

That means an incredible amount of testing. From human clinical studies (these are called maximum usage trials, basically putting swathes of sunscreen on to mimic worst-case exposure; something no other country uses to test sunscreen) to animal testing (the latter, which most brands don’t want to do, for good reason). The process can take years and cost millions of dollars.

Complicating the matter? It’s up to the sunscreen brands to pay for this testing themselves. D’Ruiz’s company is close to getting the ingredient PARSOL Shield (aka bemotrizinol) across the finish line of FDA approvals. He estimates they’ve spent $9 million since 2018 alone. To be clear, PARSOL Shield is a veteran chemical filter (chemical filters absorb UV rays and convert them to heat) that’s been in use in formulas around the world since 2001. 

In an extra special gut punch, once approved, D’Ruiz’s company only gets exclusivity on using PARSOL Shield for 18 months before other brands can tap it for their formulas. “That’s one of many issues the industry has with this testing,” says Becky Kamowitz, executive director of the Skin Cancer Foundation. “If one manufacturer goes ahead and pays for that testing, why would another manufacturer also pay for it? It would fall to the larger companies to do this, and the larger companies don’t want to bear that burden to have smaller companies profit off of their testing.” 

The Skin Cancer Foundation has drafted a letter of support for the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act for people to sign. The act is currently in limbo: It has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, but hasn’t been ratified and will go back in front of them in September. However, a companion bill in the Senate was passed unanimously on July 30.

When will we get better sunscreen?

But time is ticking. Michael Werner, senior policy advisor to the Public Access to Sunscreens (PASS) Coalition, says, “September is a critical month for the SAFE Sunscreen Act because it is tied to the reauthorization of the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee Act (OMUFA), which is a must-pass bill as the program will expire Sept 30. The Senate and House versions of the bill will need to be reconciled and passed in both chambers to become law.”  

It’s high stakes — even everybody’s favorite Congressperson, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has weighed in on the issue. Back in 2023, she went live on Instagram with Dieux Skincare founder Charlotte Palermino discussing the issue. “US sunscreens are far behind the rest of the world,” adding, “We deserve better here in the US”

Especially because it’s the consumer who suffers. While about 30 to 40 filters are approved globally, only nine are commonly used in the US (two of which have been banned in Hawaii to protect the reefs). The FDA isn’t necessarily on board with all of these. In 2019, it asked for more data on 12 of the 16 filters currently approved for use in the US. Insert face-melting emoji here.

Are approved sunscreen filters less effective than others?

Before you clean out your current sunscreen supply, the approved filters in the US are not less effective than others on the market. “There’s a misconception that European Union-approved filters are automatically safer or that US filters are outdated,” says Dr. Caroline Robinson, Chicago-based dermatologist and founder of TONE. What we are lacking is newer filters, which Dr. Robinson says may improve cosmetic elegance and encourage more consistent use.

Outside of the SAFE Sunscreen Act, she hopes to see more inclusivity in future testing. “It’s important to recognize that sunscreen use among African Americans has historically been low, and only recently has it become more common,” she says. “Future decisions should be informed by research that includes all phototypes and addresses visible-light protection, not just UV, one of the many reasons I advocate for diversity in clinical trials.” 

Think of the formulas you see all over TikTok, while we’re stuck with thicker, goopier formulas that leave white casts. Beauty of Joseon, a fave of AOC and all of Gen Z, even had to reformulate its viral sunscreen with filters approved in the US, to sell here.

“We’ve always said the best sunscreen is the one you are most likely to use,” agrees Kamowitz. “If Americans have more options for products, that would make them more likely to use these products. We know that these ingredients that are not available here might lead to a much better experience for people, if these products blend better, if they work better with their skin tone, that sort of thing.”

Especially in an era where skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, instances of melanoma have doubled over the past 30 years. Gen Z on TikTok are shouting out the benefits of tanning beds, and some beauty brands are claiming that the sun isn’t poison; anything we can do to make people slather on their ‘screen is crucial.

In general, our experts agree that the best practice when you’re heading to your next outdoor park hang is daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30+, reapply every two hours outdoors, and combine with hats, shade, and protective clothing.

Britney Spears playlist optional.

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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 natural resource specialist who has a $140,000 household income and who spends some of her money this week on her wedding venue!

Occupation: Natural resource specialist
Industry: Government
Age: 35
Location: Willamette Valley, OR
Salary: $98,671
Household Income/Financial Setup: $140,000. My husband D. and I split house bills roughly according to our incomes, along with our three other household members. D. and I have a joint checking account for household expenses and one shared brokerage account, but otherwise have separate accounts. The house is under both our names. We hope to combine finances more over time.
Assets: House: worth around $615,000; retirement accounts (government Thrift Savings Plan and IRAs): $96,000; brokerage accounts and bonds: $80,900 in mine, with an additional $14,800 in shared; savings accounts: $8,600; checking accounts: currently $3,600 in mine, with an additional $5,700 in shared.
Debt: We owe $474,760 on the mortgage. D. has a few thousand in credit card debt.
Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): $1,811.48
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses

Housing Costs: $1600 for me. In terms of our other housemates, it’s $825 for my husband and two of our housemates, and $500 for the other housemate.
Loan Payments: $3,482.93 on the mortgage.
Phone Bill: $26.65
Car Insurance: $67.88
Spotify: $16.99 for Spotify Duo for me and D.
Utilities: D. covers utilities from the shared house account.
Paycheck Deductions: These include retirement contributions to my pension ($166 biweekly) and Thrift Savings Plan ($567 biweekly), health insurance for me and D. ($114 biweekly), dental insurance for us ($25 biweekly), union dues ($32 biweekly), and FSA contributions ($58 biweekly). I’m a non-bargaining unit employee but still choose to support the union.
Life Insurance: $31.13 every three months.

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, I grew up in a college town with a well-educated family and higher education was very much the norm. My undergraduate education was paid for mostly by a National Merit Scholarship, with help from my mom, who had a college savings account worth around $40,000 to help me cover tuition and living expenses. My mom also helped pay for my last year of undergrad after I took five years to graduate and my scholarship only covered four years. My master’s degree was fully funded, with a stipend of $22,500 a year and a tuition waiver, from a research assistantship. My PhD was fully funded with tuition waivers and varying stipends per year from a combination of fellowships, scholarships, and teaching or research assistantships. My first year on fellowships I made around $60,000, while my last year on teaching assistantships and scholarships was probably a little under $30,000. (If people get anything from this, I hope they understand that you shouldn’t pay out of pocket for an advanced degree in the sciences!)

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances?
Growing up, I knew that I had a college fund available and was generally encouraged to be thrifty. Otherwise I don’t think my family really discussed our financial situation or general financial literacy. In my early 20s my grandfather started to talk with all the grandkids more about investments, and my parents would also talk to me more about different ways to manage money, like putting it in a CD or brokerage account. I also started to make my own efforts to gain financial literacy on how to manage my money and make sure I was secure in the future.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
I baby sat in middle school and high school, and had a few brief high school jobs working at a bagel shop or a local grocery store. It was nice to have a bit of spending money that didn’t depend on my parents, and my parents encouraged me to get work experience.

Did you worry about money growing up?
No, I generally felt financially secure growing up, although during my undergraduate I was constantly stressed about money.

Do you worry about money now?
I worry about my job security but otherwise feel like my finances are in order.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
At 23 I got my first job out of college and no longer depended on my family for financial help at all. At this point I try to have savings readily available to cover emergencies or fund my regular expenses for a few months in case I lose my job. I also know that my family is there to help if needed.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
Recently for my wedding I received $10,000 from my mom and $1,500 from my grandmother to help cover the wedding — D.’s family didn’t contribute financially. (A note about this: D. grew up a lot poorer than I did so I didn’t really expect much from his family in the way of wedding contributions. My mom said at one point, “You know, traditionally the groom’s family pays for the rehearsal dinner…”, but we never asked and D.’s parents never offered.) I also usually get around $5,000 into my brokerage account around Christmas time from my grandmother, and a couple hundred in cash from my mom. This is a big help in building up my investments.

Day One: Thursday

10 a.m. — It’s my bachelorette party day! My bridespeople are all from out of town and many of them had flight delays getting in, so I meet up with just two of the five for brunch. Fortunately it’s Juneteenth, so most of us have the day off work anyway. I had some coffee at home before heading out so I skip beverages, and just get a farro bowl with roasted veggies and a poached egg. My friends cover this for me.

11 a.m. — After brunch we stop by a Vietnamese place and grab some bahn mi to go. We all get the curry tofu bahn mi and I pay for my own. $10.33

12:30 p.m. — We stop by my house to grab the dog and go out to the arboretum to hike around for a while, and eventually eat our bahn mi at a picnic bench there. 

6:30 p.m. — We acquire more of the bridal party and drop the dog back at my house, then hang out and play games for a while at the Airbnb where most of my bridal party is staying. I bring over cherries from my yard for us to snack on, and buy Thai food for me, my five bridespeople, and my sister’s longtime friend who also joined for games. $146.96

7:30 p.m. — We change into our party outfits and go out! We hit a wine bar, two cocktail bars, and finally a dive bar with karaoke. My friends cover me for prosecco, a couple of cocktails, and a beer. I get a ride home around 1 a.m. after some drinks and karaoke. It was a great time with friends and I had fun showing my long-time friends around the town where I live now!

Daily Total: $157.29

Day Two: Friday

9:30 a.m. — It’s Friday but I’ve already planned to take the day off for wedding preparations. I’m a little hungover but I get up, take a little ibuprofen, and go make coffee. I go to have granola for breakfast, but we’re out of milk. My mom is planning to stop by in a bit so I ask her to pick up milk on her way over. She and my step-dad stop by, give me the milk for my granola, and pick some cherries from the three abundant cherry trees in our back yard.

12:30 p.m. — I start packing up all the things we need to take to the wedding venue tomorrow (e.g. table centerpieces and decor). My mom and my roommate’s girlfriend work on flower arrangements, and my husband D. gets home with the sound and lighting equipment we’ve rented, and my flower crown for tomorrow. (We were legally married last year so I already call him my husband — tomorrow is just the party!) These things are all already paid for, although my mom and friend make a few more trips to stores to get more flowers (they tell me not to worry about the cost). Once I have things mostly packed I head to the bridespeople Airbnb to show them my dress for tomorrow and get ready for the rehearsal. I forget to eat lunch at all.

5:30 p.m. — After running through the ceremony at the venue, I head to the distillery where we’re having our welcome event for wedding guests. We’ve reserved their pavilion for the evening and have bought a couple of appetizer trays for our guests, with meat, cheese, crackers and bread, and veggies with hummus and artichoke dip. I make sure to sample most of these things and get some lemonade that we also purchased for everyone. The venue set up their mobile bar outside for the event, and lets us use their bluetooth speaker to play music. D. is finishing up some errands getting kegs for tomorrow so he arrives late. Once he’s there, we split a veggie burger. My friend buys me a dark and stormy, and I buy a cider for D. At the end of the night, I pay the bill for all the appetizers and the tab for D. and me. We’ve already paid the fee to rent out the pavilion, and the mobile bar service met the required minimum where we don’t have to pay extra for it. $743.24

8:30 p.m. — I stop by the house of some friends to grab the cookies  that she’s made for the wedding, and pick some flowers from their garden to supplement wedding florals. I had previously given them money to cover flower seeds and cookie ingredients.

8:45 p.m. — I head to the Airbnb where my bridesmaid does my nails for tomorrow (a slightly sparkly light pink!). After that it’s time to go home and sleep to be ready for the big day!

Daily Total: $743.24

Day Three: Saturday

9 a.m. — I stop at an ATM and grab some cash: $40 just to carry with me and $200 to give to our bartender later as a tip for the night. She works with D. and offered to help us out for free, but we agreed we want to give her something for all the work. 

9:15 a.m. — I meet up with some of my bridespeople and we grab crêpes at the farmers’ market. I use some of my cash to buy a strawberry whipped cream crêpe with chocolate ganache and throw some money in the tip jar. I’ve already had coffee at home earlier so I skip beverages. I share the crêpe with my friends, who also have a rhubarb curd crêpe and a savory one with veggies, cheese, and egg. All are delicious, but I have to take off soon for my bridal hair appointment. Most of the bridespeople are doing their own hair and make up. $14

10 a.m. — I arrive at my hair appointment and meet up with my sister, who’s also getting her hair done. I’m wearing my hair down in curls, and adding a flower crown later. It’s a bit rainy out so they warn me to stay out of the rain as much as possible to make it last, and give me a little plastic cap to wear over it until the time comes. I pay and tip the stylist and go swing by the Airbnb. $94

11 a.m. — I put some hasty finishing touches on my bridal bodice and my bridespeople help me into it. It buttons up in the back, so it’s hard to put on by myself, and I figured it would be slightly easier to put it on before getting make up done. I’ve made a lot of the wedding outfits myself — I usually cite Frieda Lepold (a German dressmaker) as my main designer inspiration for colors for the wedding and the design of my dress. For bridesmaids I wanted something simple and easy to fit to different people so I did slip dresses. D. is a big fan of the Witcher games and he wanted a coat design inspired by Olgierd von Everich’s very cool coat from the games!

11:45 p.m. — I heat up some leftover pad thai from Thursday night and eat that in a rush on the way to my makeup appointment. It’s chilly out, so I’m comfortable in a zip-up hoody over my wedding bodice, and I successfully avoid getting pad thai on anything important!

12 p.m. — I get my bridal makeup done! I meant to bring my own fake lashes to use to save on cost a bit, but I forgot them at home. I consider sending someone to grab them for me since they aren’t put on until the end, but I decide it’s easier to just pay a little extra for the makeup artist to use the lashes that are available. The final look is beautiful and I head to the venue to finish getting ready! The venue is already looking good when I arrive, as friends and our coordinator have set up the tables we rented and the decor we brought. $90

2 p.m. — The photographer arrives! She starts with the groom’s party since I’m still waiting on my flower crown that got left at the house. We’ve sent my father-in-law to go retrieve it for me and it really helps complete the look. The weather is still pretty rainy so we take some photos indoors before moving outside once it’s calmed down a bit. The photographer has already been paid and everyone is looking great! When I see our day-of coordinator I give her a thank you card with a check for a $200 tip inside.

5:30 p.m. — After a beautiful ceremony officiated by a friend of ours, dinner is served. We have a taco bar with chicken and tofu options, and our day-of coordinator brings plates to me and D. as we chat with people. Toast are given, more photos are taken, and we cut our wedding cake, made by our roommate. Cookies are served for our guests, and the cake is enjoyed by me and D. We do the first dance, and the dance floor gets going. One of our roommates runs the Spotify playlist of dance music and uses the sound and light equipment we rented. Drinks are flowing — a combination of mead that D. brewed at home and cider that he got at a discount from the brewery where he works. I sip on it a bit throughout the night but make sure I’m sober to drive home later.

10 p.m. — We start the clean up. D. and I are assisted by friends and our day-of coordinator in taking down decorations, packing up the bar and the leftover food, and everything else that goes into clean up. I catch the bartender before she leaves and give her the $200 in cash and thank her for all her help. I head home, where my housemate and our friend unload my car full of wedding things while I go change into something more comfortable and crash for the night. $200

Daily Total: $398

Day Four: Sunday

9:30 a.m. — I get up in time to say goodbye to some friends (one who was staying with us and two who are getting a ride to the airport from her). I offer them leftover wedding cake and make myself some coffee, and I give them the house tour and say goodbye. Throughout the morning a few other friends stop by, and I give them leftover wedding cookies, cherries from the trees, and thank them for coming.

11 a.m. — My mom stops by with some breakfast pastries and blueberries. I have some of those and eventually we sit down and open wedding gifts. Some we’ve already opened: a nice set of pans from a childhood friend, and a KitchenAid stand mixer — I’d put it on the wedding registry as a group gift, but an old family friend single-handedly bought for us. We open a salad spinner, a yogurt maker, and a bread maker. Some other gifts are on their way from our online registry but haven’t arrived yet. We also received a bottle of wine, and cards with well-wishes and cash or checks in them. We get $100 in cash and $200 in checks from the cards. D.’s mom and her partner tell us that they would like to pay for a weekend away for the two of us as their wedding gift, and we should just let them know where and when we want to go. 

12:30 p.m. — The flow of visitors has ended for now, and D. and I take a nap. After the nap, I lounge in bed and initiate some Venmo transfers of contributions to our honeymoon fund, plus $19 that my sister sent me for Thai food. Today’s transfers total $359. I also start paying off some of my credit cards. On one of my new cards, I’ve earned a $200 bonus for spending enough in the first few months, and I apply that and another $21.55 in rewards to my balance and pay off the remaining balance (a good portion of it from the welcome event on Friday and other recent wedding expenses).

2:30 p.m. — I shower and then start gathering things and loading up my vehicle for the camping trip D. and I are going on for the next couple of nights. I booked us a campsite an hour and a half away for us to go decompress and have some time alone together after everything. Before we head out, my family stop by to say their goodbyes, and then we load up the dog and hit the road with me driving.

6 p.m. — D. and I stop for dinner on our way to camp. He wants to keep meals pretty simple after all the work we’ve put into the last few days, and I agree, so we buy two large pizzas to feed us for the next few days. I pay for the pizzas and he puts down cash for the tip. We make a couple quick stops for gas and at Walmart to grab headlamps and flashlights. D. pays and I drive us to camp. $63.75

8 p.m. — We get to camp to set up. The mosquitos are extremely bad and we’ve forgotten to bring any bug spray with us so I go beg the camp host for some. He’s kind enough to let us borrow some of his and it makes a big difference, although we’re still getting eaten a bit. We make a note to buy our own bug spray tomorrow in town, have a sip of mead for our honeymoon, and a small taste of the wedding gift wine, and call it an early night, as we’re both very tired from everything.

Daily Total: $63.75

Day Five: Monday

8:45 a.m. — I get up a bit before D., and the dog and I walk around the campground and explore a bit. Once he’s up we have some pizza for breakfast, I give the dog his breakfast, and then head into the nearest town 30 minutes away. (I haven’t been mentioning it but just assume I feed the dog twice a day every day.)

10 a.m. — D. buys us coffee (a dirty chai for me), and then we stop at Bi-Mart for some things. He waits with the dog while I run in and grab us bug spray, dry shampoo, lube, a collapsible dog bowl, mouthwash, a large container of trail mix, and some leather work gloves. Then we head out to explore the forest a bit. $58.21

1:30 p.m. — After a bit of hiking and exploring, we settle down at a park bench by the lake for pizza, wedding gift wine, and wedding cookies.

6 p.m. — After more exploring and a bit of a nap at camp, we go to the boat house on the lake for dinner. I get a fish sandwich and D. gets a steak sandwich. We get fries to share, and the dog gets a free pup cup. It’s a little pricey but the food is good — I pay for the food and D. covers the tip. We’re all happy and tired and head back to camp soon after. We make a fire at camp using downed wood in the area, but we soon retreat to our tent away from the mosquitoes. We have another sip of mead for our honeymoon and stay up for a while talking. $65

Daily Total: $123.21

Day Six: Tuesday

8:30 a.m. — More pizza for breakfast, and then we pack up camp early to escape the mosquitoes. We head into town for more coffee. I buy this time: a medium roast for him and a prickly pear latte for me. $14.10

9:45 a.m. — We look around a local shop a bit. D. was hoping for some every-day earrings to replace some that he lost during the wedding craziness, but we don’t see anything he likes for day to day. We do see some sets of wood flowers that you can assemble, and we’ve been enjoying putting together Lego flowers as a date-night activity. We buy a couple for us and one for our friend who helped us so much with wedding flowers. $15

11 a.m. — We head back to the lake and rent a canoe for an hour to paddle around. It’s a fun way to explore for a while. I pay. $50

12 p.m. — More pizza and wine! We finish off the wine and relax for a bit before packing up to head home.

6:30 p.m. — After napping and relaxing for a bit, we realize that we’re running late for a friend’s birthday dinner, so we hurry up and head out. I had already eaten some leftover pad thai before remembering our plans, but D. and I share a little sushi, get some sake for the table, and he also gets chicken gyoza. He pays and I put down cash for the tip. $15

7:30 p.m. — After dinner we go for ice cream with friends, and D. and I share a cup. I pay. $5.75

8:30 p.m. — Folks are still hanging out after ice cream so we move to a bar. I buy beers for me and D. We hang out for a while and then head home for the night. $18.88

10:30 p.m. — Once we get home, I look around online a bit. D. and I have been talking about honeymoon activities for when we do our bigger honeymoon in Scotland in August. We’re mostly keeping it on the cheaper side, planning to stay in hostels and live on sandwiches, but we’re not against splurging a little here and there on something that’s worth it. I realize that Scotland has some Michelin star restaurants, which is something we don’t really have access to in Oregon. I look around a bit and book us the seasonal lunch menu (more affordable than dinner time!) at Unalome in Glasgow for one of our days there. They take my card info but don’t charge it yet. Lunch will be £55 per person if we don’t include wine, with a £70 cancellation fee if we don’t show up or cancel with less than three days’ notice.

Daily Total: $118.73

Day Seven: Wednesday

8 a.m. — Finally back at work today! I have coffee and leftover wedding cake for breakfast. Most federal workers are back in the office now but I was hired as a remote worker and still haven’t received details on an office assignment after following up with the local office, so I’m still at home until someone gets around to telling me otherwise. It makes my mornings less stressful, not needing to get everything together to get out of the house. I sit down at my computer and start catching up on emails and tasks. My husband normally works 12-hour shifts Thursday to Sunday and every other Wednesday — this Wednesday he’s still off work, so I let him sleep. Later today he’ll help return some items to our wedding caterers and drop off a check for $1,658 for the remainder of what we owe them.

11 a.m. — I take a break to go walk the dog and eat some lunch. Lunch is leftover tofu and rice from our taco bar — still very tasty! Dog walking is also much easier when working from home. After lunch and a walk, I get back to work on projects. Most of our team is taking reassignments to roles that are less likely to get eliminated during restructuring, but we’re trying to wrap up projects while we can.

4:45 p.m. — After wrapping up work and sharing a few wedding photos with coworkers, I take another dog walk to wind down a bit. D. is turning leftover wedding taco bar food into burritos and I have part of one of those and some leftover salad for a quick dinner, and then it’s time for me to head out for a board meeting.

6 p.m. — I’ve been elected to a non-partisan position on a local governing board. My term doesn’t officially start until next month but I still go to the board meetings to be in the loop with what’s happening. Today it’s a small group, just me and four other board members, and there’s banana bread that one member has made for the group. I have some and settle in for the meeting.

7:30 p.m. — When I get home from the meeting, everyone at home is still a bit tired out and not feeling up to doing too much, so I take it easy for the evening. I check over my accounts and see that the wedding venue and our day-of coordinator have both cashed the checks I gave them ($2,900 and $200, respectively). I had made sure previously to transfer money into my checking account for these, out of the shared brokerage account my husband and I have. My phone bill has also been auto-paid from my account today. At some point we’ll order thank you cards for all the wedding gifts and all the help we received, and maybe we’ll do a little extra something for the folks who helped out the most, but for now that’s a task for another day. $3,100

Daily Total: $3,100

The Breakdown

Conclusion

“It was fun to look back and see how I spent the days before and after my wedding! There is a lot of uncertainty right now for federal employees and this week didn’t fully reflect that and the fact that my life and spending might change drastically if or when my work situation changes. However, this week did make me very appreciative of all the community that D. and I have supporting us. The time I’ve spent with friends, family, and my husband have all been extremely valuable to me and in that way I wouldn’t change a thing.”

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The matcha PR arc is nothing short of iconic. Once an unknown health drink, the powdered green tea quickly replaced the flat white as the wellness girlie’s beverage of choice. It didn’t stop there: matcha’s pastel green hue has infiltrated all corners of our lives, from matcha colored manicures to matcha-infused desserts and even matcha-inspired skincare. Revered for its steady, crash-free energy and numerous health benefits, it’s no surprise that matcha has cemented itself as the ultimate status symbol of the ever-elusive “clean girl”. So when a viral Instagram reel linked daily matcha consumption with hair loss, collective panic ensued. 

In the recent video, LA-based skincare brand founder Michelle Ranavat shared how she thinks her hair began falling out after she started drinking “too much matcha”. When I reposted her video on my Instagram story, my DMs were flooded with one burning question: “Is this real?!” One friend messaged to say she’d been experiencing unexplained hair loss for a while, but never once thought that matcha could be the cause. 

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A post shared by Michelle Ranavat (@michelleranavat)

For Ranavat, the signs were subtle but worrying nonetheless: Her braid was getting thinner, and she was losing far more hair during blowdries. While her hair fall wasn’t drastic, she tells me it was consistent and out of the ordinary. She’d only made one small tweak to her lifestyle — swapping out her coffee for matcha. A self-professed “matcha fan,” she was drinking matcha daily, sometimes even twice a day. “I loved the ritual, the energy boost and of course [the appeal of] all the supposed health benefits,” she says. But after a routine health check showed her iron levels had dipped, things began to add up. “I thought I was making a healthier choice,” she says, but she adds that the timing of her hair thinning lined up exactly with when she made the switch to matcha.

Her comment section soon revealed a trend, with many individuals sharing similar stories. “I’ve been experiencing hair loss lately and wondering why,” one person wrote. Another said, “Lately I’ve been drinking [matcha] every day and have been noticing hair fall.” For matcha obsessives, Ranavat’s video was an unexpected plot twist — one many didn’t want to believe. It’s even more confusing given that matcha is more commonly thought to support hair and scalp health, not harm it. In fact, a 2024 study into the benefits of matcha revealed a whole host of perks: reducing the effects of ageing, alleviating stress, as well as enhancing immune function and supporting skin health. 

Eva Proudman FIT IAT, a consultant trichologist at UK Hair Consultants, explains that matcha is an anti-inflammatory that may not only benefit hair but also support a reduction in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key hormone linked to hair loss. “[Matcha] can help to slow down the enzyme that causes DHT,” she says, adding that the high levels of antioxidants in matcha and green teas mean it is generally seen as a positive for hair health. DHT “binds to hair follicles and eventually causes hair loss,” notes a 2024 study into how plant extracts could help treat alopecia. The research highlights that green tea shows promise as a natural remedy against hair loss, particularly due to its ability to block DHT production. “Matcha is not a standalone hair loss treatment,” Proudman continues, “but [it] does have beneficial properties that are supportive to hair and scalp health.” So what’s really going on with matcha?

Can matcha actually cause hair loss? 

It’s not as straightforward as matcha directly causing hair loss, says Jessica Shand, a naturopathic nutritionist. It could actually come down to how — and when — you’re drinking it, as well as your overall diet, iron levels, and the quantity of matcha you consume. “Matcha contains tannins,” Shand explains, “which are natural compounds that can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron (the type found in plant-based foods) when consumed in large amounts (more than two to three cups) or too close to meals.” If you’re already low on iron (many of us are: iron deficiency is said to affect around one billion people globally), it can quietly become an issue, especially for women of reproductive age. Over time, Shand says, poorly timed or excessive consumption of matcha could lead to suboptimal iron levels. It’s this which can actually impact hair health.  

But here’s the thing: tannins are found in many teas, including green and black tea. So why is matcha in the spotlight? Shand thinks this is down to both its growing popularity and visibility on platforms like TikTok. In reality, low iron or ferritin levels are just one common dietary cause of hair loss. Other culprits may include insufficient protein intake and deficiencies in B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin D. 

Shand agrees with Proudman that matcha’s antioxidants — particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) — place it firmly in the “pro” column of healthy hair superfoods. She reassures me that you can definitely still enjoy a matcha without compromising your iron levels. But before you rush off to order your next matcha latte, it’s worth remembering that just like your sugar or salt intake, feeding your matcha cravings comes down to balance and moderation. 

When is the best time to drink matcha? 

Dr. Roshan Vara, hair transplant surgeon and co-founder of London hair transplant clinic The Treatment Rooms, says that for the average person, a daily cup of matcha is unlikely to cause iron deficiency or hair loss. In other words, there’s no need to throw out your matcha whisk just yet. “While there’s some truth to it,” he adds, “it’s not as simple as ‘matcha causes hair loss’.”

That said, if you already have low iron levels or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you might want to be more strategic about when you consume your matcha. Top tips from Dr. Vara include avoiding matcha with meals. In fact, a one to two-hour buffer before and after eating is ideal, as it gives your body a better chance of absorbing the iron. 

Shand always recommends holding off on caffeine for at least an hour after eating: “This helps with [the prevention of] spiking our master stress hormone cortisol, and the less internal stress we expose our bodies to, the better for our hair,” she says. She’s also a big fan of pairing your iron-rich meals with foods rich in vitamin C — such as tomatoes, strawberries, or red peppers — to boost iron absorption, too. If you’re taking an iron supplement, Shand advises skipping tea, coffee or matcha for an hour or two afterwards. 

For Ranavat, switching up her matcha routine has made all the difference. She is now much more mindful of when she drinks it, avoiding matcha around mealtimes and eating more iron-rich foods. Within just a few weeks, she noticed a significant reduction in hair shedding. “My hair feels stronger again, and the stress around my blowdries is gone,” she tells me. 

Sharing her experience online has opened up an important conversation around women’s hair loss. Ranavat had already been through the emotional rollercoaster of severe post-partum hair loss, so when she noticed the shedding again — this time, she thought, possibly linked to her matcha habits — she knew how gutting the experience could be: “If I could help someone catch a subtle change before it becomes something bigger, that felt worth sharing.”

So what else can you be doing to ensure healthy hair? For Proudman, it starts with the basics: “As a rule, a hair-healthy diet should be packed with protein and also contain fresh vegetables alongside some carbohydrates and healthy fats. Also, ensure plenty of water for hydration.” It sounds simple enough, but diet and water intake are often the most overlooked steps. Rather than fixating on or fearing one particular food or so-called “bad” ingredient, Shand suggests thinking more broadly: “It’s rarely a single food or drink causing hair thinning,” she says. “More often it’s a combination of nutrient gaps, stress, hormonal changes and overall lifestyle and emotional factors.” 

There are plenty of reasons for hair loss in women, and it’s important not to attribute it to one dietary habit alone: genetics and medication are major factors. While the causes of androgenetic alopecia (more commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss) are not yet fully understood, Proudman says that a growing body of research into male and female pattern hair loss shows that oxidative stress is a major factor. Even trauma, like PTSD, can be a contributor to hair thinning. Proudman tells me that, more recently in her clinics, she has seen a noticeable rise in hair loss cases linked to the use of GLP-1 weight loss injections. What she hasn’t seen is clients sharing concerns about matcha and hair loss. 

“I do think that the connection is overblown and the ‘theories’ circulating on social media shouldn’t be taken too seriously at all,” Proudman continues. “Matcha [consumed] normally and not to excess is actually beneficial. As with anything, too much can sometimes cause an issue, but normal usage — absolutely not!” Dr. Manav Bawa, a GP and aesthetic doctor specialising in hair loss, explains that matcha’s unique blend of ingredients may even support hair health: the caffeine in matcha improves scalp blood flow and allows hair follicles to receive nutrients and oxygen, while vitamins C and E support collagen production. “[Matcha’s ingredients] create a scalp-friendly environment that can help hair grow stronger and healthier,” he explains, adding that drinking it is a “simple, natural way to give your follicles the best possible chance.” 

So it looks like matcha isn’t the villain after all. If you’re noticing hair loss and think it may be diet-related, Shand suggests tracking patterns over time rather than looking for instant effects. She also recommends a blood test to check iron, B12, vitamin D, and a full thyroid panel — not just thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This is important because hair loss can often be a sign of thyroid problems; both an underactive and an overactive thyroid can disrupt hair growth, resulting in hair thinning or shedding. “Specialist blood tests can be instrumental in identifying potential dietary issues that supplements can help,” Proudman echoes.

The good news is you don’t need to quit your daily matcha. But if you are noticing hair shedding or suspect low iron, it’s worth checking in with your doctor or a registered dietician. A simple blood test can give you clarity — no need to panic or cut out matcha without knowing what your body actually needs.

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European soccer dominated sports bars and Instagram feeds this summer — especially with the Lionesses’ UEFA cup win and women’s soccer gaining more global momentum. Add in some major pop culture tie-ins (Ted Lasso’s fourth season announcement focusing on a women’s team, and a rumored Bend It Like Beckham sequel), and it’s no surprise the soccer aesthetic is hitting harder than ever.

Adidas mini track shorts (recently worn by Zoë Kravitz and more fashion It girls) also just landed on Lyst Index’s Q2 hottest products list. Plus, cleats (spotted on Rosalía) are popping up as an unexpected streetwear choice, according to Style Analytics. But TikTok has crowned the ultimate summer MVP of the sporty trend: the soccer jersey.

I first noticed the look while scrolling on Pinterest and TikTok — girls styling soccer jerseys for more than just game day. Then I started spotting them IRL across NYC, worn to brunch, drinks, and just about everything in between. As someone who grew up watching and playing soccer, the resurgence made me nostalgic and sartorially intrigued.

Ahead, see how I styled a few jerseys for everyday settings, from casual errands to the office and even nights out. And no, these jerseys aren’t tied to specific teams or players — they’re pieces I picked up from my favorite retailers, like Urban Outfitters and Old Navy. Think: less fandom, more athletics-chic.

How To Style Soccer Jerseys: Trousers & Cleats

To test the jersey-at-work theory, I wore my butter yellow cropped Puma jersey to the Refinery29 office. It didn’t feel too casual or out of place, thanks to a few key styling choices: I paired it with belted linen pants (that basically pass for black trousers), plus my sleek Adidas Taekwondo sneakers — no cleats in my closet (yet). But if you’re skeptical about the emerging trend, ballet sneakers (aka sneakerinas) offer a more wearable twist.

For accessories, I added a watch, colorful beaded jewelry, a Mansur Gavirel leather hobo bag, and a playful bag charm for just the right touch of (office-appropriate) personality.

How To Style Soccer Jerseys: Maxi Skirt & Kitten Heels

Inspired by the fashion girlies styling boxy jerseys with hyper-feminine staples, I decided to pair mine with a white maxi skirt and thong kitten heels — two summer wardrobe MVPs. Since this jersey is quite long and oversized, I draped and tucked it into the waistband, which gave the look a relaxed balance. Looking back, I’d add a chain belt to level it up even more for a night out.

To pull everything together, I color-matched my accessories to the jersey: a blue mini studded Dottz bag, red-framed Warby Parker sunglasses, and a green claw clip.

How To Style Soccer Jerseys: Capris & Ballet Flats

I’ve officially joined the capri comeback — and I’m not mad about it. For a weekend look, I paired a bold jersey with black capris and Mary Jane ballet flats, leaning into the retro feel. Yellow vintage-style sunglasses from Guess and an easy crossbody bag (not pictured) made it feel practical and fun. Add your everyday jewelry and take on the day.

How To Style Soccer Jerseys: Track Shorts & Sneakers

Sure, trendy jorts and baggy jeans are the go-to styling companions for soccer jerseys, but I wanted to channel the Adidas sprinter short vibe. For this look, I leaned into pattern and color: a checkered jersey, striped elastic-waistband shorts, and gingham Nike Cortez sneakers. A bright sling bag from T.J. Maxx and my beloved plush Monchhichi keychain brought it together, giving me all the joyful, comfy feels. It 100% made my inner child very happy — and officially cemented soccer jerseys as a new go-to for me. 

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Whether you’re reluctantly easing into back-to-school season or already dreaming up apple-picking outfits, Madewell’s new drop is packed with pieces to build your ideal fall (and transitional-weather!) wardrobe.

The reader-favorite brand’s fall collection debuts new denim silhouettes (like my current favorite: the Balloon Jean) and tons of luxe suede (from shoulder bags and ballet flats to cropped jackets). You’ll also find trending staples like preppy polo tops and boat shoes, as well as nostalgic east-west bags and polka dot prints. 

I stopped by one of Madewell’s NYC stores to test-drive the new collection IRL. Below, find my favorites — from my go-to curvy jeans and petite-friendly picks to an oh-so-luxe merino wool cardigan. Plus, peruse other hits from the fall lineup. Time to get to shopping.  

Madewell’s denim game remains unmatched, and the new Cleo Straight Jean style is top tier. From the retro front-pocket detail to the true-blue wash that gives ‘70s nautical energy, these are a style I’ll for sure be wearing on repeat. While the full-length silhouette was too long for my 5’3” frame, the brand offers petite jeans online that are ideal for me, with the petite Curvy jeans being my ultimate pick. They cinch my waist without back gapping and hit at my ankles (praise!), looking just as good with a casual cardigan as they do with a blouse for all the fall activities, from pumpkin picking to brewery hopping. 

As brand loyalists know, Madewell’s top selection is always strong. But this season, I found myself especially drawn to the striped short-sleeve polos and easy sweaters designed for layering. I’m also a big fan of the denim vest (I own a similar Madewell style from last fall, which remains a staple in my wardrobe) because it feels just as relevant heading into this season.

And don’t sleep on the brand’s accessories. The red suede shoulder bag is a statement-maker, but could easily work with dozens of fall outfits. Boat shoes and ballet flats are still having a moment, too — if you don’t already own a pair of each, now’s the time to cart up the brand’s classic styles.

I also have to highlight the Superwide-Leg Jeans for several reasons: the sage color is a refreshing alternative to the usual sea of blue, the drawstring waist adds an unexpected casual element, and the airy denim is supremely drapey and comfortable. While these pants have a matching vest, I paired them with a boxy shell top with a zip-up back — and the color combo is giving me quintessential fall vibes.  

The style that I giddily took home with me was the Curvy Balloon Jean — also available in a striking white wash. It offers a more subtle curve than a horseshoe or barrel jean silhouette, which makes it incredibly versatile to style. These can be dressed up or down, but I went the casual office/weekend route with a ribbed cardigan (the iridescent buttons are so good) and a spacious shoulder bag dotted with chunky studs. 

Shop all Madewell

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I just so happened to be taking my first solo trip at the same time as Tracee Ellis Ross’ new series Solo Traveling hit Roku. And it turned out to be divine timing. 

A weeklong trip to Oaxaca City and Mexico City had been on my vision board for about two years. As an avid traveler, I’ve always loved Mexico. I became obsessed with everything I had heard about the culture, food and art of these two cities and found myself daydreaming about sipping a mezcalrita at a speakeasy and dancing with a belly full of the country’s finest tacos. iIt remained just a dream as I came up with excuses for why I couldn’t go just yet — I needed a decent amount of time off from work, a good chunk of disposable income, a snatched waist, and a great travel partner. The list was getting longer and longer. It wasn’t until I was at my absolute wit’s end and needed a vacation for my mental health’s sake that I realized that I’m my own best travel partner.

This is the thesis of Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross. Over the course of three episodes, Ross packs viewers in her carry-on as she takes us with her on solo trips to Marrakech, Morocco, Riviera Maya, Mexico and Marbella, Spain. The Girlfriends star is already known for her aspirational life approach, charismatic silliness and all-around majestic aura, but there was something very special about seeing Ross share her solo travel so intimately. Her awkward moments dining alone felt as resonant as the loneliness she’s honest about feeling.

But Ross underscores the curse of constantly waiting for a “perfect time” in your life to do the things you desire:“So much of what solo travel is about for me [is] not waiting for something in order to walk towards my life, in order to be in my life, in order to experience my life,” she said in Episode 1.

As a Black woman solo traveler, there are plenty of factors to take into account. I was heading to a country where I don’t know anyone and don’t speak the language. When I talked about my travel plans with friends and family, they’d tell me to “be careful” because of stories of travelers going missing or racism they experienced abroad. I nearly backed out of my trip until I recognized that if I let others project their fears onto me, I’ll still end up just dreaming about this trip instead of taking it.

So with only mild anxiety and a whole lot of wanderlust, I took a dream vacation by myself. My first stop was Oaxaca City, where I stayed at Grana BNB, a gorgeous former mansion turned bed and breakfast with amazing service in the state’s capital. During my visit, Oaxaca was celebrating La Guelaguetza, an annual festival that emphasizes communal reciprocity. And I truly felt their generosity. Daily performances, museums, parades and a hell of a lot of mezcal and mole (the region’s signature) kept me busy over the course of 4 days. On the third day, I visited Hierve el Agua for a grueling hike that was absolutely worth it to see one of only two petrified waterfalls in the world. 

On Friday, I arrived at my accommodations at Hotel Volga for four days in Mexico City. I splurged a bit, treating myself to a more luxurious stay in the city. Located in the bustling Roma Norte, I ended up walking around the neighborhood a lot. I felt as if I was growing taller the more I explored. Even with it being the rainy season, I felt like this trip’s timing couldn’t have been better. From buying a ticket from a scalper at a Luchadores match to dining solo at the Michelin-starred Pujol, I moved around like the only one granting me permission was me. And that’s something I tend to forget at home as calendar invites and imagined responsibilities take control. 

My trip felt like jazz. Impromptu, soulful, vibrant and exploratory. I did exactly what the hell I wanted for eight days straight and sometimes that was nothing. It was healing. As Black women, we’re constantly checking on others, nurturing our communities and playing maternal roles regardless of if we choose to have children of our own or not. It’s overly draining. 

Ross dropped so many gems in her show. But what stood out to me the most was how much the show uses silence to underscore Ross’ time to herself. I found myself sitting in silence a lot. I often opted for the room’s AC or rainfall over my headphones. I relished in the quiet. But I also found myself a bit anxious because of it until I got used to it. Then I realized those were the same moments that I was going deeper into myself in ways I couldn’t access without travel.

At 33, I’ve had to get real about what my biggest fears actually are. Nowhere on that list is getting lost, hurting myself in another country or getting racist stares. What I fear most is regret that I let anxieties stop me from living the life my heart desires.

“I’m responsible for my own happiness,” Ross said in the show. Black women must remember that for our own sake. We deserve a life full of wonder, rest, joy and vulnerability. And we deserve to know that the world is our oyster regardless of who is or isn’t on life’s journey with us.

Though this was my first international solo trip, it won’t be my last. And with Solo Traveling now renewed for a second season, I hope more of us find the courage to stop waiting for others and see that we’re our own best travel buddy.

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Back-to-school season is officially here. Whether you’re a college freshman, a returning student, or someone simply inspired by that BTS mindset, now’s the perfect time to channel that nervous excitement into prepping for the year ahead.

College brings freedom, responsibility, growth, and exploration — usually, all at once and for the first time. Adjusting to this new chapter can be overwhelming, but the right tools, supplies, and support can make the transition smoother.

From a thoughtfully designed planner to help you stay on top of assignments, goals, and deadlines to press-on nails that let you show up as your best self even on a tighter budget and schedule, the right essentials can go a long way. Below, we’ve rounded up some back-to-school must-haves worth adding to your cart or gifting to a college-bound Latina you love.

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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