This Monday marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day — the 75th anniversary of the genocide of six million Jewish people during World War II. In honor of the freedom brought to prisoners that day, Britain’s Royal Family is honoring survivors and remembering the lives lost in a heartfelt new photo series.

Kensington Palace unveiled two new portraits shot by Kate Middleton on Sunday. In them, the Duchess of Cambridge depicts concentration camp survivors Steven Frank, 84, and Yvonne Bernstein with their grandchildren. Frank is joined by his granddaughters Maggie and Trixie Fleet, 15 and 13, and Bernstein is photographed with her granddaughter Chloe Wright, 11.

The families met Middleton at Kensington Palace earlier in the month for the shoot and spent time discussing their lives with her. The photo series, which will culminate in a 75 photo exhibition later this year, is a joint collaboration between the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), Jewish News, and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

“The harrowing atrocities of the Holocaust, which were caused by the most unthinkable evil, will forever lay heavy in our hearts,” Middleton stated alongside behind-the-scenes photos of the photoshoot on Instagram on Monday. “It is so often through the most unimaginable adversity that the most remarkable people flourish.”

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Today is #HolocaustMemorialDay, which takes place each year on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and honours survivors of the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution, and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Earlier this month, The Duchess of Cambridge met two Holocaust survivors, Steven Frank and Yvonne Bernstein, as she took photographs for a project by @holocaustmemorialdaytrust, Jewish News and @royalphotographicsociety to mark 75 years since the end of the Holocaust. The Duchess’s photographs will be included in an exhibition of 75 images of survivors and their family members, which will open later this year. “The harrowing atrocities of the Holocaust, which were caused by the most unthinkable evil, will forever lay heavy in our hearts. Yet it is so often through the most unimaginable adversity that the most remarkable people flourish. Despite unbelievable trauma at the start of their lives, Yvonne Bernstein and Steven Frank are two of the most life-affirming people that I have had the privilege to meet. They look back on their experiences with sadness but also with gratitude that they were some of the lucky few to make it through. Their stories will stay with me forever.” – The Duchess of Cambridge Photographs © Kensington Palace

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Jan 27, 2020 at 2:07am PST

Middleton felt that depicting the series would shed light on the “unbelievable trauma” that these families experienced. She also said that “Yvonne Bernstein and Steven Frank are two of the most life-affirming people that I have had the privilege to meet.”

Kensington Palace gave more insight into the photo series on their official social media on Monday, giving followers a look into the lives of Frank and Bernstein. As a child, Frank was sent to Westerbork transit camp in the Netherlands, then to the Nazi-founded Theresienstadt Ghetto in German-occupied Czechoslovakia. “Steven and his brothers were 3 of only 93 children who survived the camp – 15,000 children were sent there,” the posts explain. Accompanying Frank in his photo is a cooking pot held onto by his mother during their days in the camps. His father was killed in Auschwitz.

Bernstein, as a child, was hidden in France and traveled with her aunt and uncle, changing names and where they called home as often as they could. She brought a brooch and an ID card from 1939, stamped with the letter ‘J’ for Jewish, for her photo. Her uncle was killed in Auschwitz.

“It was a true honour to have been asked to participate in this project and I hope in some way Yvonne and Steven’s memories will be kept alive as they pass the baton to the next generation,” Middleton continued alongside her portraits. The forthcoming series will explore the lives the 75 survivors have built around the United Kingdom in the decades since their liberation.   

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As part of the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust, The Duchess of Cambridge has taken photographs of two Holocaust survivors with their grandchildren. The first photograph features Steven Frank with his granddaughters, Maggie and Trixie. Alongside his mother and brothers, Steven was sent to Westerbork transit camp then to Theresienstadt. Steven and his brothers were 3 of only 93 children who survived the camp – 15,000 children were sent there. The Duchess also photographed Yvonne Bernstein with her granddaughter Chloe. Yvonne was a hidden child in France, travelling in the care of her aunt and uncle and frequently changing homes and names. The Duchess said: “I wanted to make the portraits deeply personal to Yvonne and Steven – a celebration of family and the life that they have built since they both arrived in Britain in the 1940s. The families brought items of personal significance with them which are included in the photographs. It was a true honour to have been asked to participate in this project and I hope in some way Yvonne and Steven’s memories will be kept alive as they pass the baton to the next generation.” The portraits will form part of a new exhibition opening later this year by @holocaustmemorialdaytrust, Jewish News and @royalphotographicsociety , which will feature 75 images of survivors and their family members. The exhibition will honour the victims of the Holocaust and celebrate the full lives that survivors have built in the UK, whilst inspiring people to consider their own responsibility to remember and share the stories of those who endured Nazi persecution. Portraits ©The Duchess of Cambridge

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:05pm PST

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Just when TikTok has climbed all the way to the top of the App Store charts to become the most addictive app of the moment, the ghosts from App Store’s past have come back to haunt us.

Dom Hofmann, the founder of Vine, is back with a new app, byte, that centers around “bringing back six-second looping videos.” The app’s tweet from January 24th also says that byte is “both familiar and new.” Did we mention that it’s also currently at the top of Apple’s US App Store?

It’s hard to imagine anything replicating, much less beating, TikTok’s incredible features – the lo-fi special effects and the booming audio track trade that made it an unbeatable meme factory. TikTok is a beautiful, chaotic mess of moving parts and multi-purpose buttons. 

But byte is already looking like it’s up for the task. The app relies on neon lighting, floating CDs, and holographic smartphones to tell us it knows about TikTok lighting and cares about retro vibes. It looks like something you’d find in the Apple Arcade, except it’s a week-old app (with years of history behind it). byte also has a Creator Program, aimed at helping creators exchange tips and share opportunities, the Google Form to get started with the program asks if you were a Vine user in the past – almost like it’s calling Viners back home. 

byte is very much a startup at the moment, working through kinks in its comment section with plans to at some point give users the ability to like comments and block or filter their comments. The developers also have plans to work on “creation features.” 

In a way, byte and TikTok are long-lost siblings. In August of 2018, users on an app called Musical.ly woke up to find that their accounts had been migrated to this then-new Chinese import called TikTok. Vine pioneered the funny, artistic, meme-ish short-form video and many Viners relied on apps like Musical.ly to make lip-synching videos they then posted on Vine. (When Twitter bought Vine from its founders and found it couldn’t turn the profit it wanted, Vine was shut down.) TikTok’s overnight success is largely due to its purchase of Musical.ly and the vacuum Vine left in its wake.

A quick scroll through the app’s feed and discover pages reveals that most of byte’s users are former Viners, current TikTok’ers, or both. The Vine nostalgia is very real – enough to turn TikTok into the app of the decade. And given how easy it is to spend hours on either of those apps, there might just be enough love to go around.

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Welcome to Money Diaries, where we’re tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We’re asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.

Today: a Data Scientist who makes $93,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on Benadryl.

Occupation: Data Scientist
Industry: Technology
Age: 23
Location: Austin, TX
Salary: $93,000
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $2,043.86 (after taxes, health care, and retirement deductions)
Gender Identity: Woman

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $1,650 (I live alone and am paying WAY too much)
Loans: $0
401(k): $1,625.02
HSA: $229.16
Water/Trash/Pet Fee: ~$100
Utilities: ~$50
Internet: $50
Netflix: $0 (paid by my parents)
Phone: $0 (still on my parents’ plan)
Spotify: $15 (I pay and share with my parents)
Hulu: $10 (I pay and share with my parents)
Savings: $500 to a high yield savings account

Day One

6:30 a.m. — Alarm goes off, but the bed is so comfy. My boyfriend, B., is over, so we snuggle and actually get up around 7:30 because I need to be at a volunteer training by 8:30. I put on a Uniqlo grey mock-neck sweater, black Uniqlo leggings pants (the literal best thing in the world), and fringe hoop earrings from Madewell. My makeup is always a bit of foundation and a swipe of an eye shadow pencil, and today I put on a bit of Maybelline lipstick (I know so little about makeup, please help). Surprisingly, letting out the pup, getting ready, and making a quick thermos of coffee doesn’t take long, and I’m out the door by 8:10. Breakfast is provided by the organization I volunteer with, so I grab two breakfast tacos before heading in for presentations.

11 a.m. — Finished with training and I’m excited for the rest of the semester! I sign up for the workshop next Saturday before heading downtown for a haircut. I’m a few minutes late but my stylist doesn’t mind. I really like him and this salon. I’ve been trying to view haircuts as more of a relaxing luxury than a chore, and after years of chlorine damage from swimming, it’s definitely necessary. $65

12 p.m. — I stop by the Trader Joe’s next door to pick up some face wash (Trader Joe’s tea tree cleanser), a bottle of turmeric, and an impulse bag of brownie brittle ($11.46). I exit the parking lot, but the validation from the salon doesn’t cover it all ($3). I decide to treat myself and try to prevent further impulse buys during grocery shopping later and go to Better Half. I get a burger and coffee and sit outside enjoying the sun ($16.90 with tip). I go to Whole Foods, drop my compost in the bin and get groceries. I grab produce, eggs, salmon, and some cold brew-filled chocolates and an eye mask (so much for no impulse buys). The total is around $71 but after applying all my Prime discounts it’s down by $20! ($51.95). $83.31

3 p.m. — I get home, unload groceries, and walk the pup. I also find out that the new dog bed I ordered was actually under a pile of other boxes in the mailroom, so I grab that. I paid for this last week using Amazon gift cards I got for Christmas.

5 p.m. — Dinner is leftover lamb and veggies from a couple of days ago. I put the cushions in the new dog bed and pup plops down immediately. I start binge-watching The Magicians to catch up before the new season premieres. I also make myself an orange gingerade rum cocktail.

9 p.m. — Pup has been scratching the bed and himself A LOT. I decide to swap it out for the old bed and wash it the next morning, and wipe him down with a wet paper towel.

11 p.m. — Pup still hasn’t stop scratching himself, and when I turn on the lights, he’s covered in bumps! I rush him into a shower and scrub him down. He’s still scratching and the bumps aren’t going away, and now he’s coughing. I frantically look up the nearest emergency vets and call them asking what to do. They recommend Benadryl, which I don’t have, so I look up 24-hour pharmacies.

Daily Total: $148.31

Day Two

1 a.m. — We go to the nearest 24-hour pharmacy and I run in for Benadryl. I give pup one and the emergency vet says to wait 30 minutes and see if he gets better. The hives are all over his face and he’s still coughing and eventually, vomiting. I decide to take him to the emergency vet anyway. $1.68

1:45 a.m. — We’re at the emergency vet and he already looks and is acting better, but I can’t deal with this by myself anymore. While the vet takes him and checks him out, I call my mom, promptly freaking her out. The vet comes back and says that while he looks better, she still recommends some steroids and anti-nausea meds. At this point, I’ll do anything to make sure pup is feeling better. We finally get home at 3:45, I take out everything that I might be contaminated and collapse on the couch. Pup is looking better and we’re both exhausted. $231.52

10:30 a.m. — I wake up after fitful sleeping. Even though he was tired, pup still had a hard time settling down last night. The hives are pretty much gone but I think his head is still sensitive from all the scratching. I text with B. because I was sending him messages throughout the night. I FaceTime my mom and she helps me draft a message to the pet bed company. I hear a knock on the door, and B. is here with breakfast bagel sandwiches. I immediately lose it and start sobbing in his arms from being overwhelmed with gratitude and exhaustion. (I don’t care if anyone says “it’s just a bagel!” This is definitely one of those moments in our relationship for me). B. heads out and I send the message to the manufacturer. Pup and I intermittently nap.

4 p.m. — Finally get up and clean the apartment a bit, trying to erase all the contamination that could still be around. Pup seems a lot better, but the vet says to keep giving him Benadryl for a couple of days. I have leftover cauliflower fried “rice” from a few days ago, and watch TV and read Bon Appetit to try to relax. Bedtime by 10:30.

Daily Total: $233.20

Day Three

7:30 a.m. — Wake up and go on a short walk with pup, who is still low energy. I make a spinach and mushroom omelet (I’ve been making this for over a year and probably won’t switch it up any time soon). I’ll work from home today to keep an eye on the pup, plus I still don’t have to much to do since returning from vacation. The pet bed manufacturer replies to me, and I send them the vet report and bill.

12 p.m. — I eat some leftover stew from a couple days ago, then head out to use my lunch hour for the errands I meant to run yesterday. I switch a prescription to a different pharmacy and pick up foundation and lemons from H-E-B. I also return a Ring camera, so that’ll be $64.94 back to my account. $9.74

5 p.m. — Shut my laptop and go work out in my apartment gym, today I do 35 minutes on the elliptical and some light arms and abs. More leftover cauliflower fried rice and hummus with cucumber for dinner. I shower, use a questionable face mask, and hot glue my sneaker in an attempt to save it. I eat blueberries and chocolate while painting my nails, texting B., and watching The Magicians. Bed around 10:30.

Daily Total: $9.74

Day Four

7:45 a.m. — I accidentally turned off my alarm instead of snoozing, but honestly, it’s not too much later than I usually get up. Quick walk and usual breakfast, while reading the response from the pet bed manufacturer, in which they essentially are trying to pin the blame on me for pup’s reaction. (“Are you sure that your dog didn’t eat anything or touch anything he should have?” Which, no, everything was normal until he came in contact with the bed). I put on a yellow collared shirt tucked into black skinny jeans, and dangling fringe earrings (all from Madewell).

9:48 a.m. — Hop on the train to go to work. I bought a 31-day pass at the beginning of the month, and am trying to decide if it’s worth continuing, considering how much I work from home (my team is remote so I essentially only go in to be social and to use my external monitor). When I get to my desk, I text with my mom about how to respond to the pet bed manufacturer. I see that there’s a Women in Data Science competition starting, and message some friends about participating.

12 p.m. — Lunch with some friends is leftover tofu and veggies, from a couple days ago (I swear I’ll start cooking so y’all don’t have to keep reading about my leftovers).

1 p.m. — Back at my desk and I ping my manager asking if there’s any backlog work I can pick up. He asks me to summarize my projects from last year again, which bums me out because I feel like none of them were that successful so re-summarizing them just makes me anxious for end of year evaluations, and the lack of new work makes me nervous about my security on the team. I try to cheer and wake myself up with one of the cold brew chocolates. I finally respond to the pet bed company, which makes me anxious to check on the pup, so I head out to catch an early train back.

6 p.m. — I finish up my presentations and head to the apartment gym. I do 30 minutes on a stationary bike and then legs and abs. Back in the apartment, I bake salmon and sweet potatoes with dill chimichurri. While making the chimichurri my blender starts making weird noises, and it sounds like something is loose in the machinery. I have a stick blender from B. so I don’t feel too bad about getting rid of it. I eat dinner while watching The Magicians, then head to bed.

Daily Total: $0

Day Five

6 a.m. — I wake up before my alarm, go back to sleep, and still snooze way too late. The usual walk and breakfast. I put on an Original Stitch Pokemon Hawaiian shirt and grey Uniqlo leggings pants and do my usual makeup.

8 a.m. — Before logging on, I head to a local farm stand. I usually volunteer here on Saturdays, but because of my other volunteering, I won’t be able to for a few weeks. I pick up cauliflower, swiss chard, kale, and spinach. I end up staying later than planned chatting with friends, so I miss my usual train. I work from home for a bit before heading out for the 10:44 train. $21.10

12 p.m. — I snack on an apple before my usual noon team meeting. We go over what everyone has been working on and it’s evident I have the least on my plate, so hopefully work will pick up. After my meeting ends, I reheat the last of the cauliflower fried rice and have some chips from the kitchen. I chat with a friend about the data science competition, and then take a quick intro course on blockchain to start my personal learning for the year. Still no work so I head to the train station around 3:30.

6 p.m. — Today’s workout is a video from “Yoga with Adrienne” in my apartment. The pup is feeling a lot better, and he climbs all over me during the workout. For dinner, I try making chicken and rice meatballs from Bon Appetit, but they don’t keep their shape, which frustrates me as I think I’m normally a good cook. At least it still tastes good. I make half and resolve to try to make the rest tomorrow morning for lunch. I go to pick up a friend, T., because we’re heading over to our friend, O.’s house for a wine night. T. had a bunch of Winc credit, so she brings a rosé and O. provides popcorn while we chat and catch up.

11 p.m. — Leave O.’s and drop T. off. I clean the dishes from dinner and see that the pet bed company is refunding me the cost of the bed. They’re essentially dismissing the possibility that they could be liable for the vet bill, but this is the minimum result I wanted and it’s another $43.29 back to my Amazon account. Finally in bed at 1 a.m.

Daily Total: $21.10

Day Six

8 a.m. — I wake up later after going to bed later than I normally do. Walk and breakfast, then attempt number two at the meatballs. They fail again, and to make things worse, I find a GIANT COCKROACH in my HVAC closet (yes things are bigger in Texas and I hate it a lot). I run over to the leasing office because pest control comes on Thursdays and I want them to come set more traps. I call my mom and vent out all my frustrations about work, my apartment (this is not the first roach/there are lots of issues that I’m unhappy about, but that’s a whole essay in itself), and the stress from this weekend. I also text B. and he promises to come over later after work.

11 a.m. — I decide I’ll work from home and ping my manager asking for work. He replies and I’m set to start a new project tomorrow, which helps my anxiety a little. I have some sad chicken meatballs while working on the data science competition and listening to How Did This Get Made. They talk about Fateful Findings which I watched a while back and it reminds me how hilariously bad it was and cheers me up.

4:30 p.m. — B. comes over and I concede that the leasing office didn’t tell pest control to come by. We walk pup and have a long honest talk about our plans to look for new jobs and move out of Austin later this year. I really worried him today while I was freaking out, so we both feel better being on the same page and aligning our goals.

7:30 p.m. — B. leaves and my mom calls again to check on me. While we talk I clean the kitchen, take out the trash, and have leftover salmon and sweet potatoes for dinner. The jumpsuit I ordered from ASOS last week arrives and it fits perfectly! I go to bed around 10:30, grateful for B. and that my day ended on a bit of a high note.

Daily Total: $0

Day Seven

7:45 a.m. — Up after snoozing and scrolling, but I justify being lazy because it’s raining out and pup hates water. Usual walk and breakfast, throw on a striped H&M tee with Madewell black skinny jeans, then log on for more WFH and data science competition.

12:15 p.m. — I quickly eat leftover meatballs, then hop on a meeting. It’s another new project, so I’m excited to have another new thing on my plate. Unfortunately it runs long, so I miss the 1:19 train I wanted to take downtown. Luckily there’s a bus heading downtown, so I meet T. at the stop (my pass also applies to buses). On the way, we stop for a driver change and my manager calls me asking if I’m offline for the day. I explain that I’m using my lunch hour to run some errands. Apparently, his end of year evaluations are due today, so we need to send in our personal evaluations today. I rant to T. about how evaluations haven’t been mentioned before now (she used to also be under this manager and understands my frustrations).

2 p.m. — We stop at the jewelers to pick up a ring I got resized. My grandmother gave it to me and it’s way too nice to wear every day, but it’s beautiful and definitely worth the cost to resize it. $129.90

2:15 p.m. — Next we stop at a Capital One cafe and I pick up coffee for the both of us because it’s half off on my credit card. I get an horchata oat milk latte and T. gets a vanilla latte. $5.25

2:30 p.m. — Our final stop is to pick up my prescription and panty liners (I hate that name) because my period is starting soon. $1.50

3 p.m. — We go to the library downtown to work the rest of the day. I have a hard time connecting to the WiFi, so I can’t meet with my manager about evaluations before he has to be on other calls the rest of the day. I start working on my new project and T. and I pick up some books.

5 p.m. — T. and I head to the bus station and go home. I let out pup and start making dinner, which is turmeric salmon with greens from the farm, also from Bon Appetit. It works out so much better than the meatballs. I finish season four of The Magicians (sobbing) and text with B. for a bit. He’s also had a long week, so I plan to stay over at his place this weekend to try to cheer him up. I head to bed at 10 so I can be up early for a workshop tomorrow.

Daily Total: $136.65

We want to know: Have you ever had Group Chat drama? Are you in no fewer than 10 group chats — between iMessage, Instagram DM, Messenger, and Whatsapp? And are you constantly in fear of sending the wrong text to the wrong group? Or worse: sending something about the group to the group? Group chats are the ideal breeding ground for friend drama. Sound off here and tell us yours for a chance to be featured on the site!

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

The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more money diaries, click here.

Have you ever pulled off an office prank? What were the reactions? Have you seen one go wrong? If you have experiences with pranks in the workplace, please share your stories here, and they could end up in an upcoming story.

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Billie Eilish was flexing on everyone at last night’s Grammy Awards. Winning four major awards — Best New Artist, Album, Record and Song of the Year — the 18-year-old star showed up in statement style, wearing a slime green and black Gucci suit with bedazzled bishop sleeves, only to be outdone by her choice of accessories, including Matrix sunglasses, neon roots, fingerless gloves, and long green talons peeking out.

In what may very well be the “Bad Guy” singer-songwriter’s coolest manicure to date, she sported long, squared-off two-toned green acrylics embossed with the iconic Gucci double-G logo.

To get the look, Eilsih’s manicurist Emi Kudo partnered with OPI, and cocktailed a few of the brand’s gel polishes to create the perfect green tones. The rich base actually started with a shiny navy, the shade March in Uniform, blended with a teal tone. For the G logo, Kudo created a brighter green using OPI’s classic yellow, Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants, and a neon chartreuse gel.

While we could certainly talk about Eilish’s voice — and her emotional Grammys performance — all day long, we’ll leave you with some inspiration for your next manicure instead. Because if the coolest young star at the Grammys is any indication, we may be in for a slime-green comeback. (Of course, anything Gucci is always in style.)

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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While Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys, and Lizzo all chose to wear not just one custom or couture gown to last night’s Grammy Awards, but multiple, Lana Del Rey took a different approach to red carpet dressing: She wore just one dress, and she bought it at the mall.

Nominated for both Album and Song of the Year, the “Fuck It I Love You” singer showed up to the annual event arm-in-arm with her new beau, police officer Sean Larkin, wearing a Gatsby-esque silver beaded gown. Naturally, we assumed that the singer-songwriter, who famously walked the 2018 Met Gala red carpet alongside Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele and Jared Leto, would follow in the footsteps of her fellow attendees by wearing a custom gown or suit — and she almost did. But like so many of us have done before a big event, Del Rey changed her mind at the last second after seeing something that she felt beat out her previous sartorial selection. 

“So, I actually had another dress and then my boyfriend and I were getting a belt for him at the mall,” Del Rey told Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet. “And I saw this, and I loved it.” We can’t blame her. At first glance, we’d have never believed that her stunning selection wasn’t just as unattainable as the dresses that her fellow nominees chose for the event. Featuring short sleeves, a cut-out neckline, and a daring high side-slit, the gown, designed by Aidan Mattox, was extremely her: unique, retro, and beautiful. 

I FOUND LANAS DRESS ON DILLARDS IM SCREAMING pic.twitter.com/2hpNf9isKR

— iz ✰ (@lNMYBREATHIN) January 27, 2020

But the style and relatability of her red carpet dress aren’t even the best parts about her look. No, the real winner is that while supplies last, you could very well get your hands on the exact same dress. Oh, and did we mention that it’s on sale (for under $500 at Dillard’s)? Yeah, it’s that good. 

So while we’ll never know what Lana Del Rey was originally planning on donning for the 2020 Grammys, rest assured that because of an impromptu trip to the mall, you might get the chance to twin with the iconic musician — that is, if you can shop fast enough.

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In the ongoing saga unfolding around the Biden family, Hunter Biden is currently tied up in a paternity case settlement. After engaging in a sexual relationship with Lunden Alexis Roberts, she filed a lawsuit against Biden in May of 2019, naming him as the father of her child. After a ton of speculation and back and forth, a temporary settlement was finally reached on Monday. And, court documents state that Biden has agreed to pay monthly child support. 

Court documents also cited DNA test results showing Biden is the biological father of Roberts’ child, though he had previously denied that he was the father in a court filing. As a result, it now seems that the the 2018 paternity case, which Roberts originally filed seeking child support and health care might come to a close.

Amidst all of this mess, you might be asking yourself what on earth is going on. Or, more specifically, what exactly is Hunter Biden’s relationship with the mother of his child, Lunden Alexis Roberts? Inquiring minds would certainly like to know, but as it turns out, the answer is a little complicated. Get ready for some Succession-level scandal.

First, it’s important to note that Biden is not in a relationship with Roberts. The son of former Vice President and current presidential candidate Joe Biden, did, however, father the child with Roberts while he was dating his older brother Beau Biden’s widow. Shortly after Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015, Hunter began a relationship with Hallie Biden, who was previously married to Beau.

While Hunter and Hallie ended things with each other in April of 2019 after dating for about two years, Roberts’ child was born in August of 2018. That means that Biden’s affair with Roberts occurred while he was in a relationship with Hallie. Yikes.

So how exactly did Hunter and Lunden meet and what was the nature of their relationship? According to reports, Biden met the mother of his child while frequenting strip clubs in Washington, D.C. where she worked as a dancer, and there’s no evidence to suggest that their relationship went beyond that. It seemed to be just as much of a shock to the young Biden as it did to the public when Roberts claimed he fathered her child last May. To make matters more complicated, Biden married another woman named Melissa Cohen in May of 2019, the same month that Roberts opened up the paternity case.

The legal troubles surrounding the case and the drama it’s dragged in have been a pretty consistent source of attacks on Joe Biden during this presidential run. Ahead of the primary election, the Biden family is now making the wrong kind of headlines, making many wonder if this affair night cost Joe Biden some votes.

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In Joe Wright’s 2007 movie adaptation of Ian McEwan’s book Atonement, there’s much to admire. The shimmering heat of a summer’s day that ends in tragedy. Small moments of intimacy set against the unforgiving backdrop of WWII. A precocious performance from a young Saoirse Ronan, blue eyes narrowed with fierce resolve. But above all, there’s one image that has come to define the whole film: Keira Knightley as Cecilia Tallis in that backless dress, a human slinky of shivering green silk as she lights cigarettes, acts on newly voiced desire, and hugs her arms to her shoulders on the steps in the dark as the evening is plunged into something terrible and uncertain. 

It’s a spectacular dress. One that landed costume designer Jacqueline Durran with an Oscar nomination and stole the hearts of thousands of teenage girls, myself included, suddenly desperate to wear something similar (read: rendered in a shinier, cheaper fabric) to their prom. Of course, this is partly down to the shape of the gown itself, capturing all the sultry, bias-cut glamour of the thirties without feeling too much like a period piece. Ultimately, though, it’s in the color, too. Somewhere between fern and emerald and changing tone, like a gemstone, with the light, it’s a seductive green. A green that leaves the viewer aching. 

The allure of the green dress has been keenly felt again recently. On the SS20 catwalk they’ve appeared in numerous guises: jewelled and shiny at Sies Marjan; vivid and voluminous at Victoria Beckham; slinky enough to rival Knightley at Galvan; ornately patterned and accented with hot pink at Erdem; bold shouldered at Roksanda Ilincic; half-translucent at Balmain; and extravagantly sleeved at Mary Katrantzou (Jodie Comer recently taking to the red carpet at the Golden Globes in the same dress, imposing in her architectural sweep of green). Often these dresses have been scattered in ones or twos through pink, orange, or blue-hued collections, a refreshing pause – or maybe a pointed exclamation mark – amidst other, softer colors. 

That’s the way of the green dress though. It demands attention; often a strange kind of adoration. In softer, mintier shades it can be sweetly ethereal. But a brightly hued green, a green with vibrant, verdant depth, is a powerful thing. Sometimes dangerously so. Back in the 19^th Century one of the most popular shades of green dye – Scheele’s Green – was achieved through use of copper arsenite. As the name might suggest, this boldly shaded pigment’s key ingredient was arsenic. It rendered gloves, dresses, and even wallpaper highly poisonous. As art historian Alison Matthews David writes in her excellent book Fashion Victims, it did terrible things to the wearers of such lurid fashions, but the real brunt of this persistent desire for green was suffered by garment workers, with ailments ranging from sores to convulsions to sudden, violent death.  

Not all green gowns have had such literal, deadly consequences, though. Sometimes it’s worked a subtler kind of effect – destructive in other, more enthralling ways. Djuna Barnes’ amusing short story ‘The Terrible Peacock’ (1914) details the brief undoing of city reporter Karl, who is despatched by his editor in search of “a woman… more dangerous than Cleopatra, thirty-nine times as alluring as sunlight on a gold eagle, and about as elusive.” This woman with “electrifying” green eyes and bright red hair, who has been allegedly setting hearts and eyes fluttering in Brooklyn, is always outfitted in “slinky” green silk, found at first by Karl clad in a dress “that undulated like troubled, weed-filled water as she moved.” 

He immediately falls for this “Aphrodite of the Sea-Foam,” all but forgetting about his date with “Lilac Jane.” It’s a satisfying contrast: insipid-sounding pastel shades set against a sinuous “green goddess whose lure quite possibly spelled destruction.” Although there might be an adjacent, vampier kind of effect were she were clad in another color like red, The Peacock’s green dress suits her exaggeratedly erotic persona perfectly: conjuring images of sirens, folkloric enchantresses, and the thrill of untouchable desire. 

Barnes isn’t the only one to have invoked watery images when it comes to the appeal of a green gown either. In Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway our titular character moves through her much-anticipated party elegantly in a “silver-green mermaid’s dress” with “the perfect ease and air of a creature floating in its element.” In Atonement, too, McEwan writes of Cecilia discarding a pink frock for being too “innocently pale,” instead appraising her emerald-clad appearance: “It was a mermaid who rose to meet her in her own full-length mirror.” 

Perhaps we too want to be in thrall to green at the moment – coolly submerged and transformed into something mythic, hungering after its suggestion of unapproachability (think of Gatsby’s green light across the water, or the distant call of Oz’s Emerald City). But as filmmaker and artist Derek Jarman writes in his wonderful book on color, Chroma, “We feel green has more shades than any other color, as the buds break the winter dun in the hedges. Hallucinatory summer days.” For every green dress calling to mind a mermaid, whether benign or deliciously dangerous, there’s another that suggests something entirely different: springtime visions of renewal, gardens spilling over with flowers in June, the neon glitter of disco lights, regal Medieval queens, havoc-wreaking comic book villains, Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind constructing herself a new gown from “moss-green velvet curtains.” This makes sense. Green, as with all colors, comes with a complex set of symbolic associations, ranging from fertility to envy to growth to poison to money to hope to nature. 

Experts have settled on a combination of the latter two to explain the current interest in greens of all shades in the fashion world. In fact, Trend Union has even forecast it to be one of the key colors of the next few years – claiming an optimistic sartorial mood for the summers ahead. However, as much as one might be initially pleased to see anything adding to the growing sustainability conversation, a green garment seems a painfully on-the-nose way to signal participation in caring about the planet. It’s very easy to produce a forest or fern-colored garment. It’s much harder to meaningfully reduce a brand’s hugely harmful environmental impact. 

Besides, these explanations don’t quite get at the heart of the subversive brilliance to be found in a green dress. Yes, green can be a reminder of forests and meadows and intricate ecological systems under threat. But it also possesses other, more singular qualities. When I think of the green dress it’s through the lens of Tamara de Lempicka’s paintings and Djuna Barnes’ Terrible Peacock. It’s the detail found in lesbian poet Valentine Ackland’s sad and compelling semi-memoir For Sylvia: An Honest Account, where she describes the youthful fashion in London for committing extravagancies: “I remember wearing a bare-backed, sleeveless bright green evening dress and screwing a horn-rimmed monocle into my eye, and walking down the steps into the Savoy Ballroom like that – at the age of seventeen – for a bet.” It’s selfish actress Maria in Daphne Du Maurier’s The Parasites absconding from family duties to take a boat trip through Paris with her brother, his “camel coat” worn over her green evening dress. 

It’s glamour, of a sort. But also something a little more sly: commanding and gorgeous and vaguely unapologetic. A type of dress that really asks us to look at it, and maybe wish that we too were drifting around in bright green, floating, like Mrs. Dalloway, exactly in our element. 

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Fans the world over are still reeling from the sudden death of NBA star Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA on Sunday. Bryant’s daughter, Gianna, and seven other people also died in the accident that is still under investigation by police. Now, fans and friends of Bryant are looking for a way to memorialize the legendary athlete and it appears that his fans have come up with a way to do just that.

Two days ago, a petition circulated with the new initiative to change the NBA logo. It is currently a silhouette of former LA Lakers player and general manager, Jerry West. But, in the wake of Bryant’s legacy, fans are calling for Bryant to be the new inspiration for the image and asking for the NBA to officially change the entire organization’s logo to represent Kobe Bryant.

“With the untimely and unexpected passing of the great Kobe Bryant please sign this petition in an attempt to immortalize him forever as the new NBA Logo,” reads the petition. It was created two days ago and so far has amassed over 1.8 million signatures, a number that is rapidly growing.

Thousands have used the hashtag #ChangeTheLogo in solidarity. Among its most avid supporters are Snoop Dogg, Usher, and Justin Bieber who have all posted mock-ups of a possible new logo on Instagram calling for the image to be officially changed. “Let’s do what’s right,” wrote Snoop Dogg. “Couldn’t be a better time or all around athlete and person for it,” Usher wrote. The original logo was created in 1971 and with the exception of a slight font change in 2017, the logo has remained unchanged, reports the BBC. 

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#changethelogo

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Jan 27, 2020 at 3:05pm PST

After hearing of Bryant’s passing, Jerry West also released a statement saying that he felt like he had lost a son. “This loss of Kobe, Gianna, and everyone on board, is beyond tragic and incomprehensible,” said West in a statement. “I will love Kobe forever and always cherish the time that I spent with him. I watched him grow from an energetic kid into the man he became, making a difference in so many people’s life. He has left the world a better place.”

Bryant set countless records during his time in the NBA including youngest player to ever start a game and the youngest player to score 30,000 points in their career, but he is also remembered for how he spent his time off the court devoting time to funding youth sports scholarships and fighting homelessness in Los Angeles.

The NBA has not made any official announcements regarding a change to the logo. Over the years, fans have called for the logo to be changed to other players who have changed the game of basketball, but the logo has remained the same. It’s unclear whether it is being considered, but in the minds of Bryant’s fans, it seems an all too fitting tribute.

To sign the petition, you need to create a Change.org account or provide your name and email address when signing.

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New logo. @nba Let’s do what’s right

A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg) on Jan 27, 2020 at 3:57pm PST

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It’s almost as if people forget you can have more than one dietary restriction. Ice cream is too good a treat for us to not all enjoy together, but it’s contentious. Over half of the world’s population struggles to enjoy dairy, a problem to which nut-based ice creams are often presented as a solution. But while peanut allergies are rarer, they can be deadly. So do those of us who can’t eat dairy or nuts just wither away at the end of our miserable, ice-cream-restricted lives? Not on Ben & Jerry’s watch.

Fresh off the release of its Netflix & Chill flavor, Ben & Jerry’s made the obvious yet genius move to test out sunflower butter as the dairy-free and nut-free ice cream base to solve all our problems (well, almost, credit scores are still an issue). As someone with nut allergies, I eat sunflower butter – an incredible peanut butter substitute – almost every day and at first, I was sure I’d taste nothing but sunflower butter. But thanks to a classic array of fillings and flavors, that is not the case.

3️⃣ NEW Non-Dairy flavors! Introducing Crème Brûlée Cookie, “Milk” & Cookies, and Mint Chocolate Cookie! Made with 🌻 sunflower butter 🌻, they’re a new twist on vegan euphoria. Find them soon in a freezer near you: https://t.co/hil51foRBj pic.twitter.com/2do1bpIkly

— Ben & Jerry’s (@benandjerrys) January 28, 2020

Because it doesn’t actually have cream, Ben & Jerry’s calls its new invention “non-dairy frozen dessert,” of which there are now three flavors. The Crème Brûlée is a burnt caramel base with brown sugar cookies and salted caramel swirls. Then, the Mint Chocolate Cookie is the nut-free and vegan version of a classic that boasts chocolate sandwich cookie chunks in a minty base. And third, “Milk” & Cookies features a vanilla base, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, and chocolate cookie swirls. Like any good Ben & Jerry’s pint, each of these is a texture party that will have you digging for your favorite bits and chunks, only to realize you’re in the throes of a sugar rush. 

So there you have it. A nut-free, vegan, dairy-free ice cream that is rich and indulgent and uncompromising. You can find these pints wherever Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is sold and they’ll be priced at just under $6 a pint.

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We all know about the Meghan Markle Effect, aka the phenomenon that occurs when hundreds of thousands of people run out to buy anything that the former Duchess of Sussex is photographed wearing. But now that Meghan has split from the royal family, ditching England for Canada, it seems that a new style icon has stepped into her place across the pond: Harry Styles. 

Harry Styles isn’t new to the fashion scene. His friendship with Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele and role as the co-chair for last September’s Met Gala are proof of that. But recently, we’ve begun noticing that his influence on our shopping habits is on the rise. Extra high-rise trousers, sheer tops, rings galore — if Harry Styles is seen wearing a trend, you can bet that we (and the rest of the world) are going to buy it. But of all the Harry Styles-approved pieces that we’re jumping on board with, pearl necklaces are the ones that are catching on most.

Earlier this season, it was brought to our attention that the 25-year-old singer-songwriter was sporting the feminine jewelry option during the press tour for his new album Fine Line. The Internet, in turn, went wild. But it wasn’t just Twitter fans that started ordering pearl necklaces in bulk — celebrities did, too.

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*clutches his pearls. Two of my favorite things: A single strand of perfect pearls, and a simple Lacoste sweater. Pearls @official_mikimoto Sweater @lacoste #givemethesimplelife #selfsanta #myfirstpearlnecklace #keepingitclean #MALIBU

A post shared by Marc Jacobs (@themarcjacobs) on Dec 28, 2019 at 9:35am PST

In late December, none other than the Marc Jacobs shared his own pearl moment in the form of an Instagram selfie. “*Clutches his pearls. Two of my favorite things: A single strand of perfect pearls, and a simple Lacoste sweater. Pearls @official_mikimoto Sweater @lacoste #givemethesimplelife #selfsanta #myfirstpearlnecklace #keepingitclean #MALIBU,” the caption read. 

In the weeks since, the designer’s Mikimoto pearls have made a whopping ten appearances on his feed, including one selfie of Marc with his husband Char Defrancesco where both are showing off pearl necklaces — Marc wearing classic white pearls while Char’s are black. The caption includes a new hashtag that we’re sure will go viral: #hisandhispearlnecklaces. 

Styles’ influence didn’t stop with the newlyweds, though. And this next pearl necklace sighting was broadcast to 18.7 million viewers.

On Sunday night, we noticed that members of another aughts boy band were taking the former One Direction singer’s preferred jewelry item for a spin. During their performance of “Five More Minutes” at the Grammys, both Joe and Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers were seen sporting matching white pearl necklaces with their gold and black onstage looks. Coincidence? We think not. 

If our suspicion that Harry Styles is en route to take Meghan Markle’s place on the sartorial throne is correct, then Marc Jacobs and the JoBros aren’t going to be the last A-listers to jump aboard the pearl necklace bandwagon — not even close. Will Timothée Chalamet be next? What about Billy Porter? Only time will tell. Until then, though, we suggest clicking through all of Marc Jacobs’ recently-posted pearl shots and maybe, just maybe, getting a pearl necklace of your own. 

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Ghosting, breadcrumbing, paperclipping, stashing… get ready to add another dating term to your vocabulary: curving. First documented by Brittany Cox of Thought Catalog back in 2017, this phenomenon is a lot like ghosting, but without the abrupt disappearance. When someone curves you, they’ll occasionally respond to your texts, just eight days later — and they won’t actually commit to plans to meet up.

In her piece about the term, Cox begins by describing a man who curved her: They texted often, but whenever she tried to make an actual date, he’d change the subject. Cox’s friends informed her that she was being curved, a term Cox defines as “an ugly distant cousin of ‘ghosting.’” She writes, “When someone ‘ghosts’ you, they just suddenly stop responding with no explanation or goodbye. When someone ‘curves’ you, they keep responding, but they bat away any questions regarding commitment or any attempts to define your relationship.”

The term caught on, and it was subsequently covered by the Huffington Post, the New York Post, the Independent, Metro UK, and other publications. Tinder has even documented it on their blog, Swipe Life. 

In some ways, curving can be worse than ghosting, because at least with ghosting, it’s a one-time thing. Curving can stretch on for weeks, months, or even indefinitely. As the top-rated Urban Dictionary definition, submitted in early 2019, puts it, “It’s like ghosting but more brutal, ‘cause they wanna seem nice. Maybe they take days, or even weeks, to reply to your last WhatsApp message. But instead of leaving you hanging (like a ghost would), a curver will reply, but their responses will be sporadic, closed off, and often apologetic, e.g. ‘I’m so sorry for not texting, I’ve just been really busy with insert predictable excuse here.’ Of course, they really might have been too occupied with work, family, friends, or the washing up to take a minute out of their day to message to you……. or not.”

That “or not” is right. Is anyone really so busy they take eight days to reply “lololol” to your funny meme? No! They’re not a “bad texter.” You’re being curved. 

As for what to do about this lousy dating behavior: If you ask your crush if they want to get drinks and they reply four days later with a complaint about their coworker — but no answer — disengage and move on.

Carolina Castaños, PhD, founder of MovingOn, an online healing program, previously told Refinery29 how to deal with ghosters — and the same advice applies to curvers, too. “When this is the go-to way of responding for an individual, if they do not work on themselves, this will most likely not change,” she said. “This tells us that this individual has difficulty establishing relationships that are too close and that have a degree of intimacy. Think about what you want, what you want in a relationship with your partner or a close friend.”

In other words: You deserve better. Instead of focusing on your undeserving curver, use that energy to look for someone who will respond to your suggestion to get drinks with, “Sounds great! How’s Thursday? There’s this new cocktail bar I want to check out.” 

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Welcome to Money Diaries, where we’re tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We’re asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.

today: an account manager working in logistics who makes $40,000 and spends some of her money this week on a milkshake.

Occupation: Account Manager
Industry: Logistics
Age: 25
Location: Kansas City, KS
Salary: $40,000
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,075 plus commission if we sell more freight
Gender Identity: Woman

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $750 (I live with my sister, R. She owns the house and it’s just the two of us living together. This covers the cost of utilities.)
Loans: $0 (I know I am very fortunate to have parents who were able to pay for my college)
Private Doctor: $54 (he does not take insurance but I have been going to him for years and willing to pay the price)
Health Insurance: $273.92
401(k): $76 (my company doesn’t have great matching but I do the max amount I can do)
AMC A-List Movie Pass: $21.87
Netflix: $12.99
Apple Music: $9.99
Adobe/Lightroom: $10.89 (I am a portrait photographer on the side and I have found the best editing is done in Lightroom)
Gym: $0 (my dad unknowing still pays for my gym membership and I have never told him otherwise)
HBO: $0 (use my brother’s account)
Amazon Prime: $0 (use my sister’s account)
Cell Phone: $0 (R. and I are on the same plan and she includes the cell bill in my rent)

Day One

5 a.m. — SNOOZE I CAN’T BELIEVE IT IS MONDAY!!

6 a.m. — Okay time to actually get up, I cannot sleep in today. I have to be in the office early every day this week to help cover for my coworker who is out of town for the week. I let my dog, N., out and feed her breakfast while running around brushing my teeth and getting dressed. Quickly throw on some foundation, blush, and mascara. Grab an orange and a protein bar and head out the door.

7:15 a.m. — Get into the office and cross my fingers it will be a calm day. My coworker I am covering for is a bit disorganized and has some really demanding clients which can lead to a big mess.

8:30 a.m. — I go catch up with my coworker who I’m closest to, O. She is in her thirties and has children, but she is so funny and I am so happy I have her here. The Chiefs won the playoff game yesterday, WHOOP WHOOP, so everyone is talking about the game.

12:30 p.m. — Whoa how is it already lunchtime? I love when I feel like the day is flying by and I haven’t even noticed. I live less than 10 minutes from the office so I go home every day for lunch and to let N. outside. I am so thankful I can go home for lunch because I save so much money and I usually try to get some things knocked off my to-do list during my time home. Shoot over a few emails to a coworker and make my way home. Grab a salad mix from Trader Joe’s and eat half of it and string cheese. I clean up my room a bit before heading to one of my favorite local coffee shops. I run in, say hi to the owner, and grab a mocha. $4.89

3:30 p.m. — Things have started to pick up and I decide to make a list for my coworker of things that would be easier to handle if done ahead of time, passive-aggressive I know, but I have tried to talk to him about it so many times and I am struggling to get my point across.

5 p.m. — Surprisingly getting out of here on time. Head home and feed N. dinner. I live with my older sister, R. She is working out tonight so I let her know I fed N. and that I might not see her because I am going to yoga tonight. My back is in need of some serious help. I change into my work out clothes and head to the gym.

6 p.m. — I don’t know what I was thinking leaving so early because yoga doesn’t start until 7, Monday brain got the best of me. Well I am here so might as well run. I used to run all the time and I haven’t in months so slowly trying to get back into it. Run a mile then walk until it’s time for the class to start.

8:30 p.m. — Home from yoga and so happy I went! I am exhausted so I talk to R. for a little then hop in the shower, rinse my body, wash my face, brush my teeth, put on my night cream, and am out like a light.

Daily Total: $4.89

Day Two

4:45 a.m. — I am determined to go to the gym. I quickly change into workout clothes and make my way to the gym. My gym is about 20 minutes away so driving back and forth adds so much time. Every time I think about it, I remind myself I don’t pay for my gym membership so I shouldn’t complain.

6:15 a.m. — Wow, I am so proud of myself for getting up, that was an awesome workout! I truly love working out but getting there is always the hardest part for me. Hop in the shower for a quick rinse, load up on the dry shampoo, and do my usual skincare routine. Feed N., let her outside, grab an acai bowl, and head to work.

7:30 a.m. — I can already tell today is going to be rough. I take a deep breath, pop in my headphones to listen to Billie Eilish, and get to work. I enjoying having background music while working, something I don’t have to pay attention to.

12:30 p.m. — Lunch could not come soon enough. My stomach is growling and my eyes desperately need a break from my computer. I head home and eat the second half of my Trader Joe’s salad and some dried mango. The sun is shining and the snow is melting. I decide that N. could use a little walk, so I use the rest of my lunch to walk her around the neighborhood. She is almost 14 so we walk at a nice glacial pace. We head inside and I make my way back to work.

5 p.m. — I am out of here! I quickly get out of the office in case I get pulled into doing something else that can wait until tomorrow.

6:30 p.m. — I am meeting up with a girl, B., for dinner that I met through an Instagram event and we have become pretty friendly. I know this sounds so pretentious, but I have a Kansas City Instagram and go to events all the time to post about places or events happening. I have to admit I have met some incredible people through this community. I started the Instagram just as a personal bucket list of trying places around the city I have never been to. I never realized where it would take me, but it has been such a fun journey. B. and I choose a restaurant we wouldn’t normally go to because it is on the expensive side but it is KC Restaurant Week, meaning there is a pre-set three-course dinner for $35 — a total steal for some of the restaurants that participate.

8 p.m.— I stick to one glass of wine because I know I don’t need any more than that. For the first course, I order an onion soup and it is surprisingly flavorful. For the second course, I order beef tenderloin. For the third course, I order an apple pastry and I am a little disappointed as it is kind of dry. $59.86

9 p.m.— I am totally exhausted and ready to go home. B. doesn’t really seem to be in a rush so finally, I ask for the bill and apologize that I need to go home and get to bed. On the way home I listen to Monday’s mini-sode of My Favorite Murder. I typically listen to podcasts in the car because it’s too difficult to listen during work.

9:30 p.m. — Barely have the energy to take my make up off but I somehow get myself to do it. Finish up my nightly routine and crawl into bed.

Daily Total: $59.86

Day Three

6 a.m. — Wow I must have been really tired because I don’t remember turning any of my other alarms off. Ugh, how is it only Wednesday? Even though I will be rushing, I decide to get a quick run in before heading to work. After my run, I hop in the shower for a rinse, throw on some make up, feed N., and head out. Do you ever feel like you consistently run out of products all at the same time? I definitely do. I finished my deodorant, foundation, dry shampoo, body wash this morning. I’ll go to Target after work to restock.

7:15 a.m. — I come into a mess of emails and yet again it’s going to be another rough day. I am really trying to start focusing on the positive in situations so I tell myself everything will be okay and I get cracking.

11:45 a.m. — This day is totally kicking my butt. I realize I haven’t even gotten up once because I am so glued to my computer. I walk a lap around the office before getting right back into it.

12:30 p.m. — Thank god it’s lunch time, I could really use the fresh air. It’s a bit colder today than it was yesterday. I am so exhausted when I get home I throw some frozen taquitos in the microwave and call it lunch. N. is going crazy because she wants to go on a walk. Somehow I convince myself to brave the cold and use the rest of my lunch to take her on a walk. I listen to Tame Impala on the walk around the block so loud I cant hear myself think — I need that every now and then.

4:30 p.m. — There is no way I am leaving work on time today. I am getting hit in every direction on top of still covering for my coworker who is out of town. I can’t remember the last time I had a day like this. I am supposed to see a movie (Just Mercy) with R. tonight but I honestly don’t know I will make it. I text her and let her know and she is really disappointed. I tell her I will check in again at 5:30 and we can decide. R. and I are big movie people and we typically see one once a week. We have the A-list movie pass, which for us is a total steal because if you use it twice a month if pays for itself. With our schedules being so different, this is the one thing we keep the same week by week.

5:30 p.m. — IM OUT! I definitely left work for myself to do tomorrow, but I can’t skip movie night. I get home and R. comes to pick me up from her work out class. We head to Target to get movie snacks and I run to grab new deodorant and dry shampoo (luckily, I found a new bottle of foundation and body wash so I don’t have to buy those today). I also get Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn. $14.16

9:15 p.m. — Michael B. Jordan is so hot and is an incredible actor. I highly recommend Just Mercy to everyone! My shirt may or may not be wet from the tears I shed throughout the movie. R. and I get home and I tell her I am so mentally drained that I need to go to bed. I take off my makeup, wash my face, use my night cream, and head to bed.

Daily Total: $14.16

Day Four

3:30 a.m. — I wake up of having a horrible nightmare — the kind that feels so real that you wonder if it happened in real life. It takes me a few minutes to get back to reality and fall back asleep.

4:45 a.m. — I know I will really regret if I don’t go to the gym this morning. I get dressed and head out. This is really rare for me to actually work out four days in a row and I am not going to lie, I am extremely proud of myself.

6:15 a.m. — I don’t have a great workout, but I went nonetheless and worked up a sweat, so it’s a win in my book. I shower and actually wash my hair. I think it’s the first time since Saturday, but who’s counting? I throw some makeup on and get dressed. I have a restaurant preview party tonight, so I put a little more effort into my outfit than usual. I feed N., grab a banana and an acai bowl, and head to work.

7:15 a.m. — Arrive and it’s already off to a rough start. I could really use a break, but I don’t see that coming anytime soon. I throw my headphones in so no one can bother me and get to work. I decide to listen to a mix up of LSD (Labrinth, Sia, Diplo collab) and Of Monsters and Men’s newest album.

12:30 p.m. — I head home for lunch knowing that I will have to take a short lunch due to the craziness of today. I get home and let N. out, shove a salad in my face, and head back to work. When I get into my car, N. is peeking out through the front window which she does every time I get in my car. She has this look in her eyes like I am never going back and it breaks my heart. I repeat out loud I will be home later and I love her, acting as if she can A. hear me, and B. understand me.

3 p.m. — Someone from the office brings in freshly baked pretzels from the shop across the street and even though I am not hungry I can’t resist them. I go chat with a couple of coworkers about some new restaurants opening up around the area before heading back to my desk to the 30 emails I missed in 10 minutes, shouldn’t be surprised.

5 p.m. — My manager warns me that the weather is supposed to be really bad tomorrow and to take everything home in case I need to work from home. I don’t mind snow but I hate when it is icy. I head home and freshen up for my restaurant preview event tonight. I asked my friend K. to come with me since I get a plus one. We decide it is easier to drive separately.

6 p.m. — The restaurant is a combination of a wings and waffles joint. I go to the bar and grab a glass of wine and wait for K. to come. She finally gets there, grabs a drink, and we snag a spot in a booth. There isn’t much direction of when they will be serving food so we just catch up while waiting.

7:30 p.m. — Everyone seems to be a bit confused as nothing is really happening. Finally, the owner gets a mic and starts to talk about the idea behind the restaurant. Then, they bring each person a plate to try the six wing flavors they offer. I really like three of the flavors, while the other three are okay. Then we get to try three mini waffles, which each have different toppings. After the waffles, they bring out three more mini waffles, mini chicken sandwich, waffle fries with cheesy corn on top. I am absolutely stuffed by the end. K. and I quietly talk about the potential of the restaurant and how long we see it lasting before deciding it is time to go home.

9 p.m. — I get home and R. is putting away the dishes. We usually do a really good job of trading off house duties. I tell her I am wiped but want to watch the latest episode of Schitt’s Creek. She tells me she has a snow day tomorrow so she is up for it, the life of a teacher. I take off my makeup, wash my face, brush my teeth, and put on my PJs. R. and I each wrap ourselves in a blanket and N. sits right in the middle of us. Schitt’s Creek is one of those shows that I consistently laugh out loud through the entire episode. After the show we say goodnight and I head straight to bed.

Daily Total: $0

Day Five

4:45 a.m. — Turn my alarm off because if the weather is bad there is no way I am driving 20 minutes to the gym.

6 a.m. — I check outside and it actually doesn’t look that bad. I decide to go into the office because working from home is too difficult with my job. I throw on jeans and a Chiefs t-shirt since it’s Red Friday. (Every Friday before a Chiefs game is Red Friday in KC and people wear Chiefs clothes. Not sure why and I don’t always do it but with the playoffs I figured why not.)

7 a.m.— I tell R. I am going into work and she starts yelling at me and telling me that is a bad idea. R. and I are super close but ever since I was younger she has tried to act like a mom to me. Our mom passed away six years ago so her “motherly instincts” have really gone up a notch. I love and appreciate that she tries to look out for me but I think she still treats me like her baby sister instead of an adult. I tell her that she wouldn’t understand because she doesn’t understand my job and that I am going. I quickly grab my stuff and head out the door before instantly getting a text from her asking to text her when I get to work.

7:20 a.m. — I get to the office and text R. The best part of our relationship is we are the kind of sisters that can have a big fight and are instantly okay afterward. The roads are actually fine and I don’t see why everyone made a big deal about it. I am really hoping I will get a break today and it won’t be as hectic.

11 a.m.— A local jeweler is releasing her Valentine’s Day collection today and I am so excited. I basically have an addiction to earrings. I met the owner at one of her pop-ups a few months ago and she gave me a promo code for when I buy something. I love all of her stuff, but I narrow it down to three pairs of earrings. I use the promo code and my total is down to $46.75. I love supporting local small businesses and owners. I message the owner and tell her I am so excited and sharing the link with others. $46.75

12:30 p.m. — I make my way home for lunch to find R. hanging out on the couch watching the Aaron Hernandez special on Netflix. I make both of us lunch, which is cauliflower gnocchi, and turkey bolognese sauce — thank you Trader Joe’s frozen section. R. and I catch up about my day which is surprisingly going okay. I head back to the office and tell R. I will see her later.

1:30 p.m. — For some reason, my stomach starts to hurt really bad. I think I might have eaten my food too fast and it upset my stomach. I also realize I haven’t had much water to drink all week. I fill up my tumbler and hope it goes away.

5 p.m. — Yes, I am out of here! I pack up my stuff and make my way home. I come home to N. who really needs to go outside and go to the bathroom. I sit on the couch for just a little before freshening up and heading to dinner with my friend, K.

6:30 p.m. — I swing by K.’s house and pick her up since she is on the way. We are going to a Louisiana-style restaurant that asked me to come and check out their menu. I am so excited because I love this kind of food and drive by this place all the time. We each order a beer and then decide to split jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp and grits, and blackened catfish. The portions are huge, but everything is so good! We get the bill, which is $92 but I show our waitress the email and our meal is free. K. pays for the tip since I took her out.

8 p.m. — We head to our friend’s place to go out, which is a rare occurrence. I decide I am not really in the mood for heavy drinking, so I offer to be the DD. We hang around for awhile before heading to a bar with a live band performing. We snag a spot on the dance floor and show off our terrible moves.

Daily Total: $46.75

Day Six

2 a.m. — My bed is calling my name so time to head home. I manage to take my make up off and brush my teeth before hitting my pillow hard.

7:30 a.m. — R. comes into my room after hearing me use the bathroom. She is glad to see I am awake and suggests we go to the store since we are both up. I barely have both eyes open but agree to get it out of the way. We head to Trader Joe’s and divide and conquer. We get salad mixes, apples, bananas, celery, carrots, eggs, salsa, plantain chips, hummus, nuts, jelly, turkey meatballs, seltzer water, and cheese. We split the bill down the middle. $44.40

9 a.m. — I totally forgot I am going to brunch with my coworker, T. I quickly throw on something that resembles an outfit and head to the restaurant. I get there and T. has already put our name down. This is out first time really hanging out outside of work and I cant wait to gossip about everyone in the office. Once we are seated, I order a veggie breakfast burrito. $14.07

11:30 a.m. — I decide to call my grandma and see if she needs to run any errands since the brunch place is close to her apartment. She is 94 and in really good condition. She is ecstatic I call and, of course, has a laundry list of things to do so I go straight to her apartment.

3 p.m. — I finally tell my grandma I have to go because I’m meeting friends at a brewery (I also just have reached my quota and need to get out before losing my mind). We hug and kiss goodbye.

4:30 p.m. — I meet up with my friends at the brewery. My friend, B., pays for my drink and I will get her back later. After our drinks, we head to a restaurant market down the street and I get fries and a shake to share with everyone (the shake is really for the Instagram, not going to lie) while everyone else gets bibimbap and chicken sandwiches to share with the group. We part ways to recoup before dinner plans this evening. $14.50

8 p.m. — Rejoin my friends at a French restaurant for dinner… damn, I am eating every meal out today which I hate doing. I am really not hungry so I order a glass of wine and french onion soup for dinner. I also get a dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth. $22.50

11 p.m.— Luckily everyone is on the same page about heading home tonight since the Chiefs game is tomorrow and we need to conserve energy. I do my usual night routine before passing out.

Daily Total: $95.47

Day Seven

8 a.m. — Ugh, I really want to sleep in but I need to get a bunch of stuff done before the game. I get up and throw a load of laundry in. My friend B. calls me to tell me we are all meeting at the bar at 11 to get a table. I wash my face, brush my teeth, and throw some makeup on. Before leaving, I get a few other things on my to-do list done and I feel accomplished knowing I won’t have to do them later.

11 a.m.— I head to a local bar and grill that has a brunch buffet and bottomless mimosas. We are going to be here awhile so might as well enjoy it. I load my plate up with salad, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and potatoes. $44.88

2 p.m. — I am not sure how many mimosas I have inhaled, but let’s get this game started! I love football and if the Chiefs win this game it means they are going to the Super Bowl. My family group chat is already blowing up in anticipation of the game.

4:30 p.m. — Somehow I get roped into taking shots. They are some super sugary drink and I am pretty sure there is zero alcohol in there. We decide to order nachos to soak up the sugar. $27.60

5 p.m. — CHIEFS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!! I cannot contain my excitement and I cry tears of joy. We all take another shot and decide to go out. I seem to be the only person that works on MLK Day so I decide this will be my last drink. We make our way to another bar to meet up with our friends that went to the game. I drink water since I haven’t had any all day. Everyone is going crazy, this is such an exciting time for Kansas City.

10 p.m. — I say my goodbyes to everyone and go home. I feel so gross from all the crap I ate this weekend. I try to remind myself to not get down on myself so much as I am trying to have a healthier relationship with food. I take off my makeup, brush my teeth. I fall asleep telling myself I will eat better this week and continue to push myself to work out. And I can’t forget, we are going to the Super Bowl!!!!

Daily Total: $72.48

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

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More than ten people have died in state prison in Mississippi since the beginning of 2020 — most of them in one particular state penitentiary: Parchman. Parchman’s death toll continue to rise at a horrifying rate, with some prisoners reportedly beaten to death during their incarceration.

According to Essence, data shows this is nearly double the average of deaths per month for the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and the annual health inspection report from the state found the prison to have extremely unsafe living conditions. Most recently, a 26-year-old inmate named Joshua Norman was found dead in his cell.

This week, the Mississippi Governor, Tate Reeves, called for the closure of Unit 29, the cell block where most of the deaths have happened, and some celebrities are using their platforms to help address the crisis happening in Mississippi.

Following uproar about the conditions at the prison earlier this month, it was Jay-Z and Yo Gotti to the rescue. The rappers have responded to the crisis by making it their personal mission to seek justice, moving to help 29 inmates sue the prison. Earlier this month, Jay-Z and Yo Gotti paid for lawyers to help the inmates file a federal lawsuit alleging the conditions at Parchman are inhumane and unconstitutional. The lawsuit calls the most recent violent deaths the result of “years of severe understaffing and neglect at Mississippi’s prisons.” 

The rappers are not only paying for lawyers and using their resources to help elevate the importance of the case in the public eye, but have become personally invested in it. Both celebrities called for a reform rally in Mississippi to be held this month to bring public attention to the crisis, with Yo Gotti also writing a letter to the Governor about the conditions in the prison “growing more dire by the moment.” 

The emergency motion they filed last Thursday highlights conditions including flooded units, black mold, rats, lack of running water, severe cold and lack of heating, lack of food and severe understaffing. It states that, “There is no room for mistake or ambiguity: the situation at Parchman is an ongoing and lethal humanitarian crisis. Without this Court’s immediate intervention, more people will die, injuries will worsen, and conditions will further deteriorate.” It also requests that a judge visit the prison to witness the extremely inhumane living conditions for themselves. 

In an interview with CBS News, Yo Gotti said, “Governor Reeves’ plan to close down a Parchman prison unit that has caused devastating deaths is a necessary first step. Beyond that, he must implement broader safety measures to address similar issues in other units and urgently provide inmates with medical attention. In the interim, we’re calling for the Department of Justice to step in, move the Parchman inmates to federal prisons and ensure their immediate well-being.” 

Even Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has weighed in about the cruelty going on in Mississippi. “What is happening in Parchman and in jails across this country is cruel, inhumane and downright criminal. Mass incarceration hasn’t made us any safer. We need to fight to dismantle and radically transform this country’s criminal injustice systems is fundamentally unjust,” she said in a statement to Refinery29.

“What this country needs is a bold, radical reimagining of what public safety and justice can be by prioritizing decarceration and investments in our communities.” Pressley also said that facilities like Parchman are exactly why Congress must pass the People’s Justice Guarantee, which she believes is a blueprint for a humane criminal legal system.

Yo Gotti, Jay-Z and their team have made it clear that without serious action, the nature and number of the deaths occurring in the prison will only escalate. Ultimately, the lawsuit asks for the court to find the prison in violation of inmates’ rights and to create a plan to prevent and eliminate further harm to inmates. It also asks for relief for compensatory and punitive damages tied to the deaths and the costs of the lawsuit.

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When it rains, it pours — in the bedroom, that is. Venus, the planet of love, pleasure, and romance, has been resting in the deep waters of Pisces since January 13. With Venus moving into fiery Aries on February 7, the next week and a half is the perfect time to revisit the ways in which we can tap into our quirky, sensual selves.

I get it. You’ve been extremely patient in your quest for love, taking notes on what turns you on or off in a partner, and fantasizing about all the ways you’d like to be stimulated — mentally, emotionally, and physically. In the beginning of 2020, we were immersed in earthy, grounded Capricorn energy. This asked us to slow down and to be more strategic. But when Venus moved into Pisces this month, we began to see that patience pay off.

Over the next week and a half, your intimate relationships and sex life have potential to flourish and radically transform, but only if you’re willing to trust your intuition and let your heart talk. Pisces’ planetary ruler, Neptune, highlights our subconscious thoughts, dreams, and sensitivities.

The eighth planet also has a tendency to make us fall victim to others’ facades and illusions, though. Under Neptune’s influence, all boundaries are dissolved, and that could leave us open to manipulation and broken promises from others — or to deceitful behavior ourselves. 

Perhaps you’ve been faking your orgasms so good, your partner (or partners) genuinely believes they’ve been rocking your world. Or maybe you’re the type to talk a good game via text, but when it’s time to hit the sheets, you freeze up. While Venus rests in Pisces, honesty is the best policy. There’s the potential for us to have some of our most passionate, toe-curling sex ever — but that will only come from open communication. 

Pisces is widely known for its emotional sensitivities, which in turn makes for great heart-to-hearts. Now more than ever, you might crave foreplay before jumping your partner’s bones. You may want to spend more time admiring each other’s bodies or teasing each other — even tracing your partner’s tattoos or stretch marks with your tongue. Venus in Pisces wants you to honor the beauty in all things. 

Several recent transits have played a role in making this time such a fortuitous one for love. When Venus shifted into Aquarius at the end of last year, we began to open up to meeting new people and started scouting potential flings. We learned the importance of accepting others for who they say they are, and honoring one another’s eccentricity.

Then, as the sun moved into Aquarius on January 20, the energy in the bedroom got a little more risqué. Aquarians are typically known for their uniqueness, their spunky taste, and rebellious behavior. Nothing with an Aquarius is normal or boring. Combining Aquarian and Pisces’ energy opens up new possibilities. This is the time to experiment with kinks, explore threesomes or group sex, or maybe even film a sex tape, if you’re into it.

During this new decade, we can no longer make room for mediocre sex. Thanks to Neptune’s influence, you’ll be rewarded for keeping it honest with your partner. The ability to listen and practice vulnerability are two of Pisces’ greatest characteristics.

The need for forthrightness extends inward, too. Tune into what your body craves at all times. In the mood for an orgasm mid-day? Go for it!

Right now, Mars, the planet of action, lust, and aggression, rests in Sagittarius. This means your impulsivity and horniness is through the roof. Mars in Sagittarius wants you to acknowledge your inner freak and place her on full display. Yes, this includes sex in public — if you’re sneaky enough. But even a good ol’ fashioned quickie before work can give you the energy boost you need. 

Venus in Pisces grants us all the opportunity for our fantasies to manifest into the material world. That doesn’t necessarily mean the object of my daydreams (Michael B. Jordan) will appear to sweep me away (he’s sadly taken). But during this time, I can create the same kinky sex I envision having with him.

While Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto all rest in the sign of Capricorn, we must face previous struggles with a fresh mindset. For example, some of us may have chosen to withdraw from sexual activity out of fear of contracting STIs or making the wrong soul-ties. Both are valid reasons to take a break. But it’s important to recognize when we are limiting and punishing ourselves. Everyone deserves a chance to begin again.

Venus in Pisces asks us to keep it real with our intentions, trust our intuition, and have patience when exploring our new reality. Let your heart do the talking, but be aware of the red flags that you may be disguised under your rose-colored glasses. Still, don’t let your mind play tricks on you. No one knows what you desire more than you do. It’s time to own it.

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