SAVAş is a modern woman's destination for how to live a stylish, well-rounded life. Read on for breaking entertainment news, fashion tips, health, and more.
The start of summer means that most people are out and busy, soaking up the sun, enjoying BBQs and planning last-minute beach getaways. If you’re like us, however, you’re most likely still locked into all your favourite movies and shows, eagerly scrolling the internet for more news of upcoming cinema releases and streaming drops.
Over the last month, Hunger Games fans rejoiced as they announced that Glenn Close would be starring in the latest instalment as the cruel custodian of District 12, Drusilla, alongside Billy Porter as drug-addled stylist, Magno. For musical theatre heads, the release of the Wicked: For Good trailer had everybody buzzing with anticipation for the closing chapter of the box-office smash hit. Plus, The Materialists press tour gave us enough content to keep us smiling for weeks to come.
Still, as we head into July, we’ve got our eye on a new slate of content heading our way, with Netflix rolling out plenty of must-see dramas, documentaries and more. To discover all our favourite upcoming shows and movies coming to the platform this month, read on ahead…
Our Netflix Star: Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel
For those paying attention to fashion in the 2010s, American Apparel was known for giving wearers serious social currency. Becoming one of the most successful US fashion brands, the disco-pant producers were a Tumblr style blogger staple, with sexually promiscuous ad campaigns making them globally famous. But as the new Netflix documentary details, the brand that so many young people wanted to work at was actually crumbling on the inside. Exposing the actions of CEO and founder Dov Charney, the doc discusses the sexual harassment claims, financial mismanagement and toxic work practices that brought about the end of American Apparel.
When: July 1 Watch if you like:White Hot: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch
The Old Guard 2
If there’s one thing Charlize Theron knows how to do, it’s kick ass. Returning for a second instalment, The Old Guard 2 follows Andy (Theron) and the gang on their continuing mission to save the world. As immortals, the group have spent thousands of years trying to do good, but this time they must go up against the first of their kind, Discord (played by a sword-wielding Uma Thurman). Enlisting the help of Tuah (Henry Golding) to try and understand the mystery around their immortality, the warriors must face their biggest challenge yet.
Split into two parts, The Sandman returns for its final season with 11 new episodes. Based on the award-winning comic book series, the second instalment promises to bring the story to a fulfilling close, following Dream as he embarks on a mission to save the realm, himself and the conscious world from his past actions. Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones), Indya Moore (Pose) and Freddie Fox (The Great) join the fantasy epic alongside the original cast, including Gwendoline Christie, Stephen Fry and Joely Richardson.
For those old enough to remember the Project X movie, it was a pop culture moment like no other. Based loosely on the plot of a real-life teenager who threw an out-of-control house party, the term ‘Project X’ subsequently entered the cultural lexicon for Tumblr teens. Now, for the first time, the real Dutch teenager who created an open Facebook event in 2012 speaks about how things went so wrong so quickly when tens of thousands of people signed up to attend. Ending in a full-blown riot and an estimated £15,000 in damages, the doc details exactly how one teenage girl from a tiny town threw the most viral party of the 2010s.
Thinking about heading into the great outdoors this summer? Well, this new Eric Bana-fronted series might have you feeling differently. Set in Yosemite National Park, this mystery thriller follows a National Parks Service agent as he attempts to enforce the law across the sprawling forests and mountainscapes. From the writer behind The Revenant and American Primeval this is a series that examines what happens when humans and the wilderness go up against each other.
When: July 17 Watch if you like:Yellowstone, 127 Hours
Happy Gilmore 2
In 1996, Adam Sandler gifted Happy Gilmore to the world, a beloved comedy about a down-on-his-luck hockey player who turns to golf in the hopes of saving his family from bankruptcy. Now, 29 years later, Happy returns to the course, this time a father having to find money to fund his daughter’s dance school tuition. With a star-studded cast including Ben Stiller, Julie Bowen, Margaret Qualley, Bad Bunny, Eminem, Post Malone, Rory McIlroy and even Sandler’s real-life daughter, Sunny, this promises to be a sports sequel with some substance.
When: July 25 Watch if you like: Running Point, Stick, Happy Gilmore
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
It’s summer: the temps are high, the days are long, and the fresh Lululemon finds? Major. Forget the Fourth of July sales — Lululemon Summer Scores is here. The brand’s limited-time, online-only event is live now, and it’s packed with great finds across apparel, accessories, and more. Whether you’re running errands, heading to Pilates, or planning a long weekend escape, this warm-weather edit is designed to move with you (and keep you cool while doing it).
With standout styles across every category — think featherlight leggings, sweat-wicking tanks, all-day bags, and sporty outer layers — now’s the time to refresh your rotation with feel-good favorites. The event won’t last forever, so scroll on to shop the best Summer Scores available now… before they’re gone.
Lululemon Leggings
From hot Pilates to breezy evening walks, a solid pair of Lululemon leggings is always in rotation. Now’s your chance to score cult favorites like the Wunder Train and Align-adjacent silhouettes — breathable, sculpting, and made to last season after season.
Lululemon Shorts
Bike rides, hikes, beach days, or just walking to get coffee — these shorts are built for all your warm-weather moves. The Summer Scores lineup includes best-selling silhouettes like the Hotty Hot and Align Short, plus lounge-ready styles you’ll live in off the mat.
Lululemon Tops & Tanks
Sweat-wicking, featherlight, and ready for whatever the day throws at you. Whether you’re layering for a workout or need a wear-everywhere tank that doubles as a going-out top, these styles pull double duty all year long.
Lululemon Joggers & Pants
Lazy Sunday plans? Travel days? Late-night ice cream runs? There’s a Lululemon pant for that. These throw-on-and-go silhouettes — from Softstreme wide-legs to fan-favorite Scuba joggers — are comfy and made for repeat wear.
Lululemon Sports Bras
Supportive enough for movement, stylish enough to wear solo. From low-impact yoga flows to afternoon errands, these sports bras bring breathable comfort and buttery-soft fabrics you’ll reach for daily.
Lululemon Jackets & Sweatshirts
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you won’t need a layer — especially for early morning workouts or post-swim cooldowns. These cozy picks (hi, Scuba) are perfect for tossing on and heading out, no matter the forecast.
Lululemon Skirts & Dresses
Equal parts sporty and sweet, these skirts and dresses are made for tennis dates, travel days, and sunny strolls. With built-in shorts and soft-stretch fabrics, they bring that cutesy summer energy with all the function.
Lululemon Bags
Lululemon’s viral belt bags, crossbodies, and all-day totes are ideal for concerts, trail walks, errands, and travel — basically every summer plan on your calendar.
Lululemon Sneakers & Sandals
Whether you’re logging miles or just want a supportive slide for pool days, Lululemon shoes are always a smart pick. From everyday sneakers to recovery-ready sandals, now’s your chance to score these best-sellers while they’re still in stock.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
If you’re in the habit of spritzing perfume on your wrists, you’re missing out on a key piece of real estate: your hair. As a fragrance-obsessed editor, I find hair perfumes to be a vastly underrated category. They come at a snip of the price of eaux de parfum — which typically feature a higher fragrance oil concentration — making them a low-commitment way to trial a new signature scent and a great option for gifting. Unlike traditional perfumes, hair perfumes typically contain little to no alcohol and instead boast moisturizing, shine-enhancing ingredients that help nourish rather than dry out your ends.
Standing at just 5 ft tall, I’ve come to learn that my hair often makes the first impression when I talk to taller people. Having hair that smells amazing feels like a small but meaningful way to make a good first impression. I personally find that my hair holds on to scent molecules longer than my skin does, especially in the summer when I’m sweating a lot in the heat. Not only are hair perfumes great for scent layering, but they also leave a lovely trail when I move around.
Ahead, I’ve rounded up a list of hair perfumes I’ll always keep on my beauty shelf.
This intensely feminine hair mist is by far my most complimented perfume. I always get told that I “smell so expensive” when I hug someone while wearing this scent. Bulgarian rose, bergamot, jasmine, and pink pepper form the basis of this sensual and spicy floral scent, which lingers on my hair for hours and has incredible projection. I’d say that because of how heady the rose heart notes are, it’s more suitable for nighttime wear.
Peaches is the hair perfume equivalent of a refreshing cocktail on an unbearably hot and sticky afternoon. It has a candy-like initial blast, but the dry down is surprisingly photorealistic: juicy peach notes smell exactly like the actual fruit, while orris and ambrette musk bring a skin-like intimacy that reminds me of peach fuzz. It’s an ideal beach perfume that feels carefree and flirty, without being too much.
Do Son needs no introduction. This gorgeous white floral scent is a classic for good reason: it has a linear scent profile that’s equal parts elegant and distinctive, thanks to intoxicating tuberose, gardenia and orange blossom. The hair mist version is heavily slept on, in my opinion: the hit of tuberose is just as potent, and the packaging is equally beautiful as the full-size eau de parfum.
Vanilla Smoke marks an interesting deviation from the sweet gourmand perfumes that Phlur has helped popularize in the last couple of years. The scent is still anchored by warm and comforting vanilla, but smoky incense and sappy birch are here to inject depth and personality. The result is a woody, spicy aroma that almost smells like a burning vanilla candle. It’s so unique and elevated, especially considering the $25 price tag.
I reach for this crowd-pleaser of a scent when I need to impress. The bergamot, mandarin, and orange top notes lift my mood at first spray, and as the scent dries down, my nose is hit with an exquisite concoction of rose, jasmine, and ylang ylang. I love catching whiffs of this every time I move my head, and it helps me feel more self-assured. I’m glad that Chanel has retained its chic glass bottle and square cap, as many luxury brands package hair perfumes in a plain-looking aerosol bottle.
Gisou’s hair perfumes are my go-to for when I’m getting ready for bed. There’s something about making my hair smell like delicious honey that helps calm my thoughts, not to mention nourish the hair and boost shine. I carry the mini version of the lavender and blackberry scent on my travels; I’m convinced it helps me fall asleep faster.
If you can’t get enough of clean, musky perfumes, this Byredo classic is the one. There’s a reason Mojave Ghost is enduringly popular: it envelopes you in a cloud of magnolia, cedar, and musk that smells so alluring on freshly-showered hair. I like spraying this liberally onto my paddle brush and pulling it through my hair.
It doesn’t get any more summery than this coconut-based scent. I’m normally not a fan of sweet gourmand perfumes, but here the combination of coconut, vanilla praline, and bergamot really works to create something that smells delicious and inviting without coming off as cloying or juvenile.
Delina is an all-time R29 editor favorite; we can’t get enough of this sweet-yet-sophisticated fragrance, which greets the nose with a buoyant cocktail of lychee, peonies, rose, and rhubarb. I’m very happy to report that this fruity floral scent hits just as hard in hair perfume format. In fact, the creamy vanilla and cashmeran base notes smell more prominent on the hair. This is a great one to pop in the purse for fun summer plans, from festivals to picnics and garden parties.
I spritz this scent in place of a leave-in conditioner or hair oil when the weather gets too hot. It contains mongongo oil, an ingredient from Zambia that is rich in nourishing vitamin E and omega-6. There’s also aloe vera, which prevents breakage. My hair immediately feels softer after using this, and the refreshing coconut and musk scent is simply gorgeous.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
While it may be too late to cart up the sold-out, TikTok-viral 2-in-1 Maxi Dress, Lululemon’s new arrivals are here to refresh your summer wardrobe. The reader-favorite athleisure brand recently debuted new linen styles, expanded the colorways for the no-line Align leggings, and released updated iterations of its popular bags. Plus, from Wundermost camis and running shorts to Nulu mini skirts and button-down tops, Lululemon will have you dressed from barre class to brunch, and everywhere in between.
Read on to shop Lululemon’s summer arrivals, which are bound to become the next internet-obsessed styles — so act fast!
Lululemon Bags & Shoes
Whether you’re looking for a canvas tote bag and cushioned flip flops to pack for summer vacation, or the iconic belt bag (in a trending leopard print) and workout sneakers for hot girl walks, Lululemon has bags, shoes, and accessories in chic neutrals and versatile patterns to take you from season to season.
Lululemon Shorts & Skirts
Jumping on the Bermuda short trend, Lululemon is offering several six-inch and eight-inch styles in breathable and stretchy fabrics for everyday wear. But if you’re looking for more leg-baring styles, check out the Shake It Off running shorts in new colorways and the ballet-inspired Nulu mini skirts.
Lululemon Leggings & Pants
Famously beloved for its leggings, Lululemon is always elevating this category. Right now, you can find several new colorways in the seamless Align leggings, plus trendy capri lengths that are warm-weather-friendly. And don’t sleep on the joggers and wide-leg pants when putting together your casual summer outfits.
Lululemon Tops & Bodysuits
Of course, there are plenty of new activewear tops to shop, but we’re also gravitating toward more elevated styles like bow-tied tanks, square-neck camis, and three-quarter-sleeve linen tops. Style them as matching sets or with your favorite denim shorts. Also consider the Wundermost bodysuit for pilates classes and picnics alike.
Lululemon Dresses & One-Pieces
If you’re playing tennis, practicing yoga, or attending music festivals, Lululemon has a range of dresses, onesies, and jumpsuits appropriate for all kinds of summer activities. So whether you slip into a breathable Align dress with hidden shorts for low-impact workouts or a sporty lightweight jumpsuit from the brand’s Saul Nash collaboration, you’ll feel comfortable and cool while looking chic.
The moment summer arrives, I ask myself one question: How blonde is too blonde? This season, however, my normal desire to go as bright as the sun has been softened, partly thanks to conversations around ‘recession blonde’, which embraces more lived-in looks for the warmer months. While the top line might be about saving money (less bleach = fewer salon visits), the move towards a more relaxed blonde is exactly what my over-processed hair has been crying out for — and one particular shade has piqued my interest.
Enter: “teddy” blonde.
What is the teddy blonde hair color?
If you’ve taken one look at Pinterest lately, you’ll know that soft, grown-out blondes are everywhere, and no color is more popular than teddy blonde — a shade said to resemble the golden nuances of a teddy bear’s fur. The color has been spotted on celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Sofia Richie Grainge, who have left their bleached lengths behind to embrace more honey-hued, natural shades like this one.
According to Emily Payne, a colorist at George Northwood salon in London, the shade is defined by golden, warmer tones rather than the cool ashy ones we’ve been seeing recently: “There’s more depth to the blonde,” Payne told me, adding, “It’s not just a bleach blonde — there are much richer tones within it.” As such, it’s more of a low-maintenance blonde, as it can incorporate your natural color in between the lighter strands.
Payne cites cost and busy schedules as reasons behind people seeking more low-effort looks, but she also thinks that hair health is a key component: “I think a lot of people are trying to be in their healthy girl era and don’t want to bleach their hair as much as they used to do,” Payne told me. “Even brunettes, who maybe had highlights or balayage, want to go back to more of their natural color,” she reports.
What is the process to dye your hair teddy blonde?
As a blonde already, I was keen to know how the teddy blonde process would differ from my usual bleach and tone. According to Payne, it depends on how much blonde is already in the hair: “If there’s a lot of blonde and you want to add dimension, you can weave in more of the client’s natural color throughout the strands,” says Payne, much like this look on Glory Rose. She refers to the process as “reverse balayage”, essentially hand-painting dashes of darker hues.
As we were starting from a grown-out bleach balayage, Payne began by adding some reverse balayage to the back, which would help tone down some of the bright blonde and introduce more golden tones. Then she applied some sporadic bleach pieces to refresh the existing color and make the newly dyed pieces pop against the lowlights. Then we moved to the front of my hair, where we started to pack on the color, layering neat foils of bleach highlights around the top and sides, each interspersed with reverse balayage lowlights to add depth.
Instead of using permanent dye for the lowlights, Payne reached for salon favorite, Redken Shades EQ gloss, which fades out naturally and doesn’t leave behind regrowth lines. Even better? It’s less harsh on your strands: “A gloss is an updated version of a toner, where the color is a little bit more sheer and adds a shine as it closes down the hair cuticle post-dye,” Payne explains. Once all the highlights and lowlights were in, Payne layered on another slightly darker gloss at the backwash to soften the blonde pieces and to create a more golden sheen near the roots.
Is teddy blonde suitable for both light and dark hair?
Viral trends like this one won’t work for every hair colou, or it could take a while to get there. According to Payne, achieving the perfect teddy blonde requires starting from a handful of specific base colors: “For this look to work best, you would need to start from a ‘dirty’ blonde, dark blonde or light brown shade,” says Payne. For those with a darker base, Payne says that it’s possible to lift the hair to a richer, more caramel tone that’s similar but not as light.
How long does teddy blonde hair last?
The main appeal of teddy blonde is that it requires very little effort. For me, the looming feeling of having to get my roots done is never a fun one. Seeing a darker root emerging is something I’ve enjoyed, but anything that requires less work was always going to be a win for me.
That said, it’s still hair color, so with that in mind, how often do you need to refresh teddy blonde? “To start with, I would say every three months,” suggests Payne, but because it’s slightly darker than your average blonde, you might be able to stretch it to three or even four months. That’s all thanks to the lowlights, says Payne: As time goes on, the lowlights will gradually penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and bond more strongly over time, making the shade last longer. At the same time, any bleach will relax and soften, says Payne. The appeal of the softer, lived-in look is that it fades more naturally. In other words, if you choose not to refresh it over the summer, it won’t look severe come fall.
Styling is equally important to maximize the nuances of teddy blonde: “A lot of the reference photos people bring in are of that ‘90s bouncy blowdry, which really does complement the color,” says Payne. Adding, “I also think using your natural texture works great, especially if you have beachy waves or natural curls, because the blonde bits really pop and the darker pieces will create more dimension.”
While I usually wear my hair brushed out or in a slicked-back ponytail, Payne recommends enhancing natural waves with a hair cream (try Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Frizz Control Styling Hair Cream) to help define strands, smooth hair and limit frizz. For curly hair, her top pick is the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, which nourishes parched strands and imparts shine, all while enhancing your natural curl pattern.
To elevate the shade, hairdresser Harry Payne recommended cutting in some texture to amp up the ‘lived in’ look. He took inspiration from ‘00s icons like Sienna Miller and Kate Moss, making my hair more piecey at the front with subtle curtain bangs. Now I get those soft, flowy pieces around my face even when I wear my hair up. Payne’s top tip: Tuck the bangs behind your ears when your hair is damp to achieve the perfect C-bend shape when dry.
What’s teddy blonde like IRL?
I expected something super warm, but teddy blonde turned out much more subtle on me. The dark blonde tones woven through the honey blonde hues suited my complexion way better than the bleach blonde I’d outgrown. The gloss made my hair feel heavenly soft, and teamed with a much-needed cut, it left my hair feeling so much healthier. What’s more, the added layers somehow made my hair look longer and thicker. Since I’m on a mission to grow my hair out this year, it was much appreciated.
Bounding into the office, I was met with cries of “It looks so natural!” and “It suits you so well!”, confirming my feeling that the color was a good match for me. While the sun is likely to brighten the tones slightly over the summer, I know that I can go back to tone my hair at any time, without having to spend hours in the salon chair. Better still, it will look even more natural as it starts to grow out. Teddy blonde is a triumph, if you ask me.
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Mold makes an appearance in beauty products more often than we like to admit, whether it’s a brand that has formulated its moisturizer without preservatives (they’re essential for keeping bacteria at bay) or storing your makeup in a hot and steamy bathroom (the optimum environment for microorganisms to thrive in). And while mold can turn up pretty much anywhere, you’d assume that your skin is safe. But that hasn’t stopped TikTok from falling down something of a rabbit hole lately.
Whether you’re a chronic scroller or open the app every once in a while, you might’ve seen this viral video posted by content creator Kaley aka @allthingskaley. An enormous 21.8 million people already have, and the phrase “hair mold” is trending as a result. In the clip, Kaley says that she blow-dries her hair as soon as she gets out of the shower so that she “doesn’t get mold”. At first it caused confusion but then came a handful of comments from people who do the very same. The common school of thought? That air-drying your hair — or going to sleep with wet hair — can encourage mold to grow on your scalp.
As expected, TikTok began to panic. “What does hair mold look like????” asked one commenter. Another wrote, “I have never heard of hair mold until now…I’m also terrified!!!”
Can mold grow in your hair and on your scalp?
In my 10 years of beauty experience, I’ve never come across hair mold. So is it really a thing? And should you be worried? I put the question to a trichologist and a dermatologist with a specialism in hair.
First of all, it pays to understand what mold actually is. Molds are fungi, which feed off moisture. They can be harmful, and people with health issues may be sensitive to certain types. In moist environments, mold can technically grow anywhere, but is air-drying — or sleeping with wet hair — likely to cause it on your scalp or in your hair strands?
“In short, no,” says Dr. Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson. “Mold that you find in the air or on damp walls and surfaces is caused by a variety of different fungal species, and they are not the same as the yeasts that live naturally on human scalps,” she says.
What is malassezia — and how does it affect the scalp?
Before we get into the nitty gritty, it’s important to note that said yeasts are totally normal. A common yeast that lives on our scalp is called malassezia, explains trichologist Eva Proudman FIT IAT. It’s different from mold but, says Dr. Wong, “The combination of damp hair together with the heat emitted from the scalp surface creates the perfect warm, moist environment that encourages overgrowth of malassezia.”
Proudman explains that when the malassezia yeast becomes overactive (usually the result of excess oil on the scalp), it can lead to dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis, a type of scalp eczema. So what’s the difference? “Dandruff causes loose white flakes that fall easily onto the shoulders, and in many cases does not itch,” says Proudman. “Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes the flakes to turn yellow as they feed off of oil, and for them to sit on the scalp and within the hair,” she continues. “Seborrhoeic dermatitis is also usually itchy and causes inflammation on the scalp.”
While it’s very unlikely that mold can grow on your hair and scalp, your pillows and pillowcases are not exempt, says Proudman. “[These] will absorb moisture and become damp from wet hair, which can lead to the fabrics becoming smelly and developing mold,” she says. If you do sleep with wet hair, Proudman recommends changing your pillowcase daily and ensuring that the pillow is always dry. If you head to bed with dry hair, Dr. Wong suggests changing your pillowcase once a week.
Is it best to air-dry or blow-dry your hair after washing?
Ultimately, whether you blow-dry your hair, let it air-dry or sleep with it wet is entirely down to personal preference, but from a dermatologist’s point of view, it’s best to dry hair thoroughly before going to bed. “Not just for better scalp health,” says Dr. Wong, “but also because your hair is at its weakest when wet and therefore most prone to breakage in this state.” Proudman agrees: “Wet hair can easily be broken, so I always advise to go to sleep with dry hair for both scalp and hair health.”
Depending on your length and hair texture, Dr. Wong considers air-drying to be time-consuming, but it’s also impractical for a lot of people, especially if you wash your hair in the evening. She has a trick for mopping up water, though: “I would advise using a microfibre towel to dry the hair first, as this significantly increases water absorption and therefore [reduces] the time needed for any subsequent air-drying or heat drying.” Try Kitsch Extra Large Quick-Dry Hair Towel Wrap, $26, or the Act+Acre Microfiber Hair Towel, $30, if you have more to spend.
Welcome toMoney Diarieswhere 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 paramedic who has a $223,000 household income and who spends some of her money this week on a metal yard flamingo.
If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via ouronline form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.
Occupation: Paramedic Industry: Emergency medicine/healthcare Age: 31 Location: Denver area Salary: My pre-tax salary is about $110,000, but my overtime really causes it to fluctuate. I have an hourly rate, not a technical salary, which is $28.84. Joint Income & Financial Setup: $223,000. My husband, A., makes $113,000 and our finances are mostly combined. We share the mortgage, streaming services, bills, etc, but each have our own car payment and “fun money”. We contribute $2,250 monthly to a joint account for bills. We also have a high rewards credit card that we try to use and then immediately pay down. I have a second job teaching paramedic students part time, making about $400 monthly when I pick up shifts. Assets: HYSA: $3,465 (this is usually about $1,500 higher but I had to take some out at the beginning of the year to pay for classes up front); joint retirement and investment account: $11,390; 401(k): $22,000; personal savings: $500 (this should be higher, I know — my goal this year is to bulk up my savings. I do try to keep my larger savings in my HYSA); house worth: $533,800; joint savings: $176 — we redid our entire yard last summer and have struggled to build up our savings again. A. has slightly expensive tastes (and tbh I can be this way too). Debt: Joint credit card: $646; car: $43,000; mortgage: $431,191. Paycheck Amount (bi-weekly): $2,500-$4,000 (this varies depending on how much overtime I pick up). Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $2,678 (mortgage payment). Utilities: $150-$300, depending on the heating or cooling time of year. HOA: $35 Water: $100 (this is higher in summer as A. has an obsession with having the nicest yard in the neighborhood). Internet: $113 Loan Payments: I pay $800 for my car, a little higher than the minimum. I don’t know what A.’s payment is but I think it’s about $1,200. Pet Insurance: $78 (I cannot overstate the lifesaver this has been). Verizon Phone Bill: $355 (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ are included). Car Insurance: $421 HBO: $20, I mooch Peacock and Paramount off my bff, and share mine with her. Church Donations: $70 Kindle Unlimited: $13 Gym: $15 Pilates: $124 Just the Recipe: $12.99 Dog Sitter: $100 Credit Card Fees: $25 for my personal card; $95 yearly for our joint card. Savings: I don’t have a set savings amount, just whatever is left over after I pay down my credit card and contribute to the bills. Dog Food: $72 every six weeks. Dog Allergy Shot: $108 every seven weeks. Pest Control: $150 every three months. House Security System: $500 (annually). Instacart: $112 (annually). Amazon Prime: $70 (annually — I’m getting the student discount because I’m taking classes).
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? My parents are both very well educated, and all three of my brothers have some sort of bachelor’s or master’s degree, so education has always been an option, but I knew in high school that college wasn’t for me. I was homeschooled until my senior year, took a year off to figure out what I wanted to do, and then took an EMT class at 19. I went to paramedic school in 2018. I got an AA degree last year and am working (very slowly) on my bachelor’s degree, since I have about $5,000 available to use yearly. I was a pretty hard-working teenager and I think my parents knew I would land somewhere without a degree. I paid for EMT and paramedic school out of pocket, and my job paid for half of medic school. The AA degree was covered fully by my job.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? I don’t remember specific conversations, but my parents required us to earn at least $1,000 each summer of high school. I do wish they had talked about credit cards, as I didn’t open my first one until I was 22, and it’s hurt my credit a little. I also didn’t really understand the importance of retirement savings until probably about five years ago.
What was your first job and why did you get it? Mother’s helper at 12. I got it to help the neighbor out and the money was a bonus. I moved from babysitter to nanny with that kid until I graduated high school. I worked five jobs (food service, nanny, multiple babysitting jobs) the summer after I graduated high school. I saved all that money to move out the following summer when I got my first EMT job.
Did you worry about money growing up? Not really, my dad has a good career, but I do remember a few times he was between jobs and my parents were worried about money. It usually didn’t last long, and we were fortunate to go on nice vacations and always have nice birthdays and Christmases. I am sure their different money styles caused conflict between my parents as I remember “budget meetings” where me and my brothers made ourselves scarce.
Do you worry about money now? I try not to, but the world is changing fast and the economy seems shaky at best. We don’t have a real savings account, beyond our retirement accounts. We are still on the fence about having kids, but I am adamant about wanting a decent savings and child account before we decide to start down that road. I could definitely tighten up my own personal spending and saving, and it’s one of my goals for this year. I got cancer at 24 (cancer free now for six years!) and the medical bills were high for some years, with all my extra money going to pay them.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? I would say 20, when I moved out and got my first EMT job. My parents would be my safety net, as my dad now has a very high salary. I know A.’s parents would also help us if we got into a tight spot. Honestly, if we just tightened up our finances and focused on saving, I think we could build up our savings account.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. No inherited income, but both my and A.’s parents gave us $5,000 for our wedding. We used half of that for a nice mattress and bed frame, and the other half for our wedding.
Day One: Monday
5:30 a.m. — This week starts with a bang: I’m on shift, and we get up for a call and don’t have time to go back to bed before shift change. I grab a cup of coffee and finish my reports. We got wrecked this set, so I am very ready to go home. I work 48 hours on, 96 hours off, which is great unless you don’t sleep for two days.
7:15 a.m. — On the way home, I pick up doughnuts for me and my husband, A. He works as a firefighter and we’re very fortunate to work the same shift hours. $13.16
7:30 a.m. — I get home and let our two dogs, L. and M., out of the bedroom and am knocked over by their exuberant love. My best friend, B., stays at our house and dogsits while we’re on shift. I give her $100 a month, which doesn’t sound like much, but she lives with her parents and so having a house to herself for two days is something she loves. A. and I drink our coffee with donuts and chat about our shifts.
10 a.m. — B. and I drag ourselves to the gym and do arms and core. I chug a protein drink and have some leftover pizza when we get home before hopping in the shower. I do my AM skincare: hypochlorous acid spray, Naturium Vitamin C and Azelaic Acid, Experiment Super Saturated, Kopari Ceramide Cream, and Beauty of Joseon Sun Relief. I’m so tired I can barely see straight but I have one quick homework assignment to finish before the deadline tonight. After that, I crash hard for about two hours.
3:30 p.m. — B. and I go see The Accountant 2. She bought the tickets last week. The movie is really entertaining!
6:30 p.m. — We stop for pho on the way home, my favorite food. I get hers since she got the movie tickets. We take it out and feed the dogs before finishing Avatar: The Way of Water with chai espresso martinis. A. is out with friends tonight, so after we finish the movie, I make myself an old fashioned and play the new Assassin’s Creed game until I can’t keep my eyes open. $40.35
10:30 p.m. — I do my nighttime skincare: Prequel cleanser, Naturium Azelaic Acid, The Ordinary Niacinamide, prescription Tretinoin 0.05%, and CeraVe Night Cream, with CocoKind Eye Cream and a Frownie patch on my 11s lines. Teeth brushed and put the girls in their crates. I think A. gets home about 1 a.m. but I am unconscious.
Daily Total: $53.51
Day Two: Tuesday
7:05 a.m. — I drag myself out of bed, wondering why I picked up a teaching shift the day after my real job. I do my AM skincare, let the dogs out for potty and breakfast, then kiss A. goodbye. Wildly jealous he’s still asleep. I pack a blueberry yogurt parfait I made a few days ago and my leftover pho for lunch. The commute is trash today — Denver traffic is always a nightmare. So glad I usually only have to drive to work once a week. I get a Venti Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks but I have a Christmas gift card still hanging on, so it’s technically free. #girlmath
9 a.m. — We run medical scenarios all morning for the paramedic students, and then our boss offers to buy us Jimmy John’s for lunch. This has literally never happened in the four years I’ve worked here?? Definitely not complaining. My leftover pho will have to wait another day.
11 a.m. — I work on homework on the lunch break, and purchase a wave curler and some cuticle lotion from Amazon. I got gel nails for the first time ever for our vacation at the beginning of the year, and it WRECKED my nails. I am going to try moisturization and see if it helps. $35.67
3 p.m. — I get done early, and on the drive home I call my dad to sweet talk him into buying his own ticket for a concert my brothers and I are getting my mom for Mother’s Day. He agrees, but I’m waiting to hear back from two of my brothers if they’re in. I’ll buy the tickets and Venmo request them at some point.
4:30 p.m. — I swing home and change into gym clothes, and then drive two minutes to the Pilates studio and take a class. I just started Pilates and I find it a great balance to my normal strength training. After class, I get home to find A. making Cajun shrimp pasta for dinner. I take a body shower and make a gin and tonic before starting on the dishes he used to make dinner, which appears to be every pan we own? I feed the puppies before we eat. The food is worth the dishes.
7 p.m. — We start watching Havoc on Netflix but quickly realize neither of us are interested. We pick Draft Day instead. A. makes us each an old fashioned. We mosey to bed around 11 p.m.
Daily Total: $35.67
Day Three: Wednesday
9 a.m. — I get out of bed slowly and do my morning skincare. Start a pot of coffee, feed the dogs, and have a bowl of cereal with vanilla yogurt and coffee with cream. I play Assassin’s Creed for a couple of hours. I love my schedule, but trying to balance productivity and rest is always a struggle. I feel guilty for doing nothing but I can’t go all out for four days and then try to go back to work. It’s a never-ending battle.
11 a.m. — I do some quick chores around the house: plant a few flowers I bought last week, start a wash with bed sheets, and vacuum. The dogs get to run around the backyard for a while and somehow get soaking wet.
12:15 p.m. — I’m teaching at one of the fire departments my agency works with about some new medications, so I swing by our headquarters to pick up supplies. The lockbox won’t work and I have to wait for our chief to come let me in. I call and let them know I’ll be a little late. The training goes smoothly. I’ll add these hours to my timecard when I get to work.
3 p.m. — A. and I take the dogs for a walk. Our golden retriever is getting chunky and May is her month to get her summer body ready. I play a little video games before switching the sheets around and showering. I do a little makeup (Saie Blush and Highlight, mascara) and diffuse my hair.
5 p.m. — A. is heating up leftovers when I leave for a painting event with friends. We’re celebrating one of my old work partners becoming a paramedic. She’s been a paramedic for like six months, which just speaks to how hard it is to get a group of adult friends together. I buy a bottle of wine because it’s cheaper than two glasses. We’re all painting our pets tonight. I agonized over which puppy to paint, and settled on the chocolate lab. We have a blast painting and everyone’s pet turns out amazing. $14.12
9:30 p.m. — I drive home in the pouring rain. A. pulls the painting out of the bag, laughs until he cries, and immediately hangs it on the wall. He says I got her face perfect but her body looks like a seal. I have to agree. We watch an episode of Breaking Bad and I suddenly remember we need a few things from the store. I place an Instacart order for the following day for ranch dressing, olive oil, coffee creamer, baby wipes, chicken breast, rice, zucchini, and an orange. I use our joint checking account. I also realize I haven’t had any real food since this morning, so I heat up a frozen burrito quickly. $41.15
11:30 p.m. — We finally mosey to bed and I do my nighttime skincare. The dogs beg to get on the bed but I just washed the sheets so I like at least one night of hair-free sleep.
Daily Total: $55.27
Day Four: Thursday
8 a.m. — I was trying to sleep in later than this but once I wake up, I’m up. I waste time on my phone before doing morning skincare, dogs fed, etc. I’m headed to brunch so I make a small single-serve pour over for the drive (shoutout, Copper Cow Coffee!). It’s churro flavored, which tastes slightly odd with my white chocolate mocha creamer, but I’ll drink coffee in about any form.
10 a.m. — It’s mostly the same work friends from last night at brunch. It’s easy to bond with people when you work for the same 48 hours straight and deal with the type of things we do. We have a really fun time; I get French toast and an espresso martini. I also get a flight of bacon to take home for A. My voice is very sore, one of my vocal chords was damaged during my cancer surgery so loud social settings really tire me out. This has been a social week! $58.20
12 p.m. — I am SO tired when I get home. Day drinking will do that to ya. I mope around trying to find motivation to do anything until A. tells me to go take a nap. I don’t need any more convincing.
2 p.m. — I feel much better. I start a load of laundry and play video games for a little bit. I bug my brothers about a Mother’s Day gift and finally get the okay from all three of them. I’ll buy the tickets tomorrow when I get paid. I clean the fish tank, switch the laundry, and update my one-sentence-a-day journal. Dinner is going to be crockpot butter chicken with rice and zucchini, so I put the chicken in on high.
5:30 p.m. — I take L. for a sniffing walk while A. plays fetch with M. I quickly shower and apply Jergen’s tanning lotion, then fold the laundry while that dries. We eat dinner and watch a Breaking Bad.
7 p.m. — We head over to A.’s grandparents house to watch the Avalanche playoff game. My grandparents all died when I was pretty young, and I feel so fortunate that his are all alive, and I feel like I get to have grandparents again. We did make a terrible mistake eating before coming over, because Grandma has food and is horrified that we aren’t hungry. Should have known better to not arrive to an Italian grandmother’s house without an appetite. They rope A. into hanging a shelf. The Avs win!
11 p.m. — I realize I’m out of my azelaic acid so I place an online order. I find a 15%-off coupon. We rush home after the game to let the dogs run around a little bit before getting to bed a little later than normal. I did my nighttime skincare after my shower so I don’t have to do it now. $27.18
Daily Total: $85.38
Day Five: Friday
5:30 a.m. — I definitely do not feel like I got enough sleep. I do my morning skincare, let the doggies out, and feed them. A. will put them back in their crates before B. gets here around 8 a.m. A. leaves a little later than me because his station is right around the corner. I kiss him goodbye and stop for fuel on the way to work. My car is a hybrid so I get amazing gas mileage, and it is ALMOST worth the car payment. $34.86
6 a.m. — I stop for an iced coffee as a pre-reward for my shift. $7.28
6:30 a.m. — Get to work, get report from the previous medics, and check out our ambulance. I’m training a new EMT, so we talk about the shift and some training we need to get done. I make my bed and set my room up for our two days on shift. The fire crew says we’re doing Hibachi Friday for dinner tonight, which sounds amazing.
9 a.m. — I buy tickets for Andrea Bocelli and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra for my mom. My dad and one of my brothers already sent me a Venmo for their portion. It costs $222.11, but I’ll be reimbursed for all but $27 of that. $27
9:45 a.m. — I got paid, so I pay off my credit card fully, and put money into our joint checking and my car payment bank account. I keep about three months’ worth of payments in that account so I don’t ever have to worry about making the payments. I have about $500 left over after all that, which I keep in my checking account for the next two weeks until my next payday. I try and use my personal credit card for the points, and then pay it off fully every paycheck. My next paycheck should be able to all go to savings now that I caught up.
11:30 a.m. — I heat up some leftover pasta and then try to rest my eyes for a little bit, but we get a call. I finish a report and then get some homework done. I have one week of these two classes left (English 2 and Spanish 3) and they cannot end soon enough. I really don’t like school, but I can’t just let the education stipend go to waste and I know having a bachelor’s degree may come in handy if I ever decide to get off an ambulance.
3 p.m. — I manage to read a few chapters of Red Sister by Mark Lawrence before we run calls all afternoon. I venmo one of the firefighters for meals this set. $19.27
6:30 p.m. — We manage to sit down for Hibachi Friday, which is delicious. There’s a rousing discussion of 100 men versus one gorilla during dinner. I start on the dishes after dinner but we get a call, and don’t make it back to the station until almost midnight. I speed-wash my face and collapse into bed, fingers crossed that the city will be kind. (Spoiler alert: the city was not kind.)
1 a.m. — We get up for a call an hour later. Thankfully, we don’t have any calls past 2 a.m.
Daily Total: $88.41
Day Six: Saturday
8:45 a.m. — I didn’t set an alarm this morning, but the tones go off and the day starts with a bang. I finally sit down for breakfast around 11 a.m. The firefighters made breakfast hash, which is delish. My partner R. and I get caught up on reports. I browse the Mediheal sale but don’t buy anything. A. and I chat on the phone, he got to sleep last night, the lucky duck. I am already planning for my nap today.
1 p.m. — I do end up being able to catch a nap for a few hours, and then we wash the ambulance and get a call right as we sit down for dinner. We run calls until about 9 p.m., when I get to watch the Avalanche get knocked out of the playoffs. Darn!
11 p.m. — I wash my face (just niacinamide and lotion at work) and hope for a slow night.
Daily Total: $0
Day Seven: Sunday
6:45 a.m. — We ran a call at 4 a.m. but otherwise got to sleep! My relief is coming from another station, so I get a call right before she gets there. I am supposed to leave at 7 a.m. but don’t get out until 8 a.m.
8:30 a.m. — I finally get home, say hi to the doggies, and B. shows me her new car. A. makes coffee and we chat about our shifts. We talk about going to church but I think I may fall asleep so we opt to not.
11 a.m. — I played video games for a few hours and A. organizes his football cards. It’s a perfect relaxing Sunday.
1 p.m. — I run to Michael’s because I saw a video about birds made out of pom-poms, and my friends and I are doing a craft day tomorrow and I need a craft. I get three skeins of yarn, a pom-pom maker, and a metal flamingo for the yard. I take the lab with me and she thinks everyone she sees is her best friend. I walk both dogs when I get home. $48.11
4 p.m. — I take a very needed nap, and then A. and I start getting ready to go out tonight. I wave curl my hair and throw some makeup on.
4:45 p.m. — We catch a Lyft to downtown Denver (I pay), and go to a bar where I heard there was an espresso martini flight. The bartender tells us that that bar is actually next door, and closed today. We stay for drinks at this bar. I get an old fashioned and a carajillo. A gets an old-fashioned and a tomato martini. He pays. $32.11
6:45 p.m. — I get the Lyft to a sushi restaurant, where we eat almost our bodyweight in sushi and saki. A. pays for dinner. $8.33
8 p.m. — We get a Lyft to the zoo (I pay), where it’s the last night of a light display. It’s SO cool, and we get to see some of the animals being more playful at night. A. buys himself a beer and gets me some rum drink. We haven’t had much time together lately it feels like, and tonight was a perfect date night. $11.32
10 p.m. — I cover the Lyft home, and we let the dogs run around for a while. We watch a Breaking Bad episode before heading to bed. I do my nighttime skincare and pass out. $31.99
Daily Total: $131.86
The Breakdown
Conclusion
“This was a really social week for me — I do hang out with friends, but the larger planned group setting is usually more rare. Overall I think it was a slightly higher-spending week, but I feel comfortable spending money on food and friends. If I cut out random Amazon and impulse purchases (the flamingo) then I think my savings problem will start improving. Just writing down my sad savings account was a motivator to stop impulse spending and start saving, and since this diary we got our credit card down to $0 and my savings account has almost $1,000 in it. Baby steps! My ego feels obligated to say I usually go to the gym more but it was a busy week. I also take a lot of naps, ha!”
Money Diaries are meant to reflect an individual’s experience and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29’s point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.
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.
Do you have a Money Diary you’d like to share? Submit it with us here.
Have questions about how to submit or our publishing process? Read our Money Diaries FAQ doc here or email us here.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Cosmic beings, we’re closing out June and welcoming July with a moon in Virgo, giving us just the right amount of discernment, organization, and quiet introspection to set the tone for the month ahead. With the sun in nurturing Cancer and the moon in detail-oriented Virgo, there’s a collective desire to keep it clean — emotionally, mentally, digitally, and physically. Whether it’s editing your camera roll, purging unnecessary obligations, or just finally changing your sheets, this earth–water combo is all about practical care and conscious tending. What seeds did you plant during the Cancer New Moon a few weeks ago? This week, you may feel called to water them, slowly and deliberately.
By July 2nd, the moon enters Libra and forms its first quarter square to the sun, creating a cosmic checkpoint between our intentions and our actions. Libra’s all about beauty, balance, and diplomacy, so this quarter moon might spotlight imbalances in our relationships, work–life dynamics, or even our inner peace. The tension here isn’t a punishment, it’s a prompt. Are you giving too much? Holding back out of fear of rejection? Or people-pleasing your way through discomfort? This moon wants you to choose yourself without discarding connection. Easier said than done, but necessary.
On July 4th, things get interesting. Venus enters Gemini at 11:31 a.m. EST, and suddenly, love speaks in memes, voice notes, and “omg I forgot to text back but I still love you” energy. Venus in Gemini brings a flirtier, more curious energy to romance, money, and aesthetics. You may feel more inspired to experiment with your style, send a risky DM, or finally get that haircut you’ve been romanticizing on Pinterest. But keep in mind, this vibe isn’t necessarily about settling down — it’s about exploring your desires through conversation, stimulation, and a touch of chaos.
But wait, there’s more. A few hours later on July 4th at 5:33 p.m. EST, Neptune stations retrograde in Aries, kicking off a five-month collective soul-searching mission. Neptune in Aries is already a vibe shift, having just entered Aries in 2025 for the first time in over 160 years. But now, with the retrograde, we’re being asked to go inward — to reflect, to reimagine, and to ask: Am I walking my talk? Am I creating the life I dream about, or just posting about it? With this retrograde beginning on the United States’ birthday, don’t be surprised if some collective identity questions also bubble up globally. Revolution starts in the mirror.
All of this is happening while Uranus is in its final days at 29° Taurus, the last stretch of a seven-year journey. That “final boss” degree means the energy is heightened, edgy, and unpredictable. As Uranus prepares to shift into Gemini next week, you may feel a sense of restlessness, like something big is around the corner — because it is. For now, focus on hydration, boundaries, and keeping your phone on “do not disturb” at least once a day. The cosmos is stirring, but you’re remaining grounded.
Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.
Aries Sun & Rising:
Aries, this is the week where you return to yourself… but not the self you were before. The First Quarter Moon in Libra activates your relationship sector and brings up the tender question: “Do you still want what you once asked for?” Whether it’s that situationship you thought would lead somewhere or a contract you signed months ago when your needs were different, you’re realizing that honoring your current self may mean renegotiating, reorienting, or walking away. Expect an urge to declutter your emotional and physical space. You might suddenly mute people on social, clear unread DMs, or finally say the thing you’ve been rehearsing in your head for weeks. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s clarity.
Venus enters Gemini on July 4th, activating your communication sector, so expect your words (and texts) to start carrying more weight. Suddenly, you’re flirting without trying, pitching ideas that stick, and making people laugh in a way that opens doors. But just a few hours later, Neptune retrograde begins in your sign, asking you to pause and reflect on whether your current image or identity is sustainable or just smoke and mirrors. You’re entering a five-month season of radical self-honesty. Think: less autopilot, more soul-searching. Take your time. The pressure to “have it all figured out” is melting away. You’re not behind, you’re just aligning.
Taurus Sun & Rising:
Taurus, this is the week you realize just how much you’ve grown. The First Quarter Moon in Libra activates your wellness and routine sector, giving you that cosmic push to finally follow through on your goals: not because you “should,” but because you finally feel ready. Your inner perfectionist might flare up early in the week, whispering that you’re not doing enough. But the truth is, you’re doing plenty. This is the time to focus on sustainable habits: drinking water, putting your phone down before bed, actually resting. It’s okay to be in a slow build era. You don’t have to “transform” overnight to prove you’ve evolved.
Venus, your planetary ruler, enters Gemini on July 4th, officially ending its luxurious home tour in your sign. As Venus shifts into your sector of income and self-worth, you might start craving new streams of revenue, new ways of expressing your value, and new clothes to match the glow-up (budget permitting). But with Neptune in Aries beginning its retrograde in your sector of spirituality and dreams, you’re also learning that not every opportunity that looks good on paper is meant for you. Watch for mirages. Some deals might sparkle now but fade with time. Your intuition will be your compass, so trust it, even when logic lags behind.
Gemini Sun & Rising:
Gemini, this week is the mirror moment where you look at your reflection and see your power more clearly. The Libra Quarter Moon lights up your creativity sector, encouraging you to share something you’ve been sitting on. Maybe it’s a post, a pitch, or a part of yourself you’ve kept hidden because of fear or timing. Now the timing is ripe. Don’t wait until it’s perfect — share it because it’s real. You’re rediscovering joy in the process, not just the outcome. Allow yourself to flirt with life again, even if you’re still figuring out the next chapter.
Then on July 4th, Venus enters your sign for the next four weeks, and you become the cosmic favorite of the zodiac. Everyone suddenly wants your energy, your ideas, your time — but don’t let the attention distract you from what you’re really building. Neptune in Aries beginning its retrograde in your social network sector later that day might make you reflect on who’s actually rooting for you, and who’s just there for the aesthetic. Some illusions may be shattered, but it’s for the best. You’re not the same version of yourself from six months ago, so why pretend like you are? As you start July, honor both your power and your softness.
Cancer Sun & Rising:
Cancer, this week nudges you to look inward, and you’re down for it. The Virgo Moon early in the week helps you clean up your mental clutter, and by July 2nd, the Libra Quarter Moon in your home and emotional security sector brings up important themes about what (and who) makes you feel safe. You could suddenly feel the urge to rearrange your space, cleanse your home with intention, or draw firmer boundaries with people who drain you. It’s not drama, it’s discernment. Trust yourself. You’re evolving, and your environment needs to evolve with you.
Then on July 4th, Venus enters Gemini and activates your subconscious and dream sector. Pay attention to what your body and spirit are whispering in the quiet moments — your deepest desires are trying to get your attention. A few hours after Venus shifts, Neptune in Aries begins its retrograde in your career sector, asking: are you chasing someone else’s dream or carving your own path? The next five months will ask you to get super honest about your ambitions and how much of your current identity is shaped by external expectations. The spotlight’s yours now, but what will you do with it?
Leo Sun & Rising:
Leo, this is the week where you remind yourself that healing doesn’t mean hustling. The First Quarter Moon in Libra lands in your communication sector, so it’s the perfect time to reset your throat chakra. That includes your inner dialogue. If your self-talk is stingier than your bank account, it’s time to rewrite the narrative. Take time to acknowledge what insecurities you feel about speaking your truth, and lovingly begin the process of transmuting them, perhaps through mindful affirmations.
Venus enters Gemini on the 4th, stimulating a desire to make new friends. Neptune also stations retrograde in Aries that same day, beginning a five-month journey of philosophical unlearning. You’re being asked to reconsider belief systems you’ve outgrown, especially around success, spirituality, and even romantic love. The veil is thinning, but it’s not scary — it’s clarifying. This is a gentle wake-up call to lead with softness, not illusion. No need to rush. You’re blooming behind the scenes.
Virgo Sun & Rising:
Virgo, you start this week with the moon in your sign, and baby, the clarity is loud. After a whirlwind June, this lunar vibe helps you tune back into your body, your needs, and your purpose. And when the Libra Quarter Moon lights up your income and self-worth sector on July 2nd, you’re likely to have a breakthrough about your relationship to money and value. Have you been underselling yourself? Overgiving? Accepting crumbs? This moon says: no more. You deserve to thrive, not just survive. Treat yourself like the main character, even if it means saying “no” more than usual.
Venus enters Gemini and activates your career sector on July 4th, kicking off a social, sparkly glow-up in your public life. You might land a gig, get recognized for something you didn’t think people noticed, or find more joy in your current role than you expected. Meanwhile, the start of Neptune in Aries’ retrograde in your intimacy and psychological depth zone stirs up questions around who you trust with your secrets — and your soul. You’re not paranoid, you’re perceptive. Let yourself question what vulnerability really looks like for you now. And most of all, allow yourself to be seen by the people who’ve earned access to the real you.
Libra Sun & Rising:
Libra, this week is your quarterly glow-up checkpoint. The moon reaches its first quarter phase in your sign on July 2nd, so don’t be surprised if old insecurities or self-image thoughts resurface. But this isn’t about spiraling, it’s about surfacing. You’re learning how to witness your inner critic without letting it run the show. Think: growth, not perfection. You might feel the urge to switch up your look, refresh your IG aesthetic, or do something bold just for you. Do it. The universe is giving you a confidence boost, but it’s your job to receive it.
Then, on July 4th, Venus (your ruling planet!) enters Gemini for the next four weeks and activates your travel, learning, and expansion zone. Expect your curiosity to spike and your craving for novelty to return full force. Planning a trip? Signing up for a workshop? Chatting with someone from another culture or worldview? You’re not just learning, you’re evolving. But with Neptune retrograde in Aries also beginning in your relationships sector, you’re being asked to stop romanticizing red flags. Or at least,
pause long enough to notice them. This retrograde will help you decide which connections feel nourishing versus depleting. Fall in love with peace before people.
Scorpio Sun & Rising:
Scorpio, this week asks you to let go in order to grow… even if it’s bittersweet. The Libra Quarter Moon illuminates your sector of endings, closure, and intuition, so don’t be shocked if a ghost of the past makes an appearance — in your dreams, texts, or thoughts. But this isn’t about going back. It’s about understanding the lesson. Let your inner mystic guide you this week. Reflect, retreat, or even block and bless as needed. You’re shedding to reveal something more aligned. Remember: rest is not avoidance and stillness is not stagnation.
Then on July 4th, Venus shifts into Gemini and activates your intimacy, soul-bond, and shared resources sector. You’re craving deeper conversations, more transparency, and real emotional connection — no fluff, no fakery. But Neptune begins its retrograde in your wellness and routines sector that same day and reminds you that clarity doesn’t always come fast. You may be called to review the mind-body-soul connection and how you’ve been either numbing out or neglecting your needs. The truth? Your rituals are sacred and your slowness is strength. Let that be your mantra.
Sagittarius Sun & Rising:
Sagittarius, this week is about softening into support, by both giving it and allowing yourself to receive it. The First Quarter Moon in Libra on July 2nd activates your friendship and community zone, bringing clarity to who’s really riding with you and who you’ve maybe outgrown. You might be called to initiate or renegotiate a collaboration, or perhaps host a much-needed hangout that reminds you of your joy. Even if it feels like people have been distant lately, don’t take it personally… check in, not check out.
Then comes the cosmic pivot: Venus enters Gemini on the 4th, highlighting your relationship sector and adding sparkle and flirtiness to all things love and connection. You’re magnetic, but Neptune beginning its retrograde in Aries in your creativity and inner child sector, asks: are you being adored for your truth, or just the fantasy of you? It’s a tender week, full of mirrors. Express yourself clearly. Prioritize mutual joy. Reconnect with what makes your heart beat faster — not just who.
Capricorn Sun & Rising:
Capricorn, you’re craving deeper conversations this week — no surface-level small talk. The Libra Quarter Moon lights up your career sector, asking: does your professional life reflect your true values? You may feel pressure to make a big decision or be put in a visible role that forces you to evaluate your long-term direction. There’s power in pausing to review before responding. You don’t always have to be “on.”
As Venus enters Gemini on the 4th, your wellness zone gets a glow-up. Daily rituals, movement, and acts of service feel more delightful and less dutiful. That same day, Neptune begins its retrograde in Aries in your home and family sector, uncovering hidden feelings about your past, lineage, or current living situation. Expect some emotional fog to lift over the next five months, revealing what still needs soothing. Ground yourself through nourishing habits. This is a week of slow clarity, subtle shifts, and unexpected sweetness.
Aquarius Sun & Rising:
Aquarius, your worldview is your mirror right now… what is it reflecting? On July 2nd, the Quarter Moon in Libra illuminates your expansion and wisdom sector, making this a week where something you read, hear, or witness could shift your entire perspective. Travel plans, publishing projects, or spiritual pursuits could reach a turning point. If something’s felt stagnant or out of alignment, now’s your cosmic nudge to course- correct.
Venus entering Gemini on July 4th sparks more romance, fun, and curiosity in your love life. Your dating energy gets a major upgrade, and you’re more magnetic when you’re being playful. But Neptune retrograde begins in Aries that same day, touching your communication sector. Be mindful of misinterpretations — especially via text or social media. It’s time to reflect on how your words create your world. Express your truth, but don’t rush the message. Pause, feel, then share.
Pisces Sun & Rising:
Pisces, near the start of the week the Quarter Moon in Libra is moving through your intimacy and transformation sector, inviting you to face your emotional depth with a little more courage. This lunar transit might bring up themes around trust, vulnerability, and power dynamics in relationships or finances. There’s beauty in the unraveling… even if it’s messy. This isn’t about fixing it all; it’s about acknowledging what needs healing.
On July 4th, Venus enters Gemini and activates your home and family sector, helping you beautify your space, reconnect with loved ones, or find a new sense of safety within yourself. But here’s the kicker: that same day, Neptune, your ruling planet, begins its retrograde in Aries — the first retrograde in Aries of your lifetime — happening in your financial and values sector. Expect deep introspection about what you give your energy to, and what you’re truly worth. You’re being asked to untangle illusions around scarcity and learn how to hold your power. Softness is strength, and your evolution is unfolding.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Follow Us
Were this world an endless plain, and by sailing eastward we could for ever reach new distances