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PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 04: Bei Suan wears white Courrèges polo neck top, white mini skirt, white Courrèges bag, red Courrèges heels, outside Courrèges, during Day Three of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 04, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images)

On TikTok, Taylor Migliazzo Simon popularized the ‘Unexpected Red Theory’ in 2024, proving that the primary color can surprisingly make even the most chaotic spaces look cohesive. Of course, the concept of adding a pop of red here and there is nothing new. But years later, it continues to feel more prevalent than ever as the street style set rely on the splashy shade to elevate any and every outfit.

The attendees at Paris Fashion Week provide photographic proof that the theory works IRL. Fashionistas are having fun mixing sequin skirts (during the daytime, might I add) with red cardigans. They’re also reviving classic trench coats with red crewnecks peeking out from underneath.

You can join in on the fun, too. Simply incorporate a pop of red into any area of your life. It could be a pillow on your couch or a handbag with an all-black outfit — you name it. The vibrant hue instantly makes everything in its orbit look better.

Of course, we’re here for the fashion. Sartorially speaking, there really are no rules. The theory works with everything. Let’s say you’re wearing your go-to denim shorts paired with a coordinating jean jacket. Pop on a red baseball cap or red sneakers and — voilà — an effortlessly cool look is born. If you’re looking for an easy entry point, shoes are the safest route to go, whether it’s a trainer, flat, or a kitten heel.

Have fun planning and shopping your own ‘Unexpected Red Theory’ look with inspiration from Paris Fashion Week below.

The Spark of Fun

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 03: A guest wears blonde hair, brown tinted aviator sunglasses, a navy and bright blue plaid checkered print pattern cotton knot neck / puffly sleeves blouse shirt, a red ribbed knit wool sweater from Coco Y Maria, a gold metallic sequin midi skirt, a blue dark leather handbag, black and brown snake print pattern leather flip flop sandals, outside Dior, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on March 03, 2026 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

As we shift from winter to spring, tying a cardigan around your waist is not only a chic look that’s fun to look at. It’s also a functional one that will keep you prepared for unpredictable weather. Bonus points: This spring is all about the party skirt. There’s no need to wait until sunset to whip out those sequins, feathers, and fringe.

The Timeless Touch

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 03: A person is seen wearing black sunglasses, a red v-neck sweater, a taupe trench coat, black trousers, and black pointed-toe heeled boots, while carrying a black patent leather handbag during Day Two of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 03, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by 305pics/Getty Images)

You can never go wrong with a strong arsenal of classics in your wardrobe. Be sure to add a tomato red sweater to your collection for an easy way to breathe new life into those staples.

The Mighty Minis

Bring a red shoe into the fold of an all-white look to turn minimalist staples into a maximized photo-ready moment. Opt for a kitten heel for a bit of added height without the aching pain.

The Denim Darling

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 03: A guest wears blue denim jacket with a hood, matching blue wide shorts, red cap, black mini bag, sunglasses, light pink and purple stripped tie tied over her hips and red high heel boots during Day Two of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 03, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images)

Double up on denim and the red accents for street style-level fun. If you’re over boot season, swap them for an equally cool pair of red sneakers.

The Sport Star

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 03: A guest wears short dark brown bob haircut, black and red aviator sunglasses, a red orange nylon hooded pullover jacket with white piping and white printed text, a blue denim high neck shirt, a dark yellow ribbed knit turtleneck sweater, charcoal gray tailored suit trousers / pants, a brown suede shoulder bag, blue and black fabric sneakers shoes from Nike, outside Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on March 03, 2026 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Speaking of sneakers, go full on sports mode by working a track jacket in with wardrobe essentials. It’s the fastest way to add a sense of cool-girl ease to a timeless look.

The Lucky Layers

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 03: Coco Schiffer wears black sunglasses, a black knit sweater, a red knit turtleneck top, gold rings, a beige woven flared short skirt with long train, a white leather handbag, white leather loafers pumps heels shoes, outside Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on March 03, 2026 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Without the red turtleneck, this outfit is cute. But with the bright contrasting hue it goes from being a nice look to a subtly chic statement maker that makes heads turn.

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On a wintry February day, the scene inside Thrive Hair Collective in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood was heated by more than blow dryers and hot tools styling tousled curls and trendy layered blowouts. As the salon transformed into a self-care haven for Latina survivors of intimate partner violence, the warmth of smiles, vulnerable conversations, and new ‘dos allowed women to safely and gently unwind and enjoy some self-pampering.

“La salud del pueblo comienza con las mujeres,” Luis Burgos, the founding director of the nonprofit behind the day’s services, Don’t Forget About Me (DFAM), tells Refinery29 Somos.

The phrase, “the health of the people begins with women,” has become a sort of proverb for DFAM, which he co-founded in 2017 after the Category 4 Hurricane María devastated his homeland of Puerto Rico. After the storm, domestic violence incidents doubled on the archipelago, which isn’t uncommon amid emergencies. Studies have found that disasters — whether natural, public health, or economic — amplify many of the conditions that fuel abuse. Amid disasters, stress levels increase, isolation grows, access to support services may be reduced, and economic dependency often intensifies, which can create an environment where abusive behaviors are more likely to escalate.

Understanding these connections, Burgos’ goal with DFAM has always been to create spaces for wellness and self-care for survivors of traumatic events, including natural disasters, domestic violence, homelessness, and neighborhood violence.

Growing up with, as he describes, a “fly” mother, he witnessed the care and confidence that comes from self-adornment, even amid the most humble and difficult times. Together, he and his team of hair professionals and massage therapists work to recreate those moments and experiences for women on and off the archipelago.

“Having an army of volunteers creating that safe space, they can really see their work and reflect to themselves,” he tells Somos. “It’s not just a regular haircut. It’s a human connection. It’s a way of saying, ‘Wow, look what I can do to change someone’s perspective in a positive way.’”

“La salud del pueblo comienza con las mujeres.”
Luis Burgos

In Chicago, where a surge of federal immigration agents has created a climate of fear amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, immigrant communities are experiencing a crisis of their own. When families go into hiding to avoid enforcement, many of the same dynamics seen during natural disasters can appear. Parents stop going to work. Children miss school. And daily routines collapse under the weight of deportation fears. The resulting stress and isolation can heighten tensions at home; and, in some cases, it can increase the risk of intimate partner violence. Meanwhile, survivors may avoid shelters, hospitals, or police, worried that seeking help could expose them or a loved one to immigration authorities.

In The Windy City, DFAM teamed up with Create to Heal — Sundial Media & Technology Group’s (Refinery29 Somos’ parent company) community-centered wellness initiative dedicated to supporting the healing, creativity, and well-being of Black women and their communities — as well as Un Nuevo Desperta. The latter is an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence through emergency shelter, therapy, financial assistance, and advocacy, like helping women create safety plans, request orders of protection and child support, access medical and social services, and adjust their immigration status. The nonprofit works primarily in Chicago’s Little Village and Cicero neighborhoods, which have been among the most-targeted by immigration enforcement.

Anna Gonzalez says the group has been central to teaching her the importance of self-care. A survivor and mother of three, Gonzalez says she was depressed for many years, and has found moments like the one DFAM has created empowering. While hair and beauty may seem frivolous to some, she adds that starting her own beauty routine — putting on lipstick or eye makeup — has helped her rebuild her sense of dignity and self-worth.

“In the past, I didn’t have any value. Now I think I am a valuable person,” she says. With confidence and support, she has returned to a community college to earn her GED, hoping to inspire her children to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. “Sometimes, we follow the path of our parents,” she says. “I want to be a good example for my girls. You don’t let nobody make you feel little.” Gonzalez encourages younger women not to ignore red flags, to take control of their lives, and seek trusted resources.

Another DFAM client, who asked to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, was moved to tears when she saw her new haircut and style reflected back to her in the mirror. This feeling — of joy, empowerment, and validation — is the power of community, she says. “Being a Latina, I never thought that going to groups like Un Nuevo Despertar could help us [with] all this knowledge that they give us. With this haircut, it’s amazing that they could pamper us and we could look beautiful,” she says, encouraging others to advocate for themselves and lean on community.

Cecilia Mendoza, a vivacious and spiritual woman, called the hair treatment and body massage “gifts.” Though she says life has been “hard,” moments like this, and experiencing them with other survivors who have become her refuge, have enriched her life. Her message: “Love yourself. Love God. Love everybody, and love whatever you do.”

It’s that ethos — doing heart-driven work — that brought many of the stylists to Thrive Hair Collective that day. A licensed nail tech and DFAM volunteer, Ariana Guzman says people often equate self-care with extravagance, but to her, the goal is actually feeling like the best version of yourself — and beauty services can help boost confidence. Before styling her clients, Guzman lets each woman set the tone of her experience. To her, beautifying survivors means everything. Every brush stroke affirms a safe, empowering space. “It’s deeper than hair,” she tells Somos. “It’s about people’s confidence, their sense of self, their whole life.”

Quintella Rodgers, who uses her gifts to create a sacred, intentional experience for clients, feels similarly. Before becoming a full-time hairstylist, Rodgers worked at a nonprofit for 17 years, where she oversaw after-school programming in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Though she is now the proud owner of Thee Hair Bar, she still views her work as tied to the community, pouring into women by elevating their tresses.

As a South Side native, Rodgers sees parallels between these marginalized communities and her own experiences witnessing domestic violence. She says her work goes beyond making women look beautiful; it’s about serving as a pillar in her community while helping them build confidence. “No matter what’s happening at home, coming to the salon helps boost confidence,” she says. “I feel like if you look good, it can help with other parts of your life, too.”

To elevate the salon experience even more, DFAM partnered with Myavana, a Black‑owned beauty technology company that uses AI to personalize hair‑care guidance and product recommendations. It lets users take a photo of their hair to analyze texture, type, condition, and other factors to provide a customized care plan and product suggestions that go beyond traditional one‑size‑fits‑all systems.

As all of the women were able to see digitized close-ups of their scalp to customize a regimen just for them, Candace Mitchell Harris, the founder of Myavana, was moved by the smiles on their faces. Through technology and nonprofit work, the Black beauty entrepreneur says she and Burgos aligned on elevating the salon experience with a perspective on healing.

“A lot of people are going through trauma right now. Not just in the way we think about trauma — people who’ve been through domestic violence, former incarceration, [there’s] life trauma, high stress, and layoffs,” she tells Somos. “We knew that we wanted to have an intentional social impact mission, and this is what it would be.”

As for Burgos, he understands that for Black and Latina women, hair carries weight beyond style. It’s tied to identity, culture, and self-expression. He believes a haircut can be transformative, especially for women whose previous partners tried to control their appearance or dictate how they wore their hair. After shedding that layer of trauma, many enter a new chapter of confidence and self-determination.

And that sense of empowerment is central to his work with DFAM. Shaped by his mother’s matriarchal values, which gave him clarity and inspired his commitment to restoring dignity to survivors, it’s what drives him. “Whenever I do an event, I see my mom. I hear her in the back of my mind saying, ‘Oh, my God, this is so great. This is so wonderful.’ That’s my big inspiration,” he says.

This story was made possible through Create to Heal, Sundial Media & Technology Group’s community-centered wellness initiative dedicated to supporting the healing, creativity, and well-being of Black women and their communities. Through immersive experiences, restorative spaces, and service-led programming, the platform brings together culture, care, and connection to create environments where women can pause, restore, and reclaim their power. From salon-based sanctuaries to storytelling and mentorship spaces, Create to Heal transforms trusted community settings into pathways for collective healing and empowerment.

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At least once a week — let’s face it, at least once every day — the writers and editors across Refinery29 discuss the latest and greatest products in our lives, from some cool new water bottle that’s been absolutely saving our lives to a state-of-the-art sleep product that’s changed our eight hours for the better. And gatekeeping isn’t in our vocabulary, so we’re here to share the wealth and highlight our favorite products, just for you, each month.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

Avid R29 readers will know a few editors on the team joined the Our Place gang many moons ago, me included. So to add to my ever-growing collection, I’ve been trying out both the large and small titanium pans for a few months now. Like other pans from the brand, it’s coating-free and made without PFAS — except, unlike the colourful pans, this one can be popped in the dishwasher. Anything that saves time after a long day has my approval.

**Our Place** Our Place Titanium Pro Always Pan® Duo, $, available at Our Place

I’m all about finding the wee joys right now. Is there anyone else out there who genuinely enjoys the simple process of making great coffee in the morning? I hear you and I see you, too. This is why I couldn’t be happier about the DeLonghi Rivelia machine entering my life in 2026. (Note: our previous DeLonghi coffee machine lasted *many* years, so it was a brand I was happy to return to as an investment). It sits neatly on my kitchen counter (I opted for the black colourway) and it’s easy to keep clean, too. Another thing that’s easy about it is operating it day-to-day. It’s not overly complex like other machines and it has a Bean Switch System which means you can simply switch up bean varieties from one coffee to the next, all in the same morning.

**DeLonghi** Rivelia Automatic Espresso Machine, $, available at DeLonghi

Sticking one of these grippy sheets to my phone has been a gamechanger for photos and videos. Whether I’m catching up with friends and family or creating content for my social channels, it’s so handy. It sticks to windows — and most flat surfaces — so you can film and take pics while out and about.

**Klearlook** Sticky Phone Grip, $, available at Amazon

I came across a cute idea on Pinterest where people fill martini glasses to the brim with perfume samples and place them in their downstairs bathrooms so guests can top up during parties. As a beauty director, I have literally hundreds of unused fragrance samples that are gathering dust. While the shape is a little unusual, I love it and I'm using one of these martini glasses to house them.

**Waterford** Waterford 'Elegance' Fine Crystal Martini Glasses, $, available at Nordtrom

I know a kettle isn’t the most exciting thing, but as a tea-drinking Brit, it’s an absolute necessity. My partner and I are moving soon, and I plan to donate all our kitchenware and replace it with nicer pieces. We adored the checkerboard print on this one — a subtle nod to our emo days, but still chic!

**MacKenzie-Childs** Mocha Check Electric Kettle, $, available at Nordstom

In case you didn’t know, it’s really, really cold in New York right now. The perfect way to combat that? Staying cozy under a heated blanket. This one is perfect and gets nice and warm quickly. It’s super soft with adjustable heat controls and has automatic shut-off feature in case you fall asleep or forget to turn it off. Now someone just needs to invent this in a coat form so I can leave my apartment.

**Sunbeam** Luxe Microplush Heated Blanket, $, available at Amazon

I can easily spend all my money at MUJI with all the useful home items and travel products they have. My latest purchase is this nylon zippered pouch I’ve been using to organize all the random items that end up at the bottom of my purse—hair ties, contact lenses, lip glosses, eye drops, feminine hygiene neccessities, and more. It’s compact, easy to open and close, and simple to transfer from bag to bag. I also love its clean design with no logos or branding. I bought it in light pink but I want to go back and grab the gray and black versions too.

**Muji** Wrinkled Nylon Wide-Opening Pouch, $, available at Muji

Lia Tabackman, Senior Social Media Manager

Anyone who’s spent this winter on the East Coast knows it’s been particularly brutal—the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and makes your apartment feel permanently drafty. That’s why I’ve become emotionally dependent on this bathrobe: It’s incredibly soft, noticeably weightier than any other robe I’ve owned, and has a hood that keeps me cocooned and warm from the second I step out of the shower. On nights when the heater in my NYC apartment can’t quite keep up with the cold, I’ve been known to stay wrapped up in it for hours — swaddling myself like a baby as I wait for warmer days.

**Ugg** Bathrobe, $, available at Ugg

Between Awards Season and NYFW, winter is one of the busiest times of year for R29 staffers. That’s why keeping my pantry stocked with quick, satisfying meals and snacks is truly non-negotiable — especially on days when I don’t have the time or energy to cook something more elaborate. As a newly minted 30-year-old, I’ve also had to accept that when it comes to quick meals, my body needs more sustenance and nutrients than the boxed mac and cheese I grew up on can offer. Goodles, for this reason, feel heaven sent: a quick-to-make pasta that tastes like childhood nostalgia but delivers *significantly* more vegetable fiber and protein than the Easy Mac of my youth. As an added bonus, the company donates at least 1% of all products sold to organizations fighting food insecurity — all the more reason to stock up.

**Goodles** Goodles Variety Pack, $, available at Goodles

My background in journalism has trained me to be skeptical of buzzy, new-age wellness treatments — red light therapy included. But after using the MitoADAPT 4.0 red light panel for the past month, I can honestly say I’m a believer. What stood out to me about the MitoADAPT is its 11 different settings, each designed with specific combinations of red light and near-infrared light. It was the near-infrared component that really caught my attention, since it’s been studied for its potential to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
As a social media manager, being chronically online is — for better and for worse — part of the job. I spend hours every day scrolling, typing, editing, and posting, and over time, that repetitive motion has taken a toll on my hands, wrists, and fingers—with pain and stiffness tending to flare up during especially busy weeks.
While your results may vary, I’ve genuinely noticed a difference in my pain levels since incorporating red light therapy into my routine. My hands feel less inflamed, and the persistent ache I feel has been reduced since I started using red light regularly. It’s rare that something this hyped on the internet actually delivers — but in this case, my results have left me happily surprised, and excited about the future of red light as another tool for people like me who deal with nagging pain and inflammation.

**MitoADAPT** MitoADAPT 4.0 Red Light Panel, $, available at MitoADAPT

Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer

After my Instagram flooded with people trying and hyping up vibration plates, I asked for one for Christmas. And this popular Amazon find quickly became one of my favorite gifts to date because of how much use I’ve gotten out of it already. Without fail, every morning and every night, I take between five and fifteen minutes to use the machine and help ground me. I love doing lymphatic draining techniques, stretching, squatting, doing push ups, or just sitting on the machine at various intensities depending on if I want to feel more relaxed or more energized. Sticking to new routines can be hard for me, but I’ve convinced myself that taking a few minutes to be in touch with my body is worth way more than mindlessly scrolling on my phone in the moments after waking up or going to sleep.

**EILISON** Vibration Plate Exercise Machine, $, available at Amazon

Raquel Reichard, Deputy Director of Somos

I spend a lot of time in airports, dashing to New York City for a media event or chasing a story out of the country. So when Capital One invited me to experience its new Capital One Landing at LaGuardia Airport, I was curious whether it would actually change the way I move through a terminal.

The Landing at LGA is the second collaboration between Capital One and chef José Andrés (the first debuted at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport), introducing Andrés’ signature Spanish small plates to the airport lounge experience. Located in Terminal B, the LaGuardia space spans approximately 12,500 square feet and feels more like a luxe restaurant than a traditional airport lounge. There's ceramic tiles, colorful murals, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the runway and the Manhattan skyline. But as with any José Andrés concept, the real star is the menu. As a vegan traveler, I devoured traditional pan con tomate, a garbanzo bean salad, zanahorias asadas, and more. Around me, other guests raved about the carne asada, gambas al ajillo, and, of course, the churros con chocolate.

For frequent flyers, the Capital One Landing at LaGuardia makes the often-dreadful in-between time fun and delicious. Travelers with time to spare can enjoy full-table service, ordering via QR code from a menu of tapas, larger plates, wine, beer, and cocktails. But if you’re between tight connections, there’s a tapas bar stocked with ready-made bites and even roving carts circulating with bar snacks, caviar cones, and desserts. Access to Capital One Landing locations, and other Capital One Lounges, comes through the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Business card, both of which include complimentary entry for the primary cardholder and $45 for each additional guest. But non-cardholders can purchase entry for $90 per visit.

As I enter my Mami Stewart era, I’ve been really into making my own sauces to pour over salads, pastas, and plant-based meats or simply to use as a dip for veggies and tostones. But because many of these fresh ingredients are highly perishable and I live alone, I only ever need small batches. Pulling out my full-size blender for a tiny ramekin of dressing just isn’t practical. So I’ve switched to the Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender, and it’s been a game changer. With five variable speeds and a five-foot cord, it’s compact, powerful, and perfect for whipping up just enough without the extra cleanup. Admittedly, I love it so much that I’ve started using it straight in the pot for larger soups and sauces, too.

**Crate and Barrel** Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender, $, available at Crate and Barrel

We may be having (another!) historic winter freeze in Orlando right now, but I’m more than ready for spring. To set the mood, I’ve been using the Jo Malone London Lilac Lavender & Lovage Diffuser in my bathroom. With notes of soft lilac and airy lavender, its gentle aroma transports me to the fresh, dewy days ahead. But beyond the scent, the elegant porcelain vessel and reed diffusers add a serene, spa-like touch to my space. Still, the best part is that the fragrance (and the feeling it creates) is designed to last for four to five months.

**Jo Malone** Lilac Lavender & Lovage Diffuser, $, available at Jo Malone

My husband and I both love skiing, and we recently picked up this cute poster print featuring scratch-off icons of 50 top resorts in the country. (One thing about us is that we love home décor with an interactive element.) We’ve scratched off a couple already (he has a home court advantage of growing up within an hour of most Vermont mountains) and love having a living, breathing visual representation of our favorite shared hobby. Plus, it’s already given us loads of inspo for our next wintery trip...

**McSenderson** Ski Resorts Map, $, available at McSenderson

I recently upgraded my iPad, and decided to upgrade my case along with it. This keyboard flip case is so sleek and chic, and I love how much lighter it is than a full-sized laptop for my work-from-cafe days. It beats any cheap Amazon dupe out of the water with its backlit keys, sturdy construction, and large, multi-touch trackpad. And if you don’t need the keyboard, it snaps right off, allowing you to take notes (or use a digital coloring book, as I’m known to do).

**Logitech** Combo Touch for iPad, $, available at Logitech

Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli, Chief Content Officer

I’ve started adding some Pedestrian Project Shoe Pillows to nearly every pair of heels I own, and the difference is immediate. Shoes that used to feel unbearable after a few hours suddenly become manageable for a full day out. The foam bounce technology gives just enough cushion at the ball of the foot to take the pressure off without changing the fit of the shoe. It’s one of those small upgrades that completely changes how wearable your favorite heels are.

**Pedestrian Project** Shoe Pillows, $, available at Pedestrian Project

As a content creator, using the iPhone’s front camera is a huge upgrade in quality but filming without seeing yourself can be tricky. This small magnetic monitor screen solves that instantly. It lets me frame shots properly while still capturing with the better camera, and the result is noticeably sharper, more polished video. It’s become one of those tools that quietly makes content creation much easier.

**Neewer** Selfie Monitor Screen For iPhone, $, available at NEEWER

I bought this little squeeze cube on a whim and now it lives permanently on my desk. It's the perfect thing to hold during a stressful work meeting. Soft when you press it slowly, satisfyingly firm when you go for it. I catch myself reaching for it almost unconsciously whenever I'm on long calls, and I genuinely feel calmer afterward.

**Schylling** Schylling NeeDoh Nice Cube, $, available at Amazon

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Lifestyle & Wellbeing Picks R29 Loved In January

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After finally getting the designer treatment it deserves, the shoe we love to hate — Crocs — is back with another upscale collaboration we didn’t know we needed. LoveShackFancy is known for stamping its feminine and pastel-colored designs on other beloved brands like Stanley, Gap, Hunter Boots, Kendra Scott, and Pink. And now, LoveShackFancy is teaming up with Crocs on a whimsical clogs collection that’s perfect for the spring.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment and couldn’t be more excited to debut our first collaboration with Crocs,” said LoveShackFancy founder and creative director Rebecca Hessel Cohen in a press release. “This collection, true to LoveShackFancy, is all about more is more: more bows, more hearts, more Jibbitz charms, more magic, all in the heirloom prints our girls love most.”

The limited-edition collection — which ranges between $20 and $90 — features Crocs’ classic clogs (available in adult and kids sizes), platform clogs, and ballet flats, all covered in LoveShackFancy’s signature floral prints and dotted with gold accents and LSF-inspired Jibbitz charms (think: hearts, roses, pearls, seashells, and croissants).

The LSF x Crocs classic clogs even have darling bows on the heel straps. Plus, the ballet flats come with ribbons that can be hooked on and wrapped up around your legs like a true pointe shoe. And for even more whimsy, you can add extra Jibbitz packs to your cart to customize your LoveShackFancy styles (or elevate your existing Crocs shoes).

“This collection is where playful femininity meets iconic comfort, offering a touch of nostalgia and an open invitation to layer on the charm and express your style unapologetically,” said Crocs chief marketing officer Carly Gomez in the press release. “There’s an effortless energy that comes with wearing Crocs, and LoveShackFancy’s dreamy aesthetic complements that perfectly.”

LoveShackFancy even recommends pairing the printed Crocs with its Bohème, Moondance, and Forever In Love capsules to perfectly match the printed apparel and fragrances.

Below, plan your purchase ahead of time, and be sure to come back here on March 5 to order your favorite styles (before they go out of stock) through Crocs’s or LoveShackFancy’s websites.

Shop the LoveShackFancy x Crocs collaboration on March 5 at 12 p.m. EST

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Korean drama is having a moment. From Squid Game to Letterboxd’s highest-rated 2025 miniseries When Life Gives You Tangerines, there are millions of eyes locked in. Blackpink band member Jisoo has been embarking on solo projects recently, releasing her first solo album in 2023 and starring in multiple TV shows and films. However, Netflix’s Boyfriend on Demand is one of her biggest acting parts yet, and is set to see her fully transform into a leading lady.

The 10-part series will be released on March 6, and if you’re a romance fan, you’re going to be instantly enamored. Jisoo stars as Seo Mi-Rae, a burnt-out webtoon producer who has no time to date. She turns to subscription-based virtual reality app Boyfriend on Demand to meet the men of her dreams, whilst also juggling a rivalry with Park Kyeong-nam (Seo In-guk) at work. She is charismatic, likeable and approaches the role with gusto — the perfect K-drama lead. I can’t share any spoilers, but there are plenty of classic tropes in this show, from enemies-to-lovers, the thriving ex, high school romance and more.

When I speak to Jisoo, she’s animated and passionate about the K-drama. She speaks about how she balances her music and acting career, what the other members of Blackpink think of her solo endeavors, and shares the advice she would give her 20-year-old self.

Refinery29: Congrats on Boyfriend on Demand, I loved it! You’ve been in a few acting projects, how do you balance music and acting, and do you have a preference?

Jisoo: You know, music and acting could be seen as two very different things, but I do think they’re similar in many ways. So I don’t really feel like I have this line set between acting and performing as a musician, I try to put the same amount of energy into everything I do.

You’re obviously part of Blackpink, but you all have solo projects like this one. Do you support each other’s individual projects?

Jisoo: Yeah, even with Boyfriend on Demand, when the main trailer was released, they would sort of tease me, saying, ‘Oh, my God, you did this. You did that.’ And they were very curious about the show. So they were asking, ‘Can I see it beforehand?’ And I said, ‘No, you have to watch it on Netflix on March 6.’

Boyfriend on Demand has a slow-burning romance at its heart. I loved the last couple of episodes! Why do audiences love slow burn and yearning so much?

Jisoo: I think most love is a slow burn. That’s why I think a lot of people will relate to the characters and the romance depicted in the show. Not a lot of people just directly confess their feelings and, you know, just kickstart everything. It’s usually taken very slow, step by step, and that’s why I think people love to put themselves in the shoes of these slow-burning romance characters.

I don’t really feel like I have this line set between acting and performing as a musician, I try to put the same amount of energy into everything I do.
Blackpink’s Jisoo
on whether she prefers music or acting

In one episode, your character talks about what she would do if she could relive her 20s. What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Jisoo: I think back in my 20s, I had a more controlled life. I would say, ‘This is good, or that is bad,’ and I would just follow my beliefs. But I would like to tell my younger self to step out of the box. Try new things. Don’t be afraid of change and enjoy life more.

And finally, why are K-dramas so popular in the Western world?

Jisoo: I think people are entertained by other cultures, you know, experiencing those cultures vicariously through, you know, K-dramas and K-pop as well. I think it goes both ways. It could be Korean people enjoying other countries’ cultures. It could be the other way around.

Boyfriend on Demand will be released on Netflix on March 6, 2026.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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

This week: a self-employed clinical mental health therapist who makes $50,000 per year and spends some of it on a $85 pizza outing!

This Money Diary was written in the summer of 2025.

If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email. Please note: We are legally unable to publish any diaries that have been written with the use of AI.

Editor’s note: After a short hiatus, we’re back once a week! Thank you for your patience. We’ll be honoring Money Diary submissions we received during our break by publishing them in the coming weeks. There’s more to come soon — stay tuned.

Occupation: Clinical mental health therapist (self-employed in private practice)
Industry: Healthcare
Age: 28
Location: Austin, TX
Salary: $50,000
Joint Income/Financial Setup: Our joint income is $150,000. My husband P. and I operate on a fully joint financial setup. Every paycheck goes into our shared accounts, and all of our expenses and investments come out of those. We don’t separate things by percentage or halves. Instead, we see all of it as our money. We also own a small business together with variable revenue.
Assets: $101,000 between us in savings, P’s 401k, and joint investments. We share everything and pay off cards twice a month.
Debt: $110,000 ($84,000 for my student loans and $2000 for my car loan to be paid off in four months’ time. $24,000 in P’s student loans).
Paycheck Amount (2x a month): $7500 between both of us. Changes are variable based off our small business and client cancellations from my private practice.
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses

Housing Costs: $2034 (rent for an apartment).
Loan Payments: $500 for my car loan; $904 for student loans (combined).
Copilot: $13 (we use it to track our expenses)
Netflix: $0 (my mom pays it)
Car insurance: $118
Hulu: $0 (my sister pays it)
HBO: $10
Canva: $12.95
Apple Music: $23.80
LinkedIn: $32.36
WSJ: $10
Google storage: $12.14
Phones: $0 (our parents pay for them and we’re incredibly grateful, and will ride that train until we’re booted off!)

Other recurring monthly expenses
Monthly wax: $55
P’s haircut: $60
Dog food: $85
P’s bi-weekly therapy: $70
My therapy: $0 (expensed by my business)

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
Yes, as an African immigrant, it was expected of me to either become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. The majority of my extended family are all college-educated and high achievers. I had my heart set on becoming a doctor, but after battling depression mid-college, I secretly decided to pivot to psychology. I ended up getting my Master’s degree in counseling and couldn’t be happier, and my family is now supportive. I paid for it all through student loans.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances?
Growing up in Africa for a part of my childhood, I always thought we had more money than we actually did. However, it wasn’t until I was older that I realized we had a lower cost of living in Africa. My mom made enough money for us to be comfortable and her job got us a lot of nice perks. When we moved to America, we really didn’t have any money due to increased living expenses, and my mom only having access to entry-level jobs. My mom always talked to me about finances because I always wanted very expensive things that we just couldn’t afford, so most of our conversations were all about spending and living within your means. She also talked to me a lot about getting an advanced education, so I could have a good-paying job.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job was a modeling job where I got paid $100 to walk the runway for a fashion designer. I always wanted to be a model. I loved it, but at that time, the body positivity movement had not hit yet and I was about 15lbs heavier than they wanted me to be. I wasn’t willing to make that change for more jobs. We had to move cities so I stopped modeling. After that I started babysitting in the summers. I also worked at a department store as a sales rep in high school.

Did you worry about money growing up?
I did worry about money when we immigrated to America. We only shopped in thrift stores and times were hard. My mom worked multiple jobs to keep us afloat, and we didn’t have a lot of money to do much outside of putting food on the table and keeping a roof over our heads. My mom was always honest with me about our situation and what we could afford. Sometimes she would tell me she felt bad for not being able to buy me the things I wanted.

Do you worry about money now?
Yes, I still worry about money, especially living in Austin. It’s such a fun city and very health-focused, which is great for my career, but it’s so expensive. I don’t know when we’ll be able to afford a house here and if it’s sustainable to really have a family here. Also, as a member of a collectivist culture, I know that soon, I’ll need to contribute money to take care of my mom and I am eager to do so, but with inflation, sometimes I worry how I will be able to juggle all of that. I’m so very grateful for my husband’s income. However, I’m impatient for my practice to fill up so I can earn more. I’m still slowly building my private practice and my goal is to double, if not triple, my current salary, but I know that it’ll take some time. I’m hoping by then, my money worries might ease up.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
At the age of 18, when I went to college. Sometimes I felt like a burden even though my mom never made me feel that way. I just felt bad that she had to spend money on me, so I think that’s why I took out more loans than I should have so I wouldn’t have needed to rely on her. Thanks to our emergency fund and investments, we do have a bit of a financial safety net but it does feel very small to me — but I know it’s enough to last us at least a couple months.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
Lol! Besides the few coins of interest from our HYSA, no inherited income. Our parents did pay for two-thirds of our wedding, which we were very grateful for.

Day One: Monday

9:30 a.m. — I struggle to roll out of bed after snoozing my alarm multiple times. We just came back from a two-week trip abroad and the time difference is making it hard to readjust. I do my minimal morning routine — read Bible, moisturize, and drink water. I’m excited to be back, but not excited to resume work. I always ask my clients in this scenario how we can integrate their vacation persona into their day-to-day. I guess, for me, today that looks like spraying my vacation perfume on my work clothes and letting the fragrance jog my memory and cheer me up. P. woke earlier than me and made us some green kale smoothies and my packed lunch. I grab my smoothie to go, give P. a kiss, and head to the office.

2 p.m. — I only have three sessions today, which is nice for a first day back to help me slowly transition. I anticipated I’d be on the struggle bus, so before our trip, I tried to schedule a lighter start to the week. Some might call it thinking ahead; I call it burnout anxiety. I do love that I get to set my own schedule because I work for myself. I break for lunch after my first session. I eat some sweet peppers and hummus, an orange, and an RXBAR. This is a sad lunch and I look forward to ordering groceries later.

4:30 p.m. — Wrapped up my in-person session and decide to head home to take my last virtual session. I love my office but I love being at home more lol. We use our second bedroom as office space and P. usually lets me take my evening sessions in there while he watches TV in our bedroom. I fight Austin traffic, which I will say I’m proud of myself for getting more confident on the road. These drivers will bully you into submission and I’m no longer scared of them! (okay, sometimes).

6:30 p.m. — Done with work for today. Woohoo! I missed my clients and I feel truly honored to be trusted to hold space for such resilient human beings. I catch up with P. about our day while he preps dinner, we’re down to our last dinner meal before needing to buy groceries. He makes steak, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. So yummy. Very grateful to have married a man who’s confident in the kitchen.

9 p.m. — I clean up the kitchen after dinner while P. and I yap the evening away — he tells me how excited he is for football season to start soon. I internally mourn the loss of attention this will mean for me, and think perhaps I can find a new hobby to preoccupy myself. P. and I share a lot of the same interests, but football is one I just can’t seem to comprehend, even after being with him for a while. I plan our weekly menu and place an order to pick up groceries for the next day. I order fresh fruit for parfaits, kale and spinach for smoothies, fresh salmon, Greek yogurt, lemon arugula salad (obsessed!), sourdough bread, avocados, rotisserie chicken for lunches, raw shrimp, roasted seaweed (for sushi rolls), eggs, almond milk, and a protein snack mix for B. I love the freedoms of being in America, but the price we pay to eat clean and healthy here is bonkers! $163.10

11 p.m. — I’m a bit of a night owl, so I call my mom. She works nights and is up to chat. Spend 20 minutes on the phone with her. I miss her and sometimes feel sad that she lives so far away. But we just spent two weeks with her on vacation, which was nice. After yapping some more with P., I shower and get ready for bed. Goodnight prayer and kisses at 12 a.m.

Daily Total: $163.10

Day Two: Tuesday

9 a.m. — I hit snooze only today (okay progress!), and get out of bed to get ready to go to a cafe to network with a fellow therapist that I reached out to. I’m still in the early stages of filling out my caseload, so no clients today but I do have a couple of professional meetings and errands. No time for the Bible this morning (sorry, Big G) because I’m running behind. I quickly get dressed, take my vitamins, and head out the door. P. is in a work meeting so I text him goodbye.

10 a.m. — I meet with my colleague and she’s such a delight. She encourages me in my salary growth aspirations as she is currently making double what I make, and she gives me some great advice. The therapist community in Austin is so supportive and uplifting, and it’s really nice to connect with like-minded people. I wasn’t planning on ordering food but the vitamins I take make me nauseous if I don’t eat with them, so I guess this is the cost of not waking up on time. I order a breakfast sandwich that has a hashbrown INSIDE the sandwich and I’m here for it ($12.45 expensed). My colleague and I exchange business cards and part ways.

12 p.m. — I head to the post office to mail out some gifts we got on vacation for our loved ones. Not going to lie, I’m kind of anxious to step foot in there and wish my mom was with me. I’ve been to the post office like five times in my life and each time I never know what to do! The immigrant struggle of not quite being sure of how to maneuver in certain spaces still gets me. Today I decide to own my incompetence and march straight to the desk and sheepishly ask for help. The worker laughed at my nervousness and kindly helped me out. She was sweet. After spending what felt like AGES at this, I mailed four packages. I clutched my pearls at the total and asked if USPS has always been this pricey. I get laughed at again. Oh well. $51.19

1 p.m. — I stop at the grocery store to pick up my groceries and schedule my first session with my new therapist while I wait. I’ve been looking for my own for a while and finally found someone who can incorporate faith into our work, AND take our insurance. I’m excited to begin work with her. Self-care and preventing burnout is really important to me, and I want to be able to practice what I preach.

2 p.m. — Back home, P. helps put groceries away and I’m feeling exhausted and lie down on the couch to rest, and end up taking a 30-45 minute nap. This is really exciting for me because I can’t nap on demand. My brain is always sooooo active. Perks of international time travel tiredness, I guess. I’m proud and feeling refreshed. I freshen up for my mentor meeting and P. is sweet enough to drive me, as he also wants to get out of the house.

3:30 p.m. — Meet with my mentor who is my former professor. She taught me everything I know and has been one of my biggest supporters and safe spaces since day one of grad school. I give her a gift I got her from my trip and catch her up on the highs and lows of my practice. We talk about me pursuing a PhD (shivers!). She’s a big advocate of that, but understands my hesitation (price, stress, me being allergic to textbooks). I leave with lots to think about but feeling poured into and loved.

5 p.m. — Head home and talk with P. about his upcoming birthday party. He likes to be low-key, but I encourage him to get creative about what he wants. He comes up with a great idea so I make his birthday invite on Canva, and send out the invitations on Partiful. I love planning events and get really energized by it.

7 p.m. — Time for Bible study! I’m a part of a small Bible study with some great women. It’s virtual but still a great way to connect and share faith and wisdom. I leave feeling encouraged and more connected to God. During the call I eat yesterday’s steak leftovers.

9 p.m. — I share my Bible study reflections with P. and then we talk budgeting and venue for his birthday. We’ve been saving for it, but will need to scrounge up some extra coins from future paychecks to make up the difference. All of it is feasible. Our tiny apartment is looking like it’ll be too snug for the party, which is disappointing. We talk about how we can’t wait to buy a house big enough for all of our hosting and event dreams. We get ready for bed, prayers, and goodnight pecks by 11 p.m.

Daily Total: $51.19

Day Three: Wednesday

9 a.m. — Wake up, read the Bible, moisturize, freshen up the bedroom, and drink water. I clean the bathroom and put on my work ‘fit for the day. I make avocado toast for P. and I. I prep for my three sessions today and then register for an upcoming conference. I look into an upcoming couples therapy training, it’ll cost $1000 and although it sounds great, I need to think more about it before I pull the trigger. Fortunately, I’ve been saving since I started my practice last year, so I do have the funds.

11 a.m — I wrap up and prep to head into the office. I pack a lunch of rotisserie chicken with lemon arugula salad, carrots, cucumbers, and hummus, with an orange.

4 p.m. — I had a cancellation, so I leave work early and head home. They canceled 30 minutes before, so they still got charged my full fee. It’s hard to enforce but it’s important to keep the boundary. I struggle with the Western concept that time is money — but in this capitalistic society, it feels like I don’t have a choice. These student loans ain’t gonna pay for themselves.

6:30 p.m. — Our friend E. comes over for dinner. P. makes all three of us a juicy salmon with the lemon arugula salad. We all catch up and discuss the state of the world, E.’s upcoming international move, and our hopes for America. We give E. a gift we got her from our vacation and she’s very happy. We all yap until 11 p.m. and then E. leaves. I’m grateful for friends who feel like family. We’re spent, so shower and get ready for bed. Prayers and goodnight kisses at 11:30 p.m.

Daily Total: $0

Day Four: Thursday

7 a.m. — It’s ovulation week, so I wake up surprisingly early with Big Ovulation Energy and realize I need to exercise. After all my hard work, I attempt to begin my day. I don’t feel focused enough to read the Bible (sigh, the woes of an ADHD Christian). I’m trying to read it in a year; some days the story is full of rich drama, great lessons, and gasp-worthy moments, but other days, like today, it reads like dry historical fiction (no shade to the authors). So instead of forcing it, I say a prayer and answer emails and messages and move along. P. and I drink green smoothies for breakfast and eat berry yogurt parfait drizzled with honey and granola. No clients today as Thursdays are my catch-up/professional development days. I don’t know what to do with myself and nothing on my to-do list sounds appealing, so I laze around for the rest of the morning.

1 p.m. — This day is draggggging. I decide to do some more professional development research around couples therapy. My caseload is seeing an influx of couples with betrayal trauma, and I’m surprisingly really energized by this population. I’m inspired by the courage of couples willing to do this work. I order a book on my Kindle by an infidelity therapist and begin reading it. Such interesting information! I have found my to-do for the day. $12.00 (expensed)

6 p.m. — After a deep dive into all things betrayal, my brain is mush and I close the laptop for the day. I eat salmon leftovers with P. and share with him my newfound knowledge. Sometimes I feel bad for him that he’s married to a therapist — poor guy can never escape these conversations. Perhaps football season will be a good break for him. We clean up after dinner, both shower and go to bed early. Prayers and goodnight smooches by 10 p.m.

Daily Total: $0

Day Five: Friday

7:45 a.m. — It’s Friday! And my busiest day. I wake up with a pep in my step. I have six hours worth of sessions today. I listen to worship music while I put my makeup on, and a linen outfit I love. My therapist uniform for the summer is linen everything. P. makes me a Nespresso to go and packs my lunch while I get ready. I’m such a slow person and his help getting me out the door is so appreciated. I grab an RXBAR for breakfast to go with my coffee and give him a kiss goodbye as I head out for the office.

2 p.m. — I break for lunch. Phew — it’s been nonstop and I scheduled back-to-backs so I’m STARVING. I eat a rotisserie chicken Caesar salad for lunch with sweet peppers and hummus. I catch up on notes and stretch before my last two sessions.

5 p.m. — I’m DONE! Can you imagine having to spend six hours talking to six different people while remembering everything they’ve ever told you, simultaneously reflecting back in real time their emotional affect and interpreting their words? All while scanning, assessing, analyzing, and writing down notes about relevant details?! Yeah, my brain is fried for the day but I love love love my clients and am very proud of their growth. I water my office plants, pack up, and I head home to rest.

6 p.m. — Oh wait…it’s date night. I get home and change into something casual. P. and I are trying a new New York-style pizza place tonight and I wish I had more energy to be excited, but at least I’m eager for the food. We get there and there’s a one-hour wait — gotta love Austin. I’m too tired and grumpy to protest, so I entertain myself by people watching with P. We finally get seated and food comes out fast. The pizza is TO DIE FOR. Definitely worth the wait, but still shocked at these gosh darn Austin prices! We order a cider to share, a full pie, a Caesar salad, and gelato. For a whopping $85. It was some of the best pizza I’ve had, though, so I was not upset. $85.00

10 p.m. — We go home and I make a beeline for the shower and get in bed IMMEDIATELY. After being talked at all day, it can be hard to make space to talk to my husband. He’s very understanding, and honestly, he’s my best friend and I find that even after the longest of days, it’s always easy to yap with him. I’m blessed. We decide to finally start the new season of Wednesday. It seems creepier this season. Was it always this spooky? I fall asleep after the episode, while P. stays up to watch TV.

Daily Total: $85.00

Day Six: Saturday

9 a.m. — I wake up still feeling drained from yesterday’s work. I decide to spend the morning in bed and catch up on social media. P. heads out to a sports bar to watch the football game. He’s very excited and I’m happy for him (and still mourning the loss of attention), but we both agree that having our individual interests and friendships are healthy and meaningful. I use the time while he’s gone to catch up on the phone with my mom and sister. I’m not feeling hungry after yesterday’s carb fest, so I eat applesauce for breakfast and rest on the couch.

3 p.m. — P. is home and sad because his team lost. Somebody should start a support group for fans of losing teams; they could really use a tender space to process. We decide to go to Trader Joe’s to pick up some flowers and fresh eucalyptus leaves for the shower. TJ’s flowers last for almost two weeks. We love them! $20.00

5 p.m. — We drive around for fun while scouting houses for sale and then we go home and eat pizza leftovers. We decide to stay in for the rest of the day and watch The Truman Show. I’ve never seen it and I really connected to it. I spend the rest of the evening reading Reddit reflections about the movie (because duh, what else do you do after a good movie?) This concept of not accepting the world given to you is the heart of the immigrant story. We leave what we know as familiar in hopes for better in a new world. It’s one of the bravest and most terrifying things anyone can do. I chat about this with my husband — he’s American but has a beautiful open mind and world view.

10 p.m. — We relax for the rest of the evening and go to bed. Prayers, goodnight kisses and asleep by 11 p.m.

Daily Total: $20.00

Day Seven: Sunday

8 a.m. — Today is the Lord’s day! We wake up and get ready for church. I make us avocado toast with eggs and chicken sausage for breakfast and Nespresso coffee for both of us. Sometimes it’s hard to focus in church but coffee and a full stomach help. We’re in the process of finding a church home, and it’s been hard. We both have ‘church hurt’ and are praying for a place where we find belonging and a seasoned community of believers. We got invited to this church by a friend and are excited to check it out.

10 a.m. — We head out in our Sunday best and still arrive five minutes late. Sermon is timely and worship is uplifting. We are open to coming back! We leave church and drive around the church’s neighborhood and look at homes for sale. GASP. Home prices are coming down?! God is real. For the longest time, three-bedroom houses in Austin used to cost at least half a million dollars. Now, these same houses are around $300k! We’ve only been here for a few years and this is the lowest homes have ever been. Perhaps homeownership is in our very near future after all.

1 p.m. — We go home and do our weekly check-in, and we talk about our relationship satisfaction, budget, and community building. This has become a staple for us and keeps us on the same page. We scrounge up leftovers from the week and eat for lunch. Then P. takes a nap while I do my business accounting for work.

4 p.m. — We go to a friend’s birthday party at a beer garden. P. buys a beer for $8. This friend is a therapist, so I get to network with all her therapist friends as well. It doesn’t feel like work because everyone is so chill and friendly. I get more great advice on how to scale my practice and exchange business cards. Always so grateful to be surrounded by such empowering women entrepreneurs! We eat cake and then head out. $8.00

7 p.m. — P. and I make garlic shrimp pasta for dinner. Usually he doesn’t like me to sous chef because he’s a very particular cook, but I really wanted to cook the mushrooms how I like them lol. We eat dinner and chat about home ownership. By next year we would have saved $20,000 towards a down payment. Will it be enough?! Only time will tell. As for now, we’re grateful to be in a position where we can save and still enjoy our fleeting youth.

10 p.m. — We yap some more about his birthday, talk about our week, and get ready for bed. I don’t get the Sunday Scaries but I do get the ‘Sunday Sighs’. Sigh, to think this time last week, I was on vacation and now I have to go back to work for the man, except in this case, the man is myself. Owning my practice is a blessing but sometimes, a girl just wants to vacay forever. Perhaps I will spray more vacation perfume before bed to get me pumped, perhaps not. I shower, read a feel-good book, say prayers, and lock goodnight lips with P.

Daily Total: $8.00

Conclusion

“We did okay! It definitely could’ve been worse. We don’t eat expensive pizza often, and I definitely do not go to the post office much, so it is a little bit higher spend week. I do realize that we spend a lot on food and not entertainment, so I would like to start investing time at concerts and comedy shows around Austin. So we will have to see if we can financially make it work.”

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