Welcome to Travel Diaries, a Refinery29 series where we tag along as real women embark on trips around the world and track their travel expenses down to the last cent. Here, we offer a detailed, intimate account of when, where, and how our peers spend their vacation days and disposable income: all the meals, adventures, indulgences, setbacks, and surprises.

This week's travel diary: A 27-year-old sales executive visits Tennessee for tattoos, Dollywood, and karaoke.

For questions, feedback, or if you're interested in tracking your travel expenses during an upcoming trip email us at traveldiary@refinery29.com.

Age: 27
Occupation: Sales Executive
Salary: $96,000
Annual # Of Vacation Days: 10

Location: Irvine, CA
Trip Location: Nashville, TN
Trip Length: 6 days

Travel Companion: Best friend, B
Travel Companion # of Vacation Days: 12

Transportation
Costs: Round trip flight from LAX to BNA was $225. We booked an Avis rental car through Costco Travel from for five days for $128.87, but we’ll pay this when we pick up the car (if you haven’t checked them out, highly recommended. We originally booked through Expedia before this and found out Costco was $120 cheaper).

When did you book? Do you think you got a good deal? We booked it four months in advance, directly through Southwest’s website. I thought we got a great deal!

Total: $225

Accommodations
Costs: We stayed a few different places. My best friend, B, works in hospitality and gets a huge discount on hotels. We stayed at a Hilton Garden Inn first, then at a Hilton in Pigeon Forge, then an AirBnB barn, and another Hilton by the airport on our last night. B put it on her card and I Venmo’d her.

Total: $197.21

Pre-vacation spending
- Acrylic/gel nail fill: $50 + $15 tip. She stayed late for me and painted a Dolly Parton-themed design, so I tipped extra: $65
- I had some clothes I wanted to wear that needed to get tailored: $40
- Dollywood ticket: $69.55

Total: $194.55

Day One

1:02 p.m. – I clock out of work and am officially on vacation! I took a half day because I haven’t hit quota yet (I work a sales job and it’s pretty crucial to hit numbers every month). I’m leaving straight from work to my parents’ house because they live closer to LAX. I get there around 2:15 p.m. and my mom and I immediately head to the airport.

3:10 p.m. – I check my bags and go through TSA Pre-Check, which is SO worth the money if you travel often. It takes me about 5 minutes to get through the line, I don't have to take my shoes off, don't need to scan my boarding pass (they just put my driver’s license through a machine), and get to keep stuff in my pockets. My best friend, B, is still on the way by the time I get done with security, so I walk around LAX for a bit and read a little bit of Jurassic Park. I’m re-reading it because I wanted a fun fantasy read, but I always forget how great Crichton’s writing is.

3:47 p.m. – B arrives! We go to Urth Cafe and I grab a blended coffee drink. $7.83

4:25 p.m. – We start to board the plane. Even though B is further up than I was, we still manage to get seats next to each other. We have a layover in Vegas and one of the flight attendants is dressed up as Elvis, which is kind of cute and fun.

6 p.m. – Arrive in Vegas and de-plane. We have about 30 minutes to kill before boarding again, so we walk around and look at the shops and charge our phones.

6:45 p.m. – Board plane and it’s pretty empty, so B and I get a whole row to ourselves!

7:15 p.m. – We take off and I try to sleep for a bit, but fail. I decide to read more of Jurassic Park and finish about 120 pages of it before I decide to take a break. I just sit and let my thoughts wander; I feel like some of my best “deep thinking” comes from me sitting on a plane, probably because I’m literally sitting with nothing to do.

12:40 a.m. – We land! We grab our luggage from baggage claim and head to the ride share pickup. B calls an Uber and we split the cost. $11

2 a.m. – We finally settle in and get ready for bed, but we’re still pretty wired from the time change. B falls asleep pretty quickly and I eventually knock out after.

Daily Total: $18.83

Day Two

11:02 a.m. – We didn’t set an alarm, but probably should have because we wake up super late, oops. We were set to pick up our rental car at 10 a.m., but that’s not happening. We call and they say it’s fine to pick up later.

1:59 p.m. – We get a Lyft back to the airport to grab the rental car (this was the closest pick up to our hotel; Avis was closed when we landed, so we had to pick up the next day). They give us a cute green Kia Soul, which is actually super spacious and nice to drive. $16.14

2:30 p.m. – We wanted to get tattooed today because it’s our “low key” day with no plans, but the artist we want is booked up. We make an appointment for tomorrow though, which works because it’s supposed to be raining. We find a BBQ spot near the tattoo shop called Edley’s. I can only have sides because I don’t eat meat, but they are probably the best damn BBQ sides I’ve ever had. I get mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread. I end up getting another side of mac and cheese because I was still hungry and it is incredible. $10.10

3 p.m. – As I’m pulling out of the parking spot, I see a cute neon sign that said “Solstice” and realize it’s a brick and mortar for Solstice Intimates! I’ve been following their store on Instagram for a while and I’ve always wanted to buy something, so we head in. They do a lot of custom pieces, so they only have samples of what you can buy, but if something in store fits, you could purchase it right then and there. I find a bodysuit I love, but it needs more fabric around the bust, so the associate gives me their card to email the customization team my measurements.

4:15 p.m. – We arrive downtown to walk around and decide to go to the Johnny Cash Museum. We park at a meter after like 10 minutes of circling around, then come to the realization that we have no quarters. I go to an ATM and grab $25 so I can get change. We walk into an arcade bar, assuming they have a change machine, and the hostess literally just pulls out her wallet and hands us change. I try to give her cash in exchange, but she won't take it and tells us to have fun on our visit. Southern hospitality, y’all. We make a mental note to come back and drink here because she was so sweet.

4:40 p.m. – We arrive at the museum and grab coffee from their café. I use the cash from the ATM to pay for coffee ($3.25) and my ticket to the museum ($20.95). The museum is great and really detailed; my dad and I love Johnny Cash and would listen to him a lot while I was growing up, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. We weren’t planning to stop in, but I’m super glad we did. $24.20

6:10 p.m. – We head back to the barcade, which is called HQ Beercade. This is one of my favorite bars in Nashville, and probably some of the best cocktails I’ve had, period. B gets the first round — she has a beer and I order a mint chocolate cocktail; we play Tetris, Pac Man, Frogger — all of those fun '80s games. I get the next round — she tries a blue vodka lemonade and I get an alcoholic cold brew. We leave around 8 p.m. so we don’t get caught in the thunderstorm that is projected to happen soon (can you tell we’re from L.A. and not used to weather?). $31.22

8:25 p.m. – We get to the room and order pizza and garlic bread; I Venmo B for my half. We watch The Perfect Date because we loved To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (no shame). It is cute for what it was, but definitely no TATBILB. We laugh and talk a little bit more and fall asleep around 11. $12

Daily Total: $93.66

Day Three

11 a.m. – We wake up and it’s not raining as hard as we thought, which is great! We have our tattoo appointment at 3 p.m. today and have time to kill before then, so we plan on eating breakfast (brunch?) at Biscuit Love. We get ready and head out for the day.

12:30 p.m. – I totally forgot I needed shorts for the tattoo appointment and don’t have any with me, so we stop by Target and get comfy pajama shorts. We also grab an umbrella in case it starts raining more. $23.68

1:30 p.m. – We head in the general direction of the tattoo shop and try to find a place to eat because Biscuit Love has an insane line. I am in a Facebook group called GIRLS LOVE TRAVEL; I screenshot some restaurant recommendations from Nashville posts and recognize a pizza place that was on the list. B points out that we had pizza the night before, but then we both agree we could probably eat pizza every day if we could. We park in a lot that is walking distance to the pizza place, Five Points Pizza, and the tattoo shop. The lot only has a 2-hour or 12-hour option on the meter, so we pick the 12-hour time. $8

2 p.m. – The pizza is incredible. I just get cheese because I am basic and boring, but it was New York-styled slices. B also gets garlic knots and we split those, but now I need like, eight pieces of gum to get the garlic breath to go away. We eat pretty slowly because we have an hour to kill $4.10

2:54 p.m. – We walk over to the tattoo shop and check in with the artist, who already drew the tattoos out. I have been following him on Instagram for a while and was super stoked to finally get something from him. He asks us to give him a few minutes to set up, so we browse a small vintage store that shares the same space as the shop.

3:15 p.m. – He starts on B’s tattoo, finishes in about an hour, and starts on mine. It takes him about two hours because mine is a larger piece. We recognize one of the other artists at the shop because he used to live in L.A. and would tattoo some of our friends, and we realize we both matched with him on Tinder a few years ago (we laugh about it after our appointment). The artist was super nice and was very conversational, without seeming fake or overly talkative. My tattoo ended up being $300 and I tipped him $60. $360

6:30 p.m. – We’re both starving and craving BBQ, so B checks Yelp for a vegetarian BBQ spot. The top search result was the Southern V and it has five stars, so we go over. I get fried “chicken” made out of seitan with a side of BBQ sauce, mac and cheese, and baked beans. It is, without a doubt, some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had. $17.04

7:25 p.m. – My boyfriend K calls and we talk on the phone for a little bit. He keeps me updated on his day and our shared dog. I’m having a lot of fun so far, but I also miss them both so much.

8:15 p.m. – B suggests getting a massage and I’m down. She finds a place on Yelp that does 30-minute chair massages for $30. We call to make sure it’s okay to head over and they give us the green light. It feels really nice, but I start feeling a little dizzy. I realize I’ve only had a cup or two of water earlier, so I’m super dehydrated. I make a mental note to stop by a gas station or something to get water. I pay $30 and tip $5. $35

9:20 p.m. – We were planning on going downtown to bar hop tonight, but we both feel pretty sleepy and too relaxed to go out after the massages. Plus, we have to wake up around 7:30 a.m. to drive over to the Dollywood area, which is about a three-hour drive. We go to Target to get antibacterial soap for our tattoos and pick up a case of water bottles for the rest of the trip (I brought a reusable water bottle but didn’t see any area to fill it up). We also get face masks and potato chips, just because. I buy because I get 5% off with my Red Card. We head back to the hotel, watch TV, and fall asleep. $18.12

Daily Total: $465.94

Day Four

8:30 a.m. – We were supposed to be on the road 30 minutes ago, so we panic, throw on comfy clothes, and leave. Thank God we packed everything the night before. We grab some cereal in the lobby on the way out and basically shovel it down within, like, five minutes. I also pick up some Tylenol Extra Strength because I woke up with a headache. $4

9 a.m. – Approximately 30 seconds after being in the car, we realize we need coffee for a three-hour road trip, so we go to Starbucks. $4.05

11:35 a.m. – We both have to use the restroom, so we pull over at a Taco Bell. Once we walk in, we realize how hungry we are, so we order food. I get two potato soft tacos and a cheesy gordita crunch (sub meat for beans). $4.71

1:20 p.m. – So, I guess the time changes at some point on the way from Nashville to Pigeon Forge, where Dollywood is; we realize we gain an hour and the clocks on our phones don’t match the clock on the car. We Google it and part of Tennessee is on Central Time, and part is Eastern Time.

2:10 p.m. – We finally arrive at the hotel and I immediately start getting ready because Dollywood is closing at 8 p.m. It’s only a 10-minute drive, but I want to spend as much time there as possible. I’m not big on country music, but I do like the classics like Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, etc. However, Dolly Parton is the exception: I am a HUGE Dolly fan. I love her music, her style, and her attitude towards life. I decided to go all out and wore this long, floral, bright vintage dress and huge sunglasses to really exude Dolly Parton vibes. We get ready and head out.

3 p.m. – We’re here and it’s way more amazing than I anticipated already! They have a tram that takes you from the parking lot to the front entrance and the park is super clean. I was expecting more of a kitschy county fair, but it’s actually like a mix of Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland. They have themed lands, cute shows, and a surprising amount of thrill rides. We knew nothing about the rides, which actually made it way more fun to experience. We pretty much rode anything because it was so cold and rainy for some of the day, so it wasn’t crowded at all. We paid in advance, but B put parking on her card and I Venmo her half. $8

7:10 p.m. – We head out a little early because we did everything and want to grab dinner. We stop off at the Dollywood emporium and get a cute Dollywood dad hat ($27.43). B also bought us popcorn earlier in the day and because we bought a souvenir bucket, I pay for a refill ($1.10) to take back to the hotel. We also get some dessert at the bakery ($6.81) there because it looks so tempting and we have no self-control whatsoever; I pay because B bought the popcorn. My absolute favorite Dollywood purchase came earlier in the day in the form of an airbrushed shirt with Dolly Parton on it ($38.40); the guy didn’t do the best job at the airbrush (let’s just say it definitely doesn’t look like Dolly), but I live for that weird, kitschy stuff, so I personally love it even more that way. $73.73

8:15 p.m. – B Yelps some restaurants nearby; we’re both craving something hearty and “Southern.” She finds a place called the Old Mill, which seemed pretty popular based on the amount of people waiting to be seated. It takes about 20 minutes and we go to our table. This place gave us SO much food. I got a “four sides” plate and picked mac and cheese, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato casserole. They also gave corn chowder, salad, and corn fritters as an appetizer. It was exactly what we were looking for and it was so good, even though I felt disgustingly full after. They gave a free dessert as well, but I took it to go (I chose the cobbler, B chose chocolate cake). We tipped 20%. $24.69

10:05 p.m. – Fill up the car with gas. I wish gas was this cheap in California. $32.47

10:30 p.m. – Honestly, nothing feels better than taking a hot shower after a long day and going to bed feeling really full.

Daily total: $151.65

Day Five

9 a.m. – We wake up somewhat early-ish because we want to get to our Airbnb before the sun goes down; we rented a barn in Brentwood, which is about 20 minutes outside of Nashville. Dollywood is also super close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so we want to stop in there for a little bit as well. We have another three-hour drive, so we don’t really get dressed up or put on makeup.

10:05 a.m. – Definitely need coffee, but we can’t really find anything aside from fast food. We go to McDonald’s; I get iced coffee and two Egg McMuffins (no Canadian bacon), and B gets iced coffee, fries, and hash browns. $8.77

11:20 a.m. – We get to the visitor’s center at the Great Smoky Mountains and realize there’s way more to do than we thought. We decide to drive up to the highest point in Tennessee, Clingman’s Dome. We take a very scenic, 30-minute drive up the mountain and realize the road is closed due to weather (there is still some snow). We walk around the nearby area that is open, near the Appalachian Trail, which was apparently the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. Now I can technically say I’ve been to North Carolina and can check that state off my list!

12:35 p.m. – After stopping off at some areas near waterfalls and creeks, we head out. I definitely want to come back and spend more time at the Great Smokies after seeing how beautiful everything is. We’re still exhausted, so we stop off at Sonic for iced coffee before getting on the freeway. I get Pecan Praline flavor and it definitely tastes like it’s just 80% creamer. B also gets an iced coffee; I put it on my card and she Venmos me. $4.49

2:05 p.m. – We have to pull off and use the restroom. We decide to buy some snacks too because we’re getting hungry (and maybe a little bored?) on the road. B buys them.

3:35 p.m. – We arrive at the barn! It’s super cute but in a very rural area — we had to take a dirt road to get back here. The inside is pretty modern: The first level has a cute dining area with string lights and a bathroom, and the second level is a kitchenette, living room, and bedroom. I give B the bedroom and take the futon, which was actually very comfortable. We turn on the TV and Steel Magnolias is on — perfect Southern movie featuring my queen, Dolly Parton.

4:45 p.m. – We decide to nap before we go out because we’re pretty wiped from driving and exploring earlier. While falling asleep, we hear gunshots from someone hunting nearby (well, I assume...or hope). Country living, y’all.

7:15 p.m. – We wake up and I feel super groggy but slept like a log. We take a while to wake up, but we eventually start getting ready to go barhopping downtown. I wear a gold metallic jumpsuit that's pretty low-cut and a (fake) Gucci belt to give it some flare. I wanted to go for a 1970s disco look, which doesn't really fit the vibe of downtown Nashville, but whatever. I don’t really go out to popular bars or clubs back home, so I want to go all out.

9:30 p.m. – We arrive downtown and we definitely need to eat something because I feel a little hangry. Although the bars are open until 3 a.m., most of the kitchens were closed, so we go to Sun Diner because it’s open 24/7. It’s packed in there and only has one waitress (I tipped extra because I felt for her), so it takes a while to get our food. I get a breakfast wrap with potatoes and B gets a chicken quesadilla. $15.30

11:10 p.m. – We stop off at a karaoke lounge called Wanna B’s, which doesn’t have as many people as we expected, BUT this means we can get our songs in faster. I sing “You Ain’t Woman Enough” by Loretta Lynn and B sings “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. We end up doing another song because the line to sing is so short; I do “Goodbye Earl” by the Dixie Chicks and B does “This Kiss” by Faith Hill. The bar has a really fun vibe and we meet a lot of cool people here, including some locals. B buys the first round of drinks and I get the second; I also Venmo the KJ a tip (smart move to include your Venmo handle next to the tip jar). $29

12:20 a.m. – We decide to go to this famous bar, Nudie’s Honky Tonk. I don’t know if it's because it was Easter Sunday or maybe this is how it normally is, but it seems somewhat dead. They have a live band with some people dancing, but we leave pretty shortly after. B heard a bar called Whiskey Row was fun, and it's right across the street. It has lots of drunk guys and bachelorette parties. There’s a band that is fun and seems to captivate the crowd, but I personally am not feeling it that much. B finishes her drink and we GO right after (I don’t want to drink anymore because I'm driving). The last bar we went to, the Stage, ends up being so fun, we stay until we leave downtown. They have a really fun band that does covers; it's refreshing to see them do a good mix of country songs along with some current hits and throwbacks. We stay until the band wrapped up at about 2:15 a.m.

2:25 a.m. – We get back to the car and drive back to the barn, which is a little bit terrifying; there aren’t any street lights once we turn into the residential area the barn is in, and I have to be super cautious about any deer running out into the road. We make it back safely, take off our makeup, and I fall asleep as soon as I get in bed.

Daily Total: $57.56

Day Six

9:45 a.m. – It's our last day in Nashville and I’m bummed! But I’m also very excited to see my boyfriend and dog tomorrow. Today is our shopping/basic Instagram-photo-taking day, but we’re getting a slow-ish start (what else is new with us). We ask for a late check out from the barn and leave around 11:40 a.m.

12:10 p.m. – We drive back to Biscuit Love because we figure there should be no line on a Monday, but we’re wrong. We’re pretty hungry now, so we decide to pass on waiting. We find another location near Vanderbilt University, so we drive to that one because the reviews say the line is typically shorter. We get gas along the way (B pays because I filled up the tank in Pigeon Forge) and park in a lot ($4). The reviews were right — no line! I get an iced coffee, a side of potatoes, and french toast made out of biscuit dough, topped with berries and lemon mascarpone. B gets a hot fried chicken sandwich and an order of bonuts for us, which are donuts made out of biscuit dough and sprinkled with sugar and the lemon mascarpone ($20.10). I can confidently say that a bonut is now in my top five favorite food items. I need to bring a Biscuit Love to Los Angeles ASAP. $24.10

1 p.m. – We walk around the area because we see some cute boutiques; I buy two pairs of sunglasses I really like at one called Dress Up. I sign up for their rewards program and get 10% off. $23.65

1:40 p.m. – B has a friend that is really into the show American Pickers, so we drive to their store called Antique Archaeology. I love thrifting, and even though this isn’t the “style” of stuff I like to look for, it’s fun to look and appreciate. B buys her friend a T-shirt, and we explore the rest of the building, which is an old car factory from 1914.

3:30 p.m. – We go to this store we found on Instagram called Kittenish. It is very pink inside, which I love, and has a lot of '90s decor. I find a few things to try on; I end up buying this stretchy crop top and flared pants set. It’s pretty pricey, but it’s super comfortable and makes me feel so good about my body, which is worth it for me. Since I spend over $100, I get a free tote bag as well. $100.51

4:15 p.m. – We arrive at Draper James in a seemingly trendy and upscale area called 12 South. We found this boutique because of a list we found by Googling “cute walls in Nashville” (lol) and discover this store is owned by Reese Witherspoon! Someone offers us complimentary sweet tea, so we’re automatically in love with this place. A lot of the clothing feels very Southern, yet classic and chic. However, it is also very expensive, so we just browse for about 15 minutes and leave to take pictures with the cute blue and white striped wall outside. They also have one of the infamous “I Believe in Nashville” murals right across, so we take pictures with that as well.

4:45 p.m. – I wanted to take a picture with the colorful “Looking Pretty Music City” mural, and it turns out to be a 30-second walk from Draper James. Cars honk at us while we take pictures but whatever.

5 p.m. – We drive by Five Daughters Bakery, so we pull over because it’s on our list. We park on a residential street, and I’m blown away by how gorgeous the homes are here. We walk to the bakery and I get a chocolate donut with sprinkles. I like to think of myself as a donut connoisseur, and while these are good, they definitely aren’t as amazing as I had thought; I’m guessing it’s because we came at the end of the day. My all-time-favorite donut goes out to Blue Star in Portland (and those bonuts from earlier, if they count). $4.92

5:35 p.m. – We head to Love Circle, which is just a park with a view of the city. We climb this hill to get to the top and shortly realize they have stairs on the other side, oops. It’s a pretty view, but we don’t spend too much time here. I want to drive and see the United Record Pressing, which is the largest record pressing plant in the U.S. It also served as a hotel for Motown artists when the South was still segregated. It’s closed when we arrive, but I take a few photos of the entrance.

6:45 p.m. – We stop off at the Grand Ole Opry, which is actually pretty far from downtown. I want to take a tour because it seems like an essential piece of Nashville history, but we never get around to it. We walk around the front and take a few pictures; later on, I discover from my dad that the Ryman Auditorium was the OG Opry and is worth seeing over the newer building, so I guess I’ll check that out on my next trip here.

7:30 p.m. – Our final stop is a cemetery in Hendersonville to find Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s graves, which B found while researching the couple online. It takes us a while to find, but we eventually find them right before the sun goes down. It’s a pretty surreal experience.

8:15 p.m. – We head back to the hotel to drop off our bags before dropping off the rental car; we have to drop it off by tonight because our flight boards before the rental car spot opens tomorrow. We grab everything in one trip, which I regret pretty instantaneously because I have a ton of stuff. We drop it off and grab a bite to eat at the hotel restaurant because B gets 50% off. I get a flatbread pizza (which is surprisingly really good) and she gets pretzels and a sandwich. I Venmo her before I forget. $10.50

9:05 p.m. – I stop by a gas station near the airport to top off the car’s gas tank before dropping it off. $7.37

9:20 p.m. – We successfully drop off the rental and are now waiting for the airport shuttle back to the hotel. Our total was $120 and we split it 50-50. We chose to stay at a Hilton near the airport for our last night because our flight leaves disgustingly early. $60

10 p.m. – We shower, pack up everything, and get ready for bed. Except we can’t sleep because who falls asleep right away when they know they need to be up at 3 a.m.?

Daily Total: $231.05

Day Seven

3:30 a.m. – Alarm wakes us up and we get up right away. Thank god we put out the clothes we’re going to wear and packed up the night before. We get ready real quick, check the room to make sure we didn’t forget anything, and call the airport shuttle.

4:05 a.m. – Arrive at BNA. Get coffee and we are surprisingly alert for 4 a.m.

5:30 a.m. – Board the plane, which has 66 open seats, so we get a whole row to ourselves. It takes off at 6 a.m., and we both pretty much sleep the entire flight. We land 15 minutes early at LAX.

8:25 a.m. – Pick up my luggage from baggage claim, hug B goodbye, and get into my dad’s car (bless him for always being early, even for an airport pickup). Vacation is officially over; I had a great time in music city but can’t wait to hopefully unclog my arteries from eating all the Southern food and see my boyfriend/dog! Until next time, Tennessee!

How did you prepare for this trip?
I’m in a Facebook group called Girls Love Travel, so I searched for some Nashville posts to get some ideas for the best restaurants and coffee shops that were approved by locals and tourists alike. We also looked up Instagram location tags; referenced Atlas Obscura; and literally just googled “cute things in Nashville,” “cute murals in Nashville” (this is how we discovered Draper James and Kittenish), and “fun things to do in Nashville.” My parents also visited last year, so they told us to check out the Johnny Cash museum/downtown Nashville.

What was your favorite part of the trip?
Dollywood! It was so fun to experience a new theme park (I feel like living in Southern California spoils me, because I’ve been to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Six Flags multiple times), plus the rides were great. It made me feel like a kid again and forget about all my “adult” troubles like work and bills and whatnot.

What was the best meal or food you ate while you were there?
One word: bonuts.

Would you stay at your hotels and Airbnb again?
I would definitely recommend the barn (Airbnb) because it was a unique experience I wouldn’t really have in Southern California. Hiltons are always nice, so I would recommend those as well, even though there was nothing really special about it.

Is there anything you wished you had time to do, but didn’t?
Definitely the Ryman Auditorium tour. I wish I had done more research and noted the difference between here and Grand Ole Opry/Opryland; I would have loved to stand on the stage that housed the great, OG country stars.

Do you feel like you were there for the right length of time?
Given everything we’ve done, I think we stayed a perfect amount of time. It gave us ample time to go out and explore, but also relax and take it easy, which I think is essential on a vacation. If we didn’t do Dollywood and Great Smoky Mountains, I would say we could have cut it short by a day or two.

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Most people who own bras know the feeling of having a well-worn, everyday, absolute favorite bra. For a lot of people, a comfortable bra means one without underwire. But for people with larger chests, finding a supportive, comfortable bra with zero underwire whatsoever is no easy feat. Bra shopping, especially when it comes to more specific items like wireless bras for larger chests, almost always consists of hours of reading customer reviews or trying things on in poorly-lit dressing rooms. In any case, it’s almost never any fun whatsoever and any purchases can often end up in returning the bras to the store.

To help make the process easier, here are nine of the best wireless, size inclusive bras based on the most positive customer reviews. Everyone deserves to have a favorite bra in their drawer that’s ultra comfy, and that certainly includes people with larger chests. So whether you’re looking for a brand new everyday over the shoulder boulder holder or just one to add to your collection, here are nine options that might just work for you.

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Every week on Dr. Pimple Popper , dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD, meets with men and women suffering from rare, often confidence-crushing skin conditions. The boils they carry are massive. The cysts are bubbling up to balloon-sized. But it's the people underneath the incredible lumps and growths that make the show worth watching. Just cover your eyes through the pus-filled eruptions, if you must.

Drumroll, please. After four long months, Dr. Pimple Popper, everyone's favorite Thursday-night medical mystery, is back for a third go-around. If you've watched the trailer, you already know that this season is going to be even more shcoking than the first two, and it opens with three incredible cases right off the bat. First, there's Jennifer with the biggest ear keloids Dr. Sandra Lee has ever seen; Juliet, with a bad case of steatocystomas (and a very satisfying extraction process); plus one case so wild, not even the best doc in the biz can figure it out. Read on for all the details.

Case #1: Jennifer

The first case takes us to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where we meet Jennifer, a 29-year-old cosplay actress with massive growths on her ears. The bulging tumors are likely keloids, the result of an infected ear piercing that started to develop after Jennifer's cartilage piercings closed up — 11 years ago. Since then, the growths have grown to be a huge hinderance, to the point that Jennifer hides them under a thick headband. She explains it's more of a necessity than an accessory because the keloids are so heavy that they cause her nausea and bouts of vertigo when left to dangle freely.

The keloids have also taken a major toll on Jennifer's sense of self. "I'm in danger of not wanting to live anymore, if I can't feel good about myself," she tells the camera, tearing up about her struggle with this painful deformity. So she heads to L.A. to talk to Dr. Lee, who immediately confirms that the heavy ear growths are, in fact, keloids. One of the biggest concerns is that they've grown to cover most of the surface of her ears, which means there's not much healthy tissue left. Therefore, removal surgery could leave Jennifer's ears looking deformed, and there's always chance they might grow back. Understanding the potential risks, Jennifer is willing to take her chances.

In surgery, Dr. Lee first removes the largest of Jennifer's four ear growths, which she says is the biggest ear keloid she's ever removed (and she's seen a lot). The removal — which involves taking a scalpel and slicing off the keloid bulge — is actually the easy part. Now, Dr. Lee is left with a tricky reconstruction surgery, trying to piece together what's left of Jennifer's ear tissue using a skin graft to restore the shape of the earlobe. After a complicated and intricate surgery, Jennifer's keloids are completely gone, along with the physical and emotional weight of the past decade.

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Case #2: Juliet

The second case of the episode starts with a trip northwest, to Bothell, Washington, which is where we meet 51-year-old Juliet. Juliet has unidentified bumps all over her neck and chest — about 50 total, ranging in size from a pea to a golf ball. The skin deformity isn't all that obvious, but as a single mom, Juliet feels that her bumpy skin is getting in the way of her going out and meeting people. Her self-esteem is already in serious need of a boost: She says that her ex-husband told her that nobody would ever love her with "those lumps."

At her consult, Juliet meets with Dr. Lee, who tells her that the body bumps are a dual condition of both steatocystomas and smaller europe vellus hair cysts. They are similar oil-producing cysts with slightly different contents underneath the surface of the skin. Dr. Lee can remove them, but has to be very careful because most of Juliet's lumps are directly over neck veins; the puncture cuts to extract the cysts have to be precise. In surgery, the cysts deflate to a thick, butter-like that Dr. Lee finds extremely satisfying. She even lets Juliet hold a mirror up to watch her puffy skin drain back to normal.

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Case #3: Gerald

The last case starts in Chicago, where we meet 33-year-old Gerald, who works as a crossing guard. Eight years ago, he started growing a bump on his left middle finger that was about the size of a wart; now, it's roughly as large as a golf ball. The lump is a major inconvenience for Gerald's everyday activities, like opening a door, tying a shoe, or holding a crosswalk sign.

At his consultation, Gerald is ready to get his finger back to normal — but Dr. Lee is immediately concerned. She inspects the bump on Gerald's knuckle, guessing it might be a lipoma, but admits that she's never seen a condition like this. She's shocked that there's still good blood supply to the finger considering how tight the lump is to the structural integrity of the finger. "If this was a loose-hanging bump, that would be one thing," explains Dr. Lee, "but because it's sitting right up on the bone of the finger, this is no longer just a skin issue." That being said, Dr. Lee is unable to remove the bump herself — but, like the caring practitioner she is, she's committed to finding Gerald the right muscle and bone specialist to take care of it.

And that concludes the premiere episode of season 3. Tune in next week to see how Dr. Lee tops it... because you know she will.

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In this exclusive op-ed, Liuba Grechen Shirley, who in 2018 ran for U.S. Representative in New York's traditionally Republican 2nd District, tells us why she is endorsing Sen. Elizabeth Warren for president.

I remember one of the hardest days of my campaign was when my son Nicholas had recently broken his leg. We had spent hours at the doctor’s that day. Both kids were crying and exhausted. I was exhausted.

Then I got a call from Elizabeth Warren. The conversation started with politics and quickly turned to motherhood as I told her what was going on with Nicholas. We talked about my mom and her Aunt Bee, and I broke down on the phone. I started crying, and she gave me the mom pep talk I needed at that moment. She told me, "We moms...when we run out of milk, we make breakfast with orange juice." She gave me advice and she listened. The conversation I had with Elizabeth was about more than motherhood. It was about the struggles that working parents face every day.

I know how hard it is to be a working parent in the United States. When I had my first child, Mila, I was the director of a research institute at New York University. I didn’t have paid family leave and couldn’t get my daughter into daycare because of years-long waiting lists for child-care centers I couldn’t even afford. We moved back home to Long Island so my mom could help watch our children and I could keep working.

Running for Congress was the last thing I thought I would do, but when my representative Peter King voted to take healthcare coverage away from 74,000 people in our district alone and told me that holding a town hall would only "diminish democracy," I got angry. I held a town hall for him, and then I ran against him.

When I launched my campaign, my babies were only 1 and 3 years old. While we knocked on more than 250,000 doors, outraised Peter King, and came within just a few points of unseating him — closer than any candidate has in his 26 years in office — we didn’t win that election.

We did, however, change the way that parents run for office. We convinced the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to approve the use of campaign funds for child care, and in 2018, nine federal candidates used the FEC ruling to pay for their child care with their campaign funds. This decision broke down barriers for parents who aren’t independently wealthy to be able to run for office.

In January, I launched Vote Mama, the only organization in the country dedicated to electing moms up and down the ballot so that we can change who has a seat at the table and which legislation is prioritized. More moms would mean paid family leave. It would mean leading the world in public education and healthcare instead of our current ranking as 27th worldwide.

If our country had more family-friendly policies such as universal child care and paid family leave, we could add more than 5 million more women to our workforce and an additional $500 billion to our economy. This is why we need Elizabeth’s plan for universal child care and early education. Under her plan, families with a household income that's 200% or more below the federal poverty line will be guaranteed free high-quality child care and early education — and no family will pay more than 7% of their income. Elizabeth’s plan would be a game-changer for me and for millions of families like mine.

I got an MBA because I wanted to understand how to make markets work better for all Americans. Today, parents have to make the decision between paying thousands of dollars a month for child care or quitting their jobs and putting their careers on hold because they simply cannot afford daycare. Single parents in our country spend nearly 40% of their income on child care. One in four women in the U.S. goes back to work just 10 days after giving birth. Teachers, union workers, and families on Long Island and across the country saw their tax bills increase last year while Amazon and Facebook made billions, paid nothing in taxes, and actually got tax refunds. Students graduate crushed in debt and watch their loan balances increase even while they’re making payments.

There is one candidate in the 2020 presidential race who has made it her life's work to change these rules and to change this game. I remember as then-Professor Elizabeth Warren fought tooth and nail to establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to transfer some power back to working Americans. Elizabeth understands that we need to make our markets work for American families, entrepreneurs, and young people because right now, the system isn’t built for their success.

While "she has a plan for that" has become a regular refrain and lighthearted remark, Elizabeth’s plans for universal child care, a massive investment in housing, addressing racial disparity in maternal mortality, and an ultra-millionaire tax to pay for these investments, are revolutionary and will make the economy work better for all Americans, not just those who can afford to lobby Congress. I am thrilled that she is now running for President, and I could not be more excited to endorse Sen. Elizabeth Warren and hit the campaign trail for her.

Liuba Grechen Shirley is a former Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative in Long Island, NY, who came closer to beating long-timer Republican Rep. Peter King than anyone in the past. She was also the first candidate to successfully convince the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to allow the use of campaign funds to pay for child care. She has founded a group called Vote Mama that is focused on getting moms elected to office. The views expressed here are her own.

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This post contains major spoilers for season 3 of Stranger Things.

When Billy Hargrove (Dacre Montgomery) rolled up to Hawkins, IN, at the start of season 2, he instantly became the most hated (human) character in the Stranger Things universe. But during season 3, Billy became something else entirely: the Mind Flayer's newest victim, replacing Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) as the unfortunate host to an interdimensional monster.

Just like Will in season 2, Billy's physical appearance drastically changes after his body is invaded by the Mind Flayer, a shadow creature from the Upside Down. Overnight, Billy goes from tan and toned to pale and haggard. The lean, literally mean lifeguard the mothers of Hawkins once ogled at spends the rest of the season covered in sweat, blood, and a stomach-churning goo courtesy of a soul-sucking monster.

To get the lowdown on how Montgomery transformed into Stranger Things ' seriously flayed antagonist, we went straight to the source: Amy L. Forsythe, the show's makeup designer. Ahead, Forsythe tells us every behind-the-scenes secret you need to know — and trust, once those credits roll, you will be looking for answers.

The following interview was told to Samantha Sasso and edited for length and clarity.

Billy Gets A Badass Tattoo
"Dacre really wanted Billy to have a tattoo in season 2, but his character was still in school and we weren't sure that was appropriate yet. This year, I didn't see a problem with it, and [directors and co-creators Matt and Ross Duffer] agreed.

"I work really closely with Jeremy Sutton, a tattoo artist and owner of Electric Anvil Tattoo in New York, and he designs a lot of tattoos for me. I sent him a bunch of images of skulls smoking and he created something custom for Dacre. We did play around with the idea of giving the skull an eyepatch as a nod to The Goonies, but it was just too much. I wanted to keep it minimal."

Billy's Eyebrow Scar Has Its Own Backstory
"Dacre is a pretty guy, so we kind of have to mess up his face a little bit and make him a little more rugged to become Billy. We gave him a scar this year. Dacre really wanted it, but I kept it subtle — it isn't unrealistic, since Billy probably got into a fight since the last time we saw him. We also have to bleach his facial hair, shave it down, and patch it up to make it look a little more prepubescent."

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Billy's Sunburn You Didn't See
"When Billy is normal and healthy, he's tan; when he's flayed, he's supposed to be pale. Then, one time when we were filming a pool scene, Dacre was in the lifeguard stand sitting directly in the sun for the entire shot. He ended up getting sunburnt on his back. Then, we had to film the shower scenes where Billy slams up against the wall and tumbles down to the ground. Dacre kept slamming against the tattoo cover-up we used to cover up the burn and scraping it off. We'd have to go in and redo it for every take."

Self-Tanner Saved The Day
"Dacre's skin is naturally tanned. He's from Perth, Australia, and he loves being in the sun. If he had any tan lines when he took his shirt off, like a tank line, I used Vita Liberata's tanning mousse to even it out and Prtty Peaushun lotion on top."

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Billy's Sweat Came Courtesy Of MAC
"MAC gave me some clear Lipglass, which is a really viscous lip gloss, to use as a slimy sweat on the flayed characters. I'd have a base layer of sweat on Dacre, then I'd add the mud that I created for Hopper in season 2, and then I'd top that off with the Lipglass, adding just a little bit of a tint to the formula to create a gooey consistency on top of everything.

"Making Billy a sweaty mess was fun. When he comes out of the basement and runs to the telephone booth, that confusion of still being the old Billy but becoming the new flayed Billy was beautiful. He still had the slime on him, the sweat, the mud, the tears — it was really cool. And we had that juxtaposition of seeing filthy Billy next to the clean, flayed Billy. There was something very eerie about it."

Dacre Wore 33 Prosthetic Wounds
"We ended up having to establish all of his wounds way earlier than anticipated because Millie [Bobby Brown] broke her knee while we were on our first hiatus. I got a call during the hiatus giving me a heads up about doing the post-sauna scene with Billy on the stairwell getting his wounds nursed the day after we were to get back from hiatus. I hadn't even seen a preview for the sauna fight, so I didn't know how he was getting hurt or where his wounds might be. I just had to have a bunch of stuff made and hope that it would work. I had 50 different kinds of prosthetic pieces made and we had to rush-order all of them from Robert Kurtzman MUFX, who made them for us very quickly.

"I had initially asked the Duffers if they wanted Billy to bleed red and heal like a human typically would. After we had established that he would, and shot the first scenes, they decided to change it to black. The initial prosthetic shots had to be changed in post-production, and we then had a second round of prosthetics made by Bill Johnson at Lone Wolf Effects. We were really figuring it out as we went because we wanted it to make sense. Dacre ended up wearing 33 prosthetics at a time. Between him and his photo and stunt doubles, we had 99 prosthetics on them in total."

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Even if you haven’t seen the masterpiece that is When Harry Met Sally, you’ve probably seen clips from its notorious “I’ll have what she’s having” scene. It starts with Meg Ryan sitting across from Billy Crystal in a diner.

“Most women, at one time or another, have faked it,” Ryan tells him.

“Well, they haven’t faked it with me.” Crystal says.

She proceeds to fake an intense and convincing orgasm. A diner patron in a Yankees hat turns around with his mouth agape as Ryan screams “Yes, yes, yes.” She’s ooooh-ing and banging on the table one moment, and the next she stops and takes a bite with her fork triumphantly.

The scene will make you cackle — but it’s more significant than simply comedy. It was a major cultural moment for women and sexuality. It brought to the forefront that fact that many women weren’t actually achieving pleasure from sex, says Holly Richmond, Ph.D., a somatic psychologist, certified sex therapist, and a member of the K-Y educational board.

“That was a lovely wake up call for the world that women weren’t orgasming, especially from penetration alone,” Richmond says. “ Harry Met Sally and Sex and The City did so much for women’s sexual empowerment, talking about the orgasm gap, so there could be more scientific-based research on the subject.”

Have things gotten better since 1989, when Harry Met Sally came out?

Richmond says that only about 25 percent of women can achieve orgasm from intercourse alone. However, she says that in today’s world, women have a slightly easier time achieving an actual orgasm, because they’re more likely to ask for what they want than they were 30 years ago when the movie came out. Richmond notes that studies also show that women having sex with another woman or nonbinary people don’t fake it as much.

However, faking it is still pretty common.

Why do people fake it?

“Most women can’t orgasm from penetration alone,” Richmond says. “They need direct clitoral stimulation. But, to ask for what they want can be scary, because we’re culturally conditioned to please our partners. But, by using our voices — saying, ‘can we switch positions or take a break?’ It’s amazing how quickly the learning curve can happen. Most partners are very receptive, and want to honestly know what makes the other person feel good.”

Gigi Engle, certified sex coach, sexologist, and intimacy expert at SKYN, says that women often fake it because they don’t have the language to explain what they need from their partner.

“ We worry about bruising an ego and causing distress in our relationships by speaking up for ourselves," Engle says. “We wind up playing ourselves, in the end, because you end up in a fake orgasm loop. Your partner is in the dark; they think they're doing all the right things due to the faking. Meanwhile, faking an orgasm can lead to resentment, sexual frustration, and other bigger issues in relationships.”

She says it’s important to note that some women experience anorgasmia, which is the inability to orgasm. But this is pretty rare. “Most of the time women don't orgasm because they aren't being properly stimulated,” Engle says.

How can you tell if someone is faking it?

“A lot of women have learned to be really good actresses to hold up cultural standards,” Richmond says. Still, there are a few signs you might look out for if you’re curious about whether or not your partner is faking it.

One sign might be if a woman is orgasming from penetrative sex alone and it’s happening fast. “Research shows it takes 20 minutes on average to reach peak arousal for a woman," Richmond says. “Not to say it can’t happen faster or take longer.”

If you really think your partner might not be feeling all the feels, Richmond recommends gazing into each others eyes and paying attention to your partner’s body language. “Looking in each others eyes during sex gives you a lot of information,” Richmond says.

She also notes that if a penis or a finger is inside is inside a woman, you can sometimes feel the vaginal wall contracting when an orgasm is taking place. “There are mini spasms of the vaginal wall, and if you’re attuned enough, you can feel it,” she explains. “You can also sometimes feel contractions in male bodies.” But not everyone will be able to feel these small convulsions, so don't jump to conclusions. Just know that it’s important to communicate openly and make sure every person feels comfortable and has a good time during sex.

If you do suspect that your partner is faking it, Richmond says you should never accuse them. “I wouldn’t say ‘are you faking it?' I’d say: ‘I’m curious about when you feel the most turned on.’” Richmond says. This isn’t as confrontational, but is a nice way to start the conversation so that you can both achieve pleasure.

Ultimately, it's about mutual respect, listening to your needs and your partner's — and having bomb sex and finishing When Harry Met Sally while cuddling after.

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Labor Secretary Alex Acosta is resigning, President Donald Trump announced on Friday morning.

Acosta has been under fire over the past week for the role he played in giving financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein a sweetheart plea deal in 2008. (He was the top federal prosecutor in Miami at the time.) The deal allowed Epstein, now facing sex-trafficking charges once again, to serve only 13 months in county jail and obtain immunity for any of his co-conspirators. The agreement — which included a work release that allowed Epstein to go to his office for 12 hours a day, six days a week — was also kept secret from his accusers.

Acosta defended the deal in a contentious press conference on Wednesday. "I wanted to help them," he told reporters at the Labor Department. "That is why we intervened. And that’s what the prosecutors of my office did — they insisted that he go to jail and put the world on notice that he was and is a sexual predator."

But the press conference did little to quell the outrage. Top Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, called for Acosta to be ousted, as did members of Congress and many of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.

Trump on Labor Secretary Acosta resignation: I just want to let you know, this was him, not me — because I'm with him. He's a tremendous talent. He's a Hispanic man. He went to Harvard. A great student...We're going to miss him. https://t.co/QFE2NfZJQj pic.twitter.com/AvBQti1V9o

— POLITICO (@politico) July 12, 2019

Attorney Jack Scarola, who represents multiple Epstein accusers, blasted Acosta following Wednesday's press conference. "Secretary Acosta’s repeated reference to a criminal prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein as a 'roll of the dice' is grossly offensive. It demeans the credibility of the dozens of victim-witnesses available to testify against Epstein. It ignores the strength of the abundant corroborating evidence, including irrefutable documentary support," he said in a statement provided to Refinery29.

Scarola added: "It misrepresents the quality of the efforts of both local law enforcement officers and the FBI. Perhaps most importantly, it displays a totally unacceptable lack of confidence in the ability of jurors to distinguish fact from fiction. The truth is that the case against Jeffrey Epstein was an exceptionally strong one."

Epstein, 66, was arraigned on two sex trafficking-related charges in Manhattan federal court on Monday. He pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors said some of his accusers were as young as 14. Epstein, who said in 2002 he sees himself as someone who "invest[s] in people," has been linked in the past to powerful men such as President Trump, President Bill Clinton, and Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

Trump said Acosta resigned voluntarily. "I just want to let you know, this was him, not me — because I'm with him. He's a tremendous talent," he told reporters, adding, somewhat cringe-inducingly: "He's a Hispanic man. He went to Harvard. A great student... We're going to miss him."

With Acosta departing the administration, there will no longer be any Latinxs in Trump's cabinet, even though the community makes up 18% of the U.S. population.

Happy to see that our voices were heard. This resignation is a step towards providing justice to Epstein’s victims. https://t.co/xzr3FIUcSL

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) July 12, 2019

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The following story includes spoilers for season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale.

In the dystopian world of Gilead, every day is a fight for survival. So, for many of the women in Hulu's hit series The Handmaid's Tale, mascara and foundation aren't top of mind. But behind the scenes, the makeup department uses cosmetics to send subtle messages about the characters' emotional states.

We spoke to Burton LeBlanc, the lead makeup artist for the show, who tells Refinery29 that the real significance is in the hidden details — especially this season. "June, Commander Waterford, and Serena are going through changes, and their appearances reflect that," he says.

We're halfway into season 3, and devout fans of the drama agree that the action is ramping up: June (played by Elisabeth Moss) has successfully managed to get her newborn daughter, Nicole, to the Canadian boarder for refuge; the tension between June and the Waterfords is at an all-time high; and she's moved into a new household with Commander Lawrence.

On the surface, it would appear that, while the plot shifts dramatically, the hair and makeup in season 3 has stayed relatively consistent. But, like most things in Gilead, nothing is ever as it seems. Ahead, LeBlanc breaks down all the tiny beauty details that shape your favorite Handmaid's characters.

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The influencer marketing industry is projected to hit $2.38 billion this year. What started as a wave of indie brands turning to Instagram influencers to gain visibility for their theretofore unknown products (FitTea or SugarBearHair, anyone?) has transformed into Fortune 500 companies vying for the influencer embrace of their lotion/water bottles/bed frames/smart home devices, too. And for good reason — who among us hasn't been moved to buy a face serum here or a chunky earring there at the recommendation of a trusted Instagram expert?

For these content creators, their commodity is their influence — and that doesn't (and shouldn't) come cheap. From sponsored content to ads to paid appearances — it's nothing short of a business.

So we're pulling back the curtain on the curated world of influencers — starting with Eugénie Grey of Feral Creature, an NYC- and LA-based photographer, and fashion, beauty, and travel blogger who has 407,000 Instagram followers and, according to her bio, can be "usually found at 35,000 ft. up." Her IG grid is comprised of rich travel photos interspersed with soul-baring musings on the self and social justice, and of course, sponsored content. Ahead, we talked to Grey about her business, how she established her following, and what she thinks of the word "influencer."

Refinery29: How did you gain your following?

Eugénie Grey: I was actually an early adopter. I started blogging in 2007, tweeting in 2009, and Instagramming in 2010. I had a lot of exposure due to being one of few big accounts on Instagram, and the newfound following finally gave my blog the traffic it needed.

There was no one breakthrough post — it was a steady growth. I used to hit the Popular page with every post, and Instagram featured me on their Suggested Users list two years in a row!

Which of your posts get the most engagement?

Before, it used to be selfies. Now, it's the posts where I bare my soul. I stopped caring so much about Instagram and what people thought of me, and it has ironically turned out for the best.

What does being an influencer mean to you?

It's such a new term; such new territory. I used to mindlessly think that it meant someone has a lot of followers. But it should, and does, mean something more to me. An influencer is someone people look up to — someone who hopefully uses that privileged position for good.

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What does being an influencer mean? What are we influencing? - These questions have plagued me for the past few years. An ultimately one-dimensional, vain, consumerist cog in the capitalist machine has always been at odds with who I am. I was SO excited when a group of friends and I got together to #LoopForGood—no giveaways, no gimmicks, just an opportunity to break down that invisible partition between us and our followers and get real. TY @marcelfloruss for passing the baton to me. - For #MentalHealthAwareness Month, I want to tell you a little about me. I was suicidal for years. I sliced open my arms and pulled out my hair and scratched myself in efforts to blur out the emotional pain with the physical. Every time my skin opened up, a little tension released. But it was only temporary, and the cycle would continue, and I'd fall further into darkness. My family and I were held captive by some bad people—it's a little hard to explain in such a short blurb but more will come out soon, I promise. I was constantly told I was hideous and a waste of space. I was terribly abused in every way and was kept shut in a dark room when not in school. My social and emotional intelligence were severely stunted well into young adulthood. - This is just tip of the iceberg, but I want you to know we've all felt the same sadness. It's strange how mental illness is the great equalizer, isn't it? The glamorous trips, beautiful clothes, popular friends—those things don't define a person. Social media shows only the highlight reel of everyone's lives. Please don't feel any lesser because of what you're seeing online—comparison will kill you. What I hope to achieve with this #LoopForGood project is moments of vulnerability to stop setting influencers on some unreachable pedestal, and for influencers to be more real with their followers and not be incessantly posi vibes. Real life isn't always positive. It's helpful for everyone to remember that we can relate to one another, esp with our mental health. It takes a village to get through this life, and we are not alone. - Passing it along to @talunzeitoun for his story—all thanks to him for creating this project ❤ #giveaFC #feraldiary

A post shared by Eugenie Grey 📍 NYC (@feralcreature) on May 29, 2019 at 9:02am PDT

When you work with a brand, how long does it typically take to execute a deal? What does that process look like?

A rough estimate:

• 2-3 days to negotiate SoW and compensation

• A week for product to be shipped

• A week to shoot, edit content, and write copy

• 30 (sometimes a dreaded 60) days to get paid

But usually there will be gaps in this timeline, because sometimes a brand will come back with edits to your work and/or they want to go live on a specific date.

How do you strike a balance between sponsored posts and more organic content?

It's hard. During my really busy times, I can sometimes be posting three, four, five sponsored posts in a row. The key is to keep it real whenever possible, both publicly and to your followers in private. I enjoy talking to my followers over DM whenever I can; they know I'm a real, normal person just trying to pay the bills!

What is your favorite post of yours, and why?

I'm tied between two recent ones: One about my mental health history, and one where I came out!

Prior to being an influencer, what did you do for work?

I never really had a 9-to-5, due to starting when I was 17 and in high school. I always had three part-time jobs at the same time as my current job (AND went to school full-time!) until I made enough to drop the other jobs.

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Hi. I’m bi. Holy crap, it felt great to say that. - Bisexual doesn’t mean “attracted to men+women” anymore! It means “attracted to my gender+other genders” and that’s how I choose to define the term. (Btw these are the colors of the bi pride flag 💗💙💜) - I was TORMENTED on whether to make this post or not. The last few weeks, I’ve been reading recent articles on preachers and politicians who want to literally kill gay people. It’s terrifying. Then I saw @eugeneleeyang’s coming out video and it broke me in the best way. I watched, cried, watched, cried, over and over again. He inspired me to speak my truth. - The better part of the last decade of my life was spent questioning, exploring, and accepting my sexual/romantic orientation. At first, I was falling in love with people and not accepting it due to internalized homophobia from years of being taught it was wrong and disgusting. Then, I came out to a small group I knew would understand. For much of my life, my public relationships were with men, and I knew some people would discount my bisexuality because of these heterosexual relationships, not even stopping to think that 1. bi erasure is a real thing, 2. maybe I never told them about my other relationships because of their clear biphobia, and 3. I was a young person who grew up in a forced heteronormative society; it took me long while to get to where I am today. - I don’t have a crazy traumatic story on my orientation—in fact, I am extremely lucky to have never needed to come out to my mother, who has always been supportive of the gay community. She commented on my Facebook coming out post, “I am with you. You be you. I know you live your life doing your best to do the right thing, helping others, and standing for justice. You are honest, kind, and understanding to others. Those qualities make a good human.” WTF. Cue tears. I’m very lucky for the support. - I don’t really have a way to end this post except for the fact that this Pride month has filled me with such happiness and pride for who I am, and just like @eugeneleeyang inspired me to come out, I hope this post inspires someone else to do the same. It’s really liberating. 🏳️‍🌈 #pridemonth #feraldiary

A post shared by Eugenie Grey 📍 NYC (@feralcreature) on Jun 24, 2019 at 7:28am PDT

Was there a particular moment you can recall where doing your work has been most difficult (i.e. mean comments, unwanted attention, work-life balance struggles)?

I was bullied all throughout high school, and some people (or possibly one person with multiple accounts) were clearly upset with my success and were severely cyberbullying me for days on end. It was horrible. I cried for eight hours straight. This was a few years ago, but it happened again recently. They were emailing teen photos of me to my followers with the intention of mocking me. My heart dropped to my stomach for a second, but then I remembered who the hell I am. I'm not weak. I turned around and published those photos on my blog! I never heard from them again.

How do you hope to grow your platform? What's next for you?

I hope to build my own brand someday, but what's in my immediate future is...a book! I'm writing my autobiography. It's going to be a crazy read. I can't wait to tell my story.

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R & B singer R. Kelly was arrested on federal sex crime charges in Chicago on Thursday night, NBC New York reported. The 13-count federal indictment, which was unsealed Friday, includes charges of child pornography, kidnapping, enticement of a minor, and obstruction of justice.

The charges allege that the 52-year-old musician and his associates (managers, bodyguards, assistants) recruited women and girls at concerts, arranged travel for them to see Kelly, and then set rules that the fans had to follow, including not being allowed out of their rooms without permission, having to wear baggy clothing, and having to call the singer "Daddy." The new indictments brought against Kelly were filed in both New York City and Chicago.

Kelly was arrested by New York police detectives and Homeland Security Investigations agents outside of his Chicago home on Thursday night. The arrest comes about five months after Kelly was released on bail in Illinois, after pleading not guilty to aggravated sexual abuse charges involving four accusers, three of whom were underage at the time of the alleged abuse.

"The conduct alleged appears to largely be the same as the conduct previously alleged against Mr. Kelly in his current state indictment and his former state charges that he was acquitted of," Steve Greenberg, an attorney for Kelly, told NBC New York. "Most, if not all of the conduct alleged, is decades old."

The platinum R & B artist has a history of sexual abuse allegations dating back to 1998. In 2008, Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges associated with a video of the singer allegedly committing statutory rape with a girl prosecutors claimed to be as young as 13. Kelly denied the claims. The girl in the claim refused to testify and denied it was her; Kelly was otherwise facing 15 years in prison for the charge.

The singer’s behavior has faced increased scrutiny this year, since Lifetime aired Surviving R. Kelly, a documentary series revisiting the numerous sexual abuse allegations against him. In 2018, BBC’s R. Kelly: Sex, Girls & Videotapes explored accusations that Kelly was running a "sex cult" and holding women against their will.

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There are many wonderful, glorious things about summer. The warmth! The sun! The fact that it's light out until 8 p.m.! Rosé!

Of course, it also means three long months of hot trash smell, boob sweat, and perhaps chief among the season's unpleasant side effects: thigh chafing. With increased moisture and friction this time of year, we're even more susceptible to the nightmare that is red, raw, painfully chafed skin, which can even boil or bleed in severe cases.

Thankfully though, thigh chafing doesn't have to be a summer inevitability, as there are plenty of ways to prevent it entirely — and calm it fast when it rears its ugly head. Ahead, top dermatologists explain why chafing really happens, what to do about it when it does, and the products that stop it before it starts.

What is chafing?

The most basic definition of chafing is that it's what happens to the skin when it experiences increased friction. "Chafing is the repeated skin-on-skin or fabric-on-skin contact that can lead to dryness, irritation, blistering, or breakdown of the skin," says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, NYC-based dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology.

What causes thigh chafing in females?

Anything that increases friction in the area — like working out, running, walking, or dancing — can cause chafing, Dr. Levin says, adding that the inner thighs, armpits, and nipples are typically the biggest hot spots. Wet skin is most likely to chafe, which is why it tends to be especially common in the summer.

Why do my inner thighs chafe more in the summer?

Since the two leading causes of chafing are both friction and moisture, the summer months create a hotbed for raw, inflamed skin. "More patients notice that hot weather is associated with more chafing because people tend to be more active and sweat in the summer, whether it's running or working out," Dr. Levin says. Adds New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King, MD, "Sweat just makes the skin more vulnerable."

How do you prevent inner thigh chafing?

First, stay dry as much as possible (easier said than done in the summer, we know). By wicking moisture away from the areas prone to chafing, you decrease the amount of friction that can take place between your thighs as you walk or run. Powder is great for this. "I often recommend a powder named Zeasorb AF," says Dr. King. "The 'AF' means anti-fungal, and the properties help people who are prone to getting yeast infections."

To prevent excess sweating while exercising, Dr. Idriss recommends working out indoors as much as possible and opting for workout clothes with synthetic fabrics, like nylon or polyester, which won't absorb moisture (we like Nike and New Balance running shorts). Dr. Idriss also recommends anti-chafing bands.

You can also lube up with a variety of emollients or chafing creams. Dr. King frequently recommends Aquaphor Healing Ointment, CeraVe Healing Ointment, and also Body Glide, which you can buy in a handy, deodorant-shaped tube for easy application. We're personally huge fans of Megababe Thigh Rescue.

How do I get rid of a chafing rash or bumps? What are some good products to help heal chafing?

While products to prevent chafing (like all these snazzy, anti-chafe creams) have taken the industry by storm, healing chafing calls for a much gentler approach.

First, cleanse the area with warm water and a mild wash like Dove Beauty Bar. Next, smooth on a barrier ointment several times a day. Dr. Levin prefers A&D ointment or petroleum jelly to soothe the skin and encourage healing, while Dr. King recommends Aquaphor Healing Ointment and CeraVe Healing Ointment.

After that, try not to let the skin rub together at all, which could mean resting on a bed or couch, depending on how serious the condition. In mild cases, the skin should completely heal in a matter of days. If the area of chafed skin is extremely painful or not responding to treatment, a dermatologist can prescribe you a topical cortisone to decrease inflammation or an antibiotic to fight infection if the rash starts to bleed.

Thigh chafing is indeed a dreadful experience, but following these steps can ensure that you get back to enjoying your sweet summer days pain-free.

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Confession: We're no fans of getting blackheads, but we kinda enjoy getting rid of them. If you've ever tried Bioré Pore Strips before, you know what we mean. The sometimes shocking, always satisfying blackhead removers vacuum up dirt and oil in one quick strip with results you can actually see on the strip afterwards. (You know you love to look!) That's why we were so excited to find out the brand launched Witch Hazel products, which promise a deep cleanse along with tighter pores. Watch the pore strips and blemish-busting toner do their thing in the video above. Glowy skin, soon come!

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Reader, I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to hit on your friend. But I’m here to tell you it’s a risky little move. It can leave you screaming into your pillow that night — either in embarrassed agony or ecstatic pleasure. And then there’s the morning after. Best case scenario: Morning sex? Or it could also play out like a scene from the classic romcom When Harry Met Sally, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this Friday. The eponymous characters hook up in Sally’s bed (next to her stuffed animals) after she finds out her ex-boyfriend is getting married. In the morning, it’s maddeningly awkward between Harry and Sally, played by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.

One of the recurring themes in the beloved Nora Ephron film begs the question: Can heterosexual men and women really be just friends? If you ask psychologists about that, they’ll give you a mixed bag of answers.

For example, Dana Dorfman, Ph.D., psychotherapist and co-host of the podcast 2 Moms on the Couch, says it’s possible for men and women who are attracted to the opposite sex to be friends — but they’ll at least consider taking the relationship to the next level.

“I think it’s inevitable it will cross at least one person's mind," Dorfman says. “Part of friendship is there being an emotional attraction to the other person. Whether it necessarily translates to a sexual relationship is another story, but I think it would be very difficult for it not to at least be a consideration.”

Her theory is: Even if you’re not attracted to your friends, you’ll ultimately think: Oh, I could never be with them because they don’t do the dishes. But the question of being with him or her is still there. It’s something you’ve mulled over, and you're acknowledging it as a possibility.

Dorfman notes that things are a little different for people in the LGBTQ+ community, but, ultimately, if you’re friends with someone of the sex you’re attracted to (or sometimes even the one you’re not), you’ll at least ruminate about hooking up with them.

Meanwhile, Wendy L. Patrick, Ph.D., a behavioral expert and the author of Red Flags, disagrees, but says there are some caveats. “Men and women certainly can be just friends,” Patrick says. “Friendship is based on mutual trust and respect — not sexual attraction.” But she admits that it often does develop into something larger. “[If] both parties are single, great,” she says. “A romantic relationship stemming from friendship that progresses to the 'next level' will have a much healthier foundation than one that began with a one-night stand in a bar.”

Are there exceptions to the rule? “Sure are,” she says. “The most challenging exception is when one party is having trouble viewing the relationship as just a friendship, and the other has his or her romantic sights set on other shores.” If you think you might be developing feelings for your friend, she recommends that you proceed with caution.

“Any sudden moves could create an awkward sense of discomfort if your friend is taken off guard — even if ultimately he or she might be receptive to considering a romantic relationship,” Patrick says. “Before you reveal your feelings, tread carefully around the topic. Seek counsel from trusted friends, family, and confidantes that know you both and can provide an objective sounding board for you.” Basically, she’s saying that when you begin to “fall” for a friend, you’re trading in your reading glasses for rose-colored ones.

Jennifer Silvershein, LCSW, owner of Manhattan Wellness, says that men and women can be friends, but sometimes outside factors or societal pressures will cause you to consider your friend as a romantic option — even though you might not actually like them in that way. For example, your friends might ask you if your friendship has ever escalated into more, prompting you to consider it. Another scenario: If you just got dumped or you’re feeling lonely, you could look around and just pick the closest person to you to consider a relationship with. Basically, she says it’s complicated. And you need to parse through your feelings, and figure out what’s really prompting them. But if you decide you do want to take your relationship with your friend to the next level, be honest but careful with the way you express your feelings.

“It’s about being super genuine, but also not putting yourself in a position to lose someone that’s really important to you,” Silvershein says. “Move slowly, and be mindful of the choices you’re making, because it’s hard to forget history. But some beautiful relationships can come out of friendships.” Just ask Harry and Sally.

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We feel like Selena Gomez, Kerry Washington, and Margot Robbie could successfully influence us to embrace just about any trend, no matter how daunting. In the past, Gomez has made us desperate for bangs, while Washington and Robbie have made us swoon for monochromatic makeup and bright pink blush.

But this summer, we're heavy into their shared nail polish of choice: bright orange. Understandably, the color is pretty divisive. But even if you've declared everything with a detectable apricot undertone as out-of-bounds, one look at their summer 2019 manis might change your tune.

And when it does, we've rounded up our current favorite bottled-up oranges, all of which will deliver the most flattering sunset glow to your fingers and toes. From coral to traffic cone, find your foolproof guide to orange nail polish, ahead.

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

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As the star of Valentino’s new "Born in Roma" fragrance campaign, model Adut Akech dances through an opulent mansion in a floor-length pink gown. I’m immediately drawn to the carefree way she moves to the beat (even though she's nearly eclipsed by a billowy couture dress), and how she bites her lip as she grooves to the music. And when we meet in person at the Edition Hotel in New York City, Akech has that same fun-loving vibe that comes across on camera.

“In this video, I got to be myself and that’s what I loved about it. I’m not the best dancer – I’m just going to say that up front — but I love music, and I danced my butt off,” Akech says about her experience filming the video alongside Anwar Hadid in Rome. Although she’s walked many runways, including Chanel, Givenchy, and Fendi, representing the new Valentino Donna fragrance is her first beauty gig, and she says the experience was “epic.”

Even though Akech is a designer favorite, her early years as a Sudanese refugee in Australia were marked by people mocking her appearance, from her skin to the gap in her teeth. But today, those are the things that set her apart at casting calls. “Honestly, I’m so glad that I didn’t let what anyone said get to me, because everything that I got bullied for, I love so much today,” she tells Refinery29.

Ahead, the 19-year-old superstar breaks down the daily regimen she uses to keep her sensitive skin in check, the childhood scent she cherishes to this day, and the one makeup trend she will never revisit.

Fragrance is often associated with memories. What is one of your earliest fragrance memories?

“There is a traditional, homemade, [Sudanese] incense made from little pieces of wood and sugar. It’s cooked with some perfume and spices. You use it after you finish cooking or when you just want a nice smell in your house. You just burn some charcoal and put it on top, and it is the most incredible smell. I grew up with it. So every time I go home, it’s a scent that reminds me of my family.”

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A post shared by Valentino (@maisonvalentino) on Jul 6, 2019 at 7:24am PDT

You're constantly in glam for work. On your off days, do you wear makeup?

“Rarely. The most I will do is fill in my eyebrows, throw on some lipstick, and put mascara on my lashes. When you do something every single day of your life, you get sick of it. But when I was younger, I loved doing makeup. I never left the house without my eyebrows filled in. Looking at pictures now, I’m like, ‘Oh my god, what was I thinking?’ They look like caterpillars. I was using the blackest pencil and nobody told me not to."

You once did a video with Vogue outlining your 5-minute skin-care routine. Is your regimen still that simple? What are your favorite products right now?

“I’m currently using Dr. Barbara Sturm’s dark skin-tone regimen. I have super sensitive skin, and the minute anything goes on it, I rash out. Having makeup on your face 24/7 doesn’t help. I’ve learned what products don’t go well with my skin, and I’ve learned to speak up. Some people don’t like it, but at the end of the day, it’s my skin that’s going to go through the irritation, and I’m the one who has to deal with having the insecurity of having bad skin. During Fashion Week, I pack my own moisturizer, cleanser, and foundation just in case.”

You often feature your younger sisters on Instagram, and your entire family starred in a photo shoot for Vogue Australia this past December. What type of advice do you give your younger siblings?

“One of the biggest things I preach to all of them is working hard and always going for something you want. You shouldn’t let anyone stop you or get in your way. I always try to support them, because I didn’t have a lot of support from my family, other than my own mother, when I was 13 and wanting to model. I had immediate family members who doubted me. I don’t want my siblings to experience the same thing.”

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A post shared by Adut Akech Bior (@adutakech) on Jan 1, 2017 at 2:47am PST

You and your family moved to Australia as refugees when you were a young girl, what struggles did you face and how did it impact who you've grown into today?

“I experienced racism, and I got bullied about my skin and my gap tooth and my height. I want to help people understand what it is to be a refugee. We are just like everybody else; the only difference is that we were forced out of our own countries, out of our own homes because of fear, not by choice. You don’t wake up and say, ‘Today I’m going to be a refugee and move to a refugee camp.’ I would love to see schools educate children, so they know not to bully children just because they are refugees.”

You've been very open about your mental health on Instagram, posting that you've dealt with anxiety and depression. How do you stay positive when you work in an industry that is very high stress and focused on your appearance?

“I always keep in the back of my mind why I’m doing this, so that helps me forget about my bad skin or the insecurity of having a pimple right in the middle of my head. I’m doing this because I have love and passion for it. I have two different lives: my work and my normal life. For me, sometimes my normal life is a little bit hectic, and it’s nice to enter my work life and forget about everything that is happening outside. It’s kind of like my escape. I do it for myself and for my family’s future.”

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

Today: an executive assistant working in entertainment who makes $36,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on Nubian Heritage soap.

Occupation: Executive Assistant
Industry: Entertainment
Age: 23
Location: Burbank, CA
Salary: $36,000
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,055
Gender Identity: Woman

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $950 (for a bedroom and shared bathroom in a 3-bed/2.5-bath, renting with two other roommates)
Cell Phone: $0 (on my parents' plan)
Utilities: ~$75 (gas, water, electric, internet)
Insurance (car and health): $0 (still on my parents' plan)
401(k): 6% of my salary, my company matches 6%
Netflix: $0 (I won three free years when I went to see The Ellen DeGeneres Show)
Hulu: $0 (on my sister's account)
Amazon Prime: $0 (on my Dad's account)
Tidal: $9.99
Probiotics: $31
Acne medication (every other month): $40
Savings: $100

Day One

6:30 a.m. — I wake up to my alarm via the Tide app. I started using it back in college because they had a calming pomodoro timer. Now they feature an alarm clock that allows you to fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of nature or peaceful music. I hate the aggressive sounds programmed on my iPhone.

7 a.m. — I'm finally out of bed and dressed in my black Nike Dri-Fit shorts and a black Roxy sports bra. My lower back has been sore, so I put on a 30-minute yoga YouTube video by Sarah Beth. I've never made a budget for a gym membership or fitness classes (frankly, I don't really like working out in front of other people anyways), knowing I can follow so many great videos online for free.

7:30 a.m. — My back feels so much better! I thank myself for taking time to heal, then hop in the shower. Showers feel amazing, but I'm conscious of my water use, so I normally am in and out pretty quick. I use Shea Moisture's African Black Soap and Mayfair Soap Foundry's Sea Lily Jasmine Sugar Scrub. When I'm all dry, I put a gel moisturizer on my face from Trader Joe's, Almond Body Butter from The Body Shop (I only buy this when I see it on sale at TJ Maxx or Marshalls), and Miu Miu perfume. Some Honest Beauty mascara and a NXY brow pencil are next, then I'm ready to get dressed.

7:50 a.m. — It's overcast this week, so I decide on black ankle skinny jeans from Abercrombie & Fitch (what can I say, they are the only place that has affordable jeans that fit my body type!), a white rayon T-shirt under a tweed J.O.A. tank, and an old black denim jacket from Volcom. Shoes are either the easiest to pick or the hardest. I decide on my trusty Adidas Stan Smiths.

8 a.m. — Off to work I go! The Daily podcast plays on my commute. Traffic is light to work, so I decide to stop by and grab a breakfast burrito at a spot my friends recommended. $8

8:35 a.m. — I have arrived at work and get a great parking space on the first floor! I finish a quarter of the breakfast burrito, and that is enough for me. I take my probiotics and make some matcha green tea to cap it off.

12 p.m. — A game-engine company is at our office today to do a panel about its role in the future of animation. It's really cool to see the boundaries they are pushing with technology, but in all honesty, I understood maybe every other word. The panel ends with a free box lunch that includes a sandwich, chips, and a cookie. It isn't great, but it's free.

4 p.m. — Every day around this time, I sit with my friend/work wife, T., for a break we like to call “tea time.” We sit in the courtyard while I snack on an apple and drink black tea.

6 p.m. — I hit up my good friend from high school, D., who is in town for the week, to see if she wants to catch up. We go to a new center in my hometown (an hour from where I live now) that has a ton of food options. The highly rated taqueria calls my name, but since I had a burrito this morning, I decide on handrolls, two salmon ones with different marinades, and some greens mixed with seaweed salad. We also grab some boba drinks and talk about our lives. D. and I were best friends in high school and throughout college, but she now goes to a university up north and I rarely see her anymore. It's so nice to catch up! $30

10 p.m. — I drop D. off at her place and stop by my parents' house. I say hi to everyone, play with my dog, and take some paper towels and toilet paper for my apartment. My dad buys the bulk packs at Costco, so he lets me take them as I please.

11:45 p.m. — Time to hit the hay! My night routine is pretty simple — I either wash my face with Pacifica Sea Foam cleanser or use a Simple Make-Up Cleansing Wipe and some water. After that, I put on my acne moisturizer from Curology, some Carmex balm, and I'm good to go. I fall asleep to the sounds of a rainstorm.

Daily Total: $38

Day Two

7:25 a.m. — I wake up before my alarm and hop in the shower. I take a couple of minutes to pluck my eyebrows before filling them in and then add my mascara. Today I am wearing a denim skirt from Abercrombie & Fitch, a black T-shirt I got from work, my black denim jacket from Volcom, and my go-to Doc Marten Clemency boots.

8:20 a.m. — Work, here I come! I put on the Feminist Wellness podcast and switch between that and the traffic updates while I drive.

9:05 a.m. — I arrive safely and am ready for breakfast! The breakfast burrito from yesterday is still in the fridge, so I heat it up and chow down. When I get toward the bottom, it is 70% bacon so I stop eating it. I take my probiotics and make some matcha green tea.

12:30 p.m. — I was betting on eating that burrito another two times and didn't pack a lunch. Alas, this has left me to buy lunch, which I don't like doing, knowing I have prepped meals in my fridge. I take a nice stroll over to the cafe near the office and get an açai bowl with mixed fruit, almonds, and granola. When I get back to work, I add in chia seeds that I keep at my desk. $7

4:45 p.m. — T. and I don't have tea time today because I had a meeting, so I sit in the courtyard with my laptop, an apple, cassava chips, and a slice of bread. I know I won't be going home for a while after work, so I make sure I'm not starving while running errands.

6:45 p.m. — I'm early to my wax appointment, so I stop by TJ Maxx next door to see if there is any good soap. I'm hoping to score some from Nubian Heritage! They don't have any, but with my boyfriend in mind, I buy two kinds because one is floral-scented and I doubt he'll like that. A shea moisture raw butter bar and an Australian palm oil with plum bar are in my basket. I decide to buy them for safe keeping, but will check Sprouts later for Nubian Heritage soaps. $8

7:30 p.m. — Out of my wax appointment feeling good! They even gave me a coupon for a $39 wax on my next visit. I started getting Brazilians last year because my hair irritated my skin. My pain tolerance is pretty high, so it wasn't very hard for me to start. I feel like a real adult whenever I do this, because it's my hard-earned money going back into something for myself. The wax itself is $43, but I tip my wax lady as much as I can because I could never see myself doing her job. $51

8 p.m. — I'm starving and head home to eat dinner. I prepped salmon cakes with a dill sauce this week, so I eat that along with an arugula/spinach mixed salad. While getting my salad together, I FaceTime my parents. They are always so curious about what I'm eating for dinner, since I've only been living on my own for a little over a year.

9 p.m. — I have a pimple growing on my chin (damn hormones!), so I go to Target to buy blister bandages. My (online) dermatologist via Curology gave me a tip to use them on my acne, and it has changed my life! $4

9:45 p.m. — It's the middle of the week, which means I have to wash my hair! I normally wash it twice a week and use Batiste dry shampoo in between. I use OGX Biotin and Collagen shampoo and conditioner. Since I don't use it often, I save money by not having to restock these products. I then get in bed, chat with my boyfriend for an hour, and fall asleep.

Daily Total: $70

Day Three

6:50 a.m. — I am up and dressed for yoga! It's been a hard week for me mentally, so I put on a Sarah Beth yoga video aimed at moves to settle anxiety and stress.

7:30 a.m. — I debate if I should shower since I did last night, but knowing I have a busy night ahead, I hop in and do my things. Today I've picked out a cotton black jumpsuit from Abercrombie & Fitch, a striped T-shirt to layer underneath, my loyal black (vegan) leather jacket from Obey, and my Stan Smiths. It's comfortable and cool, two of my priorities when getting dressed. I even have time to put accessories on, so I add simple gold stud earrings from a craft fair, a silver ear cuff, and a double-layered gold necklace from Bauble Bar that has my initials on it.

8:45 a.m. — On my way to work, I give in to my cravings and stop by Starbucks to buy a spinach and feta wrap. I also get a vanilla sweet cream cold brew. The tip jar for the baristas is empty, so I throw in a dollar to get it going for the day. $9

1 p.m. — T. and I have lunch in the courtyard. I eat a salad with the salmon cakes I prepped for the week. On our way back to our desks, we pass by an event that just ended and snag some leftover food for lunch tomorrow.

7:15 p.m. — I meet up with a woman I met online who wants to be my new roommate. My current one is moving out of state, so I've been trying to find the perfect candidate. She was super sweet and considerate! I think she would be a good fit.

9 p.m. — I eat a protein-style veggie burger and some sweet potato fries, all courtesy of the Trader Joe's freezer section. Frozen food saves my life, so I always like to buy some small portions here and there to keep when I'm too lazy to cook a meal.

10 p.m. — My room is a mess, but I know I should write/reflect and sleep soon, so I set a timer for 30 minutes and do as much cleaning as I can within that time. I've never done this before on chores, but it works pretty well and shows me how little time tidying up actually takes!

11:30 p.m. — I've done a good page of reflection, and I'm off to bed. Good night, world!

Daily Total: $9

Day Four

7:10 a.m. — Awake and ready for yoga! Since I'm a tad late, I only do yoga for 20 minutes. Sarah Beth guides me as always.

7:30 a.m. — I have a job interview, so I make sure to steam my clothes. My parents got me a steamer for Christmas one year; I thought it was so random at the time, but it has come in handy! I wear a black buttoned skirt, a matching black buttoned tank from Abercrombie & Fitch, and a white pocket blouse underneath for some good layering. It's cold, so I throw on a black cardigan and my Doc Martens for now and bring my interview shoes with me for later.

9 a.m. — It's doughnut day at the studio, and I've been craving a blueberry one. I get lucky and snag one of the last ones, but instantly regret eating it. My body feels sad, so I try to make up for it with getting a veggie-packed breakfast burrito from our on-site cafe. $4

9:30 a.m. — I remember that tickets for an old anime film screening go on sale today, so I snag them now before the good seats are taken. The screening isn't for another month or so, but these types of screenings sell out easily! Two middle, back-row seats are ours! $25

12 p.m. — I eat lunch (salmon cakes and salad) at my desk to get some alone time before my interview. I'm not nervous, but I always need some time to make sure my body is calm.

4 p.m. — My interview went over 30 minutes, which I think is a good sign! I thought it went pretty well, and I am confident in how I did.

5:30 p.m. — We're supposed to meet some work friends at a lounge soon, but I heard they don't have good food, so T. and I finish up that veggie breakfast burrito I bought this morning to hold us over.

6:15 p.m. — We get to the lounge, which is on the top floor of a Holiday Inn. Very unassuming, but the lounge is pretty nice! I don't drink, though, because I'm meeting my boyfriend, E., later to make dinner. I chat and mingle for some time.

7:45 p.m. — I head over to Sprouts to buy ingredients for dinner. Every Friday, E. and I make dinner, not only because it's fun, but it saves money. But he's running late today, so I go ahead and grocery shop on my own before he gets to my place. Brussel sprouts, a carrot, spinach and arugula mix, and two C2O Coconut waters. I also pick up that Nubian Heritage Honey and Black Seed soap I've been wanting! I make a note to return the other ones to TJ Maxx. $25

8:30 p.m. — Finally home. My apartment has been under construction for the past month, and my roommate has had to sleep in the living room/kitchen area (open concept space). Now I find her dead asleep on her mattress in the living room. I panic because I don't want to wake her up.

9:10 p.m. — In the end, E. and I wind up at a Chipotle-style restaurant, but with Mediterranean food. I get a mini pita with roasted veggies and lots of tzatziki, and D. gets a falafel salad. I pay because I feel bad that we had to go out. $22

12 a.m. — D. and I catch up about our week, and I end up falling asleep before him. He is playing music at a block party tomorrow, so he stays up to practice.

Daily Total: $76

Day Five

9 a.m. — We have a scheduled carpet installation happening this morning, and one of the workers accidentally opens my door, so I'm just awake now. They start hammering away, and it gets pretty loud.

10 a.m. — E. and I are both finally out of bed and fully awake. We head to take a shower, and I do my regular routine. It's going to be hot later today, so I go for a black knit T-shirt from A&F, a black denim miniskirt from Urban Outfitters, an olive-green windbreaker from Global Works, and my Stan Smiths.

11:30 a.m. — We eat overnight oats that I prepped for breakfast and bake some hash brown patties from Trader Joe's. I 100% always have to have some kind of breakfast potato (or any potato) in my freezer.

2:15 p.m. — While we wait for E.'s set to start, we grab a bite to eat with a few of his friends at the restaurant that is hosting the block party. I get a crispy Brussels sprouts salad and house chips served with a dill pickle dip. Both are very delicious! When we get the check for the table, E. gives me his card to charge our plates, but one of his friends ends up picking up the tab for all of us.

3:30 p.m. — Sound check is done and E. is on! I love getting to see him do what he loves.

7:30 p.m. — We call it a day from the block party, as it was hot, there were lots of drinks, and we're getting hungry. We get some ramen before heading home. E. pays.

9 p.m. — I guess we didn't drink enough, so E. and I get a six-pack of Asahi and one can of coconut rye stout at the mini mart across the street from my apartment. He normally pays for alcohol because I don't drink that much. We hang out the rest of the night, and I fall asleep around 1.

Daily Total: $0

Day Six

9 a.m. — E.'s alarm wakes us up (I got him to use the Tide app, too!). He works on Sundays, and I normally like to run my errands, so we shower and get ready for the day like normal. I wear some comfy ripped high-waisted jeans from A&F and the same T-shirt from yesterday. E. heads out, and it's always hard saying goodbye since we don't see each other too often. When he leaves, I eat some overnight oats and do the dishes.

12 p.m. — I've been doing chores since the morning, so I eat lunch and catch up on Superstore via Hulu (that season 4 finale had me in tears). Then I do some yoga and take a quick nap.

3:30 p.m. — I drive down to my parents' house to help my sister with her business. She works from home, and I try to help her with inventory on Sundays.

4:30 p.m. — Before we get work done, though, I get my mom and sister to come with me to TJ Maxx so I can return the soaps and buy a new measuring cup. Mine broke this morning while I was trying to wash it. (I'm not strong, it's just plastic). I end up leaving with not only a measuring cup but a basket, bamboo utensils for cooking, and a two-tiered rack to organize my things under the bathroom sink. With the exchange, I spend $15. $15

9 p.m. — My mom, sister, and I get a lot of work done in terms of inventory, but we're starving. We grab my dad and head over to happy hour at a local sushi spot. I order takoyaki, sashimi salad, yellow tail, eel, salmon sushi, and veggie tempura for myself (the prices were so low!), and I miraculously eat most of it. My sister had good sales this week, so she picks up the bill for all of us.

10:30 p.m. — I'm tired and full, so I head back home for the night!

Daily Total: $15

Day Seven

7:30 a.m. — A soft melody plays, and I get up with no issues today. I take a nice shower and do my things. Today I put on my black denim dress from Calvin Klein with my Stan Smiths. I'm out the door by 8:20.

12 p.m. — Today T. and I are having lunch with a friend at the studio. She works in a different part of the building, so it's nice to catch up! I end up having to buy lunch, though, and go to the same cafe as last week. I get a portobello panini with a side salad. $9

7 p.m. — I stop by Vons on the way home to pick up some groceries. There is some celery and carrots left in my fridge that I don't want to waste, so during work I looked up a minestrone soup recipe and decide that would be my task for the night. $15

8:30 p.m. — This soup is turning out great! It smells good, so I hope it actually tastes good. I get hungry before it's ready and eat some rice and seaweed that I had ready.

11 p.m. — I'm exhausted after cooking and cleaning, but got some journaling in. It is difficult tonight because my brain is already shutting down, but I try to use it as an outlet daily. I hop into bed and knock out so quick.

Daily Total: $24

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