Every year, we hear bad things about Gemini Season. People say it’s a time of duplicity, dualism, and erraticism, and that it has a trickster nature, but that isn’t true. If you go to the core of Gemini Season, you’ll see that the energy is vibrant, humorous, and clever. Gemini Season is when we are at our freest, and people are more open and less judgy. And, this year, May 20 to June 20 promises to be spectacular.

Tarot reader Blue June sums up Gemini Season by saying: “Not unlike how the earth thaws after winter, so do our social tendencies. Thus, by the time Gemini Season begins and the warm-up is complete, we find ourselves utterly flawless in conversation. Mercury rules communication and intellect, which shows during this season in all social aspects of our lives. Prepare to navigate the party with expertise!” 

And the party season won’t be the only thing we are navigating. During the last month of spring, we’ll also want to complete tasks. While we’ll put the additional work in projects, it’s essential not to hurry. After all, haste makes waste. It’s better to put the extra hours into ventures to ensure everything is completed with care. Geminis are known for their attention to detail, so utilize that vibe. Precision and methodology is key.

The dual nature of Gemini Season also has advantages, giving us the opportunity to change our opinions. We can see situations, friendships, and partnerships from a different perspective. As the constellation is the twins, we can understand and accept other viewpoints — even if we oppose them. We don’t have to be rigid and can welcome new insights and ideology. The acceptance level is high, which can bring different people together.   

There are many critical astrological dates this month. 

On May 20, the sun enters Gemini, heightening our desire for 24/7 communication, IRL face-time with friends, and endless fun. 

On May 23, the full moon in Sagittarius rises, allowing us to explore different philosophies and challenge our value systems. Later in the day, Venus moves into Gemini, allowing us to choose intellectualism in romantic endeavors. 

Lucky planet Jupiter enters Gemini on May 25, expanding our social network by finding the people we connect with most to be a part of our crew. 

Informative and inquisitive Mercury flies into Gemini on June 3, gathering news and information to buzz around our ears. 

On June 4, the sun and Venus unite in Gemini, creating the annual connection of the two planets. This aspect is called a Venus Star Point (a term coined by the astrologer Arielle Guttman), and it gives us a chance to explore our emotions and let them be known. The same day, Mercury and Jupiter link up in Gemini, pushing us to examine such relationships and evoking our hunger for knowledge. 

June 14 brings the sun and Mercury together in Gemini, forming an astrological aspect called “cazimi,” which translates to “heart of the sun.” It’s a potent time to plan for the future, sign contracts, and forge partnerships.

Mercury and Venus swim into Cancer on June 17, adding sensitivity, intuition, and tenderness to the forefront of our thoughts and hearts. Mercury and Venus also come together on this same date to deliver refinement and peace to our lives.

The weeks ahead will be supercharged with Gemini energy — from the sun to Mercury to Venus to Jupiter. However, Saturn and Neptune’s presence in Pisces will sometimes bring tension. Saturn might dwell or be insecure, and Neptune can evoke lethargy or uncertainty. As long as we believe in ourselves and our visions, we can shake off these negative sensations and use the higher vibration of these planets, adding determination or discipline from Saturn and inspiration or dreaminess from Neptune. 

Days to watch out for are:

June 8: Venus squares Saturn, hindering our finances.

June 9: The sun shares a tense moment with Saturn, affecting our self-esteem.

June 10: Mercury harshly connects with Saturn, limiting our ability to communicate.

June 16: Venus clashes with Neptune, enhancing our fantasies.

June 17: Mercury and Neptune confront each other, boosting our imagination.

June 20: The sun and Neptune collide, making daydreaming seem like it’s part of our routine.

All the mutable and airy planets may heighten anxiety. If you or someone you know is overwhelmed, checking in with others is vital to get or give support. Reach out for a friendly shoulder to lean on, and don’t be afraid to express yourself. Most importantly, practice kindness, compassion, patience, and empathy. Pay the generosity forward by being nice to others after receiving TLC. Spread the love!

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Your May Horoscope Is Here

Taurus Season Is Here

Your Horoscope This Week: May 12 To 18

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

This week: a sound mixer who makes $65,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on Fujifilm.

Editor’s Note: This is a follow-up Money Diary. You can read the previous diary here.

Occupation: Sound mixer
Industry: TV/media
Age: 29
Location: New York, NY
Salary: $65,000
Assets: Checking account: $5,211; HYSA: $34,118; Barclays UK bank account: $460; cryptocurrency: $130; Various ETFs: $24,686; Roth IRA: $46,856; Vanguard brokerage account: $92,180.
Debt: $0
Paycheck Amount: This can vary from $0 to $15,000 monthly.
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses
Monthly Housing Costs: $2,225. I live in a fifth floor walk-up, one bedroom in the East Village with views of a park (rare for Lower Manhattan).
All Other Monthly Expenses:
Utilities: $50 for gas and electric.
Renter’s Insurance: $13.92
Health Insurance: In between right now, so $0.
Spotify Duo (I split this with my boyfriend): $14.99
New York Times Digital Subscription: $4
Classpass: $51.21
Hulu: $0.99 (got that Black Friday deal!)
Mubi: $8.95
Regal Unlimited Pass: $23.99

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
Yes, almost all of my family worked in education, so it was expected. There was no question about my going to college and I felt like I was pushed into going to a private college. It cost over $250,000 for four years. I have very generous godparents who, when I was a baby, told my parents that they would cover my college education. This covered most of it — I had maybe $15,000 in student debt by my last year of college. My grandfather kindly paid that off so I graduated debt free. While I’m extremely grateful, I don’t believe in United States’ overpriced higher education system and more often than not I don’t believe many higher educations are worth their current prices, at least here in the USA.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
I had very few conversations about money with my parents. The only financial advice they gave me was to invest in real estate, which they did at just the right time. They bought a couple places for $40,000-$100,000 in the ’90s that are now worth almost $1million each. My father makes his living off rentals now. As inspiring as this was growing up and even now, it’s hard to imagine I will ever be able to buy here in NYC or even back home, given the soaring real estate prices since. It puts me in a sad headspace sometimes.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job was doing admin work at my middle school over the summer and I got it for spending money.

Did you worry about money growing up?
I never really worried about money, but I did enjoy saving in my Pikachu piggy bank.

Do you worry about money now?
A little bit. The last year and a half has been really rough in my industry, with the union strikes, AI and other things affecting TV and media across all the boards, hence my stagnant income. But I know I’ll always be okay, due to my saving habits.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
My godparents still pay for my cell phone and internet plan so if that counts as financially dependent I guess I still am. However, I am capable of paying for it myself. I probably would say I was more or less financially independent in my eyes at about 24. My financial safety net is my savings and my investments. I also think my family would have my back financially if I were in dire straits.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
Yes. To be completely upfront, I feel very grateful and my family’s help is a big reason I’m not financially stressed. My godparents and grandfather were kind enough to pay for my bachelor’s degree so I have no debt. My grandfather helped me pay my rent for my first two years in New York (probably $20,000-$30,000 worth) and has also given me about $40,000 in the last five years. My godparents also told me they are going to start giving me money from a trust, which is incredibly kind of them. That amounts to $20,000 a year. They are so incredibly kind and I am extremely grateful for them — they are the only reason I don’t feel as if I am just scraping by. I admit that my family is the only reason I’m as comfortable as I am now. I know a lot of people don’t like this and I totally understand why.

Day One

6:15 a.m. — Alarm wakes me up early and it’s a rainy, gloomy day out. Today is a shoot day, so I will be on set most of the day. I shuffle out of bed, trying not to wake my boyfriend, G., who slept over last night, and start making coffee which I sip as I browse Reddit before getting dressed and ready.

7:30 a.m. — Out the door and into an Uber to Park Slope. I take a lot of rides expensed by production because I don’t have a car but I need bring a lot of gear to work for my job. On the ride over, my sister lets me know she’s paid me back the money I lent her for rent last month (my sister struggles a lot with financial management). It’s a relief because with my sister, I never know if I will get it back or not. $36.31 (Expensed)

8 a.m. — Arrive on set and greet the crew I’m working with today. I’m freelance so I do different shoots every day. It’s been a while since I worked with this team (work has been slow in the film and TV industry the last couple years) and I’m happy to see some familiar faces. This week, I’m shooting a few days on a dog food commercial. Each day we’re following around a different dog and their “paw-rent” (sorry, had to). Today’s subject is a pug puppy named after a particularly delicious fruit. I chew a sandwich that the producer has kindly made to make sure we have something for breakfast (I’m vegan and on-set food isn’t always an option for me so I’m grateful to have something to eat).

9 a.m. — We set up for the first few shots and start rolling. The puppy is chowing down on his food while her owner talks about why she likes it. Pup is thrilled to be getting so much food!

10 a.m. — I get a text that the shoot day I was meant to work in two days has been cancelled. It’s a bummer, but I know there will be another soon enough. It was a documentary that I have been working on for the past few months. It’s a really good concept and the other shows I’ve done for the production company went on to do well, so I’m hoping this documentary gets picked up and gains the same traction.

11 a.m. — We shoot a testimonial interview with the pug’s owner about why she loves the dog food so much. Pug has to be put in the bedroom and is intermittently rapping angrily on the bedroom door to remind us of her presence.

12 p.m. — We continue on to various shots of pug puppy happily eating treats and running around in a top hat and bow tie. As we do this, I make some notes for what sound effects to get before we wrap (we do this because sometimes the microphone can’t get close enough to the sound effects for it to sound good because of the framing/angle of the shot — it sounds a lot better). I continue to record for reference.

2 p.m. — Break for lunch. I get a cauliflower pita with hummus and I wolf it down because I am starving!

3 p.m. — Back in and we’re filming some magic tricks with the puppy.

3:30 p.m. — I separate from the rest of the crew and set up for some foley sound (sound effects) of the dog kibble pouring into the bowl.

4:30 p.m. — I am wrapped! I pack up and head out. It’s still pouring and I hop in an Uber with my gear back to Manhattan. I am WIPED. I call G. in the Uber home and we chat logistics for a shoot he’s on tomorrow (he is also a sound mixer) and he plans to swing by mine tonight pick up an extra headset. $52.69 (Expensed)

5:30 p.m. — Finally get home after a hectic and rainy rush hour. I greet my own pup and hop in the shower.

6 p.m. — Finally in pajamas and relaxed, ahh. I heat up some tomato soup and make a grilled cheese sandwich as my dog and I listen to the giant thunderstorm outside. So cozy. I eat some Lindt chocolates from my Lindt stash (hot tip — if you’re near a Lindt store, you can get 150 Lindts in a “sharing tote” and it costs only $55).

6:30 p.m. — I read my book, Wonderful Town, which is a collection of short stories about New York city life set over the past 100 years, curated by The New Yorker editor David Remnick. Good stuff.

7:30 p.m. — I step out to walk my dog in the rain — we just walk a few blocks for her to pee as it’s still pouring.

8:30 p.m. — I put my batteries on to charge for my shoot tomorrow and watch Enough Said with James Gandolfini (his last film ever and released posthumously — so sad) and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (great crossover). I enjoy it but I seem to have this ADD problem the rest of my generation has where I want to watch a movie but end up scrolling Instagram the whole time.

11:30 p.m. — I finally go to bed! Sweet dreams.

Daily Total: $0

Day Two

6:30 a.m. — Wake up and lay in bed, pondering the meaning of life.

7 a.m. — I get out of bed, make some coffee (with the brown sugar oat creamer from Trader Joe’s — so good). G. drops by to grab a headset and then I climb back in bed and watch some Katy Bellotte on YouTube (she’s in London visiting her boyfriend’s family and I’m from London originally so this feels quite homey).

8 a.m. — I get dressed to walk my dog and we toodle around the block. I call my sister during our walk and we catch up on her newest adventures — meeting up with a potential sugar daddy she met online to pay the bills. Oh, the things our generation does to get by.

9:15 a.m. — I head out to today’s shoot with my gear. The shoot is in Manhattan and requires less gear, so I hop on the subway with my pre-paid balance.

10 a.m. — I arrive at work on the Upper West Side. Today’s shoot is for a high-end department store in New York City. We’re featuring a famous jewelry designer whose line they carry. We get to work loading in and setting up the first shot.

11 a.m. — Shoot an interview with the jewelry designer in their apartment overlooking Broadway and then walk over to Lincoln Center for some B-roll of them wearing the department store’s clothing with their jewelry.

1 p.m. — Wrapped and headed out. I hop on the subway downtown (using my pre-paid balance), excited to enjoy the rest of my free day!

1:30 p.m. — I get home and immediately make pasta with tofu and broccoli for lunch and then get to work uploading the audio from today’s shoot.

2:30 p.m. — Eat my lunch while browsing Reddit and then I send off my invoice for today.

3:30 p.m. — Finish up uploading today’s audio while looking up ways to relieve face tension. I’ve been holding so much tension in my face and I feel like my face is getting smile lines from it. It stresses me out. In reality, I think I just look sad. I end up in bed with my dog listening to lo-fi and reading some of my book.

5:30 p.m. — Getting kinda down so I decide to walk the two miles to my Classpass class in Midtown. I call G. on the way and we decide I’ll spend the night at his tonight (I’ve been having a bit of an anxious episode). I pass by the building his shoot is in, overlooking Union Square, and we wave at each other (me from the ground and him four flights up).

6:30 p.m. — I get to class feeling anxious and not ready to dance/meditate/yoga/whatever this class is going to be with a bunch of strangers. Usually I’m not anxious before these things (and in retrospect it’s because I didn’t eat enough).

7:30 p.m. — Class is amazing. It’s a mix of breathwork, intuitive dance and yoga. Thoroughly needed and helps with my anxiety so much.

8 p.m. — I hop on an uptown train to match up with G. on his way to from work. Pup is in a backpack on his back (he stopped at mine on the way out of work and picked her up). I don’t know what I did to deserve him.

9 p.m. — We arrive back at G.’s, rinse off and make tacos for dinner. I feel better just being at his apartment. He lives uptown, and his apartment feels a lot more spacious and more like a “home” than my downtown one. We listen to some Spanish music (he is Hispanic and has great taste in music) and we fall asleep soon after.

Daily Total: $0

Day Three

8 a.m. — Wake up at G.’s, we rise and make coffee while chit chatting. G. makes us some tempeh BLTs for breakfast which are delish.

10 a.m. — We are heading out to the park when the entire building starts shaking. G. thinks its a water pipe bursting (his apartment was flooded a month ago) and hurries us out. I know from experiencing an earthquake in Mexico a couple months ago (not serious, they’re very blasé about them there), that that is exactly what it is. While outside, we call some friends to confirm that they too felt the shaking and it turns out New York has experienced one of the strongest earthquakes it’s ever had.

10:30 a.m. — We head to the park (perk of being in upper Manhattan is actual space and grass!) and I play ball with the pup while G. makes a family friend phone call. She mutilates the ball and loves it.

11 a.m. — We hop on the train downtown. I stop at the bodega on my home and grab a can of Diet Coke (I plan on doing some serious spring refreshing of my apartment today and need the stamina). $1.56

12 p.m. — We arrive at my apartment and heat up some of the tofu broccoli pasta I made for our lunch. I add some vegan Field Roast sausage and avocado to spice it up.

1 p.m. — G. heads out to go rock climbing. I scroll Reddit, read about the earthquake and eat the remains of a dark chocolate bunny I have from Easter. It’s the head. I hate eating the head. As a vegan it’s conflicting to eat animal-shaped food but he tastes very good.

2 p.m. — I finish my book, Wonderful Town, on the sofa. I must be ADD because I can’t always concentrate on every detail, yet I enjoyed it anyway.

3 p.m. — I start browsing film stocks. I’ve got into film photography recently (I bought a Contax G2 earlier in the year). I end up buying several rolls of film at B&H — three rolls of Fujifilm 200, two rolls of Kodak UltraMax 400, and a roll of Kodak T-Max 400 Black and white just for fun. $53.96

3:30 p.m. — I do a 10-minute abdominal workout to get me going before I brace myself and begin my closet clean out.

5:30 — Clean out mostly done! It was pretty intense and I still have a small pile of random things I’m not sure what to do with on my living room floor but I’ll figure that out in a wee bit. I head to my bed to sit down for a sec and watch some YouTube.

6 p.m. — I’m sitting in bed chilling with the heated mattress pad, eating some more pasta and watching some Chelsea Callahan on YouTube when an aftershock from the earthquake hits! Not as severe as the one this morning but still. What the heck is happening today?

7 p.m. — Eat a mint chocolate Nugo protein bar as a snack and watch some Tess Christine on YouTube.

8 p.m. — I walk my dog around Noho and G. meets up with us and because it’s a warm, nice night out, we walk around the village and Soho for a couple miles before heading home.

10 p.m. — Home. We chat, snuggle and go to bed!

Daily Total: $55.52

Day Four

6:30 a.m. — Early wake-up — I’ve got the dog food commercial again today. I drink some coffee and scroll Reddit before getting dressed.

7:30 a.m. — Hop in an Uber to the Upper East Side. $33.28 (Expensed)

8 a.m. — Arrive at the location, greet the crew and paw-rent/doggo duo we’re filming today — an elderly golden Labrador and his owner! Oh, to be a dog living with a single woman in a multi-million dollar apartment by Central Park.

10 a.m. — We shoot an interview with his owner about his eating habits, why she likes the food, and so on.

11:30 a.m. — Some of the lady’s grandkids come by to shoot some B-roll with doggo and owner.

1 p.m. — We break for lunch. I got a chickpea tuna sandwich on some delicious bread from Daily Provisions. 10/10. I really appreciate these producers always making sure there is a vegan option.

2 p.m. — Producer, the director of cinematography, assistant camera, doggo, owner and I head out to shoot B-roll in Central Park. It’s a beautiful day and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. We shoot some portraits and B-roll of them walking around.

3 p.m. — We head back and set up for product shots of the food and doggo eating.

5 p.m. — Wrapped and out! I jump in an Uber and head home; G. invites me out tonight, but I’m getting up early again tomorrow so I let him know I’ll see how I feel. $35.86 (Expensed)

5:30 p.m. — I get home, greet my pup and rinse off. Then make some avocado toast with a chocolate mint protein bar because I really don’t feel like cooking this second and pretty much jump straight into bed to relax.

6:30 p.m. — G. and I get into a relationship discussion. He is the sweetest person ever and offers to bring me dinner (he made Mexican) food but I told him I needed to do some things by myself — otherwise what am I good for? G. and I used to live together, then broke up and he moved out. We are trying again months later after realizing we were each other’s “one” but one of the things I need to work on is taking space for myself (I am the type of person that no matter who I’m with I need alone time sometimes) and I’ve noted we have been spending 90% of our nights together lately. I love him so much so setting that boundary has been hard, but we both want it to work in the long run so it’s important to make sure we have that boundary in place.

8 p.m. — I feel more clarity and relief than I’ve felt in a while after talking to G. and I walk my dog longer than normal tonight — we take a 30-minute walk to the East River where we play in the giant baseball field. She loves playing with a twig. We play for awhile and then loop back.

9:30 p.m. — We get home, I rinse off and hop into bed.

Daily Total: $0

Day Five

6 a.m. — Awake. I get up, make an iced coffee and crawl back into bed to drink it while waking up.

7:30 a.m. — I pack some fresh batteries and head out in an Uber to work. Last day of the week, woohoo! $35.99 (Expensed)

8 a.m. — Arrive at work and we are greeting by an excitable, elderly chihuahua and his owner.

10 a.m. — We shoot an interview with owner, then some B-roll of owner and chihuahua together.

12 p.m. — We step out to Riverside Park to shoot some B-roll of the chihuahua and owner frolicking among a backdrop of cherry blossoms.

1 p.m. — Lunch! I eat a delicious cauliflower shawarma with tahini.

2 p.m. — The rest of my day is pretty chill, as there isn’t much audio. The crew sets up for product shots as we pass around the chihuahua (he loves to be held but is, unfortunately, extremely gassy). We have one producer who is a saint and holds him for quite a while.

3 p.m. — The chihuahua strikes some poses in some flashy outfits (he has a whole wardrobe).

4:30 p.m. — Camera wrap! I give my SD card to the assistant camera to offload. It’s our last day shooting and there are a ton of dog foods and treats leftover. As we pack up, one of the producers gives me a bunch to bring home to my dog (so kind!). I know she’ll love them.

5 p.m. — I finish packing up, thank the producers and say bye to the team and head out. I call an Uber and relax and gaze out at the stunning weather on the entire ride home. $50.82 (Expensed)

6 p.m. — Finally get home, drop my gear, leash up my dog and head outside because it is absolutely stunning out. We walk to the local park and everyone is soaking up the sun, including my dog who finds her favorite bench and basks. I call G., who is waiting in line to pick up solar eclipse glasses (there’s a solar eclipse tomorrow!) in midtown. Unfortunately the line is crazy and he has to be at a friend’s recital soon, so our chances of finding glasses are getting smaller and smaller.

7:20 p.m. — I lay in bed contemplating if I should order dinner or not (when I get home from a long day of work the last thing I want to do is cook and clean). I cave and order Beatnic (RIP, By Chloe). $43.33

7:30 p.m. — While I’m at it, I top up my transit card balance. I try to do no-spend days and since I’m already spending today, I may as well #logic. $20

8 p.m. — Food arrives (quinoa taco burrito, peanut crunch salad and mac and “cheez”) and it’s time to throw down. I go to bed soon afterwards.

Daily Total: $63.33

Day Six

7 a.m. — I lay in bed, feeling at peace with the fact that the only thing I have to really do today is clean and watch the solar eclipse.

8:15 a.m. — I organize and clean all my microphones, mic packs and cables from the last few days and put them away.

8:45 a.m. — I take my pup for a walk through Noho. It is a beautiful sunny and warm day. I call my sister for a chat. Sugar daddy situation seems going well — he paid for a few new outfits and a sushi dinner with her friend.

9:30 a.m. — I get home and send off an invoice for the dog food commercial, brush my own doggo’s teeth and clean up around the apartment.

10:30 a.m. — I do a mobility and ab workout. Gotta stay “toned, tanned, fit, and ready” (quoting Katy Perry) — just kidding, I just like to feel good in my own body.

11:30 a.m. — Discuss the technicals with a colleague for a potential job coming up (BTS for a fashion show next week).

12 p.m. — I start a new book Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.

12:30 p.m. — Get dressed to head down to meet G. for the eclipse. I head down with my film camera out and snap a bunch of film pics of lower Manhattan in its beautiful spring prime. I stop at REI to look at some Hokas on the way. I’ve been thinking about them for a while and I think it’s time to pull the trigger.

2 p.m. — Arrive at Battery Park City on the Hudson River overlooking the Statue of Liberty and secure a spot in the grass. I get a text that I’m booked for the fashion shoot next week. I lay out a blanket and read a little bit. G. is picking up vegan burgers and fries for a pre-eclipse picnic (I zelle him for my half). It could not be more stunning out. $23

3 p.m. — G. arrives and we chow down and catch up on the last few days of work, life, and events. He got glasses so we can watch the eclipse! It’s pretty cool, but as it turns out 90% coverage is still quite light outside. It just felt like there was a light blue tint over everything.

4 p.m. — We have to find a bathroom so we stop in a nearby mall to pee and then go explore a little bit. We find a new pier we haven’t been to before and sit on a swinging bench overlooking downtown to read our respective books in the sun for a bit. Then we stop at an abandoned soccer pitch on the same pier and kick around a soccer ball. I take some film pics of the lower Manhattan skyline from the pier and G. playing soccer (he has great legs for it, I must say).

5 p.m. — It’s getting a little cold and neither of us are dressed for it so we slowly start the couple mile trek through Tribeca, West Village and into the East Village to mine, which we don’t mind because it is absolutely stunning out.

6 p.m. — G. stops at Whole Foods on the way home to grab some ingredients for a lentil bolognese for dinner while I head home to check on pup and sit down for a sec.

7 p.m. — G. prepares dinner (he’s an incredible chef and enjoys cooking). I break my rule and zelle him for groceries (I told him I wasn’t zelle-ing him for anything under $10 anymore because I would get so particular over everything and zelle for even the tiniest thing). But he mentioned splitting the groceries and I didn’t want him to take the whole cost alone. $6

9 p.m. — Dinner is delicious. Unrelated, we watch the follow-up episode of Quiet on Set (the docu-series about Nickelodeon kids being exploited) and go into a Drake Bell conspiracy black hole before falling asleep.

Daily Total: $29

Day Seven

8 a.m. — G. and I wake up, lounge around a little.

9 a.m. — We get up, shower, start making breakfast. G. makes a lentil olive tapenade topped by a tofu filet soaked in black salt (gives the tofu an egg taste) on Dave’s Bread. I’m lucky to have a partner who is good at improvising in and out of the kitchen.

10 a.m. — We head out for a walk with the dog. I drop off the roll of film I shot yesterday to get developed at my local photo store and then we go to the park and sit on a bench for awhile and bask in the lovely weather. $19.59

12 p.m. — We drop off doggo at my apartment and head over to a café where I plan to work on a social documentary I’m working on. End up at Stuytown Café which has a stunning patio outside in what feels like a college like campus in the East Village (this is rare in Lower Manhattan). I get an oat milk cappuccino and begin work on my doc. $7.48

2 p.m. — I’m really into editing when my laptop dies prematurely and so I read a little bit of my book at the café. I then step out into the sun and call my sister for a bit. I head home shortly after.

3 p.m. — I get home, plug in my laptop, draw my blackout curtains, and continue to chug away at editing. I’m so close, just a few little tweaks and I’m done with the final cut!

5 p.m. — I wrap up the editing for the day and put on a a pumpkin butter face mask from Lush, followed by a long shower.

6 p.m. — I end up on looking at new camera straps (my current one is a little thin and uncomfortable. I end up buying one on Amazon that looks thick and comfy. $13.44

7 p.m. — I started the film How to Have Sex on Mubi ages ago when I was in Mexico and it only just recently became available in the US so I finish it. I have to admit, I wasn’t too keen on the first two thirds but the last third is quite good.

8 p.m. — I take my dog on her evening walk. Golly, it is hot today. This reminds me I want to not be in the city this summer. But boy, am I glad I’m here.

Daily Total: $40.51

The Breakdown

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A Week In Vancouver Island On A $92,000 Salary

A Week In Chicago On A $225,000 Salary

A Week In Philadelphia, PA On A $90,000 Salary

Welcome to one of the most magical weeks of 2024! After last week’s Taurus cazimi, we’re being catapulted into a new world on the 20th when the sun enters Gemini and lightens up the cosmos significantly after a period of profound earth energy. Gemini Season will help us be more open-minded, free-spirited, and intellectual, making this an ideal time to spread your wings and fly — literally or metaphorically. What adventures have you been seeking to embark on? Now’s the time to make them happen. 

On the 23rd, the Sagittarius full moon lights up the skies and adds fiery, dynamic, and optimistic vibes to the cosmos, reminding us to shoot our shot and visualize it entering the net before it actually occurs. Our collective powers of manifestation deepen around  this time, which will accelerate our evolution on a personal, political, and universal level. We can bring forth the change we seek, particularly if we had set intentions six months ago during the Sag new moon. Whatever we asked for or set into motion then is likely to come full circle this week. 

But wait — there’s more! The highlight of this week is Jupiter’s entrance into Gemini on May 25. This is a 13-month transit, and having Jupiter conjoin with the sun in Gemini opens up the door for vibrant new possibilities within and around us over the course of the next year. Jupiter in Gemini helps you break out of your comfort zone and take greater leaps of faith. It encourages us to tap into the power of community rather than being overly individualistic. And most importantly, Jupiter in Gemini wants us to have fun, consistently and as a norm. It’s time to view the world as our playground. Are you down? 

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, having Mars in your sign these past few weeks has illuminated you to yourself, and the recent conjunction between Mars and the north mode in Aries is empowering you to be your best self. The Sag full moon on the 23rd lights up your sector of travel, expansion, higher education, media, and publishing, so if you’ve been focused on ventures that have to do with these themes these past six months, you’ll notice them manifesting beautifully this week. Celebrate your growth and get ready for more. 

Speaking of more, Jupiter enters Gemini on the 25th, and this 13-month transit activates your sector of communication and creativity. After a rather practical Jupiter in Taurus transit that had you focused on obtaining material security, you’re now ready to celebrate and reap the rewards of all your hard work and dedication. Now’s the time to brainstorm ways you can expand your education, either through formal schooling or through viewing the world as your oyster and putting yourself out there more consistently. Get clear on what your inner child wants and make it a priority to offer them that, time and time again. 

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus, this is a bittersweet week for you because Jupiter, the Planet of Luck, leaves your sign on the 25th after being there for the past 13 months. Jupiter in Taurus taught you to put yourself first and get clear on what your deepest values are, while making sure you’re living in alignment with them. But what’s exciting about Jupiter’s entrance in Gemini is that it’ll activate your sector of money and security, and the combination of the Sun and Jupiter conjoining in Gemini will help you be more optimistic and open-minded when it comes to finding ways to manifest abundance from various streams of income. 

The Sag full moon takes place this week as well, on the 23rd, and we’ll be feeling its energy all week long. This occurs in your sector of outside resources or “other people’s money,” further activating your desire to secure generational wealth. The key to doing this is to be aware of what your deepest limiting beliefs are. Write them down on a piece of paper and burn away the paper — as the paper burns, envision your blockages and fears being simultaneously burnt away. You are reborn. 

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Gemini, it’s your time to shine! Not only is it officially your birthday season, but a brilliant Sag full moon strikes on the 23rd in your sector of relationships, helping you burn away any fears or insecurities you’ve felt regarding who you can trust and why. You see more clearly now, and you’re able to trust yourself and enjoy the relationship you’re cultivating with your own self, and others too. The theme of freedom becomes even more important to you this week — you want to break free from societal constraints or limitations and allow yourself to fly free. 

The universe will respond to your desire once Jupiter, the Planet of Luck, enters your sign on the 25th, where it remains for the next 13 months. The last time Jupiter was in your sign was 12 years ago, so think back to where you were in your life back then and get ready for a level-up in ways that surpass your expectations. You know better now, and you’re doing better for yourself. Spend the weekend writing down a list of everything you’re grateful for, and get ready to receive the double portion of blessings. Happy solar return! 

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Cancer, this is an astrologically potent full moon week, and since you’re ruled by the moon you’ll be tuned into the shifts more than most. The Sag full moon strikes on the 23rd in your sector of health and service, encouraging you to be physically active, get out of your feelings, and be more in your body. Just make sure to not overdo it, because the combo of the Sag moon and Gemini sun could easily burn you out if you push yourself too hard. 

On the 25th, Jupiter, the Planet of Luck, enters Gemini for a 13-month stay. This auspicious transit activates your sector of spirituality and healing, which will feel like a paradox for you, because Gemini energy is typically associated with being social and fun-loving. But you’ll actually be encouraged to be more introspective and spiritually attuned during this transit. Spend the weekend writing down the wounds that you have been wanting to heal — now is the time to take your healing journey more seriously, while also remaining light-hearted about it all, if that makes sense. Accept your contradictions and ride it all out with grace. 

Leo Sun & Rising:

Leo, this week’s full moon in Sag activates your sector of fate, true love, youth, and creativity, meaning one thing: it’s time to let yourself play, dance, kiss, create, and make love! You’ll be reflecting on the new moon intentions you set during Sag Season six months ago regarding pursuing your most adventurous ambitions. How’s that working out for you? There’s always time to start a new hobby or pursue a passion that’s been on your mind these past six months. 

Jupiter’s entrance into Gemini in your sector of friendship, tech, and social networks will help you do this these next 13 months because it will connect you with fellow visionaries, revolutionaries, and artists who want to put their craft out there with the spirit of play and community. Now is the time to not be overly focused on your own needs, but truly tap into the needs and rhythm of the collective. Prepare to be a pioneer in several political and entrepreneurial missions this next year. We need your light more than ever! 

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, get ready to let go of anything that you’ve been clinging on to due to fear of change. This week’s Sag full moon activates your sector of home, roots, and the past, and this indicates that something you’ve been grappling with in your domestic sector ever since November 2023 is likely to come to a close, and you may have to undergo a period of mourning as you end that chapter. Feel the feels and don’t run away from what comes up as you feel them. You’re in a period of purging and preparing for a cosmic reset. 

That reset occurs on the 25th when Jupiter, the Planet of Luck, shifts into your fellow Mercury-ruled sign of Gemini for the next 13 months. You felt comfortable during Jupiter’s transit in Taurus, as it encouraged you to take a gradual approach to redefining yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone. Now that Jupiter in Gemini is activating your sector of career over the course of the next year, you’ll feel both nervous and excited at the possibility of completely switching up your career path in favor of something that may be less predictable, but ultimately more liberating and rewarding. Trust your instincts as you take the leap. 

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, this week’s Sag full moon on the 23rd activates your sector of communication, so don’t be surprised if you’re way more social and extroverted this week. Your ruler Venus’ presence in Taurus helps you pace yourself as you express yourself, but you’re definitely feeling a strong desire to let the world know where you stand, either through your art, your entrepreneurial endeavors, or your social media profiles. 

Then on the 25th, Jupiter, the Planet of Abundance, shifts into your fellow air sign of Gemini for a 13-month stay. This activates your sector of expansion, media, publishing, higher education, and long journeys. If you’ve been wanting to go on a long-distance trip or dream vacation, chances are high that you’ll embark on that journey between now and June 2025. Spend the weekend brainstorming and creating a vision board for which destinations you’d like to explore and which business ventures you’re seeking to launch. It’s go time. 

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

Scorpio, this is one of the most exciting weeks, financially speaking. On the 23rd the Sag full moon lights up the skies and activates your sector of money and self-esteem. If you’ve been seeking a promotion or are ready to launch a product, this full moon energy is likely to help you manifest your goals with ease. The key is to practice gratitude for what you already have before asking the universe for more, while also remaining open to receiving what you asked for — or better. What you desire most is likely to come to you the moment you decide to let go of your need to have it. 

If you’re still working on mastering the art of healthy detachment, Jupiter’s entrance into Gemini on the 25th will aid you on that journey these next 13 months. Jupiter the Planet of Abundance, activates your sector of outside resources and other people’s money. This is helping you think more expansively and intellectually regarding what wealth really means to you and how you’d like to attract and sustain it. Spend this weekend creating a game plan that helps you feel more confident about wealth-management rather than getting overwhelmed by all this new energy entering your life. 

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Sag, ready for your epic full moon taking place on the 23rd? This lunation connects you back to the Sag new moon intentions you set in November 2023. Think back to where you were back then and what you wanted to bring forth in your life. While it has been a slower than usual manifestation period due to your ruler Jupiter spending its final stretch in the earth sign of Taurus, this full moon energy is likely to help your dreams come to life with greater speed and optimism. 

One of the biggest reasons why this will occur is due to Jupiter’s entrance into Gemini on the 25th. This 13-month transit activates your sector of marriage and partnership, meaning that you’ll make even more progress on your goals if you strategically partner with people with whom you feel vibrationally aligned. You’ll also attract much more romantic attention during this transit (whether you’re single or coupled), and you’ll have to practice discernment so as to not be overwhelmed or distracted by all this energy. Whew — what a time to be a Sag! 

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, this week’s Sag full moon has you treating yourself and others with greater compassion, as your sector of spirituality and closure is activated. You may feel the need to retreat from spaces or relationships that are overly stimulating, so try not to put too much on your plate this week as it’s an emotionally-charged time and you could easily start to feel anxious. Find ways to ground your body during Jupiter’s final days in Taurus — spending time in nature will do you a world of good. 

Then on the 25th, Jupiter shifts out of Taurus and enters Gemini for the next 13 months. While it may initially take you some time to get used to this transit, the fact that it’s activating your sector of health and service can help you remain open-minded regarding ways to switch up your daily routine and add more variety to the work you do and how you do it. Over the course of the next year, you may decide to switch up your diet or workout routine and explore new forms of self-care. Avoid embarking on this journey alone. Having an accountability buddy will make the process more fun and motivating. 

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Aquarius, now that it’s Gemini Season you’re feeling more in your element, allowing you to come out of your shell and let your light shine. The Sag full moon on the 23rd further highlights your social side as it’s taking place in your sector of friendship and social networks. If you’ve been feeling the need to cut off frenemies and make new friends, you have the green light to set the necessary boundaries — with no hard feelings — and make room for connections that feel reciprocal and fun. 

Speaking of fun, with Jupiter, the Planet of Abundance, also activating your sector of social networks for 13 months when it enters Gemini on the 25th, you’ll be able to attract new opportunities in the digital sphere, making it a great time to launch or revamp an online brand or start fresh when it comes to your social media presence. The combination of Jupiter in Gemini and Pluto in Aquarius will make this next year feel adventurous and filled with vibrant possibilities to pursue dreams you had previously put on hold. 

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, this is a major week for you due to your planetary ruler Jupiter switching signs and entering Gemini for the next 13 months. But before we get there, the Sag full moon activates your career sector once it strikes on the 23rd, allowing you to make bold moves when it comes to your legacy and reputation. What have you always wanted to do? Who have you always dreamt of being? Sag energy encourages you to dream beyond perceived limitations — can you embody infinite possibilities without fear? 

Jupiter’s entrance into Gemini on the 25th will help you do just that, but in a grounded way because it’s taking place in your sector of the home, roots, and the past. This means that staying close to people who feel nurturing and safe will help you achieve your goals with greater ease. Remaining open to the unexpected is an important mission during this Jupiter in Gemini transit, so avoid having your missions set in stone. The more flexibility you have as you enter this new era, the easier it’ll be for your blessings to find you. 

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Your May Horoscope Is Here

Taurus Season Is Here

Your Horoscope This Week: May 12 To 18

Alison Wonderland is no stranger to EDC. The Australian native, along with Anna Lunoe, made history as the first two female solo acts to perform on EDC’s kineticFIELD mainstage back in 2016. She’s been a mainstay at other raves, festivals, and concerts for years during a time when women DJs were few and far between. And yes, she performed nine months pregnant at last year’s EDC with doctors on standby just in case she went into labor.

But Alison Wonderland, who’s wearing a brown sweatshirt with the word “underdog” emblazoned on the front, is more than just “a female DJ.” She’s long been a mental health advocate — her most recent album, Loner in 2022, was a form of rebirth for the artist — and last month, she launched an all-gender beauty line, FMU Beauty, which boasts festival-friendly products like body art pens. It’s a project she’s excited about, stopping mid-convo during our 30-minute Zoom call for an impromptu makeup tutorial to demonstrate how to dab FMU Beauty’s Hyper Hue Lip & Cheek Tint for a quick refresh.

The beauty entrepreneur has also embraced the title of mom; last year, she and director Ti West (X, MaXXXine) welcomed their first son Max, who made an appearance on our call and who, I can confirm, is the most adorable baby ever. 

It’s a balancing act that the working mom has fully invested in. “I always knew we [as women] could do anything, but then after I had a baby, I was like we can really do anything,” she tells me.

Ahead of her EDC Vegas performance, the artist talks about her relationship with the festival, motherhood, and the idea of doing it all.

Refinery29: What makes EDC in particular so special to you personally? 

Alison Wonderland: I think that people are all there for the right reason. I think that there’s a really crazy sense of community amongst ravers, especially at EDC. It has a very cult following, and it’s just a really great form of escapism. It’s like a pilgrimage every year. I feel like EDC is a DJ’s Olympics or DJ’s Coachella because everyone’s just trying to play their best set and everyone in the crowd is just trying to have their best time. I love the energy. It’s truly about the people and the rave and the culture. Shout out to [Insomniac founder] Pasquale [Rotella] for doing that. 

Last year’s EDC, you performed nine months pregnant on the main stage. That’s incredible. Did you really have an ambulance and doctors on standby? 

There’s a video! 100%. I was so careful. I need people to know that I’m a professional and not to do what I do if they’re very pregnant and go to a rave. I was incredibly careful. I had doctors monitoring me every step of the way. Every time I played a show, every time I toured, I made sure my baby was safe, and he was and he was loving it. But yes, there are a lot of precautions that we took to make sure that I could still play shows.

Why was it important for you to still see this gig through? Because I feel like some people would have bowed out.

I don’t think I even really told anyone I was pregnant until I was six months pregnant. So I was just out there playing shows. Honestly, for me, it was very difficult to become successfully pregnant so when it finally happened I didn’t want to be completely paranoid and worrying about it. So I thought the best thing to do is let the baby cook and live my life and do things that make me happy. And the reason I did EDC Vegas nine months pregnant is because it makes me so happy, and I wanted to pass that energy onto my baby and I was able to do it. People asked, how did you stay up there for over an hour and I’m like, easy. It makes me happy. It’s a thing that makes me happy. Feeling the baby kick while I was playing music, it was just, I mean, I can’t explain it. Coachella I did eight months pregnant and he was just going hard.

Honestly I didn’t want to get too into my own head, and it was really difficult for me. So finally, being that far along with the pregnancy, I spiritually wanted to just have good vibes around the baby.

How have things changed or evolved in the EDM scene from your perspective as an artist?

I think the line between producer and DJ has been blurred a lot more from when I started. When I started, I really considered DJing completely separate to production. Now, I feel like every producer is expected to DJ and every DJ is expected to produce. So there’s less of a kind of separate culture within that, which is fine and great for me because I do both, but I think for some people it’s a bit strange. I do believe that women in electronic music are having a way better time now than when I started, which is amazing. I think we’re taken a lot more seriously and it’s great to see so many women killing it now. 

You’ve been very outspoken about mental health and maintaining that positivity in your life. It is Mental Health Awareness Month right now. What’s one thing you wish people understood about your industry when it comes to managing your mental health and how do you prioritize that when you work in such a fast-paced high energy scene?

You just have to learn to listen to yourself, and it’s okay to say no sometimes. I think I found it hard in the past to stop and just pause for a few weeks. And now it’s really important that I do that. I think it’s incredibly lonely when you’re touring. You’re in front of tens of thousands of people on this big stage, and they’re all screaming your name and singing a song. Then half an hour later you’re alone in a hotel room, and it’s just not normal. It’s not a normal existence. Learning that it’s okay to take time occasionally for yourself is really important and have balance. That’s only something I learned recently, but it definitely helped. 

Being a DJ or just being in the scene, I feel like there’s a lot of longevity in this space than say an artist in another genre. Look at this year’s EDC lineup. You’ve got people like Paul Van Dyk or Kaskade, who’ve been doing this for decades, and they’re still showing up.

Kaskade still looks like he’s 20! Listen, here’s my theory on things. If you are doing what you love, it’s ageless. [With] electronic music, no one’s out there judging really what the DJ looks like. Everyone just wants to feel really good energy out there and it’s just a beautiful culture, and I hope I’m still DJing when I’m like 85. I will be.

Your single “Satellite” was released last month. You’ve also teased a new album for 2024. What can you tell us in terms of new music?

Uhh, there’s a lot of music coming. I also have a lot of collabs coming this year. Still working on the album, but I’m also working on new Whyte Fang stuff, which I’m super excited about. I think my first show back as Whyte Fang, (Alison Wonderland’s darker persona), is Bonnaroo. I’m really excited to premiere some stuff there.

You also recently launched your festival-friendly beauty line FMU. Tell me about it. What was the inspiration behind it?

This is something that I have wanted to do for a long time. When I started [DJing and producing music], I didn’t actually think that that could be a career so I was studying special effects makeup. I’ve always wanted to have a makeup line that’s more practical, and people can bring everywhere, like multi-use products. Literally I live in it. I’ll show you right now. … I want things that you can keep in your bag at a festival and either top off when you’re there or if you end up staying the night and you feel a little dusty the next day, you don’t need a big makeup bag, you can just bring this [lip and cheek tint]. 

You are juggling so much: you have a successful DJ career, you’re a beauty entrepreneur, you’re a mom. How do you do it all? Can you do it all? Can women have it all? Is that even a thing?

Oh, yeah. Years ago, someone that worked for me said I hope you never get pregnant because your career will be over if you do. And I was so fueled by that, that I said, okay bet. Watch me do it all. It kind of fueled me just like when people doubted me as a DJ or an artist. I think that women can do anything, and after having a kid and being pregnant, I know that even more. I know that we are stronger than anyone can ever imagine. There’s this myth that says you can’t, but there’s a way. I always knew we could do anything, but then after I had a baby, I was like we can really do anything.

I think a lot of women artists have been scared to be moms because of that stigma, but now there’s so many artists that have had kids. Grimes, Halsey, Anna Lunoe. And they’re all killing it. Every time I see a pregnant woman on stage, I’m like that is so fucking cool. I felt way hotter pregnant, like I felt badass. No one can mess with you when you’re creating life.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Meet L.A.'s DJ Mija

I Made Myself Sick Trying To Get Pregnant

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Grab your sister because Gap is dropping its newest collaboration with California clothing label Dôen, and it’s all about celebrating sisterhood. The limited-edition Gap x Dôen collection, which is available today, May 17 on Gap.com features womenswear, kids’ apparel, and accessories with shared styles and prints to match with your sister… or bestie… or daughter! And, quite appropriately, model-sister duo Lily Aldridge and Ruby Aldridge are fronting the campaign by showing off the pieces.

So if you’re looking for timeless summer essentials with a reimagined feminine twist, continue reading and perusing this sweet collection, which you can shop here now.

According to a press release, “The collection merges Gap and Dôen’s most-loved essentials and California classics in a celebration of individuality and timeless femininity.” The 51-piece collection therefore features “floral prints, eyelet, and flowy silhouettes” that are playful and perfect for spring. This spans everything from trendy dresses and summer denim to matching sets and loungewear (oh, and cute tote bags, of course), all between $19.95 and $158.

“As with all our Dôen designs, the collaboration pieces were designed to be loved, worn in, and passed down — and we’re beyond excited to partner with Gap,” Dôen co-founder and CCO Katherine Kleveland said in the press release. 

President and CEO of Gap, Mark Breitbard, also said, “Gap partners with brands that champion originality and use fashion as a powerful form of self-expression,” as proven through last year’s collaboration with LoveShackFancy. “I can’t wait to welcome Dôen fans to the Gap family to experience our product in a fresh new way.”

Shop more Gap x Dôen collab:

Shop full Gap x Dôen collection

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Ssense’s New Bridal Collection Has Unique Dresses

Everlane Editions Destination Vacation Launch

Marshalls’ Celebrity Stylists' Top Fashion Picks

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

This week: a senior implementation specialist who makes $78,200 per year and spends some of her money this week on chocolate pudding.

Editor’s Note: All amounts are in Canadian dollars.

Occupation: Senior implementation specialist
Industry: Healthcare tech
Age: 32
Location: Toronto
Salary:  $78,200 ($76,500 from my full-time salaried job, $1,700 this year from my side hustle as a stage manager in community theatre.)
Assets: $500 in my checking; $7,444 in my rainy day fund (I pay rent out of this and contribute $1,400 per month); $4,195 in my savings account for a trailer; $1,265 in my travel fund; $3,652 in my RRSP; $14,325 in my TFSA. Both my RRSP and TFSA have some in GICS, and the rest in Wealthsimple’s Socially Responsible Index. Car is also paid off but I won’t guess its value in this equation.
Debt: $0. I finally got my decade-long lingering credit card debt paid off in September and have been paying off my balance in full every paycheck since. I’m very proud of that.  
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $2,156.22
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses
Monthly Housing Costs: $1,125 — my husband T. and I split a three-bedroom apartment, it’s a steal.
Monthly Loan Payments: $0
All Other Monthly Expenses:
Hydro: ~$70
Cell Phone: $6.50 ($50 is covered by work and this is just the remainder.)
Internet & Cable: $148
Hayu: $7.90
Spotify: $12.42
Pet Insurance: $71.98
Amex Fee: $12.99
Monthly Donation: $26.10 (This is to the camp I grew up at.)
Annual Fees: Local theatre membership, $13.27; Google storage, $40 Savings: $300 a month to my rainy day fund; $600 a month to my Wealthsimple TFSA; $300 a month to my Wealthsimple RRSP; around $300-$800 to either my trailer park fund or my vacation fund.

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
Yes, but to my parents’ credit they did tell me they would be happy with either college or university. I remember my mom saying it’s very hard to get a good job just with a high school diploma. I did really well all through high school and got a scholarship for a full ride to university for first year, which I promptly lost after one semester by not reading the fine print about mandatory GPA and partying a lot. My parents and my grandmother generously supported me throughout all of university, including housing, but I had part-time jobs for spending money and I worked in the summer. This is a privilege I don’t take lightly as I watch my friends all struggle to pay off their loans now.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
I remember my parents fighting a lot about money and it’s really impacted my relationship with money and my husband. We’ve been together for 13 years, but I’m still not going to combine our bank accounts. My mom earned more than my dad, but she also spent a lot more, always insisting that we go out to dinner or go on vacation. Both of my parents had good government jobs, but I remember them having to ask my grandmother for a loan to do a repair on the roof. I never want to be in that position. Eventually when they divorced they sold the house and both moved into rentals because the debt was too much to take on individually.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
I worked at a summer camp every year starting at age 15 until I was 19, where I was paid an “honourarium” of $45 a week and $5 of free candy. I got this job because I was such a campkid and couldn’t imagine aging out of camp, and they were some of the best years of my life. My parents did “trial separations” multiple times while I was in high school and when they were separated my dad would give me an allowance for cleaning the house and cooking dinner a few times a week. My first real job was a student space supervisor during my first year of university.

Did you worry about money growing up?
Maybe not worry, but I was definitely annoyed by my mom’s spending habits. I remember listening to the fighting and the complaining about being broke and even then being like “Well… Feels like a pretty obvious solution to me.” Overall though we were happy, had clothes on our back, and never went without.

Do you worry about money now?
Yes and no. This last year I really started to care about my financial picture for the first time and finally got out of debt. I also got a new job with a fairly substantial pay bump and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. I am proud of my cheap rent and my rainy day fund and I know I could make it quite a few months of being unemployed. I have given up on home ownership but am coming around to taking retirement seriously. I worry about having children and that wiping out our disposable income.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
I became financially responsible for myself at 22 when I graduated from university and moved to Toronto. I have enough in my rainy day fund for a few months, and I know my partner (and theoretically his parents) would support me if needed. My dad has told me, “You can move home if you’re about to be homeless, but not for any other reason.”

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
As mentioned, my parents and my grandmother supported me all the way through university. I received around $2,000 from my granddad when he passed away in 2013. My in-laws also gave us $10,000 for our elopement earlier this year which was not asked for, but definitely appreciated.

Day One

7:45 a.m. — I start snoozing my alarms. I went to New York over the weekend and am still recovering and very snoozy. I eventually get up, brush my teeth and get dressed, then walk my dog P. and make breakfast. I have a bagel with baba and Chipotle Everything Bagel Seasoning and a coffee. I also feed P. and eventually sit down for work by 9:05 a.m.

10:45 a.m. — Two of my friends that I went to New York with sent me some money for the trip — $40 for an Uber back to the airport and $220 for one person’s share of the hotel. I put the $220 in my vacation fund and the $40 on my Amex. I’m mostly sending follow ups this morning so I’m just kind of chilling. I have a clementine and a cinnamon bun Joe-Joe.

11:40 a.m. — Still not being super productive. I finish one task, have some leftover pizza and caramel rice cakes for lunch as my next meeting gets canceled.

2:30 p.m. — I take P. out for her afternoon walk and then make a veggie wrap for lunch #2 (Team Always Hungry). I have my first one-to-one with my new manager and it goes okay. I’m one of those people who is terrified of getting fired and I think he reads this wrong. But he doesn’t bring anything up about the fact that I’m only going to the office once a week instead of the mandated twice.

4:10 p.m. — I promise I’m generally not an impulsive person but I just randomly ordered a new phone online. I’m going to Morocco at the end of the month and I was thinking about how my phone is now a twice-a-day charger and how I’ve been out of storage for a while. For only $15 more per month I can get 35 more gigabytes of data, and a 128G iPhone 15, and just went for it. I think this is my first example of lifestyle creep since getting my new job last July, but since my work pays for $50 of my bill I think it’s worth it.

5:15 p.m. — Unfortunately I do spend the last hour of my workday getting this new phone and looking at phone cases, lol. I clock out and do 45 minutes of power yoga, shower and clean my apartment for a bit.

6:50 p.m. — T.’s home! My husband travels a lot for work and has been in the States for the past two weeks. We did see each other very quickly and luckily while I was in New York, but it’s very nice to have him home. We eventually go for dinner and drinks at an Irish bar fairly close by. I get a grilled cheese and fries with two and a half Harp beers. T. pays and we have a really good time talking shit about the New York trip, his time on the road, and how obsessed I’ve become about going to Antarctica. T. and I don’t split finances, which I know people have a lot of opinions about, but I hate feeling like the money police and I like feeling like I get taken out to dinner. Right now it works for us.

10 p.m. — We walk home and feed P., then watch an episode of the show that T. shot (actually he was the director of photography, but who’s bragging) that came out while he was away. It looks super good. It’s hard for us to be apart but I’m really proud of him and how talented he is. Bed around 11 p.m.; so happy to not be the one taking the pup out.

Daily Total: $0

Day Two

7:15 a.m. — Office day means getting up a little bit earlier, but nothing criminal. I brush my teeth, put on sunscreen, make toast and a coffee to go and head out for the streetcar; there’s money loaded on my Presto and there are fare inspectors today.

9 a.m. — In the office, pretending to work already. My first order of business is ordering a cake for my upcoming Go Live client ($52 expensed). After that I work on some documentation and attend an API kick-off call. I also make coffee #2 and eventually eat a granola bar from the office kitchen.

11:50 a.m. — Not to complain about a free lunch but… This one is Greek, and I’m a vegetarian, and I literally just get iceberg lettuce, three olives, and a few roasted potatoes. Cool. I have a bag of Cheez-Its and half of a doughnut that were ordered for our coworker’s birthday, and a small bag of Brookside, and am feeling full enough.

3:30 p.m. — I am having trouble keeping my eyes open. I move my desk to be a standing desk and eat a bag of chips.

4.50 p.m. — Had a productive push to end my day but really ready to leave. I take a granola bar and some fruit gummies from the office snack drawer and head for the streetcar. I tap my Presto and read for about 75% of the way, and then I get off early to walk since it’s a nice-ish day and I feel a headache coming on. I have had a headache about 95% of the days I’ve worked from this office, something about the fluorescents.

6 p.m. — Home and feeling loopy. T. and I giggle on the couch for a while and listen to music and talk about our days. Eventually he goes on an LCBO drinks run and I watch an old episode of Summer House. When he gets back he makes us breakfast for dinner: hash browns, eggs and toast. We watch EuroTrip and we both have an ice cream sammie for dessert.

9:50 p.m. — When we switch the movie off I’m having trouble keeping my eyes open and end up going to bed at like 10:10 p.m., which is early even for me. I’m out by 10:40 p.m.

Daily Total: $0

Day Three

8:45 a.m. — Got distracted with T. this morning and am up later than I’d like to be, but I don’t have any morning meetings and honestly I don’t regret it. I take P. out, make an everything bagel with baba and a coffee, and sit down to work.

9:30 a.m. — I got paid a day early! Thank you Easter! I do my payday routine: pay off both credit cards (which really hurt after New York), put $700 into my rent and rainy day fund, and put $300 in my TFSA. The only bills I manually pay are on my first paycheck of the month and this is the second. Usually I’ll have about $300-$400 to put in my trailer park fund this paycheck, but New York put a stop to that. If I didn’t have another trip coming up in less than a month I would pay my credit card back with some money from my vacation fund, but at the moment I think skipping a month of my trailer fund is okay. I also buy my pay day treat: a phone case for my new phone from Walli. I can’t ever go back from having a loop at the back of my phone case, but the Loopy case I wanted is sold out. It is kind of pricey, but cheaper than Loopy and I get a really fun cow print. $73.33

10 a.m. — While paying off my credit card, I see that my Presto has auto-loaded. $20

10:40 a.m. — Really on a rip and a tear this morning. I’m watching a training video for one of my new clients and get a one-day sale email from Uniqlo. I need a larger, more secure purse for Morocco so I can bring my film camera around, and I’m still on the look out for a pair of green cotton pants, also for Morocco. Both of these are on sale at Uniqlo and I buy an extra pair of underwear to meet the $75 free shipping minimum. I also get $10 off from signing up for texts and that means the $75 is irrelevant. I do in-store pickup and tell myself I will try stuff on and potentially return things while I’m in store. Still another kind-of impulsive purchase. $74.24

12:20 p.m. — T. also got paid early today and e-transfers me for the flights to Morocco that I bought back in January. I had lent the money from my rainy day fund so I put the money right back in (+$630). I have a veggie wrap, a cookie and everything bagel cashews for lunch.

1:40 p.m. — The tote bag I bought online last week — because it was sold out at the concert I went to in New York — is marked as undeliverable and is being returned to sender… Thank you for the $75 back but also… I wanted that tote bag. I submit an online form but don’t hold my breath.

4:30 p.m. — Just got told I had the wrong info for something I’ve spent probably about five hours on this week 🙂

5:15 p.m. — Done for the week! I do a quick power yoga video and then spend 10-15 minutes in my reading nook to finish my book. It was a collection of short stories that a friend of a friend of mine wrote, I rate it higher on GoodReads than I normally would to support a pal. Afterwards T. and I stroll to the LCBO since it’s closed tomorrow ($17.40) and then pick up hot cross buns from Cobs to be extra festive ($9.25). $26.65

7 p.m. — Once we’re home, I make us a quick dinner of zucchini and gnocchi with red sauce. Gnocchi is a hugely underrated pasta. I also have a Harp and T. has a High Life. Eventually T. heads out to meet a pal and I finish season 6 of Summer House and go to bed around 11:20 p.m.

Daily Total: $194.22

Day Four

8:45 a.m. — It’s Good Friday which means a Good Sleep-In. I get up around 9:15 a.m., walk P., have two hot cross buns and coffee for breakfast and start on my new book, an oral history of emo called Where Are Your Boys Tonight?

11:40 a.m. — T. eventually gets up and my reading time is interrupted. I do my hour of power yoga, have a big shower, do my skincare for once and make coffee number two and have two pomegranate Pop-Tarts that T. brought back from the States, and a clementine. I start my professional management course which I’m determined to do two hours of every weekend.

3:20 p.m. — My head hurts and I’m not focusing well so I stop to have some cheese and crackers, cucumbers and spin dip for lunch and watch this week’s Summer House.

4:15 p.m. — T. comes home from his camera prep and takes P. out for a walk. I get ready for my best friend B.’s birthday party! The theme is indie sleaze and this is my Super Bowl. I still have an American Apparel deep V and an American Apparel hoodie which I pair with skinny jeans and I straighten my hair. When I head out I stop by A&W and get two potato peri-peri buddy burgers ($9.02). I eat one at A&W and bring one to eat when I get there. $9.02

6:30 p.m. — I get there early to help set up and add a slouchy beanie to my ensemble. Our friends start to show up, the playlist is great, and it’s an all-time good party. We take a lot of film photos and decide on our summer mantra: take it easy. For context — last year was freak summer. B. brought a pack of PBRs for the party and our chef friend brought a birthday cake. I take the beers I brought home.

11:30 p.m. — T. has to be on set for 9 a.m. tomorrow so we gotta scoot. We TTC home, he walks P. and I wash my face and hit the hay.

Daily Total: $9.02

Day Five

8:20 a.m. — T. gives me a kiss before he heads out for set, and I snooze for a bit more before getting up to walk P. I again have two hot cross buns and coffee and put on Vanderpump Rules while P. has breakfast as well.

11:20 a.m. — Get myself off the couch to walk to the grocery store. We need dog food and I want to make my friend, A., worms and dirt for his birthday tonight. Yes that’s two birthdays in a row in the same friend group — we also have one next Friday. Woof. The grocery store is a 25-minute walk each way but I like to walk and it’s a sunshiney day. I see some buds on the trees! I get chocolate pudding, Oreos, gummy worms, Mini Eggs, crackers and dog food. The lady in front of me gets all vegetables. $26.14

12:45 p.m. — I get home and make the pudding in order to give it a few hours to sit. I eat two Oreos dipped in pudding and let myself have five minutes of chill time on the couch and then force myself to get up and do a slow yoga flow. Balance.

2:15 p.m. — I take a quick body shower, get my clothes sorted and run to the cafe across the street to break my $20 bill for laundry. I get a pumpkin spice Americano and a ginger molasses cookie — a very autumnal order for a nice spring day. $8

3 p.m. — I put two loads in at the laundromat ($7). When I get home I work on my PMP course for a bit and eat my cookie. Switch my laundry over and keep working on my course while it dries ($1.75). $8.75

4:10 p.m. — Walk P. and start making dinner while I put my clothes away, just an easy veggie fish and chips. I also assemble the worms ‘n’ dirt, feed P. and get changed for the night. I put on an old episode of Below Deck while I bop around.

5.50 p.m. — Wanted to head for the bus about 15 minutes ago but just had too much to do. I take the streetcar to the bus (paid on Presto), the bus to the subway, ride the subway for one stop and find out that it’s not running this weekend… Take the shuttle bus, the subway and then another bus… Overall two hours on the TTC by the time I get there. Love that for me.

8 p.m. — I drink three beers, have some chips and a mochi doughnut. This pal always celebrates his birthday by toasting his enemies which is very fun, and his girlfriend gives me an edible which is also very fun. This year he adds in an element where we all have to do a presentation. Mine is on “How To Not Shit Your Pants Internationally,” a concept I’m very passionate about. Other presentations include: “Horses and Gemstone Synesthesia,” “Sonja Morgan’s Toaster Oven,” and “Cereal.” Overall, a very fun night.

11:30 p.m. — T. drove to the party since he only finished set at 6 p.m. and there’s no way he would have made it with the shuttle bus, so he only has one drink and then drives us home. The weed has made me very sleepy and it’s extremely nice to just cruise home. I go to bed right away.

Daily Total: $42.89

Day Six

8:20 a.m — T. gives me a kiss goodbye and heads back to set, he walked and fed P. this morning so I keep snoozing.

11:30 a.m. — Finally up. I do my final yoga for my month-long challenge. I really liked this yoga streaming website and I will use it in the future, but I’m going to cancel for now. I tend to do one month spurts at working out so I can keep things fresh and not get bored. I eat some leftover pizza from B.’s birthday and watch Below Deck.

1 p.m. — Take P. out for a walk; the Easter parade is already starting on my street.

2 p.m. — Head up to the top of our block to get scooped by T. We’re heading to our hometown for Easter dinner and the traffic combined with the parade is intense. We stop at Tim Horton’s for a coffee and Timbits, and T. pays. I also pay my rent in the car.

3:45 p.m. — Made it home. The dinner is at T.’s parents house but my dad will come because they’re besties. There’s also his sister (who’s pregnant, lots to discuss), her husband, T.’s cousin and his son, my brother-in-law’s dad and T.’s aunt. I feel very fortunate to be adopted into a fun, nice and normal family, because that was not always my experience growing up. As a teen I couldn’t imagine an Easter dinner without someone screaming. I am slightly sad that I don’t get an Easter basket.

8:40 p.m. — Post-pie we leave our hometown and the traffic is still rough. We talk about how much we both got talked over in that dinner and how nobody understands what either of us do for work. We get home, feed P., and watch an episode of T.’s TV show. I shower and head to bed by 11 p.m.

Daily Total: $0

Day Seven

8:10 a.m. — Wish I had Easter Monday off. I get up, brush my teeth and put sunscreen on, and walk P. I give her breakfast and have leftover pizza, leftover Timbits and coffee for myself. My first Slack message I see when I log in is about how much internal time I used last week… Tracking my time is the worst part of my job.

11 a.m. — I start on this manual that should help with my billable hours, but it also feels very self-serving. I cancel my power yoga membership and sign up for the Action Jacquelyn Barre Definition app. It’s $29.99 but I won’t get charged for seven days and when I do I’ll expense it through my “wellness fund” and then I’ll cancel before the end of the month.

12:30 p.m. — I make a little snacky lunch of a hot cross bun, cucumbers, cheese, crackers and Everything Bagel almonds.

2:30 p.m. — Meetings are done for the day so I do my first workout of my new challenge. I do a Barre-Yoga-Leg-Sculpt with ankle weights and it is a killer. I haven’t used my ankle weights since I did this creator’s workouts last May. By the end of the 30 minutes I’m shaking.

3:10 p.m. — Back online and do a head-down task while listening to The Bald and the Beautiful.

4:55 p.m. — Done for the day and it looks like I missed the nice weather. I read my book in my nook for about an hour before T. and I head out on a walk. We stop by the grocery store and get canned dolma and spanakopita for dinner, and I eye that they have ice cream on sale. T. gets the groceries and then we stop at Shoppers for leftover Easter candy. I get some that doesn’t have a price tag and I’m not sure how discounted it really was ($6.20). Afterward we go to the same bar we went to earlier in the week and get two pints each. We have a really good talk about Morocco and our future trailer. I’m aware it’s not a good investment, but it’s the closest thing to a cottage I’m going to get. We agree that this will be an “information gathering” summer, and then, depending on the answers we get, try to purchase one during the summer after. T. pays for the beers. $6.20

8 p.m. — We get the ice cream on the way home. $4.99

8:15 p.m. — We make rice to go with our dolma and spanakopita and watch I Love You, Man. Our friend’s birthday on Friday is Paul Rudd themed and we’re still trying to get ideas.

11 p.m. — Lights out baby!

Daily Total: $11.19

The Breakdown

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