Déjà vu, anyone? For the second time in 2025, Venus will be roaming through the sign Aries from April 30th to June 6th. Venus’s retrograde from March 1st to April 12th in the signs Aries and Pisces had us backtracking on our romantic ideals. As the planet of love moves forward, we’re processing our desires and feelings, while relinquishing all that doesn’t seem relevant to our lives. We are reviving and revisiting relationships one last time to determine if we want to continue with them. Now is the last time to assess matters from the past months — particularly when Venus first entered Aries on February 4th. Are you ready? Let’s go!
What can we expect from Venus in Aries Part Deux: Firstly, the post-retrograde or retroshade cycle ends on May 16th (it lasts from April 12th to May 16th). This means we are going over the events from the retrograde that rocked our world. We have until May 16th to suss out matters and gain clarity. Also, we might revisit the past one last time and get closure with exes. Being able to form friendships with former partners could be challenging, so don’t put that pressure on yourself. Take it step by step, and be mindful of what you want. Self-reflection is key now, so we might take ownership of our actions and be accountable for the hurts we’ve caused others.
The only major drawback is that our confidence might start to waver back and forth until May 16th. Then we’ll be assertive and self-aware as we move onward through the Venus in Aries journey. And we won’t mince words. Oftentimes, Venus in Aries is straightforward and honest. Confrontation comes with this astrological transit, pushing us to speak up if a situation or relationship isn’t making us happy. The reason is that we are not willing or wanting to compromise. We dictate the rules and formulate the best way to proceed. We are in charge of our lives.
Venus in Aries doesn’t settle for second best. It knows what it desires on a carnal level and will pursue just that. Beyond that, it is known to chase relationships and do the work to get connections going. Venus in Aries sees tunnel vision in obtaining its visions of love, so we’ll only have the patience and gusto to dive headfirst regarding its passions. This astrological placement only focuses on the here and now, making it spontaneous without worries about the future. Being present-minded is essential for Venus in Aries because it cannot think beyond what is in front of it.
Now we get to make choices that are meaningful. Do not take this moment for granted. Use it to better your relationships and cultivate better understanding of ourselves and others. We may even have the chance to enhance our love lives, using the knowledge we now have, knowing versus finding ourselves in the dark before the retrograde.
This time around, Venus in Aries will be more docile and less rambunctious. It wants to believe in the dream of love and will not give to anything less than theidealized form. With Neptune in Aries forming a conjunction with Venus on May 2nd, we will see people fight for what they need and long for in relationships. The last time Neptune in Aries linked up with Venus in the same sign was in the mid to late 1800s, making this an unprecedented time to make personal history. In true Venus in Aries form, the effects of this transit are ours to define.
Important dates for Venus in Aries:
April 30th: Venus re-enters Aries, adding passion and desire to the way we pursue others until June 6th.
May 2nd: Venus forms a conjunction with Neptune in Aries, allowing us to get lost in the dream of our romantic ideals.
May 6th: Venus in Aries harmonizes with Pluto in Aquarius, creating power dynamics and jealousy in partnerships.
May 22nd: Venus in Aries connects with Mars in Leo, pushing us to take steps in building affiliations.
June 1st: Venus aligns with the centaur Chiron in Aries, offering us a chance to heal our hearts and spirits.
June 4th: Venus in Aries sextiles Jupiter in Gemini, expanding our personal worlds and universal philosophies.
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Welcome toMoney 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.
Today: an unemployed Airbnb host who makes $27,000 per year and who spends some of her money this week on her favorite vitamin C serum.
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Occupation: Unemployed/Airbnb host Industry: Tech Age: 52 Location: San Francisco Salary: $27,000 (I’m dipping into my savings at the moment). Assets: House: $1,400,000; 401(k)/IRA: $481,000; savings: $36,000. Debt: Mortgage: $1,064,989.20 Paycheck Amount (monthly): $2,250 (pre tax). Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $4,582 for my current mortgage — but it will become $4,867 in April due to home insurance. Property taxes: $1,338 Utilities: ~$400 (trash, water, electricity, gas). Cell phone: $56 Cleaners for Airbnb: ~$700 Streaming services: ~$30 Internet: $72 GitHub: $4
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? My parents did not have any expectation that I would go to college — in fact, they let me know that they couldn’t afford to pay for it. Nevertheless, I managed to figure out a way to get financial aid and I worked to pay for my room and board. My parents only gave me $300 towards my degree.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? We didn’t have much money growing up; we were even on welfare at one point. My parents had this thing where if we did yard work they would pay us, as I recall, a quarter. We were constantly scrounging around looking for money in the house and elsewhere. And so, I started working pretty young.
What was your first job and why did you get it? My first job was as a papergirl when I was about 12. I made good money delivering papers on my bicycle until men in cars took my job away.
Did you worry about money growing up? We did have a house and some food (although not much), but there was not much else by way of support. My friends helped me a lot: I ate over at their houses. As soon as I started working, I had more money and that helped, but I was always struggling. I was fortunate that many people helped me.
Do you worry about money now? I am worried about money at present because I have had to take on caregiving for my mother, and I lost my job. After extensive effort, I managed to get a full crew of caregivers for my mom, although they require super close management. I am looking for a new job but the market is very tough right now.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? I have been on my own since I was about 15 years old. Unfortunately, I never had a safety net but that has made me very independent.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. I received an inheritance about two years ago of about $38,000, it’s gone now (due to living expenses — I’ve been unemployed for two years).
Day One: Wednesday
8 a.m. — I wake up a bit groggy; I’ve been having some trouble sleeping. I make a big pot of coffee and start checking the news. I read CNN, Reuters, Market Watch, Politico, the SF Chronicle, New York Times, Washington Post, and Guardian every morning. Plus I have to check my LinkedIn, the weather, and a few other sites for good measure! Finally, I settle down to work on my resume.
10:30 a.m. — I get in the shower and try to get semi presentable. With all the steps to my skincare routine, I know I might not be totally there before 11 a.m. I always try to go down and check the unit in between when my guests leave and my cleaners arrive. If I don’t do this and there are stains or other damages, I won’t know whether the guest did it or my cleaners. I found this out the hard way when I noticed that several tiles in the shower were cracked. I asked my cleaners if they knew when this happened and they were very circuitous in their reply. That’s when I realized it could have been the cleaners or one of the guests. This was a difficult repair and I wasn’t able to bill any one for the damages.
11 a.m. — My Airbnb guests check out. I run down to inspect: not too bad, no damages. I leave cash for my cleaners. With the way things have been going, I have been thinking of doing the cleaning myself, especially as the cleaners really don’t seem to do that much. There is never a time that I do not have to redo the pillows, straighten the duvet, check for stray hairs, make sure the toilet seat is down, and various other issues after they leave. But what takes them 20 minutes, takes me four hours. So… So far, I continue paying them. $50
2 p.m. — I eat scrambled eggs with quinoa, tarragon, and cheddar. (This was my first time adding fresh tarragon to scrambled eggs and it was delicious.) Then I have broccoli tossed with garlic and olive oil, dusted with Aleppo peppers, sprinkled with cheddar cheese, and roasted for 15 minutes at 425°F. I also finish off some carrot juice I have in the fridge. I add the garlic skins and some tarragon that was wilted to my bag of vegetable scraps in the freezer, which I’m collecting for a future vegetable stock.
3 p.m. — Though I don’t have anyone booked for tonight, I’ve learned to always be ready because sometimes people book at the last minute, although sometimes these are drunk people. If it’s a regular person who’s not problematic just booking last minute, I want to be ready and get the extra income. So I treat a vacancy list any other night, not a vacation, running up and down the stairs as usual, attending to the laundry, which my cleaners only start one load of and it’s always two. The dryer is “smart” and energy efficient, as much as a dryer can be I suppose, so it can take one hour plus to dry a load, and even then, I might have to add more time on to the end. Then there is the folding. I have three sets of sheets and towels because for one night stays, it’s just too difficult to make sure everything is ready for the next guests.
9 p.m. — I have a mozzarella stick snack, then chard gratin. I add the stems to the freezer bag. Sadly, no one has booked for the night and I go ahead and block the night off so I don’t have any surprise requests. Even though I enjoy it when I have the place to myself, I am conscious of the lack of income. After dinner, I settle down to watch a new episode of Prime Target. I was getting a lot of ads for this show and then I read good things about it in TheGuardian and I haven’t been disappointed. Even though it does seem a bit of a stretch at times, it is amusing and entertaining nonetheless. I love all the Cambridge stuff especially.
10 p.m. — I do my nightly skincare routine which at this time involves: cleansing with a salicylic acid gel cleanser and my Foreo device, then spritzing The Ordinary rosewater which is infused with powdered niacinamide powder. I wait for this to absorb, then I apply AQ Solutions serums: one for the face, another for the eyes. I also paint on a serum for my lashes that makes them grow. After this sinks in, I finish with a thick moisturizer and prescription tretinoin.
Daily Total: $50
Day Two: Thursday
8:15 a.m. — I wake up and have two cups of coffee with cream and sugar and a bowl of granola with extra flax seeds and vitamin D milk. After reading through all my news sites, I spend some time checking for new job listings, which is onerous because of all the different job titles and the fact that no one accepts boolean queries anymore — it’s super frustrating.
11 a.m. — I see that my favorite Timeless vitamin C serum is on sale for 40% off, so I buy a vial. I have been using this serum for some time — it’s a Skinceuticals knockoff. Very satisfied, although they’ve had packaging problems recently: they switched to plastic bottles, which are a disaster for the environment and also after some weeks, start leaking. But for the price, I live with it. $26.96
1:30 p.m. — I have a cup of Genmaicha tea then leave for the pool to lap swim for an hour and a half. I had been doing free home workouts from Instagram all through the pandemic, but the trainers aren’t putting up many new videos anymore — at least not free ones — and I’m getting a little bored of it. During a major heat wave last summer, I finally broke down and went to my neighborhood pool. It turned out to be free because of the heat wave! Now I’m hooked. I still do the home workouts, but not as much. $7
6 p.m. — Riding my endorphin high, I decide to celebrate the second 70+ degree day in February and a new episode of Severance by buying a case of Pacifica beer from Bevmo and making a big bowl of guacamole and nachos. I have leftover beer and guacamole for another day. $19.11
Daily Total: $53.07
Day Three: Friday
8 a.m. — I start the day with two cups of coffee with cream and sugar. I mix pumpkin seed oil with rosemary oil and rub this into my roots, then brush it out to the ends with my rapidly degrading Maison Pearson brush. Swimming in chlorinated pools is so drying for my hair, plus at my age, it is starting to thin, so this oil mixture is supposed to be good for hair growth. I don’t know if it’s working for that, but it does work as a deep conditioner. I usually do this every other day and let it sit for two hours.
10 a.m. — I’m prepping another résumé to submit — my goal is one a day — then I head to the bathroom. First, I suds up my oily hair with a prescription ketoconazole shampoo (again for hair growth) and let this sit for five minutes. Then I take a shower. In the morning, I use a vitamin C serum on my face, neck, arms, hands, and knees. After this has absorbed, I follow up with a retinol serum on the same areas. Face sunscreen, then body lotion on top. My body lotion is a DIY concoction, using a thick lotion I get in bulk mixed with lactic acid, vitamin c powder, niacinamide powder, and lavender essential oil.
11:30 a.m. — I make two small breakfast burritos with quinoa, guacamole, and salsa macha. I’ve realized that you can’t root tarragon in water, so I shift over to trying to propagate my leftover tarragon in cactus soil.
12 p.m. — I finish my résumé and cover letter and send it in. These days, it’s very difficult because of AI systems. Intelligence is definitely a misnomer, as all they really seem to do is keyword matching. So for every application, you have to spend a lot of time matching the keywords and getting to the highest match rating possible. Otherwise, the robots reject you out of hand. It took me months to figure this out.
2PM — Dealt with a bunch of Airbnb messages. I have pretty much identified about 80% of the most common queries and I have responses ready to just paste in. I really wish they would open up their API to hosts so that these things could be automated. I do have an idea to develop automation for the door codes but so far I haven’t had time to actually do it. So it’s a highly manual process. I try to deal with them in bulk as much as possible.
8 p.m. — My dinner consists of roasted Brussels sprouts glazed with a balsamic and honey mixture and baked French fries dusted with cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, dipped in sriracha mayonnaise (made with non-fat yoghurt). I spot an ad on Craigslist Free for silverware and write to express interest. I have been thinking that I could use more for myself, and also for the Airbnb. This looks like a nice set — and it includes steak knives!
9 p.m. — Today, I’ve spent nothing! This is my goal every day but it was also important to me to participate in the economic blackout protest.
Daily Total: $0
Day Four: Saturday
8 a.m. — I wake up and have two cups of coffee with cream and sugar.
9:30 a.m. — I receive an automatic notification that one of my mom’s caregivers has submitted her timecard. She also texts me to say the same. I get super annoyed when she does this but I know it’s because she needs the money. There is another caregiver who also did this a few times and when I told her I couldn’t instantaneously approve her timesheets she told me that she literally didn’t have any food and I felt really bad.
10 a.m. — I heat up five leftover French fries for a quick breakfast (these are the large homemade fries from last night — they’re honestly quite tasty).
10:30 a.m. — I order three more tubes of my favorite lip plumper from Amazon, as I was running low. I can’t help but observe that in one year’s time, the price went up $2 a tube. Reward points helped a little! $41.28
11 a.m. — My Airbnb guest checks out, stashing her luggage in the closet. Simultaneously, my next guests arrive, putting their luggage in the same closet. There is also a chance that my cleaners will arrive now too, so I have to discreetly leave their cash payment somewhere neither guest would see or steal it: in the room, just after the guests had departed. All in all, a bit of a whirlwind through my tiny foyer (in which three people can barely stand at once). I have decided that the next time I have a turnover, I’m going to do the cleaning myself and see how long it really takes me. I just can’t help harboring the suspicion that my cleaners are laughing all the way to the bank having made $50 for 20 minutes of effort. I’m also keenly aware of how rapidly my savings are dwindling. $50
12 p.m. — I have a cup of sencha tea in an effort to become more energized. After reading that the organizer of the economic blackout was a convicted sex offender, I have some dark chocolate.
2 p.m. — I head out to pick up the silverware. Someone else had replied first, but then flaked! Stop at a mailbox to send off my mortgage check.
8 p.m. — Nachos again! Finish off the guacamole. Meanwhile, I caramelize shallots and garlic for many hours in preparation for the next day… To be continued. My mother’s caregiver texts me again about her timecard. It’s so frustrating, it’s like she expects me to approve it the moment she submits it. And she’s not the only one. But I can’t afford to lose her so I swallow my annoyance and I go through the Google camera events to verify her timecard. I also do another one as well while I’m at it.
Daily Total: $91.28
Day Five: Sunday
8:30 a.m. — As I’m making a pot of coffee, I get a message from my guests. They’ve checked out early, so I run down to check conditions. No issues. Leave cash for the cleaners. $50
9:30 a.m. — I return back upstairs to nurse my coffee and look at the job listings from last week. I have each one printed out and consider them one by one, sorting them to put the best ones on top so I can attack them in priority order.
12 p.m. — The cleaners finish, so I run down to see how it looks. As ever, they have the pillows backwards — I really need to try to talk to them about this. I basically readjust everything, then run a vacuum over the carpet (it doesn’t look like they bothered). Finally satisfied, I head back upstairs and return to working on my resume.
1 p.m. — For lunch, I have two fried eggs and one piece of toast with homemade bread and jelly. I also take vegetable stock out of my freezer to start defrosting for soup tonight.
2 p.m. — I take photos of various items I’ve toted from apartment to apartment as I moved around the city: towel racks, toilet paper holders, that kind of thing. These are all good quality but I don’t have any use for them in my new place. With everything that’s been happening, I have been thinking maybe I can convert these into cash by putting ads up on Craigslist. I get the ads up and sit back to wait. I have had limited success with this in the past. If no one buys anything, at least mentally I can console myself with thinking that I tried when I finally cart them off to Salvation Army.
7 p.m. — I make vegetarian caldo verde soup with the caramelized onions and garlic for dinner. The unit is vacant again tonight and for the next two nights so far. With everything that’s been going on with Trump and the tariffs and the mass layoffs, people have been cancelling right and left, the majority with no comment. People who had planned their trips way in advance, who were doing big events like the AIDS Lifecycle ride or concerts at the Chase Center, just canceled without a word. It’s gotten so I’m scared to message them until I’m within the five day cancelation window, for fear it will remind them of their reservation and prompt them to cancel.
Daily Total: $50
Day Six: Monday
8:30 a.m. — I make coffee and then look at the latest news and happenings, then I start back on my job search. Even though it seems to be going nowhere, I have to try and stay positive. Memories of the other recessions I’ve been through are coming back and I start remembering the techniques that I used back then. It has been a while, but what’s old is new again, like the need to respond to an ad quickly, because the good positions are filled within weeks. I’ve almost forgotten how you used to even set up alerts to help with this. There is also the heightened need to compete, to say yes to everything, to claim skills you don’t have but imagine you could gain over the course of a weekend.
11:30 a.m. — I snack on a mozzarella stick and roasted seaweed, then spend a few hours getting in an Instacart order for my mom. It takes a lot of messaging: first with her caregiver as to what she’s got and what she needs, then figuring out the best store for the order, making the actual order on Instacart, and finally messaging with the shopper to tell them to check the dates and advise on substitutions.
1:30 p.m. — I eat some dark chocolate-covered espresso beans for energy, then head to the pool for lap swim. The swimming really helps me reset mentally. I think it’s a combination of being in the water, totally unable to check my phone, and endorphins. Each time I go, I try to get my money’s worth by swimming for at least an hour and a half, so in between the transit and the showering, I don’t get back home until early evening. $7
7 p.m. — I set some cannellini beans to soak overnight and remove a jar of homemade vegetarian stock from the freezer. I realise I’m running low on cream, which is the only thing making my cheap coffee drinkable, so I ended up making a Whole Foods run. (Maybe this was a good call as tariffs went into effect the very next day.) At Whole Foods, I notice that they have only one half pack of eggs left and it’s almost $8, whereas my usual grocery store has had no problem stocking eggs and they haven’t even seemed to go up in price. It’s another reason I don’t go to Whole Foods a lot, but I do like their sushi and cheaper produce like blueberries. In this city, it pays to shop around and buy some things here and other things there. I get Sauvignon Blanc, red wine, spaghetti squash, potato chips, cream, sour cream, sushi, spicy shrimp, blueberries, and some other fruit and veg. $87.49
Daily Total: $94.49
Day Seven: Tuesday
8:30 a.m. — Over coffee, I check the latest news and start back again with the job search. I have resolved to try to apply to one job a day, although I can’t help realizing that just finding jobs to apply to also takes time.
9:30 a.m. — After reading about the tariffs, I tried to think about what I should buy today that would cost more tomorrow. As I had already been planning to do, I order plastic feet from Amazon for an outdoor chair I recently repainted due to rust. After applying rewards points, it was only $1.19. $1.19
10 a.m. — I receive an email from GitHub informing me my monthly autopayment has been taken out (this is to host my work portfolio).
11 a.m. — I submit another résumé and cover letter and then hop into the shower.
12 p.m. — I have a late breakfast of granola and Vitamin D milk with blueberries and extra flax seeds. Also had an apple. Afterwards, I sautée a bit of onion and garlic with garlic powder, then add a little white wine. Once very soft and translucent, I scrape it into my slow cooker along with the vegetable stock, some water, presoaked beans, cauliflower, and a russet potato. Set it to low for eight hours.
3:30 p.m. — I run out to fill up my tank before the price starts to go up because of tariffs. It cost $4.39 a gallon, paid in cash. $18.03
6 p.m. — I do a home workout from one of my favorite trainers. Even though they don’t put out new ones very often anymore, I have a bunch from Instagram bookmarked and am cycling through. So far, there are still enough to where it doesn’t feel redundant.
9 p.m. — For dinner I have cauliflower, potato, and white bean soup with sour cream, chives, and crumbled potato chip garnish. This was an NYT highly rated recipe. Would I make it again? No. I delete all the bookmarks in my browsers referencing it. Waste of effort! (I think NYT is hit or miss —WaPo is better on the recipes, imo. I am suspicious of recipes that are super specific with various amounts). I end up with a ton of leftover soup though, so I freeze it.
Daily Total: $19.22
The Breakdown
Weekly Total $$ Spent: $358.06 Food & Drink: $106.60 Entertainment: $0.00 Home & Health: $165.19 Clothes & Beauty $68.24 Transportation $18.03 Other $0
Conclusion
“Taking stock of the week in expenditures, the mortgage payment really stands out, of course. It’s not every week I have to pay that, it’s every fourth week, but it is the biggest item. Normally, my goal is to spend nothing every day. I see that I hit that on only one of the seven days, so that raises the question, are my goals realistic? But I have a tendency to set high goals and it does create a constant sense of disappointment in myself. This exercise of actually documenting my expenditures and looking at things in black and white helps me see what’s really going on.”
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We’re stepping into a new dimension of Taurus Season now, and it feels like looking at the world through a freshly cleaned windowpane. The April 27th Taurus new moon strikes at 3:31 p.m. EST and marks a turning point, a quiet invitation to slow down and truly notice what matters. Not in the theoretical sense… it literally wants us to stop and smell the roses. Listen to your favorite album all the way through. Take your shoes off and walk barefoot in the grass. Cook your food slowly. Make love without watching the clock. Life wants to move through us more sensually, more intentionally. This is a week where every zodiac sign benefits from pacing themselves. What would it look like to choose pleasure as a path to presence?
But don’t be fooled — there’s also a cosmic contradiction to navigate. Venus, the ruler of Taurus, enters fiery Aries on April 30th, just three days after this very Venusian new moon. It’s like lighting a match in a velvet room: thrilling, energizing, maybe even a little chaotic. With Mars, the planet of action, now settled in Leo and Neptune currently also in Aries, part of you may feel ready to launch yourself into the spotlight, or initiate a new passion project at lightning speed. But another part — the one still basking in the new moon’s grounded energy — is whispering “not so fast.” This week is about holding space for both: the soft and the bold, the seed and the spark.
Then, as May begins, we get a powerful transit: Uranus in Taurus forms a sextile to the North Node in Pisces (exact at 11:00 p.m. EST on May 1st). This cosmic collaboration between innovation (Uranus) and destiny (North Node) urges us to imagine a better world, and take steps to co-create it. Expect to feel a collective wave of compassion rise — like even the most detached among us suddenly want to do something about what’s happening globally. Whether that’s speaking up, donating, joining a protest, or making more ethical choices in your daily life, this is the kind of week that turns apathy into action. From the micro to the macro, the shift is real.
And finally, we’re approaching Pluto’s retrograde in Aquarius (officially beginning next week), and its shadow is already creeping in. We’re sensing that deeper personal and collective transformations are underway —especially in areas ruled by technology, society, and our own inner psychology. You may feel subtle tension brewing around your long-term goals or friendships, or get sudden downloads about how you want to show up for your community. Don’t resist these stirrings. This is a sacred pause —a week for grounding and activating, in rhythm with your truth.
Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.
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Aries Sun & Rising:
This week’s new moon in Taurus activates your sector of stability and self-worth, Aries, and this time it’s less about “securing the bag” and more about slowly, deliberately building your nest egg. Think: long-term investments, sustainable habits, and reconnecting with your value system. You’re seeing money as a reflection of your energetic output — not just a number in the bank. You might be organizing your finances, cooking at home more, or even planting literal seeds in a garden. This week is about cultivating roots, not rushing results. And with this lunation arriving just days before a new month, your intentions carry weight. What do you want the next six months of abundance to feel like?
As Venus, the planet of love and money, enters your sign on April 30th, you’ll feel a subtle but powerful boost in confidence and magnetism. You’re coming out of your spiritual cocoon with more clarity and less shame. Venus direct in Aries inspires you to express your desires unapologetically— and to chase them with style.
When Uranus and the North Node align on May 1st, you may feel called to support a humanitarian cause or finally donate to a movement that speaks to your soul. That’s Uranus (in your sector of income) harmonizing with the Pisces North Node in your sector of compassion, meaning your wallet and your heart are in sync. As Pluto prepares to retrograde in Aquarius, your friendships and online presence may begin shifting. Have the convos now that future-you will thank you for.
Taurus Sun & Rising:
Welcome to your annual Taurus new moon week! Your new moon strikes on the 27th, and it’s like a soft yet stunning mirror is being held up to your spirit. Suddenly, you’re hyper-aware of your patterns — especially the ones you’ve been pretending are fine. But there’s no harsh judgment here. In fact, you’re meeting yourself with so much compassion it might surprise you. You’re starting to own your complexity. You’re less interested in being perfect and more focused on being real. This is the energy that births transformation. You might feel drawn to journaling about your past, sharing your truth more openly, or taking small, steady actions toward becoming the version of you that feels most free. Your life will transform for the better over the course of the next six months, so spend time this week visualizing and writing down your most potent intentions.
With Venus, your planetary ruler, sliding into Aries on April 30th in your sector of healing and dreams, you’re still in shadow integration mode despite the sun’s presence in your sign these next three weeks. This isn’t about suppressing your messiness; it’s about softening into it. Expect waves of inspiration (and maybe nostalgia) to hit you in unpredictable ways. On May 1st, when Uranus in your sign harmonizes with the North Node in Pisces, something or someone could unexpectedly show up and shift your trajectory. An email, a DM, a spontaneous invite — say yes if it aligns. As Pluto prepares to retrograde in Aquarius in your sector of career and legacy, you’re already sensing that something’s changing. Let your inner compass be louder than the noise.
Gemini Sun & Rising:
Gemini, the Taurus new moon on April 27th activates your sector of closure, dreams, and the unseen. You’re entering a subtle but powerful cycle of spiritual recalibration, and this week you’ll feel more attuned to your inner world than the outer one. Your dreams may be vivid. Your energy levels might fluctuate. And your desire to unplug from the constant stimulation of your feeds? It’s not a glitch — it’s divine timing. This is the part of the story where you step back, not to disappear, but to reconnect with your magic. So sleep in, meditate, take long walks with no destination. You’re clearing mental space for a rebirth next month.
On April 30th Venus enters Aries and revives your sector of friendships and long-term vision. After a few weeks of feeling more emotionally porous, you’re now ready to re- engage socially — but on your terms. Think intimate hangs over big events, and meaningful voice notes over group chats. When Uranus in Taurus sextiles the North Node in Pisces in your career sector on May 1st, you could receive an unexpected opportunity that affirms your path, even if it’s still forming. Keep your antennae up for divine synchronicities. And as Pluto’s retrograde shadow in Aquarius creeps in, you’re starting to reexamine what you believe in, what truth means to you, and what kind of mark you want to leave on the world.
Cancer Sun & Rising:
As the week begins, the Taurus new moon is refreshing your sector of community and collective vision, and you’re starting to feel what it’s like to belong without shrinking yourself. This week reminds you that you’re not here to do it all alone, Cancer. Whether you’re being drawn to reconnect with a long-lost friend or start a group chat with folks who just get it, this lunation is amplifying your desire for emotionally fulfilling connection. You might even surprise yourself by being more visible online or deciding to share something close to your heart. It’s not about likes — it’s about alignment.
As Venus moves into Aries on April 30th, your sector of career and recognition lights up, and you may feel like the universe is subtly placing a spotlight on you. But with Neptune also in Aries, you’re learning to tell the difference between ego-driven ambition and soulful success. Meanwhile, the Uranus–North Node sextile is activating your community and philosophy sectors. You might be pulled to speak out about something political or social that hits close to home, or to support a movement that reflects your values. And with Pluto preparing to retrograde in your intimacy sector, you’re starting to realize how much emotional energy you pour into others — and how it’s time to redirect some of that magic back to yourself.
Leo Sun & Rising:
The Taurus new moon is illuminating your sector of career and public image, Leo, and suddenly you’re craving more meaning in the way you show up in the world. You’re not trying to just clock in and clock out anymore. You want to make moves that align with your purpose and nourish your spirit. This week is ideal for resetting your goals and reconnecting with the why behind your ambitions. Maybe it’s launching something you’ve been sitting on, or admitting that you’re ready to change directions. Either way, your values are calling the shots now, not your resume.
With Venus entering your fellow fire sign of Aries on April 30th, your sense of adventure returns in a bold, flirtatious way. Your sector of expansion and risk is lit, and you may feel pulled toward new teachings, road trips, or spontaneous opportunities to speak your truth. Uranus and the North Node align in your sector of career and shared wisdom, which could open unexpected doors — like a conversation that leads to a mentorship, or a project that reaches global audiences. As Pluto retrograde approaches in your relationship sector, you’re sensing that some partnerships are evolving. Trust what’s shifting. Let your boundaries grow with you.
Virgo Sun & Rising:
How does it feel to leap out of your comfort zone, Virgo? The week begins with the Taurus new moon on April 27th, landing in your sector of expansion, belief systems, and learning. This is your invitation to stop clinging to the map and start following the pull of your intuition. You might feel called to study something new, travel somewhere unexpected, or say “yes” to a perspective shift that used to terrify you. The path ahead may not be fully laid out — and that’s the point. You’re planting seeds now for a six-month journey of mental, spiritual, and creative expansion. Dream beyond your current reality.
Then comes April 30th, when Venus enters Aries and activates your sector of transformation and intimacy. Suddenly, your desires are louder, your curiosity sharper, and your passion deeper. This is a good time to be honest about what turns you on — and what you’re done entertaining. As May 1st arrives, Uranus in Taurusforms a sextile to the North Node in Pisces, harmonizing your spiritual growth with your relationship sector. This could lead to unexpected conversations that shift how you relate to others and yourself. And as we approach Pluto retrograde on May 4th, you’re starting to realize that your routines and work habits are evolving. Something in you is asking for more soul, less autopilot. Listen.
Libra Sun & Rising:
What if surrendering is the most powerful move you could make, Libra? The Taurus new moon on April 27th lands in your sector of intimacy, shared resources, and emotional transformation. It’s giving “release and rebirth” energy, but in a soft, grounded way. You might find yourself reevaluating who and what you pour your energy into. Are the exchanges in your life reciprocal? This new moon is your chance to set boundaries from a place of self-love, not self-protection. You’re also learning that real closeness doesn’t require you to abandon yourself — it asks you to root deeper in your truth.
Then on April 30th, Venus, your ruling planet, enters fiery Aries and ignites your relationship sector. Let’s just say: things could get flirty fast. But this transit also brings a bold honesty to your connections. You’re more inclined to say what you really feel — and expect others to do the same. On May 1st, Uranus sextiles the North Node, activating your emotional healing and day-to-day reality. Something as small as changing your schedule or saying “no” to a pattern can have a ripple effect. And as Pluto retrograde in Aquarius approaches on May 4th, your inner artist, romantic, or inner child might be stirring. Get curious about what wants to be reborn through play.
Scorpio Sun & Rising:
Can you let yourself be seen without the armor, Scorpio? The Taurus new moon on April 27th activates your sector of relationships and one-on-one dynamics, and you’re feeling ready — for more connection, more honesty, more realness. This lunation offers you a chance to set new intentions around how you show up in love, business, and friendship. If you’ve been afraid to let someone in (or let someone go), this is the week to face that fear gently and intentionally. You’re not who you were six months ago. And neither are your standards.
By April 30th, Venus enters Aries and activates your sector of service and routine, making your daily life feel more charged with creative energy and motivation. You’re more likely to move with purpose and clarity, especially if you’re aligning your actions with your heart. You’ll feel bolder and more energized during this transit, but also make sure you’re reacting from a heart-centered place rather than leading with your pride.
The May 1st sextile between Uranus in Taurus and the Pisces North Node helps clear out any stagnant energy in your relationships, potentially bringing an unexpected conversation or reconnection that reminds you what healthy collaboration feels like. As Pluto prepares to retrograde in Aquarius on May 4th, you may feel subtle pressure to redefine your relationship with “home” — not just your physical space, but your emotional foundation. Let what’s outdated fall away.
Sagittarius Sun & Rising:
What if slowing down actually moves you further, Sagittarius? The Taurus new moon on April 27th activates your sector of routine, healing, and wellness, and it’s asking you to recalibrate. You’ve been operating on high-speed lately — maybe even autopilot — and this lunation invites you to reimagine how your day-to-day supports your long-term peace. This week is ideal for revamping your habits, recommitting to rituals, or making your to-do list more soul-aligned. Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind… it means honoring your body and time as sacred.
Venus enters Aries on April 30th, igniting your sector of pleasure and creativity. This is sexy, spontaneousenergy, and it’s giving you permission to follow your joy. Whether it’s dating, dancing, or diving into apassion project, let yourself have fun. Then on May 1st, the Uranus–North Node sextile opens the portal between your wellness sector and your expression sector — aka, taking care of yourself helps you show up more boldly in the world. This could also be the week you start advocating for something that matters to you publicly. As Pluto retrograde in Aquarius approaches on May 4th, your mindset begins to shift. Pay attention to how you speak to yourself— your thoughts shape your reality.
Capricorn Sun & Rising:
What would it feel like to live with more softness, Capricorn? The Taurus new moon on April 27th lights up your sector of romance, creativity, and pleasure. This is your permission to pour more of your energy into the things that make life feel beautiful. Whether it’s getting back into a hobby, spending more time with kids or loved ones, or just letting yourself be adored, this week is about choosing joy. Your inner child is ready to come out and play — but only if you allow it. This is your invitation to open up to life’s unexpected pleasures and bask in daily synchronicities.
By April 30th, Venus in Aries awakens your sector of home and family, and you might feel a shift in your emotional landscape. You’re more protective of your space, more intentional about who you allow into your sanctuary. On May 1st, Uranus in Taurus sextiles the North Node in Pisces, activating your creativity and communication. Maybe you write something that resonates deeply, or have a heart-to-heart that unlocks a new possibility. As Pluto retrograde approaches on May 4th, you’re reevaluating how you relate to material security and self-worth. Let yourself question old programming. Just because something’s been your truth doesn’t mean it still serves you.
Aquarius Sun & Rising:
What are you building that will truly last, Aquarius? The Taurus new moon on April 27th roots into your sector of home, family, and emotional foundations. You might feel an urge to clean, nest, or reimagine the space you live in. But this isn’t just spring cleaning — it’s soul-level clearing. You’re releasing emotional baggage and making space for a softer, slower version of you to emerge. This is a beautiful week to set intentions around what stability and belonging actually mean to you, and how you want to embody those energies going forward.
On April 30th, Venus shifts into Aries and lights up your communication sector, bringing more fire and flair to your words. Your voice becomes a magnet — so be intentional with what you say and how you say it. The May 1st sextile between Uranus and the North Node bridges your home life and your income or values sector. Maybe a family connection or living shift unlocks a money breakthrough. Maybe you decide to use your voice for something political or community-based that aligns with your values. As Pluto prepares to retrograde in your sign on May 4th, you’ll begin feeling a deep inner evolution. Your identity is changing. Let yourself be transformed.
Pisces Sun & Rising:
Are you ready to say what’s really on your heart, Pisces? The Taurus new moon on April 27th energizes your sector of communication, self-expression, and curiosity. This is the week to write the thing, say the thing, or share the idea you’ve been holding back. You’re starting to find more confidence in your voice — and more clarity around what messages you want to put out into the world. You might even find healing in small talk or beauty in the details of everyday conversations. This lunation brings a gentle but powerful shift in how you connect.
Then on April 30th, Venus leaves your sign after an extended stay (due to that infamous retrograde, whew) and enters Aries, activating your sector of income and self-worth. You’re learning to see your value more clearly and to ask for what you deserve without guilt. Whether it’s raising your rates, applying for a grant, or simply affirming your abundance, you’re moving with less doubt.
On May 1st, Uranus in Taurus harmonizes with the North Node in your sign, creating a potent moment of intuitive downloads and magnetic breakthroughs. Say yes to unexpected insights or collaborations — they’re fated. And as Pluto retrograde in Aquarius approaches on May 4th, your inner world is ready to go through a deep spiritual upgrade. Let the quiet guide you this weekend. Something sacred is taking shape, and you’re hearing and seeing yourself more clearly than ever.
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There was a time when slip dresses were strictly reserved for the bedroom — worn with curlers, fuzzy slippers, and a robe. But fast forward to the ‘90s and even now to 2020s, and this lingerie-inspired style has shed its pajama past to become a full-blown wardrobe staple.
The slip dress has evolved with endless silhouettes, from minis to midis and maxis — in every size, shape, color, and print. It’s a year-round must, just as appropriate for weddings as happy hours and, when styled correctly, the office. You can wear it solo in summer, layered with a tee or cardigan in cooler weather, or top it off with a faux fur jacket in the dead of winter. For 35 slip dresses that take you from day to night in style, keep scrolling.
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Bubble hems had their big fashion breakout moment in 2024, and this year, they’re only getting bigger (literally and figuratively). What started with mini dresses and skirts has blown up into full-on mania, with the voluminous look now bubbling up in just about every category imaginable. We’re talking bubble-hem tops, matching sets (skirts! pants!), and maybe the cutest twist yet: bubble shorts. (No surprise there — we did call pantaloons as a major spring 2025 fashion trend, and these sweet bloomers are right on cue.)
Just like at the start of last year’s resurgence, these puffy silhouettes aren’t just a fleeting trend — they’re sticking around because they’re fun, wearable, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re after crisp poplin minis, floaty printed midis, denim bloomers, or a vacation-ready two-piece set, there’s a bubble-hem moment waiting to round out your spring and summer wardrobe. Ahead, the very best ones to shop now.
From left to right: Alaïa, Khaite, LaQuan Smith
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Bubble Hem Tops
The bubble hem gives spring and summer classics a twist, turning tanks, cropped blouses, and cotton and eyelet tops into standout pieces thanks to bold colors, sculptural silhouettes, and special detailing like peplums.
Bubble Hem Shorts
Shorts, but make them Victorian. This look is all about taking boudoir style into the daylight — whether it’s a lace-trimmed bloomer or a classic gingham print. The trick? Balance the sweetness with a longer trench, tall socks, and Mary-Jane flats to give the silhouette a more substantial, styled-up feel.
Bubble Hem Sets
Double the bubble, double the fun. Sets are always a dream for taking the guesswork out of getting dressed, and now bubble hems are giving the formula a playful upgrade. Think oversized button-downs with balloon shorts, cropped tanks with full skirts, and two-pieces ready for everything from OOO days to office hours.
Bubble Hem Mini Dresses
Bubble-hem mini dresses made their mark last year, and this season, the trend is leveling up with even bolder volume and new silhouettes. Whether a sleek mini, puff-sleeve frock, or smocked number, this season’s newest arrivals show just how versatile the look has become.
Bubble Hem Mini Skirts
The mini skirt is no stranger to a reinvention, and the bubble hem is its latest upgrade. Crisp pleats, ballooned denim, swingy A-lines — whatever your vibe, there’s a mini ready to add some literal bounce to your step.
Bubble Hem Midi Dresses
Bubble-hem midi dresses are leveling up with fresh twists, too — from ruffled strapless styles to bold patterns and punchy colors. Bright hues demand attention, while striped ruffles and delicate thin straps make these midis truly stand out.
Bubble Hem Midi Skirts
Last year’s bubble-hem midi skirts leaned crisp and classic in black and white — the perfect base for any wardrobe. This season, the trend is expanding: colorful cottons, bold prints, and breezy neutrals like khaki are bringing new life (and movement) to the silhouette.
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You know when you have two friends from different groups finally for the first time, and you (being the common link) knew they would get along? Learning about Amika’s new collab with indie fragrance brand Ellis Brooklyn felt exactly like that — but in beauty product form.
For starters, both brands have roots in NYC, and as I chat with both Shapiro and Amika CEO Chelsea Riggs, it’s immediately clear this isn’t just another beauty collab — it’s a friendship. (“Amika” actually means “friend” in Esperanto, the world’s most popular international auxiliary language.) The fact that I also happened to find the dry shampoo I’ll be using nonstop this summer? A total bonus.
“Perk Up has been in the market for almost 15 years, and it’s also ranked as the number-one premium dry shampoo,” Riggs tells Refinery29. “We knew we wanted to have a moment for that, and fragrance was where we wanted to lean in.” Ellis Brooklyn was a natural fit; during our conversation, Ellis Brooklyn founder Bee Shapiro shared that she was a former client of Amika’s (sadly, now closed) salon in Williamsburg. Kismet!
Just in time for summer, Amika has reimagined its bestselling Perk Up Dry Shampoo with the scent of Ellis Brooklyn’s Miami Nectar. The result? The same instantly refreshing dry shampoo, now with tropical notes of pink pineapple, coconut water, and amber. “We tested a bunch of different fragrances that Bee and the team sent, and I really thought we were going to end up with Sun Fruit, given the color and it feeling very Amika,” Riggs shares, adding that it was a lab sample of (then-unreleased) Miami Nectar that wont the team over. “It smelled as if Amika had gone to the beach.”
But this sun-soaked version of Perk Up isn’t just a way to refresh your roots and add a boost of volume; it’s an invitation to layer your fragrance for a unique blend of good smells. I’ve been using it nonstop in my hair, adding a floral scent like Aesop’s new Aurner Eau de Parfum when I’m feeling more feminine, or leaning more into the warm, woody notes by wearing something like Le Monde Gourmand’s Santal Supreme.
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“We were thinking about what exactly is ‘functional fragrance?’” Shapiro tells me. “And at the end of the day, what’s more functional than my favorite dry shampoo with our amazing scent?” While Amika products are already beloved for their fruity-floral scents, Shapiro says this limited-edition collaboration was a chance to take things to a whole new level. “There are already amazing scents in hair, but we’re coming at it with a little bit more complexity [with this launch],” she adds. Miami Nectar Perk Up retails for $28 (the same as a full size of OG Perk Up), and is available at Sephora, as well as Amika and Ellis Brooklyn‘s respective websites.
If you’re not already using Amika products, chances are you could spot a brightly-colored, patterned can from across the room and know it was the brand’s. A closer look at the packaging reveals Easter eggs that nod to the fragrance (coconuts, pineapples, groovy florals) and Miami’s sun-and-fun lifestyle (pool slides, ice cream cones, seashells, and even a few dolphins). In the few weeks since I received an early sample to test, I’ve been using it nonstop — after workouts, to add texture to my style, or simply as hair perfume. (BTW, I’m a dark brunette, and this stuff disappears into my roots without a trace.) I was already a fan of Ellis Brooklyn’s Miami Nectar fragrance (especially as someone living in Miami) and Amika’s dry shampoo, so to have them combined into one? Nothing less than a match made in beauty heaven.
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Bubble hems had their breakout moment last year. But if you thought they were a fleeting trend, think again.
What started with a few puffed-up skirts and dresses in the fall of 2024 has officially snowballed into a full-blown takeover: bubble-hem tops, shorts, matching sets — you name it. But if you’re a purist (or just love a good aughts throwback), the bubble skirt remains the gold standard for making a voluminous statement.
Designers have doubled down for spring 2025, delivering everything from Chloé’s dreamy high-low dresses to Alaïa’s sculptural duvet-like skirts, diaphanous draped versions at Stella McCartney, and cocktail-ready takes (hello, wedding guest season) at Emilia Wickstead and Dries Van Noten.
The best part? Bubble skirts are surprisingly wearable and easy to style. Pair a midi with a simple tank and loafers, layer a mini with a spring jacket and ballet flats, or throw one on with sneakers and a sweater tossed over your shoulders (so street style coded) — the drama’s built in.
Ahead, 16 bubble-hem skirts and dresses that’ll have you swishing through spring and beyond.
Bubble Hem Mini Dresses
From Free People’s bright red stunner to Reformation’s gingham drop-waist and Gap’s tie-strap mini, these bubble-hemmed dresses deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. Crisp cottons, airy prints, and easy silhouettes make them feel light, playful, and ready for every spring plan.
Bubble Hem Mini Skirts
The 2000s fashion favorite is officially back — and looking fresher than ever. Think utilitarian-inspired pleats, pinstripes, and pouffed-up color pops made for movement (and a good twirl).
Bubble Hem Midi Dresses
Bubble midis are getting the 2025 upgrade: dreamy draping, voluminous hems, and punchy tones built for sunny days and RSVP season alike. Whether you’re after floaty pastels, sleek sheers, or something in between, there’s a bubble midi for it.
Bubble Hem Midi Skirts
The silhouette that started with crisp black and white is getting a colorful refresh. This season’s bubble midis come in bright cottons, bold prints, and easy neutral shades, made for spring days, rooftop hangs, and everywhere else you want to make a sartorial statement.
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The warm weather is begging us to lace up our shoes and start skipping, running, hiking, and dancing our way to summer. Enter: a fresh pair of spring sneakers — the perfect way to embrace a new season and refresh your wardrobe.
While fall’s back-to-school season brought us bold sneaker trends like Mary Janes and nostalgic wedges, spring is ushering in loads of new statement-making pairs. Some, like leopard prints and platform soles, have endured from last year, while others — think boxing sneakers and shoe charms — are stepping into the spotlight and earning their place in your rotation.
Read on for the seven spring sneaker trends that’ll be everywhere over the next few months, plus the best styles to shop now.
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Ballerina Sneakers
On the feet of the popular coquette aesthetic, the ballet sneaker (aka “sneakerina”) trend is dominating this spring season. The whimsical It-girl-approved shoe has many interpretations, from slim ballet flats with rubber soles to sneakers with satin finishes and hybrid styles with Mary Jane straps and lace-up cords. After you pick the perfect pair, you’ll find yourself dancing throughout the season.
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Silver Sneakers
Metallic sneakers have been trending for a while, but this spring, the focus is all on silver. From slim, sporty silhouettes to cushy, chunky soles, brands are embracing chromatic finishes in every form. Need more convincing? Cecilie Bahnsen just debuted a new Asics silver sneaker collab at Paris Fashion Week, proving just how versatile this metallic can be, dressed up or down with any outfit.
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High-Top Sneakers
Queue the Rocky theme music — boxing-style sneakers are officially in the ring. And yes, you can wear them whether you’re training for a match or just making a statement. This might be the boldest take on the retro-meets-sporty sneaker resurgence. Whether you score a pair from an athletic brand or a high-fashion house, there’s no shortage of standout styles, especially in spring-ready shades like pink and yellow. You can also lean into the high-top trend with basketball-inspired kicks. Style them with classic athleisure or spring dresses for a knockout look.
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Animal Print Sneakers
Yes, animal print — especially leopard spots — is still going strong in 2025. But to stay ahead of the trend curve, there are a few more patterns to keep on your radar this spring. Our prediction? Going all-in on cow print with sneakers as part of the equation. Trendy snakeskin and zebra stripes are also making waves across both lifestyle and athletic sneakers, including fun pops of color for a truly wild approach.
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Hiking Sneakers
Hiking sneakers aren’t just for the trails — they’ve been hitting the streets, especially during Fashion Month. Translation: You don’t have to be an avid nature enthusiast to embrace their rugged aesthetic. Features like supportive and cushioned insoles, grippy outsoles, and durable waterproof materials make them an all-around win for days you’re clocking 10K steps or more. And thankfully, the era of clunky, not-so-cute hiking shoes is long gone. Vibrant, retro-inspired color combos and versatile neutrals lean into the “dad sneaker” vibe with a fashion-forward twist.
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Platform Sneakers
Okay, platform sneakers never really went out of style, but right now, they’re majorly in. While suede Isabel Marant wedge sneakers made a comeback in fall 2024, we’re betting on souped-up classics this season, especially tried-and-true white versions as the look. Whether you go for a sleek, minimalist pair or a chunky, futuristic take, consider it the perfect way to dodge spring puddles in style.
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Sneaker Charms
Bag charms have been stealing the spotlight — think beaded keychains, mini plushies, and coin purses — but now it’s time to give shoe charms their moment. Because let’s be honest, your sneakers deserve a little razzle-dazzle, too! From jewelry-inspired accents to quirky baubles and statement laces, these decorative add-ons usually come in sets, so you can mix, match, and customize to your heart’s content. Options abound, from beaded bows and vintage-y trinkets to shoelace clips and more.
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Welcome toMoney 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.
Today: a vice president working who makes $305,653 per year and who spends some of her money this week on impulse-purchased chocolate chip cookies.
If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.
Editor’s Note: This is a follow-up diary. You can read the original diary here. All amounts appear in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stipulated.
Occupation: Vice president Industry: Insurance Age: 40 Location: Toronto, Ontario (I moved here from Chicago at the beginning of 2025). Salary: $305,653, plus bonus (which this year was $198,871 in cash and $132,583 in RSUs. My bonus has fluctuated between $50,000 and what I received this year over the years I have been with this company); rental income for my US condo: $50,340 (USD); housing allowance: $53,775 (each year for the next two years); Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): $50,328 CAD (each year for the next two years). A quick note about my bonus: I’m aware that it makes a significant difference to my compensation, and I did consider how this could make the title of my diary seem misleading, but it is never guaranteed, so I treat it as just that — a bonus — every year. Assets: Canadian checking account: $14,567; US checking account: $4,937 (USD); Canadian HYSA: $18,021; US HYSA: $86,954 (USD); US brokerage account: $121,842 (USD); IRA: $382,949 (USD); 401(k): $265,048 (USD); unvested RSUs: $13,210 (USD); condo value: $595,500 (USD) — this is according to Zillow. The assets I’ve listed do not include any of the payout for my bonus mentioned above — that hasn’t cleared my bank account yet. Debt: Mortgage: $371,033 (USD) Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): $6,801 — this includes the housing allowance, plus an additional $6,291 every quarter for the COLA; $4,195 (USD) monthly for rental income. Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses Housing Costs: Rent: $4,600 for a two-bed (plus den), 2.5-bath condo that includes all utilities (except internet) and a full gym, pool, tennis court. Loan Payments: $0 Mortgage: $1,881 (USD). The mortgage, additional principal, and HOA are all covered by the rental income, which is $4,195 a month (USD). I make around $75 a month in net income from renting this out. Additional Principal: $1,219 (USD). HOA: $1,017 (USD). Cell Phone: $50 (USD). I pay $90 to our family plan but my company reimburses me $60, which is ~$40 in US dollars. Internet: $68 Netflix: $26 (USD). My sister pays for Hulu and Disney+ and we get Max for free from our cell phone company — although Max doesn’t work in Canada… Charity: $50 (USD) — calm down, I give more to charity, but this is what I give monthly to World Central Kitchen and Planned Parenthood. ESPP: $350 Home Cleaning: $486
Annual Expenses
US Credit Card: $95 (USD). Monarch Money: $100 (USD). Duolingo: $93 (USD). Google Drive: $20 (USD). NYT Games: $44 (USD). LTD: $81 Amazon Prime Canada: $99 (includes DashPass). Zwift: $196 (USD). Canadian Credit Card: $120
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, absolutely. I am not really sure I ever realized there was a path other than a four-year university. My mom didn’t graduate college until I was in high school, so she was always adamant that we not repeat that. Plus, I was an excellent student, so the path fit. If I could go back and do it now, I would definitely go to community college for a couple of years and/or take a gap year — I was too young and too naïve and really struggled in college. I was fortunate that my parents paid for my schooling and room and board at a public state school. They said if I wanted to go out of state, I would have to pay the difference, so it was a no-brainer to stay in-state. I worked a couple of jobs every year to have spending money and was fortunate to graduate undergrad with no debt. I got my MBA while I was working full time a couple years later. My company at the time paid for 100% of tuition and books, so I was also able to graduate with my master’s with no debt as well.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? We learned how to balance a checkbook and had savings accounts. The message was always don’t spend more than you have and save as much as possible, but specifics were lacking. They did tell me to put as much as I could into my 401(k) when I started my first adult job, which was very good advice. We now talk more about finances since my parents are nearing retirement. It has been extremely helpful to see their perspective now as well as to know what their financial situation is to make sure they have enough to do what they want/need to in retirement.
What was your first job and why did you get it? I worked at a gym folding towels and cleaning locker rooms when I was 16. I got a free gym membership, and we had a lot of fun. I got it for spending money and an international student trip I was going on. I mostly used it for Auntie Anne’s pretzels and Abercrombie & Fitch sweatpants.
Did you worry about money growing up? Worry is a strong term — aware is probably better. My parents divorced when I was very young and split custody. My mom remarried fairly quickly and was well off. We had a nice house, went out to eat, had all the latest gadgets, etc. My dad was single for a long time and was unemployed many times. We lived in a tiny apartment and never had any luxuries. We always had food on the table and were able to do school activities, but it was a strange mindset to have such opposite lifestyles for half the week. My dad remarried when I was in high school, and things evened out much more, and I wasn’t concerned after that.
Do you worry about money now? Not really. I would like to retire early so I am always concerned I am not putting enough away or that I am doing too much reckless spending. I am prone to anxiety, so I’ve got to have something to worry about! But day to day (and even long term), I know I am in a good spot.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? At age 22, when I moved out of my parents’ house. I had a full-time job when I graduated college, but I lived at home for about 10 months (for free, thanks dad!) to save up money. I have a decent amount of savings as a financial safety net. I also know that I would be able to move back in with either set of parents if I needed to.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. My mom gave me $35,000 to help with the down payment for my first condo. The agreement was that I would pay her back with a percentage of the profit when I sold. However, I sold that condo for a loss, so she told me to just roll the money into a new condo. I also sold that second condo for a loss (buy high, sell low — that’s how real estate works right?!) so she told me to roll the money over again. If I had to guess, she will never make me pay it back. I know she gave my sister some money when she needed it with no expectation of repayment. But I will continue to ask her about it, as I am in a spot to pay her back if she wants me to. I assume we will inherit some money when my parents die, but my wish for them would be to spend everything they’ve got while they can, and I am planning my life as if that is the case. I also just started receiving $50,340 (USD) rental income annually when I rented out my condo after I moved at the beginning of the year. I make very little money off this; the intent was to cover my mortgage and HOA.
Day One: Monday
12:10 a.m. — I wake up to an awful noise. After a few delirious minutes trying to figure out what is happening, I realize the fire alarm is going off. I know I am supposed to wait for instructions, but I panic trying to decide if I should at least try to corral my cats into their carriers. I walk to all the windows to try to see if I see any smoke or fire and look out in the hallway. Nothing appears to be happening. They finally make an announcement that we should await further instructions (helpful…) so I sit tight, slowly pacing by all the windows to see if I notice any change. They make another announcement saying the fire department is on site and to keep waiting. After about 30 minutes of the alarm blaring every few seconds, the fire department finally makes an announcement that it was an accidental pull, and we can “resume our normal activities”. Like trying to get enough sleep. I finally fall back asleep around 1:30 a.m.
5:45 a.m. — My sunrise alarm starts to brighten, and I immediately shut it off before any noise happens and try to get some more sleep. At 7:30 a.m. I finally decide I must start getting up. I do my NYT games and Duolingo (185-day streak!), and read the news. I finally get out of bed just before 8 a.m. I grab a Diet Coke and decide I am too exhausted from my interrupted sleep to start work yet. I decide to read a couple chapters of my book The Three Lives of Cate Kay. I am almost done and can’t put it down. I also grab my laptop and some papers I need to read and bring them to the couch. I decide today will be a couch working day. I very rarely do this, but it is nice that I have the option when needed. I start my workday covered in a blanket and cats.
9:30 a.m. — I finally get around to making breakfast — a couple pieces of French toast leftover from yesterday. I also fill up my water glass so that I hopefully remember to drink water today. I brush and floss my teeth and wash my face and try to motivate myself to have a productive week. I have a day free of meetings (a rarity) so I try to take advantage of it. I move back to the couch and put on my Normatec compression boots. I have been ramping up my workouts the last month or so and haven’t had much recovery time, so I take advantage of my meeting-free morning to sit in those for a couple hours while I work.
12 p.m. — I have a productive morning responding to emails, reading some technical reports, and finalizing the itinerary and food for a multi-day meeting I am hosting later this week. I finish in my Normatec boots and decide it is time for lunch. I empty the dishwasher and then heat up some leftover pasta I made over the weekend. While I eat (and drink a Diet Coke of course) I read some more of my book. I am so close to the end! I have some fruit snacks for good measure.
1 p.m. — Back to work. I turn on some Parks and Rec in the background and do a little more work for my meeting this week and get through a few other things on my to-do list. I also send some info in for my taxes. My taxes are complicated this year as I have to file in two countries. My company is paying for the tax prep as part of my moving compensation, but it has still been a lot of work to get them everything they need. I drink a Cove orange soda to give myself some energy at some point.
4 p.m. — That’s enough for the day. I make sure my to-do list is in order for tomorrow and shut down my computer. Tomorrow will be an office day, so I make sure my gym bag and work bag are packed. I take some chili out of the freezer to defrost for dinner and head back to my book to finish it. Once I finish that, I heat up some chili and have that with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips and a caffeine-free Diet Coke. I watch a few episodes of Schitt’s Creek and heat up a frozen cherry pie and have a (large) slice. After a few more episodes, I take my vitamins, brush my teeth, wash my face and head to bed around 9 p.m. I put on more Parks and Rec and fall asleep by 10 p.m.
Daily Total: $0
Day Two: Tuesday
6 a.m. — My alarm goes off and I immediately do my NYT puzzles and Duolingo before putting on my workout clothes, grabbing a cheese stick and heading to my personal training appointment at 7 a.m. I paid for 24 sessions a couple weeks ago for $3,100 ($129 per session), so I don’t pay anything today. There is no membership for this facility, you just pay for the sessions. I shower and get ready for work in the locker room and head to the office. I put on brown and black checked pants that are cute work pants, but also elastic waist, with a black tank, black blazer and black ankle boots. I settle into my desk around 8:30 a.m. and check my emails before my first meeting. I have a Diet Coke while I power through meetings up until lunchtime.
12 p.m. — We have a celebratory lunch meeting for a large piece of business we bound a few weeks ago. I get a sushi bento box and some zeppole for dessert. I don’t know how much the bill is because my colleague pays, but for five of us at a pricey restaurant, I imagine it was at least $300 (expensed).
2:15 p.m. — Back at my desk for another hour and it is a parade of people in and out of my office asking questions or chatting. We have another work even tonight, so I leave the office around 3:15 p.m. This time we are going to an escape room ($479, expensed) and then dinner. This is the first time many of my team members have seen each other in person (or I have met them), so it is great to have some team bonding time. I have never been to an escape room before so we will see how it goes!
4:30 p.m. — We escaped! It was fun and did turn out to be a good team building exercise. We head to a local bar/grill for dinner. Since we are so early, it is happy hour. Lots of drinks/mocktails/food and dessert is had by all. I don’t see the bill because my colleague pays, but I imagine it was around $400 (expensed). We chat for a while and then we all leave. I suspect many people decide to go out, but I head home.
7:30 p.m. — I get home and immediately change into pajamas. I feed my cats and watch a couple episodes of Schitt’s Creek before doing my nightly routine and heading to bed. I fall asleep around 10 p.m.
Daily Total: $0
Day Three: Wednesday
6 a.m. — My alarm goes off and I snooze it a couple of times. I do my NYT puzzles and Duolingo and finally get up around 6:45 a.m. I brush and floss my teeth, wash my face, brush my hair, get dressed in jeans, a cute white blouse, houndstooth blazer, and black ankle boots and put on a minimal amount of makeup (foundation stick and mascara is about as fancy as I get). I head to the office and get to my desk around 7:30 a.m. I want to get a few things done before meetings the rest of the day. I drink a Diet Coke while I check my emails and prepare some documents for my meetings today.
8:30 a.m. — Our breakfast arrives ($265, expensed) and my team sits and eats together. We start our meeting right at 9 a.m. We have various sessions all day, some guest speakers, but mostly team discussions and trainings to help us have a successful year. This team, more than any other team I have managed, is super engaged and we have a really productive day.
12 p.m. — Lunch arrives ($295, expensed) and we take a break for an hour before heading back into our meeting for the rest of the afternoon and more productive sessions. My boss calls me into his office during our break to give me my bonus ($198,871 cash and $132,583 RSUs that vest in two years). Because I spent half of last year working for the US and the other half working for Canada, my bonus is very convoluted, and I had no idea what to expect. It is by far the biggest bonus I have received since I have been here (and this company is notorious for excellent bonuses) so needless to say, I am happy! I also receive a 1% raise, which is nice because I just started in August in this role and wasn’t expecting an increase to my salary so soon.
4:15 p.m. — We finish for the day. Everyone heads back to their desk to do some actual work before we head out to dinner around 5 p.m. We go to an Italian place, and everyone has drinks/mocktails and lots of food and good conversation. Dinner was $975 for 12 people (expensed.)
8 p.m. — We finish dinner and I head home. I assume most of the rest of the team stays out to have more drinks, but I am fried. I come home, get in pajamas and watch a couple of episodes of Schitt’s Creek. I feed the cats their wet food and some treats since I have been gone so much. I order a new litter mat and some face cleaning wipes from Amazon and head to bed around 9:30 p.m. after washing my face and brushing my teeth. $79.08
Daily Total: $79.08
Day Four: Thursday
6 a.m. — My alarm goes off and I snooze a couple of times, then I do a few NYT games and my Duolingo and get up to take a body shower. I brush and floss my teeth and get dressed in jeans, a sweater, and rain boots, since it appears to be raining outside? I head to the office to do a bit of work before the rest of our team meeting this morning. I go back and forth about taking an Uber but just suck it up and walk. It is starting to turn into snow, which sucks, but is actually a little better for walking than cold rain.
8 a.m. — Our breakfast gets delivered ($268, expensed) and the team slowly trickles in and eats breakfast before our 9 a.m. start. Once everyone is settled, we dive into a few more topics before we conclude at noon.
12 p.m. — I have box lunches delivered so people can take them and go if they are heading to the airport ($302, expensed). I eat my lunch with the team and then go back to my desk to send out takeaways from our meetings as well as any follow up material I promised. I have two more quick meetings that could have been emails and decide to head home around 4:30 p.m. since my brain hurts.
5 p.m. — I change and get ready for spin class. I signed up for an introductory month with this studio and this is my last class. I can’t decide if I am going to continue — I like the owner and the spin classes but haven’t really enjoyed any of their other offerings.
6:30 p.m. — I get home from spin class starving. I take a quick body shower, heat up some leftover pasta and turn on Schitt’s Creek to veg out. I finish the NYT games I didn’t get to this morning and eat some leftover cherry pie. At around 9:30 p.m., I do my nightly routine and head to bed. I slept terribly the last few nights, coupled with extremely extroverted days, so I am exhausted and hope I sleep well tonight!
Daily Total: $0
Day Five: Friday
6 a.m. — My alarm goes off and I am not up for getting out of bed. I shut it off and go back to sleep for a bit. Once I am awake, I do my NYT games and Duolingo before getting up to brush and floss my teeth and wash my face. I put on leggings, a workout tank, and sweatshirt along with my gym shoes to get ready for my workouts later. I start a load of laundry, and I have an English muffin and butter for breakfast paired with a Diet Coke, since I am mostly out of food. Once I finish that, I head to my desk and start work.
9 a.m. — Why is Friday so busy? I have two meetings this morning before I head to my personal trainer for another session. I switch my laundry quickly before I go. At around 10:45 a.m. I log off and walk to my PT appointment at 11 a.m. We have a good session, and I know I am going to be sore tomorrow. I head back home and don’t have time for lunch before I have to jump into my 12:30 p.m. therapy session. I grab a cheese stick to hold me over. I was with my old therapist for five years, but since my move from the States, I have had to start with a new one. I thought it was important to find someone right away as I adjust to a new city/country, so I am planning to do monthly sessions. The cost is $190, but I get reimbursed $185 from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) within two days. $5
1:30 p.m. — A woman from TaskRabbit comes to hang all my artwork. This is the last thing I have to do to be fully settled in my new apartment. I have already figured out where I want everything, so I show her what needs to be done and then I do my work while she does hers, answering questions when needed. Once she is all settled and knows what she is doing, I heat up a bowl of chili and grab another Diet Coke. I do a bit more work, have one more meeting and then get myself organized for next week.
4:30 p.m. — I thought three hours would be enough time to get all of my pictures hung, but I grossly underestimated. Since I have to leave, I will have to have her come back another day. It cost $242 for three hours of work and everything looks great so far. I grab my Pilates socks and head out for my Pilates session. I take the bus since I am running late (the bus costs $3.30, but I use my prepaid Presto card). I paid $990 ($99 session) for 10 Pilates sessions a few weeks ago so I pay nothing today. Between this and the strength session, movement tomorrow might be problematic! $242
6:30 p.m. — I get home from Pilates and take a quick shower. I fold my laundry before heating up the last of my leftover spaghetti and have that with a caffeine-free Diet Coke. I should clean up the dust and put the room back in order from the work earlier, but I can’t get myself to do it. Instead, I watch a few more episodes of Schitt’s Creek. I really want some dessert but have nothing left in my house and use every last drop of willpower I have not to order something. I head to bed around 9:30 p.m., exhausted from the week and all my workouts today.
Daily Total: $247
Day Six: Saturday
6:15 a.m. — I wake up with a headache after a horrible night’s sleep. I lay in bed for a while trying to go back to sleep before giving up and doing my NYT games and Duolingo. I finally get out of bed around 7:30 a.m. and move to my couch with a Diet Coke. I decide to watch To Catch A Killer.
9:30 a.m. — I still have a headache, so I grab a cheese stick and see if doing a bit of work helps. I clean up the detritus from yesterday and put my furniture back in order. Once that is done, I start Roomba. I finally break down and take some Excedrin and brush/floss my teeth and wash my face.
11 a.m. — I was planning to go to a new brunch place but it’s pretty far away and it’s super cold out, so I decide to walk to a nearby food hall instead. I get a cheeseburger, Diet Coke and chocolate chip cookie ($21.75). Magically I start feeling better almost immediately. Was it the burger grease or the Excedrin? Who’s to say? On my way out of the food hall, I see a dessert place and impulse buy four cookies for later ($28.06). In case you are keeping track, yes, these four cookies did cost more than my entire lunch. They better be the best cookies I have ever eaten. $49.81
12 p.m. — Now that I’m refueled, I decide to brave the grocery store to stock up for the week. I am going on vacation on Friday, so I don’t need too much. I get berries, Greek yogurt, lunch meat, cereal, and pesto. This small shop doesn’t have any Diet Coke so I will have to stop somewhere else tomorrow. $34.39
1 p.m. — I get home and unload the groceries. Now that all my errands are done, I can settle on the couch for the rest of the day and rot. After scrolling for far too long trying to find something, I finally settle on Enola Holmes 2 since I watched the first one not too long ago. I make sure I’ve got water and a Cove orange soda, so I won’t have to get up for quite some time. I grab a couple of the cookies as a snack and they were definitely excellent cookies! Worth almost $30, not sure, but definitely top notch. I put on Back In Action and continue to rot on the couch covered in cats.
6:15 p.m. — I make some pasta with pesto for dinner and eat while I watch 21. Every time I watch this movie, I am convinced that I can count cards. Spoiler alert: I can’t, but it’s fun to think about being a high roller anyway. I put away my hang dry clothes and give Roomba a quick clean because she worked hard today. Since my day was so taxing, I decide to call it a night early and head to bed around 8:30 p.m. I take my vitamins, wash my face, and brush my teeth. I put on some Parks and Rec and try to fall asleep early.
Daily Total: $84.20
Day Seven: Sunday
7:30 a.m. — I woke up at 5 a.m. but was able to sort of fall back asleep. I lay in bed for a few minutes doing my NYT games and Duolingo before getting up. I grab a bowl of cereal (unfortunately I don’t have any hot dogs in my house, otherwise I would have had a couple for breakfast!!) and watch some campervan building videos. I have started thinking about building a van and have become pretty obsessed with the idea (reader please note she has no skills or know how to do such a thing). I should get on my bike trainer and do a ride but I’m not feeling up to it yet.
9:15 a.m. — I decide to go to brunch instead of working out. I brush and floss my teeth and wash my face and put on some fleece leggings and a wool top. It is extremely cold out, so I decide to take the bus part way instead of walking. It is $3.30 but I have money on my prepaid Presto card, so there is no charge today. I walk through Kensington Market on my way to brunch from the bus stop. Nothing is open this early on a Sunday, but I make some notes about places to go back to.
10 a.m. — I sit down to brunch and immediately order a chai latte to warm up and the char sui Benedict. I start a new book, A Killer’s Code, while I eat. The food is delicious and I’m glad I made the effort to come here today. $34.58
10:40 a.m. — I see the streetcar coming so I hop on that and take that back to the bus (both the bus and streetcar are covered by my prepaid Presto card, so no charge for these). The timing works out perfectly for the transfer, which caps off a good morning. I run into the grocery store before heading home to pick up a 12 pack of Diet Coke. Once I get home, I grab the last cold Diet Coke and the rest of the cookies from yesterday and sit on my couch to read some more of my book. $9.59
1 p.m. — I force myself to get up and ride my bike. I do a fitness threshold test since I haven’t been on my bike since I moved. It is the worst, but I am glad I get it out of the way. I watch some episodes of Parks and Rec while I ride. Once I finish that, I take a long Epsom salt bath and read some more then do a hair mask and face mask. Then I do a full shower before moving back to my couch. I have a cherry Coke Zero and spend the rest of the afternoon reading.
5 p.m. — I empty the dishwasher, feed the cats their wet food, heat up the rest of the pasta from last night, and drink a caffeine-free Diet Coke. I spend the rest of the night reading on the couch and am able to finish my book — it was a quick read, but good. One of the benefits of moving to a new city by yourself is you can have a quiet weekend alone without social obligations getting in the way, especially after a really long week. I am sure at some point it will get lonely, and I will wish for built in social connections again, but for right now, I am enjoying the freedom and solitude.
9 p.m. — I quickly check my calendar for the week and add some things to my to-do list before doing my nightly routine and heading to bed. I fall asleep around 10 p.m.
Daily Total: $44.17
The Breakdown
Conclusion
“I wasn’t sure if I should write a diary for a week when I had so many work events expensed, but after looking at my schedule over the past few months, I realized that weeks like these are more common than not. This week was pretty much what I expected. I started getting pretty religious about tracking my spending and net worth a couple of years ago when I decided I wanted to retire no later than 55. I wanted to write another diary after my move to see if my spending habits had changed much. Right now I am trying to balance getting to know a new city with staying within a budget. So far I am managing well, but it is still winter, so once summer comes, I am assuming I will want to get out more. I am looking for things that I can cut down/out that won’t dramatically change my life. Rent seems to be the easiest one — I love the apartment that I found and am not excited to move again, but seeing everything in print does give me something to think about.”
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Taurus Season is officially in session, and honestly? Our nervous systems are breathing a sigh of relief. After all the emotional whiplash of eclipse season and Aries’ go-go-go intensity, this first full week of the bull’s grounded, sensual energy is here to remind us that we deserve stability, slowness, and softness. But don’t get it twisted — Taurus may be calm, but it’s not passive. This week’s transits ask us to slow down not to avoid our growth, but to actually integrate it. And that’s a whole different level of real.
The vibes kick off with a Last Quarter Moon on the 20th at 9:35 p.m. EST, which is basically the universe’s way of asking, “Are you really being honest with yourself?” There’s a subtle but potent invitation to stop sugarcoating our patterns and start lovingly confronting them — especially the ones we’ve been romanticizing as coping mechanisms. Add in the conjunction between Saturn and the North Node in Pisces on April 21st, and the air gets extra sobering. This isn’t about punishment. It’s about awakening. What are you still chasing out of comfort rather than alignment?
Then we move into the “dark of the moon” phase from April 23rd–26th. It’s moody, mysterious, and deeply introspective. During this time, the moon wanes into near- invisibility, mirroring the way many of us may feel energetically: low-key, raw, and reflective. Ego resistance is normal here, especially if you’re feeling pressure to “keep it together.” But what if this descent isn’t a breakdown, but a breakthrough?
And finally, Venus spends its last full week in Pisces, casting one last dreamy glow over our love lives, creativity, and connection to beauty. It’s a gorgeous time to pour your heart into a passion project, flirt a little harder (or softer), and remind yourself that romance doesn’t have to be perfect to be poetic. Get ready to feel your way into the new version of you that Taurus Season is asking you to embody.
Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.
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Aries Sun & Rising:
This week’s Taurus vibes are activating your sector of values and security, Aries, which might sound boring to your inner thrill-seeker— but honestly, it’s exactly the kind of grounding you need. You’ve been through a lot with the eclipses lighting up your identity and relationship zones, and now you’re being asked to find your footing again. What actually makes you feel secure? Not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually? Are you still seeking validation outside yourself, or are you finally starting to see your worth from within? This is the week to experiment with affirming routines: slow mornings, financial check-ins, or even taking yourself on a “self-worth” date where you let pleasure and peace lead the way.
Midweek, as Saturn and the North Node link up in Pisces, your sector of healing and surrender is activated, and it’s bringing all the feels. Don’t be surprised if you get hit with unexpected memories or dreams that stir up something unresolved. The dark moon enters your sign later in the week, which could surface insecurities you thought you already released during the solar eclipse in Aries. Instead of spiraling, ask yourself: What does this wound want to teach me? Your job isn’t to fix or rush yourself. It’s to hold space. Let yourself unravel, because the Taurus new moon on the 27th is ready to help you rebuild.
Taurus Sun & Rising:
It’s your birthday season, Taurus, and the stars are handing you the mic. But before you step fully into the spotlight, this week is about reevaluating how you’ve been showing up for you. The Last Quarter Moon asks you to check in with the systems and structures in your life. Are they actually supporting your growth, or are you pouring all your energy into being productive, even when your soul is asking for rest? It’s giving “overachiever detox.” This is a week to clear your calendar just enough to remember your why. Get reacquainted with your body, your breath, your joy.
As Saturn and the North Node meet in your friendship and community sector, you may have a wake-up call around the digital noise you’ve been absorbing. Are your online spaces fueling you or draining you? Who’s in your circle for real, and who’s just there for the aesthetics? It might be time to hermit for a bit — not in a self-isolating way, but in a sacred-boundaries kind of way. The dark of the moon in Aries lights up your sector of spirituality, making you crave solitude and connection simultaneously. Paradox much? It’s okay if you push people away while secretly hoping they’ll reach back. Be gentle.
You’re preparing to blossom again by the 27th, when your annual new moon strikes.
Gemini Sun & Rising:
You’re normally the social butterfly of the zodiac, Gemini, but this week, you’re kind of over it. The first full week of Taurus Season is activating your solitude sector, a.k.a. your cosmic off-grid zone. You’re in reflection mode, big time. The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th could inspire a much-needed “digital detox” or emotional unfollow spree. You’re craving peace over performing — and that includes not feeling pressured to overshare every micro-thought online. Pay attention to your nervous system: are you creating content to connect or to cope? Real rest looks like logging off before you’re burnt out.
Saturn and the North Node’s alignment on the 21st activates your sector of career and legacy, and whew, you’re about to get real honest with yourself. Is your career actually feeding your soul, or just your wallet? This week could bring a breakthrough realization that guides you toward a path that’s more meaningful, even if it’s less conventional.
Maybe you’re fantasizing about a sabbatical, a new business idea, or scaling back to protect your energy. The dark of the moon in Aries moves through your social zone, prompting you to notice who feels like a real one and who doesn’t. Let the dead weight go. You’re not here to fake it.
Cancer Sun & Rising:
You’re coming out of your shell this week, Cancer, but doing it slowly and intentionally — like stretching after a nap you didn’t realize your soul needed. Taurus Season lights up your sector of community, vision, and future dreams, helping you remember that you’re allowed to want more — more connection, more visibility, more alignment. The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th could bring up some clarity around who you’re meant to build with and who you’re outgrowing. You might find yourself cleaning up your group chats, your LinkedIn connections, or even old dream boards. If your visions feel different now, it’s because you’ve changed. Honor that.
The Saturn–North Node conjunction on the 21st happens in your sector of truth, travel, and belief systems. Suddenly, things that used to feel far-fetched now seem like your next logical step. Are you considering going back to school? Planning an overseas move? Launching a spiritual side hustle? This aspect gives you the green light — but also the responsibility to really commit. And with the dark of the moon hitting your career zone midweek, old fears about visibility or imposter syndrome may try to creep in. Don’t numb it out. Let it rise, breathe through it, and remind yourself: you are safe to shine.
Leo Sun & Rising:
The spotlight’s shifting this week, Leo, and even though you usually love center stage, Taurus Season is challenging you to reimagine what true success looks like. With the sun moving through your sector of career and public image, you’re being asked to slow down and zoom out. Is your work actually aligned with your soul, or just your resume? The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th is a powerful day to get real about burnout, boundaries, and what you’re trying to prove to whom. There’s a difference between ambition and people-pleasing. Where can you take your power back?
Then comes the Saturn–North Node meetup in your sector of merging and depth on the 21st, and things get a little deeper, a little heavier — but also more potent. You may be confronted with a truth about a financial entanglement, shared resource, or emotional attachment that no longer feels sustainable. Are you holding on out of fear? The dark moon in Aries moving through your expansion sector later this week makes you question what you actuallybelieve — especially about commitment, intimacy, and freedom. It’s okay if you need to go off the grid for a minute. Take a solo sunset walk. Write a letter you never send. Sometimes clarity needs stillness to land.
Virgo Sun & Rising:
Virgo, Taurus Season is activating your sector of expansion, education, and new horizons these next four weeks, and you might be feeling the itch to break out of your comfort zone — softly. You’re not trying to uproot your whole life, but you arewondering what it would look like to live more boldly, more soulfully. The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th invites you to release outdated routines or expectations that are holding you back from taking a risk. Whether it’s signing up for a class you’ve been eyeing, booking a trip, or simply dreaming out loud, this week wants you to stretch yourself — without snapping.
Saturn conjunct the North Node in your relationship zone could trigger a “wait… what are we doing?” moment in a romantic or platonic partnership. You might notice where someone’s energy feels more like obligation than inspiration — or where youmay be the one holding back emotionally. Either way, clarity’s coming. The dark of the moon in Aries highlights your sector of shadow work and surrender, and it could stir some deep feels around past betrayals, insecurities, or fears of being seen too intimately. Instead of shutting down, lean in with compassion. You’re shedding old stories to make room for reciprocity.
Libra Sun & Rising:
Libra, Taurus Season activates your sector of intimacy, rebirth, and emotional merging these next four weeks, which sounds deep (because it is), but also hella transformative. This week is about being honest about what’s actually fueling your connections: is it love, control, comfort, or fear of being alone? The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th is a moment of truth. If you’ve been avoiding tough convos about money, boundaries, or emotional needs, the universe might lovingly nudge you to stop bottling things up. Whether you’re navigating a relationship, business partnership, or just your own shadow… know that this is soul work.
Saturn and the North Node meet in your wellness sector on the 21st, lighting up the connection between your routines and your wellbeing. Are you burning out because you’re trying to do it all perfectly? Are you taking on everyone else’s problems and calling it love? If so, it’s time to stop. This transit could inspire you to restructure your workflow, delegate more, or just say “no” with your whole chest. And when the dark of the moon in Aries rolls through your sector of relationships later in the week, it may stir some core fears about being abandoned or misunderstood. Don’t panic. Stay present. You’re learning how to love from wholeness, not wounds.
Scorpio Sun & Rising:
Taurus Season is lighting up your relationship sector, Scorpio, and that means it’s time to slow down and actually feel your feelings. Yeah, even the vulnerable ones. This week isn’t about playing it cool or keeping people at arm’s length — it’s about practicing the art of letting people in without losing yourself. The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th may highlight some tension between your personal goals and your shared connections.
Have you been too self-sacrificing in the name of love — or too self-protective to let love in at all? This is your sign to recalibrate, especially as we approach this Sunday’s new moon in Taurus which will bring forth a period of renewal in your intimate relationships.
The Saturn–North Node conjunction on the 21st hits your sector of pleasure, romance, and creative expression. Translation? You’re being called to take your joy more seriously. What if you stopped treating your dreams like hobbies and started structuring your life around them? This could be a week where a creative idea gets real legs, or where a romantic spark turns into something more grounded (yes, even if it’s just romancing yourself). Later this week, the dark of the moon energy in Aries might make you hypersensitive to criticism or “not doing or being enough,” but don’t spiral. Rest is part of the rewire. Let yourself bloom in divine timing.
Sagittarius Sun & Rising:
You’ve been in main character mode for a while, Sag, but this week Taurus Season is asking you to pull a subtle switch: step into supporting lead energy by focusing on your wellness, balance, and the little habits that keep you grounded. With the sun lighting up your sector of daily routines, your spirit is craving more structure — not the boring kind, but the “wake up and feel good” kind. The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th might illuminate where your current schedule or lifestyle isn’t actually supporting your bigger goals. Time to tweak and simplify.
Saturn and the North Node link up in your sector of home, roots, and emotional foundations, which could stir some big revelations around your living situation, family dynamics, or inner child healing. Are you craving a deeper sense of belonging, or maybe needing to finally move on from a past chapter that still lingers in your space? The dark of the moon in Aries brings a release point in your sector of love and play. You may feel a creative block or emotional letdown midweek, but don’t force clarity. Rest, cry it out, journal it. The Taurus new moon on the 27th will reignite your spark with more intention.
Capricorn Sun & Rising:
The first full week of Taurus Season is reminding you that life’s not just about climbing mountains — it’s also about stopping to enjoy the view. With the sun in your sector of pleasure, romance, and creative expression, you’re being called to reconnect with your inner artist and lover. The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th could highlight where you’ve been putting productivity above passion. Are you working so hard you’ve forgotten how to play? This week is your permission slip to romanticize your life again. Cook your favorite meal slowly. Wear something that makes you blush. Make art just because.
The Saturn–North Node conjunction in Pisces on the 21st hits your communication zone, which could bring a reality check in how you speak (and listen) to others. Maybe a conversation you’ve been avoiding finally finds its moment — or maybe you realize you’ve been saying “yes” when you really meant “no.” Either way, clarity wants in. As the moon wanes in your fourth house of emotions and home life, you may feel extra tender, nostalgic, or in need of a sacred space to land. Let it be okay to cancel plans and tend to your heart. The Taurus new moon will help you reset your joy frequency.
Aquarius Sun & Rising:
This first full week of Taurus Season hits sector of home, family, and foundations, Aquarius, and it’s slowing you all the waydown. This week is less about wild reinvention and more about remembering what truly grounds you. The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th might bring up tension between your public presence and your private needs. Have you been showing up for the world but ghosting your inner world? If your space feels chaotic, rearrange it. If your boundaries feel shaky, reinforce them. You’re building the emotional security you need to thrive — and that starts from the inside out.
Saturn and the North Node sync up in your sector of money and self-worth on the 21st, spotlighting any lingering scarcity mindsets. Where are you undervaluing yourself or playing small just to feel safe? This is your wake-up call to stop settling. Later this week, the dark of the moon in Aries brings introspection to your communication zone. Don’t be surprised if you feel a little misunderstood or out of sync in convos. Instead of pushing for clarity, focus on listening deeply and journaling your truths. What you learn now will lay the groundwork for a powerful Taurus new moon reset on Sunday the 27th.
Pisces Sun & Rising:
You’ve been swimming through some deep spiritual waters lately, Pisces, and this week the universe is tossing you a rope of grounding and clarity. Taurus Season activates your sector of communication, ideas, and learning, so your mind is buzzing, but in a beautifully embodied way. The Last Quarter Moon on the 20th helps you get real about how you use your voice. Are you speaking from truth or from performance? Are you being heardthe way you long to be? This is a week to declutter your mental space, unfollow the noise, and speak softer but truer.
Now let’s talk Saturn and the North Node, aligning in your sign on the 21st— yes, your sign.This is a major karmic moment. You’re being invited (or dragged, depending on how open you are) into a version of yourself that’s more self-respecting, more soul-led, and less self-sacrificing. Your old ways of being won’t cut it anymore. As the dark of the moon in Aries moves through your value zone, it might stir doubts about your worth — but that’s just your ego detoxing. Keep tending to your inner garden. The new moon in Taurus on the 27th will bloom fresh clarity, but first your focus is about composting what you’ve outgrown.
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