Raphael Stevens

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    in lifestyle and culture

    A royal wedding took place in secret over the weekend

    Due to coronavirus many couples across the globe who were set to marry had to put their wedding plan on hold, and that even included members of the British royal family.
    Princess Beatrice was set to marry her fiancee UK property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on May 29 in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, but this was postponed due to lockdown restrictions.

    However, given many restrictions across the UK, and the rest of the world, have slowly started to lift, it was revealed the Queen’s granddaughter wed Edoardo over the weekend.
    Buckingham Palace announced the couple wed at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor.

    Congratulations to HRH Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi! #JustMarried #RoyalWedding
    The couple were married in a small private ceremony at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor on Friday 17th July. pic.twitter.com/1WMW1nUQ0q
    — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 18, 2020

    Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended, along with other close family members. The palace confirmed that around 20 guests attended the ceremony.
    In photos published to the official royal family Twitter page, Beatrice is seen in her stunning vintage wedding dress by Norman Hartnell and the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara, which both belong to her grandmother, the Queen.
    The tiara was worn by Her Majesty on her wedding day in 1947.
    As of July 4 in the UK, small weddings of up to 30 guests are permitted. Prior to this in March a ban on all weddings and gatherings was put in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
    Princess Beatrice and her new husband began dating in Autumn 2018, and announced their engagement in September last year.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Royal Family Twitter, Photographer: Benjamin Wheeler More

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    in beauty and fashion

    The Best Affordable Home Decor at Target

    If I were to honestly pick a single place to forever spend the rest of my days, it would be a Target store—no questions asked. It’s got what I want. It’s got what I need. As my eyes travel around this big-box retail haven, I know I’m home. From lounging on its lush mid-century modern accent chairs to piling up my cart with all of the Hearth & Hand™ dinnerware and candles, Target is essentially a meditative retreat for this home decor-obsessed gal.
    Given the amount of time we have spent at home over the past several months, many of us have gone through the same thought process of what it would be like to upgrade our abodes’ aesthetics without having to splurge on thousands of dollars worth of total revamping. If staring at the same decades-old ornamental vase has become tiresome for you, too, perhaps it’s finally time to add some new eye candy to your living room, kitchen, bedroom, and more, without having to break the bank. 
    If you’re ready to up your home decor game, scroll through our favorite Target finds that you’ll want to add to your cart immediately to give your home that budget-friendly sprucing it deserves.

    Lamps

    Rugs

    Furniture More

  • 125 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    Being Pregnant During COVID-19: How I’m Staying Safe and Sane

    I had big plans the last seven weeks of my second pregnancy—a huge birthday bash for my 2-year-old, a fancy Easter brunch for our little family of three, even a Pinterest-worthy list of activities to do with my firstborn before he became a big brother.Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
    At first, I wasn’t concerned. It felt like something happening far away, a global event that wouldn’t necessarily affect us in our little enclave in Northeast Florida.
    But that changed quickly. COVID-19 has become something that we’ve all had to face head-on, whether it be dealing with the stress of social distancing, having major events like weddings or birthday celebrations canceled, or worrying about an immunocompromised friend or relative. But being pregnant adds a whole new level of uncertainty.
    Here’s what I’m doing to stay safe and sane as a pregnant woman during the coronavirus outbreak.

    Taking Social Distancing Seriously
    While I love spending one-on-one time with my son, a big part of what keeps me sane as a work-from-home mom is largely dependent on my mom tribe. They’ve been there for me through bad days, stressful work situations, even silly fights with my husband. They’re my sounding board when I worry whether my son is hitting milestones as he should or if I need to take him to the pediatrician (again) for that rash.
    But when officials started encouraging social distancing, I knew I had to take it seriously. The research on how COVID-19 could affect pregnant women is slim, and the CDC says they still don’t know if it can be passed from an infected mother to her newborn. With that said, I knew staying away was what was best for me and my baby.
    Not being able to see my best friends every day has been rough. Postponing my son’s second birthday party was also heart-wrenching. Plus, entertaining my son on my own all day is hard. But I know it’s the right thing to do, not just for my specific situation but for the population as a whole.

    Source: @jyll_mackie via #sharetheeverymom

    Staying Informed—To a Point
    I’m a journalist, and it’s long been a habit to watch the news and stay informed. But the daily updates on COVID-19 are on a whole new level—towns on lockdown, restaurants, and bars closed across entire cities, even beloved celebrities testing positive. To be honest, it sometimes feels like we’re living in a George Orwell novel.
    With the news moving at such a breakneck pace, you could spend most of the day watching the coverage. But I’ve decided to only watch the news in the morning, during naptime, and at night. Any more than that and my anxiety starts to spike. Any less and I feel like I’m ill-informed.
    I’ve also stopped watching in front of my 2-year-old. While I’m not sure he really grasps what’s going on, I don’t want to inundate him with potentially frightening images or adult themes.

    Finding Stress Relief
    As someone nearing the end of her pregnancy, I realize that now more than ever it’s important for me to stay calm. Maternal stress has long been linked to preterm labor,  and the last thing I want to do (especially in the middle of a global epidemic) is to deliver early.
    So, I’ve decided to do everything I can to stay calm. I’ve completely finished the baby’s room, down to washing, folding, and putting away all the tiny clothes and hanging the art. I’ve cleaned out all our drawers and kitchen cabinets, put up new curtains, cleaned and organized long-neglected areas, and wrapped and assembled all my son’s birthday gifts. I’ve also made it a point to support several local small businesses (online, of course), while also squeezing in some time for binge-watching Netflix and reading two books I started ages ago.
    While your version of stress relief may look different than mine, I’ve found that checking things off my to-do list while stuck at home has gone a long way in reducing my stress level.

    Source: @thebeverlyadams

    Having a Backup Plan
    At my 32-week appointment, I asked my doctor about COVID-19 and how it might affect my delivery. She said to prepare myself to not have any visitors in the hospital apart from my husband. Immediately, the sweet visions I had in my head of my son meeting his little brother for the first time in a sunny hospital room, peering into the tiny bassinet at his tiny new brother tightly swaddled in a pink and blue striped blanket, went up in smoke. I wouldn’t get that.
    What she said shocked me then, but restrictions on visitors have become commonplace in recent weeks. I’ve decided to accept that I probably won’t get the birth I envisioned. And that’s OK. But I’ve also started preparing for less optimal situations.
    For example, what if there are too many cases of COVID-19 at our hospital and they can’t accommodate us? Our hospital recently had its first case, and I expect there will be more. Right now, I’m keeping an eye on the situation and researching other options, from delivering at other hospitals to a truncated hospital stay post-birth to yep, even home birth. And I’m not the only mom considering this option. Of course, talking to your own doctor is always the best course of action—they can provide advice and solutions directly relevant to your specific situation.
    The COVID-19 epidemic has affected us all, not just those of us expecting a baby in the coming months. I know there are people who are dealing with far worse situations than I am—those with immunocompromised children, those who still have to report to work and send their kids to daycare, and of course, those who have already contracted the infection or love someone who has.
    But being pregnant and on the cusp of giving birth right now is also really, really hard. Preparing backup plans and being mindful of my mindset is the best thing I can do for myself, and my family, at this time.

    This article originally ran on The Everymom More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Sex 101: How to Start Role-Playing With Your Partner

    Undeniably, one of the best sex scenes in movie history is The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. Are you kidding me? 15-year-old me had a sexual awakening watching Bella and Edward get it on in the water, all to end up in bed. I mean, the scene when she wakes up to a completely broken bed, pillow feathers strewn about the room sounds like exactly what my sex dreams are made of (you know, with less Edward Cullen and more LaKeith Stanfield). And lest we forget the other best sex scene in human history: Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis in Black Swan. You know, I claimed Black Swan as my favorite movie of all time for quite a while; somehow it only dawned on me a few years later that I just might be bisexual.But you know why movie sex scenes are just so absolutely sexy? It’s acting; there’s a sense of “these aren’t real people” to the whole thing. And you know what? Regular old folk like us can get that same feeling with just a little role-playing. 
    I’ll be completely honest: role-playing with your partner can feel really intimidating and, of course, totally weird and awkward if you’re new to it. But as most sexual things go, with practice and communication comes many orgasms! So here we go, a 101 guide to the best role-playing of your life. 

    Get your boundaries and safe words all laid out
    Before you and your partner become entirely different people for the night, talk over what you’re willing to do and what you’re not. It’s important to know what each of you is hoping to get out of the experience. For you, it might just be a fun, one-night-only thing. Your partner might want to add this to your usual rotation. Some people like to use role-playing to act out fantasies. Whatever you decide is amazing, just make sure it fits for both of you. As always, communication with your partner about sex is necessary here.
    You’ll also want to come up with any safe words if you’re practicing BDSM or anything similar. 

    How to decide what to role-play
    You absolutely can just come up with a character on the spot and go with it. But if you’re not an Oscar-winning actress just yet (maybe if I flesh out the cash for that Natalie Portman Masterclass, but I digress), it’s OK to take some time to figure it out and come up with it as you go. Of course, the easiest thing would be a different person. Maybe it’s your alter-ego. You don’t totally change your look, but you go by a different name and act a little different (for example, normally you’re more dominant in the bedroom, and instead you act a little more submissive). Pretend it’s your first date all over again. 
    On the other hand, you can also decide who to role-play based on your fantasies. What turns you on? Is it a student/teacher scenario? A nurse/patient? Two roommates? Make your decision on truly what turns you on, because it’ll just feel awkward and funny to you both if it’s not something you actually find sexy. 
    Will you add costumes? You certainly can! But to be fair, if your partner is of the male species, you might be able to get away with putting your hair in a different style and slapping on a smokey eye, and they’ll think it’s different enough. (If your partner is more observant, wigs are a very fun and inexpensive way to change things up!) If the scenario is a little more complex, think about getting into character. This might feel really awkward for your first time role-playing, so don’t be afraid to start small. Speaking of…

    Start small
    It’s OK if the first time you role-play doesn’t involve the sexy French maid costume of your dreams and a fully flushed-out script of everything you’ll say. It’s really easy and casual to start role-playing through text first. You and your partner can gauge how you enjoy it and feel about it without the pressure of “acting” in front of each other. 

    Don’t stress if you feel silly
    Role-playing can sorta feel like you’re back in high school musical theater if you’re not used to it, and that’s completely normal. It’s different and new, but it takes time to get used to being that way with your partner. Think of role-playing like a game, and of course, very few people are good at a game the first time they play.

    Change locations
    Obviously, we’re not heading out to our local hotel bar to reenact our first dates right now. Instead, change up the location of where you are. You can take a walk to the park and start your role-play there (finishing at home, of course). Or just change locations in your home. Get really into it and turn your kitchen island or dining table into a little bar set-up for the evening. You could pretend your home is a hotel. Get into the fun of it and let your imagination go. Sex is all about flexing your creative muscle.

    Some scenarios to try
    Classic power dynamics—boss/employee, teacher/student, guest/maid, nurse or doctor/patient, fitness instructor/student, landlord/tenant, etc. 
    Best friends
    Roommates
    Strangers
    Long-distance—try Skype/FaceTime sex even if you’re not in an LDR
    Massage therapist
    Food delivery (very peak COVID, am I right?) 
    Non-monogamy—one person remains themselves and the other is a stranger
    Photographer and model
    Don’t be afraid to really act
    It’s not weird to get into it; it’s your fantasy for crying out loud! Role-playing is about being someone else for a little and acting out all of your desires with your partner. It’s a fun way to try all those things you dream about without a ton of commitment. Try something and realize you don’t really enjoy it? Try something different! Role-playing is about trial and error, so don’t be surprised if you thought you’d love or hate something and it turns out to surprise you. That’s what sex is all about, really: tons of surprises! More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Being the Shy Kid Can Make You an Awesome Adult

    Being the shy kid can be hard. You may have wondered if you’d ever be able to start a conversation with ease or stand up in front of the class to talk without going bright red — but by the time adulthood hits, most of us have managed to leave our awkward years of conversational trip-ups and eating lunch alone behind us. Although being shy is rarely a sought-after quality, sometimes the least confident kids make the best adults. But being a shy child can shape you into someone pretty special. Here’s how:

    You’re fine with your own company
    Although those long lunch breaks spent alone might not have been much fun at the time, they can be good practice for adulthood. No matter how sociable you might be, there will always be situations where you find yourself alone. Perhaps you’ve moved to a new city or work in an unsociable office. Or perhaps you are simply finding that as you get older your friends are increasingly busy and your Friday nights are less booked up than they used to be.
    Having been a shy child means that you are likely to be comfortable with your own company. You can probably happily fill a free weekend with a good book or box set and won’t have a problem with eating out alone. 
    Being happy with your own company also means that you will be open to opportunities that more extroverted individuals might balk at. Traveling alone can be an incredible and affirming experience, and you probably wouldn’t think twice about going to the theatre or a gig by yourself if no one else wants a ticket. Being shy as a child sets you up to enjoy the things that you want to in life, regardless of whether anyone else wants to come along for the ride.

    You’re a good listener
    If you were ever the person who would rarely speak out in a group, then you’ve probably been practicing an important skill without even knowing it — being a good listener. Those days of nodding along whilst everyone else got to the chance to talk will mean that you’re in tune to the dynamics of conversation and are happy to sit back and give others the floor. 
    Although it’s also important that you now feel comfortable turning the conversation onto yourself every once in a while, being a good listener is still an incredibly valuable trait. Your friends will appreciate your ability to engage thoughtfully with what they have to say and will know that they can always come to you when they need someone to lend an ear.

    You appreciate your grown-up confidence
    Whilst others might take for granted being able to strike up a conversation or confidently command a room, you will remember how difficult this once was for you. Even if being the center of attention still makes you squirm, you will appreciate your abilities to flourish in certain situations. Perhaps meeting a new person or articulating your opinion might be much easier than it once was. Or perhaps you’re now able to happily host a party or present at a meeting. Whatever kind of confidence you’ve found in adulthood, you can be proud of how far you’ve come.

    You value your friendships
    Being shy as a child might have meant that your friendship circle was small or non-existent. Although this can be hard and have lasting impacts, it will also mean that the friendships that you are fortunate enough to have gained as an adult are especially valuable to you. If these friends are from your childhood, then this is particularly true, as you will know that they appreciated your shyness back then and love you for you.

    You’ve overcome a hurdle — and you know that you can overcome many more
    When you’re a shy child, the thought of being a confident adult can be hard to fathom. Participating in simple social interactions can be agonizing, and your shyness might feel like a vast obstacle to living your fullest life.
    If you’ve managed to gain confidence as an adult, then congratulations! You have overcome a significant hurdle and become the person that your shy self could only have dreamed of. Turn your knowledge into power and take this mindset forward into other areas of your life. If you can overcome your shyness, then you can overcome any other challenge that crosses your path. And that’s confidence far beyond being able to hold a good conversation.  More

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    in beauty and fashion

    6 Versatile Ways to Wear Your Bike Shorts

    Just about two years ago, I remember seeing my first photo of bike shorts as a fashion statement, just as vividly as if it were yesterday. I was innocently scrolling through Instagram, when an article popped up featuring none other than Hailey Baldwin (now Bieber), all about the genius new fashion trend the was wearing: a blazer with bike shorts. I was appalled by the mere audacity of someone wearing such a thing, but getting praised for it? I was beside myself.Fast forward to this very moment, as I am wearing a pair as I write this very article. After two years of watching everyone and their mother try their hand at an original take on the trend nobody could get away from, I was finally ready. And you know what? Now I can’t live without them. Despite what my innocent self hoped for two years ago, they’re here to stay—so if you haven’t hopped on the bandwagon, I’m here to tell you that now is the time.
    If bike shorts are one thing, they’re versatile. It’s been proven time and time again that they can be dressed up for a night out or just worn on your run, or hell, even the bike ride they were made for. Feeling stumped on styling them? Try one of these six formulas:

    1. With an oversized graphic tee + sneakers

    bike shorts / tee / sneakers / sunglasses

    2. With a bright, oversized blazer + crop top

    blazer / crop top / sandals / bag / bike shorts

    3. With a white tee + denim jacket

    tee / sneakers / denim jacket / sunglasses / bike shorts

    4. With all black

    hoodie / sneakers / sunglasses / bike shorts

    5. As a matching set with + a baseball cap

    bike shorts / top / sneakers / hat

    6. With a halter top + fun sandals

    top / bike shorts / sandals / bag / sunglasses

    More bike shorts we love

      More

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    in beauty and fashion

    8 Black Influencers Share Their Favorite Summer Beauty Products

    You know those people you follow on Instagram, but you don’t just follow them. You watch all of their stories; you like, comment, and share all of their pictures; you study their favorite products and buy basically all of their recommendations. The algorithm is good to you, showing you their pictures first. As a beauty lover, I feel this way about a lot of influencers, but as I’ve diversified my feed and followed more Black makeup artists, influencers, and bloggers, it’s happening pretty dang often, y’all. As much as having a diverse feed as important, it’s also good to have an arsenal of products that work for all skin tones, types, and preferences. Obviously, the first place I’m looking is the favorites of those same influencers I’ve grown to love (er, be obsessed with). 
    So whether you’re just looking for some good products (I’m about to place at least 10 orders) or searching for brands and products that specifically cater to those with dark or deep skin tones, you’ve come to the right place.

    Source: @enigivensunday

    Beauty Bakerie
    Face Flour Baking Powder

    When it comes to setting powders, it’s still difficult to find one that’s lightweight enough not to give you a cakey look, but effective enough to lock your makeup in place. Beauty Bakerie has nailed it with their setting powder, which does an excellent job of blurring my skin without weighing my makeup down.

    Pat McGrath Lab
    Sublime Perfection Foundation

    I thought I had seen all there is to “holy grail” foundations before this one from Pat McGrath launched, but I was wrong. The finish of this foundation gives such an effortless and skin-like look that looks superb in photographs and feels super lightweight on skin.

    Full-On™: Plumping Lip Cream Gloss in “White Russian”

    My all-time favorite nude lipgloss, which says a lot because lip gloss is a product that I do not play around with. I’ve been using this lip gloss for years, and every time I use it, my lips look fuller and smoother. Chances are if you see me with nude lip gloss on, it’s this one!

    Source: @tyra_fisher

    Cloud Paint

    Glossier’s Cloud Paint in shade “Dusk” is my go-to for a natural, dewy look. A little goes a long way, and it is one of my new favorites!

    Fenty Beauty
    Match Stix Trio

    Fenty Beauty’s Match Sticks are so good for a quick glam look. I have the trio in shade tan 300, and they are always in my purse and are so easy to apply.

    AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

    Cerave is my go-to for skincare—I’ve been using their products since high school, and my skin has been loving it ever since. The daily lightweight moisturizer with SPF keeps my combination skin hydrated and protected, 10/10 recommend!

    Source: @neonmua

    Laura Mercier
    Translucent Loose Setting Powder in “Translucent Medium Deep”

    A lot of Black artists and makeup wearers will tell you that our biggest fear is to look dead or ashy, and that can happen when we wear certain “translucent” powders that are too light for us (or are straight-up white). The Laura Marcier powder does a great job of melting into the skin while also preserving the color of the products under it, giving those of us with deeper complexions that healthy color we want and need.

    Fenty Beauty
    Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation

    I think it’s safe to say that Fenty Beauty changed the makeup industry for the better. Upon its initial launch, it was unheard of for a brand to release 40-50 foundation shades that catered to people of all shades and undertones. Now it’s the new norm, and Rihanna has helped to not only change the way we see makeup as a whole, but also help give us a space to feel accepted and beautiful no matter our complexion. That Rihanna region just won’t let up.
    Oily skin? Darius loves her matte foundation too!

    Pat McGrath Labs
    Mothership V Eyeshadow Palette – Bronze Seduction

    I know the price point of PMG is off-putting at first, but it’s so worth it. As a makeup artist herself, Pat McGrath understands how important it is for eyeshadows to be rich and pigmented enough to work on even the deepest of skin tones. I love all of the Mothership palettes, but Bronze Seduction is a personal favorite of mine because it has a lot of easy-to-use neutral shades, but also introduces some blinding and breathtaking metallics, shimmers, and duochromes.

    Source: thebeverlyadams

    The Lip Bar
    Fast Face Kit

    Lately, my go-to has been The Lip Bar’s Fast Face Kits. I love them because they are no-fuss, and I don’t have to think about what products to use to make myself feel pulled together for Zoom meetings throughout the day.

    5. Jenee (@highlowluxxe on Instagram and YouTube)

    Source: @highlowluxxe

    Anastasia Beverly Hills
    Jackie Aina Palette

    I can use every shade in this palette (which typically doesn’t happen for someone with my complexion), and I love the shade options. You can go bold or understated!

    Source: @marfarlane

    Multi-Use Skincare Oil

    When it comes to having a smooth and even skin tone, my favorite go-to is using Bio-Oil from Ulta Beauty. This has done wonders for the skin and has really helped to clear up the hyperpigmentation on parts of my skin.

    Vanity Planet
    Ultimate Skin Spa Facial Cleansing System

    I’ve been using this spin brush for about three months now, and I don’t know how I ever lived without it before! This spin brush is perfect because it’s really helped get out all the extra gunk out of my face when I’m doing my daily face cleansing routine.

    Source: @astoldbymika

    Skin Silk Loose Setting Powder

    I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to loose powder, but Mented’s Skin Silk Powder never disappoints. It instantly blurs my skin, making it look flawless. 404 error: no pores found.

    Source: @minnieknows

    Urban Decay
    All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

    No makeup is complete without using a setting spray. My go-to one is the All-Nighter Setting Spray by Urban Decay. I love that you don’t even notice it because it sets the makeup so effortlessly. It’s not sticky like other sprays I’ve used in the past. And the best thing about it? It comes in a mini version. So even while traveling, I never have to go without my favorite setting spray. An absolute must-have, gals!

    Fenty Beauty
    Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

    The Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation is my all-time favorite foundation. Apart from Fenty Beauty being super inclusive, meaning I finally found a makeup brand (thanks Riri) that has my exact shade, this products delivers what it promises. From the dreamy coverage despite being lightweight to the longevity, this foundation truly is an A+!

    Fenty Beauty
    Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter

    Along the lines of best beauty brand ever, I added the Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Duo to my Fenty Beauty product collection. What can I say, I couldn’t resist. With its creamy texture and metallic finish, [this is] an all-rounder I use daily. More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Feeling Bored? Take One of These Online Classes

    In this day and age, there is never an excuse to be bored, but it may not feel that way—especially when it seems like you’ve already watched every movie and show ever uploaded to Netflix. Sometimes to break out of your boredom, you need to mix things up a little bit and give your mind some food for thought. Enter: online classes. Digital education has always been a great option for those looking to expand their skill set or supplement their resume, but lately, the amount of amazing online course options have expanded even more. You can probably guess why. Online classes are flexible, often allow you to work at your own pace, and are almost always more affordable than going back to school. Because there are basically an endless amount of options out there for you to choose from, we rounded up a list of online classes you can enroll in if you’re bored—some of which are completely free to take, and all are hosted by really cool, talented, and insanely smart women!

    This free 30-day course from public academic, writer, and lecturer Rachel Cargle serves as an eye-opener and a call to action for anyone seeking to be allies to Black women. Each day you will have access to prompts that will urge you to think critically and act tangibly in solidarity. 

    Chances are, you’ve seen the ads that popped up everywhere when social distancing began for MasterClass (you’ll see a few of their courses on this list!). A $15 monthly subscription to this service gives you access to online classes from more than 85 of the world’s greatest minds, including the remarkable Dr. Jane Goodall. Her first ever online class will teach you how you can work to conserve the environment, plus she’ll give insight into her decades of work studying chimpanzees. 

    It’s safe to say that most of us could use a little extra confidence! In this online course, author, broadcaster, and podcast host Emma Gannon will walk you through why we self sabotage and will lead you through five exercises that will help you build your creative confidence. You got this!

    Considering Shonda Rhimes produces some of the most popular TV shows of our generation (we’re looking at you Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal), we can think of no one better to instruct us in the art of television writing. Even if you don’t have dreams of writing for TV professionally, learning about the process and trying something creative will be fun and educational. 

    If you’re in need of a little comfort food, you’ll love Tuscan cookbook author Giulia Scarpaleggia’s introduction to simple, traditional, hearty Italian and Tuscan recipes. You’ll learn how to make pasta from scratch (yes please!) and how to use basic ingredients in the pantry to make wholesome, delicious recipes.

    It’s time to step away from the iPhone and finally learn how to use that DSLR that’s been collecting dust in your closet. Learning how to use a DSLR camera to its full potential can be intimidating, but photographer Kelly Lawson will take you through all the basics in a way that makes the learning process way easier. 

    Source: Mateus Campos Felipe | Unsplash

    Throughout this course, Bola Sokunbi, Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), money expert, and the founder of Clever Girl Finance wants to help you transform your money mindset by teaching you how to become confident regarding organizing your finances, goal setting, and budgeting.

    We’ve been fans of Emily Henderson’s amazing design skills for years, and can see why over 27,000 students have enrolled in her digital interior design course. This course has 57 projects you can complete, which means you’ll be on your way to expert status in no time too. 

    This course offers a deep dive into women’s health and human rights issues from infancy through old age. You’ll learn about positive interventions relating to those issues, as well as have the ability to chat with other classmates through interactive discussions. Through Coursera’s financial aid program, you also can apply to take this course for free.

    Most of us have been cooking at home for months on end now and probably need to mix things up a bit. That’s why we’re extremely tempted to sign up for chef Gabriela Cámara’s online cooking class that focuses on modern Mexican cuisine!

    If you’ve ever come up with the perfect app idea—which we know you have—now is your chance to learn from a literal expert, Dr. Angela Yu, how to build any app you want. She began programming at the age of 12 and she’s whipped up over 70 apps and video games in her day. Your app will be at the top of the charts any day now!

    If you’ve ever been curious how bloggers and media brands make money off affiliate links, this course will break down everything you’ve been dying to know. The course comes from the designer and creative mind Salma Sheriff and will teach you the basics on how to make money off affiliate marketing. Basically, this course will end up paying for itself. 

    In all relationships (family, friends, partners, and coworkers) communication is key. Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts knows a thing or two about communication and is sharing her best tips for fostering unforgettable moments through human connection in this online course. 

    Source: Gabby in the City

    Founder and creative director of the popular lifestyle brand Wit & Delight, Kate Arends is an expert on leveraging a social following into a creative business. If you’re looking to build an online community, develop content channels, or identify worthwhile opportunities, this course is for you. 

    YouTube beauty gurus are great, but if you’re looking to learn from one of the original makeup masters, you’ll love Bobbi Brown’s new online course. She’ll walk you through step-by-step makeup tutorials on models with a variety of skin tones and will answer some major makeup questions that you probably want answers to.

    If you want to master the culinary basics, chef Alice Waters is the perfect teacher. Known for starting the farm-to-table movement, Waters is the perfect person to instruct in the art of home cooking. Deep dive into essential kitchen tools, properly stocking a pantry, and cooking delicious, healthy food.

    Best-selling Author Roxane Gay’s online creative writing course aims to help students find their story, craft their truth, and learn how to write to make a difference. No matter what type of writing you want to undertake, this course will teach you to develop your craft.

    Any Gilmore Girls fan will likely jump at the chance to take a Yale course for free! Over two million people have taken this course from professor Laurie Santos, which presents a series of challenges designed to increase happiness and build more productive habits. It’s not too late to join them!

    WordPress is an exceptionally popular blogging platform, which means WordPress developers who can customize the design and functionality of these websites are in hot demand. Whether you want to make WordPress development a professional goal or simply want to learn more about how to customize your own website, this course can help lead the way. 

    Considering Diane Von Furstenberg built one of the most iconic fashion brands of all time, we’re looking forward to learning a thing or two about branding from her. Whether you work in fashion or not, her tips can’t be missed. 

    Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without highlighting a few of our own online courses! This course gives you all the resources you need to land your dream job. Alongside guided worksheets, insight from career experts, and a comprehensive resource list, you’ll gain access to super helpful resume, cover letter, and email templates. 

    It seems fair to say that we could all use a little extra self-care right about now! This online course is formatted as a fun six week challenge that comes with over 100 pages of guidance, tips, and worksheets. 
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