The arrival of a global pandemic has shifted our outlook and daily routines to encompass new and sometimes uncomfortable measures to keep ourselves safe. Our experiences are unique as we navigate a new normal. A few weeks in, I was scrolling through Facebook when I was forced to stop and contemplate my own fears and feelings. Bronwyn, a friend of a friend, had posted a simple yet stunningly captivating photo of her 9-year-old son, Leith, staring longingly out a window, a sliver of sunshine highlighting...

As we finally eat the last of those Thanksgiving leftovers, we can officially announce that it’s go-time for the Christmas season. Every year someone around the world is wondering what to get for the ones they love most. Maybe another bag, another sweater, or another perfume gift set, but what about for the feminist friend? You could purchase another mug that says “Feminist” or another photo of Beyoncé in her “Formation” outfit throwing the middle fingers, or you could be daring and try one of...

In 2018, I was in a funk. After a life-changing experience living abroad, I begrudgingly moved back to the States and the disappointment was palpable. Then it occurred to me: by focusing on what I thought I’d lost, I couldn’t appreciate all that I had. I decided to start a gratitude practice, and it’s been transformative. These days, I’m notably happier. I laugh more, complain less, and go with the flow of life instead of swimming against the tide. The good news? You can do...

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"And I can easily understand/ Covid could easily take my gran/ But you don't know what she means to me/ Vaccine," tweeted linguist and author Gretchen McColloch a few days ago. She was referencing "Jolene," Dolly Parton's legendary "other woman" song, because it was revealed that Parton's $1 million donation to COVID-19 research at Vanderbilt University helped fund Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. After seven months of research, the Moderna vaccine is now 94.5 percent effective against the Coronavirus, and vaccinations could begin for at-risk groups as soon...

All the classics of this holiday meal, scaled down for a socially distanced celebration. My mom’s idea of Thanksgiving dinner was a far cry from the traditional turkey, stuffing, and apple pie suppers my school pals were having. Mom opted for Empire Kosher chicken (roasted with no seasoning whatsoever), canned asparagus, and, if we were lucky, an Entenmann’s cake shaped like a turkey. In my adult years, Thanksgiving became what I call an orphan supper. I’d invite my friends over who either had no family or...

In the Survival Skills for Badass Bitches series, writer Melanie LaForce walks you through everything you need to know to survive the outdoors, tough situations, and/or the forthcoming apocalypse.  2020 has taught us that we can expect the unexpected. The universe has spoken, and plainly stated that “All bets are fucking off.” Amidst pandemic, violence, wildfires, hurricanes, and oh yeah, fucking cannibal hornets, you’ll need some strategies to take the chaos in stride with a fat smile. We’re here to give you some real-world bad ass witch skills,...

Just a few months ago, people of all ages and upbringings took to the streets to make a statement about systemic racism in the U.S. True racial reconciliation is yet to come. Still, the Movement for Black Lives did lead to some fundamental changes in businesses and media. This week, UPS announced that they would allow workers to have facial hair, natural, and protective Black hairstyles like afros and dreadlocks. In 2018, UPS settled a case for $4.9 million with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,...

Women are poised to rule the world in the business space, but as we step up and into femme-powered leadership roles, it’s important to make sure diversity is a key consideration. Amanda Russo, chief strategist and VP of events for Babes Who Create – a rapidly growing network of content creators – knows that to be true, so we picked her brain about how to be more inclusive to folks of all kinds in the business sector.  Why was it so important for you, a woman's organization, to...

Travel writer (and former BUST intern!) Libby Zay took on an adventure closer to home in February when she, her husband Raul, dog Penny, and cat Nessie moved onto a boat in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. “The seed was planted by the idea of downsizing and tiny living,” Zay says. “But once we dug in, there were so many other benefits.” Like being close to nature and saving money. Buying the two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 35-foot boat cost the couple $20K, but monthly, they pay less than half...