It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Prince died, though for fans it feels like yesterday. So, the excitement for the upcoming Urban Decay Prince collection is fierce. The Prince Estate And Urban Decay announced the limited-edition partnership on Thursday, inspired in part by Prince’s creativity and personal style. Prince was known for his bold and unapologetic looks so we expect the makeup to be the same—with some purple hues, of course.

If you’re worried that Prince wouldn’t approve of this collaboration, know that it was done with members of Prince’s artistic camp. “I’m very excited for this collection. I hope it inspires you to make your own rules, just as Prince did for so many decades,” said Damaris Lewis in a statement. The actress, model, and dancer performed alongside the superstar.

“It’s incredibly important to carry on Prince’s legacy in a way that truly gets it right,” added photographer/director Randee St. Nicholas. “He challenged you to rise to his level of work ethic and intensity—not in a way that was threatening or fearful, you just didn’t want to disappoint him. He made you want to be your best, perform at the highest caliber and step outside of your comfort zone. When shooting, it was important to embody this boldness and freedom.”

Source: Instagram

We don’t know exactly what the products look like just yet but Wende Zomnir, Urban Decay brand co-founder, has been a huge Prince fan since the ’80s so you know she’ll do it justice. “We couldn’t possibly imitate someone as legendary as Prince, and to compare him to a palette would diminish what he represents,” she said in a statement. “It’s easy to say why this collection makes sense on the surface—his makeup looks and our shared love of purple—but we did our best to reflect his energy on a deeper level. We found his ethos of not asking permission to be who he was and owning it so boldly aligned with our values of breaking the mold and championing all forms of beauty.”

We’ll keep you updated on the launch later this month.

Along with the benefits of being a freelancer, or running your own small business, come some aggravating problems. These hassles will occasionally occur, so you should be ready for them. Here are my solutions to the most common issues.

Late or No Payment

Always bill your clients promptly, as soon as you finish a project. Generally, you should expect to be paid within 30 days, so if you don’t get paid in six weeks, you need to be assertive. Follow up with an email asking when you can expect payment and reattach your original invoice.

If you still get no response, call the client. If you get voicemail and no return call, try to reach the client’s manager or the accounts payable department if the client works for a larger company. Don’t be rude; simply say you’re calling about an overdue invoice and no one has responded to your previous inquiries.

Though I haven’t done this, you can resubmit your invoice along with a late fee, say 2% of the overdue payment. That might prompt the client to at least pay the original invoice.

Last resort, in my view, if you’re willing to lose the client, you can use social media such as Twitter and call out the client, asking why your payment is late.

Unfortunately, unless you’re owed more than $5,000, hiring an attorney or going to small claims court will probably cost you more than the outstanding invoice. Of course, if you are friendly with an attorney who can request your payment on letterhead, sometimes an attorney’s letter will get you paid.

When I used this tactic, the client sent an indignant email asking why I didn’t communicate directly with him first. When I said that I had not gotten any responses to repeated emails, he finally made a direct deposit.

Unreasonable Demands

Having a detailed contract spelling out the responsibilities of both you and the client can help prevent difficulties down the road.

Sometimes if a client asks for extensive revisions of my contract, I won’t take on the client. If you can’t easily come to an agreement on the scope of a project and the payment due, that’s usually a red flag that this client will be demanding – and you can decide whether you want this particular project.

Your contract should include specifics such as:

Method of Communication

How will you communicate? Will you use the phone? Email? Short or long text? Personally, I prefer to read on a laptop and don’t want to read attachments or long texts so I usually tell my clients.

Revisions

How many revisions or edits are included in the project fee? Spell out payments for additional hours, multiple revisions, phone calls or any other work that wasn’t initially anticipated.

Payments

What payment is due if the client or you cancel the agreement before the work is complete? You can say that either party can cancel the work agreement, and you are entitled to keep whatever payment has been made, along with a percentage of what you would have been paid had the project been completed.

You will have to negotiate these terms but you should definitely spell out obligations on both sides.

Missing Deadlines for No Good Reason

Obviously, you have every intention of meeting your deadlines, but what happens when your client misses deadlines?

I have found that authors don’t seem to view their delivery date as binding. I often say that a book contract is the same as any other legal agreement such as a mortgage or car loan. And it’s not just the delivery date that authors ignore.

Authors don’t return jacket copy or page proofs until I nudge and explain that if the copy isn’t returned, the pub date will be pushed back. Somehow, authors don’t think there’s an actual schedule. Remember, you can set deadlines but if your client is delinquent, all you can do is spell out the consequences.

If the client is late returning material, then you may have to establish new deadlines for your review. This relates to my earlier point of thinking about all possibilities when you’re drafting your initial agreement.

Going MIA (Missing in Action)

After one or more conversations about a new project, I email a contract. Generally, I get back a signed agreement with my initial payment, or the prospective client emails me some questions about the contract which I answer. After I receive a signed contract and an initial payment, I start to work.

Sometimes, however, after sending the agreement, I hear nothing. This is perhaps the most exasperating of all client problems.

I call or email and still get no response. I assume there is a reason for the change of heart but I simply don’t understand why people can’t say the project is cancelled or they’ve hired someone else.

Your business model must incorporate these MIA projects, which many inexperienced freelancers don’t do, according to Cynthia Zigmund, founder and president of Second City Publishing.

She will try to reach someone three times and if there is no response, she assumes the project is dead. Zigmund adds, “Do your due diligence with new clients and if there are any red flags, move on.”

Extreme Rudeness

A book I edited sells poorly. The author is obviously upset and complains, essentially blaming me for the low sales. He keeps sending me nasty emails and voicemails.

I usually write a short email explaining the speculative nature of the publishing business and offer some suggestions, although there isn’t much I can do to change the situation.

But when the author continues to harass and berate me, I stop responding. Clearly, nothing I can say will change the author’s view. If there is an intermediary – a mutual acquaintance who referred the client – as a last resort, I will let that person know the client has stepped out of bounds.

If you are a freelance worker, have you had thorny client situations? I’d love to hear your strategies on how to navigate the projects that seem to get derailed along the way. Please share them below!

We all know our basic healthcare rights. Whether you live in the US or the UK, your fundamental rights are clear: high-quality care, access to services, nationally approved treatments, consent and confidentiality, and the ability to make informed choices are key components.

As we pass 60, you’re entitled to some extra healthcare rights. Knowing what these are and making use of them can help to maintain your overall health and wellbeing.

So, what are some of these 60+ healthcare rights that you should keep in mind? Below, I’ve outlined five of the most important ones that you might not know about.

#1: You Can Get Cheaper (or Completely Free) Prescription Drugs

For many of us, taking regular prescriptions is a necessary – but expensive – everyday expense. One of the great benefits that we have after we pass 60 though is that we can get prescriptions at a much cheaper price.

If you have healthcare insurance in the US, Medicare Part D covers a wide range of prescription drugs and, depending on the specific drug you need, a percentage of the cost will be covered by this legislation. In the UK, the NHS offers free prescriptions to anyone over the age of 60.

#2: Routine Medical Checks and Services Are Covered

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 brought in a lot of healthcare-related benefits for over 60s. Although dental care was unfortunately not included in this – leading to many patients travelling abroad for treatments like dental implants – the legislation does require that Medicare plans cover the full cost of certain routine check-ups.

This includes essential services such as an annual medical check-up and flu vaccinations. The legislation also requires all Medicare plans to cover preventative services like colonoscopies and mammograms.

Similar services are offered to over 60s in the UK, with the NHS covering the cost of preventative tests like mammograms, bowel cancer screening, and abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. Patients eligible for these tests through the NHS are usually sent appointment arrangements automatically by mail.

#3: Discounted Gym Memberships

Despite exercise being an essential part of maintaining our overall health, gym memberships can be unaffordable at times. Thankfully though, many gyms offer significant membership discounts for over 60s.

In the US, you might be able to access this through your health insurance plan, while in the UK individual gyms usually offer discounts for new members and special deals for group exercise classes. For over 60s, going to the gym is a great way to ease stress and keep in shape.

#4: You Might Be Entitled to Free Eyesight Tests

Although the cost of regular eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses isn’t usually covered by Medicare in the US, there are certain situations in which these can fall under the insurance umbrella for over 60s.

If you’re diabetic, for example, Medicare Part B will partially cover the cost of one eye test per year. This is done to detect the presence of diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can occur in patients who have had diabetes for a long time.

In the UK, you can get a free eye test as often as you need one if you’re over 60. This tends to be every two years but can be more frequent depending on specific advice from your ophthalmologist. You can even arrange to have your free eye test performed at home if you’re unable to make it to your optician due to an illness or disability.

#5: Free Health Insurance Counselling

Health insurance and Medicare in the US can be extremely complicated. When it comes to knowing which specific plan to choose, things can quickly become overwhelming. But what many over 60s aren’t aware of is that you’re entitled to health insurance counselling, completely free of charge.

Health insurance counselling for seniors is run through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). If you’re already covered by Medicare, you can make use of their services free of charge and get advice on things like adjusting your Medicare plan, what your insurance does and doesn’t cover, and what you’re eligible for.

Making the Most of Your Healthcare Rights

Whether you live in the US or the UK, knowing – and making use of – your healthcare rights as you pass 60 can help to improve your overall health. If you’re looking for more specific guidance for your individual situation, speak to your doctor about what benefits you can make use of.

For general information on your healthcare rights, you can also check the official Medicare website if you’re in the US and the NHS Constitution if you’re in the UK.

Are you aware of your healthcare rights and benefits as you pass 60? What new benefits have you discovered this year? Do you make use of them? Please share with the community!

Knitting used to be associated with lonely old ladies. Back in the day, knitting was an affordable way to have a sweater. In high school, I remember going to my town’s local fabric shop and seeing a meagre selection of uninteresting yarn for me to choose from.

Not anymore! Young men and women have turned knitting and crocheting into the coolest, fun and creative activity with many dimensions for pleasure.

Today’s knitting world is hip, hop and happening thanks to a new generation of young women and men who have made knitting the thing you want to do. Cruise Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube for inspiration, tutorials, and podcasts about the knitting life.

Any technique you want to learn is explained and demonstrated in a variety of videos. Join the amazing website “Ravelry” for free and take a look at all the help and companionship you could desire.

Social media has created cult superstar knitwear designers like Stephen West, Boyland Knitworks, Andrea Mowry. Indy yarn dyers create artisanal yarns made of speckles, fades and semi solids with yummy yarns of alpaca, merino, silk, yak.

Knit Everywhere

Knitting is not for sitting around at home. It’s a portable craft.  I’m never without my knitting.  My transportable project is socks, small needles and one ball of wool. But I also take scarves, shawls, mittens.

I love to knit in cafes, on a park bench, the beach. I knit on airplanes, trains, buses, in doctor’s offices, waiting rooms everywhere. Love to knit whilst I watch the telly. #nevernotknitting is a hashtag on Instagram.

Knitting Is Not for Loners

Once a solitary activity, knitting has turned into a social activity. When I moved to Chicago, I started a weekly “Stitch and Bitch” group in my apartment building and immediately met men and women knitters who were thrilled to gather, knit, chat, sip tea, nibble treats, talk.

We teach each other techniques and have a grand time. People see us knitting and want to join us. We teach knitting gladly.

Want an easy way to meet people? Sit and knit in public. Within minutes I guarantee someone will come up to you and ask, “What are you knitting?” They might be a knitter or not, but you’ll have a conversation. Knitters are talkers and they seek each other out.

I was knitting in a lounge on a cruise ship some time back, and a woman came up to me and asked the what are you knitting question, and boom, I made a glorious friend. I’ve met people on planes and in airports, I’ve soothed people’s nerves in waiting rooms. People say, “Oh, I wish I had brought my knitting” or “I wish I could knit,” and you’re off!

Your Fabulous Yarn Store

My local yarn store is my happy place of color and texture. It’s not just a place to buy yarn, it’s a beehive of activity and community. Yarn stores offer walk-in advice, private and group classes. They host workshops, trunk shows, demonstrations, knit nights. Most have comfy couches so you can bring your knitting and hang out anytime.

“Local Yarn Store Day” is an international event when everyone visits their local yarn store for sales and activities. A “yarn crawl” is an organized visit to all the yarn stores in your community so you can become acquainted with their specialties and stock.

Knitting Together

Knitwear designers offer “Knit Alongs” where they announce a specific project – a scarf, a shawl or a sweater, and you join with people around the world and all knit the same thing. You consult each other as you select your colors, share your progress and problems, you ask questions and get the help you need.

I have connected with top knitters from around the world on Instagram for advice and help. I interact with my favorite superstar knitters on their fascinating podcasts from around the world.

Travel Knitting

There is a world of travel opportunities for knitters. Choose a place you’d like to visit and chances are there is a yarn festival there. Famous ones are in Edinburgh, Barcelona, Finland. Shetland Island Wool Week is an event I have my eye on.

Vogue Knitting has conventions in venues across the world. Yarn fairs have classes, workshops, lounges, events, games, lectures and plenty of yarn to buy.

The famous Norwegian knitting duo, Arne and Carlos, host excursions to the gardens of England, or a South African safari – with some knitting and/or yarn buying thrown in. They famously host a few knitting cruises each year with Hurtigruten.

As the ship weaves in and out of the fjords up the Norwegian coast, they give lectures, provide a group knit along and onshore excursions to yarn factories and sheep farms. You can go alone and have an instant community.

Once you start exploring, you’ll find international knitting retreats in beautiful settings everywhere – the French countryside, English villages, the Rocky Mountains. You’ll meet likeminded souls, get inspired, learn new skills and have a nice, spa-like experience.

One summer, during my first visit to Amsterdam, I saw a one-day workshop offered in the famous yarn store Stephen and Penelope. I spent a marvelous day sitting at a table with Dutch knitters learning new tips and techniques as we knit the same project together. It was a highlight of my trip that summer.

Chic. Luxurious. Sensual.

A hand-knit sweater or shawl is the ultimate luxury. A priceless gift to yourself or someone else. Mind you, knitting a sweater is not cheaper than buying a sweater. Premium yarns are pricey. But there are yarn companies for all levels of economy.

Lion Brand Yarn has more accessible prices, whereas a premium shop such as Stephen and Penelope in Amsterdam or La Bien Aimee in Paris is more expensive.

Knitting Is Artistic

Explosion of new patterns, techniques and yarns makes for an exciting, sensual, textural experience. Combining colors, learning to fade, marl, color block. “Yarn bombing” is an installation art event when knitters either separately or together knit some fabric up and drape it – around a tree, a light pole, on a fence, a sculpture.

Knitting Is Love: Useful and Beautiful

I knit sweaters, mittens, scarves, shawls, blankets for holiday and birthday gifts. What expecting mother doesn’t want a hand knit baby blanket? I knit stuffed animals, hand warmers, Christmas balls, pompom wreaths, wash cloths, dish cloths, you name it.

Knitting Is Mental Health

Knitting has so many aspects. It’s fun, relaxing and challenging all at once. It is meditative, calming and inspiring. It makes me happy.

Knitting for Charity

Many knit for social causes. I know a group of women who gather weekly to knit hats for newborns in underprivileged areas. Recently, I took the Chicago Architecture Tour, and the male tour guide said his wife taught him to knit during Covid. He knit 25 scarves for homeless shelters. “If you don’t know how to knit, do learn,” he said. “It’s the most fun.”

Aren’t you the teeniest bit interested in exploring the brave new world of knitting? Won’t you share with us some of your interesting knitting stories? And if you don’t knit, do you want to try? Yarn stores love beginners. Make a visit to your local yarn store and they’ll set you right up.

A mom isn’t just the woman who birthed you. There are all types of mothers and mother figures to be celebrated on Mother’s Day. That’s why Jergens launched its “A Mom is A Mom” campaign. To celebrate, I jumped on Zoom with brand ambassador Leslie Mann and her daughter Maude Apatow to chat beauty, skincare and confidence. Yes, they’re as cool as you think they’d be.

“This Mother’s Day campaign is so cool because they’re celebrating all moms, no matter what their path to motherhood is,” says Mann. She was happy to start working with the brand years ago since Jergens Moisturizer has been a favorite in her family forever. “My grandmother used to use the Cherry Almond Jergens so it’s something that’s been around forever and something that works,” she says. Mann also loves the Jergens Wet Skin Body Moisturizer ($5.32 at Amazon), though she admits she uses it on dry skin. (Nothing wrong with beauty hack!)

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Jergens.

Buy: Jergens Original Scent Dry Skin Moisturizer $7.42

When it comes to mother-daughter beauty, Apatow says her mom taught her about “beauty from the inside out,” like “drinking water, eating food that’s good for your skin and not plucking your eyebrows.” She says she learned everything from Mann, watching her get ready and apply makeup. I ask Apatow what she picked up on the Euphoria set she was able to share with her mom.

“I definitely got more creative with eyeshadow,” she says. “And the big chunky glitter wings,” adds Mann.

Source: Instagram

Apatow admits it’s actually her 18-year-old sister Iris Apatow who is the beauty pro in the family. “My sister has been watching beauty tutorials since she was 11 years old so she knows way more tricks than I think we do,” she says. “My sister is really good at makeup because she’s been training for years.”

But that doesn’t mean this mother-daughter duo doesn’t share their own makeup faves with each other. “Maude and Iris used to come in and steal all of my makeup and products, and now because of Euphoria I think, [Maude] gets so much sent to her so I’m always going in and raiding her makeup drawers.”

They both love the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation ($48 at Sephora), as well as all the cream blushes out there on the market. Apatow favors ones from Milk Makeup and Melt Cosmetics. “And the Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm sticks,” she adds. “They went viral and now they’re impossible to find.”

When it comes to skincare, Apatow admits she didn’t wear moisturizer for a long time, saying: “I was in college looking crusty.” Now they’ve got all the Jergens moisturizer they want, while they also “drink water, take care of yourself and exercise.” Mann stresses the importance of adding an exfoliating product, as well as her favorite Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum ($300 at Sephora).

For Mother’s Day, the family usually just have brunch together. “And they get me presents and they’re nice to me or the day,” says Mann laughing. She’s grateful her family is able to be together right now during a difficult time for many. Amen to that.