Arnie calls her home “my accordion house” and laughs.

It’s a huge Victorian building in the center of Concord, New Hampshire. Arnie inherited it from an aunt who lived on the second floor until her death. When her husband died at an early age, she was suddenly a widow of very limited means.

Committed to keeping the home she loves, she got creative, renting every single bit of it in a number of innovative ways. She loves living with home-mates.

Arnie’s Solution

Arnie rents the second floor with its four bedrooms to law students. They have a kitchenette and bathroom. On the ground floor a former drawing room has been converted to an Airbnb. She rents the living room and kitchen for functions. She even rents a wall in the second floor living room to labor organizers who have a desk, printer and bulletin board. They use it one day a week.

Maybe you made some of the same career choices Arnie did. She followed her passion and has a long career in public service (ran for governor twice) and in radio. Currently, she hosts a progressive political talk on public radio, The Attitude with Arnie Arnesen.

While not lucrative, her choices gave her a life she loves. The challenge is to make the finances work, especially in retirement.

Not everybody has a Victorian mansion, but many single empty-nesters have extra room. And like Arnie, many could benefit from the added income home-sharing can provide.

Retirement Realities

Income from house sharing can make a significant difference, especially for single women who are finding that their retirement income is limited. Currently in the United States, 45 percent of single retirees are 90 percent dependent on Social Security.

According to the Social Security Report, Fast Facts and Figures, in 2014 the average Social Security payment for a woman was $1134 a month. Men are slightly higher, at $1451. That’s average. Many make do with much less.

Adding Income and Companionship in Retirement Living

My website is full of stories about people, mostly women, who share housing. Arnie’s solution turns what could be a burden (owning a large home) into a resource. Nancy spent her life in social work and dedication to nonviolence. Living in shared housing allows her to live in the middle of town where she can walk to all her activities. It’s the retirement she dreamed of.

Many retirees started sharing to have some additional income. For instance, there is a special education teacher who rents to medical residents and saves the income to tide her over during the summer months. Or another who found herself deeply in debt and began renting a room in her condo as a way to climb out of that hole. There’s Amy, a librarian who wanted to not feel so stressed.

What is astonishing to realize is that if you have an additional five hundred dollars a month, that’s six thousand dollars a year. That’s not chump change.

The money part is why many turn to shared housing. They stay for the companionship, the help, and the comfort. Sharing housing is just good common sense. We human beings have been banding together and helping each other out since the beginning of time.

Humans thrive in community. We’re wired to have constant (yes, really!) human connection. Of course we need some privacy. We can have both when we share housing.

Creating Your Own Solution

Of course, successful house sharing takes work. It is a process to find compatible partners. It takes care, clarity about who you are and what you need, and honesty. Creating a safe home with others doesn’t happen overnight. But it is completely doable. There are lots of nice people in the world.

If you are single and living in straitened circumstances, please consider how your life would improve if you were to have a home-mate (or two!). If you are currently living with others, like a partner or family members, help the single people you know by talking about this idea. It’s a sensible, smart solution to a real issue affecting millions of people.

Here’s how you might start: Play with the idea, imagine yourself in various situations. Talk to your friends about it. Look around your current home. How could you make space for others?

Read the stories about real people sharing housing on our website. Read “Sharing Housing, a Guidebook for Finding and Keeping Good Housemates.”

Have you considered sharing housing? Are you doing it? If you’ve thought of it and not done it, what has gotten in the way? Have you ever shared housing? What was that like? What questions do you have about it? Please join the conversation in the comments.

The Bachelorette Season 17 Episode 7: Looks We Love

This week on The Bachelorette feelings start to get real, and not just between Katie and some of the guys but between us and some of the fashion (I mean, just take a look at the rose ceremony looks ). So with that being said, scroll on down below to see our top picks from the ep that have us very much tempted to blurt out the “L word” — and really mean it.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Monse Dress on Sale (hers was shortened)

Click Here For Additional Stock on Sale

And Here For More Stock on Sale

And Here For Even More Stock

Click Here to Shop Her Saint Laurent Sandals

Style Stealers:

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Click Here to See Her Solace London Dress

Click Here to Shop Her Rene Caovilla Sandals

Style Stealers:

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e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);

if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’)
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Click Here to Shop Her Givenchy Dress on Sale

Click Here For Additional Stock on Sale

And Here For More Stock on Sale

Click Here to Shop Her Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals on Sale

Style Stealers:

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Click Here to Shop Her Zeynep Arcay Dress on Sale

Style Stealers:

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Click Here to Shop Her One Grey Day Hoodie on Sale

Click Here to Shop the Matching Shorts on Sale

Style Stealers:

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Click Here to Shop Her Dress Forum Dress at Urban Outfitters

Style Stealers:

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The Bachelorette Airs MONDAY, JULY. 19 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Craig Sjodin)

Originally posted at: The Bachelorette Season 17 Episode 7: Looks We Love

Giorgio Armani’s beloved Luminous Silk Foundation is a huge favorite among makeup artists, beauty editors, models, and YouTubers because put simply, it delivers an Instagram-worthy filter-like finish offering medium-to-full coverage buildability, but miraculously manages to still look (and feel) like bare skin. It delivers a subtle radiance that catches the light beautifully (it looks amazing in photos) all without looking shimmery or overly dewy. Plus, it blends into the skin like a dream, hence why it’s endured as an industry staple spotted in so many MUA’s kits. Sadly, finding a Luminous Silk foundation dupe isn’t exactly easy — I should know since I’ve been trying to find an affordable alternative to this magical potion for years.

The first time a makeup artist applied it to my skin, it was love at first sight. My skin looked like it had been photo-shopped by a professional (except IRL, obviously) while still looking natural— not like a bad Facetune edit, and definitely not cakey or greasy. Unfortunately, while I was in love with Luminous Silk, the $64 price tag wasn’t exactly a love affair I could commit to long-term (or, on any terms, really).

While the iconic complexion-enhancing base may be one-of-a-kind, there are some similar formulas available that will give your skin a similar effect without having to shell out a whopping $64 for one fluid ounce. Look, if you’re going to invest in a luxury foundation, this one is totally worth it, but not all of us are able to drop that kind of cash on makeup.

If you’re really looking to save, but simply can’t fathom of the idea of having to downgrade to one of the dupes I’ve highlighted below, there is a smaller-sized bottle of Luminous Silk Foundation for $42 instead of $64. You’re only going to get 0.8 ounces, but it’s a great option for those who intend to only wear it on special occasions or if you haven’t tried it for yourself yet, and don’t want to invest the full amount until you’re absolutely certain that it’s worth it.

Either way, I’ve searched long and hard trying to find drugstore equivalent to this wondrous foundation, and while I can’t quite say any of them are a 100 percent spot-on match, they’re pretty darn close and cost less than $25 a pop.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of Giorgio Armani.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

The iconic foundation is now available in two sizes, so you can save $22 bucks for the smaller size if you really don’t want to stray from the original.

Courtesy of Amazon.

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation

When you search for Luminous Silk dupes online (whether on Google, Reddit or Pinterest), L’Oreal’s True Match Lumi Foundation is by far the most mentioned alternative to its high-end counterpart. This lightweight, silky foundation feels like skin and gives a satiny glow that falls perfectly in between the dewy vs. matte spectrum. It also scores serious bonus points for being infused with skin-enhancing ingredients, including Vitamin C and E.

Buy: L’Oreal Lumi Foundation $10.44

Courtesy of Maybelline.

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

Maybelline’s beloved Fit Me line is mostly known for their Matte + Poreless foundation, which yes, is amazing. But the lesser-known dewy version of this affordable foundation is not only equally as stellar, but it’s also a tragically underrated dupe for Luminous Silk. It also contains SPF 18 and is offered in an impressive range of shades, which gives it some major extra credit points.

Buy: Maybelline Dewy + Smooth Foundation $5.28

Courtesy of The Body Shop.

The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation

Okay, so I know this one isn’t technically a drugstore option, but $25 is significantly cheaper than $64, and this is a pretty close dupe to Luminous Silk if you’re looking to come as close as possible to the real deal. It’s a hydrating formula, but dries down to a semi-matte finish, making it feel comfortable and airless all day long. It delivers a solid medium-level coverage, but you can easily build it to full with another layer without it streaking or looking heavy. Just like Luminous Silk Nude Glow actually blends into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, giving you a natural veil of coverage.

Courtesy of Catrice.

Catrice Tru Skin Hydrating Foundation

This moisture-boosting foundation not only keeps the skin hydrated, but the medium to full coverage foundation also manages to stay up for up to 24 hours. What impresses me about this French drugstore foundation the most is its ability to keep the skin moisturized and non-cakey without leaving my skin overly dewy (just like the Luminous Silk foundation). This is a gorgeous formula at a stellar price point, so I do hope the brand expands the limited shade range soon.

Buy: Catrice Tru Skin Foundation $11

Courtesy of Physician’s Formula.

Physician’s Formula The Healthy Foundation

This top-rated foundation is somewhat of a newcomer to the drugstore beauty sphere, but it’s already amassed a major following in the short time it’s been out. Just like the Armani, this weightless formula offers buildable coverage that looks like your skin but better (and maybe with a real-life filter on it), without looking like you’re wearing makeup at all. It also contains skincare ingredients to help brighten and improve texture and tone over time. What’s not to love?

Buy: Physician’s Formula The Healthy Foundation $12.95

Courtesy of L’Oreal.

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

Honestly, L’Oreal knows how to do affordable foundation right. I can’t think of a foundation that I’ve tried from their range that I haven’t been impressed with (and I’ve tried pretty much every single one they have to offer). The Pro-Glow foundation from their long-wearing Infallible collection is an excellent alternative to Luminous Silk because it gives you a natural radiance that looks like skin, but doesn’t leave you looking like an oil slick or foundation-free after just two hours of wear time.

Buy: L’Oreal Pro Glow Foundation $10.99

A version of this story was originally published in February 2020.

Whether it’s the fact that we’re coming out of the pandemic or just my mood this summer, I’ve been spending a lot of time poring over old photos and reminiscing about some of the best summers of my childhood. The summer of 1969 really stands out.

A Year for All the U.S. to Remember

As many of you may remember, on July 20, 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first human beings to land on the moon. As he took his first steps on solid ground, Armstrong uttered those famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

We witnessed a huge milestone in American history. I’d just turned 15, and like many of the hippies of that time, I had a rebellious streak. I performed naughty acts like wearing the American flag around my shoulders and experimenting with psychedelic drugs.

My 1969 Was Different

But rather than watching me continually engage in unlawful activities, my mother decided that I should have a meaningful and transcendent experience, so she decided to send me to Lausanne, Switzerland, to spend the summer at an international teen camp there. So that’s where I was when the astronauts landed on the moon.

“There will be teens in Switzerland from all over the world,” my mother told me. “It will be good for you to get out of the New York for the hot summer.”

When I asked how I’d communicate with the other students, she said that many would speak English or understand it. She also told me that I’d have the chance to practice the French I’d studied in school for the past four years.

This was my first trip overseas without my parents. My insecurity about the journey to Switzerland resulted in my wanting to take most of the contents of my bedroom with me. From the attic I fetched a huge duffel bag, into which I stuffed just about every item I owned, or as my father used to say, “Everything but the kitchen sink.”

Off to Switzerland I Went

A few weeks after I arrived and was settled in, the campers and counselors were told to gather in a large glass-enclosed meeting room that also served as the camp gymnasium. It was about 10:30 p.m., way past the end of our habitual evening activities. We scurried to find spots on the hardwood floor in front of the small TV mounted on the wall so we could share this experience with one another.

Of course, there were some campers who couldn’t have cared less; they were busy flirting with the boys next to them (I might have been one of them), and the counselors were telling us to be quiet.

As one of a handful of Americans, I felt proud that so much attention was being directed toward my country. But like any milestone that we live through, I didn’t realize the impact of that experience until many years later.

Music Defined Us Back Then

And just like teens today, music was an essential ingredient of my happiness, so I didn’t dare go overseas without my record player, padded between my clothes, along with my favorite 45s. Those little black circular discs (about twice the size of a bagel) had big holes in the middle.

In that hole we placed another smaller yellow plastic disc, about the size of a quarter. This disc prevented the record from swaying back and forth on the record player, or Victrola, as my mother used to call it. Usually, each record had one song on each side.

The 33s, on the other hand, were the larger-format records, and stored the same amount of music as one compact disc. It was the size of a small tire on a children’s bike, also with a little hole in the middle. The 33s didn’t require that small yellow disc.

It had been only four years since the Beatles were first introduced on The Ed Sullivan Show, and their music was popular across all the generations, but it was most popular among teens. (I really felt my age when I just read that Ringo Starr recently turned 81.)

Let It Be

There are a few Beatles songs from their first album that still resonate in my head, but the one that made the greatest impact on me was “Let It Be.” I played it over and over again, the music blasting out of the speakers in my tiny bedroom in Queens, New York.

“Let It Be” accompanied me on my journey across the ocean and resonated from my dormitory room at the international teen camp, which at other times during the year was a school called École Nouvelle (New School), and the amazing thing is, even now, almost 50 years later, that song still instills a sense of peace in me.

What was nice about the song was its calming effect during that stressful time of being so far away from my parents. It was also a song that teens from other countries had repeatedly heard on their radio stations, so it served as a common denominator across the different nationalities represented at the camp. I was amazed by how well the foreign speakers knew the lyrics, although they may have had little idea what they meant.

It Is Milestones We Remember Most Vividly

In addition to the transformative moment of the astronauts landing on the moon, now, more than five decades later, hearing “Let It Be” still conjures up images of that summer in Switzerland; and also, my slow dances with boys from France, Kuwait, Italy, and the United States.

That summer was one of the best of my youthful years, and sometimes I play “Let It Be” in my head when there’s turmoil around me – and I know that the soothing effects of the Beatles’ words will resonate in my mind forever.

So here’s to summer fun and reminiscing about the milestones we were fortunate enough to experience!

Which of your childhood/teen summers do you remember the best and why? What brings you way back then? Do you often reminisce about the past? Let’s swap childhood summer stories!