Considering the big news of the weekend with President Biden stepping down as the 2024 Democratic candidate for president (can we PLEASE have a break from big news?!), we thought today we'd round up some articles about Vice President and likely Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. She's maintained a low profile during her time in office, to say the least, so let's dig in.

(We've tried to include good articles that look at her personal story and rise — if you have any to share, please list them in the comments!)

Here's an excerpt from a recent CNN story to start things off:

As recently as last year, some Democrats were worried that negative views of Harris could hurt the ticket, prompting prominent Democrats to urge the party to stop undermining her.

But in the weeks since Biden’s June debate performance, Harris has settled into a groove, becoming a key surrogate for Biden’s reelection campaign on reproductive health as the campaign put it, the threat Trump poses to democracy.

Harris allies have argued that much of the criticism is a result of racism and sexism against the country’s first woman of color in such a position. Now, they say, the country is seeing in Harris what her allies have seen for years.

“Oftentimes Black women are not seen until they’re needed,” said LaTosha Brown, a co-founder of Black Voters Matter, a progressive group that works to boost Black voter turnout. “We’ve seen her constantly berated, marginalized, questioned. I think that the shift is because there’s a need.”

“Kamala Harris: Everything you need to know about the new vice president [ABC News, 2021]

This 2021 article shares some of Harris's personal background and policy positions. It details her careers as a U.S. senator, and prior to that, the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American person to serve as California's attorney general, (2011-2017). Before that, she served from 2004-2010 as district attorney of San Francisco, the first Black woman in that position. In 1990, right after law school, she joined the Alameda County DA's office.

“Biden endorses Kamala Harris: What her California years reveal” [CalMatters, 2024]

This story shares detailed aspects of Harris's California years, including her focus on victims of sexual abuse and exploitation; her (controversial) efforts to reduce truancy rates; her “Back on Track” program, which “redirected first-time, non-violent drug offenders into supervised education, job training courses, therapy sessions and life skills classes”; and more. It also notes that she has been (almost) always opposed to the death penalty.

“Is Kamala the One?” (article preview/excerpt) [The Nation, 2024]

The Nation will publish a thorough profile of Harris in its August issue, but after Biden stepped down yesterday, editors decided to publish an excerpt immediately. It notes that her current task is one that “no vice president or vice presidential nominee has ever been asked to fulfill” (hmm, surprise surprise, a seriously daunting job has been assigned to someone who is Black and a woman); looks at her outreach to a diverse group of constituencies, including Black voters; reviews her criticism of the Israeli government; and mentions her speeches on reproductive rights.

The excerpt also includes this key quote from California Senator Laphonza Butler, Harris's friend: “I see a Black woman who got sick and tired of trying to please everybody and just said, ‘F*** it. I’m not gonna make everybody happy. I just have to be me.'”

Podcast episode: “Is the Bodily Autonomy in the Room With Us?” — includes interview [American Fever Dream, 2024; no Spotify account required]

In February 2024, Harris made an appearance on the podcast American Fever Dream. In her interview with V. Spehar, she spoke about threats to reproductive rights, including fears around IVF accessibility, and expressed support for the queer community in the wake of Nex Benedict's death. The interview starts about 49 minutes in.

“How pro-LGBTQ+ is Kamala Harris?” [Advocate, 2024]

This week, Advocate took a look at Harris's views on LGBTQ+ rights. It noted that during her California career, she established a hate-crimes unit in the DA’s office; conducted marriages for same-sex couples after they became legal in San Francisco; prominently opposed Prop 8, which revoked marriage equality in California; and worked hard to abolish gay and transgender “panic” defenses in criminal trials — and much more.

By the way, GLAAD's Biden Accountability Tracker includes Harris's work to advance LGBTQ+ rights, health, and so on (very long page — ctrl+F is your friend here).

“A Guide to Kamala Harris’ Views on Abortion, the Economy, and More” [TIME, 2024]

Get quick facts about Harris's views on crime, immigration, the economy, gun control, and several more issues.

Readers, do you have any helpful links about Vice Pres. Kamala Harris (not necessarily “But can she win?” articles)? Bonus question: Do you think the typical way of referring to her as “Kamala” rather than “Harris” is a potential indicator of sexism/racism (not to mention the common mispronunciation of her name)? We've seen some interesting conversations about this online.

Photo via Wikipedia / By The Circus on SHOWTIME – YouTube, CC BY 3.0

The post Kamala Harris: What to Know appeared first on Corporette.com.

I don't know why I never tried an electric toothbrush until this year, but when my dentist recommended one like this, the Oral-B Pro 1000, I finally did. I wish I had gotten one earlier, because I love it! When the rechargeable battery died the other day (my fault — I'd ignored the low-battery light), I had to use my regular toothbrush, and it just couldn't compare.

This brush is part of Oral-B's Pro series of electric toothbrushes. The top model in their high-end series, iO, is $380 (!), but Pro series starts at under $20, with the Pro 100. (I don't really need Bluetooth and AI tech in my toothbrush!)

My favorite feature of my new brush — besides the fact that it cleans better than a manual one — is that it uses a particular vibration pattern to tell you when it's time to move on to a new part of your mouth, giving each quadrant 30 seconds. It doesn't shut off after 2 minutes, though, so you can repeat any areas if needed. Another welcome feature: The brush head stops moving if you're brushing too hard.

If I were going to spend more on an electric brush, I'd buy a model that's a bit quieter with a longer battery life, but right now, this one's good enough for me. (You can always just leave it in the charger 24/7 and not worry about battery life.)

The Pro 1000 toothbrush from Oral-B is under $50 at Amazon and available in both black and white. It comes with one brush head, and in three months, you'll need a new one. (Lots of types are available.)

Sales of note for 7.19.24

• Nordstrom – The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to everybody! Here are all of our picks, and here are reader favorites.
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, extra 50% off markdowns + 20% off everything!
• Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% off everything, take an extra 20% off your purchase
• Eloquii – 50% off select styles
• Everlane – Up to 70% off
• J.Crew – End of Season Sale, extra 50% off sale styles
• J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Madewell – End of season sale, up to 70% off with code.
• M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide. (Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is the biggest sitewide discount I've ever seen…)
• Rothy's – Lots of great finds in the “final few” section
• Talbots – Semi-annual red door sale, extra 40% off markdowns

The post Coffee Break: Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush appeared first on Corporette.com.

If your pale, post-winter/spring skin needs a boost, or you naturally have a medium or darker skin tone and want some enhancement, a self-tanner may be just the thing. Today we're rounding up three of the best self-tanners to easily and quickly give you that warmer glow without any harmful UV rays. (By the way, a “base tan” isn't what it's cracked up to be.)

Readers, do you use self-tanner? What are your favorite brands and products?

A quick note: As with a lot of beauty products, online reviews for self-tanners aren't always super helpful, as there are often a wide variety of opinions, from “I love this self-tanner! It applies perfectly” to “This smells horrible, is patchy, and I hate it.” So, YMMV — that's why travel sizes can be your friend here. Many brands offer travel/mini sizes, such as Bondi Sands, Beauty by Earth, and Isle of Paradise.

{related: what is your favorite sunscreen? — and yes, we're due for an update!}

Here are some of the best self-tanners out there.

Reader-Favorite Self-Tanners

These are some of the self-tanning products readers have recommended — and we're excited to try these newer self-tanner drops that you add to your regular lotion. During the NAS, Nordstrom has some great deals on self-tanner drops and St. Tropez mousse, also…

3 of the Best Self-Tanners for 2024

Best General Self-Tanner: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

This limited edition, Sephora-exclusive self-tanner, St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse, is in mousse form and has an “island-inspired” fragrance. Specifically, St. Tropez notes, it smells like “tropical fruit blended with velvety coconut, vanilla, and Tahitian gardenia.” (That does sound nice.)

Reviewers' opinions of the scent include “pleasant,” “fresh,” “divine,” “really good” and also … “a problem for some people.”

To use this tanner, which is vegan and cruelty-free, you apply with a mitt and wait one to three hours before showering. Your tan will develop over the next eight hours.

Nordstrom has a value set (two containers, 3.38 oz. + 13.7 oz.) for $56 during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale; you can also find this self-tanner for $46 for 6.7 oz. at Sephora. (There are also self-tanning drops from St. Tropez in the NAS.)

Best Face Self-Tanner: Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

You've got a choice for getting more color on your face, and if you're seeking something that lasts longer than a bronzer or tinted moisturizer, these self-tanner face drops from UK company Tan-Luxe are a good bet. The Face is designed to be added to your moisturizer, serum, or face oil, and you can customize the shad — from 2 drops (“radiant”) to 12 drops (“bronzed”). (You might want to start small, to avoid a Ross “Mississippi” situation.)

This product is cruelty-free, vegan, and also free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone, and talc. Reviewers say the scent is “great,” “way better than other self-tanners,” or alternately, “strongly like apple cider vinegar,” or non-existent. So, yeah.

These face drops are $50 for 1 oz. at Nordstrom and are available in two shades: light/medium and medium/dark.

(There are also self-tanning drops from St. Tropez in the NAS — 2 oz. for $59.)

Best Self-Tanner for Darker Skin Tones: Loving Tan Platinum Ultimate Self Tanning Mousse

For a recommendation for a self-tanner that works well for darker skin tones, we turned to the Instagram of Jackie Aina, popular Nigerian American content creator and lifestyle brand founder. (Check out her “Black Girls Tan” Insta story highlights for more!)

Aina says she loves this Platinum Ultimate Self Tanning Mousse from Australian brand Loving Tan. It's an Allure Best of Beauty award winner, too, and promises “The deepest, darkest tan possible.” (Especially if you have lighter skin, note the company's caveat, “experienced tanners only.”)

Loving Tan claims this self-tanner will dry in as little as 60 seconds and will develop your tan in two hours — a lot more quickly than some other tanners. Not only can it enhance your skin tone, but it can help with hyperpigmentation.

Various reviewers say the scent is “minimal,” “pleasant,” “does not smell good,” or is nonexistent, so YMMV.

This self-tanner mousse is $27.96 (30% off, marked down from $39.95) for 3.3 oz. at Nordstrom; the 6.7-oz. size is available at Ulta for $65.

Readers, please share! What are your favorite self-tanners for face and body?

The post 3 of the Best Self-Tanners for 2024 appeared first on Corporette.com.

When you're at a post-work happy hour with coworkers, or another office event that involves alcohol, and you choose not to drink, it can sometimes (sadly enough) get tricky. Readers once had a helpful discussion in the comments about how to fake drinking at work events, and we thought we'd round up their advice today.

Readers, do tell: When you feel it's necessary, how do you fake drinking at work events?

While some readers said they didn't really see the need to pretend to drink when coworkers are imbibing, others commented that they've had colleagues who continue to urge them to have a drink even after they've declined — or try to find out exactly WHY they're they're skipping alcohol (what a pain!).

In fact, one commenter shared that some acquaintances closely monitored her after her wedding for signs she might be pregnant (far beyond just skipping alcohol), while another reader commented, “To those questioning whether this is still a thing for full-grown adults? Yes. Very much yes. Especially in the law firm world of Old Boys.” One reader shared, “I’ve personally been asked many times point blank if I’m pregnant because I wasn’t drinking.”

The tips below can help in all sorts of situations — whether you want to avoid alcohol because you're pregnant (or trying to conceive), or you're cutting out alcohol to lose weight, or you're sober / in recovery. Or maybe you simply don't drink!

{related: 10 great mocktail recipes for Dry January}

How to Fake Drinking at Work Events

Readers shared a ton of suggestions for mocktails and other options to fake drinking and thwart those curious (read: nosy) coworkers.

As one reader noted. “It’s really all about the glassware. You could also do ginger ale in a champagne flute, cranberry juice in a martini glass with Cosmo garnish, etc.”

Here are some drink possibilities from readers:

• Club soda & lime
• Club soda & cranberry
• Cranberry & lime
• Faux Jack & ginger: ginger ale & lime
• Faux rum & coke: Coke & lime
• Virgin mojito
• Virgin Cosmo
• Virgin Moscow Mule — no one will know what's in that copper mug!
• Virgin Bellini or virgin mimosa: “Have the bartender switch soft apple cider for the Prosecco, or lemon soda or something if they don’t have apple cider,” one reader suggested.
• Virgin Sea Breeze: cranberry & grapefruit
• Root beer or ginger beer that has a beer-style bottle/label

{related: Dry January: why I'm doing it again — and what to drink instead}

Readers, please share your favorite mocktails — or any other ways to get nosy coworkers off your back so you can enjoy your nonalcoholic drink in peace.

Stock photo via Stencil.

The post How to Fake Drinking at Work Events appeared first on Corporette.com.

It's safe to say that most of us could stand to cut down on our screen time (no judgment here — damn you, infinite scroll!). While we've discussed reducing screen time before (including specifically for working moms), we decided it's time for an update on ways to reduce your screen time — both on your phone and computer.

Readers, what are the best ways you've found to limit screen time? Please share your favorite settings, apps, and plugins!

Limiting screen time can be tricky because there are plenty of activities on your phone (or on other screens) that are generally beneficial, like listening to podcasts, reading e-books, using meditation apps, messaging with friends and family, and so on. That's why tools that limit your access to certain sites and apps can be more helpful than those that treat all screen time equally.

The following strategies include both options!

6 Ways to Reduce Your Screen Time

Built-In Screen Time Limits

Starting with the basics, if you have an iPhone, Screen Time settings help you tackle your phone use. You can limit time spent per app or app category (such as games) and set certain apps to be accessible 24/7. Adjusting Downtime will block apps and notifications during the time periods you choose. And “turning off” an app removes it from your home screen but doesn't delete it (is this news to anyone else?!).

On an Android phone, use the Digital Wellbeing controls to monitor your habits, like how much time you spend using particular apps, how many times you unlock your phone, how many notifications you get, etc. You can also set app time limits and/or “pause” certain apps.

Focus / Do Not Disturb mode on any type of phone is helpful — and remember, you can make exceptions for certain contacts to reach you no matter what. Also check your settings for individual app notifications — personally, I feel like I spend too much swiping unnecessary notifications throughout the day.

You can limit your computer use by setting limits on your home WiFi — say, starting at your ideal bedtime. This CNET article explains how to do this through your router or using Circle for Netgear.

Display Settings

This tactic not only makes your phone screen look less appealing (and therefore tempting) but also can remind you that it's time to go to bed, or just put down your phone. You can change your color scheme to grayscale to make it look boring, dim your wallpaper and lock screen (iPhone/Android), set to dark mode, and so on.

Here's a quick tip: Although it definitely has its issues (like telling you to add glue to pizza and, uh, threatening blogs like ours), Google's AI Overview feature is a helpful for finding out how to adjust phone settings without having to sort through lots of search results.

Forrest App & Plugin

Forest is a gamification-based app for iPhone, Android, and Chrome that aims to help you “Stay focused, be present.” Forest kind of reminds me of a Tamagotchi — it lets you plant a virtual tree, and while you focus on what you're supposed to, the tree grows. Leave the app before you're done and the tree will die. (Aww, poor little tree.) Otherwise, you can grow your own forest.

{related: how to take a partial social media break}

Morphine Plugin

Morphine is a Chrome plugin that lets you block certain websites, then draw from a balance when you visit them.

Here's an excerpt from Kat's original review:

The idea is that you only “earn” time with the URLs you put in Morphine after you’ve been using the computer for more productive purposes for a certain amount of time. Perfect.

I used to have it set to 1 minute of play time for every 10 minutes of work time, but that left me with far too many minutes in my bank — so I switched it to 1 minute of play time for every 60 minutes of work time.

That was a bit too little. I’ve decided I need at least 3 minutes to look at Facebook, even using the Social Fixer plugin, because when I try to sneak a peek for one minute, and inevitably try to refresh it for another minute more, it would take me at least 30 seconds to find my place scrolling down the page.

{related: are you leaving social media this year (have you already left?)}

Other Apps

Other recommended phone apps to limit screen time are Minimalist for Android (changes your home screen interface to a limited text-only list), Stay Focused for iPhone and Android (blocks apps/websites and can stop you from changing settings / uninstalling), and one sec for iPhone and Android (allows you to “set an intention” before opening apps to halt mindless tapping).

Your Own Rules

If you've got a bit more willpower than me (and don't want to spend time fooling around with settings), set your own screen time guidelines, like these:

1. Don't use your phone in bed, or perhaps while eating (for more mindful meals).

2. If you always reach for your phone immediately after waking up, charge your phone elsewhere, or at least across the room.

3. Delete social media apps from your phone — and keep them off.

4. When you open a time-sucking app, set a timer on your phone for 15 or 30 mins. and then stop when your time's up.

You also might want to check out the reader-recommended How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life (Amazon/Bookshop).

Readers, what are your favorite ways to reduce your screen time on your phone and computer? Have you tried any of the above?

The post 6 Ways to Reduce Your Screen Time appeared first on Corporette.com.

A few months ago, when I wrote a Coffee Break about a clothes hamper (after buying it for my son's room), I was struck by one reader's comment: “This hamper may have just solved an issue in my house! Definitely going to check it out.” While hampers aren't something we think about much day to day, switching to a nicer one can make life a tiny bit easier — or just rid your room of an eyesore.

We've previously talked about dry cleaning, washing workwear, and what to do with worn-but-not-dirty clothes — but never hampers, so we're rounding up a few today!

With clothes hampers, you've got tons of choices in terms of size, style, and structure (sections to separate clothing, for example), and wading through what's available online can involve WAY too much scrolling. Here's a cheat sheet of four great hampers.

4 Great Hampers for Your Home

The Container Store

It would seem wrong to do a hamper roundup without including The Container Store. This lightweight, smaller hamper is a good pick if you tend to do laundry frequently or don't have much room for something large. (Plus, having a smaller hamper can motivate you to wash your clothes more frequently … in theory!)

This hamper, which is one of the highest-rated at The Container Store, is woven from cotton and jute and has convenient built-in handles. It's sturdy enough to stand up but is collapsible in case you need to store it. The design and colors (pictured, plus cream/brown) are subtle enough to blend into your bedroom decor.

This hamper measures 16″ wide and 21″ high and is $39.99.

Brightroom from Target

Why aren't there more corner hampers? It's a question for the ages. Anyway, especially if you don't have many places in your bedroom or bathroom that would work for a typical hamper, a corner style like this can be a smart solution. This highly-rated hamper is lightweight and has a woven paper exterior.

If you have cats, this is probably not the hamper for you, as they'd probably gleefully make it a scratching post as soon as you bring it home.

This hamper measures 14″ x 14″ x 22″ and is $35. With the AR feature on Target's website, you can see what it looks like in your room to get a better idea of its size.

{related: the best products for closet organization}

Best Choice

Want to keep your clothes out of sight and out of mind? Here's a two-compartment hamper available in five neutral colors. With its metal frame (and 13-lb. weight) it's sturdier than many other hampers, and it has two built-in handles. No need to carry the whole thing around your home, though — it also contains two removable, machine-washable, linen liners.

The hamper's two sections can either help you pre-sort your laundry or provide separate spaces for you and a partner to toss your clothes. (Fellow cat owners, beware: This is definitely another “Yep, looks like a scratching post to me!” item.)

This hamper from Best Choice measures 12.75″ deep x 24″ wide x 24″ high and starts at $69.99 at Amazon. (Looking for a higher-end version? This seems to be a dupe for hampers like this $269 option from Pottery Barn.)

{related: how to make your clothing last longer}

Colonial Mills

Colonial Mills hampers are definitely worth a look if you're not into boxy styles. The Rhode Island company's hampers are made in the U.S.A. and have a softer look (and feel) than a lot of other options. (They also make baskets and rugs!) This wool-blend hamper is handmade and available in six solid colors, including light gray and teal. It also has handy, er, handles on the sides and lid.

The hamper is 16″ wide and “24” high and is $127 at Home Depot, which also has other Colonial Mills hampers available, including fun striped ones.

Check out Colonial Mills's website for many more hampers (and other items) and a 60%-off-everything sale.

Readers, do you have a favorite hamper? (Why are good ones so hard to find?)

The post 4 Great Hampers for Your Home appeared first on Corporette.com.