Job scams are up and the penny has been killed

Making pennies costs way more than they’re worth, those “we want to hire you right away!” texts we all get are actually super malicious, and my fiancé and I made lasagna this weekend (will be talking about that for a while). Let’s get into it.

Job scammers are on the rise, and they’ve cost job-seekers a whopping $300 million in 2025 alone

Applying for jobs is always treacherous, but new job scams (those texts you get offering you roles with daily pay rates that are way too good to be true) are raising the bar for job search horrors. Here’s how they work: you get an interview offer, and they ask you to install some kind of video software. But instead of Zoom, it’s spyware that can steal your bank info, social security number, etc. Sometimes the interviews seem really legit - and even lead to fake jobs! These scams are up 19% compared to last year, and will probably keep rising, as weak labor markets = good opportunities for malicious parties. So if you get a weird text from a “recruiter,” delete it! And if you’re asked to download any suspicious software, just say no!

iPhones have outgrown our pockets

Remember when iPod nanos came with a little felt sleeve? Should have kept mine, because the new ISSEY MIYAKE phone socks sold out - at $229 each! I guess phones have officially become too big for our jeans and… for some reason, we’re over putting them in our purse? TBH I don’t really get it.

The penny is officially RIP

Because it costs $0.03 to manufacture $0.01, the US Mint has officially put the penny to bed, once and for all. The penny had a solid, 232-year run, but that run is done. You’d think there would be no real implications (what can you buy with a penny??), but this will actually cost companies millions. Kwik Trip will be rounding down their purchase prices once their pennies run out, which really adds up when you take into account 905 locations! Ok but why am I already thinking about dressing as a dead penny for NEXT Halloween?

This weekend I made lasagna FROM SCRATCH yes INCLUDING THE DOUGH with my husband-to-be, which does mean we’re….better than everyone? I will be riding this high far longer than these leftovers will last (I will be real with you they are already gone).

You're not ugly, you just don't have a long coat yet!! That’s my new motto for this winter, because sometimes I wake up exhausted with dry skin and a great longing for sunshine and the only thing that makes me feel human is this coat that looks chic and feels like a hug from a freshly groomed goldendoodle. Wear it with jeans? Hot. Over a dress? Adorable. Throw it on over sweats? Somehow…chic. Linked a few options here - Zara also has a ton of great picks right now!

If you, like me, wait until the literal moment someone hands you a gift to remember you were supposed to get THEM one… congratulations, this hack will change your life.

Buy a small stockpile of something useful that you already like and use (may I suggest my new Reduce line? Everyone loves a sustainable tumbler!).

It works for Secret Santa, when you pulled the coworker no one knows anything about; hard-to-please friends/family who reject every gift except “experiences” (???); and that inevitable moment when someone shows up with a gift for you and you’re like “oh my god I totally - yes!! I have something for you too!! One sec!!” sprints to the closet.

Just keep a little “oh crap I forgot” drawer with a couple universally loved items: some socks, nice lip glosses, the iced coffee vessel of everyone’s dreams, etc.

Thanks for reading!