Area Attractions - Getty's Outdoor Summer Concerts (LA)

 

Getty’s free annual outdoor concert series, Off the 405, is back with an exciting lineup, kicking off June 1 and running through August 24. Featured artists include Hailu Mergia, Slauson Malone 1, Helado Negro, Julia Holter, and Woods. Tickets for the first concert are available now. Future tickets will be released three weeks prior to each concert.

Concerts take place from 6 to 9 p.m. and will begin with a live DJ set. Attendees are welcome to arrive early, explore the Getty Center’s Central Garden and current exhibitions, bring a picnic, or purchase food and beverages onsite before the show begins.

Since 2009, Off the 405 has brought a succession of critically-acclaimed musical artists to the Getty Center for memorable experiences amid stunning architecture and breathtaking sunset views. Past performers include Chicano Batman, Makaya McCraven, Bartees Strange, L’Rain, Allah-Las, Hand Habits, and Cate Le Bon, among others.

Parking at the Getty Center is $25, or $15 after 3 p.m. and $10 after 6 p.m. Take advantage of our Pay Once, Park Twice offer and visit the Getty Villa first before heading to the Getty Center concert, using the same-day parking ticket.

Off the 405 lineup

Saturday, June 1 – Hailu Mergia

Ethiopian musician and composer, Hailu Mergia, is best known for his work as a keyboardist and accordion player, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. Mergia gained prominence as a member of the Walias Band, a prominent jazz and funk group that blended traditional Ethiopian music with Western jazz and funk influences. Mergia and his veteran band unpeel layer after layer of harmonic and rhythmic interest from a spectrum of Ethiopian sounds. At 77 years old, he energetically moves from keyboard to organ to accordion to melodica, often switching instruments during the same song.

Saturday, June 15 – Slauson Malone 1

Slauson Malone 1 is a performance piece created by artist and musician Jasper Marsalis, exploring the possible intersections of popular music and performance art. Marsalis is known for his experimental and boundary-pushing approach to music, blending elements of hip-hop, jazz, electronic, and avant-garde genres. On his latest album, Excelsior, he uses nearly two dozen different instruments, including guitar, theremin, Mellotron, Wurlitzer, and more.

Saturday, July 20 – Helado Negro

Born in South Florida to Ecuadorian immigrant parents, the world-building multi-instrumentalist Roberto Carlos Lange stitches together memories, impressions, and atmospheres to make detailed dreamscapes as Helado Negro. He produces, engineers, and mixes his own songs, creating and populating his own sonic world. Following his breakthrough records, 2016's Private Energy and 2019's This Is How You Smile, Lange's just-released ninth studio record, Phasor, picks up on an integral interest in the natural world.

Saturday, July 27 – Julia Holter

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and composer Julia Holter is known for her experimental and avant-garde approach to music, which showcases her unique songwriting style and ethereal vocals. After a string of dream-pop albums—from the 2012 breakthrough Ekstasis to Loud City Song and Have You in My Wilderness—her new album, Something in the Room She Moves, marks a remarkable progression in Holter’s oeuvre, synthesizing a free, improvisatory energy with her signature eloquence.

Saturday, August 24 – Woods

Formed in Brooklyn in 2004, Woods is made up of co-founders Jeremy Earl and Jarvis Taveniere, joined by John Andrews, and a striking extended family of collaborators. Their music is characterized by its rustic and psychedelic sound, blending elements of folk, rock, and lo-fi indie. Their latest record, Perennial, is the sound of a band on the edge of their 20th anniversary and still finding bold new ways to sound like (and challenge) themselves.

 

 

The J. Paul Getty Museum collects Greek and Roman antiquities, European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts to 1900, as well as photographs from around the world to the present day. The Museum's mission is to display and interpret its collections, and present important loan exhibitions and publications for the enjoyment and education of visitors locally and internationally. This is supported by an active program of research, conservation, and public programs that seek to deepen our knowledge of and connection to works of art.

 

Visiting the Getty Center
The Getty Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 5:30pm. The Getty Center is open until 8pm on Saturdays, year-round. It is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, December 25 (Christmas Day), and January 1. Admission to the Getty Center is always free, but a reservation is required for admission. Make reservations online or at (310) 440-7300. Parking is $25, $15 after 3pm, and $10 after 6pm. The Getty Center is at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California.

Thrifty Thinking - How Expensive is Quilting?

 According to quilt industry statistics, approximately 22% of quilters earn their primary income from quilting. But is the cost of quilting worth it as just a hobby for the other 78%?

We turned to Corey Pearson, Master Quilter, for intel about how much it really costs to get into quilting.

“The cost that goes into quilting can really vary depending on what you are wanting to put into it and what you are wanting to get out of it. There are a lot of cost-effective ways of attaining quilting supplies and once you get past the overhead cost quilting can be a rather inexpensive hobby. People who quilt professionally, however, tend to spend more on supplies but it is worth it for their overall profit,” says Corey Pearson, Master Quilter and VP of Customer Success at Linda’s Electric Quilters. 

Don’t let the price of quilting stop you from creating lasting memories.

“Personally, I have seen people spend as little as one thousand to as high as tens of thousands of dollars on their supplies per year, but the average to get started can be expected to be two to three thousand if you are starting with nothing – not even a sewing machine,” he says.

Terrific Tech - MamaRap

 Intale AI is launching MamaRap, a service that creates personalized English rap songs for moms.  I had a chance to learn more in this interview with CEO Cagri Sarigoz

What was the inspiration behind MamaRap?

The inspiration behind MamaRap came from our previous project, TaleBot, an AI-driven storyteller for kids. We saw the immense joy personalized content brought to children and their families, and we wanted to extend that experience to a broader audience.

Mother's Day presented the perfect opportunity to create something truly unique and heartfelt. We wanted to reinvent how we express love and appreciation for the incredible moms in our lives by combining the power of AI with music. The idea of transforming cherished memories and sentiments into a personalized rap song felt like a fresh, creative way to celebrate motherhood.

Why can a personalized song be a fun gift, especially for mothers?

A personalized song is a fun gift for mothers because it goes beyond traditional presents by offering something deeply personal and unique. It's not just a gift; it's an experience. Music has the power to evoke emotions and create lasting memories.

When a song is tailored specifically to a mother's experiences, interests, and cherished moments, it becomes a meaningful tribute that she can treasure forever. The element of surprise and the novelty of hearing a rap song crafted just for her adds an extra layer of joy and excitement.

Additionally, MamaRap provides a music video for the song, which visually brings the lyrics to life. This makes it a standout gift that celebrates her uniqueness in a fun and memorable way.

How does MamaRap highlight some of the positive aspects of using AI?

MamaRap showcases several positive aspects of using AI, particularly in terms of personalization and creativity. Our AI technology allows us to analyze user inputs about a mom’s interests, memorable moments, and favorite music styles to craft lyrics that feel authentic and touching.

This level of customization would be challenging and time-consuming to achieve manually. Additionally, AI enables us to scale this personalized experience, making it accessible to more people. The adaptability of AI also allows users to select the tone and energy of the music, ensuring the final product aligns with the recipient's tastes.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a music video enhances the overall experience, making the gift not only heard but also seen. Overall, MamaRap demonstrates how AI can enhance creative processes and deliver personalized experiences that resonate on a deep emotional level.

Fun Freetime - Robotics Lab at the Getty (5/18)

 Radical Robotics: Paula Gaetano Adi's Cosmotechnic Imagination

GETTY CENTER

From 1:30-3:30pm, TecnoLatinx will showcase their emerging technology lab in the Ada Louise Huxtable Lecture Hall. Come try a on a Virtual Reality headset, play with robots, and learn about their student workshops! All ages welcome!

 

At 4pm, artist Paula Gaetano Adi will discuss her new project, Guanaquerx, a radical robotic journey across the Andes mountains. She will be joined by Hammer curator Pablo Ramirez in a conversation about her work, technology and indigeneity, and contemporary Latin American artists' engagement with the legacies of colonialism. Reception to follow!

 

Register here!

Caring Causes - Cocolife.black

 Cocolife.black is proud to announce that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has renewed its sponsorship for a second year, supporting our Perinatal Health Equity Academy. This continued partnership underscores a shared commitment to addressing the alarming disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and birthing people.

Black women and birthing individuals face a maternal mortality rate up to five times higher than their white counterparts due to pregnancy-related causes. Additionally, 17.3% of Black women report experiencing mistreatment during childbirth, including loss of autonomy, verbal abuse, and neglect. Numerous studies have shown that doulas can significantly improve health outcomes for Black and Brown birthing individuals, both during pregnancy and postpartum.

Cocolife.black’s Perinatal Health Equity Academy was established to address these disparities through culturally-congruent, trauma-informed, and resilience-oriented education and support. Our program offers coaching, community-building, and comprehensive education tailored to the diverse needs of our community. 

"We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and empowering space for current and future doulas who will serve BIPOC birthing people, ensuring they receive the birthing and postpartum experiences they deserve," said Alexia Doumbouya, Doula and President at Cocolife.black. "The generous support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through the renewal of this sponsorship, enables us to expand our efforts and train more doulas, further strengthening the doula workforce."

Together, we are fostering a future where every birthing person receives the respectful, compassionate, and equitable care they deserve.

About Cocolife.black

Cocolife.black is a Black-woman-led 501c3 dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes for Black birthing people. We collaborate with other community-based organizations, academic institutions, health systems and plans, faith-based entities, and the community to help improve outcomes for Black moms in three key stages: pregnancy, postpartum, and compassion (loss of a child or significant loved one). They are also the national doula training partner for The MOMS Tour.

About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global faith community dedicated to following Jesus Christ and serving individuals and communities around the world. The Church is committed to humanitarian efforts and initiatives that promote health, education, and self-reliance.

House & Home - Benefits of Renting

 Renting has long been seen as second-best to owning a home. But Dwellsy CEO and cofounder Jonas Bordo says more and more Americans are relegating that perception to the same scrap heap that holds landlines, paper road maps, and VHS tapes. As the world has evolved, so have attitudes toward renting.

          “Sure, cost and availability play a role in people’s decision not to buy, but I’m encountering more and more renters who say they’re choosing to rent because it’s just a better fit for their life,” says Bordo, coauthor along with Hannah Hildebolt of Everything You Need to Know About Renting But Didn’t Know to Ask: All the Insider Dirt to Help You Get the Best Deal and Avoid Disaster (Matt Holt, August 2023, ISBN: 978-1-6377439-2-8, $21.95). “It’s interesting because it reflects a massive shift in how people live and work and what they value. It really is a sea change.

           “Look at workforce trends: Today’s talent insists on remote work, flexible schedules, plenty of autonomy,” he adds. “There’s lots of job hopping and gig work. Plus, people are delaying marriage and having fewer kids. There’s a sense of restlessness and a desire for fluidity and freedom. All this factors in. The thought of being tied down to a house is starting to feel like a relic of the ‘40 years and a gold watch/2.5 kids’ mindset.”

            With several decades’ experience as a renter, landlord, property manager, and current CEO of the largest U.S. rental marketplace, Bordo is a trusted authority on all things rent-related. As its title suggests, his book is a comprehensive guide to help people “win” at renting. It covers the entire process—from preparing for the rental search to getting your security deposit back after your lease is up—and contains lots of advice to help you minimize costs along the way.

           Whether you’re a young professional who isn’t ready to commit to a zip code or an empty nester who’s tired of spending weekends mowing the lawn, there are plenty of reasons why renting might work best for your lifestyle (and yes, for your budget too). For instance:

 

You’re not tied down. Let’s say you get your dream job offer, but it’s in another state. If you’re a homeowner, there’s a long slog ahead. Selling your house might involve expensive repairs and inconvenient showings. Finding a buyer might take months, and—even with that much-hyped equity you’ve built up—there’s no guarantee you’ll come out on top financially.

 

“As a renter, you won’t have to deal with any of that,” says Bordo. “You can usually tell your landlord you’re leaving and work things out by paying some extra rent, even if your lease isn’t ending soon. If it is, all the better—no extra rent necessary.”

 

You’ll find lots of cool places to live. In many areas, renters have more choices in terms of geography and aesthetics. For instance, your rent budget might get you a quirky little space in a historic downtown building, a trendy new apartment in a complex, or even a bedroom in a house-share. Homeowners often don’t see this kind of variety within their price range.

 

“Recently there’s been a material uptick in the delivery of new rentals, especially apartments, so your choices are expanding even further,” says Bordo. “Many of these new complexes offer amenities homeowners typically don’t enjoy, like pools, tennis courts, and on-site gyms.”

 

It won’t hurt your social life, either. Especially if you live in an apartment complex or rental community, you’ll have plenty of neighbors to connect with. In many cases, management might even sponsor activities like happy hour, game night, or trivia to help you meet them.

 

“There’s a certain ease to hanging out with fellow residents,” points out Bordo. “If you want to watch a movie together, borrow an ingredient, or meet a friend to vent about a stressful workday, just walk down the hall or climb a few flights of stairs. On the other hand, if you have to leave the house and drive somewhere, it might seem easier to doom-scroll social media instead.”

 

Your (rare) spare time is really your own. If you’ve never owned a home, you might not realize just how big of a time-suck it can be. In addition to keeping the interior (relatively) clean, you are responsible for unclogging the drains, mowing the lawn, pulling the weeds, cleaning out the gutters…and the list goes on. For every new season, there’s a new to-do list of tasks.

 

“Sure, homeowners can outsource these jobs—but that’s one more expense,” points out Bordo. “And wouldn’t you rather spend your free time focusing on your hobbies, hanging out with friends, or just relaxing than raking leaves or dealing with the rodent infestation in your attic?”

 

No need to become an amateur handyma…er, handyperson. As mentioned earlier, hiring someone to fix your leaky faucet or install your new ceiling fan costs money. Thus, many homeowners find themselves watching YouTube tutorials so they can complete these tasks themselves…and then watching more tutorials to fix the mistakes they made the first time.

 

“When you’re a renter and you need something repaired or installed, the steps are simple,” says Bordo. “One: Pick up the phone. Two: Call your landlord. Voilà!”

 

Oh yeah, renting helps you save money. You didn’t think we’d forget about the benefits to your bank account, did you? Across the country, home prices are rising, competition is fierce, and interest rates are high. That all adds up to one heck of a monthly mortgage payment. Meanwhile, median asking rent for many rental property types hasn’t changed dramatically in the past year, and as Bordo has pointed out, inventory is increasing.

 

Even if your theoretical mortgage payment is lower than your rent (not a given these days), the cost of owning and maintaining a home tends to cut deeper into your wallet. Homeowners insurance, property taxes, repairs, lawn maintenance, utilities, and more can add up quickly.  

 

“We’ve all heard that owning a home is good for building wealth,” adds Bordo. “And yes, some people do sell their homes for more than they paid. But often that profit isn’t enough to make up for—much less exceed—the amount the homeowner paid for property taxes, maintenance, improvements, insurance, etc. Also, consider that over the years or decades they owned the home, they may have had less money in their pocket…because it was all going into the house.”

 

Finally, you’re in good company. When asked how she stays humble, Emmy-winner Ayo Edebiri quipped, “I’m still renting.” Furthermore, self-made Seattle multi-millionaire Tori Dunlap recently commented that not buying a home was “one of the best financial decisions I ever made,” citing flexibility, location, her lack of home-repair savvy, and the ability to diversify her investments. (And since Dunlap’s business centers on financial and investing education for women, her word carries weight!)

 

“These two women represent a significant number of, shall we say, comfortable Americans who have chosen to ditch the successful-people-own-their-own-homes script,” says Bordo. “The next time someone questions why your name isn’t on a property deed, remind yourself that ‘making it’ and ‘mortgage’ are not synonymous!”

 

            “In our fast-paced, overscheduled world, flexibility and free time are increasingly important—and in this economy, almost everyone needs to save money,” concludes Bordo. “Whether you’re a for-now renter or a forever renter, choosing not to take out a mortgage is a great way to achieve all those things. There’s nothing less-than about renting…and a lot to gain.”

 

# # #

About Jonas Bordo:

Jonas Bordo is the coauthor, along with Hannah Hildebolt, of the book Everything You Need to Know About Renting But Didn’t Know to Ask: All the Insider Dirt to Help You Get the Best Deal and Avoid Disaster. He is the CEO and cofounder of Dwellsy, the free residential rental marketplace that makes it easy to find hard-to-find rentals. Prior to cofounding Dwellsy, Jonas was a senior executive at several leading real estate firms including Essex Property Trust and BentallGreenOak, and was with the Boston Consulting Group after graduating with his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. 

 

About the Book:

Everything You Need to Know About Renting But Didn’t Know to Ask: All the Insider Dirt to Help You Get the Best Deal and Avoid Disaster (Matt Holt, August 2023, ISBN: 978-1-6377439-2-8, $21.95) is available from major online booksellers.

 

About Dwellsy:

Dwellsy is the renter’s marketplace: a comprehensive residential home rentals marketplace based on the radical concept that true, organic search in a free ecosystem creates more value than the pay-to-play model embraced by all of the current rental listing services. Dwellsy has more than 14 million residential rental listings—more than any legacy classifieds site—as well as the most diverse set of listings, including single family rentals, condos, and apartments. Dwellsy’s entirely different approach to residential rental listings focuses on presenting houses and apartments based on features renters need and want, not based on how much landlords pay to show their listings. Dwellsy investors include Frontier Ventures, Ulu Ventures, Blackhorn Ventures, Heroic Ventures, and the University of Chicago. For more information, please visit our newsroom or find your next home at Dwellsy.com.

Thrifty Thinking - Summer Travel Survey

 With summer right around the corner, more than 1 in 3 people still owe money from their last vacation, according to a new WalletHub survey examining people’s summer travel habits, worries, and expectations. The survey is accompanied by WalletHub’s picks for 2024's Best Credit Cards for Summer Travel, highlighting deals worth more than $1,000 in airfare, hotel reservations, and more.

Key Findings:

• Financial Priorities: Nearly 1 in 4 Americans would skip a credit card payment before skipping a vacation.
   
• Bills Clouding the Vibes: 65% of people think about post-vacation credit card bills while they’re on vacation.
   
• Reduced Summer Spending: 55% of Americans plan to spend less money this summer than last summer.
   
• Putting Rewards to Use: Half of Americans plan to use credit card rewards to pay for a vacation this year.
   
• Most Popular Benefits: Rental car insurance (32%), travel accident insurance (28%) and price protection (27%) are the top three credit card benefits used by the most people.
   
• Best Travel Credit Card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best credit card for summer travel because it offers an initial bonus worth nearly $1,000 in travel, along with at least double miles on all travel purchases and a reasonable annual fee.

 
“Americans want a vacation, even if they can’t really afford it. More than 1 in 3 people still have credit card debt left over from their last vacation, according to a new WalletHub survey, and nearly 1 in 4 people say they would skip a credit card payment before they would skip a vacation. Fortunately, you don’t need to jeopardize your long-term financial health or sacrifice much-needed rest and relaxation. Many Americans plan to cash in credit card rewards they’ve already earned in order to make ends meet, for example. If you have a good credit score, you could also save around $1,000 on travel this summer by applying for one of the best travel credit cards now and spending enough to earn the initial rewards bonus.”

- John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor
 

 

More From WalletHub

• Best Airline Credit Cards
• Best Frequent Flyer Programs
• Best Hotel Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for International Travel
• Currency Exchange Study

Music Minute - William Lee Golden and The Goldens: Southern Accents

 Oak Ridge Boy, Country and Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member William Lee Golden and his sons 'The Goldens' have released their latest music video for "Southern Accents." Delivering a familiar sound to this legendary classic, Chris Golden takes the lead vocals in the traditional “Golden” style. The music video for “Southern Accents” was premiered by Medium.com on 'The Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz.' Directed by Jeff Panzer, this track is available on the group's three-album set, 'Golden Classics,' which pays tribute to the songs that have influenced their lives throughout the years.

To order Golden Classics, visit HERE.

“Although we are known for singing country music when my boys were growing up, music became the one true thing that bonded us as a family,” shares William Lee Golden. “We always had the radio on in our home and especially on road trips. Back then, there were several stations throughout the country that played all musical formats. If it was good, they played it. So, when we would hit the road, music became a solid bond and helped create everlasting memories. As a result, we knew one of our favorites, "Southern Accents," had to be included, and I think the video came out great!”

William Lee Golden and The Goldens have recently released other videos, including “If I Could Only Hear My Mother Pray Again,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Old Country Church,” “The Long And Winding Road,”“I Saw The Light,” and “Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On.”



William Lee Golden and The Goldens' Tour Schedule:
JUN 04 - 3rd & Lindsley / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 05 - Blue Gate Theatre / Shipshewana, Ind.
JUN 13 - Cactus Theater / Lubbock, Texas
JUN 14 - Alto Lake Golf & Country Club / Alto, N.M.
JUN 15 - The Liberty / Roswell, N.M.
JUN 16 - Cailloux Theater / Kerrville, Texas
AUG 09 - Lincoln Theatre / Marion, Va.
AUG 22 - Loretta Lynn Ranch / Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
OCT 12 - Liberty Showcase Theater / Liberty, N.C.
NOV 07 - Brown County Playhouse / Nashville, Ind.
 

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More About William Lee Golden and The Goldens:
There are few things more potent than family harmony, and rarely has that been more evident than on the three new albums recorded by Country Music Hall of Fame and Oak Ridge Boy member William Lee Golden, who, along with his talented sons, have created William Lee Golden and The Goldens. The Brewton, Alabama native cements his considerable legacy in the music industry with three distinctive collections that reflect his musical roots and the journey that has made him one of America’s most unique troubadours. From revered gospel classics to beloved country gems and iconic rock favorites, Golden leads his family through the songs that have been stepping stones on his well-traveled musical journey. It all comes together as a rich sonic tapestry that fans will cherish. For more, visit williamleegoldenandthegoldens.com.

MOnye Makers - Workplace Burnout Survey

 Burnout. We’ve heard about it and we’ve felt it, but who experiences it the most?

A new study is uncovering industries & companies in America where people complain the most about burnout. To do this, researchers collected Glassdoor reviews from more than 500 of the largest companies in the U.S. 

Key Takeaways

• Employees at Chipotle Mexican Grill, Starbucks, and McDonald's are in the top 5 for burnout complaints in the restaurants & food service industries.  

• Paychex, Amazon, and Coinbase employees experience burnout most among workers in the information technology industry.

• Tesla workers complain the most about workplace burnout in the manufacturing industry.

• Workers in the restaurants/food service, transportation/logistics, and construction/repair/maintenance industries complain about burnout most overall.

Find more data here. 

Healthy Habits - Your Partner’s Soap Could Be Secretly Putting Your Life at Risk

 “A soap which might be a magic potion for one may turn into a poison ivy for another.” – Drawing from the insights of Andrea Nagar, CEO of PhraseExpander, we delve into the unseen, and often unacknowledged, realm where your partner's soap choice could be detrimental to your health.

The Underlying Threat

At first blush, the subject may seem trivial or even laughable. However, the truth underlines the vital connection between personal care products like soap and our health. According to Medical News Today, certain soaps contain harsh chemicals and allergens that are not suitable for all skin types. It means that while your partner might be enamored by the lasting fragrance and smooth feel, you could be unwittingly exposing yourself to skin irritations, allergic reactions, and in severe cases, hormonal disruptions or chronic diseases.

Diverse Skin Types and pH Levels

Andrea Nagar highlights, “When you share a soap with your partner, you're effectively dismissing the possibility of not sharing the same skin type or pH balance - which is often the case.” It seems like a negligible oversight, but it can lead to various skin issues ranging from dryness and irritation to severe acne.

The Chemical Onslaught

The issue extends beyond skin type compatibility. It lies in the unchecked hazardous chemicals lurking in your partner's favorite bar of soap.

• Parabens, for example, are widely used in personal care products for their preservative properties, but they can disrupt hormonal balance and have been linked to breast cancer.
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate, an ingredient commonly found in soaps, can cause skin irritation and trigger allergies.
• Triclosan, an antibacterial agent in soaps, can be harmful as it's known to contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Skin Irritations and Allergies

The presence of allergens can lead to skin allergies. “Skin problems can ensue from soap allergies; the symptoms ranging from redness and itchiness to dermatitis,” shares Nagar. Plus, if you're sensitive to fragrances, a highly scented soap can lead to adverse reactions.

The Corrective Measures

Does it mean you should entirely stop sharing soaps with your partner? Not necessarily. But it's crucial to be aware and take steps to avoid unnecessary health risks.

• Opt for All-Natural
  Switch to soaps made from natural ingredients. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options are safest for all skin types.
• Individual Bars
  Consider having separate soaps if you have different skin types or allergic responses.
• Knowledge is Power
  Understand product labels and the implications of ingredients. Reach out to dermatologists if required.
• Trial and Error

Trial and Error Experiment to find what works best for your skin. Monitor for symptoms after using a new soap.

Remember the adage, “Prevention is better than cure”. As Andrea Nagar gently reminds us, “Spaces of intimacy do not necessitate health risks. Be attentive and understanding to your partner's needs and your own. It's simple, but it could fundamentally improve your quality of life and well-being.”

Therefore, the next time you reach out for that soap, consider not only how it smells or feels, but also how it impacts your health and that of your partner.

Note: If you're experiencing severe adverse reactions or symptoms following soap usage, seek medical attention immediately.

Post courtesy of https://phraseexpander.com/ .