Peppered Thought – The Spice of Life

Happy Birthday, Frida!

I gotta give her mad props for the glorious unibrow alone, but she rocked the world with her strong and vocal opinions on politics, Mexican and folk art, and the role of woman in society.

I decided to recreate her signature look (braid in hair, white blouse with shawl and flowers in the hair) in honor of her birthday.

original pic

my version.

Oh, how the beau laughed when he walked in on me drawing on my Frida-brow!

For more information on the inspiring painter, visit the Complete Works site, the “Kahlo Museum,” or this amazing lady’s Influential Women Artists’ site (thanks, Suzie Q.!).

UPDATE! While perusing the internet I stumbled across this amazing little girl’s Frida-inspired birthday party! le swoon!

It’s Fourth o’ July! Not only is it a great time to give thanks for freedom (well, some freedoms: at least we don’t have quarter soldiers, and to hell with Prohibition!)  Here’s what I am excited about this upcoming long weekend:

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1. Sparkler Magic – I’m bringing a bunch of sparklers up for all my little cousins (and big cousins too) to play with, since I don’t want any firecrackers in their little hands. If I’m lucky I will be able to keep them focused long enough to spell some words.

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2. “Cousins Happy Hour-” I am so incredibly excited I was invited to this I could cry! I feel like I’m at the cool kids’ table with all my favorite cousins.

3. Prescott – my favorite little town in the whole world. The majority of my family lives here, it’s much cooler than the Valley but only 2 hours away, and there are so many amazing antique stores, restaurants, cowboy silliness and cool historic homes. I will be coming back with tons of pictures!!

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4. Writing – On Sunday, I am giong to go on a bit of a writing and imagining bender. I have a few ideas that need to be a bit more fully formed, and a few budget things to work over, so Sunday is the day! The big reason I’m excited for it is that a lot of LISTS will be involved!

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5. cleaning – I am trying new and exciting ways of motivating myself to clean, and the next one will be to close my eyes whilst throwing out papers. Just kidding! It will be though my alter ego, June Clever! Like Alice, from the United States of Tara.

What are you doing this Fabulous Fourth?

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Times are tougher, this we know. What have you been doing about it? Me-I have been asking myself more and more on shopping trips, “do you need this right now, or will it still be here months or a year from now?” If the answer is yes, back it goes. I have had to let go of some things that just aren’t feasible right now (painting my kitchen), and worried about bills and taking care of things that matter (the beau, Tortilla and my own health). It has been extremely hard to live within a much smaller realm of spending (i’m used to going on Savers and Joann’s binges), and I have experienced a few setbacks (such as living off $33 for a month after paying all my bills), but I feel like I need to stay encouraged and focused.

I love reading MSN Money Articles, especially about saving up an emergency fund.

But something I read (well, watched) on Get Rich Slowly really helped me simplify spending and give me financial hope for even a dope like me. 

I like the idea of a graph, not completely beating yourself up for slip-ups, and the balance of consciously making decisions of where your money goes (football game vs. week savings).

How do you save money?