No Spend June Update

I only made it to June 13th. But in my defense, it wasn’t my fault. I repeat – it wasn’t my fault. Obviously, Old Navy heard about my No Spend June and took it as a challenge.

This is how they did it. I had been looking for new sleep shirts to be purchased on July 1, 2026. They had to be blue, and they had to have great graphics, preferably NYC. And, most importantly, they had to be on sale.

Regularly $16.99, now $6.00 each! Should I break my No Spend June? I went to my financial advisor, Tony, and we discussed the pros and cons. Bottom line, Old Navy won.

 

YoKo OnO 

It was a perfect day. Sunday Brunch at Massilia's and then off to The Broad for the Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind exhibition.  

I was always under the assumption that Yoko wasn't really a talented artist in her own right. Yoko, please accept my apologies. She is one fabulously talented woman. Highly educated and although I don't always understand conceptual art, I do appreciate her gift of expression.  

Let me try and explain the above photo. Part of the interactive exhibit was for visitors to nail something (?) onto the exhibit board. There were notes, receipts, dollar bills and just random odds and ends. One of the suggestions was to wrap a strand of hair onto a nail. Hence the photo of me pulling out my hair. Not out of intense frustration, but as a piece of art.  

 

Lost and Found

In the last years of her life, I was in charge of my mother's care. After I moved her out of her condo and into a care facility, I sold her condo. I divided the contents of the condo between my sisters and I and then sold/donated what was left. One thing I kept was her vintage jewelry box filled with costume jewelry from the 50’s.

There was so much chaos in cleaning out the condo that somehow the jewelry box of costume jewelry never made it to my townhouse. I didn’t care about most of the jewelry but there was a set of bunny pins, that I never saw my mother wear but that I loved dearly. I never knew whether she had bought them herself or if they were a gift, but she kept them for years, so I assumed they were special to her.

The other day I randomly thought about the pins so went on Ebay and there it was. Vintage Rhinestone Rabbit Bunny Head Brooch Pin Prong Set Costume Jewelry 1950’s. Did I buy it? No. But I had a lovely visit with a long-lost friend.

 Fridge Tour?

Happened upon a new thing for me on "YouTube" - refrigerator tours. I did wonder if these videos were real life or just pretend because most had perfectly organized shelves with matching containers full of freshly washed fruit/veggies. Everything was in clear containers, some even labeled. A few pertinent questions, why would a clear container filled with identical yogurt cups need a label and why are there never any half-filled bottles?

For us, the contents and order of our fridge depend upon the day. I typically shop on Sunday morning, and by Sunday afternoon every shelf of the fridge is filled and somewhat (?) orderly. By Wednesday the fridge is a bit messy and by Saturday it’s nearly empty.

After pondering it a bit, I think I’d be open to tours on Monday morning. Starting at 9:00AM. Wanna sign up?

UPDATE: Due to circumstances beyond my control (lack of interest), all tours of our fridge have been cancelled for the foreseeable future.

 

Truth Stranger Than Fiction

The other day I happened upon a list by Rotten Tomatoes of their top 50 films of all time. I wondered if any of mine were on the list, so I scrolled and scrolled until I almost reached the bottom and there it was - number 47 - Spotlight.

Spotlight, with a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, is on MY top 5 list of favorite movies. I have it taped and I watch it several times a year. It never ceases to amaze me that a group of dedicated people from the Boston Globe managed to uncover a secret decades-long coverup of widespread and systemic child sex abuse by numerous priests of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.

The acting, the passion, and the horror this film portrays is gut wrenching. It took years for the truth to emerge, but in the end, it did. Obviously, pedophiles still exist. (White House) And cover-ups continue. (Epstein Files) When will it ever end?

 22 Year and Counting

Traditional gifts for the 22nd wedding anniversary are typically made of copper, symbolizing durability and flexibility. Two characteristics of a long-lasting marriage.

Since I am currently on my "No Spend June," I couldn’t take the easy route and go shopping for an Anniversary gift. But hey, I’m a crafty gal and open to the challenge. Can I make something that would celebrate our marriage at zero cost?

I started by searching for 22 copper pennies. Found them. Next, I had to clean them with vinegar, salt and water. Done. Lastly, make an Anniversary Card.

PS. Tony loved the gift, and we celebrated at North Italia - pizza plus a Lemon Drop Martini for me and a Dirty Martini for Tony. A perfectly delicious afternoon!

Ain't She Sweet

For close to ten years, I worked at the Motion Picture & Television Fund. I liked the job but was never passionate about the organization.

However, one thing I did love was working for/with my boss Andrea. She was a very special person, and I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to know her. She always made me feel as if I had the ability to reach the stars. She also had the talent of asking people questions and then listening, as if what they said was important.

We have lost contact, but I occasionally see her post a photo, so I know she is doing well. That makes me smile.