Dust Off Your Library Card and Check These Out

Read This: The Warrior Woman: Memoir of a Girlhood Among Ghosts by Maxine Hong Kingston

Through the literary form of the memoir, Maxine Hong Kingston takes the stuffy genre and reinvigorates it with swirl of the otherworldly, legends, and the female spirit. Kingston tells the story of her childhood, adolescence and adulthood through Chinese cultural idiosyncrasies, gender differences, and anecdotes from the generations of her family. The Warrior Woman promotes so much more than the common "coming of age" story we all share. Through this memoir, Kingston takes us only the tumultuous path of East meets West, Male meets Female, and Youth meets Old Age...and you thought puberty was rough!

Watch This: My House in Umbria starring Maggie Smith, Chris Cooper

A crazy old woman, a bitter middle-aged man, endless glasses of Grapa, and the Italian countryside - no, I am talking about an Italian Soap Opera. My House in Umbria is a story about strangers inadvertently brought together following tragedy, and, rather than a blatant feel-good, chic flick sort of film, this movie captures true pain in life, actual range in emotion, and ultimately, the possibility of finding solace from deep pain in very unexpected places. Keep a box of Kleenex handy.

Listen to This: Dino: The Essential Dean Martin by Dean Martin

Not going to lie, sometimes I pretend Dean Martin is my Romeo, singing all those classic crooner tunes directly for my enjoyment (no judgment, please!) For those Recessionistas not as familiar with the Rat Pack and music of that era, this album seems the quintessential starting point to discover a time of music when men were men, and women were dames (or, less affectionately, broads.) My favorite track is Sway, but with 30 tracks, it will not be difficult for you to find your own song to fall in love with. Don't worry, I won't mind if you claim Dean as your boyfriend too!

Recessionista Tip of the Day: The Golden Rule - I know you remember it! This weekend, I was once again reminded that being kind to others and treating them the way you wish they would treat you not only is a life mantra to follow, but also imperative to the Recessionista budget. By being generous in tipping, kindness, and time, you will find your initial investment multiplies easily, especially during difficult economic times. Case and point: at a Recessionista-friendly bar this weekend, my initial tips on the first couple rounds of cocktails (a nominal amount, but greater than 20%) was noted by the bartenders of the establishment. Not only did they give me a free drink, but took my order over swarm of new bar patrons. Kindness (literally) pays off, so don't forget the Golden Rule!