What Not to Forget When Budgeting For A Trip Abroad

I recently took a trip to India. Per my usual modus operandi, I approached it from a standpoint of frugality. I booked a tour and flight through Student Universe, an organization that offers budget travel arrangements for students and young adults.

The tour and flight were relatively inexpensive, totaling about $1600.  I knew I'd have to budget some additional money for food and activities while abroad, but I didn't take into account some of the other costs associated with traveling.

Don't get me wrong, my trip was well worth every dollar I spent but as I plan for my next adventure abroad, I'll be sure to take the following expenses into account. If you're planning a trip in the near future, read on for a list of things you should be prepared to pay for...

1. Passport and Visa Fees- If you do not already have a passport, you'll need to apply for one. It'll cost you $110 plus an execution fee. The execution fee varies depending on where you apply. If you go to a nearby Passport Agency, you'll need to pay $60. If you choose to apply at an authorized acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or municipal building) it's only $25. And don't forget that you'll need a passport photo. CVS, Walgreens, and Duane Reade all provide this service at about $10 per photo.

Visa fees depend on the country you are visiting but generally do not cost more than $50. ProjectVisa.com provides a searchable database of visa requirements and costs.

2. Transportation to and from the airport- Planning on taking a cab or renting an Uber? Budget enough money so that you're not stranded at the airport on your return. My suggestion is to take public transportation on your way to the airport and splurge on a taxi on the way back.

3. Vaccines-If you're going to a remote destination, take into consideration that you will need to be properly vaccinated against infectious diseases prevalent in the country you'll be visiting. Most health insurance plans do not cover travel-related vaccinations so be prepared to pay out of pocket. The CDC provides destination-specific information on required and suggested vaccines.

4. Travel Insurance- On the topic of insurance, travel insurance is an optional expense that may be a prudent option. Most plans are between $20 and $100 depending on how extensive your coverage is. It's a wise option if you're traveling out of the country for an extended period of time.

5. Pet Care-If you're a pet owner, this can be a hefty expense. I would suggest having a friend check-in on your furry friend as this is probably the most cost-effective option. If you're looking for a professional service, I personally recommend Throw Me a Bone. They are a fabulous pet care company that works throughout Manhattan. Just let them know the Penniless Prima Donna referred you!

Find Free and Cheap Events in NYC

When looking for stuff to do in New York, it's easy to become overwhelmed. There are so many events, so many places to see, and so many things to do. It's a downright drag though to find an event that sounds super fun and then realize it costs more than a week's worth of groceries. Thanks, but no thanks. 

Lucky for us nickel-less New Yorkers, we have The Skint. The Skint (which is British slang for poor) is a website that publishes a list of the best free and cheap events happening in New York each day. Posted around 2 PM on weekdays, the list includes events like pop up markets, concerts, lectures, and parties. They also post a weekend report on Friday nights for events happening on Saturday and Sundays. I have been a faithful reader of the Skint for many years now and can honestly say that I've discovered some of my very favorite spots from their recommendations. It is truly the best resource for fun free and cheap events in New York. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg in New York to have a good time, I promise.

So take a peek, you won't be disappointed!

Best Affordable Yoga Studio in NYC

I recently got super into doing yoga. I had no trouble finding a yoga studio, there seems to be one on every block, but I had difficulty finding one that I felt was both well led and affordable. My options were either paying $30 for an hour long class or settling for a free one inside a dingy, sketchy studio. I was determined to find a happy medium so I tested out several different studios that offer inexpensive classes. The best one by far is Yoga to the People.

There are so many things to love about Yoga to the People.

1. All skill levels are welcome- There are beginners and people who look like they've been doing yoga all their lives. Instructors encourage participants to modify or intensify any of the poses according to their skill level. 

2. Classes all the time- there are classes all day, every day so it's easy to find one that fits into your schedule. The classes are on a first come, first serve basis and do not require registration. Classes are popular but in the few month's I've been going, I've only been to two or three class where they reached capacity. 

3. So many locations- there are five studios in NYC so it's easy to find one that's close by.

4. Most importantly for this girl...it's inexpensive. None of the classes cost more than $10 and many are donation based. You leave whatever contribution you can in a tissue box on your way out. There is absolutely no judgement! Patrons who don't want to schlep their mat (or don't have one) can rent a mat for just $2.

Check out their website for the full class schedule and enjoy zenning out without spending an arm and a leg.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Yoga to the People in any way and my opinions are entirely my own.

Easy, Healthy, and Cheap Brown Bag Lunches

I know you've heard it a million times but packing a lunch saves SO MUCH money! How much money? Let's do a quick estimate:

Let's say that the average cost of a take-out lunch in NYC is about $6, and that's being very conservative. If you buy lunch every weekday, that's $30 a week. That may not seem like a lot but if you could cut that cost in half and packed lunches that cost around $3, you'd save almost $800 a year. 

One of the biggest deterrents to packing a lunch is that there simply is not enough time and brown bag lunches are tasteless. I've been packing a lunch (and sometimes a dinner too) almost everyday for the last three years and I've got it down to a science. Most of the lunches I pack don't involve cooking and can be thrown together in 15 minutes or less.

Read on for some of my go-to options:

Get Freebies from Local Businesses using the Paypal Mobile App

Every once in a while there's a deal that just seems too good to be true. When a friend excitedly told me he had gotten free breakfast for a week using the PayPal App, I was skeptical. But never one to pass up a chance for a freebie, I downloaded the app to see what the hype was all about. Here's the skinny:

What is Paypal? An international e-commerce business allowing payments and money transfers to be made through the Internet (Thanks Wikipedia!) Or in other words, it's a way to pay for items without cash or a physical credit card

How does it work? Once you've downloaded the app onto your phone (it's free and compatible for iOS, Android and Windows Phones), you link your account to an existing credit or debit card. You'll be asked to take a photo so that when you make a purchase, participating retailers can verify your identity. The app uses your location to display restaurants and retailers that accept Paypal in the area. Then you can select a restaurant and in some cases order ahead.

How can I get free stuff? The app's "Offer" section is where you'll find freebies and discounts. Businesses that are doing promotions are displayed in this section. The Bean, Pomme Frites, Viva Crepe, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream are among the business that currently have offers which range from $3 to $10 off any purchase. What's great is that unlike a lot of couponing apps, there's no minimum purchase. In fact, you can redeem the offer for less than the promotional price and save the rest for another visit. For example, I used the $3 off offer at The Bean for an ice coffee and still have 50 cents I can use the next time I order there.

So go ahead and treat yourself to a free cone or coffee or muffin- you deserve it for being so frugal! 

Shakespeare in the Park...For Free!

It has been way too long since I've posted. Between finals, starting a new internship, and dealing with some major health issues, this blog had to take a backseat for a while. But as summer is kicking into full swing, so am I! Summer is the best season for amazing free and cheap events in the city. Case and point: Shakespeare in the Park.

Since 1962, the Public Theater has been sponsoring free performances of Shakespeare's most iconic plays in Central Park; often casting big name actors like Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Anne Hathaway. Performed in the open air Delacorte Theater, stadium seating guarantees there is not a bad seat in the house.

This year's performances include Much Ado about Nothing (through July 6th) and King Lear (July 22nd-August 17th). I was so excited when my friend Bekah volunteered to go through the ticketing process (see below). We attended the show last Wednesday. I would not consider myself a Shakespeare fan. In fact I was barely certain I would be able to follow the storyline with all those thee's and thou's much less actually enjoy the play. So I was absolutely shocked when I found myself laughing out loud along with the rest of the audience at the many hilarious jokes and becoming emotionally invested in the romances of the characters. It was truly a great experience and one I would highly recommend to others.

Read on to find out how you can get tickets and my tips for making it the best experience it can be!

Free Sightseeing NYC: Roosevelt Island Tram

Good views in New York City are pricey! Tourists will pay about thirty dollars just to view the skyline from the top of Rockefeller Center and it costs over forty bucks to see the cityscape from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building. But there are other somewhat less impressive ways to view the infamous skyline for a fraction of the cost! How? The Roosevelt Island Tram. After a photographer friend showed me some breathtaking shots he had taken while aboard, I was convinced to check it out myself.

The Roosevelt Island Tram operates seven days a week and provides transportation between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. For one metro-card swipe, you can board the tram in Manhattan at 2nd Avenue and 60th St and enjoy the panoramic view that the three and half minute ride offers. The Chrystler Building, United Nations, and entire East Side are visible as you leisurely travel above the East River. The rain today ruined many of my pictures but Yelpers have posted tons of photos of the view including the ones below.

Once off of the tram, you can board a bus for $.25 that will take you around the perimeter of the two mile island. The parks at either end of Roosevelt Island, conveniently called Northpoint and Southpoint, also offer great views of Manhattan. I imagine on a sunny, warm day that picnicking would be a great idea! 

Granted, the view from the tippy top of a skyscraper is probably more impressive but if you're just looking to gape for a few minutes at the wonder of the man-made effort that is the NYC grid, the Roosevelt Island Tram is a great option!

If you're jonesing for another way to see the city skyline without paying an arm and a leg, check out my post about the Staten Island Ferry! 

Best Shoe Repair in New York City

Fall in New York City means two things to me:

1. Unabashedly consuming copious amounts of pumpkin flavored goodies

2. Wearing boots ALL the time

I will leave my love of all things pumpkin for another post and focus on my affinity for sliding on a great pair of boots and listening to the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot as I traipse down the street. Few things bring me greater joy. Unfortunately, all my traipsing does a number on my footwear. I realized a few weeks ago that on two of my favorite pairs, the heel had completely worn out. Not wanting to retire my beloved boots to the trash and unwilling to buy another pair (did I mention that I purchased both of them just last winter!), I decided to look into getting the heels re-soled. At the suggestion of my roommate, I decided to check out Hector Shoe Repair.

Hector Shoe Repair is a hole-in-the-wall establishment located at 11 Greenwich Avenue in the West Village. Open 6 days a week, they offer several services including heel repair, shoe stretching, and polishing. I was doubtful that they'd even take my boots since they were in such bad shape. After looking them over, the attendant (wish I had asked his name!) assured me that the damage was fixable and told me to come back in a few days.

I did just that, and the results were AMAZING! Not only did they completely replace the heel, but they polished my shoes free of charge. They looked better than the day I bought them! At only $20 dollars per pair, it was well worth it! Getting shoes repaired a really wise financial decision. First, because it saves money on buying new shoes and prolongs the life of footwear. And second because it could save you medical expenses. Seriously, though! I got tendonitis in my knees from the strain caused by walking on uneven shoes. It's a thing, I promise. 

So before you decide to chuck a pair of your favorite kicks because they're worn out, stop by Hector. You won't be disappointed! 

Hector Shoe Repair

11 Greenwich Avenue

(212) 727-1237

How to Save When Buying Textbooks

Don't we all remember the good old days of school supply shopping as a kid? My mom would drive me to CVS and I'd walk the aisles, school supply list in hand, picking out brightly colored notebooks, mechanical pencils, and locker accessories. This year, as I return to school after taking a year off, I wish I could say my school supply shopping experience was as pleasurable. But alas, my shopping list no longer includes frilly erasers and colored pencils. Instead, the bulk of my school supply budget is going to textbooks. And as anyone who has ever bough a textbook knows, that shit is expensive! So what's a penniless prima donna to do? Read on to find out how I saved on textbooks this year...and it's not just Chegg!

1. Comparison Shop! My three go-to online retailers for textbooks are Amazon, Half.com, and Chegg. All three have the option to buy new, used, the e-book, or rent for most books. I comparison to shop to see which of the three sites has the best deal on a book and I then choose the lowest price. 

2. Consider the Return on Investment! Contrary to #1, it's not always the wisest decision to always choose the lowest priced book. There are several factors that should affect whether you rent, buy a book new, or buy used. I bought a used copy of my French II book even though it was $10 more expensive than renting it, because I know I can sell it back to my campus's bookstore at the end of the semester for more than $10.

3. Use Your Campus Library! Your campus library almost indefinitely has a copy of that $200 statistics book for in-library use. Just set aside some time each week to get the reading done in the library. And you can always photocopy important pages or snap pictures of tables and graphs with your phone to review at home.

4. Use Other Libraries! My Shakespeare class requires me to read five plays by Shakespeare. Instead of buying each individual book, I've put them all on hold at the NYPL. These books can be renewed online so in most cases you can keep them for the duration of the semester. 

5. Communicate with your Professor! Ask your professor if it is okay to buy an earlier edition of the book, or whether they might have a spare book they'd be willing to loan you for the semester.  When I confided in my Algebra Review teacher about the financial burden of buying textbooks, he told me not to bother buying the assigned reading; all the information in the textbook could be found by simply googling each topic. And after stressing out over buying a $90 online course code for my French class, my professor assured me that although it was helpful to have access to the online content, it was not imperative.  Most professors are very understanding and want their students to succeed so they'll be willing to accommodate you.

It takes a little more effort to save on textbooks as opposed to just stopping into your campus bookstore and buying all your books. But for those of us on a tight budget, the extra effort really pays off. I'd love to hear if any of you have tips for saving on textbooks. Tell me in the comments below!

How to See Free and Cheap Movies in NYC

Videology in Williamsburg

I love movies. Whether it's drooling over Ryan Gosling in a rom-com, getting absorbed in the plot twists of a thriller, or taking in the action of a super hero flick, the way a movie can transport the audience to another world is just so enjoyable. Unfortunately, going to the movies is no longer a budget-friendly form of entertainment, at least not in New York City. I almost gagged yesterday when I stopped by the theater on 34th St and saw that a ticket for the Great Gatsby in 3D is $18.50! To make matters worse, living in a tiny apartment, I don't have space for a TV or DVD player so I can't even rent my old favorites. But I refuse to let these finance-related issues get in the way of my movie enjoyment. Living the frugal life in NYC, I've discovered some free and cheap ways to see films on a regular basis. I'll let you in on my secrets:

• Go early!- Did you know that if you see a movie before 12 PM at an AMC theater, it's only $8? To me, this is still a pretty steep price for an hour and a half of entertainment, but it's better than shelling out $13.50 to see the same movie eight hours later.
• Attend a pre-release screening!- Major production companies sponsor free screenings for movies that are not even out yet as a way to generate buzz about their films. Tickets can be purchased online and usually go fast. I stay updated on new screenings by visiting Screenings.com, a site that lists current free showings by city.
• Go to the library!-I've mentioned this before, but individual New York Public Libraries host free movie screenings almost everyday. This week alone there are showings for an array of films including recent blockbuster Gangster Squad, Audrey Hepburn classic Breakfast at Tiffany's,  and 1940's musical Stormy Weather. Check out their calendar of film screenings here to see what else will be showing. 
• Check out Videology!-This place is almost too good to be true, and I've kept it a secret because I selfishly don't want anyone else to find out about it. But out of a moral obligation to my fellow penny-pinchers, I will share. Located in Williamsburg, Videology is a bar and movie rental store with a screening room in the back. They have movie screenings almost every night, many which are free. Drinks are available for purchase and viewers are allowed to bring their own food in. The calendar of events is as eclectic as the crowd it attracts. Visit their website for directions and a list of upcoming screenings.
• See a movie outside!- As the weather warms up, outdoor movie screenings abound. Central, Bryant, and Thompson Square Park are just a few of the city parks where I've caught a movie. And Rooftop Film just kicked off their season of outdoor movie showings, some of which you can see free of charge. 

Going to a full price movie every once in a while is worth it. But there are so many other options when it comes to seeing quality cinema that doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. Happy movie watching!

Free Greek Yogurt at Pinkberry in April

Greek yogurt has grown in popularity immensely in the past few years. What once was regarded strictly a health food consumed by yogis and health-obsessed has become staple in many people's diet...mine included. It seems like Greek yogurt is everywhere these days. (If you don't believe me, check out this Huffington Post article)

Pinkberry is the latest franchise to hop on the Greek yogurt bandwagon. And what better way to celebrate than giving out free, full size samples of the stuff! Each Wednesday in April between 11 AM and 2 PM stop by our neighborhood Pinkberry and indulge in this sweet treat! I'm planning on hitting up the one on St. Mark's Place tomorrow to get mine. Check out their store locator here to find one in your hood!

The Adventure of Getting a Free Haircut

To say I need a haircut is an understatement. It's been six months since my last professional trim and my split ends now have their own split ends. However, I refuse to shell out a day's wages for someone to chop my locks off. Having said that though, a bad haircut is one of those things that can make life truly unbearable. So I turned to the trusty internet to find a way to get a quality haircut on the cheap. 

What I learned is that many salons host classes for their stylists to continue their training while on the job. Many of these salons are looking to give the model a specific cut (interestingly bobs are one of the most popular styles advertised for) but some will allow you to choose your own style. I browsed through several days of Craigslist ads before stumbling on salonapprentice.com. This site provides a database where stylists can list what they're looking for and prospective models can reply to the ads. I found an ad listed by a stylist at Salon Ziba and called in. They took my name and number and set me up for an appointment today at 11 AM. Read on to find out how my experience went.

My Favorite Free and Cheap Museums

            A friend of mine recently told me that one of her New Years resolutions was to visit ten museums in New York in the next three months. It got me thinking about how many great museums the Big Apple has to offer. I'm all for cultural experiences and learning new things but when you have to pay $15 to $30 to get it, it puts a bit of a damper on the outing. But have no fear, there is a plethora of amazing, world-renown museums in NYC that cost nothing...or very close to it. Here are some of my favorites:

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art- If you've never been to the Met, you're missing out on one of the city's greatest attractions. The largest art museum in the United States and one of the most extensive in all the world, the Met is a place where someone could spend days and not see everything. With galleries devoted to American, Asian, and African Art in addition to modern and contemporary sculpture, photographs, and even furniture there is literally something for everyone. The price of admission is $20 and well worth the money to see one-of-a-kind artifacts and art but that price is only suggested. So don't feel shy about giving the attendant a nickel. I promise they'll let you in.
2. The Museum of Natural History- Whether you're a gem enthusiasts, animal lover, or horticulture aficionado, (or just bored on a weekday afternoon) the Museum of Natural History is a great museum to visit. My favorite part is the fine jewel gallery; so much beauty in so little space! Again, general admission is suggested so feel free to use change to pay for your visit. But beware, the price to see any of the special exhibits is non-negotiable, meaning you'll have to shell out $25 if you want to see one and a whopping $33 if you want to see them all. 
3. The Museum of the City of New York- New York is so great, why shouldn't there be a museum dedicated to it. Exhibits focus both on New York history like "Greatest Grid," which traced how Manhattan was planned out and executed in its formative years, as well as highlight current issues in NewYork. Their newest exhibit, "Making Room" showcases designs and models for living small in a city where real estate is at a premium and people are utilizing what little space they have in innovative ways. Admission is suggested at this gem of a museum as well!
4. The Museum at FIT: Always free to the public, this museum is the only one of its kind in the United States. Museum curator Valerie Steele is a pillar of the fashion industry and curates the museum impeccably. Visitors can browse the extensive collection of garments the museum has on display. Their special exhibits draw fashion enthusiasts from around the globe. I'm really looking forward to the "Shoe Obsession" exhibit opening on February 8th which features shoes new and old from designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik.
5. Museum of Art and Design- MAD waves its $15 admission fee on Thursdays between 6 PM and 9 PM. The museum is known for it's unusual and unique exhibits. Not to be missed is their current "Art of Scent," the first major museum exhibition to feature fragrance as an art form. Visitors can smell various scents from different eras and can even take samples home. Other exhibits focus on various aspects of the art and design world. It's a great (free) way to spend a Thursday night.

Let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations for other free or cheap museums in the city. I'm always looking to brighten my cultural horizons!

Free "Skinny Slice" at Sbarro

For all you health freaks and pizza lovers (can you be both?) tomorrow's your lucky day. Sbarro is handing out free slices of their new "Skinny Slice." Advertised as being only 271 calories, each slice is topped with portobella mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red and green peppers, and soft mozzarella cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. All you have to do is like Sbarro on Facebook and print the coupon. Not all Sbarro locations are participating in the giveaway but there are still several in NYC who will be handing them out. Check out the list below to see where you can get your free slice.

In Manhattan...

• 34th Street
• 5th Avenue And 46th St
• 33rd And 7^th
• 701 7th Avenue
• 49th And Broadway

And for you outer-borough folks...

• Kings Plaza Mall
• Staten Island Mall

I'll be dreaming of the cheesy goodness tonight! 

Queens Goodwill Outlet Brings the Bargains!

I used to consider myself a thrift store aficionado. I would frequent Housing Works, Angel Street, Buffalo Exchange, and countless hole-in-the-wall consignment shops hunting for bargains. Little did I know, I had been missing out on one of the city's greatest second hand shops: the Queens Van Dam Goodwill Outlet.  A friend of mine told me about it a few months ago and I finally took my first trip out there this Friday.

Just a few blocks from the 33rd St/Rawson Street 7 train stop in Queens, the Van Dam Outlet is one of the city's best kept secrets. Just like any other retailer, Goodwill receives new (well, actually used) merchandise via donations on a continual basis. Merchandise that isn't selling in a Goodwill store is taking up valuable floorspace that could be occupied by better selling products. This slow-moving merchandise needs a place to go. And that place is their outlet store.

It's a no frills venue. Unsorted clothing is tossed into large blue bins and customers take their chances rifling through the hodgepodge of men's, women's, and children's duds. Clothing sells for 1.69 per pound. Several scales are placed throughout the warehouse-style store so that customers can weigh their finds. There's also several bins filled with shoes, bags, and belts. These items sell for 1.79 per pound.

I know what you're thinking: a store full of Goodwill's rejects probably has very little to offer. But on the contrary. A little digging uncovered an All-Saints vest, Burberry slacks, and Tory Burch blouse among the bins. Unfortunately, none of those fit me, but keep reading to see the amazing stuff $10 bought me at the outlet.

An Economist's Tips on Finding Good, Cheap Restaurants

Tyler Cowen is the not the first person I would think to consult about finding a great restaurant. He's  a professor of economics at George Mason University and author of New York Times best-selling e-book The Great Stagnation as well as writer of critically-acclaimed economics blog marginalrevolution.com. But his genuine love for food combined with his background in economics have made him an unlikely expert on the subject. He recently authored An Economist Gets Lunch: New Rules for Everyday Foodies which covers everything from how food in America became so bland and mass-produced (he blames prohibition, strict immigration laws, and kids!) to why Mexican food tastes different in Mexico and the US. His insights into how supply and demand, cross-subsidies, and technological advances influence food is fascinating. I picked up the book at my local New York Public Library to educate myself on the economics that drive food.
My favorite chapter by far was "The Rules for Finding a Good Place to Eat" which offers practical tips for finding good, cheap restaurants. Here are some highlights:

1. Eat at a restaurant on a side street: Restaurant owners, like the rest of us, have to pay rent. Rent along the long avenues, where there is heavy foot traffic compared to side streets is exorbitantly more expensive than on side streets. And that cost is factored into the price of each meal. A restaurant located on 5th Avenue and one just around the corner on say, 50th Street may have the same quality food but the one on 5th Avenue will have to priced their dish higher to accommodate the higher rent. Plus, chances are that if a restaurant is surviving on a side street without the business of the multitude of tourists who eat at places on main streets, it is probably pretty good!

My Favorite Things in NYC for a Dollar

The almighty dollar doesn't seem so mighty when you just have one...especially in New York City.  You can't even buy a ride on the subway without shelling out more than twice that. But there are a few things in New York that still only cost a dollar. Here are my top 5 favorite things in NYC for just a buck:

1. Soft Serve Cone at McDonald's- Forget Big Gay's or Van Leeuwen, when you're jonesin' for a good old-fashion unadulterated soft serve cone, look no further than the Golden Arches. For just $1.29 (and apparently only 170 calories), it can't be beat.

2. A Slice of Cheese Pizza at Two Brothers- One dollar slices abound in New York, but no one does it better than Two Bros. Because of their high volume of customers, they bake pies on a continual basis guaranteeing your slice will be freshly made with the cheese still bubbling from the oven.

3. Bagels- New York City is known for its bagels. Forgo loading it up with a fancy cream cheese (which can quadruple the price) and it should only cost you a buck. There's no better way to start the morning than by tearing into a soft, freshly baked New York bagel.

At Tompkins Square Bagel- One of my faves!

4. Rings at Joe's NYC- This midtown discount retailer (located on 8th Avenue and 38th St) has the most amazing jewelry, especially their rings. At a dollar a pop, you can afford to buy a whole bunch. I just picked up this owl one last week. Really cute, eh?

5. Pretty much anything at Jack's 99 Cent Store- Jack's is truly a treasure trove of amazing finds. I've gotten everything from calendars and notebooks to granola bars and cookies to cleaning supplies and cooking utensils at Jack's. In fact, my roommate and I just did a little decorating in our kitchen from posters we found at Jack's.

Tres Chic for Cheap!

So the next time you've got four quarters burning a whole in your pocket, unload on one of these great $1 NYC finds!

How to Keep Your Tab Small When Dining with Friends

Let's be honest, having a social life and being on a budget is really hard sometimes. It seems like every time I hang out with my friends I end up spending money, especially on dining out. It's a tough situation because I don't want to miss out on spending time with my friends but I also know that I only have so much disposable income to spend on eating out.  When there's a get together at a restaurant that's a little out of my price range or if I've already spent the bulk of my "going out" money, I follow a few simple tricks to keep my dinner bill small so I don't have to miss out on the fun.

Enjoying a low-cost meal with friends...notice the bowl of soup!

1. Stick with water- That Sprite or Coke just tacks on an extra $2 to the price of your meal. You could buy a whole liter of the stuff for the same price!

2. Order an appetizer as your entree- Appetizers are almost always less expensive than entrees. Look for ones that are meant to be shared by the table like calamari or a pizzetta. You'll get an ample amount of food without breaking the bank.

or 

3. Order the soup!- I am a huge fan of ordering soup as my entree. Substantially cheaper than an entree, most restaurants feature a soup of the day that usually come in a hearty portion with a side of bread. 

4. Opt for dessert elsewhere- Yes, that cheesecake looks amazing, but is it really worth $5 dollars? Probably not. If I really need a sugar fix after dining out, I buy a candy bar on my way home. It's a much cheaper way to satisfy my sweet tooth.

There you have it, by following these tips you can enjoy the time you're spending with friends instead of worrying about how much it's costing you. And remember, don't over-restrict yourself. If you're dying to try a signature big-ticket dish at a new restaurant or heard rave reviews about a dessert on the menu, go for it!  Use these tips for those times when the food is less of a priority than the people you're with. 

Free Nail Polish at American Apparel

What's better than wearing the season's hottest nail color? Getting it for free of course! Now through November 10th, American Apparel is giving out free nail polish in some of their most popular shades. Just stop into an American Apparel and show this coupon (in print or on your phone) to pick one up. I braved the blizzard to get mine, choosing Hunter Green which I plan to wear throughout the upcoming holiday season. Cheers to well manicured nails without spending a dime!

Cheapest Places to Food Shop in NYC

Supermarket prices rise an astonishing 6% each year. And in New York City the cost of rent for large super markets drive prices up even further. As a frugal New Yorker, I've found that the best way to cut costs on groceries is to frequent several different food providers instead of one large super market. Here are my go-to spots:

1. Trader Joe's- Though technically a super market, Trader Joe's is unrivaled in value and quality. Almost everything in the store is produced under their own brand, cutting out the middle man and hence cutting costs. Where else in the city can you buy a pound of almonds for $5 or cereal for $2?  Trader Joes continually introduces new, tasty products. One of my recent favorites was their sweet honey apple butter which goes great on biscuits! But buyer beware, stores are usually crowded and lines long, especially in the evenings. It's not uncommon to see a line of customers just waiting to get into the store at the Union Square location. I recommend going on a weekday morning before the rush; shelves will be well stocked and you can forgo the hassle of shopping in a crowd.

2. Jack's 99 Cent Store- Call me crazy for grocery shopping at a dollar store but Jack's never disappoints. By purchasing excess inventory from other grocers, this off-price giant is able to offer a varying selection of food for just pennies. Their stock changes frequently and you literally never know what you'll find. The refrigerated section usually has some sort of unusually flavored hummus or cream cheese (I assume the flavors that manufacturers have a hard time marketing and are subsequently left over...like horeseradish cream cheese!). They have a mix of products from well-known as well as obscure brands . I once scored a jar of Biscoff spread (priced at $5.99 at Whole Foods) for just a buck! Again, lines are long and aisles tight, so come prepared to elbow your way for the deals.

3. Produce Carts- There are thousands of fruit carts in Manhattan. Vendors get the fruit from wholesale markets in neighboring boroughs so it is usually pretty fresh. Because vendors do not have to pay the overhead of rent, they are able to offer produce at a very low cost. Just yesterday, I stopped by one on 1st Avenue and 16th St and bought apples for 50 cents each. Carts are inspected at least once a year by the Health Department and are also subject to random inspection so sanitation should not be a concern (although resist the urge to eat your fruit right away...produce should always be washed before consumed regardless of where it comes from). An added bonus is you can always ask the vendor for a better price if you're buying in bulk or are a repeat customer.

4. Chinatown- Supermarkets in Chinatown offer great deals on exotic fish, spices, and produce. It's always a bit of an adventure braving the hoards of customers who frequent the market. It's equally as challenging communicating with the shop owners who rarely speak English. Even so, picking up a pound of fish for well-under the market value is nothing to turn your nose up at. And in the process you may even end up trying something new.

And there you have it! Food shopping that's fun and frugal. Do you know of any other places in the city that carry cheap groceries? I'm always on the look out!