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! 

Free Outdoor Comedy Shows this Summer!

When I hear the words, "free comedy show" I immediately think of wannabe comics performing at an open mic night telling vulgar jokes about their bodily functions and blow jobs. Totally not my scene! So last summer when I heard about Laughter in the Park, a free comedy series in NYC,  I attended with great trepidation. Now having seen several laugh-out-loud funny shows, I recommend them to anyone who will listen. The series is organized by NY Laughs, a non-profit organization dedicated to making the city a better place through humor (seriously, how great is that?!). The shows take place in various parks throughout the summer and draw some awesome comic talent. Past performers include Amy Schumer, Eddie Brill, Reggie Watts, and Christian Finnegan. The series also showcases up-and-coming comedians and has also introduced me to some really great comics who I never would have discovered before... like Chris Distefano (pictured below) who performed at Washington Square Park last year!

Laughter In the Park 2013-Chris Distefano

Laughter in the Park had its 2014 kickoff show today in Central Park and has four more amazing events coming up! 

July 13th

Tompkins Square Park

2-4 PM

July 20th

Washington Square Park

2-4 PM

July 27th

Central Park

2-4 PM

August 2nd

Foley Square

12-12:30 PM

A full lineup of comics for upcoming shows is announced on their website before each event and you can also follow them on Twitter (@nylaughs) to stay updated!

Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's

Mark your calendars because it's that time of year again! On Tuesday, April 8th, swing by any participating Ben and Jerry's (full list here) for a free cone! If you live in the NYC Metro area there are locations at Macy's Herald Square, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. This year they'll be offering cones of their tried and true favorites as well as some of their newest flavors like Salted Caramel Blondie, Hazed and Confused, Cotton Candy. Bon Appetit!

Free Cone Day 2013. I could hardly contain my excitement!

Enjoy Free Gourmet Treats from TableHoppingNY!

TableHoppingNY is a company that partners with restaurants throughout New York to connect customers with culinary experiences in the city. It is a great resource to find restaurants, bars, and events according to your specific tastes and neighborhood. As an added perk, members of TableHopping's mailing list regularly receive exclusive offers for free treats. Registration is easy and, of course, free! Simply fill out their registration form (click here) and you'll begin receiving emails with their exclusive offers. Once you are notified of an offer, simply confirm receipt of the email and they will send you a second email with a confirmation number to show the restaurant when you redeem the offer. Over the past three months, I've received offers for a personal chicken pot pie from Tuckshop, a cupcake from Billy's Bakery, an ice cream sandwich from Melt Bakery, and an order of Pommes Frites among other things. Most of the offers are valid for a limited time so be sure to redeem them promptly after receiving the email. What could be better than opening you're email just to find out that there's a free ice cream sandwich waiting for you just down the street!

Shop Affordable and Ethical Products at Hearts.com

As a young New Yorker on a budget, I am always looking for bargains, especially when it comes to clothing. So I'm a real sucker for fast fashion.

But recently I've become aware of the unethical practices used in the apparel industry. Some of my favorite retailers have been caught up in scandals involving sweatshops, pollution, and unfair labor practices. Check out the shocking list here. I was appalled! After learning more about these issues, I am making a conscious effort to support retailers who are socially responsible. However, I've found it difficult because firstly, it's hard to find brands who are transparent about their sourcing procedure and secondly, most of the products I was finding were at a price point out of my budget.

So I was thrilled when I discovered Hearts.com, an e-commerce website that curates hundreds of
ethically made products from vendors around the world, many of which are quite affordable. I love browsing through the different items and learning the stories of the people who created them. And as an added bonus, when you sign up for their newsletter, you get $10 off your first purchase! Score! Read on to see some of my top picks from Heart.com for those on a budget...

Free Fitness Classes at JCC on January 1st

Looking for a way to jump-start your New Year's Resolution to get in shape? Or maybe just seeking a way to work off the liquid calories you are going to consume on New Year's Eve? You are in luck! The Jewish Community Center at 334 Amsterdam Avenue and 76th St is hosting their annual New Year's Day Fitness Fair tomorrow. Every year, the center opens its doors to the public and hosts an array of fitness classes free of charge. They have classes all day in everything from Zumba to strength training to self defense. Or if you're in the mood for something a bit tamer (or maybe a little hung over), you can try meditation or yoga. They also are offering free individual nutrition counseling and workshops on topics like personal finance management and overcoming trauma. They recommend you sign up online for the classes you are interested in but will accommodate walk-ins on a first come, first serve basis. Check out the list of classes here. Registration is still open so go ahead and sign up before you head out to your NYE party! I've already registered for a couple. Even if I make it to just one, it's good motivation to get out and exercise on a day that I know I would not have otherwise. Happy New Year!

Jewish Community Center

334 Amsterdam Avenue

http://www.jccmanhattan.org/

Shop to Support Fair Trade and Labor!

Ever wondered how some of your favorite clothing stores are able to sell merchandise at rock bottom prices? Walk into any fast-fashion retailer and you're bound to see dresses, tops, bottoms, and shoes all with price tags below $20. As a consumer, this is great! For as much as it costs to buy a fancy drink at Starbucks, you can easily get a cute top or fun pair of earrings that can be replaced when they go out of style next season. But who is really paying the cost for our obsession rampant overconsumption? The sad truth is that the garment industry relies heavily on outsourced labor to meet the high demand that the western world has for throw-away fashion. And sadly, many of the factories that produce the clothing we so incessantly consume are not complying with fair labor laws.

I was shocked to find out how extensive this issue is and mortified at the conditions of some factories. Just last week, a report by the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, exposed factories in Bangladesh producing Gap clothing for their unlawful labor practices. The facility's 3,750 workers are routinely forced to work over 100 hours a week for only 20 to 24 cents per hour. By the third week in a month, many do not have money left to buy food.

The conditions observed at the Gap factory are common in the garment industry. The International Textile Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation put out a list of 60 retailers in 2011 that sourced merchandise from factories that routinely broke labor laws. In fact, none of the 83 factories they examined paid a living wage to their workers, and that some were below the legal minimum wage for that region. The report concludes that their findings “indicate that widespread violations and abuses of workers’ rights continue to be the norm in the industry.” You can see the full list of retailers named here.

And sadly, this does not just an issue in third world countries. In 2000, more than 11,000 sweatshops in the U.S. violated the minimum wage and overtime laws, while over 16,000 had broken health and safety laws

So what can we as consumer's do to halt the detrimental direction the garment industry has taken? We can demand that the companies we patronize uphold their duty to provide safe and clean environments for their workers and pay them a living wage. Doubling the salary of sweatshop workers only increases the consumer cost of an item by 1.8 percent. We can also support businesses who specifically create jobs in third world countries. I highly recommend stopping by the Be.The.Voice Pop Store in Soho. It's a boutique selling fair-trade and slave free products. The assortment of merchandise is beautiful; from leather bangles, to hand knit mittens, to woven bags, it took me a good hour to decide what to purchase. I ended up getting my mom a beautiful handmade silver necklace. They are also hosting a panel discussion on Labor Trafficking this Wednesday. I went to one of their other panel discussions and it was it was great to hear directly from people who are working to solve this issue. I also enjoyed complimentary wine and appetizers.

Some of the beautiful merchandise
 at the Be.The.Voice Pop Up Store

I'd be a hypocrite to say that I will never shop at H&M or Gap again. But since learning about the unfair labor practices used in factories around the world, I'm reevaluating my shopping habits. I just can't look at a $10 dress without envisioning the woman who made it toiling for 20 hours a day in an unclean factory supervised by an owner who abuses her  just to earn so little money that she is unable to sufficiently feed herself or her family. It makes the act of shopping a whole lot more meaningful when I know that I am not contributing to such a serious yet easily fixable problem.

Boulangerie Picardie Offers Free Coffee and Baked Goods

Boulangerie Picardie

Grey Goose Vodka is sponsoring a pop-up bakery in the West Village through Friday that is offering free baked goods and coffee. Located at 632 Hudson St, the Boulangerie Picardie is treating NYC to custom pastries using the same premium quality wheat that Grey Goose uses to make their vodka. According to a press release, the wheat will be flown in by the pound specifically from the Picardie region of France for the four days that the pop-up bakery is operating. This morning they were offering croissants and mini baguettes. Fancy, huh? Follow Grey Goose on Twitter for more info and be sure to stop by between 8 AM and 6 PM to get your French pastry fix!

 

Free Donuts for National Donut Day

If you're a foodie like me, all you've been hearing about recently is the Cronut craze. The new dessert is taking NYC by storm and quite frankly, I'm offended. As a lover of both donuts and croissants, I firmly believe that they should be enjoyed separately and never mixed! Luckily for me, tomorrow June 7th is National Donut Day; a chance for all of us to celebrate donuts in their original form. And what better way to do so than with free donuts! The Krispy Kreme at 2 Penn Plaza (Amtrak Level) will be giving away free donuts all day.  Dunkin Donuts is also offering a free donut with any beverage purchase in honor of the holiday. And Canadian pastry purveyor Tim Hortons is getting into the spirit with this coupon for a free donut with any purchase.

Happy National Donut Day everyone!

Get a Free Shake Shack Burger!

If you've ever walked past Madison Square Park on a summer day, you've seen the line of people snaking through the park waiting to get their hands on a juicy Shake Shack burger. Having never tried one (I'm not one to wait more than forty-five minutes for a meal), I can't attest to their deliciousness. But according to everyone I've ever talked to, they're to die for. And today through Wednesday, May 22nd, you can get one free! 

How? Delta Airlines is preparing for the launch of JFK Terminal 4, part of a rejuvenation project at JFK airport. The new terminal will feature restaurants from several world-renowned chefs including (you guessed it) Shake Shack! Part of Delta's marketing strategy was to open T4X, a pop-up space in Soho where visitors can "preview JFK T4’s new state-of-the-art features." Today through Wednesday between 11 AM and 3 PM they're giving out vouchers for free Shake Shack burgers at participating locations! But buyer beware: the website specifically says "while supplies last" without any indication of how many vouchers they plan to give out. It's a marketing ploy to pull people into the pop-up space and supplies are surely limited. If you're really interested in scoring a free burger voucher, I'd suggest going this morning. They're sure to go fast!

JFK T4X POP UP

376 WEST BROADWAY AT BROOME STREET

Website

Facebook Page

Twitter

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!

Tell a Joke, Get a Free Pretzel!

Chewy, buttery, salty...don't get me started on how much I love soft pretzels. Lucky for me and my fellow pretzel-appreciators, this Friday is National Pretzel Day which means Pretzelmaker is doling out free pretzels (salted and unsalted) all day to anyone who a.) tells a joke or b.) says "National Pretzel Day." The participating New York City locations are...

MANHATTAN: Mrs. Fields/Pretzelmaker 501 5th Avenue Port Authority/Mrs. Fields/Pretzelmaker 625 8th Avenue, S. Wing, 2nd Floor BROOKLYN: Kings Plaza  5100 Flatbush Avenue, Suite 110 Atlantic Terminal  139 Flatbush Ave., #A-2

And, according to Pretzelmaker's  Facebook page, if you Tweet or Instagram a photo of your free snack with the hashtag #nationalpretzelday, you can recieve an additional "special twisted treat". So brush up on your knock-knock jokes and get ready to sink your teeth into a freshly baked pretzel.

Free Cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcake Every Day!

Georgetown Cupcakes of TLC's DC Cupcake fame has been featured everywhere from the Today Show to the New York Times to People Magazine. With decadent flavors like Toffee Crunch, Bubble Gum Pink Vanilla, and Honey Banana, it's no wonder it's garnered such widespread popularity. Founded by sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne in 2008, the success of their first bakery in Washington DC, led them to open several other locations, including one in Soho. These cupcakes are not cheap, going for $2.75 a pop, and worth every penny. For a cupcake lover like myself, spending almost three dollars on a cupcake every once in a while is a well-spent indulgence but what's even better is getting these delicious treats for free. How, you might ask, does one go about doing that? Well, each morning at 9:00 AM Katherine and Sophie (or rather their social media manager) updates the Georgetown Cupcake Twitter with a special free (not-on-menu) flavor. All you have to do is be one of the first 100 customers at each location to order it by name and it's yours for free! I tried it out on Wednesday and got a free Vanilla Hazelnut Cupcake. Noms-pictured here! According to the cashier, the secret cupcakes are usually all snatched up by noon so be sure to head to the shop early if you expect to get one. Check out their other flavors and more about Georgetown Cupcake on their website!

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! 

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!

Free Gloves at American Apparel

American Apparel is giving away more free stuff! All you have to do is text "Apparel" to 23000. Then you'll recieve a confirmation text that entitles you to one free pair of fingerless gloves. The gloves are super warm (you can choose between an acrylic or wool blend) and are perfect for texting. Plus they come in a whole slew of fun colors! They sell for $12 dollars so be sure to stop in before December 10th when the promotion ends! Happy shopping!

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!

Shopping off the Curb in NYC

Lookit what I found! While strolling around my neighborhood last night, I stumbled across this table and stool set that is perfect for my little nook of a kitchen. My roommate and I loaded it into a taxi and took the short trip back to our apartment. For the price of cab fare (six bucks!) we now have a kitchen table and stools.

Shopping off of the curb is one of the perks of living in a city where people move frequently and storage costs are at a premium. You can check the sanitation department's website to see when trash is collected in your neighborhood, if you don't already know. These are the days when you'll find discards on the sidewalk waiting to be hauled away. You'll have especially good luck if you scout out the curb towards the beginning of the month when people are moving in and out. As long as you don't have a problem coping with the fact that you have no idea what went down on that furniture before it made it into you're home, you're golden.

I can't wait to start using this frugal find! Happy hunting and let me know if any curb finds have found their way into your apartments.