Ben and Jerry's Free Cone Day 2013

Mark your calendars for April 9th! This Tuesday marks the 34th year that Ben and Jerry's will be celebrating Free Cone Day as a token of their appreciation to all their loyal customers. All three Ben and Jerry's locations in Manhattan will be participating in the promotion. It's a great chance to try a new flavor (Liz Lemon Greek Froyo or Candy Bar Pie anyone??) or indulge in one of their tried and true favorites. Maybe a little Cherry Garcia? Be prepared for a line at all locations. Last year I waited a half hour for my cone, and I've heard of much longer waits. But the delicious cone that awaits is well worth it! So put on your stretchy pants and head to one of these three Manhattan Ben and Jerry's locations between 12 and 8 pm:


Macys Herald Square
151 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

Ben & Jerry's Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020

Ben and Jerry's 104th and Broadway

2722 Broadway
New York, NY 10025

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.