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!

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!

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. 

Carvel Offers Free Cones Nov. 15th

For all those craving a sweet treat, stop into Carvel tomorrow between 12 and 8 to pick up a complimentary junior size cone. The only one located in Manhattan is in Tribeca but for all of you who work in around Wall Street or go to school in the area (I'm talking to you, Kings College students!) it would make a great mid-week indulgence. And if you're feeling especially generous, you can donate $3 to Hurricane Sandy relief and you'll receive a Carvel Coupon book with up to $30 in savings. Free ice cream and supporting the community sounds like a pretty good combo to me.

MANHATTAN: 

Carvel
118 Fulton Street
New York, NY 10038
212-732-7283

BROOKLYN: 

Carvel
Penn Station Plaza, Long Island Railroad Concourse
New York, NY 10001
(212) 244-3848

Carvel Express
569 Myrtle Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
718-783-3744

Carvel Express
625 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
212-239-1165

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!

Food Trucks & Gyms Offer Freebies For Hurricane Sandy Victims

As New York City struggles to regain its footing after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, food trucks and gyms are doing their part in the relief effort. Until 4 pm today, several food trucks will be serving (free) hot meals to anyone and everyone they can accommodate. For those of us living in lower Manhattan, the PB&Js and canned soup have left us yearning for a hearty, hot meal. Stop by one of the following locations to pick yours up:

8th Avenue and 19th St:
Andy’s Italian Ice
Milk Truck
Frites n’ Meats

Washington Square:
Big D’s Grub
Coolhaus

Rockaways- Beach 50th and Beach Channel Drive:
Cupcake Crew
Eddie’s Pizza

Astor Place:
Rickshaw Dumplings
Toum
Wafles and Dinges

Tompkins Square Park:
Sweetery
Mexico Blvd

14th & 3rd Ave:Wafles and Dinges

City Hall Park:
Wafles and Dinges

In addition, New York Sports Club is opening their doors to the public and offering the use of their showers, outlets, and exercise facilities free of charge until November 14th. They have locations around the city. Check their website for open locations.

I am proud that in the midst of mind-boggling bus lines, crowded subway system, and general uneasiness, there has been a real sense of community among New Yorkers. My prayers go out to all of those who lost their lives, homes, livelihood in this unprecedented storm. Stay safe and be sure to pick up a hot meal from one of these gracious food trucks and blow off a little steam at a New York Sports Club!

How I Resist Impulse Buying and Love It!

Temptation to impulse buy is everywhere in New York City. Just walking home from work I have to resist the urge to buy those cute boots on sale at Zara's or a sweet-smelling cupcake from the bakery on the corner or that quirky lamp at the flea market that would look perfect in my room. Sure, impulse buying makes you feel great in the moment, but those purchases add up and ultimately leave you feeling depleted and depressed. To curb my impulse spending, I devised a system.  Each week I budget myself:

• $35 for groceries. I gave myself a grocery budget because I realized a lot of my impulse buying was happening at the supermarket. (It's hard to resist Trader Joe's Cranberry Almond Dunkers, am I right?)
• $30 for spending money- this goes towards eating out with my friends, attending events, clothing, accessories- anything not essential

I keep a piece of paper in my purse and jot down my purchases as I make them for each category (pictured above).  Then at the end of the week, I add up my purchases and whatever amount is left over, I withdraw from the bank. I then put the cash into a box I keep in my room so I can use it in the future. I've been doing this for the past month and have already saved so much. Seeing the actual cash accruing is really rewarding. And it motivates me to save. For example, this week I decided to use up a lot of the food in my cupboards and freezer. I ended up only spending $4 on groceries for fresh produce! The other $31 went into my Dinobox (it's the cute little metal box I use to store the money for future use).  I'm planning on using what I save to buy a new camera (or maybe a smartphone!). I can also dip into it when I have a sporadic expense like a haircut or when I need to get my shoes re-soled. Having the extra cash gives me a lot of piece of mind.

What works for me may not work for you but it's worth a try.  Curbing impulse spending frees up some cash that you can use to buy things you really want. I'd love to hear how you all resist the everyday temptations in New York!

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!

Cheap Gyms in New York City

Asser Levy Recreation Center

Gyms, like so many things in New York City, are overpriced. A monthly membership to New York Sports Club or 24 Hour Fitness is $90, Crunch charges $100, and Equinox will run you close to $200. And that's not including initiation fees, personal training sessions, or the expensive fitness gear you'll need to buy to fit in. If you're like me, that's way out of your budget. Luckily, the New York Department of Parks and Recreation offers fit and frugal city dwellers a solution to this problem. Their 49 government sponsored recreation centers are scattered throughout the five boroughs and provide weight rooms, cardio centers, gymnasiums, and dance studios to the public. Some even include indoor pools!

 What's even more amazing is the price. At only $150 per year you gain access to all 49 facilities. And, as of 2015, they're offering a "Young Adult" membership option. If you're between 18 and 24 years old, annual membership is just $25. That's $2 per month!

Not every recreation center is created equal, I've found. I've been trying out a couple since signing up in September. The first one I checked out was dingy and small. The equipment was a bit outdated and to my chagrin, they only had one elliptical.

My favorite thus far has been the Chelsea Rec Center. They've got a wide variety of cardio equipment including treadmills, stair climbers, and ellipticals. They also have a separate spinning room where members can spin independently or drop in for a class. And the pool is huge! It is usually not too crowded and there is a certain community feeling amongst the members that I didn't feel when working out in some of those bigger name gyms. I would highly recommend exploring some of these facilities if you're searching for an affordable way to work out, especially now that temperatures are dropping. Here's a full list of locations. Let me know how you stay fit on a budget or if you know of any other cheap gyms in New York City.

The Pool @ Chelsea Rec Center

A Yoga Class in Session @ Chelsea Rec Center

Cardio Room @ Chelsea Rec Center

Japadog on the House

I was walking through Union Square the other night on my way home from work. As usual, there were a bevy of people handing out flyers on the street. Anyone who lives in New York City can attest that this is an annoyance and most people just avoid the flyer-wielding individuals. Which is what I did, until I heard one of them utter "free". My ears perked up and I immediately strolled over to one. Lo and behold, they were passing out coupons for a free hot dog at Japadog! If you're unfamiliar with Japadog, it is a restaurant that specializes in Japanese hot dogs who recently opened a branch at St. Mark's Place. With toppings like seaweed, pickled ginger, miso sauce, fried cabbage, and noodles these hot dogs are truly an Asian taste adventure. I redeemed my coupon yesterday for a Terimayo dog. Teryaki sauce, Japanese mayo, and seaweed topped the hearty beef hot dog.

Japadog is definitely not a budget restaurant. The Terimayo usually retails for $4.51 (and is the least expensive dog on the menu). But don't fret! While I was dining, I spied some of the employees organizing another stack of coupons. Head down to Union Square and you may find yourself with a free Japadog coupon! It's well worth it!

Penniless Recipe: Leftover Taco Casserole

My roommate and I hosted taco night at our apartment for a few of our friends last week. Needless to say, we had quite a bit of left overs. I've been slowly picking at them for the past few days but I knew I would have to throw a lot of the ingredients out if it didn't get eaten soon. So I made a taco leftover casserole! Casseroles are a great (frugal) way to use up leftovers. Even if you don't eat the whole thing, you can always freeze individual portions and then stick them in the microwave for a quick meal.

My "taco leftover" casserole (which can serve 2) consisted of:

• 2 soft corn taco shells
• 1 cup of mexican rice
• 1/2 cup of frozen peppers (I defrosted them in the microwave before adding them to the casserole)
• 1/2 cup of canned corn
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• Several tablespoons of salsa
• Tortilla chip crumbs (probably about 2 chips worth)

I greased my casserole dish and laid down the first taco shell. Then I layered on the rice, salsa, peppers, corn, and cheese. I laid down my second taco shell and did the same. Then I sprinkled the top with the tortilla chip crumbs for an extra crunch. I baked it at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.

The resulting casserole was a warm, cheesy, spicy delicacy. And I managed to use up a lot of the leftovers. I still have probably 10 corn tortillas. I'm thinking about baking them into tortilla chips...but I'll save that for another post.

Waking Up to Nutella

If you're not a morning person, here's a reason to become one. This week, the Nutella Truck is coming to NYC as part of their USA Breakfast Tour. They've already made stops at the 6th Avenue Fair and NYC Octoberfest to hand out samples of the heavenly spread. Next they're headed across the Hudson to Rutgers Univeristy on Tuesday and Hoboken on Wednesday.  But city dwellers, don't fret, they'll be back in Manhattan on Thursday and Friday hitting up NYU and Soho. Keep in mind samples are being handed out from 7 am to 12 pm so the early bird gets the worm...or in this case the Nutella.

And don't forget to check out the Nutella Facebook page to vote for the the truck return to NYC at the end of the tour stocked with free jars of Nutella.

Full Schedule:
• Tuesday, October 2 | Rutgers University (249 University Ave, Newark, NJ) | 7am – 12pm
• Wednesday, October 3 | 1 Hudson Place, Hoboken, NJ (by Path Station) | 7am – 12pm
• Thursday, October 4 | NYU (Washington Square St btwn Sullivan St & MacDougal St) | 7am – 12pm
• Friday, October 5 | SoHo (Broadway btwn Prince St & Spring St) | 7am – 12pm

Free Pancakes at IHop!

It all started on Monday, when the L train was delayed. Flustered, I decided to walk instead of spending my evening trapped in the train. While I was strolling along, I stumbled across an IHop. Yes, an IHop in Manhattan! Right on 14th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. I could barely contain my excitement and when I got home, I immediately logged onto their website figuring they would offer some sort of freebie for signing up with their email club. I was right! Within one day I had received the coupon below for a free Rooty Tooty Combo (or any item on the menu of equal or lesser value!). Two of my friends signed up too and we made a (free) evening of it last night. Nothing beats chocolate pancakes for dinner...unless they're free! Follow this link to get your very own coupon. Just beware, the fine print on the coupon says there is a limit of one per customer, per table. We still all got our meals for free but I'd double check with your waiter before ordering, just in case.

Free Pies Please!

Australian comfort food pioneer Pie Face just opened a new location in Murray Hill and to celebrate, they're giving away free mini pies. They were offering them today from 12-2 and 6-8 and I stopped by for a mini chicken and mushroom pie. It was the perfect combination of flaky buttery crust and hot, gooey insides. They'll be celebrating some more this week. Stop by tomorrow (September 19th) between 8 and 9 AM for a free coffee or on Friday night between 1:30 and 3:30 AM for a mini pie. They'd make the perfect after-drink snack! They're located at 507 3rd Avenue between 33rd and 34th St.

Also, I found a link to the email club on their website which promises more freebies so guess whose signing up?

Free Dessert at Edible Arrangements

Pineapple dipped in chocolate? Yes, please. For free? Hold this girl back!

Now through Sunday September 23rd, Edible Arrangements is offering a voucher for a free "Lovely Cupcake Pineapple Pop." Simply print out the coupon, fill out your personal info, and bring it to a store. There are locations in Brooklyn, the East Village, Midtown West, and the Upper East and West Side. I stopped by their location on St. Mark's Place to pick up mine. What a perfect (free) way to end the night. Bon Appetit!

(Sorta) Free Ice Cream Sandwiches!

If you've never tried a CoolHaus ice cream sandwich before, now is the time. These are no ordinary ice cream sandwiches. Each is composed of a large helping of house made gourmet ice cream sandwiched between two soft cookies. You pick your ice cream flavor and type of cookie. With choices like  Potato Chip and Butterscotch cookies and cherry cheesecake ice cream, the possibilities are endless. Usually these delicacies cost $6 a pop but through this Friday, they're offering them on a "pay as you wish" basis at their cart in Central Park. I stopped by today and tried their salted caramel between two dark dark chocolate cookies....and paid a dime. Seriously! I planned on taking a picture before devouring it, but my excitement overwhelmed me and I forgot, so here's one I got from SeriousEats.com . So delicious and well-worth the trip!

The cart is located at Central Park West and 80th St from 12 to 6 pm. Be sure not to miss it!

Cheap DIY- Key Decoration

Since moving into my apartment last week, I've been struggling to differentiate between my building and apartment key. But I refuse to buy those overpriced "key shirts." Still, I need a way to tell my almost identical keys apart before I strip them down from using them in the wrong locks. So, I got creative. Using nail polish, I painted the heads of the keys. I also painted my mailbox key black to match. And now I have a cohesive set of keys that look cute without spending a dime. 

I took these photos a few days after painting them. As you can see they're already a little dinged up. I think I'll touch them up and then paint a layer of clear polish for extra protection. 

Yay for cute looking keys I can tell apart!

Cheap DIY- Jewelry Display

When you're tight on space and money, it's important to think outside of the box. As I decorate my New York City apartment, I'm constantly brainstorming ways to use what I already have, even if that means for a purpose not originally intended.  That's why I transformed my cork board into an earring display and coat rack into a necklace hanger.

Just add sewing pins and you're done! I love that I can add postcards and photo booth strips to the cork board to serve as a back drop for my earrings.

By mixing the metals, lengths, and price points of the necklaces, I created an eclectic-cool vignette. Not to mention, it's super easy to grab a necklace and go. No need to clasp and unclasp like when they're on a rod. 

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.

Penniless Recipe: Fried Eggs and Tomato

I love thumbing through magazines like Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, and Fine Cooking to salivate over the gorgeously styled food. Seldom though do I find a recipe that A. I can afford to make and B. that I am capable of making. (Does anyone know what blanching is?). I was pleased to stumble across this recipe in Martha Stewart Living a few days ago. It's the perfect end of summer meal that only costs pennies. I tailored the recipe to feed just one person.

Here's what you'll need:

Cooking Spray
2 eggs
1 tomato
1/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded or cubed)
Basil, Salt, Pepper

Crack the eggs in your pan. Wait until the whites are almost cooked through. Remove from stove top and top with tomatoes and cheese. Don't forget to sprinkle on your spices! Stick it in the oven on broil for a few minutes until the cheese starts to bubble. And voila, you're done!

Total cost? Not even a dollar
Total in-kitchen time? About 5 minutes
Total satisfaction? Oh, yeah!

Neon Trees for Free!

Who can pass up a free concert? On Tuesday, I attended a free Neon Trees concert sponsored by the MLB Fan Cave. Located at the corner of Broadway and 4th Street, the Fan Cave is where baseball meets pop-culture. The graffiti'd walls, neon baseball diamond, and strobe lights make the space feel like a hip nightclub. Plus, the space can only accommodate about 50 people which adds to the exclusivity of the event. My friend Chelsea and I rocked out with our fellow fans to our favorite Neon Trees hits like Animal and Everybody Talks. 

If you didn't make it to this show, you still have a chance before the Fan Cave closes its doors. Don't miss their upcoming shows:

August 30th- The Band Perry

September 4th- Jason Aldean

September 10th- The All American Rejects

Check out their website for full details!

PS- Get there at least 30 minutes early if you want to get in. Like I said, space is limited and your competing with a bunch of NYU students who live next door for your spot!

How to Spend Your Birthday When Broke In NYC

As my 20th birthday approached, I started to feel a sense of dread. Not only because I was relinquishing my teendom but also because I couldn't afford to throw a big party or even go out to dinner with friends. So how's a broke girl supposed to celebrate her birthday in style? By stocking up on birthday freebies of course! And New York City abounds in them.

I did a little research and found this website.: http://www.freebie-depot.com/birthday-freebie-list/
It lists hundreds of freebies you can get from various restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues on your birthday. It's an exhaustive list but I weeded through them until I found a few gems.

Some of the best for New Yorkers are...

• Au Bon Pain- which offers a free sandwich or salad during your birthday week
• Moe's Southwest Grill- I picked up a free burrito at their Penn Station location
• Sprinkles- who entitles you to a free cupcake of your choosing on your birthday. Combine that with their whisper word promotion and you'll get two free cupcakes!
• Rita's Ices- a free ice during your birthday week

And lastly, Big Daddy's Diner who will comp your meal on your birthday. With dishes on their menu like oreo pancakes and a burger stuffed with mac and cheese, it's the perfect place to indulge on your birthday. I went to their Gramercy Park location and special ordered their bran pancakes with chocolate chunks. My date (okay it was my dad who had spent the day helping me move into my new apartment) got the Grand Daddy Burger. The service was phenomenal and the atmosphere great!

When all was said and done, I was a happy (and stuffed!) birthday girl without spending a dime.