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/

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! 

#MyKiplingBag Tour Comes to NYC

As I was strolling down Sixth Avenue today on my way home from grocery shopping, I stumbled upon the Kipling Bag Tour Pop Up Store on 29th Street. As I opened the double doors leading into the temporary shop, I entered a warm, sunny, friendly atmosphere. Green grass covers part of the floor, colorful dry erase boards line the wall, and Kipling bags are artfully merchandised where ever I turned. The store will be open from November 12th to 14th and offers an array of amazing services.



Professional makeup artists at your beck and call? Of Course!
Photo booth? Step right up!
Monogramming Service? You bet!
Free Food and Drinks? For sure!

The best part? You guessed it, everything is free! Seriously...everything! I could hardly contain my glee when Megan, one of the makeup artists, offered to do my makeup. Whilst getting pampered, an employee offered me a cold drink and when I was done, I made my way over to the monogramming station where I got to custom design a pen case to take home. To say I left happy is an understatement!

If you are in the area, I highly suggest checking it out since tomorrow is the last day they will be there. They are open from 12 to 9 PM and will be serving "sips" after 7 PM.

835 Sixth Avenue at 29th St

#mykiplingbag

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

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 Yogurt Day on Monday September, 23rd!

Alert frozen yogurt fans! This Monday, Yogurtland is celebrating CBS Premiere Week with free frozen yogurt. Just redeem the online offer on their Facebook page and they'll email you a coupon for 5 oz of the good stuff free! (Link here). There are four locations in New York, including one just a few blocks from FIT for all my fellow classmates. And they also recently opened one in Park Slope! My personal flavor recommendation? Their praline and pecan yogurt. Super yummy!

NYC Yogurtland Locations:

Lenox Hill

1275 First Ave @ 69th St

Midtown

358 Seventh Ave @ 29th St

Downtown

420 Amsterdam Avenue

Corner of Chamber St

Park Slope

207 Seventh Ave @ 4th St

Check out their website for more details about flavors, nutrition, and locations!

Get Free Stuff with Wrapp Mobile App

Before I launch into how amazing Wrapp is, I would like to point out that they did not paid me to write this glowing review. They should have, considering how much I'm going to rave about them but, as Tech Nine would say, "they ain't payin' me for it, at least not yet." (Caribou Lou, anyone?). So when I say Wrapp is amazing, you can trust that it's coming from the most sincere of places.

Currently in my Wrapp wallet

So what is Wrapp? It's a gift giving service that allows members to give and recieve free (or paid if you choose) gift cards to their Facebook friends. You can access the service through their website or download the free app. I recommend getting the app since some of the gifts can only be redeemed in-store via a mobile device. Gifts are stored in your "wallet" and can be used either in-store or online depending on the vendor.  The first gift I received was for Fab.com which I used to buy a cute cat print which is now on my wall. I paid only for shipping. And the $5 H&M gift I received for my birthday got me a pair of sandals from the fast-fashion retailer for close to nothing. Some of the free gifts I've given to my Facebook friends include $10 to H&M, $5 to American Apparel, and $10 to PACT.  Gifts are sent either via Facebook or email. All your friends have to do is download the app as well, and they'll be able to redeem their gifts. It's literally like giving away free money! And there is no limit (or at least I haven't encountered any) for the number of gifts you give. So feel free to go hog wild!

Wrapp is really a great resource. Many of the vendors sell items for amounts comparable to the gift amount so you can potentially get free stuff. Or you can use the gifts towards bigger purchases. If you're lucky enough to be my Facebook firiend, let me know if you want me to send you a free gift, I'd be happy to do so :)

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!

Take a Free Ride on the Staten Island Ferry

Yesterday I found myself at a loss for how to spend my Saturday evening. After browsing my usual sources for cheap events, it seemed like there was nothing fun happening in the city  (which proves how much of a spoiled New Yorker I've become). I racked my brain for an enjoyable, free way to spend a summer evening in the city. And then it came to me...the Staten Island Ferry! 

I know what you're thinking: why would anyone who lives in Manhattan spend thier Saturday night going to Staten Island? Not that I have anything against this forgotten borough because I'm sure if I explored I would find many redeeming qualities. But it's definitely not the mecca of entertainment and culture that is Manhattan. So why go, you ask? Well, as R. Alan Woods would say, "The journey is the destination."

Leaving from the Whitehall Station at the Southern tip of Manhattan, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry offers great views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. The ferry has a deck and ample outdoor seating so passengers can enjoy the view. The ride takes about 25 minutes one way and ferries operate twenty-four hours a day. Best of all, it's free! The best time to go is in the evenings, after rush hour. There's something hypnotic about watching the lit up city skyline get smaller and smaller as the sea breeze blows through your hair. It's a summer must-do!

So grab some friends, your camera, and maybe a beer or two and hop on! You can get more information and check the schedule for departures here. 

Get Deals with the 7-Eleven Mobile App

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last post. Between starting a new internship, moving to Brooklyn, re-registering for school, and oh yeah...enjoying every moment of spending my first summer in NYC, it seems like I barely have a free moment to spare. But of course I want to keep you all updated on the free, fun stuff happening...so expect lots more posts in the coming weeks.

For today, I want to share a quick, easy way I've been scoring freebies and coupons on a regular basis. Let me introduce you to the 7-Eleven Mobile App. 7-Elevens are popping up around the city at an alarming rate. It seems like there's a new one every few blocks. I downloaded their mobile app a few months ago (which is free, of course) and have been getting deals ever since. Coupons appear every few days and all you have to do is have the cashier scan the barcode on your phone to redeem them. The freebies I've gotten have included slurpees, ice cream bars, snacks, and gum. It's nothing gourmet, but I can't turn down a cold Snapple or Ice Cream Twix bar when it's 101 degrees in New York. Especially if I don't have to pay for it!

And just a heads up- they'll be offering free hot dog coupons on Tuesday, July 23rd in celebration of National Hot Dog Day! So download the app before then and stop by one of their locations.

Side note- There's a big push in my neighborhood to boycott 7-Elevens in support of local, family owned convenience stores. I totally understand the sentiment but just want to point out that a lot of the 7-Elevens we're seeing pop up are franchises opened by hard-working people who have busted their butts to save up the money to own a business. Maybe that's just me justifying my shopping habits but I wanted to put it out there. Food for thought!

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!

Get Free Stuff at Aerie This Weekend!

Hey ladies! If you're out and about this weekend, be sure to pop into your neighborhood Aerie. From April 26th to 28th, they're hosting a "Try-On Event." Try on any bra or swim item and you'll recieve a gift of either a $5 cash card, free favorite panty, or free bra!  I'm guessing there is a disproportionate number of cash cards and free bras, but it's worth the five minutes it takes to throw on one of their swim suits. There are three Aerie stores participating in the event in Manhattan (locations below).

2274 599 BROADWAY
599 Broadway
New York, NY 10012-3235

AERIE UNION SQUARE
19 Union Square West
New York City, NY 10003

2248 TIMES SQUARE
1551-1555 Broadway
New York, NY 10036-1517


Check out their Facebook page for additional details and locations outside of the NY Metro area.

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.

A Broke Girl's Playlist

Generally I use this blog as a platform to share practical tips and information as a service to my fellow tightwad New Yorkers. But today's post is entirely for fun. I don't consider myself a music aficionado; I'm unashamed to admit most of the music on my Ipod can be heard on any Top 40 radio station and that I enjoy a good country song on occasion...okay, almost everyday. But none-the-less, I enjoy music. They say that art imitates life so it's no surprise that songwriters pen ballads about experiences that we all go through; falling in love, breakups, and yes...being strapped for cash. In fact, I realized some of my favorite songs are about people who are strapped for cash. I decided to dive into my Itunes library and compose a playlist of my favorite finance-related songs. So here it is...

Tahlia's Broke Girl Playlist:

1. I Need A Dollar

Aloe Blacc
Not only is this a great song, but the music video makes me proud to be a struggling New Yorker.

2. Rich Girl

Gwen Stefani
Preach it sister!

3. Thrift Shop

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
I can appreciate a man who thinks $20 in his pocket is a fortune.

4. Money, Money, Money

Abba via Meryl Streep
...because no one is cooler than Meryl

5. She Works Hard for The Money

Donna Summers

This is a great auditory motivator when your dragging yourself out of bed to go to work.

6. Love Like Crazy

Lee Brice 

A great song about a self-made man.

7. Gold Digger

Gunther
I just giggle every time I hear this song.

8. Rent

The Cast of Rent

I wish I could send this MP3 to my landlord each month in lieu of a check.

9. It's All About the Benjamins

Puff Daddy

If anyone knows about money, it's Diddy.

Free Movies and Panels at Tribeca Film Festival

A shot from last year's free outdoor moving screening

April 17th through 28th marks the 11th annual Tribeca Film Festival. With screenings of over 200 films as well as a plethora of panels, discussions, and lectures, this years festival is poised to be one of the biggest and best yet. The hand-selected films range in genre from comedy to romance to documentary.  Showcasing work by some of the greatest filmmakers in the world, the festival aims to bring good cinema to the public. Granted, tickets are not cheap. They'll cost you $16 a pop for a weekend or evening screening and $25 for a ticket to one of the ever-popular Tribeca Talks lectures.

But penny-pinchers, have no fear. You can still enjoy the Festival without forking over a fortune. Matinees and late night screening tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate of $8.00. That's cheaper than most theaters in the city and you no matter what film you choose to see, you're guaranteed quality entertainment.

If $8 still seems like too much to you, the Festival will also be sponsoring three free outdoor movie screenings this weekend. Located at Brookfield Place at the World Financial Center Plaza, the screenings begin at dusk with pre-screening festivities starting at 6 PM. This year's lineup consists of:

1. The Birds (Thurs. April 18th)- The classic Hitchcock film about the town of Bodega Bay that is terrorized by a flock of killer birds
2. Beetle Juice (Fri. April 19th)- This Tim Burton film stars Michael Keaton as a comedic ghost who has trouble carrying out his mortal-scaring destiny
3. Lil Bub and Friendz (Sat. April 20th)- A documentary about "the most famous cat in the world." 'Nuff said

For more information on the screenings, check out the Tribeca Film Festival website and click here to see a full list of the free events at this year's festival.

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

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!

Why I Love the New York Public Library

Call me a nerd for saying this but the New York Public Library system is one of the best free institutions that this city has to offer. With multiple locations in every neighborhood and borough, the NYPL is much more than just a collection of local libraries. It is one of the most overlooked resources that New Yorkers have at their finger tips. I got a library card last September and my affinity for the library has since grown. Here are a few reasons that the NYPL is so great:

1. Free WiFi- Although I love cozying up in my hole-in-the-wall apartment to get a bunch of computer work done, there are times that I just need to be in a different setting. When you're on the lookout for somewhere to bang out some assigned online reading, catch up on emails, or write that gazillion page paper, your options are a noisy coffee shops or your school lounge. But never fear, pop into any of the New York Public Libraries and you can use their wifi...for free! There are usually comfy chairs and ample desk space to spread out. It's always quiet and no one bothers you to buy another coffee after your fourth hour there.

2.Access to their online catalog- The NYPL's holdings number in the tens of millions. For real, ! googled that!  Their catalog includes everything from academic journals to recently released movies to your favorite magazine to that bestselling book you've been dying to read to Mumford and Sons' new album. Once you have a library card, you can access their entire catalog online and put whatever you're little heart desires on hold. As soon as your local library receives the item, they email you to let you know you can pick it up. And it's all free! You can even renew things online so there's no fear of racking up a bill in overdue fees.

Keep reading for the third and most important reason I love the NYPL and useful links to get you started.

Get a Free Macaron on Macaron Day!

As if the thought of free Italian ices weren't enough to get me excited for the first day of spring, I just realized that tomorrow is also Macaron Day. For all you who are unfamiliar with the deliciousness that is a macaron, let me explain. The macaron is the lighter, more sophisticated Parisian cousin to the American Whoopie Pie. Coming in flavors like pistachio, honey suckle, and good old chocolat, macarons have long been a favorite among the French and are gaining popularity hear in the States. In conjunction with the Jour de Macaron in Paris, 15 of New York's premier macaron purveyors will be offering a free macaron to anyone who stops by tomorrow, March 20th. Check out this handy map to see where you can pick up your free macaron. Keep in mind that the offer is for a single macaron and eating just one is near impossible. If your self-control does in fact waiver and you end up purchasing more, don't beat yourself up. A portion of the day's proceeds will benefit City Harvest...so really you're doing society a disservice if you don't buy a macaron. How's that for a rationalization :)

Free Ices at Rita's on the First Day of Spring

This Wednesday is the official first day of spring...hard to believe since I just trudged through ice pellets on my way home from work! Luckily, it doesn't have to feel like spring in order for Rita's to continue their annual tradition of serving free ices on the first day of the season. On March 19th, head to any of the Rita franchises across the country between 12 and 9 PM to snag a full size, free Italian ice in your favorite flavor. The only Rita's in New York is on the Upper West Side (full address below) but don't think that's going to stop this downtown dweller from trekking uptown to enjoy one of their many delicious flavors. I mean, who would pass up the chance to try Swedish Fish flavored Italian ice? Check out their website to see pictures from years passed and don't forget to mark your own calendars so you can join in on the tradition.

Rita's: Upper West Manhattan 
2486 Broadway 
New York, NY 10025

Daylight Savings Brings Free Doughnuts

              It's hard to believe that it's almost time to set our clocks ahead. Although I'm none to pleased to be losing an hour of sleep on March 10th, I am excited for the longer days, increased sunshine, and warmer weather that daylight savings time signifies. And this year, I'm even more excited because Krispy Kreme is offering a free original glazed doughnut to every guest who stops by one of their shops on Sunday. Only select locations are participating in the offer (full list here) but luckily their 24 hour spot in Penn Station is one of the chosen. And as an added bonus, if you sign up for their Friends of Krispy Kreme program, you'll get a coupon via email valid for a free doughnut of your choice. The coupon is good for ten days after you sign up so that's potentially two free doughnuts in one day.  With new flavors like their Cookies and Creme Doughnut (yep...topped with Oreos!) and old favorites like the Glazed Cruller and Boston Creme, I dare you to not sign up!

Side note- The latest issue of Saveur Magazine is devoted to doughnuts and is filled with lots of fun, interested doughnut facts. Here's one I didn't know: Doughnuts did not always have a hole in them. The practice of cutting out the middle of the pastry began when doughnuts started being mass-produced so that they would cook more evenly in a shorter amount of time. 

Add that to your collection of useless facts!

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.

Red Mango Offers Free Fro-Yo!

If you're a fro-yo fan (and let's be honest, who isn't?) I've got a sweet deal for you! Red Mango is offering $5 worth of free yogurt for joining their loyalty program, Club Mango. All you have to do is enter your contact information into this form and they'll send you an email with your account number and a $5 credit. Then stop by your favorite Red Mango location and load up on the deliciousness. I tried it out last night and got myself a hearty helping of Cookies and Cream Yogurt topped with almonds, graham crackers, chocolate chips, and Reese's peanut butter cups. Can you say "noms"?

Me with my big ol' tub of free fro-yo!

Pamper and Primp This Week for Free!

Mid-February means two things to me: New York Fashion Week and Valentine's Day. Both bring mixed emotions. As one of the non-elite who has to get my fix of fashion week by checking The Cut and Fabsugar.com like it's my full-time job, I sort of feel like I'm part of the swanky scene that's taking place beneath the tents of Lincoln Center. And, as a single girl with no prospects of finding a man before V day (sad but true), I've been nursing my loneliness with hearty doses of Ryan Gosling films, Hugh Jackman interviews, and Maroon 5 music videos. But before you go pitying me, take into consideration that both Fashion Week and Valentine's Day bring lots of free stuff to the city that I am whole-heartedly taking advantage of. Case and point: Greenpointer's "Message in a Bottle" Valentine's Market on Saturday. I went with a bunch of my girlfriends and had a blast sampling chocolates and taking faux-romantic pictures in the photo booth. Check out a few of these upcoming Valentines Day/Fashion Week events that you can enjoy even if you don't have a significant other or your name isn't on the Proenza Schouler invite list.

Makeover at What Goes Around Comes Around Pop-Up

• Celebrate Yourself with Swarovski Crystallized 
• Where? Swarovski Soho Store
• When? Tuesday 6-8
•  What? Enjoy champagne and chocolates as you peruse some of the most gorgeous jewelry on earth. And you get a complimentary romance novel with any purchase (as if that would motivate you!). Link here.

• The Bauble Bar Pop Up Shop
• Where? 344 West 14^th Street at 9^th Avenue
• When? Until February 16th
• What? In celebration of their two year anniversary, BaubleBar, a trendy jewelry company, has set up a pop up shop in the Meatpacking District and is hosting events there until February 16th. Check out their calendar of events here! Not to be missed is their blogger meet and greet this Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM.
• Galore Mag x What Comes Around Goes Around
• Where? 440 Lafayette St
• When? Until February 14th
• What? For the next few days various special guests will be stopping by the WCGA pop-up shop. They are also offering complimentary makeovers and manicures provided by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. Slight disclaimer...it's probably a good idea to call ahead and make sure they're on schedule. I went today and the sales staff told me the makeup artists weren't coming in for the day because of inclement weather. Here's the full list of events for your review.

So regardless of your romantic status or interest in Fashion Week, go ahead and indulge in one (or several) of these fun events!

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!

Get a Free Small Plate at California Pizza Kitchen!

California Pizza Kitchen is a great family restaurants that specializes in innovative, oven-baked pizzas. Prices are good and portions are hearty. They have locations throughout the United States and luckily one on Park Ave South. As a means to promote their new small plate menu (found here) and to say thank you to all their loyal customers, the restaurant is offering a free small plate to customers until January 31st. Choose from one of six scrumptious options and get it totally free. Be warned that these are, in fact "small plates" so don't expect a full dinner. They are snack size dishes that should be ordered as a quick nosh or in combination with a drink or two at the bar. I stopped by last night and ordered the Asparagus and Arugula Salad. Very tasty and completely complimentary! Print this coupon to get your free small plate too!

Asparagus and Arugula Salad

California Pizza Kitchen

440 Park Avenue South

(212) 685-6700

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!

Get a Free Beauty Bag from Aerie

Update: The Aerie Facebook page failed to mention that the "free" beauty bag will only be given out with a purchase of $35 dollars or more. Wish I knew that before I trekked out to Soho in the slush. Oh well! Aerie is having a great sale on bras right now though so if you're on the prowl for a new one, it may be worth a trip!

Tomorrow, January 16th, American Eagle will be giving out a limited supply of beauty bags from their in-house lingerie brand Aerie. What's in these beauty bags is a mystery and Aerie is being pretty secretive about what they will include. But my interest is peaked so I will definitely be stopping by one of the two participating stores in New York (either Soho or Times Square locations) to snatch one up.


Click here for exact locations from the Aerie Facebook page!

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!