Importance of MeTime

In the last several years, a number of my girlfriends have had children. It has been quite a magical experience to watch ladies that used to veer towards the wild side adopt a warm, compassionate, and tame lifestyle and observing them caring for their children has been really inspiring to this Recessionista. Though I personally am not certain that child-bearing is in my future, I have a tremendous respect for the women (and men!) who serve in the most important job in life, that of a parent.

However, the aftermath of pregnancy is often times less than a series of perfect, Lifetime-movie moments. To go from a constant state of only having to worry for one to spending the majority of your time constantly worried about another can be exhausting, to say the least. Additionally, a woman's identity shifts from that of a full-fledged person to that of a "mother." (Thanks, Society!!) Phrases like "well-rounded" and "work-life balance" become laughable. That life goal of learning Japanese feels far from achievable.

So, when I learned of MeTime, a company started by an extraordinary, not to mention beautiful young woman named Bea Arthur (with zero resemblance to the Golden Girl), I was immediately impressed. The mission of this company is to provide non-baby-centric activities and outlets to moms, giving them a "night off" from their identity as a mother and reminding them that they are , in actuality, fabulous women! MeTime will offer a series of get-togethers and activities, like Japanese cooking classes, to remind mommies that there is life outside of baby and they deserve to enjoy it!

Last night marked the debut MeTime event - a cocktail creation class sponsored by Domaine de Canton, a French Ginger Liqueur, as well as bar/restaurant Haven in Midtown east. With upbeat tunes and a high end lodge/lounge vibe as backdrop, our instructors Jennifer Craig and James, walked all of the MeTime attendees through the art of making cocktails that will not only impress dinner party guest, but, as I pointed out, we can make on a quiet night in just because we are worth it.

I learned three important lessons of the evening. The first and foremost, mothers are my heroes. What these ladies have to balance requires superhuman abilities and most do it with a constant smile on their faces. Second, I found a liqueur that I would actually buy. I am normally a pretty simple cocktail consumer - a glass of wine or a vodka martini. However, Jennifer proved me wrong with this delicious (and not super sweet!) ginger, honey, and vanilla infused liqueur. I challenged her and James, and through a series of cocktail creations, they made a believer of me - a bottle of Domaine de Canton will now be a regular part of my cocktail concoctions. Finally and begrudgingly I admit this, I realized that (some) models have brains, as I spoke with James who not only makes the world's best mojito, but has appeared in Men's Vogue and works full-time as a model. Snaps to both Jennifer and James, who were very patient and excellent instructors, even when the mommie crowd got a little rowdy.

Thanks to Jennifer for introducing the MeTime crowd to a lovely and elegant liqueur. Thanks to James for being patient with me as I over-poured my mojito. Thanks to Bea for putting on a lovely event that truly provided an escape from the everyday role that mom's have to play. A special thanks to the folks at Haven - an exotic, eclectic local with excellent service and great drink specials - a must if you are ever in NYC!

Domaine de Canton Mojito

2 Lemon wedges (yes, lemon!

4-5 leaves/sprigs of mint

1/2 ounce sugar syrup (depending how sweet you like it)

1 ounce Domaine de Canton

1-2 ounce(s) white rum

1 splash of soda/seltzer water

Muddle lemon, mint and sugar for a good 20-30 seconds (as James said, work out some aggression here - make sure you are really pressing the flavors out). Next, add the Domaine de Canton, followed by the rum. Add about a cup of ice, then shake it, baby! Top off with a splash of soda and even an extra squeeze of lemon, if you are feeling sassy! Then, drink up!

Living La Vida Broke-ah

If the creators of South Park can come up with hundred of ways to "Kill Kenny," one can imagine that there must be many other sites that offer valuable deals, discounts, and overall tips to fabulous living on a budget. Recessionista Roadmap wants to arm all of the masses with these, and we will continue to spotlight blogs and websites that can contribute to a positive outlook on life during dark economic times. Here are a few of note:

Popsugar: This website offers fabulous up to the minute tips on beauty and lifestyle, entertaining, technology, and, for the uber-indulgent Recessionista, a plethora of celebrity gossip. With special offers and fantastic tips, this is one to check out when you need a break from perusing Monster.com.

Wisebread: Who wants stale, dried-up financial advice, when a deliciously-written, starchy alternative is a hop, skip, and click away? Wisebread offers daily savings tips that, while entertaining you, can help increase the, er, dough in your pocket.

4 Reluctant Entertainers: I've met Martha Stewart and can honestly say there is only ONE of her in the world. Time to get realistic. However, the reality is Recessionistas can throw fabulous parties, be tremendously creative, and accomplish all of this on a budget. This website is loaded with excellent examples and lessons learned. It's a good thing.

Recessionista Tip of the Day: So, you can't quite kick your Starbucks habit - no judgement, Recessionista! However, instead of falling prey to the green and white cupped monster, try a quick stop by Dunkin Donuts instead. A Venti latte at Starbucks will run you $3.65, where the DD equivalent is $3.29. This minor switch saves you $131 annually. If/when you give up your daily DD habit, you save, brace yourself, $1200, yes, twelve hundred dollars. That overburnt office cup of joe never tasted so good, right?

Celebrationista

Spotlight: Movie Night


These days, the price of a pair of movies tickets feels more expensive than the two speeding tickets I received this summer! Spare yourself the unnecessary outing (and the 1200 calorie tub of popcorn) and reinterpret the theater experience at home, with the fabulous Recessionista twist. Bonus: You can leave those annoying teenagers who usually sit behind you and throw popcorn off the guest list.


Budget: $40 (for 6 people)

Movie Selection: Be aware of your guests' preferences (not everyone loved Titanic, Recessionista!) To avoid the mid-movie chatter, try to select something that everyone has not seen before or in a very long time. I recommend checking out classic or independent films from the library and creating a theme around them. For instance, plan "A Night with Humphrey Bogart" and show Casablanca and Sabrina.

Menu: Keep it simple yet elegant with an alternative to the standard popcorn and jujubees. Pair a few delicious yet inexpensive wines with a French picnic style spread, and your guests will feel that you provided a lavish cinematic paradise rather than a ho-hum evening in. Plate the cheeses, slice the baguettes, uncork the wine, and voila! Une soirée parfaite!

Shopping List (NYC prices = most expensive):

1 bottle Alamo Malbec (Argentina): $9

1 Bottle Jacob's Creek South Australian Chardonnay (Australia):$6

1 Package strawberries: $5

1 Container of Nutella Hazelnut spread: $6

2 Baguettes: $4

1/2 lb Brie or Soft Cheese: $5

1/2 lb Gouda or Hard cheese: $5
Total: $40

Lesson learned: An affordable night in can be a memorable, fabulous experience with a little thought and effort put in prior to the evening to provide a sense of occasion.

Recessionista Tip of the Day: You wouldn't get married to a person for convenience alone, so that should not be the sole reason for selecting a bank either. Many banks charge ridiculous ATM fees and monthly surcharges, and, frankly, these are just not your type, Recessionista! Do your homework and do not settle! Especially in today's economy, these banks should court you! You're worth it, after all.

Tin Can Chef: Recessionista in the Kitchen

Cooking at home is a MUST during these difficult economic times, where lavish dinners out should be less than frequent (save the extra $$$ for that Recessionista spring break!) We are lucky to have our guest blogger, the Tin Can Chef, bring us a delicious intimate dinner party recipe that will run you, get this, a total of $42* for 4 ($32 without the sparkling bottle of Prosecco, but I do know my cooking improves with a little liquor).

*This represents the purchase of ingredients from NYC, an expensive city with the tiniest grocery store aisles in the county. Anywhere else in the US can be assumed to cost equal to or less than $42 for this meal, and the grocery store aisles can be assumed to be much more spacious.

Spinach En-cheap-ladas(serves about four)

Ingredients

• Two bunches fresh spinach (Recessionista Tip: Buying unwashed spinach will save you a couple of bucks. However, spinach is grown in sandy soil, you have triple wash if you want to avoid the unpleasant sensation of chewing on grit)


• 2 cups crimini (aka brown) mushrooms (Recessionista Tip: Crimini are usually cheaper than their more flavorful cousins, the baby bellas. Fear not, though, the difference in flavor will not be noticeable enchiladas, a dish with lots of other competing strong flavors)


• 1 White Onion


• 1 large tomato or 2-3 Roma tomatoes


• 2 cloves garlic


• 1/2 lb Monterrey Jack Cheese


• Sour cream


• 1 can enchilada sauce


• 1 package corn or flour tortillas


• 1 can prepared jalapenos


• 1 can black olives


• 1-2 cans Refried Beans


• 1 box Rice

Directions

A. Prep work

Pre-heat oven to 325. Dice or cube white onion. Dice 2 cloves of garlic .Wash and slice mushrooms (Recessionista Tip: There is no reason to remove the mushroom stems. These add flavor and make the mushrooms go further). Slice black black olives. Open can of Jalapenos and pour juice into cup. You will use this later!! Dice Jalapenos. Shred Monterrey Jack Cheese. Open can of enchilada sauce and pour into bowl big enough to allow you to dip a tortilla into the sauce Cube tomato(es) If you didn’t buy pre-washed bagged spinach, triple wash spinach.

B. Cooking the spinach mix.

In a large frying pan heat 1 tablespoon oil (preferably a light olive oil). Add diced garlic and onion. Cook over medium-high heat until onion begins to turn transparent. Add mushrooms and allow Mushrooms to cook for 2-3 minutes. Add spinach a few handfuls at time. As spinach cooks down, add more. Transfer into large bowl.

C. Rolling the enchiladas.

Pour a little sauce in the bottom of your casserole dish.Take the tortillas out of bag and warm a few in the microwave for a few seconds (you can also place them on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven for a few minutes). The tortillas should be soft and pliable.Make sure your hands are clean because you are going to be working directly with the food. Dip a tortilla in the sauce both sides should be covered. Add spinach mixture and shredded cheese. Roll Tortilla and place in casserole. Remember to save some of the cheese for the top layer. Once all of the tortillas are in the pan, cover them evenly with the remaining enchilada sauce. Now add diced tomatoes and black olives. Sprinkle last of shredded cheese over top.Put enchilada in the oven to bake while you prepare beans and finish rice. The enchiladas will take 30-35 minutes.

D. Rice and Beans

Start the rice first. Most box rice mixtures take about take about 35 minutes to prepare, and follow the instructions on the box to prepare. Open can of refried beans and mash with fork. Pour jalapeno juice into beans a little at a time to add extra flavor. The beans take only 3-5 minutes to heat up in the microwave (be sure to cover them first!). When the enchiladas are done, put the beans in the microwave. This will give the enchiladas a few minutes to cool down and set. Serve enchiladas with dollop of fresh sour cream and rice and beans.

Recessionista Tip of the Day: Lately, I have had numerous friends approach me about clever ways to make money. The catch? They already have full-time jobs! However, there are many opportunities out there that allow freelance opportunities outside your 9 to 5. The first step for Recessionistas is to identify skills that might exist outside their resumes. For instance, many dissertation candidates and reporters seek typists/transcriptions to type up notes, papers, etc. on a freelance basis. These positions pay $15-25 per/hour or $1/minute and can be completed in your downtime. I will continue to post such opportunities, so start your self-assessment and get ready to start making the moolah! In the meantime, check out http://www.ifreelance.com/ .

Recessionista on the Web

To start your week properly, I feel it is my duty to bring to you, my fellow Recessionistas, brand new websites to explore during your non-existent downtime this week. Instead of leaving the office, paying $5 for the Frappucciono at the Starbucks down the street, try this quick, delicious make-it-yourself coffee drink and spend 5 minutes of coffee break time checking these out:

"The Poor Man's Mocha Latte"

• 3/4 cup brewed coffee (make sure the derelict from the mail room didn't brew the last pot)
• 1/2 packet Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa
• 2-3 Tablespoon of Fat Free Cool Whip 1/4 cup Milk, Cream or Half and Half
• 1/4 Teaspoon cinnamon 1 Tablespoon Sugar

Mix coffee with Sugar, Cinnamon, Cream, and Hot Cocoa. Top off with the Fat-free Cool Whip and a dusting of cinnamon and sugar, and congratulate yourself - you just saved $5!

Then, check out these sites:

1. http://www.restaurant.com/ : This website is exclusively designed to bring local restaurant deals to you. You enter the site, type in your zip code, and it will display specials occurring in your area (example: Baci Restaurant, in the Washington D.C. area, will sell you a $25 gift card for the cost of $10 to use on dinner. Amazing!)

2. http://www.theonion.com/ : Nothing solves the mid-day work blues like a little laughter. This faux news website, originally a faux news newspaper born out of Madison, WI, offer laugh out loud satire in the guise of news.

3. http://www.eopinions.com/ : We have all succumbed to the glossy ads and recommendations coming from our favorite magazines, or found ourselves entranced with a clever or enticing commercial on television. No more - we deserve better than to find ourselves as a passive media consumer/drone. This website features the unbiased opinions of the proletariat, the average Joe, and those who have not been featured on reality television.

4. http://www.worldsbestbars.com/ : This site is a must for world traveling Recesssionistas who are seeking the social scene in an unfamiliar area of the planet. Though the site is not updated as frequently as one might like (this Recessionista is living in the most efficient city on the planet, after all), the places and recommendations have not yet let me down when traveling abroad. If nothing else, it is a great incentive to track down that Russian pen pal you had in high school.

5. http://www.freerice.com/ : When did the English language become so pedestrian that we have to invent new words to keep it lively (not to mention acronyms!) Instead of embracing the vocabulary wardrobe of a Clueless extra, check out this site to refresh your vocabulary and bring a little dignity back to the language of Shakespeare. More good news: you will find many alternatives to the non-existent word "irregardless."


Recessionista Tip of the Day: For Recessionistas interested in yoga but short on cash, you can indulge in the ancient practice guilt free with a fresh daily routine available to you online at http://www.yogatoday.com/ . Bonus: No one has to see you fall out of Warrior 3 pose...again (and by "you", I mean me!)

Beating the Sunday Blahs

I have found that many Recessionistas have a difficult time with Sundays, evenings especially. The weekend is virtually over, and work stress steals your last moments of freedom. Stop checking your email, put down the work, and let the laundry wait until tomorrow. You deserve every last moment of your weekend. Here are a few ways to enjoy this evening on the cheap:

1. Phone a friend. Sunday evening is a very good time to call friends you meant to call during the week (don't feel bad - it happens to the best of us.) Plus, because your pal likely has the Sunday blahs too, he/she will be especially thankful for a chat.

2. Indulge Unashamed In Bad Television. Many Recessionistas live very busy lives that afford little time (or interest, for that matter) for television. Regardless of your vice (Law and Order, ESPN Sports Center, Real Housewives of New York), this is the night to enjoy guilt-free. Go ahead and turn on Lifetime Movie Network, no one is watching.

3. Get Hot. Create a little at-home spa time. Run a bubble bath or enjoy a steamy shower, and end your weekend with a quiet evening of relaxing and grooming. You can even get really creative and throw together your own "at home" spa products to enhance the experience. Here are a couple of recipes.

Vanilla Sugar Scrub

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup oil (almond is ideal, but vegetable or olive will work too)

1-2 Tablespoons of Vanilla Extract.

Combine the ingredients in a pretty bowl and lavish on your skin in the bath or shower. Rinse and smile - you just saved the $30 you would have spent at the Origins counter.

Creamy Rose Bath

1 Cup Rose Petals OR
1/2 Cup Rose Water (found in health food stores)
1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

Add ingredients to a warm bath and drift away. You would pay $50-100 for a similar experience at the Spa.

4. Cook. Sunday evening is the perfect time to enjoy the quiet solace of the kitchen and prepare delicious entrees (on a budget, of course) for the week ahead. After all, the Sunday blahs might be bad, but the brown bag blahs are worse! (P.S. Look for our upcoming series of Recessionista Recipes!)

5. Get Nostalgic. Make yourself a mug of tea with milk and honey or pour yourself a glass of red wine, then sit down with that big old memory box collecting dust in your closet, and enjoy a proverbial walk down memory lane as you look through photos, cards, and love letters from the ex you un-friended on Facebook.

Recessionista Tip of the Day: Whether shopping at the mall or the grocery store, the ease of the credit/debit card can create a false sense of infinite money supply and lead to unplanned and usually unnecessary purchases. Make a list of what you need and bring CASH (only enough to cover the cost of the items).

Celebrationista

Mardi Gras: 2009

Just because you are on a budget doesn't mean you don't deserve to have a sinfully good time on Fat Tuesday! As a wallet-friendly alternative to a night on the town, consider hosting your own Mardi Gras soiree. Anticipating the anxiety of Recessionistas trying to celebrate on a budget/short notice, we at Recessionista Roadmap have created a suggested plan for the holiday that is budget-friendly, hostess-friendly, and patron-approved! Trust us, your guests will never suspect that you threw this party on the cheap!

Budget: <$150 to entertain 10 guests (That is under $15 dollars/person for my arithmetic-challenged friends!!!)

Recommended Menu:
*Caveat: If you participate in Lent, I suggest you throw out this menu and indulge in those vices you are giving up for the next 40 days because, darn it, that is longer than how long many Recessionista romances last!

• 1 signature cocktail (along with beer/wine options)


• 3 appetizers


• 1-2 fabulous host/hostess(es)

Cocktail: Fancy Panties

• 2 oz Vodka


• 2 oz Pink Lemonade


• 4 oz Prosecco

This tasty number is certain to please your naughty little crew. Just remind everyone that Joe Francis and the Girls Gone Wild crew will not be attending, so tacky behavior has no place at this Celebrationista Bash!

Appetizer 1: Cajun Shrimp Cocktail

• 2 lb Shrimp


• 2 cups water (Free: Score!)


• 2 heavy Tbs of Zatarain's Shrimp & Crab Boil


• Ice (like its alternate H20 form: free!)


• 1 Lemon


• 1 bottle of Cocktail Sauce

Add 1 Tbs. Zatarain's Concentrated Shrimp & Crab boil to 2 cups water. Bring to boil. Add shrimp and cook for 3 minutes. Immediately put them on ice to stop the cooking process. Serve garnished with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce. (For an extra kick, add a couple shots of tabasco to the cocktail sauce, but, Recessionistas should remember to add only a little at a time - does not take much to kick it up to Emeril Lagasse hot!)

Appetizer #2: Stuffed Cajun-Style Mushrooms

• 1 pound large, fresh mushrooms


• 2 tablespoons butter


• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion


• 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper


• 1/4 teaspoon garlic, pressed


• 2 cups crushed Ritz brand cracker crumbs


• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan Cheese


• 1/2 teaspoon salt*


• 1/4 teaspoon tabasco*


• 1/4 teaspoon oregano*


• 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper*


• 1 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 325*F (160*C). Wash mushrooms and dry; remove stems, set caps aside and chop the stems. Melt butter in a skillet; add onion and saute 5 minutes. Add green pepper, garlic, and chopped mushroom stems. Cook 10 minutes, until tender. Add crumbs, cheese, salt, oregano, and pepper. Mix well; stir in broth. Spoon stuffing into mushroom caps, rounding the tops. Place in a shallow pan with about 1/4-inch water. Bake for 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

Appetizer #3: Cajun Corn

• 2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn


• 1/4 cup butter, melted


• 1 teaspoon paprika*


• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder*


• /2 teaspoon garlic powder*


• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper*

Pour butter over warm popcorn. Combine remaining seasonings and sprinkle over popcorn; toss to mix.
* Spices, especially when used infrequently, are a costly purchase for the party-on-the-budget crowd. This Recessionista recommends that anything not already in your cupboard offers a great opportunity to mingle with your neighbors, while graciously soliciting a pinch or two from their spice rack. Be a savvy hostess though -invite your generous, spice-wealthy neighbors to swing by your bash. Not only will this show your impeccable manners, but they will likely be more forgiving if that one friend of yours starts singing "When the Saints Come Marching In" at the top of his/her lungs.

Special Extras:

Mardi Gras Beads: No Fat Tuesday Celebration would be complete without this staple. Head out and shell out a buck at the local dollar store or order online in advance of your party.

Festive Music: Put together an mp3 playlist that does New Orleans proud. My Mardi Gras mix (admittedly much tamer than what I might have included 10 years ago!) includes Louis Armstrong, Harry Connick Jr., and Charlie Parker among others, but play whatever you think will get your guests singing and sinning (so, it is probably best to put those Celine Dion tracks away for the evening.)

Shopping List (NYC prices = most expensive):

• 1 bottle respectable Vodka: $27


• 3 bottles Prosecco: $33


• 1 container of Pink Lemonade: $2.50


• 1 bottle respectable red wine: $10


• 1 six-pack of high end beer: $9


• 1 bottle Tonic water (for the purists who don't play): $1.50


• 2 lb. Shrimp: $30


• 1 bottle Zatarain's Crab and Shrimp Boil: $3.00


• 1 Lemon: $. 69


• 1 Bottle Jack Miller's Cajun Cocktail Sauce: $3.50


• 1 box of Orville Redenbacher Microwave Popcorn (yes, we're suggesting the easy way out): $3.50


• 1 container of Butter: $2.69


• 1 pound large, fresh mushrooms: $4.00


• 1 onion: $.89


• 1 green pepper: $.89


• 1 garlic bulb: $ .89


• 1 box Ritz crackers: $3.00


• 1 canister of Parmesan Cheese: $4.00


• 1 container of chicken broth: $2.50


• 1 order of 10-20 Mardi Gras beads:$1-2.

____________________
Total: $141.05 ( I have left you $8.95 to spend creatively: Channel Betty Crocker and Martha Stewart if you must, but Recessionista, what makes a celebration is your trademark so find it now, under a ten spot!)

Recessionista Tip of the Day: This tip comes from fellow Recessionista, Miss Ashley:

Take control of your finances and barter like you are in a Roman flea market. Identify absolutely every automated monthly payment you make (rent, car, credit cards, cable, etc.) and map it out in MS Excel. After you stop hyperventilating at the sheer grossness of the expenses, let go of fear, pride, and shame and prepare to negotiate with Corporate America. Miss Ashley is going undercover to negotiate for fellow Recessionistas in order to see who is willing to deal (lower interest rates, special packages, etc. ) and who resembles that demanding, stubborn ex you should have forgotten about years ago. This expose, which has already saved Miss Ashley hundreds of dollars, will debut in a future entry, so keep reading and start haggling.