Every week, I scavenge the Internet, US cities, nay, the world to bring you, my beloved, the best freebies and cheapies that life has to offer. (P.S. I promise to include at least one "date" offering for my penny-pinching friends who know that lack of income should never mean lack of love!)
1. Cheap Designer Apparel: Most fashion-savvy Recessionista's are well familiar with the concept of Designer sample sales. (Designers heavily discount samples of the newest lines to what is usually an invite-only crowd - I once scored a Versace evening dress for, no kidding, $49.) Hautelook, a website mimicking a NYC Sample sale, gives access to a range of designer sales, allows you to mark your calendar for upcoming sales and will even credit you ten bucks for referring a friend. Now that is haute!
2. Free Italian Ice: For D.C. Recessionistas, our friends at Rita's Water Ice are giving away free Italian ices in honor of the first day of spring. What a sweet way to kick off the season! Open until 9 p.m. on March 20.
3. Free Friends: Perhaps, that is an overstatement, but Meetup.com can actually facilitate the bringing together of like-minded individuals. Whether you are interested in enjoying the company of fellow Pug dog lovers or are looking to bond with other out -of -work investment bankers, Meetup will do the work for you.
4. Free Breakfast: Oddly enough, at the Ikea store nearest to you. For the next two days, March 21-22, Ikea stores will be serving free breakfast to customers. Burn off the extra bacon walking about the low-price furniture and home goods vendor and take advantage of Recessionista-friendly prices!
5. Free Inspiration: "There is only one optimist. He has been here since man has been on this earth, and that is man himself. If we hadn't had such a magnificent optimism to carry us through all these things, we wouldn't be here. We have survived it on our optimism. " - Edward Steichen, photographer and mate to artist Georgia O'Keefe
To find inspiration daily, sign up to have a quote sent to you every day. Bonus: it will definitely increase your pretentiousness!
Recessionista Tip of the Day: The Phone can be your best friend and worst enemy. With all that technology offers, avoid getting caught up in the razzle dazzle iPhone/Storm/whatever, and look at your statements for the last few months - are you acquiring overages? under-utilizing technology (international calling, etc.) that you can cut? Spend an hour this weekend identifying exactly what you need and what you can absolutely live without. Then, make the call! Cell phone providers will always answer!
Showing posts with label Washington D.C.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington D.C.. Show all posts
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Weekly Top Five Freebies and Cheapies
Every week, I scavenge the Internet, US cities, nay, the world to bring you, my beloved, the best freebies and cheapies that life has to offer. (P.S. I promise to include at least one "date" offering for my penny-pinching friends who know that lack of income should never mean lack of love!)
1. Cheap Date: One of the easiest ways to make it through a first date without sweat stains under your arms is to kick off the night with a few libations. Unfortunately for New York City dwellers, this can mean a $30 -50 bill for the two drinks you both indulge in before dinner. Fortunately, there is Welcome to the Johnson's, a bar straight out of the 1970's, with decor and prices to match. PBR's, running a mere $1.75, are served in a can, the pool table seems transported from your uncle's basement, and somehow the television that your Grandma sold at the rummage sale two decades ago has made its way here. All of that, and you will find the bartenders (see Shye, above - photo by the lovely Angie Cope) to embody Lower East Side sexy. Just don't let your date catch you checking them out!
2. Cheap Smells: Not to be confused with smelling cheap, http://www.luckyscents.com/ offers sample sized containers of exclusive fragrances for a mere $3 (Guys, I know, I know - you can practically buy 2 PBRs at Welcome to the Johnson's for that price, but trust me, the ladies love this type of thing.) If your taste in fragrance is a little more mainstream, stop by Sephora - they will make you a sample of your favorites for free.
3. Free Trivia: You are enjoying your PBR with your date (who, by the way, smells awesome because he/she picked up their free vile of fragrance at Sephora earlier) when the conversation starts to dwindle. We have all been there, but, thanks to http://www.mentalfloss.com/, you don't have to suffer through an awkward turtle moment. For instance, think of how impressed your date will be when you explain the difference between Celsius and Kelvin, and watch he/she swoon when you tell them 9 Things they never knew about H. Ross Perot. Give Facebook a break and check it out.
4. Cheap Omiyage: The Japanese have this fabulous tradition of Omiyage, the art of gift giving. Even when they go on a first date, gentlemen are expected to bring a small gift as a sign of honor Take a cue, my friends - go to http://www.etsy.com/ for inexpensive homemade gifts that you don't have time to make yourself. Surprise a date, charm a hostess, or make your boss's day, and it is still cheaper than a bottle of wine. Domo Arigato!
5. Free Shopping Spree: Before your fabulous date, you will clearly need to find a new outfit. Notice I said "find" instead of "buy." Recessionista Kristi from DC suggests grabbing your best friend or trusted fashionista and playing "Dress-up." This involves your best friend and newly appointed personal stylist looking through everything currently in your wardrobe, even items collecting dust (hello, lace bodysuit circa 1990), and creating new, fabulous looks for you by mixing and matching pieces you already own. This is guaranteed to break you out of your everyday black turtleneck rut.
Recessionista Tip of the Day: Student loans - these are the two words that kill any one's jello shot buzz. Wouldn't it be great if you could just make your day to day purchases and slowly but surely the loan would disappear. Your wish is my command, Recessionista! Check out http://www.upromise.com/, a site that contributes a percentage of your purchases back towards paying off your loans. Now, that's smart!
1. Cheap Date: One of the easiest ways to make it through a first date without sweat stains under your arms is to kick off the night with a few libations. Unfortunately for New York City dwellers, this can mean a $30 -50 bill for the two drinks you both indulge in before dinner. Fortunately, there is Welcome to the Johnson's, a bar straight out of the 1970's, with decor and prices to match. PBR's, running a mere $1.75, are served in a can, the pool table seems transported from your uncle's basement, and somehow the television that your Grandma sold at the rummage sale two decades ago has made its way here. All of that, and you will find the bartenders (see Shye, above - photo by the lovely Angie Cope) to embody Lower East Side sexy. Just don't let your date catch you checking them out!
2. Cheap Smells: Not to be confused with smelling cheap, http://www.luckyscents.com/ offers sample sized containers of exclusive fragrances for a mere $3 (Guys, I know, I know - you can practically buy 2 PBRs at Welcome to the Johnson's for that price, but trust me, the ladies love this type of thing.) If your taste in fragrance is a little more mainstream, stop by Sephora - they will make you a sample of your favorites for free.
3. Free Trivia: You are enjoying your PBR with your date (who, by the way, smells awesome because he/she picked up their free vile of fragrance at Sephora earlier) when the conversation starts to dwindle. We have all been there, but, thanks to http://www.mentalfloss.com/, you don't have to suffer through an awkward turtle moment. For instance, think of how impressed your date will be when you explain the difference between Celsius and Kelvin, and watch he/she swoon when you tell them 9 Things they never knew about H. Ross Perot. Give Facebook a break and check it out.
4. Cheap Omiyage: The Japanese have this fabulous tradition of Omiyage, the art of gift giving. Even when they go on a first date, gentlemen are expected to bring a small gift as a sign of honor Take a cue, my friends - go to http://www.etsy.com/ for inexpensive homemade gifts that you don't have time to make yourself. Surprise a date, charm a hostess, or make your boss's day, and it is still cheaper than a bottle of wine. Domo Arigato!
5. Free Shopping Spree: Before your fabulous date, you will clearly need to find a new outfit. Notice I said "find" instead of "buy." Recessionista Kristi from DC suggests grabbing your best friend or trusted fashionista and playing "Dress-up." This involves your best friend and newly appointed personal stylist looking through everything currently in your wardrobe, even items collecting dust (hello, lace bodysuit circa 1990), and creating new, fabulous looks for you by mixing and matching pieces you already own. This is guaranteed to break you out of your everyday black turtleneck rut.
Recessionista Tip of the Day: Student loans - these are the two words that kill any one's jello shot buzz. Wouldn't it be great if you could just make your day to day purchases and slowly but surely the loan would disappear. Your wish is my command, Recessionista! Check out http://www.upromise.com/, a site that contributes a percentage of your purchases back towards paying off your loans. Now, that's smart!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Homage to March
"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow."- Proverb from Guinea
By Day, 31 Reasons Why March Does Not Completely Suck...
1. March got dumped! In Ancient Rome, March was the first month of the year...until, the younger, sexier January came along...those fickle Romans!
2. National Reading Day. Pick up a book - it will make you (at least look) more interesting.(Forget Amazon and Borders! Go to the local library! If you have an expired library card - bring a piece of mail and drivers license/passport, and you will renew your passport to brilliance in no time!)
3. U2: New album No Line on the Horizon out today. Love him or hate him, Bono is back.
4. Tell the Truth! On this day in 1861, Honest Abe Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th president of the United States.
5. Spring Awakening: Good news! Duncan Sheik did not disappear with Y2K! The pop-rock band provided the music for the Broadway musical Spring Awakening, and they perform live at the Memorial Union in Madison, WI today for the Recessionista-friendly price of $10 today.
6. Stars are Aligning. Take a date (for free!) to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles for a dreamy night of star gazing.
7. Peace Corps Day. Jump onto Facebook and drop your friend/brother/cousin in Thailand a note to let them know that you admire and appreciate what they are doing...and, no, sending them a Facebook "poke" is not enough.
8. Religious Services: Okay, so this happens to occur every weekend (and, in some religions, every day.) Take this Sunday as a opportunity to thank your God(s), or, if you are an atheist, your loved ones for all that you have in your life. If you are a misanthrope, I probably lost you at "hello."
9. Toast the Lovely Ladies in Your Life! March 9th is International Women's Day. Celebrate with homemade cosmos, Sex and the City reruns, and a group of fabulous ladies!
10. Talking Marionettes. Pinocchio, the Disney classic, comes out on DVD today in celebration of its 70th Anniversary.
11. Britney is Back. If you love a comeback story and are still bummed that Mickey Rourke lost the Oscar to Sean Penn, perhaps viewing Miss Spears in full lip-syncing glory will boost your spirits. Performance, at the Nassau Country Coliseum in New York, begins at 8 pm.
12. National Girl Scout Day. Bring on the Thin Mints.
13. Friday the 13th: For the second month in a row! Rent the film of the same name, curl up with a blanket, and let out a good blood-curdling scream - very cathartic.
14. That's Genius! Today is the anniversary of Albert Einstein's birthday. Read up on the brilliant man with the wacky hair. We will overlook the mustache.
15. Ogres. Half off of Shrek, the Musical on Broadway. If you loved the movie, you will undoubtedly fall for the real-life remake of the animated take on a fairytale that was never written.
16. An Excuse to Booze on a Worknight: What if someone told you that you could have as many drinks as you wish and only pay $20? No, I'm not talking about a frat party at the Sig Ep house. Bondi Road, at the corner of Rivington and Sussex on the Lower East Side of the city, offers all-you-can-drink in 2 hrs. to patrons who just can't bear Mondays...or unemployment.
17. St. Patrick's Day. As if drinking green beer is not something you do everyday anyway.
18. South by Southwest: For those unfamiliar with the festival, music fans flood the streets of Austin, TX to check out bands on the rise. Bring back a few new artists and you will finally prove to your friends that you are "indie," in spite of the Kate Spade bag you tote around.
19. Mingling with Other Yuppies. Madison Magnet, the young professionals networking group based out of Madison, WI will be hosted its monthly happy hour today. Bring business cards, leave the politics at home.
20. First day of Spring. If there is still snow on the ground, just remember...this too shall pass.
21. Hot Vampires. Twilight, the teen movie phenomenon, is out on DVD today.
22. Dance like There is No Tomorrow: D.C. Recessionistas, take note! Check out the Dance Expo and try as many classes as you like for the recession-friendly price of $20.
23. The Feast Day of Saint Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès: Potentially the Saint with the longest name, the Roman Catholic church celebrates St. Rafqa on this day...and you think people get your name wrong a lot!
24. Labour Day: The holiday we celebrate in September is recognized on this day in Melbourne, Australia. Fake your best Aussie accent when you try to convince your boss you deserve the day off too.
25. For the Men Who have No Game: For D.C. men struggling on how to woo the ladies, fear not. At 7 pm, attend a seminar that will give you the necessary social savvy required to meet and attract the hottest Recessionistas.
26. Festival of Wines. Recessionistas in Boston are cordially invited to attend Wine Tasting and Dinner at Vinalia. Warm Italian food, along with a plethora of wines - what better way to spend a rainy Thursday night?
27. National Skyscraper Day: Kurt Vonnegut once fondly referred to New York City as "Skyscraper National Park." Drive, bus, train to your nearest city and look up at these amazing architectural wonders.
28. Urban Scavenger Hunt: What could be a better way to meet fellow young professionals in NYC than roaming around the city searching for random items and locations?! Event starts at 12:30, so bring your metro card and your flask.
29. Shamrock Shuffle. The name of the race actually might inspire you to participate!! Chicago Recessionistas should cross their fingers for good weather for this 8K run.
30. Break Out the Absinthe! March 30th is the anniversary of Vincent Van Gogh's birthday. Given that the "Van Gogh: Colours of the Night" exhibit is currently showing at the artist's museum in Amsterdam, this might be a great "spring break" destination for Recessionistas on a budget.
31. End March in Appreciation: “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”- Marcus Aurelius
By Day, 31 Reasons Why March Does Not Completely Suck...
1. March got dumped! In Ancient Rome, March was the first month of the year...until, the younger, sexier January came along...those fickle Romans!
2. National Reading Day. Pick up a book - it will make you (at least look) more interesting.(Forget Amazon and Borders! Go to the local library! If you have an expired library card - bring a piece of mail and drivers license/passport, and you will renew your passport to brilliance in no time!)
3. U2: New album No Line on the Horizon out today. Love him or hate him, Bono is back.
4. Tell the Truth! On this day in 1861, Honest Abe Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th president of the United States.
5. Spring Awakening: Good news! Duncan Sheik did not disappear with Y2K! The pop-rock band provided the music for the Broadway musical Spring Awakening, and they perform live at the Memorial Union in Madison, WI today for the Recessionista-friendly price of $10 today.
6. Stars are Aligning. Take a date (for free!) to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles for a dreamy night of star gazing.
7. Peace Corps Day. Jump onto Facebook and drop your friend/brother/cousin in Thailand a note to let them know that you admire and appreciate what they are doing...and, no, sending them a Facebook "poke" is not enough.
8. Religious Services: Okay, so this happens to occur every weekend (and, in some religions, every day.) Take this Sunday as a opportunity to thank your God(s), or, if you are an atheist, your loved ones for all that you have in your life. If you are a misanthrope, I probably lost you at "hello."
9. Toast the Lovely Ladies in Your Life! March 9th is International Women's Day. Celebrate with homemade cosmos, Sex and the City reruns, and a group of fabulous ladies!
10. Talking Marionettes. Pinocchio, the Disney classic, comes out on DVD today in celebration of its 70th Anniversary.
11. Britney is Back. If you love a comeback story and are still bummed that Mickey Rourke lost the Oscar to Sean Penn, perhaps viewing Miss Spears in full lip-syncing glory will boost your spirits. Performance, at the Nassau Country Coliseum in New York, begins at 8 pm.
12. National Girl Scout Day. Bring on the Thin Mints.
13. Friday the 13th: For the second month in a row! Rent the film of the same name, curl up with a blanket, and let out a good blood-curdling scream - very cathartic.
14. That's Genius! Today is the anniversary of Albert Einstein's birthday. Read up on the brilliant man with the wacky hair. We will overlook the mustache.
15. Ogres. Half off of Shrek, the Musical on Broadway. If you loved the movie, you will undoubtedly fall for the real-life remake of the animated take on a fairytale that was never written.
16. An Excuse to Booze on a Worknight: What if someone told you that you could have as many drinks as you wish and only pay $20? No, I'm not talking about a frat party at the Sig Ep house. Bondi Road, at the corner of Rivington and Sussex on the Lower East Side of the city, offers all-you-can-drink in 2 hrs. to patrons who just can't bear Mondays...or unemployment.
17. St. Patrick's Day. As if drinking green beer is not something you do everyday anyway.
18. South by Southwest: For those unfamiliar with the festival, music fans flood the streets of Austin, TX to check out bands on the rise. Bring back a few new artists and you will finally prove to your friends that you are "indie," in spite of the Kate Spade bag you tote around.
19. Mingling with Other Yuppies. Madison Magnet, the young professionals networking group based out of Madison, WI will be hosted its monthly happy hour today. Bring business cards, leave the politics at home.
20. First day of Spring. If there is still snow on the ground, just remember...this too shall pass.
21. Hot Vampires. Twilight, the teen movie phenomenon, is out on DVD today.
22. Dance like There is No Tomorrow: D.C. Recessionistas, take note! Check out the Dance Expo and try as many classes as you like for the recession-friendly price of $20.
23. The Feast Day of Saint Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès: Potentially the Saint with the longest name, the Roman Catholic church celebrates St. Rafqa on this day...and you think people get your name wrong a lot!
24. Labour Day: The holiday we celebrate in September is recognized on this day in Melbourne, Australia. Fake your best Aussie accent when you try to convince your boss you deserve the day off too.
25. For the Men Who have No Game: For D.C. men struggling on how to woo the ladies, fear not. At 7 pm, attend a seminar that will give you the necessary social savvy required to meet and attract the hottest Recessionistas.
26. Festival of Wines. Recessionistas in Boston are cordially invited to attend Wine Tasting and Dinner at Vinalia. Warm Italian food, along with a plethora of wines - what better way to spend a rainy Thursday night?
27. National Skyscraper Day: Kurt Vonnegut once fondly referred to New York City as "Skyscraper National Park." Drive, bus, train to your nearest city and look up at these amazing architectural wonders.
28. Urban Scavenger Hunt: What could be a better way to meet fellow young professionals in NYC than roaming around the city searching for random items and locations?! Event starts at 12:30, so bring your metro card and your flask.
29. Shamrock Shuffle. The name of the race actually might inspire you to participate!! Chicago Recessionistas should cross their fingers for good weather for this 8K run.
30. Break Out the Absinthe! March 30th is the anniversary of Vincent Van Gogh's birthday. Given that the "Van Gogh: Colours of the Night" exhibit is currently showing at the artist's museum in Amsterdam, this might be a great "spring break" destination for Recessionistas on a budget.
31. End March in Appreciation: “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”- Marcus Aurelius
Friday, February 27, 2009
Weekly Top Five Freebies and Cheapies
February 26, 2009
Every week, I scavenge the Internet, US cities, nay, the world to bring you, my beloved, the best freebies and cheapies that life has to offer. (P.S. I promise to include at least one "date" offering for my penny-pinching friends who know that lack of income should never mean lack of love!)
1. Cheap Glamour: Even during the Great Depression, ladies still put on their faces. However, if the idea of spending 30 dollars or more on a tube of lipstick causes you to cringe, spare yourself the crows-feet promoting expression and check out http://www.eyeslipsface.com/home. With prices starting at $1, don't mistake the low cost with a lack of quality. Special thanks to Noura for sharing this beauty "secret!"
2. Free Performances: All Hail, my DC Recessionistas! In case you are mulling about the nation's capital feeling like your only free entertainment option is to come up with a cause to protest and picket for, think again. The Kennedy Center offers free performances to the public every night! Given the multi-cultural nature of the performances, this is a good opportunity to bring a date to show that, while you are broke, you are at least worldly.
3. Cheap Elegant Dining: Beginning this weekend, Seattle kicks off its "Dining Around Seattle" celebration, a month-long showcase of many high-end Seattle restaurants on a prix fix of $30 for dinner, $15 for lunch. Take the money you saved on lipstick and dig in!
4. Free Harvard Degree: Ok, not really. However, a little known secret is that you can download coursework and even lectures from Harvard and other schools for free. Download, read up, and impress your friends with an hour lecture on thermodynamics next time at the bar - a crowd pleaser, to be sure! Also, check out http://www.oculture.com/
5. Free P. Diddy Vodka: Everyone gets free Chiroc vodka this Sunday, March 1, at the LGBT party "Spritz at the Ritz", at the Ritz on 46th between 8th and 9th Avenues, NYC. DJ Jon Jon Battles hosts this no cover dance party. Smells like a wild, Recessionista-approved good time!
Recessionista Tip of the Day: Keep your change. Clean out the bottom of your purse, the ashtray of your car, and between the cushions on the couch, and store them in an empty jar or that Ming Dynasty vase you were looking to put to use. Before you know it, you will be able to afford to pay for your own drinks at the bar*
*converting coins to cash highly recommended prior to bar order placement
Every week, I scavenge the Internet, US cities, nay, the world to bring you, my beloved, the best freebies and cheapies that life has to offer. (P.S. I promise to include at least one "date" offering for my penny-pinching friends who know that lack of income should never mean lack of love!)
1. Cheap Glamour: Even during the Great Depression, ladies still put on their faces. However, if the idea of spending 30 dollars or more on a tube of lipstick causes you to cringe, spare yourself the crows-feet promoting expression and check out http://www.eyeslipsface.com/home. With prices starting at $1, don't mistake the low cost with a lack of quality. Special thanks to Noura for sharing this beauty "secret!"
2. Free Performances: All Hail, my DC Recessionistas! In case you are mulling about the nation's capital feeling like your only free entertainment option is to come up with a cause to protest and picket for, think again. The Kennedy Center offers free performances to the public every night! Given the multi-cultural nature of the performances, this is a good opportunity to bring a date to show that, while you are broke, you are at least worldly.
3. Cheap Elegant Dining: Beginning this weekend, Seattle kicks off its "Dining Around Seattle" celebration, a month-long showcase of many high-end Seattle restaurants on a prix fix of $30 for dinner, $15 for lunch. Take the money you saved on lipstick and dig in!
4. Free Harvard Degree: Ok, not really. However, a little known secret is that you can download coursework and even lectures from Harvard and other schools for free. Download, read up, and impress your friends with an hour lecture on thermodynamics next time at the bar - a crowd pleaser, to be sure! Also, check out http://www.oculture.com/
5. Free P. Diddy Vodka: Everyone gets free Chiroc vodka this Sunday, March 1, at the LGBT party "Spritz at the Ritz", at the Ritz on 46th between 8th and 9th Avenues, NYC. DJ Jon Jon Battles hosts this no cover dance party. Smells like a wild, Recessionista-approved good time!
Recessionista Tip of the Day: Keep your change. Clean out the bottom of your purse, the ashtray of your car, and between the cushions on the couch, and store them in an empty jar or that Ming Dynasty vase you were looking to put to use. Before you know it, you will be able to afford to pay for your own drinks at the bar*
*converting coins to cash highly recommended prior to bar order placement
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