Food Emporium Friday

Image via thefoodemporium.com

ON SALE THIS WEEK (6/19-6/25) AT THE FOOD EMPORIUM WITH YOUR SHOPPER REWARDS CARD:

--Large Brown Organic Eggs, $1.49 (that's half price!)

--Driscoll's Raspberries, 2 for $5

--Purdue Whole Chicken, $1.29/pound (save 70%!)

--Eight o' Clock Coffee, $4.99 (save $2.50 on the brand that beat out Starbucks in a taste test conducted by Consumer Reports!)

--Bounty Giant 6 Roll Paper Towels, $9.99

--Tide 2x Laundry Detergent, $9.99

--Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey, $4.99/pound

--B&M No Sugar-Added Beans, 2 for $3

--Stella Artois 12-packs, $16.99

--Coca-cola Regular and Diet 12 packs, 3 for $12

--Dannon Light Yogurt, 5 for $4

--Philly Cream Cheese Bars, 2 for $4

J. Crew Secret Sale

Image via jcrew.com

Now through June 17th, get 20% off purchases of $175 or more at jcrew.com by entering code SECRET at checkout.

CONCERTED EFFORT

AT LEFT: I don't want to close my eeeeeeyyeeeeees...

Image via flickr.com

The boyfriend and I don't get out much. Often, we talk about going to the movies or seeing a concert the way people talk about going to Hawaii or seeing God: nice thoughts, but not things that'll happen anytime soon. I don't know what it is that keeps us sitting on our couch night after night, clicking through the stations on our TV, hoping for an as-of-yet unseen episode of Law & Order: Anything But SUV. Laziness certainly has something to do with it; the fact that our TV is pretty much the best thing ever does too. But now, thanks to Live Nation, service fees will not.

TODAY ONLY, tickets purchased at livenation.com come free of service fees. And, with Live Nation selling tix across the country--for such hot acts as as Aerosmith, Coldplay, and the Allman Brothers--that's certainly music to my ears.

Perhaps the boyfriend and I will get out after all...

LOVE TORY

Get 20% off at Tory Burch boutiques and online either by mentioning their Facebook fan promotion or by typing in promo code FBFAN before online checkout at toryburch.com. Offer is good JUNE 11 ONLY, so get shopping!

SALE MAIL

At left: GIMME. Image via jcrew.com

A roundup of the latest deals and steals clogging my inbox. 

WHAT: SAVE 15% ON ALL ARTS TITLES FROM PBS, plus get a free Oliver Twist DVD with any purchase of $40 or more.

WHEN: Offer ends June 1st.

WHERE: shoppbs.org

WHY: They don't call it Masterpiece Theater for nuthin'

HOW: No code needed, just head to the website.

WHAT: $0 INITIATION FEE WHEN YOU JOIN EQUINOX GYMS

WHEN: Now through 5/31

WHERE: To join, call 866.927.5286 or visit equinoxfitness.com

WHY:  One word: bikini.

HOW:  Just mention the promotion to your membership advisor...

WHAT:  FREE STANDARD SHIPPING FROM BALLARD DESIGNS

WHEN:  ENDS TODAY

WHERE:  ballarddesigns.com

WHY:  Time to finally take down those NKOTB posters...

HOW:  Discount applied at checkout.

WHAT: 30% OFF SWIMWEAR + FREE ONLINE SHIPPING FOR AT ANY PRICE AT NEIMAN MARCUS

WHEN:  Now through 5/27

WHERE:  neimanmarcus.com

WHY:  Your old bather is looking pretty sad...

HOW:  Enter MAYNM at checkout for free shipping. 30% off discount applied automatically.

WHAT: 80% OFF SALE AT RESTAURANT.COM (Get $25 gift certificates for $2!!)

WHEN:  Now through 5/30

WHERE:  restaurant.com

WHY: Aren't you sick of eating PB&J at home?

HOW:  Enter SPECIAL at checkout and hit "apply"

WHAT:  25% OFF ANY ONE ITEM FOR BORDERS REWARDS CUSTOMERS

WHEN: Now through 5/31

WHERE: At a borders store near you.

WHY:  Because it's finally time to get on the Twilight bandwagon. Trust me: You won't be sad.

HOW:  Get the coupon at borders.com use it at a Borders store near you. Valid only with a Borders Rewards card (it's free, and you can get one immediately at the store).

WHAT:  20% OFF YOUR ORDER OF $175 OR MORE AT JCREW.COM

WHEN:  ENDS TODAY

WHERE: jcrew.com

WHY:  Have you seen their new catalog???? Amazing.

HOW:  Enter code SUMMER at checkout.

SALE MAIL

Once in a while (when I feel like it, pretty much) I go through my inbox in search of deals and sales that might be of interest to the readership (insert hacky joke here about the readership being limited to my parental units, hahahahahaha, etc.). So, without further ado, here are the deals of the week:

WHAT: VERA WANG FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Spend $30 or more and get 50% off as well as free shipping on all Vera Wang Fine Papers. 

WHEN: 5/5-5/19

WHERE: verawangweddings.com

WHY: Pretty thank you cards make great engagement presents...

HOW: Enter WAFF1 at checkout

WHAT: J.CREW SPRING SALE

WHEN: 5/6-?

WHERE: jcrew.com

WHY: Getting yourself into a bathing suit sucks enough--you might as well save some money while you're at it.

HOW: just visit jcrew.com -- no fancy codes needed

WHAT: STEVE MADDEN FRIENDS AND FAMILY SALES

WHEN: 5/8-5/10

WHERE: Valid only in Steve Madden Stores on stevemadden.com

WHY: April showers bring May flowers... and destroy ballet flats. Time for a new pair.

HOW: Click and print out the flier above and bring it to the store or enter SMFRIENDS25 at checkout online

WHAT: THE NY JUNIOR LEAGUE'S SIP, SHOP AND STROLL THROUGH SOHO

WHEN: 5/12

WHERE: At participating SoHo stores. Check in at Bloomingdale's SoHo.

WHY: Receive special deals, gifts, and complimentary refreshments from places like J.Crew, Fresh, Bloomingdale's, and Tibi.

HOW:  Go to www.nyjl.org to register and for more details.

I LOVE DRUGS (TORES)--CVS, RITE AID AND WALGREENS

Image via cvs.com

Here's what's on sale this week at CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens. Remember, most of these deals will require a shopper rewards card from the store in question.

CVS Sale Items, 5/3-5/9

Select Kelloggs Cereals, 3 for $5 (after extra bucks)

Old Spice or Secret Deodorant, $4

Lubriderm 13.5-16 oz lotion, $6.99

Rite Aid Sale Items, 5/3-5/9

Post Cereals, 2 for $5

8-packs of AA or AAA Duracell Coppertop Batteries, $9.99 

8-pack of Irish Spring Bath Bars, $3.99

20 ct. Aleve Liquid Gels, $4.99

24-pack Aquafina Water, 2 for $10 

Chicken of the Sea or Bumble Bee Solid White Tuna, 2 for $3

Haagen Daz 14oz Ice Cream, 2 for $5

Skippy Peanut Butter, 2 for $4

Walgreens Sale Items, 5/3-5/9

Dawn Dishwashing Liquid, $.99

Healthy Choice Soups, 2 for $3

2 liter Coke or Dr. Pepper Products, 4 for $5

Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks Coffee, $6.99

Chicken of the Sea Solid White Tuna, 4 for $5

Walgreens Aluminum Foil, $.59

Crest Toothpaste or Floss, 2 for $5

Aveeno Products, 20% off

80 ct. Aleve Gel Caps, $7.99

6-pack Charmin Ultra Toilet Paper, $3.29

Bounty Paper Towels, 2 for $3

23.7 oz Head and Shoulders Shampoo, $5.99

I LOVE DRUGS (TORES)--DUANE READE EDITION

Image via duanereade.com

Here's what's on sale (with your shopper rewards card) at Duane Reade this week. CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens post their circulars tomorrow, so I'll be back then with my picks. 

Duane Reade Sale Items, 5/2-5/8

24-pack of Poland Spring Water, $3.99 with every purchase of $20 or more

12-packs of Coke/Diet Coke, 2 for $7

Advil Liqui-Gels, $8.99 + 25 extra bonus points

4-packs of Cottonelle Toilet Paper, 2 for $6

12-packs of Corona/Becks/Sam Adams/Stella, $14.99

Food Emporium Friday

Image via thefoodemporium.com

Here's what's on sale (with your handy frequent shoppers reward card thingy) this week at the Food Emporium: 

Organic Valley Omega 3 Eggs, BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

Fresh Purdue Split Chicken Breasts, $1.99/pound (save $1.80/pound)

Ronzoni Pasta, $.99

Bertoli Pasta Sauce, 2 for $5

Charmin Ultra Toilet Paper 12-packs, $14.99

Oreo Cookies, 2 for $7

Dannon Light Yogurt, 4 for $3

Stonyfield Farm Organic Milk, $3.99

Friendship Cottage Cheese, 2 for $6

Kraft Individually Wrapped American Cheese Stacks, $3.99

America's Choice Sour Cream, 2 for $3

and, HAPPY CINCO de MAYO: 

Pepito White Corn or Flour Tortillas, 33% off

Corono 12-packs, $14.99

Dos Equis 6-pack, $7.99

Want to see what else is on sale? Click here.

**WANT TO GET EVEN MORE OFF YOUR GROCERY BILL? BRING IN YOUR OWN BAGS, AND THE FOOD EMPORIUM WILL DEDUCT $.02 FOR EVER PLASTIC BAG OF THEIRS THAT YOU DON'T USE**

CUTS ABOVE

Ever wonder what, exactly, those cuts of meat are in your supermarket bargain bins? Or how to cook them? The New York Times has answers. Check out the article here. 

Closet Confidential: Designers, slumming it.

The ladies at recessionwire.com have a great roundup detailing what designers are doing lower-cost lines for larger discount stores this spring. Check out the article here.

WRAP PARTY

Image via staceysnacksonline.com

While this post has nothing to do with living on the cheap, it has everything to do with living a better life. Brace yourself, for what I'm about to reveal is going to be life-altering to the extent that it may cause you too look back on the past few decades and have you shaking your fist in anger. After that, you may actually cry tears of relief. Here goes: 

Did you know that there, on the side of your Saran and Reynolds Wrap boxes, is a little tab that locks the roll in place? I'll bet you 23,094,820,983 phony bucks that you didn't.  Because, seriously: who looks at the side?

A friend posted this link on facebook and, after reading the news, I'm pretty sure I'll never be the same again. 

How  many times have you tried to pull of a sheet of saran wrap only to have it go kerplunk on the floor, rendering it somewhat dusty and you fully frustrated? I've done that so many times now that I approach the rolls with total trepidation. Plastic and aluminum foil companies (oh yeah, even the generic brands seem to have the tab) should put flashing lights on the sides of their packages to alert you to this feature. Can you imagine all the aggravation this would have saved had we known about this? We'd all be better, happier, nicer people. It's amazing.

Anyway, spread the word. 

Does This Trend Have Staying Power?

The NYTimes had a great piece today on "staycations" -- breaks from work in which people opt to stay home rather than jet off to someplace they can ill afford.

I have to admit: the concept appeals. But life as a freelancer is pretty much a staycation--especially now that I have approximately, uh, ZERO work to do on account of magazines dying at the awesome rate of about 309842098420983402984 per second. Watching Law & Order every day is only fun for so long, is what I'm saying. And I'm not convinced that were I on a staycation that I would ever feel like I wasn't just wasting time at home--which is how I feel nearly every day these days. 

Of course, perhaps the presence of my live-in boyfriend would change all that. I can picture us drinking wine at lunch, picking up cheese in the afternoon at the new creamery down the street, maybe even popping into a museum or seeing a show. But I can also just as easily picture us on the couch staring at our television, feeling like we were just wasting time. (We both have blackberries, and so in the latter scenario, I also can see us working... not exactly the point of a break.)

Jezebel asked their readers if they've ever had a successful staycation and, since I haven't had an original idea since college, I'm asking the same: Have any of you ever done it and felt like you actually pulled it off? The boyfriend's vacation is in August and my wallet isn't getting any fatter...

BLOOMING DEALS

Now through April 26th, Bloomingdale's is offering 20% off to their friends and family. Online shoppers should use promo code SPRINGFF. For some reason, I can't figure out how to post the coupon for in-store shoppers, so leave me your email in the comments section if you'd like me to forward it to you. 

FYI, the discount code is good for their wedding registry too. If, like me, you have a bajillion weddings coming up this summer, now might be a good time to take care of all your gifts...

OPRAH OFFERS

Image via sigg.com

In honor of Earth Day, Oprah has partnered with some ecologically sound retailers to give you some economically sound deals. These offers are only good for a limited time, so act fast!

GET A FREE, REUSABLE LUNCH BAG FROM WHOLE FOODS

GET 20% OFF SIGG PRODUCTS

GET 20% OFF TO-GO WARE

Happy Earth Day!

ABOVE: Going green is a bright idea. Image via oprah.com

After a week of vacation, I'm back. Back to this shiteous weather, back to paying for my meals (Hi Mom and Dad! I MISS YOU), and back to parking my increasingly fat patootie on the couch to watch she-of-the-also-round-buttox, Oprah. 

Today's show was all about Earth Day, and Oprah had a lot of great recommendations for going green and saving some cash. Here are some of her best and most NYC-applicable: 

1. Buy LCD flood lights. While they cost $40, they last 10 years and will save you up to $740 during that time.

2. LCD TV's are more energy efficient than their Plasma counterparts. Also, as in most things, smaller saves more energy. 

3. Go meatless one day a week. Having a "meatless Monday" every week will save you cash, and is the equivalent of removing 20 million mid-size sedans from the road. 

4. Gardening is the single greenest thing you can do (and, though Oprah says that it's not so easy to garden in NYC, I'd like to point out that I have beets growing on my rooftop right now) and a $60 investment will save you nearly $200 in fresh produce. 

5. Finally, for all you home owners: If you make a green improvement to your home before the end of 2009, you may be eligible for a $1500 tax credit.

Check out Oprah.com for more green ideas.

THONG SONG

Miss Trish of Capri sandals are now at Target!!

OLD BAGS NEED LOVE TOO

Image via thefoodemporium.com

Fantastic news: The Food Emporium is now giving its customers a break for bringing in their own shopping bags--and for forgoing the plastic ones the store provides. For every bag you bring and use, they knock off $.02. It's not a lot, but maybe just enough to get shoppers to go the eco--and econonically--friendly route.

Get Your Propers

Image via bostonproper.com

To celebrate their recent website relaunch, Boston Proper is offering $10 off online purchases of $50 or more, now through April 19th. Just enter 29FAN41 at checkout.

FULL DISCLOSURE: This is a family-owned company, as in: my uncle runs it. So, while I won't get a check if you buy something from the website, a certain amount of pennies will eventually wind up in my bank account at some point in the (probably distant) future. All of which is to say: place your orders!

Bob's Your Uncle, Part 2

Image via bobsaget.com

This note just landed in my inbox: 

"Spring is here and it's time for a new look! 

We would like to inform you about a special opportunity to receive a free Razor Bob with Bb. U Model Project. For those who have never attended a Model Call, this is the perfect time to get a fun and flirty new look. For our existing clients, this is a unique opportunity to change your current style.

We hope that you will join us for an exclusive Model Call event on Monday, April 20th from 12:30pm to 1:30pm on the 6th floor of the House of Bumble [located at 415 w. 13th Street]. You will receive a consultation with a Bb. educator to ensure that your hair is appropriate for a Razor bob or a different featured style, if more suitable. 

If you meet the requirements for a Razor Bob, you will receive an appointment for an upcoming session.

.... Please RSVP as soon as possible to: freebobs@bumbleandbumble.com"

I LOVE DRUGS (TORES)

Image via Duanereade.com

Two, Cheap is expanding it's drug store coverage. Please note, in most cases sale prices are only good with the store in question's reward card. Sign up for yours today!

CVS SALE ITEMS, 4/12-4/18

Campbell's Chunky Soups, 2 for $4

Kellogg's Cereals, 2 for $4

Folger's Classic Roast (11.3 oz.), $2.99

Select 12-packs of Pepsi, 3 for $11 + get one Diet Pepsi 12-pack Free!

DUANE READE SALE ITEMS, 4/11-4/17

Advil Tablets, Caplets, or Gel Caplets, $7.99

$2 off Lucky, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Teen Vogue, and Vogue Magazines

Cheerios, 2 for $7

RITE AID SALE ITEMS, 4/12-4/18

Mott's Applesauce (24 oz), $.99

Rite Aid Standard Light bulbs 4-Pack, $.99

Aquafresh Toothpaste (6.4 oz), $.99

Snapple (16 oz bottles), $.99

GE Extra Soft White Light bulbs 4-pack, $.99

Sun Maid Raisins 6-pack, $.99

Aleve Liqui-gels, $11.99

Bounty Paper Towels 8-pack, $7.99

Tide To Go Stain Remover, $2.49

Select Ziplock Baggies, $1.99

WALGREENS SALE ITEMS, 4/12-4/18

12-packs of Coca-Cola or Dr. Pepper products, 3 for $12

Skippy Peanut Butter, buy 1 get 1 free

Select Lysol Products, buy 1 get 1 free

Ajax Dish Detergent, $.89 (with circular coupon)

Advil Liqui-gels, $4 off (with circular coupon)

Hello Brooklyn, How Ya' Doin'?

Image via dumbonyc.com

This, from the NY Daily News: 

"Many of the Brooklyn restaurants that got a taste of good business during Dine in Brooklyn in the past few weeks are back for seconds. Ninety-nine of the 200 restaurants that offered $23 three-course dinners, lunches and brunches are extending the sweet offer through April 30.

...The extension will only be in effect Monday through Thursday, the days restaurants need the most help attracting customers..."

Still interested?  Click here for participating eateries.

Budget Beauty Booty

Image via covergirl.com

Somehow I missed this article from the New York Times, that not only chronicled the fact that more women are turning to drugstores for their makeup purchases but also went the extra mile and had a professional makeup artist outline her top drugstore picks. Some of her recommendations?

..."CoverGirl AquaSmooth Compact Foundation for $9.79 ('the best liquid coverage in a compact liquid/powder format,' Ms. Orcutt said); CoverGirl Cheekers Blush for $4.39 ('It has a bit of sparkle in it, it's not just flat color'); L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara for $7.50 ('Makeup artists who trained me eight years ago said that it was the best, and I still think it is'), L'Oreal Le Grand Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Black Sable for $8.49 ('This is a fantastic dark rich brown that works for everyone') and Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow Quad for $6.99 ('This is the only drugstore eye shadow I like')."

The rest of the article is jam-packed with other recommendations and information--all of which indicates that getting pretty doesn't have to cost a pretty penny. My question: when is not wearing makeup and forgoing haircuts/colors going to be an acceptable response to the recession? Because, um, that's sort of been my MO for the last...since I was born and I'm in need of some affirmation (/cash so I can deal with myself).   But, I digress: the article is great and   definitely worth checking out. 

Today Only: Free Shipping from NeimanMarcus.com

Image via neimanmarcus.com

Enter APRNM in the promotion code box, get your NM stuff shipped to you for free. And, while you are on the site, you can enter to win a $2,500 Women's Vince Shopping Spree!!

Food Emporium Friday

Image via thefoodemporium.com

My taxes are done and my family is back in Florida, all of which means that it's time for another round of Food Emporium Friday--this time, actually on a Friday. Wheeee!!! As always, these deals are only good with your Food Emporium Rewards Card (it's free, it takes approximately 15 seconds to get, why you haven't signed up for one yet is beyond me....). And, as always, these are just some of the deals that appealed to me. Check out the savings for yourself here.

Behold, the sales for the week of 4/10-4/16:

 Organic Valley Lactose Free Milk, $2.89 (save $2!)

Driscoll's Strawberries or Blackberries, $2.99

32 oz. Gatorade Drinks, 4 for $4

Fresh Perdue Oven Stuffer Chicken, $.99/lb (save $1.30/lb!)

28 oz. Hunts Canned Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce, 2 for $1.99

Coca-Cola 12-packs, 3 for $12

Sam Adams 6-pack, $7.99

Dawn Dish Detergent, 2 for $6

Brianna's Salad Dressing, $2.99 (save almost $2!)

Asian Gourmet Rice Crackers, $1.29

America's Choice Sandwich Bags, 2 for $4

9021-AWESOME

Image via popcrunch.com

Cheap and awesome entertainment: 90210, the original, is now online and watchable for free. Here's a link to the pilot which, in case you forgot, ROOLZ (radical circa-90s teenage spelling fully and totally intended). Here are some things to look forward to, in no particular order: Mom jeans. Mullets. Polka dot vests. Keds. Gratuitous make out scenes. AND THAT'S ONLY IN THE FIRST TEN MINUTES. I cannot recommend watching this enough. It's magical. 

Makes Me Wanna Ralph

Image via RalphLauren.com

More Friends and Family deals, this time from Ralph Lauren:

ENJOY 30% OFF

In Stores and Online

March 31-April 14, 2009

Enter code RLSP2009 at checkout when shopping online.

Shop: http://RalphLauren.com

Shop: http://Rugby.com

SHARE THIS CODE with your friends and family so they can enjoy these special savings.

Receive 30% off at Ralph Lauren, RRL, Polo Ralph Lauren Factor and Rugby stores in the US, and online at RalphLauren.com and Rugby.com. March 31 through April 14, 2009. Not valid at department, specialty stores or the Ralph Lauren store in Sacramento. Does not apply to previously purchased merchandise and may not be combined with other offers. Shipping & tax are subject to additional charges. Out of stock items cannot be purchased with this discount.

With the exception of Factory Stores, this offer cannot be applied to women's Collection apparel or men's Purple Label apparel. Cannot be applied to Gift Cards & Online Gift Certificates, fragrances, antiques, vintage apparel & accessories, alligator handbags and luggage, special order programs (Home, tailored clothing and accessories), TOMS shoes, FEED bags, Match Rugby shirts and A Peace Treaty scarves. In Factory Stores, this offer is valid in locations in the US and Puerto Rico only. FSC code 2600. 

Saks Friends and Family

It's that time of year again: time for friends and family discounts! Either print out the picture above or go to saks.com and enter the code SFAFAM2 at checkout--you'll get up to 25% off your purchase (only 20% off if you're buying jewelry, and 15% if you're picking up cosmetics). Offer is only valid April 16th-19th, so start perusing saks.com now and plan ahead!

7 Days of Discounted Dining

Image via tastingtable.com

Thanks again to Nina W. for putting us onto yet another hot tip: The Tasting Table has rounded up its favorite discounted meal deals and put them into a handy, printable calendar. Nina's and my favorite? The $8.50 Wednesday special at Cabrito, which includes a can of PBR and any taco of your choosing. (We're classy gals, clearly.) 

Great Success

I wasn't kidding when I said I love drugs(tores). Went to the D.R. today and picked up some basics--you know, Irish Spring, Cetaphil, Charmin super soft, super strong TP--all on sale. And, bonus: I got $5 back. If Duane Reade was a man, I would marry him and bear him 2309482039483984 kids. God, I love that place.

Happy Almost Passover!

Outside Orwasher's Bakery, 78th Street between 1st and 2nd

Cheap + Chic

For Nina W.'s first "Cheap + Chic" column, she decided to mine a source close to home: her cousin, Addie. Take it away, Nina!

WHO: Adelaide Wainwright, Literary Agency Assistant

STYLE PROFILE: Vintage maven with a practical streak

WRITES NINA: My cousin, Addie, has had amazing personal style longer than she's had a personal bank account. And she's always done it on a tight budget, so even though the stock market is looking all washed up right now, her wardrobe isn't. Here's what she had to say about cheap chic dressing:

AW: Scour your mother's--and your grandmother's--closets. Try to look past retro shapes and see how they might work on your body. Cinching belts can do wonders. And, fortunately, near-vintage looks are de rigueur right now. And learn some sewing skills! 

NW: What about eBay?

AW: If I shop on eBay it's when I have something very specific in mind, like espadrilles or huaraches. Shoes on eBay, actually, are a boon. Shoes are such an easy way to make a statement and I feel like it's difficult to find anything really special in stores without spending a ton of money.

That really goes for anything: I know that for this spring/summer I wanted to buy a pair of chunky platform sandals (check), an African print cutout bathing suit, and a pair of sophisticated shorts. Beyond those, I'll surely buy some simple T-shirts (Uniqlo is a wonder for those: well made and very cheap) and other minor incidentals.

NW: What's your best shopping advice?

AW: I won't buy anything serious on a whim. It's a practical way of building a wardrobe: if you concentrate on really beautiful pieces, be they $3 vintage dresses or $250 bathing suits, and take care of them, you'll be in great shape in the long run.

Desperately Seeking Style

At left: I guess it could be worse...   Image via gofugyourself.com

Fact: I have zero personal style. When I want to look nice, I'm reduced to either shelling out money I do not have on frocks I cannot afford (the reasoning being that if it's expensive, it's gotta look good) or to copying outfits that my infinitely more put together little sister has worn. Neither course of action is savings savvy, and neither gives me an idea of how to craft my own, individual look.

For fun, Nina W. and I decided to start writing about people we know whose style we admire not just for the look of it, but also for its wallet-friendliness. Nina's first column will follow this post. 

Hopefully this'll give some of us style-starved penny-pinchers a few hints. God knows we could use them...

Extras: Read All About 'Em

Image via allamericanpatriots.com

It seems that some New Yorkers are beating the drudgery of unemployment by immersing themselves in film and television--literally. According to The New York Times: 

"Managers at casting agencies around New York said they were seeing increasing numbers of people...who have little experience in, or aspirations for, acting, but are filling hours they used to spend at office jobs with gigs as extra, also called background, talent."

I have a friend who does this as her job, though she has a SAG card and gets paid better than nonunion types would. According to her, extra work often involves really long hours on set, but if you've got nothing else to do: why not. Who knows, you might even wind up, like one subject of the Times article, sitting next to Angelina Jolie:

"I'm not one to get staru-struck, but it was a bit surreal," Mr. Calabretta said.

...

"When I saw Jolie, my first thought was, 'Well, she's definitely not ugly.'"

I LOVE DRUGS (TORES)--WALGREENS

Image via nydailynews.com

This just in from the New York Daily News:

"Drugstore operator Walgreen will offer free clinic visits to the unemployed and uninsured for the rest of the year, providing tests and routine treatment for minor ailments through its walk-in clinics..."

Read more about the program here. 

I LOVE DRUGS (TORES)--DUANE READE EDITION

On sale this week at Duane Reade with your DR Rewards Card:

Cetaphil Lotion, Cleanser, or Cream, $9.99

Dove Soap 2-packs, 2 for $6

Vitamin Water, 5 for $5

Pepsi 12-packs, 2 for $4

Crest Toothpaste, $3.99

Irish Spring 8-pack, $5.99 + 100 bonus points!

John Frieda Root-Awakening Shampoo or Conditioner, 2 for $9.99

Charmin 4-packs Big or Ultra Roll Toilet Paper, 2 for $6 + 50 bonus points

Lysol Sanitizing Wipes, 2 for $6

Kellogg's cereal, 2 for $6

Food Emporium Friday (Belated Edition)

Image via thefoodemporium.com

It's time for another round of Food Emporium Friday--once again on a Monday, on account of my family having been in town for the weekend (Hi Mom, Dad, and T! I miss you already). Apologies for my tardiness. The usual disclaimer about these deals only being valid with your Food Emporium Rewards Card applies.

On sale this week:

Bumble Bee 15 oz cans of Chunk White Tuna, $1.15 (that's 1/2 off!)

Driscoll's Golden Raspberries or Blackberries, 2 for $7

Gold Medal Flour, 1/2 price!

Jif Peanut Butter, $2.49 (save $1.50 each!)

Bounty Giant 8-Roll Packs of Paper Towels, $11.99

Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey, $4.99

Boursin Cheese Spreads, $2.99 (that's 1/2 off!)

Maille Mustard, $2.59

Ciao Bella Gelato or Sorbet, 2 for $7

College Inn Broths, $.99

Stella 6-packs, $8.99

Dannon Light Yogurt, 5 for $4

Organic Valley Eggs, $2.99

Introducing...Nina W.!

Readers (all two of you. Hi Mom! Hi Dad!), meet Nina. Nina, meet the readers. Like me, Nina has plenty of time on her hands and plenty of thoughts on ways to live on the cheap. She'll be chiming in now and then on everything from inexpensive but chic style to grocery store discounts to dives that serve cheap beer. 

Everyone welcome her and play nice. Or I'll cut you.

Meat Cute

Image via nytimes.com

According to this article from the NYTimes, butchers can be more than slicers and dicers of protein--they can also be lifesavers:

"During the Great Depression, David Ruhalter, a butcher, would regularly send more than 20 pounds of ground beef to the camp community at Houston and Essex. 

...The younger Mr. Ruhalter, who heard the story about the family business's generosity while growing up, is continuing the tradition by giving away free steak dinners to the unemployed. As he told The Daily News, he was moved to do so by a woman who burst into tears in his tore when her credit card was rejected over a $7 purchase of meat for beef stew."

Mr. Ruhalter has put together two dinners thus far--one of which is happening tonight at the Rivington Hotel--and has plans for more.  

According to The Daily News, people interested in a free steak dinner should bring an unemployment check or documentation showing that their homes are facing foreclosure to Ruhalter's shop at 120 Essex Street. 

According to me, any meat eater with money to spend ought to do so at Ruhalter's shop. Red proteins may not be the heart-healthiest gnosh, but in this instance, I think they might do your ticker some good.

P.S. Thanks to my friend Nina W. for the tip on this. Be on the lookout for some actual posts by N-dubs in the very near future! 

Garbage Pail Kids

Image via marieclaire.com

I just read an interesting article (in Marie Claire, no less) on Freegans, radical environmentalists who dedicate themselves to living off those things that the rest of us throw away. And yes, that includes food. From the article: 

"Freegans, like 24-year-old Leia MonDragon, a buxom Latina with a taste for heavy eye makeup, feast on those castoffs. 'It's amazing what you can find and the good condition it's in,' she exclaims, holding aloft a week's worth of produce, including watermelon, summer squash, kale, tomatoes, onions, and bananas. Though technically past their prime, they look pristine. MonDragon also scored half gallons of soy milk and lemonade, both unopened and still chilled, and bagels that only an hour earlier were for sale. 'I once found 200 one-pound bags of organic fair-trade coffee beans just dumped outside a store with the trash,' she brags, like a woman combing the racks at a Gucci clearance sale."

The author goes on to list other Freegan finds, upbraiding us non-Freegans for being so wasteful in our day-to-day lives. It's all pretty interesting stuff, though I don't think I'm quite ready to go dumpster diving for my food and clothing. Instead, I think I'll try my hand at making the things that I do have go farther, so as to waste less. It's a small step, but the excess turkey from my too-fat deli sandwich is in the fridge now, ready to be incorporated into tomorrow's lunch. I know, I know: congratulatory ticker tape parade to follow. 

Change it Up

Image via free-coins.com

Just got back from taking this month's cache of loose change to the coin counter at TD North bank. Total savings: $51.86. Wheeee!!!

Rent Rant Redux

Image via newyorktimes.com

More evidence of falling rents in last Sunday's New York Times:

"Many people who signed leases in the bubble years are paying much more in rent than what their apartments would get today. So when their leases expire, some New Yorkers are trading up for better deals, finding comparable places for less money or nicer apartments that do not come with a big rent increase.

'No one's willing to pay more now, because there's always another deal next door or down the block,' said Georgia Kaporis, an associate broker at Citi Habitats.  'They're just upgrading for less.' "

To read the rest of the article, click here.