Put Down the Candy Bar, the Packet of Gum, and the Copy of US Weekly

Even the most dedicated of Penny-Pinchers can find themselves succumbing to the magnetic pull of impulse purchases. The magazine shelves by the check-out line in Whole Foods? A problem. The chocolate on display right before the registers in Trader Joe's? A bigger problem. Let's not even mention those sale items that seem to come home with you after a day of 'window shopping'...

I recently stumbled upon a blog post by Meg Favreau, a senior editor and blogger for the website wisebread.com, about resisting these impulse purchases.

In her post 9 Simple Ways to Stop Impulse Buying, Favreau points out the reasons why these spur-of-the-moment purchases are so tempting, and how to best avoid them. I have listed her nine tips below.

1. "Follow the Time Rule" 
2. "Don't Shop When Upset"
3. "Consider Changing How and Where You Shop"
4. "Don't Shop With the Wrong People"
5. "Give Yourself a Splurge Budget"
6. "Only Buy Things You Can Return"
7. "Remember to Not Be Fooled by Sales"
8. "Keep a List of Things You Really Want or Need"
9. "Don't Give Yourself Access to Your Money"

Favreau goes into more detail about each tip on her post, but I'll discuss a few that I like to keep in mind. For starters, I've found that the "Time Rule" really affects whether or not I buy those shoes that 'would go so great with that one dress'. The idea behind this rule is that you set a minimum time frame for yourself between when you decide you like the item, and when you decide to buy the item. If I am still obsessing over those shoes a week or two later, then I'll go back and take a second look. Usually when I wait to buy something, though, I end up realizing that I don't want or need that item after all. 

"Remember to Not Be Fooled by Sales" is another important one for me. Sales are a tempting time to buy something that you don't need, simply because it's on sale. Favreau distinguishes between things that you've always wanted (that finally go on sale) and things that you think you could find useful (because they're on sale). Stay away from the latter! Sales are an opportunity for us to get what we need for cheaper, not a chance to be tricked into spending more money. 

"Don't Give Yourself Access to Your Money" is the ninth tip, in which Favreau suggests leaving your credit cards at home, or keeping only a small amount of cash in your wallet. If you don't have money with you, it's pretty much guaranteed that you won't spend it. I know that I spend far less money when I take out cash at the beginning of each week, and allow myself to only spend as much as I have in my wallet. I prefer to pay with cash because I can see exactly how much money I have, and I can feel (literally) when my wallet's been emptied. If I plan to spend the day window shopping, then I bring nothing more than seven dollars (for a subway card, just in case). 

Wise Bread is a great resource for readers trying to get the most out of a tiny budget. The site's  'Frugal Living' section offers countless articles about managing your income, cooking cheaper recipes, clothing deals, etc. Various writers contribute to the blog, making the site a self-described "community of bloggers here to hep you live large on a small budget." Wise Bread does not revolve around a particular city, but instead provides general information for Penny-Pinchers nationwide. For those of you looking for specific NYC deals, that's what I'm here for. 

Don't worry, I've got your back. 

It's Time to Finally Get That Library Card

A few weeks ago I published a post about finding affordable books at Strand Bookstore. Today I'm going to talk about another Penny-Pinching staple for book-lovers in the city. Beyond those who like to read, this spot is great for writers, researchers, dance-lovers, music-lovers, drama-lovers, and New Yorkers in need of free wifi and some quiet space.

Allow me to introduce the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

This library has much more to offer than just books and magazines. Located at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, the Performing Arts Library has Circulating Collections of musical scores, songbooks, CDs, and audiocassettes, as well as books and DVDS about music, dance, drama, etc.

What is truly special about this library is its Research Collections. These collections are divided into the Billy Rose Theatre Division, the Jerome Robbins Dance Division, the Music Division, the Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound, and the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive. Information about all of these collections can be accessed through the Research Collections link above, but for today I am going to focus on my personal favorite division, the Dance division.

The division's webpage describes itself as follows:

The Jerome Robbins Dance Division of The New York Public Library is the largest and most comprehensive archive in the world devoted to the documentation of dance. Chronicling the art of dance in all its manifestations - ballet, ethnic, modern, social, and folk - the division is much more than a library in the usual sense of the word. It is part museum, part film production center, and part consulting service to the professional dance community. It preserves the history of dance by gathering diverse written, visual, and aural resources, and it works to ensure the art form's continuity through an active documentation program.

Resources such as original manuscripts (think choreographer notes), posters, newspaper clippings, and photographs are all available to researchers. What is also available, and unique to the Performing Arts Library, are video archives of ballets, Broadway musicals, and all other types of dance performances. Videos that are hard to come by on Youtube are available for viewing at the library. I like to come to the library to watch full-length works choreographed by George Balanchine, since The George Balanchine Trust prevents his ballets from being recorded and replicated without permission.

If you wish to view some of the dance or theatre video archives that the library has to offer, it is recommended that you call ahead. Walk-in appointments are an option, but they are not guaranteed as there are a limited number of screens available. Before entering the screening room you will be required to leave your possessions in a secure holding room, to ensure that no material is secretly being recorded. You must also provide a reason for wishing to view the materials (i.e. student, research project, independent study, etc.) Basically, they want to make sure you aren't there to illegally record and replicate a copyrighted performance.

In order to view the video archives or check out materials, you must have a library card. These are easy to acquire, so long as you can provide a document that proves your New York City residence. I brought a postcard from a friend that was sent to my New York address, for example. With your library card, you can also set up a username and password on the NYPL website, and then check up on which books you've checked out, which books you've put on hold, etc.

The Performing Arts Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 12-8 PM, and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12-6 PM. While Lincoln Center is the only Performing Arts Library location, there are plenty of other New York Public Libraries located throughout the city.

Oh yeah, and did I mention that everything about the library is entirely free? Seeing a performance on a screen is not the same as seeing it live, but on a day when you've had no luck with student rush tickets, this can be the next best thing.

Murder Ballad

Musicals in the city are not cheap. For the first eighteen months that I lived here, I did not see a single one. Eighty dollars for a ticket? One hundred and twenty dollars for a ticket? No thank you!

But this year I discovered that many musicals provide rush tickets. Depending on the show, these tickets are either student rush, or general rush, or sometimes (as in the case for Wicked) lottery rush.

Yesterday my friend and I went to see the show Murder Ballad, a non-traditional rock musical playing at the Union Square Theatre. Rush tickets are $31 dollars for everyone under 30 (kind of an odd requirement), but $49 tickets are also available online with a code that's listed on the website. Regular tickets are around $80 to $90. We bought our rush tickets right when the box office opened (3 pm on Saturdays, 1 pm on Sundays, and 1 pm on Tuesdays through Fridays), but I think you could probably afford to go a little later and still get tickets. Bring your ID and cash, as the rush sales are cash only.

Immediately when you walk into the theatre, you know that this is not not your standard Broadway musical. The space is set up like a club, with audience members sitting at tables amongst the set, or along the sides in auditorium-style seating.

Those sitting at the tables were right in the middle of the action; more than once, the actors climbed up on these audience members' tables, knocked over nearby chairs, etc. I was pretty convinced that someone was going to get kicked in the head, but I guess the actors know the space well enough to avoid these kinds of collisions!

There is a bar along one side of the theatre, where audience members can order drinks before the show starts. This bar then becomes part of the set, serving as the bar in a club downtown. The set-up also features a pool table, a baseball bat, and a raised stage for the band members.

I was very impressed by the show itself. Although the plot was simple and rather predictable, the music, the set, and the talented cast of four made for an entertaining evening. The two women especially had incredible control over their voices, and effectively delivered both comedic and tragic moments. While most musicals involve speaking in addition to singing, this show was eighty minutes of continuous song. I can't imagine the stamina required of these actors to maintain their voices throughout the show, while running around the set and jumping on and off of tables.

Below is a sneak peek of the musical. This clip gives you a feel for the atmosphere (and also demonstrates that there were one too many 'hand-running-through-my-hair' moments on the part of the angsty bartender), and a feel for the music. There is no nudity in the show, but it's definitely a little promiscuous, so I would not bring along children.

All in all it was an enjoyable evening. The atmosphere and the music made up for what the plot lacked, and the $31 ticket price was very agreeable. Murder Ballad is closing July 21st, so if you're interested in seeing the show you still have a few more weeks. 

A Little Light Reading

These days lots of newspapers, magazine articles, and general journal writings can be accessed online for free. For the nostalgic New Yorker who still prefers paper over screen, however, the city's got you covered.

Take a look around and you're bound to find one of the city's many newsstands that boast free news sources. I'm referring to those mailbox-like containers that we often pass by, that are filled with free access to writer's workshops, restaurant guides, and crosswords galore.

These are only some of the free publications available at a news hub by my apartment. I went to grab more but a nearby NYPD officer was starting to give me funny looks...

 These publications span across many genres, and hopefully have something to offer to everyone. Let's take a closer look at a few of these reading materials.

The Village Voice: Below is an excerpt from the Voice's website, describing the publication:

 [T]he Voice has earned a reputation for its groundbreaking investigations of New York City politics, and as the premier expert on New York's cultural scene. Writing and reporting on local and national politics, with opinionated arts, culture, music, dance, film and theater reviews, daily web dispatches and comprehensive entertainment listings, the Voice is the authoritative source on all that New York has to offer.

The Voice has a great section towards the end of each issue listing events happening in the city (music concerts, club events, movie listings, etc.) The issue I picked up features a restaurant guide that I will definitely be investigating (and reporting back with any good deals), as well as reviews of the movies Despicable Me and The Lone Ranger.

Metro: To be honest I've always been turned off by the Metro, simply because I cannot escape someone shoving the paper in my face as I attempt to enter the subway station for my morning commute. Do not, however, allow my content-unrelated bias to sway your own opinion of the paper! Check out its website to see what the newspaper has to offer. My roommate and I have some serious plans to tackle this issue's crossword puzzle.

Chopsticks NY: Now this was a publication that I had not heard of. "Experience Japan in New York City" is what the cover of the issue reads, and it does certainly seem to be the source for all things Japanese. The July issue features a list of recommended Japanese restaurants, an interview with the founder of a Japanese vegetable farm, and a Japanese-Style Tomato Salsa recipe. Check out the website if this is something you'd be interested in.

Other free publications include amNewYork, Manhattan Family (maybe not so applicable for the average college student), Gay City News and more.

It was fun to sit down and flip through these different publications. If I were to go back again I'd probably only pick up the Village Voice, but spending a few hours expanding my horizons (who knew that making a hole in a pacifier can help end your baby's pacifier phase) lead to some pretty entertaining discoveries. If anything, these newsstands are a good place to stop by if you have a long subway ride to undergo, and you've accidentally left your copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at home (it happens to the best of us).

A Very Heated Game of Trivial Pursuit

I've always had a thing for board games. Ever since I can remember, family gatherings at my grandmother's have consisted of eating, arguing about (or avoiding the subject of) politics, and competitive board gaming. My friends from high school were also notoriously serious about board games. You'd be surprised how much debate can occur throughout a game of Scattegories...

Needless to say, board games hold a special place in my heart. Thus, I was thrilled to discover that Molly's Cupcakes, a nearby bakery, boasts a shelf full of games for customers to use. For the price of a cupcake, cappuchino, or cup of tea, you can spend the afternoon playing Scrabble, Pictionary, and more.

Looking for some evening entertainment that was cheaper than the price of a nighttime movie, my roommate and I headed to Molly's. We arrived at 6:45 and left at closing (10pm), cursing ourselves for being unable to complete a game of Trivial Pursuit.

Did you know that the Yankees used to be called the Highlanders? Or that Bob Dylan was once considered a security threat because he accidentally left his ID on a tour bus? These questions cost me two pie pieces, and I don't think I'll ever forget the answers.

I spent about $4.00 (with tax) on a flourless chocolate cupcake which, though a little too rich for my taste, was not a bad price to pay for three hours worth of entertainment. I think next time I'll probably stick to a cup of tea, although my roommate thoroughly enjoyed her Oreo-topped cupcake.

Molly's is located at 228 Bleecker Street, right near 6th avenue. The atmosphere is fun and the workers were friendly; they were kind enough not to give us a hard time for trying in vain to finish our game one minute before closing.

I highly recommend stopping by Molly's if you're looking for an inexpensive way to spend a few hours with friends. Grabbing dinner and drinks doesn't make for a bad time, but never underestimate the power of some good old-fashioned board gaming.

Breakfast of Champions

On days when you've been running around all day, it can be pretty tempting to grab a quick lunch from the deli, or order in dinner rather than taking the time to make a home-cooked meal. Breakfast, however, is a meal that I can count on making at home every morning.

Because really, the thought of making myself look presentable to the world early enough to go out and buy breakfast? Not an attractive idea.

Today I'm going to share with you my favorite breakfast recipe that is affordable, healthy, and super easy to make. It is oatmeal, and the secret? Melted bananas. 

The Penny-Pincher's Morning Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup of oats (quick-cooking preferred) 
• 1/3-1/2 cup of water 
• 1/3 cup of milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 small banana, or 1/2 a large banana (sliced)
• cinnamon
• vanilla (powder or extract) 
• 1 tbsp nut butter (peanut, almond, etc.)

Optional:

• 1 tbsp of flax seed
• blueberries (fresh or frozen) 

Instructions:

1. Combine water, milk, and oats in a saucepan over low-medium heat. 
2.  Once oatmeal begins to simmer, add banana. 
3. Stir banana into oatmeal (very exuberantly) so that banana melts into oatmeal. The banana won't melt entirely, but try to make the chunks disappear. 
4. Once the liquid has been absorbed to your desired consistency, remove pan from heat.
5. Add a generous dash of cinnamon, and a small amount of vanilla. 
6. If desired, melt in frozen blueberries. You could also add fresh berries as a garnish. Add flax seed.
7. Pour oatmeal into bowl, and stir in the nut butter. 
8. Enjoy!

Melting bananas into oatmeal makes it taste like dessert (the riper the banana the sweeter the oatmeal). A standard package of oats should last you over two weeks, as should the nut butter. Bananas are cheap, as are most frozen blueberries (especially from Trader Joe's). This recipe is really filling, so you'll be good to go until lunch! 

This picture is my roommate's version of the same recipe. She added sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and a little bit of chocolate (who can blame her). The basic recipe lends itself to a lot of combinations. Experiment with different garnishes but keep in mind that the more ingredients you add, the more expensive it will become. 

I would love to hear your own versions of this oatmeal, should you choose to make it. I'm not going to lie, it's just as delicious when eaten at lunch or dinner, especially if you're craving something sweet!

Girl look at that body

As a dancer I am a big fan of cross-training. While dancing is a workout in and of itself, it's a lot of stop and start, making it hard at times to develop consistent cardio. Pounding the pavement by the Hudson or through Central Park are great ways to fit in a cardio session, but running can be hard on a dancer's ankles and knees. I am a big fan of the elliptical, because it is a machine that allows you to run impact-free.

What I am not a big fan of are the prices of NYC fitness centers. 

Going to the gym can be expensive. Some gyms in the city can be upwards of $80 per month, causing you to feel guilty about those months when you're just a little too busy to make that monthly fee worth it. My first year in New York I was a member of one of those $80 per month gyms, and I cancelled my membership four months later. On a student budget, I just couldn't make that kind of financial commitment work.

This summer I was determined to make it back to the gym once again. This time I found a place for $20 a month.

And the name of this gym, you ask?

Blink Fitness has everything that I need in a gym: cardio machines, weights, strengthening machines, and a designated stretching area. I have specific places that I like to go for my Pilates and yoga classes, so for me, the fact that they did not have classes was not a problem. 

There are two types of memberships at Blink:

1. The BLUE Membership 
This is the membership plan that I signed up for. It is $20 per month, with an annual maintenance fee of $40. The price of the start-up fee will vary; I joined at a time when the fee was $0, but I am told that they routinely have special offers in terms of this fee. According to the website today, the start-up fee is at $5. This membership allows access to all Blink locations, one free personal training session, and unlimited guest privileges. This membership does require a full-year commitment, so should you choose to cancel your membership early, you would be required to pay a fee. 

2. The GRAY Membership
This membership is $25 per month, with an annual maintenance fee of $30. The start-up fee according to the website today is $15 but again, this price will vary, and may be negotioable. This membership allows access to a single location, and one free personal training session. This membership monthly fee is five dollars more because it does not require a full-year commitment, so members can cancel at any time (giving the gym 45 days notice) without having to pay a cancellation fee. 

If you're looking for a simple gym that's easy to join and easy to use, I highly recommend Blink. It's an ideal gym for a Penny-Pincher, since the monthly fee is the same price as a restaurant dinner. Joining Blink means spending one less night a month eating out, which is a pretty healthy sacrifice if you ask me.

Don't forget your water bottle, lock, and towel. There are plenty of lockers throughout the gym to store your belongings, but the lockers are not monitored. Make sure to bring a lock, since the gym isn't responsible for anything stolen. There are showers in the locker rooms but towels are not provided, so make sure to bring your own if you're rushing off to a hot date... or the office (both equally thrilling I have no doubt).