Living the Life....On a Budget

(W)ring in America's Birthday in Style

2015-06-28T21:01:00.002-04:00

There is nothing like the Fourth of July in New York City. When you think of America's Birthday you think of Ben Franklin, Red White and Blue, and the Macy's Fireworks. They are iconic. Being in New York for the day is a must do. Whether you are a local looking for a staycation or making a last minute, the W Hotels in NYC is making it much easier to celebrate the big day. They are offering great packages for stays of two or more nights starting at $199. From July July 2nd to July 6th when you book receive complimentary yoga class and 30% off all BLISS services and products tin order to embraceLIFE, relax into the weekend and prepare for the festivities. Guests will receive a complimentary pass to Strala Yoga, an innovative practice and movement system created to ignite freedom founded by W’s FIT partner, model and yogi Tara Stiles. W Hoboken guests will be offered a complimentary pass to Devotion Yoga. With your stay you will get two SIP tickets for complimentary cocktails in the Living Room (Blue Fin at W New York – Times Square). Tied to Independence Day, guests can take the LIBERTY of dating offline and revert back to pre-smartphone days with unique cocktail programming using the color of your cocktail as the signifier. You will receive a signifier for your status. There is RED, “Not at LIBERTY” for the taken, WHITE,“Wherever LIFE Takes Me” for those who prefer no label and BLUE, “Pursuing HAPPINESS” for the single and ready to mingle. These great packages are available at for all W Hotels in NYC: W New York, W New York – Union Square, W New York – Times Square, W New York – Downtown, W Hoboken. W Hotels are conveniently located throughout the city to make it so easy to enjoy everything that will be offered during the holiday weekend. Take advantage of this amazing deal that helps make it even more enjoyable. For more information click the following link http://whotelsnewyork.com/life-liberty-happiness.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Beauty Deals

2014-11-26T11:09:00.001-05:00

This time of year may make you excited for turkey, stuffing, touch football. Or this time of year may make you excited for deals and steals. As you are finishing off your pumpkin pie, deals are brewing to help your holiday shopping make the least impact on your wallet. The beauty department gets to play a role in the fun. Below are Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that cannot be missed.

Townhouse Spa: The luxurious midtown Manhattan spa is offering a host of deals on some of their best packages from the Duo Package a $250 value for $200 which includes a facial, massage and manicure. Enjoy a 90 minute massage for $125 which is normally $195.

Anthony: From 11/28-12/1 enjoy 30% off site-wide from this favorite Men’s grooming company.

Ahava: Enjoy 35% off using the code BFRIDAY14 and on Cyber Monday recieve the 35% off and a Triple Mineral Body Lotion with the code CYBRMON35

Sibu Beauty: Enjoy 60% off the entire site of their ethically sourced skin care products by entering the code SIBU60 at checkout. Enjoy free shipping when you spend $50 or more.

Dr. Brandt Skincare: Enjoy 40% off the entire site and free shipping. No code necessary, runs 11/26-11/28. For Cyber Monday, enjoy 40% off eye creams from 11/30-12/1

Perricone MD: They are launching a curated selection of 18 products at up to 60% off starting Wednesday, 11/26 through Monday, 12/1.

VMV Hypoallergenics: This hypoallergenic skincare line will be offering 20% off several of their skin care lines including Essence, Red Better, Illuminants+, Re-Everything, Id, SuperSkin and Grandma Minnie lines and 50% off of their Skintelligent Beauty Line. As well they will be offering free shipping from November 27th to December 1st. Those who spend $100 or more will received a branded VMVerdant canvas tote.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics: Enjoy 20% off site-wide on from 11/28 to 12/1, plus the return of the Black Box Set.

Breakups to Makeup: 15% off site-wide on from 11/28 to 12/1 with the code HOLIDAY15.

Susan Posnick: They are offering great deals from 30% off Colorflo and 50% off any colorflo refill. Additionally 20% off all orders and a free mascara with any purchase. Free shipping and holiday packaging is being offered as well.

Rita Hazan: Enjoy 25% off all products on site through Cyber Monday

Yes To: There are a variety of deals being offered. Enjoy 40% off on Friday and 35% off on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday enjoy a free gift with purchase of $35 or more. From Tuesday on, free shipping will be offered.

Boxed and ready to go

2014-10-12T21:04:00.001-04:00

Less is more and then more is less. Sometimes you can spend less to get more. However, you often need to be a member. Well, a member of a warehouse club to get the exclusive on bulk items. Some of those memberships can cost a small fortune and you still have to find a way to schlep it all home. However, our small cars, or New York City problems have been answered with Boxed. Boxed is an online bulk retailer. Just like the giant warehouses there are major savings, but you can shop in the comfort of your own home. Boxed has all the products you need on hand from cleaning supplies to shampoo and other beauty necessities. By buying in bulk you are able to save money. You can get 5 EOS Lip balms for under $12. That is 20% off for each one if you buy them individually. If you do not need five lip balms, split them with friends. Everyone loves a deal and a good lip balm. When you fill up your cart, your deals ship to you for free. There is no need to figure out how exactly you are going to pack everything into your car. Waiting time for your Coconut Waters to arrive is minimal. There is less of a temptation to buy every sample you try which ultimately saves you money. Just admit it you bought the Channa Masala after trying it, yet it sits unopened in your pantry. Since membership is free sign up and enter the invitation code WN2IV to receive a $20 discount on your first order. That’s enough to cover the Dove Beauty Bars which will keep your skin looking eternally young.

My life in 4 pictures!

2014-03-05T11:19:00.002-05:00

College Friends at our 5 year reunion

Obsessed with my Dores! At a basketball game

Sunset on my cruise with dad! I love color

Mom, Michael, and I at Soul Cycle. Reping Campus Protein, ALL the time

Giveaway alert: 30-Day Introdctory System from Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford

2013-05-22T18:50:00.001-04:00


30-Day Introdctory System from Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford

It is no lie that one of the most beautiful women to this day is still Cindy Crawford. That mole is recognized anywhere, but it’s the ageless skin that keeps her so gorgeous. Instead of keeping it all to herself Cindy has created her own line of skincare, Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford. She has helped to create a line of 30 plus products to transform skin. Cindy has partnered with Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh to create remarkable anti-aging products from natural ingredients. The comprehensive skin care collection is designed to moisturize, protect, hydrate and rejuvenate by using powerful antioxidants to fight free radical damage, vitamins to enhance radiance and marine extracts for intensive moisture and firming. A great way to introduce skin to the benefits of Meaningful Beauty Skincare is with the 30-Day Introductory System ($40). The system comes with Crème de Serum, Advanced Formula Lifting Eye Crème, Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment SPF 15, Antioxidant Day Crème SPF 20 UVA/UVB, and Skin Softening Cleanser. There is also two great bonuses of the Wrinkle Smoothing Capsules and Glowing Serum. For example, Crème de Serum is three distinct products that combine when pumped from the bottle to uses the powerful antioxidants to reduce fine lines and increase skin’s hydration.

One lucky reader is going to have the chance to win the complete kit and watch her skin transform. Follow the link below to rafflecoptor to ensure that you are entered to win this revolutionary skincare kit. Start to look as youthful as Cindy Crawford.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

H&M is coming to Nashville!!!!

2013-05-21T11:11:00.002-04:00

When I moved to Nashville from New York I missed 2 things: the ability to jay walk across 2nd ave to fulfill my chocolate craving at the bodega at 3 am and fabulous fashionable clothing on a reasonable budget. I traded my just out of college and working for a fashion company salary to being a poor i have no salary grad student. However what didn't follow me was H&M to help me look great without breaking the bank. Well it was following but at a glacially slow crawl. As i finish grad school with the intentions of staying here i was overjoyed this past winter when Nashvillians started posting announcements on their Facebook walls about a little stores opening. Next month, Thursday June 6^th at Noon in Opry Mills the first Tennessee H&M finally opens its doors. It will be almost 25,000 square foot, 25,000 square feet of AFFORDABLE fashion for ladies, men, young ladies and young men, with separate “store within store” sections for accessories, lingerie, sports apparel and maternity. There will also be they ridiculously inexpensive children’ line and the plus-size line, H&M+.

Want to save even more while in there? Clean out your closet because H&M is part of a global garment recycling program. Bring in a bag of unwanted clothes from any brand and in return reiceve a 15% off coupon for an item of your choice.

In celebration of opening day, H&M at Opry Mills will offer the first 300 shoppers in line an H&M t-shirt and Access to Fashion Pass, valued from $10 to $300, in addition to other fantastic opening offers for the whole family!

H&M will open its doors at Opry Mills in just a few short weeks.

Happy Macaron Day! Enjoy Free Sweets!

2013-03-20T12:11:00.003-04:00

Credits: Julien Haler

It seems as if the macaron has replaced the cupcake as the baked good dujour. This is true, it has. So why not celebrate its deliciousness. Today is Macaron Day and throughout New York City, you can get your macaron on for free. Sponsored by François Payard Bakery and benefiting Cityharvest, the following participating bakeries are giving out free, yes FREE, macarons while supplies last. This is just a few of the participating bakeries:
Bisous, Ciao. Macarons, 101 Stanton Street (212) 260-3463, and 235 Bleecker Street (212)-675-6366
Bosie Tea Parlor, 10 Morton Street (212) 352-9900
Bakery at Time Warner Center, Ten Columbus Circle, Third Floor, (212) 823-9366
Bouchon Bakery at Rockefeller Center, One Rockefeller Plaza, (212) 782-3890
Butterfield Market, 1114 Lexington Avenue (212) 288-7800
Épicerie Boulud, 1900 Broadway, (212) 595-0303
Francois Payard Bakery, 1775 Broadway/3 Columbus Circle, (212) 956-1775
FP Patisserie, 1 W 59th St, (212) 759-1600
Macaron Café, 161 West 36th Street (212) 566-8300, 44 E. 59th Street (212)995-0888, and 750 Third Avenue (212)995-0888
Macaron Parlour, 111 St. Marks Place (347) 979-6023
Mad-Mac “The Authentic French Macarons” at Bernardaud, 499 Park Avenue at 59th Street, (973) 225-0930
Mille Feuille Bakery and Café, 552 Laguardia Pl (646) 626-6472
Todd English Food Hall at The Plaza Hotel, 1 W 59th St, (212) 986-9260
For the full list click link. So cancel the rest of the day and put that unlimited Metro card to use and Macaron hop. Come back here and tell the readers which are the best in town.

A sampling of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to get you excited

2012-11-22T22:58:00.000-05:00

Images_of_Money

If you are willing to brave the crowds or deal with a slower page load here are some Black Friday and Cyber Monday beauty deals that cannot be missed:

Beautysage.com: They are offering 20% site wide until Saturday, November 24th.

C.O. Bigelow: They are offering 20% off site wide now through Tuesday, November 27th.

Sabon: Starting Black Friday through Cyber Monday enjoy 20% off our entire collection.

Bath and Body Works: They are having VIP Black Friday goodie bags that are filled with the following:

Cashmere Glow Body Lotion
Cashmere Glow Shower Gel
Paris Men’s Shower Gel
Paris Amour Body Lotion
Sparkling Pink Champagne Anti-Bac Foaming Hand Soap
Mini Candle in Cranberry Bellini
Gauze Sponge

WHAT IT COSTS: $20 with any $40 in-store purchase (over $100 value)

INGLOT Cosmetics: Starting at 3AM on Black Friday receive 20% off your entire purchase until 3AM on the 27th.

Bobbi Brown: Every purchase until Sunday receives a trio of deluxe sized samples, free shipping and a specially sized lip gloss. Starting Monday, orders will receive 5 free samples and free shipping.

Nature’s Gate: For their new Facial Care Collection they are offering 40% off any product in honor of their 40th anniversary. Enter code CYB40 at check out

Hitchin a ride

2012-08-18T21:04:00.001-04:00

Side Car

Stick your hand out in San Francisco and it may become a tad tired. No you are not competing to get the world record for keeping your arm out, but trying to hail a taxi. Twenty minutes pass and nada. Well low and behold if you have a smart phone (you do this is San Francisco) download the app Side Car. Side Car is your answer to a taxi drought. It is a community based service where prescreened, approved drivers use their own vehicles to drive you from point A to point B for a price significantly cheaper than taxis.

So what you do is tell Side Car where you are, and where you are going. It will then tell you the average community price and the closest driver. When a driver accepts your route a picture of said driver and their vehicle will pop up. Additionally, it will tell you how far away your ride is. Gone are the days of sticking your hand out and in are the days when you know you can go back and grab a bottle of wine before your ride comes (true story). When you arrive at your location, you pay through your phone and rate the driver. The driver rates you as well. How else will someone agree to pick you up next time, or you choose that driver if they don’t have stellar reviews. If you pay the community average and are not a bumbling idiot you will get your four stars.

Skeptical? So was I, but I just returned from San Fran and used Side Car the whole trip. After dining with a friend who lived in town she suggested used Side Car to go get ice cream. Since I was with a group, I agreed and the rest is history. After our fabulous driver got us there safely I downloaded the app. Because my friend recommended me, I got $10, and so did she. Talk about incentive, especially since the average ride is around $10. For the rest of the trip before heading to dinner we would tell Side Car where we were going. In less than 10 minutes our clean, safe ride was there. As I took my last Side Car ride to the airport I longingly hope for the day where Nashville is the next city they choose to start service.

Get Paid to Spend Money

2012-03-09T13:03:00.000-05:00

You know I love to shop. The majority of my check ins on foursquare are in retail locations, but no one is paying me to set foot in there. What if they were? Well we would have a major problem and my spacious closet would be far from it. However, there are some incentives to get shopping on the interwebs. Ebates is helping line our pockets for that online shopping addiction. What is Ebates and how can you get your fix you ask? Well, Ebates is a free (yes! no obligation) site where they have partnered with hundreds of stores on the internet to give loyal customers a cash back bonus for the shopping they are already doing. Stores from the Gap to Groupon give customers a cash back. Cash back is based on the percentage spent and the deal being offered. Some stores offer just 1% where others reach upwards of 10%. The average I have seen is 3-5%. It may not seem like a lot but think about all that shopping you do. Ahhhhh its a lot and trust me it adds up. If you are going to hit the web for a little bit of a shopping spree you need to first log onto Ebates and find the store you are looking to drop some benjamins at. Click on the link and Ebates notes you are shopping there. If you hit check out Ebates will shortly notify you that you should expect a cash back. Ebates pays out 4 times a year and they will deposit the money into your paypal account or send you a check. Feeling generous, you can dontate it to charity too. Book mark the site as a favorite so you do not forget it when the urge to splurge strikes. Now go shop and watch the rewards roll in.

Giveaway happening over on Examiner

2011-12-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

Y'all I have been privileged to offer a giveaway over on my examiner site. Click the link and enter to win the new innovative Clearasil PerfectaWash before it hits store shelves!

Mas Tacos Por Favor!

2011-12-13T23:17:00.000-05:00

I usually come up with a witty title for a blog post, but the place I am about to tell you about it the nail on the head. Mas Tacos Por Favor is exactly what you will be saying once you finish your meal. During finals week, I headed over the river and through the hood to East Nashville with a girlfriend of mine. She happens to be from SoCal, so she knows a thing or two about authentic, delicious Mexican food. She was fed up with what Nashvillians will accept as “Mexican” and I had heard rave reviews of this place. In order to fuel up to finish our tech workshop we waiting on line for a good 20 minutes in what can only be described as a well maintained shack. Thanks to Scoutmob we got one taco for free as an added bonus which was the initial draw. You order from the counter which has the days menu written around it. As we were waiting more and more items were being crossed off the board. I was told the fried avocado tacos and the tortilla soup was out of this world. Well apparently they avocado tacos are not offered during “brunch” but the tortilla soup was unlike any soup I have ever had. It is not your traditional tortilla soup. It has a clear broth with wonderful fresh ingredients from chicken to avocado and of course tortilla strips. But the flavors blend so well together but are still very distinct. I am getting all Top Chef on y’all but what I should be saying is get the soup when you go. This hearty winter soup packed a small price tag of only $5. My soup was followed by fresh, local tacos that only rang up for $3 each (minus the free one). The combinations are eclectic but not wired and there is an option for everyone. It changes variety, but I had a breakfast and a fish taco and both were a pow of flavor. Mas Tacos also has a food truck, so you can follow them around if you are not near East Nasty, but trust me it is worth the drive, the wait for these tacos. I sure will be back. Soon!

Marni Many

2011-11-29T11:25:00.000-05:00

They are at it again. Not even letting themselves cool off after the epic Versace for H&M do they announce their next collaboration. The latest designer collab for H&M will be with the Italian design house of Marni, hitting stores in March of 2012. Known for their boheminanesque designs Marni is the master of print and patterns. The collection will be available both online and in over 250 stores, for both the ladies and the fellas. It will feature both their iconic clothing and accessories. Like all the past designer collabs not need to invest your life savings in one shirt; this stuff will be affordable. Looking back on her favorite pieces founder Consuelo Castiglioni wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by using their signature fabrics and prints. Like the higher priced versions it will have the classic juxtaposition of prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic and adding sporty utilitarian elements, which gives it that classic Marni touch. This collection will not follow the trends, but rather set them.

Ladies, be prepared for vivid colors mixed with bold prints. You may be drawn to the simple color block patterns that scream Marni or the African inspired prionts. Sillouettes are going to be in the Marni staple from full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped pants to jacquard knits. Top the look off with jewelry, shoes, bags and scarves. Boys, the prints will be more subtle for you, but it will be 100% classic Italian quality. The Marni for H&M collaboration is the perfect way to start your spring wardrobe out on the right foot. Since Nashville does not have an H&M (COME ON!), March 8th, I will be glued to my computer adding the whole collection to my cart. Hopefully, this won't be another Missoni for Target crash down situation.

West Egg is Over Scrambled

2011-11-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

So I am visiting the bestie in Atlanta this weekend and we wanted to chow down on Southern food. Sure I can get it in Nashville, but I do not get out much. Being a grad student is time consuming. So we first try JCT, 2 hour wait. Since my stomach was about to eat itself we made a reszzie for a different night and moved on to West Egg which was just down the street. Well let’s say this place was promising. I looked at the menu and nothing pushed 15 bucks. This budget queen was happy as a clam. Then we sit down and everyone is so excited to order their Southern favorites. Then the waiter is chipper to take our order and kindly tells the party they are out of a good portion of items on the menu. No soup, no chicken and dumplings, no this and no that. Since half the menu is basically wiped out we start to get creative with what we would like to order. Since we have the world’s largest Deviled Egg fan at the table we think maybe we could scarf down some of those while we rethink our order. Those pesky eggs are served on a platter with other Southern delicacy we just could not get behind. Thinking the waiter would be accommodating, we asked if it were possible to just order those eggs, but he just could not. The pathetic excuse we got, the computer can’t key in a special request. We ordered what we could; the food was tasty. We moved on to dessert. The banana pudding was outstanding and the red velvet cake was how it’s supposed to taste. I do not understand the red velvet cake, but I do understand the rest of the world loves it. Being adventurous we also ordered the Coca Cola cupcake to honor our meal in the ATL. Well someone else must have gotten the cupcake because our table was served a brick disguised as a cute little dessert. So the moral of this story is, West Egg needs to keep their eggs on the stove just a tad longer; no one likes runny scrambled eggs.

Hair Soft As Clouds

2011-09-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

I do not know why I did not immediatly post this here. Last night I let my Examiner readers in on my new favorite hair treatment. Its amazeballs, and is so affordable. What is it you ask? Well it is Pantene’s Professional Level Damage Ampoules and it will only run you 8 bucks from your local drug store. Pantene offers two Ampoules one for Medium-Thick hair and another for Curly Hair. After shampooing take one ampoule and apply it to your hair. In just five minutes time hair will never look better. Pantene uses a potent amino-polymer formula to work fast by structurally reinforcing and helping to repair hair along its weakest spots. Do I know what an amino-polymer formula is? Absolutley not, but do I like what it does? Hell yes! The professional level formula smooths the hair cuticle, protecting it from micro-fractures and breakage. Dry hair is strengthened and is no able to withhold damage and breakage. When hair dries it is soft and light as a cloud. Color looks rich and shine is restored. Unlike other deep conditioning treatments, hair is not oily within eight hours of use. Even after stroking your new healthy hair it will stay clean. It feeds hair the nutrients it so desperately needs. After use hair is much more manageable which is what every busy woman so desperately needs. The benefits of the Ampoules last; days after using the treatment hair will still feel soft. Trust me get to the Duane Reade, Target, CVS and buy these ampoule. I accept almost anything in the form of thank yous.

Image via Pantene

Spare Me One

2011-08-25T21:55:00.000-04:00

So if you follow me on twitter you will see I am no longer Living the Life...on a budget in New York City. I've taken the mantra to a new extreme as a poor grad student down in Nashville, TN. However, when I was up in NYC trying to live that life I always wanted to get together with friends and hit up the bowling alley. Like everything in NYC bowling was redonkulously expensive, as in $24 for one round. No thanks. Take a trip off the island and head to Astoria for some king pin action at Astoria Bowl. They have some amazing specials that go on throughout the whole week. On Sundays from ten in the morning to one in the afternoon, you can bowl for just a buck. That is less than a subway ride, a dirty water dog, or a pack of gum. Then at night $1 games resume from nine until midnight. Looking for midweek action? Tuesday and Thursday nights, the Astoria Bowl has the same buck special from 9 until 12. There is also a practice special, which you need to all ahead before showing up. You can get 2 hours of bowling for $10 based on availability. Celebrate your birthday at Astoria Bowl and if you are with a group of 10 or more, those fun bowling shoes are on the house. Bowling is a great alternative when you do not want to participate in your standard evening fare. Change it up and send one down the alley. Also on your way back pick up a gyro at BZ Grill, you won't be disappointed.

Image via Jonathan Keelty

Glow From The Outside In

2011-07-27T19:25:00.002-04:00

Every New York woman should have a make up set in her beauty arsenal. When time is of the essence it is the easiest thing to grab because it has all the essentials. For example, tarte’s Glow Your Way To Gorgeous 8-pc Maracuja & Clay Collection available through QVC is a great investment at under $55. If you were to individually purchase the contents of the kit it would set you back almost $200. It is an eight piece collection to help ladies keep that glow throughout the summer without having to worry that her make up will melt off in this New York summer heat. The high quality ingredients of the Amazonian clay and pure maracuia oil aid in that rejuvenated and re-energized inner glow. To use effectively start with the Maracuja Creaseless Concealer which comes in three shades. With the blush brush that is included swipe on the Amazonian Clay blush for a hint of shimmer. For the eyes there is a cream shadow that is to be used with the included brush to pat the cream on, and then intensify the eye with the SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Liner for a smoky effect. Add the finishing touch with the Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara, which is a favorite among beauty addicts because you get voluminous lashes. A beautiful blush toned, shimmery LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster is included which puts the final touch on the whole look from the kit. This complete kit is perfect kit to grab if a last minute trip to the Hamptons is in order, you will be set to jet off.

The Glow Your Way To Gorgeous 8-pc Maracuja & Clay Collection is only available on QVC.com, but Tarte cosmetics can be purchased at Sephora locations throughout New York.

Image via QVC.com

Not Your Average Joe

2011-07-24T18:04:00.000-04:00

Heading to the Hamptons in the summer you would expect to pay through the nose for everything. Example, tomatoes at the Amagansett Farmer's market were 5.99 a pound. Could they be THAT good? Then on a sweltering morning after purchasing the above tomatoes (yes they were that good) my mom and I headed into East Hampton. In the mood to just browse we walked into Joe Fresh. With its white washed floors, sparsely merchandised racks, we were expecting just to browse. I was floored by the price tag of what I expected to be expensive basics: a simple fold over skirt for less than 20, ribbed tanks for 8. These are Old Navy prices without the disgusting messy dressing room. Everything is merchandised on the racks by color with various styles from flowy dresses to to chic eyelet button-downs. Sizes run the gamut, and there is a style for everyone. I just came out with a ribbed tank, but had that simple $20 dress come in any other color than grey I would probably be wearing it as I write this. Nothing was over $70, and the lowest priced item were the $4 flip flops. The company is Canadian based, and the East Hampton shop is just a pop up. Don't fret that you won't be able to catch the Jitney before Labor day, Joe Fresh is opening this fall in Manhattan. There will be even more variety than what this little shop has. In the mean time lose yourself in the the website before the shop opens.

image via Joe Fresh

Latest and Greatest Giveaway

2011-06-07T09:53:00.000-04:00

Ladies and gents, I am so excited to tell you about the giveaway I am hosting over on my beauty column on Examiner. Last month I attended the Clarisonic Evolution of Skin Care Event where I was reminded about what a break through the Clarisonic brush has been for washing our faces. If you follow me on twitter, you know how obsessed I am with mine. Since I have started using mine on a regular basis my skin is smoother, clearer, and overall more radiant. The Clarisonic was created by the inventor who brought is the ever so popular Sonicare toothbrush, just like its predecessor the Clarisonic has been bringing professional skincare technology into the home since 1995. There are many options from the classic to the travel ready Mia, they are so fashionable too that Sephora’s through New York sell a Jaguar Clarisonic. The system uses 300 movements per second of a gentle sonic micro massage to deeply clean while lightly exfoliating. Makeup is removed, pores shrink, and skin tone improves in about 60 seconds a day. It is so thorough that moisturizers and self tanners will work that more effectively. The Clarisonic is a necessary luxury for beautiful skin. After just a weeks use, your skin will thank you. Guess what, I am giving away not one, but TWO Clarisonic Mias for you and a friend. Head over to my article on Examiner and enter the contest. All you have to do is tell me why your friend deserves a Clarisonic Mia. Enter here and tell all your friends, she may surprise you as the lucky recipient.

Dinner Tonight? Of Course I'm Hungry

2011-05-26T22:22:00.000-04:00

Would you rather slave over a hot stove for a meal that lasts five minutes or have a leisurely meal in a restaurant. Well cooking is more cost effective, but there are a million dinning deals out there. There are group deals, codes that are texted to the phone, or even free redemption. It is so hard to remember to print out the voucher, or find the text message in the mess that is your phone. Then there is Dine Tonight, a new site that the savings are automatically taken off the bill when you arrive. Head to their website and reserve a table for the place you will be dining at. The restaurant will be notified that you will be dining there and when the bill comes the percentage of savings is reduced. The savings are unlimited; the more hungry or "thirsty" you are the more is taken off the bill. When you reserve a table you will know how much your tab will be reduced by. Dining alone or with everyone of your twitter followers, the size of the group does not matter either. If you choose the later, maybe you would want to warn the restaurant. Love a place? Come back for seconds, thirds and 100 more times because you can benefit the discount over and over again. Now that you are hungry, figure out where you want to start chowing down and saving money.

Image via austinevan

Culture To Welcome Me Back

2011-05-04T14:32:00.000-04:00

So looks like I took all of April off. I am simply embarrassed, but I took a much needed vacation and dedicated my energy to get ready for it, have fun on it and then simply deal with the withdrawal symptoms of facing reality. What better way to get back in the game than with a little art work. Beginning tomorrow in New York City the 10th Annual Spring Affordable Art Fair will open its doors at 7 West 34th Street. Here you will be able to find art from over 75 galleries exhibiting original art work. Prices start at just $100 for amazing original pieces. This is a great way for first time collectors to get their feet wet, or the seasoned buyer to see what the fresh talent is out there. There is everything from paintings, sculptures, photographs and mixed media works. Starting tomorrow, admission to the fair is free from 6-8, which is just an added bonus. Head over and look at the art work, go home and think about it. Since you cannot stop thinking about it head back with your check book and proudly hang that original art work on the wall. When you come back you will have to pay for admissions. This is an excellent opportunity to support talent and beautify your home.

Image via mcdlttx

It's All Greek To Me

2011-03-30T16:03:00.000-04:00

Manhattanites are notorious for never leaving the island. Well this weekend, me and two girlfriends broke the mold and headed to Astoria for a late lunch. What do you eat when you go to Astoria? Greek food, duh. Not knowing where to start I consulted a co-worker who lives out there where to go. From her list of amazing options we picked the restaurant with the most stars on Yelp. So off to Taverna Kyclades we went. At 2:30 on a Sunday afternoon we arrived and put our name on the list. It was an hour wait which I assumed was not actually horrible for a place with over 350 reviews online. How could we deny this Greek pleasure. To kill time we got $6 manicures before our feast. As we were drying the hostess called us to let us know the table was ready instead of giving it to the next eager diners. Starving we popped in to our table that was waiting for us. To start the meal off all Greek we ordered $2 Greek Beers. Not knowing what to order we got everything from the menu. Between the three of us, we ordered calamari, various dips, a Greek salad, and kebabs. Served family style we passed the plates around tasting everything. Of course there were plenty of leftovers (aka the best lunch ever). While we digested for a good amount of time we got our check. Someone must have dropped their jaw because it was $48 for all that food we just got. Not only was our feast beyond inexpensive no one rushed us out. It was the perfect Sunday afternoon meal. Additionally Monday through Saturday Taverna Kyclades offers a lunch menu where nothing is over $10. I can imagine that the portions are just as plentiful. If you can't get to the Mykonos this summer, just take the N train to the end of the line.

Giveaway: $20 worth of Food from All Menus

2011-03-09T21:34:00.006-05:00

Come home from a long day at work, then hit the gym, but then you get home and its already time for bed. There is hardly any time for dinner, let alone cook it. This is where you hit up the website All Menus. With over with over 255,000 menus across the country available to search online there are plenty of options to figure out exactly what to eat. Just like online shopping, diners see what restaurants will deliver in their neighbor hood, read reviews and submit the order. Then the restaurant starts prepping your meal. Gone are the days of calling up the Chinese restaurant ordering lo mien and getting fried rice instead. There is no miscommunication because the restaurants get a notification that you are hungry and need your food STAT.
Guess what, I have a gift for you, well my friends at Signpost do. They have been nice enough to sponsor a giveaway from Allmenus.com. Here is your chance to try out All Menus by wining a $20 credit to the site. Signpost is currently offering a great deal for All Menus, where for $10 you can buy $20 worth of food. In addition, there are other deals for purchase from Signpost, like a Hair Glossing Treatment worth $50 for only $25 or even $65 for $275 worth of dental checkup. Also search the site for all sorts of deals that you do not have to shell anything out for. Remember, I told y'all about the splendor of Signpost? If not, click for a refresher.

To enter: In the comments please tell me what craving you would satisfy by using All Menus
(please leave an individual comment for each entry). Please leave a valid email address if you haven’t linked to a blog in your comment.
For extra entries:
Sign Up for Signpost and comment with your user name
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet: "Hey @ltloabudget, I want to win $20 for @allmenus from @signpostNYC. http://tinyurl.com/6jnohro #feedme! Please RT"
Like Living the Life on Facebook
Like Signpost on Facebook

Subscribe to this blog

Details: This giveaway ends Sunday, March 20th, Midnight EST.

Winner will be picked at random via Random.org

I am pleased to announce that a winner has been choosen. Congrats Evie!

This $20 coupon code must be used in full and can be applied towards any purchase on Allmenus.com in NYC and its five boroughs. To redeem, place an order on Allmenus.com and when you select payment method during checkout, you’ll want to apply this code in the box where it asks for a gift card or key code.
Image via Muffet

Laura Geller's Not So Secret Sale

2011-03-03T18:15:00.002-05:00

In the world of beauty it is rare for there to be a sale on favorite products. When there is do not hesitate to stock up. Run and load up on the best brands out there. Starting March 5th at her Upper East Side Location and online, Laura Geller is holding a not so secret sale. This is a one day sale, so block out time this weekend to be free. All products are 30% off; everything including signature items such as Baked Cosmetics, Spackle, Real Deal and Whipped Collections. Even spring product is included. Laura Geller is known for innovative products and wearable colors. Her make up is for real women operating in the real world. If one thing is on the list, make sure it is Laura Geller’s amazing Spackle Under Make-up Primer. It is the perfect base for applying make up. It smoothes skin, refines pores, and holds foundation long into the day. This product, hands down will change your life. In addition, to Laura’s own line enjoy 15% off her personal favorite items from fragrant Votivo candles and accessories from Lulu Guinness and Stephanie Johnson. If New York City is way too far away, the sale will also be held online.

Laura Geller

1044 Lexington Ave (betw 74th and 75th Street)

New York, NY 10021

Image via Laura Geller

Going Bonanza

2011-03-02T14:10:00.001-05:00

It's almost that time. Spring cleaning is just around the corner. Go through your closets, drawers, corners, and storage to purge everything you will never use or wear again. There are a plethora of options where to get rid of everything. There is good will, a clothing swap, or Bonanza. Haven't heard of this site before I see. Well similar to ebay and etsy, Bonanza is a market place to sell all your fashions that you no longer will be rocking. Snap a pic of your cardi, write a small description, and list the item. You set the price, so there is no bidding. I first heard of this mecca from the lovely Rosa behind Love at First Shop and new instantly the lovelies who LTLOAB need to know about this site. This is a place where you can find that dress you were coveting, or those pumps from two seasons back. Sellers list their items at what they deem a fair price and hope that someone agrees. But if this is not the case buyers and sellers can negotiate and come to a happy medium. The seller can determine if they want to enable the best offer option. Posting an item is free, but when it sells Bonanza will take a very small amount. There is no expiration dates, except for rush sales, but no need to be at the computer at the most random time to make sure that you are the highest bidder. Spend time browsing to see what you really want. Now that you know the beauty of this site and that one man's trash is another's treasure spend the weekend cleaning out that closet.

Whatever hatred saves the number.