Tuesday, March 31, 2009

What Do We Have to Lose?

Last year, Recession Girl was shopping with her friend from Argentina. He was picking up a camera case at Circuit City for his dad. The camera case cost $100, which seemed a little pricey, but was comparable to other similar items, and had already been marked down. We just planned to pick it up and get out of the Saturday Circuit City madness. We called Senor Argentine to confirm that we were buying the right case and we told him the price. Immediately, he said, "Tell them, I'll pay $80." We slightly snickered at his wishful thinking. Not wanting to burst his bubble by telling him that's just not the way it works at a chain mega-store in NYC, we just paid the $100, but told Papi it was $80.

Apparently, we were wrong. Times have changed and we are moving back toward the negotiating market - even chain stores where you would never dream you had the power to talk down.

Check out this article about one man's search for savings—where (and how) he could haggle himself a pretty substantial deal (i.e. a magical $300 discount "in the system" that could be applied) - and brush up on those barter skills you haven't used since Spring Break '99 in Cancun:
http://nymag.com/guides/cheap-living/negotiate.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Recessionista Swindle of the Day

Go Generic (from the NY times Published Nov 2, 2008)
We surveyed regular New Yorkers to find out their favorite no-name products.
ShopRite Ibuprofen, $4.99 (compared to Advil, $8.99)
“It has the same shape and coating as Advil, and I swear it works just as well.”
—Faye Timmer, 41, singer and music teacher
CVS Anti-Itch Cream, $7.99 (compared to Cortaid itch cream, $10.29)
It stops the itching on my mosquito bites in less than a minute, and it doesn’t smell too bad. I keep it in my glove compartment.”—Chris Masefield, 35, Internet sales
Bravo Market’s Krasdale Ultra Laundry Detergent, $1.99 (compared to double-strength Tide, $10.99)
“I use it on the gym clothes I wear for my morning workout and then carry in my bag all day. If it didn’t work, I’d know.”—Max Christopher, 41, public research director
Hanes Boxer Shorts, $9 for Three (compared to Gap boxers, $21 for three)
Not really generic, but half the price of the Gap underwear he was buying. “They last just as long and don’t shrink. Every time I put them on, I’m shocked. They still fit!”
—Jim Beeks, 43, software sales
Duane Reade Nourishing Formula Nail-Polish Remover and cotton balls, $6.58 (compared to Cutex nail-polish remover and Johnson & Johnson cotton balls, $7.70)
“It’s the purple one. I don’t think it’s actually nourishing, it just gets the polish off. And the Duane Reade cotton balls are just as absorbent as Johnson & Johnson ones.”
—Katie Hellmuth, 31, Website developer
Duane Reade Naproxen Sodium, $5.69 (compared to Aleve, $7.99)
“I take it after playing tennis, and it relieves pain and stiffness just as well as Aleve. I’m happy as a clam at high tide.” —John McLean, 65, retired investment consultant

Annual Savings: $92.16(Assuming you restock all of the above three times.)

Recession? Oh, Relax!


Spa Week is returning to NYC from April 13-19, 2009. While that may be weeks away, RecessionGirl's a planner, at least when it comes to all things spa! She's already penciled in a few discounted $50 treatments and suggests you do the same.
For a list of participating spas, see http://www.spaweek.com/spas/New%20York

Low Roller Fun: Tonight!!

Cheesecake: The Exhibition
Date: Monday, March 30th
Time: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Spur Tree (76 Orchard St btw Broome and Grand)
Cost: Free
The rough-edged work of emerging Brooklyn-based photographer JJ Ignotz hits the LES tonight for Cheesecake: The Exhibition. This recent cum laude photography graduate gets a little naughty while daring her viewers to look and then startles them when they do. "The images of partially-clad, provocatively-posed women are anxiety-inducing and addicting. They touch on themes of gender and rebellion, youth and adulthood, fetishism and exhibitionism–all rolled into a bizarre world of shag carpets, wood paneling, and loud wallpaper. The portfolio resembles the original pin-up, but falls short, leaving it to be most closely described as cheesecake. JJ’s portfolio consists of black and white silver gelatin prints on Forteza paper presented as single photographs as well as large scale collages. Prices range from $15 and up for limited edition prints."
The Cheesecake exhibition at Spur Tree is another Salon Ciel art experiment in an alternative venue. Salon Ciel is an exclusive, monthly exhibition series designed to promote and showcase the work of cutting edge, emerging photographers and visual artists. Salon Ciel is produced by David Rheingold and Andrew Stromberg, in conjunction with the organization’s Director of Operations and Curator, Lyndsey Beutin.

Writer/Reader Mingle & Book Swap

Date: Monday, March 30th
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Pacific Standard (82 4th Ave & St. Marks, Park Slope)
Cost: Free
The Desk Set team of librarians, archivists and bibliophiles have once again devised a party scheme to fulfill your needs. The writers and readers of this great city are invited to bring their old books, swap 'em for other people's books, and have a drink and/or a chat with like-minded folks and authors. Leftover books are donate to Books Through Bars. 21+

Low Roller Fun - Every Tuesday

Again, if we can't laugh about it...and isn't everything funnier after a $1 BEERS? (yup, DOLLAR beers!)
Are you hankering for a good ol’ scandalous time? Sick of the recession? Wanna hear some real meat and bones comedy? Psycomic genius Todd Montesi is back presenting cheap booze and comedy for the masses! The UG's Comedy Show features both established and newbie comics in a chill lounge. Check out this week's lineup at that features dollar beers - yes, DOLLAR BEERS!!! - before the show from 7-8 pm!!
Date: Every Tuesday
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Underground Lounge (613 2nd Ave. bet. 33rd and 34th st.)
Cost: Free
This week's lineup includes: Dan The Song Parody Man! (Howard Stern), Joe Dixon! (Atheist who doesn't believe in Al Sharpton), Mike Amato! (Carolines, Andy Kaufman Award Finalist), Mo Diggs! (Comix! regular, Comedy Central), Jeff Ragsdale! (Insane in da Membrane), Altai Kalachinow! (Hot young asian sensation nohomo), Brendan Fitzgibbons! (Road Rules: Iowa), Taiger! (MFN'BET), Erik Braunstein! (Jew!), Yam Sanders! (she'll be here this week), Todd Montesi! (G.O.A.T)

Sunday, March 29, 2009

We're all in this thing together.

Thank God we have the Onion to make us laugh in times like these:

Getting Randomly Picked To Make Half-Court Shots Now Best Way To Earn Living
WASHINGTON—A new study released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday confirmed that the most dependable source of income for American workers in the current economic climate is to win a novelty contest in which one must successfully shoot a basketball from half-court. "After factoring in the odds of your ticket number being called while attending a game, the median dollar value awarded, and the athletic ability of the average American citizen, and cross-referencing these data with employment forecasts and current job-security indices, we have determined that half-court shooting contests are currently the most effective way to support a family of four," the report read in part. "While this may seem like dire news, keep in mind that the consolation prize for missing the shot usually includes a food item from the concession stand." The report cited several other possible methods of securing a livelihood, including 50-50 raffles, lotto scratch-offs, and inventing YouTube.

Friday, March 27, 2009

The Lunchbox is the New Clutch

Meet Clara, the original RecessionGirl and enjoy her Depression-era meals. She knew RecessionGirl's secrets before we knew RecessionGirl!




Low Roller Fun

Saturday
Obama Generation and Youth Voices Uncensored
Date: Saturday, March 28th
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: New York Film Academy (100 East 17th Street)
Cost: Free
High school students, educators, and free speech advocates from around the city will gather at the New York Film Academy for Youth Voices Uncensored, an afternoon of film screenings and discussions about how youth media can address important social and political issues. "'Youth today are transforming our political landscape, and they are doing so largely through the world of film and new media,' said Brian Pickett, Youth Program Coordinator for the National Coalition Against Censorship and event organizer. 'As technology becomes easier to use and more widely accessible, we are seeing youth video production emerge as a significant way for young people to put a mark on their world.' Young people are finding that posting videos on Youtube, MySpace, and Facebook is an empowering and effective way to advocate for social change, Pickett noted." The 10 short films to be featured at Youth Voices Uncensored. A schedule of the films is available here.

Redbook Beauty Bash
Date:
Saturday, March 28th
Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Midtown Loft & Terrace (267 Fifth Ave at 29th Street, 11th Floor)
Cost: Free
"Redbook magazine is kicking off spring with a day of pampering at the Redbook Beauty Bash in New York City. Bring your friends and enjoy FREE spa treatments and indulgences from the experts at Spa Chicks on the Go, including mini manis, massages and more. Plus, sample the hottest beauty products, enjoy delicious refreshments and take home a goody bag filled with can't miss items."


Chelsea Brewery Tours
Date: Saturday, March 28th
Time: 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Chelsea Brewery (Pier 59 at 18th st. on the West Side Highway)
Cost: Free
Ian The Chelsea Brewery Ambassador gives free tours of Manhattan's only active brewery this afternoon. Tours are every hour on the hour (sign up at the host desk, max 40 people per tour) and be sure to bring your ID for some free samples. Tour participants also receive $4 discount beer tickets so you can sip suds while discussing the wonders of yeast afterwards. 21+

Free Musical Theater TONIGHT

Free tickets to see "SESSIONS - A New Musical" (Normally priced at $50.00) for Friday, March 27th at 8pm.
These tickets will go fast so please reply with a valid email and how many seats you would like (Limit 2 please). For more information on the show please visit www.sessionsthemusical.com.

For tickets, send an email to sessionstickets@aol.com giving us your full name, and how many tickets you would like (Limit 2 please). If you get a confirmation email, you are guaranteed seating.

The show starts at 8:00pm and if you get a confirmation email you can pick your tickets up at The Algonquin Theater Box Office located at 123 E. 24th St. (Between Park & Lexington) between 7:00 & 7:30 p.m. If you don't pick up your tickets before 7:30 it's possible that you will be asked to go on a wait list, so please try and make it by 7:30 to ensure your seats. thanks and enjoy the show!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Low Roller Fun - Mark Your Calenders


FOUND: Your perfect night out

Free Wine, Art, and a Photo Booth!
When: Friday, April 3rd
Time: Free drinks 9-11pm, fee waived on club entrance after 11
Where:530 W 28th St (b/w 10th and 11th Ave)
Cost: FREE
Free Make up And Cosmetics
I got laid off from my job as a make up artist with channel so i have a tremendous amount of free samples at my house and full products that i need to get rid of. If your interested in anything, of coarse no charge email me asap! thanks

Free Haircut! Free Hair Products!
Reply to: sale-acnny-1092243849@craigslist.org
Expierenced Apprentice seeking hair models for cute short haircuts at Bumble&Bumble Salon located at 146 E. 56th STREET. If your open to taking off some length and want a change, or if you already have shorter hair and want to maintain it just EMAIL A PICTURE W/CONTACT INFO. Times are flexable. MONDAYS ARE THE ONLY DAYS AVAILABLE. ALL HAIRCUTS ARE FREE and come with FREE BUMBLE PRODUCTS.

Low Roller Fun

Thurday

Work to Do: Gallery Opening
When: Opens Thursday Mar 26 (6–10pm)
Mar 27 – Apr 16
Daily (noon–6pm)
Where:112 Greene Street (112 Greene St)
Cost: Free

Soho's artistic heyday wasn't all that long ago, but thanks to the tourist-clogged streets and uber-fancy shops that sent many art-pushers to Chelsea and the artists to Bushwick and beyond, it seems like it took place on another planet. A big part of that long-gone world was 112 Workshop, which witnessed the creative births of Richard Serra, Laurie Anderson, and Chuck Close. This March, Royce Bannon and the Endless Love Crew are bringing the beat back to the storied Greene Street address. Their Work to Do show, inspired by the words of our new President, revives the legendary art space with the street-based work of graf writers like NohJ Coley and Kosbe.



Lower East Side Stories: Workplace Drama
Date: Thursday, March 26th

Time: 6:30pm
Location: Tenement Museum Shop (108 Orchard Street
Cost: Free
Four professional storytellers relate their favorite tales of life in the New York workforce. As always guests are invited to share their own three-minute stories of office romances, disastrous bosses, and life in a cube. Featured performers include Margot Leitman, DJ Hazard, Cyndi Freeman and Michele Carlo.


Free Article Writing Class
Date: Thursday, March 26th

Time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Barnes & Noble Greenwich Village (369 6th Ave)
Cost: Free
Pauline Millard, editor and writer for the Associated Press and instructor at Gotham Writers’ Workshop, shares tips on how write articles that grab a reader’s attention, in this introductory Article Writing course... Through short lectures and readings Ms. Millard will reveal how aspiring writers can go beyond the facts and explore the world in a personal and compelling way. Participants are encouraged to bring pen and paper to complete a short writing exercise designed to help them start their own piece of writing.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

We're all in this thing together

This morning, the MTA voted 12:1 to increase subways fare to $2.50/ride, $103 for unlimited monthly, and is severly cutting back on bus and train service. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/mta-board-meets-to-vote-on-fare-hikes/?hp
Is this what we're in store for?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

We Are All In This Thing Together

When Economy Sours, Tootsie Rolls Soothe Souls

SO this is what's behind that new tummy pouch ....
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/nyregion/24candy.html?_r=1

*****************************************

Living on Eggshells: Lessons From The Depression

Check out this article from the Huffington Post about why Grandma's habit of dipping her fingers in the shell to get every last drop of egg white after she cracked her eggs makes the best lemon meringue pie.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stinson-carter/living-on-eggshells_b_177812.html

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For more silver lining humor . . . Ask Dr. Recession!

If you are worried about wasting all of your anger being mad at AIG when they are just part of the problem....

Or, whether the new guy you just met who claims to have been "laid off" ever really had a job, Ask Dr. Recession at
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-marshall/ask-dr-recession_b_177789.html

Monday, March 23, 2009

Swap Yer Stuff

One perk to not being able to afford Manhattan rent is that those long, packed train commutes lend themselves nicely to tuning out into a good book. I have gone through so many since moving to the Brooklyn (and taking that job in the Bronx!) that my miniscule apartment is overflowing, and my roommate is starting to get irked. Luckily, I discovered Bookins. An online book trading site, you create lists of books you want, and books you have and are willing to trade. When the site finds a book you want, the owner is sent your address, and your book shows up for free in a few days!. When someone wants your book, you print out a packing slip sent to you by the site and pay a set $4 postage fee. Every time you send a book, you earn points for future books. Just be aware, your (hopefully your ) mom’s Bridges of Madison County will not earn you the same amount of points as the newest (hopefully your little sister’s) Twilight. Not only is the service free, but it gives you free points when you sign up, so you get a book or two for free before you even send a thing.
http://www.bookins.com/

Other book trading sites:

Paper Back Swap: www.paperbackswap.com/index.php
Exclusively paperbacks, but cheaper postage as there is no set fee. Works pretty much the same way as bookins, but all books are treated equal. Two free books for listing your first ten.

Book Crossing: http://www.bookcrossing.com/
This one’s a little more kooky: You leave a book anywhere, log it on the site, and watch it travel. This site is less organized and efficient, but is fun and community-minded. Also, the reader comments and reviews are more extensive: a good place to go if you want to find out more about a book, even if you don’t use the book sharing service.

Swap Tree: http://www.swaptree.com/
This site is for books, but lots of other stuff too. This site has you trade directly with one other user, for the price of postage. List the stuff you are willing to trade, and up pops all the stuff that others will trade you for it! A site to get all sorts of stuff you need. Clearly, the theme of this site (and this paragraph) is STUFF. Get it. For free. And get rid of some, too.

Rather than just consuming more and more, filling your apartment to the point where you can no longer have company out of embarrassment (and sheer lack of space), you’re cleaning off your shelves and making someone happy. You’re fostering a sense of community, and instead of just ditching the stuff in the can – you’re recycling!

Curb Alert!


Looking for two hair models for this monday mar. 30th in the morning or early afternoon. This is for a classic graduated bob haircut. Ideally this haircut is best suited for women with fine to medium hair that is straight or slightly wavy. The length may vary but will ultimately fall between the chin or lip. If interested please respond with a recent picture of your current hairstyle for consideration. Here are some examples of what this haircut can be...


original post:

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Low Roller Fun

SATURDAY

"Blinking Lights II"
Saturday March 21st - 8pm
Flushnik Studios, Brooklyn

Maria Petschnig and Bryan Teoh of Flushnik present "Blinking Lights II" - an evening of short film and video art. "Blinking Lights" brings together the worlds of contemporary art, experimental cinema, new media, and music video. The second installment of this series will feature 11 artists:

Beeple, John Criscitello, Defetto, Brian Gibson, Doron Golan, Harald Hund & Paul Horn, Joshua & Zachary Sandler, Fredo Viola, and Elizabeth White

The program will be approx. 50 min.
Cost: Free!
Beer is $2.
Flushnik looks to foster an ongoing dialogue amongst a wide range of
underground artists and audiences within the city.

FLUSHNIK
698 Flushing Ave. #1F (1 block from Flushing stop on JMZ, 2 from Flushing stop on G)
Brooklyn (E. Williamsburg/Bushwick)
Ring buzzer #1F or call 917-213-1140.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Low Roller Fun

Friday

Brooklyn Collective Grand Reopening
Date: Friday, March 20th
Time: 7:00pm - 12:00am
Location: Brooklyn Collective (196 Columbia Street between Sackett and Degraw)
Cost: Free
Brooklyn Collective invites you to their grand reopening tonight at their new location. Over 20 Artists and Designers show their work, plus free beer, wine, live music, and Tattoo Girl Burlesque! Additional details here.


Broke A$$ Stewart's Guide to NYC Launch Party
Date: Friday, March 20th
Time: 8:00pm
Location: McNally-Jackson Books (52 Prince St. near Mulberry St.)
Cost: Free
"Join Broke-A$$ Stuart, aka Stuart Schuffman, as he reads from his book Broke-Ass Stuart’s Guide to Living Cheaply in New York City. After a signing and Q&A, he’ll lead a walking tour of McNally-Jackson’s neighborhood, pointing out deals and highlights as he goes. Craving an authentic French pastry but have only a few bucks in your pocket? How about a leftovers-assured-size plate of authentic Caribbean fare for less than $8? Maybe you’re in the mood for Southeast Asian chicken and rice for less than $5? Stuart knows where to go. Ever seen a museum devoted to comics and cartoon art or a shop that only sells items the owner finds on her travels around the world? Stuart’s been there, done that, and he’s ready to let us all in on what he’s found."

from freenyc.net

Saturday

Brouwerij Lane Opening Party
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 1pm-8pm
Location: Broujerij Lane, 78 Greenpoint Ave at Franklin Ave, Greenpoint
Cost: FREE

Beer Paradise Brouwerij Lane (Dutch for Brewery Lane) celebrates its grand opening with free tastings and food all day long!
From the owner:
My name is Erik, I'm a fellow Greenpointer (McGoldrick area). Myself and the owner of a new beer store called Brouwerij Lane on Greenpoint Ave between Franklin and West will be having a grand opening party on Saturday the 21st from 1-8. We will have delicious goulash, various wursts, and our 10 taps will be flowing with a selection of beers from around the world for tasting and taking home in our 64 oz growler jugs. We currently have over 150 types of bottled beer, and want to welcome our Greenpoint neighbors who are beer drinkers, beer lovers, or just want to come check the place out. Come by and taste some beer and have some food. Saturday is our official kickoff, start date. Our tentative hours are from 1-8 on Sat and Sunday, and 3-8 during the week. Hope to see you there and look forward to meeting you!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

After School Specials

Wallowing in the Gutter

70s-style bowling, 70s-style prices. Ok, maybe 80s-style prices. But still way cheaper than bowlmor.

RecessionGirl's favorite get-the-gang-together and let pride be the prize night out: the no-frills lanes at The Gutter.

Just $15 gets you two hours of bowling, stylish red and green striped shoes, a seat in prime view of boys way prettier than you, and a whole night of trash talking good times. Of course, one cannot bowl for crap without being semi-loaded ... luckily, $3-off pitchers or $1-off already afforable pints of a plethora of drafts helps with that. Throw in gourmet pizza delivered from down the block at $5 a person and everyone waddles home happy, gutter balls or not. Yeah, it's a bit of a trek to N. 14th St and Whyte in Williamsburg, but half of you have had to relocate to a six-person loft in this hood already thanks to the recession. The other half might as well enjoy seeing what the future entails.

http://www.thegutterbrooklyn.com/

Calling Brooklyn Foodies, including all ya' all Recession Girls (and Boys)

George Bernard Shaw contemplated that "there is no sincerer love than the love of food." Recessiongirl wonders if he meant to say "no sincerer love than cheap food."DINE IN BROOKLYN
Brooklyn's 6th Annual Restaurant Week
March 23 - April 2
Let's get on with this business of loving and eating and saving at Brooklyn's Sixth Annual Restaurant week, which kicks off March 23 and runs until April 2. An gastronomic opportunity to explore Brooklyn's culinary arts at prices even a pauper might afford. Restaurants throughout the borough are offering brunch for two, or a three course lunch or dinner, at the bargain basement price of $23.00. (Beverages, tax, and tip not included and some restaurants are only participating in lunch (L), brunch (B) or dinner (D), some are doing all three).
Click here for a full listing of restaurants and other details

F-ing Recession


Recession F-bombs:
why cussing it all out feels so f-ing good.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29681795/

Curb Alert!

If you finally ditched roommate life and got your own tiny little studio that costs almost half your salary, then you must fill it with the plethora of free stuff around the city. When you think about how much money you've saved on home furnishings, you won't feel nearly as guilty buying those new strappy sandals to celebrate Spring!

TV, TV Stand, Stereo Metal Bedframe:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/zip/1080244201.html

Bookshelf:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/zip/1079954388.html

Leather sofa chairs:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/zip/1079915494.html

Futon:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/zip/1079777330.html

Happy decorating!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

We're All in this Thing Together

New Yorkers and The Recession
courtesy of Brian Lehrer (and who doesn't love Brian Lehrer)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=opuIHsOt4EU
New Yorkers talk about how the recession is affecting them, and share thoughts about which luxury items they cannot live without.
The MTA can have its silly fare hike....we'll drink elsewhere!*
*coming soon, RecessionGirl's subway cocktail series

We all have moments, or weeks and months, where getting out to drink our sorrows away is the only logical way forward. Sometimes the subway's just too much to swallow (pun intended), particularly now with Bloomberg's fare hikes. The Village Pourhouse, a most fantastic UWS watering hall, has figured a way to alleviate some of that commuter pain. The stroke of genius is this : Take a cab to the Village Pourhouse, on Amsterdam between 108th and 109th, and the pub will match your cab fare in the form of a bar tab, drink for drink!!

http://www.the-feedbag.com/the-high-life/new-village-pourhouse-will-pay-for-your-cab

Borrowing from the article above, you have nothing to lose but your sobriety....and the cost of a return cab ride (but by the time closing hour rolls around, is that really going to matter?)

Low Roller Fun

Tough Times Call for Desperate Measures....and Lots of Comfort Food

Times are tough, just getting tougher (this old world is tough, it's just getting rougher, cover me!!! Anyone else who cannot get enough Springsteen?) Okay okay, back to the more delicious matter at hand. RecessionGirl is tired of hearing every network medical advisor spewing opinions about the dangerous vices that come alive during difficult times (e.g. sex, drugs and rock-n-roll). You know what is decidely not dangerous? Comfort food and lots of it! Which is exactly why RecessionGirl will spend this Sunday at the Great Greenpoint Mac Off.

This Sunday, March 22, fulfill your mac and cheese craving by hopping on the G train for the GREAT GREENPOINT MAC OFF. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., chefs from Greenpoint hotspots Red Star, The Habitat, The Mark Bar and t.b.d. Brooklyn will serve free samples of their specialty macaroni
and cheese (accompanied by drink specials). At 8 p.m., the mac and cheese crawl will end at t.b.d. Brooklyn where local "celebrity" judges and customer votes will determine who makes Greenpoint's best mac and cheese.

Red Star
37 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn (at West Street), 718-349-0149


The Habitat
988 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn (at Huron Street), 718-383-5815


The Mark Bar
1025 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn (b/n Green Street and Freeman Street), 718-349-2340


t.b.d. Brooklyn
244 Franklin Street, Brooklyn (b/n Freeman Street and Eagle Street), 718-349-6727


RecessionGirl is now accepting submissions of Macaroni and Cheese recipes for its very own (and very informal) Mac Off! Winning recipe will be posted inside RecessionGirl's "Lunchbox is the New Clutch." I know I know, you lucky you! Looking forward to your submissions.

Low Roller Fun

Not that RecessionGirl is into things like purity tests but for the rest of you scandalous people, this looks fun (and of course, free)!

The Purity Test Release Party
Remember in high school when you and your friends used to take "purity tests" and add up your points in hopes of being the most deviant. Now there is a new book called The Purity Test: Your Filth and Depravity Cheerfully Exposed in 2,000 Nosy Questions which will allow you to relive old days over and over again. Tonight is the release party at Dempsey's Pub. Check it out and get a couple more points to check off on your list.
Date: Thursday, March 19th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Dempsey's Pub (61 2nd Ave between 3rd and 4th)

Monday, March 16, 2009

Free Candy Van


Go out for cheap: Restaurants & bars

The five best bars to flush the cheeks of a cheap date

The Jakewalk Go on Sundays for the free cheese plate, with drinks. 282 Smith St between DeGraw and Sackett Sts, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (347-599-0294, thejakewalk.com)

Snacky Asian fare is served well past midnight, along with many inexpensive varieties of sake. Despite some overly cute decorative touches, it’s a fine place for a tête-à-tête. 187 Grand St at Bedford Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-486-4848)

Epistrophy Inexpensive wines—mostly from Italy—are available by the glass, carafe or bottle. 200 Mott St between Kenmare and Spring Sts (212-966-0904, epistrophycafe.com)

Shoolbred’s Fresh-squeezed juices, a nice cozy interior and a house ale that goes for just $5 a pint. What more is there to say? 197 Second Ave between 12th and 13th Sts (212-529-0340, shoolbreds.com)

The Brooklyn Inn There are plenty of choice beers on tap, including Old Speckled Hen, Dentergems Wheat and local Sixpoint Brown Ale—all for a reasonable $5 or so a pint. 148 Hoyt St at Bergen St, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-625-9741)

from timeout ny
Smart Money

Sometimes smart shopping means knowing where to stop. (The hand-carved, reclaimed-wood fondue skewers come to mind.) But true genius is knowing where to start — at www.CouponCabin.com.
The virtual hub for online promo codes offers savings at sites you shop all the time. Some of the deals you can score today: five bucks off at Target, 15 percent off a hundo’s worth at Bluefly, 15 percent off at American Apparel, a twenty dollar savings at Urban Minx, and a pass for the clearance at zappos.com.


There’s no need to register or share personal info. Just head to the site (it’s updated twice a day) and start searching through thousands of coupon codes from more than 1,300 merchants in twenty categories — from clothes to cosmetics to pet supplies.Save time and money by signing up to get CouponCabin’s weekly e-mail containing 50 prime promo codes sent directly to your in-box every week.
That’s a smart move.
from daily candy

Friday, March 13, 2009

Spring cleaning = new wardrobe?


So you haven't been able to even look at your polka-dot blouse since that blind date fiasco. Swap it with someone else's bad memory and get a whole new look! Spring clean the rest of your closet, and everything left over is donated to Housing Works.
Clothing Swap
Sunday, March 15
3:30-7pm
$5 donation
Drink Specials

Curb Alert!

If your comedic timing could use some professional training before you take the stage, check out this free comedy workshop.
Follow this link to sign up. Space is limited, so act fast!
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/zip/1073446584.html

Low Roller Fun

Williamsburg's Every Second Friday
Date: Friday, March 13th
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Various locations in Williamsburg
Cost: Free
Tonight is the monthly installment of Every 2nd Friday. Over a dozen galleries stay open late and display new works. Check the Raw Mag site for a neighborhood map and more details.

TGIF Comedy
Date:
Friday, March 13th
Time: 10:00pm
Location: Eastville Comedy Club (85 East 4th Street)
Cost: Free with reservation and mention of FreeNYC (call 212.260.2445)
Eastville Comedy Club kicks open their door to FreeNYC members tonight for two no-cover shows. The early set (10pm) features Herrod Small, Joe DeRosa, and Godfrey while the midnight one features sets from Judah Friedlander and Jay Oakerson. All you have to do is call them up and mention FreeNYC to by pass the usual $20 cover. Keep in mind there is still a 2 drink minimum ($5-$8) but what's a little stand-up with out a few cold ones. 18+

Thursday, March 12, 2009

You'll never guess who posted this one

All Mishkas are recessionistas! I couldn't help it - twice in one weekend?

Friday, March 13
Mishka Flagship Store Opening

Time: 12:00pm, 7:00pm, 10:00pm
Location: Mishka Flagship Store (350 Broadway, BK); Trophy Bar (351 Broadway, BK)
Cost: Free
Mishka is very excited to announce the opening of their flagship store today in Brooklyn. They officially open theirs doors at noon and the entire day is full of new and exclusive releases (Hats, Tee, etc, etc) and guaranteed good times. The Opening Reception takes place at 7pm in-store and features the debut of Nick Catchdubs and Mr.Ducker’s “Radio Friendly Unit Shifter 2” the follow up to last year’s quintessential 90’s mix. The party will move to Trophy Bar at 10pm where you’ll get down with Nick Gazin and His Creepy Touch.

Sunday, March 15
Mishka makes music with that dude Matt McConaughey
To musician Mishka — the first artist signed to Matthew McConaughey’s record label — The Shirtless One is “just another dude.”
“When [he first called me], I wasn’t particularly aware of his work. I had seen half of one of his movies once,” the Bermuda native told us.
McConaughey took an interest in Mishka after hearing his music in 2000, and the two connected a few years later. Mishka’s first album with j.k. livin, McConaughey’s label, dropped last month.
Sadly, McConaughey didn’t play the bongo drums on the record.
Mishka brings roots-reggae to Sullivan Hall, 214 Sullivan St., b/w Bleeker and W Third St., Sunday $10.http://www.sullivanhalltix.com/


We're all in this thing together

I'm too busy catching free shows like this one: http://www.carnegiehall.org/article/box_office/events/evt_13702.html?selecteddate=03122009 to make my own detergent, but "tightwad" has a fun ring to it.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090310/ap_on_re_us/new_frugality_cheaper_cheapskates

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Curb Alert!

Free style!
Hey all...
So I'm still in need of hair models. I need 2 models for this tuesday (the 10th) and more throughout the month of March.
I really need shorter women's cuts: bobs, graduation, a-lines etc... but I can use almost anyone. Please feel free to pass this along to anyone you think might be interested.
the days I need people is tues/wed throughout the day at Cutler Salon. http://cutlersalon.com/
Thanks!
Tony Kelley tysonturbo@me.com

Free Irresponsible Behavior!!
RSVP so fast your fingers travel back in time for Killian's Master Brewer Bash, this Wednesday, March 11th from 6-8pm at midtown's Perfect Pint: a pre-St. Patrick's party featuring plentiful grub, complimentary George Killian's Irish Red, and a tasting with Killian's Master Brewer Toby Eppard -- the man responsible for the beer that should go into your mouth this St. Pat's, but not the words that shouldn't come out of it!
Space is limited: RSVP now for you and a friend at killiansNY@thrillist.com

Free Crappy Pop Culture!
NBC's America’s Got Talent and host Nick Cannon are taping live in New YorkCity for 3 days only and all tickets are FREE.
You can join Nick and judges David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne, and PiersMorgan in the live television audience as the best amateur performers in NewYork compete for a chance to be the next champion of America’s Got Talent.
NBC's primetime hit only comes to NYC once a year and it is an amazing chance to be part of a live television taping and watch some of thecountry's greatest performers for free. The show tapes March 17th, 18th, and19th at The Hammerstein Ballroom in midtown Manhattan and the minimum age to attend is 12.
For more information and to print free tickets please visithttp://www.ocatv.com/shows/show/193
If you have a group of 10 or more you can attend the show as a fundraiserand earn money for your group!! For more information, please email Howard athoward@ocatv.com or call 818-295-2700.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Free culture! Theater for nuttin'.

What's white on top, black on bottom, and watching a hit theater performance for absolutely free? A volunteer usher! Just because financial times are tough doesn't mean you have to miss out on one of the biggest advantages to living in NYC. Volunteering to usher an off-broadway show usually requires that you show up an hour before the performance, pass out programs, and sometimes help ticketholders to their seats. When the performance starts, you get the pick of empty seats (recession girl has only had to stand once, and for only half a performance), and sometimes even free drink tickets! Seriously, what's better than free drinks? Our favorite places to usher are listed below, but many more off-broadway theaters give you a free performance in exchange for your ability to tear tickets. It's a recession no-brainer.
(Please feel free to comment and tip us off to other great usher spots).

New World Stages, 343 W 49th St.
One of Recession Girl's favorite places to usher, and not just because of the free drink tickets. Minimal effort, major performance gratification, and frequent celeb sightings. Long-running critical hits as well as provacative new works.
Now Playing: ALTAR BOYZ, THE TOXIC AVENGER, ROOMS, GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW, NAKED BOYS SINGING, THE CASTLE, MY FIRST TIME
Usher instructions: http://www.newworldstages.com/Volunteer.htm

Lucille Lortel Theater, 322 Eighth Ave, 21st Floor
This 50-year old famous theater has a full schedule of performances.
Call 212-924-2817 ex. 207 or email ushers@lortel.org and leave the name of the show you would like to usher, two possible dates, and names and numbers of ushers.
Now playing: THE ILIAD, March 27-April 25 2009
CORALINE, May 6-June 20, 2009
Check theater website for upcoming performances.
http://www.lortel.org/LLT_theater/usher/

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW), 79 E 4th St.
Notable for its innovative productions, NYTW was the original producer of the Broadway smash hit Rent.
Email Bobby Wolf at bobbyw@nytw.org
Now Playing: THINGS OF DRY HOURS, Begins May 2009
Recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and an OBIE Award, among many other awards, playwright and poet Naomi Wallace (The Fever Chart, One Flea Spare) follows up the NYTW production of Trestle at Pope Lick Creek with this powerful and poetic examination of the unintended conflict between race and ideology. In Depression-era Alabama, black Sunday school teacher and Communist Party member Tice Hogan lives on the edge of trouble. When a white factory worker on the run demands sanctuary, Tice and his daughter Cali may be pushed over that edge. Ruben Santiago-Hudson, award-winning actor/writer/producer (Lackawanna Blues, and Tony Award-winner for Seven Guitars) directs.
http://www.nytw.org/

Playwrights Horizons, 416 W. 42nd St
Email: MMenter@playwrightshorizons.org now with interest to get an email when the usher spots open up for each new performance. Or, call the usher line at 2125641235 x3100 well in advance of the performance you wish to see. This is a very popular spot to usher, so think ahead.
Now Playing: INKED BABY, (showing now so call for possible usher cancellations)
The World Premiere of a new play by Christina Anderson. Featuring Tony Award winner LaChanze, Angela Lewis, Nana Mensah, and Obie Award winner Nikkole Salter. Directed by Kate Whoriskey. Stuck for money and unable to conceive, Gloria enlists the aid of her sister to make the child that she and her husband can't. As they uneasily await the baby's arrival, a mysterious contamination spreads outside. But consumed by their own struggles, is anyone paying attention? In this imaginative, other-worldly new drama, one family fights to find its place in a neglected neighborhood.
Coming Up: OUR HOUSE, May-June 2009
The New York Premiere of a new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Theresa Rebeck. Directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer. What happens when news and entertainment are interchangeable? In a cautionary tale ripped from today’s headlines, a power-hungry TV mogul faced with dwindling ratings installs America’s favorite news anchor as host of a popular reality show. Meanwhile in Middle America, a houseful of roommates bicker over high-stakes real-world conflicts: Merv doesn’t clean the bathroom, someone ate Alice’s yogurt, and the rent is long past due. When reality suddenly collides with reality TV, we find ourselves front and center in a thorny hostage drama that holds the nation riveted. Our House is a deliciously scathing new comedy that takes on a media-obsessed culture intent on turning even the most sobering crisis into sexy entertainment.
http://www.playwrightshorizons.org/index2.asp

Second Stage Theatre, 307 W. 43rd St.
Email the house manager at JSchleifer@SecondStage or call the usher hotline with names, phone numbers, as well as name and dates of performances you wish to see, at 212-787-8302, ext. 216. Playing Soon: EVERYDAY RAPTURE, April 7– May 17, 2009
EVERYDAY RAPTURE is the story of a young woman’s psycho-sexual-spiritual journey on the rocky path that separates her mostly Mennonite past from her mostly Manhattan future. Her life takes her from the cornfields of Kansas to the clover fields of New York (with a disturbing detour through YouTube). With a cast of five led by Sherie Rene Scott, EVERYDAY RAPTURE also features songs made famous by David Byrne, George Harrison, U2, The Dap Kings and Judy Garland.
Coming Soon: MR. AND MRS. FITCH, Spring 2009
Meet gossip columnists Mr. and Mrs. Fitch. When the social circuit no longer provides juicy morsels, they find that great celebrity can appear out of thin air. Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane’s (The Little Dog Laughed, Xanadu) wicked new comedy is a scathing look at who is in, who is out and who may not even exist at all.
http://www.secondstagetheatre.com/

The Signature Theatre Company, 555 W 42nd St.
Each season, the signature theatre company explores the works of a single living playwright. This season highlights the Negro Ensemble Company. Email housemanager@signaturetheatre.org asap for usher spots for Zooman and the Sign, its current show. Also, if you are not interested in ushering, there is a special performance April 26 with all tickets only $20.
Now Playing: ZOOMAN AND THE SIGN, March 3-April 19, 2009
By Charles Fuller , Directed by Stephen McKinley HendersonA random act of violence leaves Reuben Tate and his family questioning their friends and neighbors, but their once caring community has been scared into helpless silence. As young Zooman terrorizes the neighborhood from the shadows, Reuben makes a dangerous appeal which may tear their world apart. This powerful drama by Charles Fuller, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Soldier's Play depicts the devastating aftermath of violence on a family and an entire community.
http://www.signaturetheatre.org/

The Joyce Theater, 175 EIGHTH AVE
World famous dance companies and troupes from around the world vosit the Joyce 9and a Recession Girl favorite, as she once ushered Paul Newman to his seat here!) Call and leave a message with the usher hotline two weeks before the performance (or later), with preferred dates, 646-792-8355. See full schedule: http://www.joyce.org/calendar_joyce.php
Now Showing: SAVION GLOVER, March 3-22
In Savion Glover's Solo In Time, the renowned tap master invites audiences to appreciate his "Hooferz style" approach to tap dance as he merges acoustically melodic tap sounds with the energy of live Flamenco music. Celebrating tap dance as a form of music, Glover highlights his style of hoofing as the leading instrument in the production. Savion Glover's Solo in Time displays the infinite versatility and virtuosity of Glover's genius as not only tap master, but tap dance choreographer as well.

The Cherry Lane Theater, 38 Commerce St.
This theatre is home to workshops, readings, and is a mix of Off-Broadway classics and provocative works. Call the usher line and leave a message with usher names and dates available.
Now Playing: JAIL BAIT, March 19-April 25
Two fifteen year old girls spend a night at a Boston club posing as college students. When the girls cross paths with two thirty-something men they must decide how far they are willing to go while playing at adulthood.
http://www.cherrylanetheatre.com/

Friday, March 6, 2009

Low Roller Fun - all weekend!

Saturday

Chelsea Brewery Tours
Date: Saturday, March 7th
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Chelsea Brewery (Pier 59 at 18th st. on the West Side Highway)
http://www.chelseabrewingco.com/
Cost: Free
Ian The Chelsea Brewery Ambassador gives free tours of Manhattan's only active brewery this afternoon. Tours are every hour on the hour (max 40 people) and be sure to bring your ID for some free samples. Tour participants also receive $4 discount beer tickets so you can sip suds while discussing the wonders of yeast afterwards. 21+

Making Brooklyn Bloom
Date: Saturday, March 7th
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Palm House (1000 Washington Ave, Prospect Heights)
Cost: Free with Flyer - http://www.bbg.org/vis2/2009/mbb/mbb_09.pdf

Today is Brooklyn Botanical Garden's annual community horticulture event devoted to urban agriculture and building a healthy food system in our borough, Making Brooklyn Bloom. This year's event, "Edible NYC: Green It! Grow It! Eat It! and is (and beyond) features "15 hands-on workshops to help educate city residents on how they can grow food at home and make their neighborhood a little bit greener by doing so. Apartment dwellers with a single windowsill might take Savoring Home-Grown Herbs Year-Round; those with a small outside area or even fire escape can learn from The Sky's the Limit: Growing Food on Trellises; and for brownstone residents with-- gasp! -- a yard, The Edible Palette: Food Producing Plants for the Decorative Landscape is ideal.




Brooklyn Museum First Saturday

If you cross over the East River, living in the shadows of the Manhattan museums, and with way less foot traffic from city tourists, you will find the Brooklyn Museum. Every first Saturday of the month admission is free (thanks to big name corporate sponsorship) beginning at 5pm and there are a slew of events for the whole family. This month is a celebration of feminist art with a dance party, film screenings, and discussions. Full schedule here:
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php

Sunday

Armory Arts Week Presents A Day on the Lower East Side
Date: Sunday, March 8th

Time: 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm

Location: New Museum Lobby (235 Bowery Street)

Cost: Free
Join the New Museum "as The Armory Show highlights the Lower East Side as a top destination for contemporary art! Tour groups will leave from the New Museum Lobby at 12:30pm, 2pm, and 4pm to visit selected downtown art galleries. The Armory Show is America's leading fine art fair devoted to the most important art of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. In its eleven years, the fair has become an international institution. Every March, artists, galleries, collectors, critics, and curators from all over the world make New York their destination during Armory Arts Week."

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Curb Alert!

More fur for free. But is this really different than just catching your mice, and letting them live in shoeboxes?

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/zip/1061499485.html

Cheap Yoga

Recession Girl just stumbled upon a new yoga studio, The Fierce Club, which claims that it "ain't your momma's yoga studio, unless your mom is fierce."

Instead of teaching classes to traditional "yoga sounds," these instructors teach to the "killer music" we'd hear on our ipods. It claims to be a more contemporary studio that doesn't tell you what to eat or drink (except to suggest Cafe Habana down the street), but promises a great workout in one hour.

They encourage you to stop by and "participate in your life... caught on fire."

$5 classes until March 8, 2009, plus they have a coupon one their website for one free class. http://thefierceclub.com/. (Note the badass high heels the instructors are wearing in all of their photos).

Hope to see my fellow recessionistas there this weekend!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Curb Alert!

What Recession Girl doesn't need a little singing and dancing in her Wednesday night?

Respond to the craisglist ad below to get free tickets for tonight to a new musical, "Sessions."

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/zip/1059877766.html

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Recessionista Swindle of the Day

During my twice-monthly clearance-rack leggings haul, a Ryan Seacrest-channeling GAP salesman let me in on a few little secrets ...
1. Keep you receipt. At most stores, if the item you bought goes on sale within the following 14 days after purchase, you may simply bring in the receipt and be returned the difference. (We love free money!)
2. At the GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy or any of it's other sister stores, there is a trick to discovering whether the item will be reduced. If your item's price (even sale price) ends in a 0 or a 9, (as in $45.50 or $12.99) the item will continue to go down. If an item ends in a 7 (like the fab shirt i got a few months ago that cost $2.97), that is the final price.
3. Green tights really look flattering on no one.

Monday, March 2, 2009

We're all in this thing together

Per usual, Time Out New York has the most wonderful Stimulus Plan for 2009 to get us eating, drinking, laughing and enjoying the community that is this most expensive city of ours. Get it now - hot off the press, or check it out right here:

"New York made cheap! Just because you're broke doesn't mean you can't get out and enjoy the city. We've got the ultimate guide to low-cost life in NYC. From delicious recession specials to the best free music, TONY has you covered with a live Twitter deal feed and a chatroom box to share tips."
http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/make-money-save-money/71931/your-2009-stimulus-plan?cmpid=TONY022609

The Lunchbox is the New Clutch


Recession Girl’s Most Fantastic Black Bean Soup


5 cans black beans, drained (or 1 bag dried black beans,* soaked overnight and drained)
7 cups vegetable broth (you can use vegetable bouillon cubes - 1.5 cubes to each cup of water)
4 stalks celery, chopped into smallish pieces
1 medium sized onion, chopped
1 head spinach
2 dried chili peppers
4 carrots, cut into coins (but not too thin)
5 cloves garlic
1 tblspoon basil, oregano
olive oil
lemon
cilantro
2 avocados

sauté garlic and onion in olive oil for about 10 ten minutes (which means olive shouldn’t be too hot and you should be stirring regularly). Add onion, sauté for about 3 minutes; add celery, sauté for about 1 minute. Add black beans and vegetable broth, oregano, basil, chili peppers. Bring to boil and then simmer for 1.5 hours if using canned beans and 2.5 hours if using “formerly” dried beans. Serve hot, top with a squeeze of lemon, a few slices of avocado and some bits of chopped cilantro.

*Recessiongirl’s “make it cheap” tip: use dried black beans – they are much less expensive than canned and all you need to do to prepare is soak them overnight and cook for just a bit longer. This is a great tip to save some pennies – soak beans, and then freeze them in their water until you need them!

If you have extra avocado, make sure you store it with some extra lemon - keeps it fresh.

Buen provecho!

Curb Alert!

If the winter blues have you down, a (free!) pair of pretty parakeets may have you singing a new tropical tune!

Check out this craigslist ad:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/zip/1056059897.html

Low Roller Fun


Literary Libations at (Le) Poisson Rouge,
158 Bleeker Street, NY, NY
Wednesday 03.04.09


Join InDigest Online Lit Mag for their monthly reading series, featuring authors reading their own works as well as the works that inspired them.
Free, including drink specials from 6-10pmas well as a

FREE ABSINTHE TASTING from 6-7pm.

http://www.indigestmag.com/events.htm
Jibade-Khalil Huffman and Paul Dickinson
6pm doors 7pm reading
http://jibadekhalilhuffman.com/http://www.electricarcradio.com/about/cast-crew/paul-dickinson/
Jibade-Khalil Huffman was born in Detroit and raised in Florida. His poetry, fiction and photography have appeared in Boston Review, Court Green, NOON, Aufgabe, and Encyclopedia, among others. Educated at Bard College and Brown University, his awards include the Grolier Poetry Prize and fellowships from the Millay Colony for the Arts and the Ucross Foundation. “19 Names For Our Band” is his first book.

Paul D. Dickinson is a poet based in Minneapolis/ St. Paul. His work has appeared in City Pages, The St. Paul Pioneer Press, Request.com, and Conduit. Dickinson has read on Minnesota Public Radio, 93.7 "The Edge", KFAI, and 89.3 "The Current". He currently hosts the "Riot Act Reading Series" , a cutting edge literary event that features national and international writers. His latest spoken word CD is "Lord Byron Gets Busted" on Speedboat Records . He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from UMASS Amherst.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Recessionista Swindle of the Day

We've all seen how the recession has impacted airlines. There was the time you almost starved to death on a six hour cross country flight because the flight attendent insisted that no they did not even have that bag of peanuts you knew they were hiding back there somwehere. Or the time you shamelessly flirted with the older (ahem) gentleman at the airport bar in hopes of not having to foot the bill for the $15 cocktail you ordered to calm yourself while waiting for the next available flight - after you got bumped from yours due to "overbooking." And then there's the checked bag fee. I have to pay $25 to wait forever at baggage claim, because I can't squeeze my rolly into that tiny tiny box? A way around this fee has been discovered thanks to Recession Girl's habit of accidently packing things like large bottles of hair gel, knives (from the picnic in the park last weekend!), and other no-nos into her carry-on. Even if your bag is too big to ever be allowed to be carried on to the plane, keep it with you until the security check. Then, when they discover that juice bottle in your bag that you absolutely refuse to have thrown out, you can begrudgingly allow to have them check it for you - at no fee.