88c Soft Serve @ Baskin Robbins!

For a limited time, Baskin Robbins is offering 88cent Soft Serve. Sure, its only vanilla (I tried to order a twist cone & they had no idea what I was talking about), but its a great summer treat and why not treat yourself? It comes to 95cents with tax in NYC. Less than a buck for soft serve? I'm down.

Click here to find the store nearest you.

Hedda Lettuce Needs Our Help! Vote Now!

Our dear friend Hedda Lettuce, the fabulous hostess with the most-ess of Chelsea Cinema Classics needs our help. She has decided to run for RuPaul's Drag Race.



Please read her plea below and vote for her. Then you will be able to catch her sassaliciousness every week for FREE on Logo! Sure, we will miss her at the cinema for a while, but we don't want to be greedy. She needs to share her greenie fabulousness with the world!

Click here to VOTE NOW!

You can vote
ONCE EVERY 24 HOURS
so don't forget to put it on your calendar everyday!!

~

Hello gentle Americans. Since I have decided to run for RuPaul’s DRAG RACE I have had so much lovely support and the occasional reaction of bewilderment. “Why Hedda with your fame and notoriety would enter the competition? Can’t you leave it for the less well known gals?” I understand where they are coming from and I have actually asked myself the same question. Though I have asked it while soaking in tub of bubbles, my green hair wrapped in an Egyptian cotton towel, while sipping on a glass of champagne as some young stud paints my toenails. And do you know the answer I came up with? “I love drag and all it has offered me over the years and why not celebrate my love for drag with the rest of the world?” Show the skeptics, the naysayers, the perverts, the fans, the enemies and the chaste that Hedda’s still got it.” Not the clap assholes, I’ve got what it takes to be household name. And frankly I don’t want to do it by being on COPS so Drag Race is a natural choice. Though now that I think about it being thrown over the warm hood of a cop car by a burly man in blue sounds quite appetizing. Hmm, what crime could I commit that would cause a stir? I could smuggle drugs in my ass and try to cross the boarder? Instead of drug mule I would be a drag mule, now ain’t that a kick?

Stay fresh,

Click here to VOTE NOW!

TODAY: FREE reasons to be pretty at BORDERS. 5PM.

If you are out and about TODAY, then swing by BORDERS at Columbus Circle (in the Time Warner Center) and meet writer Neil LaBute, director Terry Kinney and the cast of reasons to be pretty at 5PM. They will be performing and discussing the play. Plus there will be a play signing too!



For more information about this Broadway comedy, click here to visit the website.

SUNDAY GUIDE: Tofu Takedown! $10!

The brilliant foodie organizer behind events such as the infamous Chili Takedown, Bacon Takedown and Fondue Takedown, Matt Timms, is back! His latest takedown has the Foodie Gladiators tackling their most challenging food yet...

TOFU!

$10 lets you sample tofu masterpieces from 30 chefs vying for the $100 People's Choice Award and title of Grandmaster of Tofu (or some such title).

This event takes place TOMORROW, May 10, 2009 at

HighLine Ballroom

431 West 16th Street, Manhattan

Doors open @ 4:30PM

AVOID THE LONG TICKET LINES (and the potential for the food to be all gone):

Order your tickets Online!
Click here.

NOTE: The artist behind this Glad-tastic advert is Matthew Langland.

Cheap Chic Updates!

Starting TODAY, the Cheap Chic is going to boldly go where she has never gone before...

No, not to see the new Star Trek movie (It's opening weekend and got Amazing reviews. See it, if you can get tickets...).

The Cheap Chic is going to post at least,

2 POSTS A DAY

in honor of the start of Summer in the City 2009.

It's true. The start of the Summer in the City is almost upon us. Everywhere you look the slow creep of THE TOURISTS is upon us. They are starting to stand in the middle of our sidewalks snapping photos with their Cannons and Nixons. They are deftly squeezing (like that is even possible) into our trains with their X-large maps and fannypacks. And Times Square is officially off limits if you want to retain your sanity (and deter acquiring even more NYC-jadedness).

However, if you avoid the big touristy spots, you can have an enjoyable and CHEAP summer in what I like to call off-the-tourist-path. If you don't mind big crowds of New Yorkers (and if you don't, you probably shouldn't be living here) then there are many CHEAP and FREE events that are starting in the City.

So stay tuned!

DON'T FORGET!

1. Friend the Elle Cheap Chic on FACEBOOK!
2. Follow cheapchicsguide on TWITTER! Also, sometimes I post TWITTER ONLY updates (especially if they are time sensitive), so follow TODAY!

FREE Spa Services for Cinco de Mayo!

Before heading out for some cervazas and tequila why not treat your feet to a Margarita...foot scrub that is! Or how about your face to an organic Pomegrante Martini.....mask!

Then head over to Vada Spa for their FREE Spa Party TODAY from 12pm to 7pm in honor of Cinco de Mayo! First come, first served. Try any one of the spa services listed below for FREE!

• FREE- Laser hair removal- for the Lip OR Chin OR Underarm


• FREE- Eyebrow wax OR Lip wax
  
• FREE- Organic Face Mask- Pomegranate Martini OR Strawberry Coconut


• FREE- Mini Acupuncture


• FREE- Margarita Foot Scrub- Coconut/Lime OR Papaya/Mango

And while you're there if you are interested in booking future services or buying gift certificates (possibly for Mom's Day?) either are 30% OFF.

~

Vada Spa

387 6th Avenue, Manhattan

(212.206.1572)

FREE Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo!

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo!

Time to throw back some tequila shots, cervezas and celebrate the amazing culture of Mexico (and to all you Germaphobics, I say to you swine flu be damned!)!

So why not head over to Whistlin' Dixie's Tavern for amazing specials including...

$3 Coronas ALL DAY!

Plus from 6-8pm enjoy FREE Chips & Salsa, $4 MONSTER Margaritas & $3 shots of Cabo Wabo Tequila!

And the best deal of them all...

R.S.V.P. to KatieJ@gmail.com
for

FREE Margaritas

from 5:30-7pm!

Click here for more details.

Whistlin' Dixie's Texas Tavern

714 West 11th Ave

New York, NY 10019

Free Red Mango Fro-Yo this Saturday!

This morning in AMNY there was a COUPON for a FREE Small Tangomonium Fro-Yo with 1 Topping at red mango.

If you didn't grab the coupon, don't you fret! You can still...

TRY IT FREE

on

Saturday May 2nd, 2009 from 12PM-4PM.

Click here for the COUPON!

Click here for red mango locations.

NOTE: At participating red mango locations. Best to call first to make sure your local fro-yo shop is participating!

See you there!

New NYP Library Branch at Grand Central!

GRAND OPENING at Grand Central!

Are you a commuter who doesn't have time in the hustle and bustle of the City to go to the library? How about a professional who wants to finally join the masses and read Twilight? Or how about a NYPL patron who needs to return that overdue DVD before your 9am meeting that lasts all day?

Well, now whether before work, after work or when you pop out to Grand Central Market to grab your lunch you can also quick pop over to the NEW Grand Central New York Public Library Branch to grab a book, dvd, CD, etc!

The branch is already open and TODAY they are having a Grand Opening Celebration at 4:30pm with music, light refreshments and more!

NYPL Grand Central Branch

135 East 46th Street [btwn Lex & 3rd Aves]

Monday-Thursday: 8-7

Friday: 8-5

Saturday: 10-5

For more information click here.

31c Scoop Night at Baskin Robbins TONIGHT!!!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for....

CHEAP ICE CREAM!

That's right folks! Put away that $5.99 pint of Ben & Jerrys and that $3.99 bucket of No-Name Rainbow Swill because...

TONIGHT

from

5-10pm

is

31cent/$0.31 Scoop Night

at

Baskin Robbins!

NOTE: There is a limit of 3 scoops per person. So for a grand total of 93 cents (plus tax) you can walk away with one BIG Ice Cream Cone! Also you may want to call your store, as participation varies. To find your nearest Baskin Robbins click here.

For more information on 31 Cent Scoop Night click here.

ING DIRECT Cafe Opening: Free Internet, Lattes & Financial Seminars!

Want to learn more about saving money, investing and managing your wallet in these tough economic times? How about chillin' in a cool, new cafe with a FREE latte (see coupon below) and FREE WiFi? ING DIRECT is highlighting the opening of their NEW 3rd Ave Cafe by hosting Savers Week April 28th through May 2nd with tons of FREE EVENTS including a clothing swap, kiddie carnival (with FREE orange cotton candy) and conversations with top banking executives.

Savers Week Events

April 28^th: Conversation with Arkadi Kuhlmann- from 6:30pm-8pm, the President and Chairman of ING DIRECT will be discussing his take on the current economic climate.

April 29^th: Quiz Quest and SpeedBanking!- Test your knowledge about ING DIRECT during Quiz Quest from 11am to 3pm (with a chance to win prizes!) and find your perfect ING DIRECT product match during Speed Banking from 4pm to 7pm.

April 30^th: Conversation with Dan Greenshields- from 7:30am to 9am, the President of ShareBuilder, ING DIRECT’s online brokerage, will be discussing the innovation in business that is ShareBuilder.

May 1^st: Café Savers Swap- from 3pm to 6pm, the Cafe will host a swap meet where consumers have an outlet to exchange their goods (i.e. electronics, apparel, books, costume jewelry & small home goods) with each other for FREE! All leftover items will be donated to the Salvation Army and Goodwill.

May 2^nd: Kiddy Karnival! from 1pm on Saturday, on the second floor you can let your little tikes run around and play carnival games. There will also be an orange cotton candy machine as well as a popcorn machine and other refreshments for the children’s enjoyment. On the main floor, the Rents can have a break and talk to associates about ING DIRECT products. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

NOTE: All events take place at the Cafe.

ING DIRECT New York City Café

968 Third Avenue (at 58th St)

New York, NY 10022

212-752-8432

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 7AM to 6PM, Saturday 9AM to 7PM, Sunday 10AM to 6PM.

FREE BEVERAGE OF YOUR CHOICE COUPON! Click here

For more information on ING DIRECT visit www.ingdirect.com or call 1-800-ING DIRECT.

9 to 5 for Secretary's Day! This Wednesday!!!

In this day and age working AT ALL is a blessing. However, most people who are at the ol' grindstone are barely makin' a living (it's all takin' and no givin'...I know...I couldn't resist!).

One set of such underpaid, under appreciated working stiffs are our secretaries (well, if we are being politically correct, our "administrative professionals"). Not only do they deserve a shout out (for their sassy phone voices. I know I have one and it's even Southern sometimes, because people are nicer to those with a little Southern drawl! "Ya'll come back now, ya here!'"), but Chelsea Clearview Cinemas thinks they deserve a special screening of...

9 to 5

Dolly, Lily and Jane will all be there (and on the BIG SCREEN!), along with Hedda Lettuce at 7PM all for the low price of $7.50! Plus, Hedda will be partaking in her infamous raffle where you can win tickets to the new 9 to 5 musical on Broadway!

ONE SHOWING ONLY!!!
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
7pm
Chelsea Cinema, West 23rd St
(btwn 7th and 8th Ave)
Manhattan

NOTE: Chances are this show will sell out, so click here to buy your tickets online or stop by Chelsea Cinema to buy your tickets in advance!

Tax Day means FREE Vibes!

The tax man takes alot of my hard earned money every year. These companies want to make sure you at least get to keep some of it.

• FREE VIBRATORS!!!!!

Get your own economic stimulus at Babeland NYC today. They will be giving away FREE Gold Digger Vibrators to the first 100 customers at each of their three locations. They also are picking up the sales tax ONLINE and In-store by offering a 10% discount. "No tax without stimulation!"

Babeland Locations: SoHo - 43 Mercer Street; Lower East Side - 94 Rivington Street & Park Slope 462 Bergen Street

• 8-Cent Mac & Cheese

Today from 12-7pm at Supermac you can get a bowl of Mac & Cheese for ONLY 8 cents through 8coupons.com's OCHO LOCO Deal. Click on this link and the coupon (which you can text or email to yourself) is on the left hand side of the screen.

Supermac: 348 7th Ave (btwn 29th & 30th)

• FREE Tax Day Bites

Stop by Cinnabon from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 15 for free cinnamon-roll bites. 1 per customer.

• P.F. Chang's

15% OFF your total bill. Click here for locations.

• T.G.I. Friday's

On April 15, diners receive a $5 gift card when they spend $15 to $25. They earn a $10 card for a purchase of more than $25. Click here for locations.

J Crew Sample Sale! 70% OFF!

Want to look tres posh like Michelle Obama,

Cheap Chic style?

Then head to the J. Crew Sample Sale going on this week!

Yes, you did miss going yesterday, but all this week from 10AM-7PM, TODAY through FRIDAY April 17th, you can shop for J.Crew stock & sample clothing & accessories. It's up to 70% OFF Retail Prices! Plus if you have a little one, Crewcuts is hosting their sample sale as well.

This sale is hosted by Clothingline at:

261 W 36th Street

(between 7th & 8th Ave)

2nd Floor

New York, NY 10018

NOTE: Dressing room will be CLOSED for the duration of this sale.

UPDATE: NOT FREE- Museum of the City of New York

This morning the Cheap Chic took Lexisworks (who is visiting from CO and a cheap chic herself) all the way up to East Harlem (on a Sunday morning, at 10am) to the Museum of the City of New York. As I stated in a previous post, on Sundays from 10am-12pm, the Museum has FREE admission. Plus, it's a fabulous museum to share with out-of-town visitors as it has some great exhibitions on NYC and really just in general.

However, when we went to collect our tickets this morning we were informed that...

The Museum of the City of New York

NO LONGER HAS FREE ADMISSION ON SUNDAYS.

When I asked the Admissions employee when this change took affect and he said he just found out THIS MORNING when he came on his shift.

Now I know times are hard, especially for museums in this economy, but not having free admission for (a measly) 2 HOURS a week (on a Sunday, no less) AND not updating this information on their website (especially since I checked the website right before leaving to catch the subway)??

Additionally, ADULT ADMISSION INCREASED to $10 per adult
(also not updated on their website).

NOT COOL. SO NOT COOL.

Shame on the Museum of the City of New York. At least they should have updated their website before making the change. And maybe switching the policy to Pay-What-You-Wish on Sundays??? Just a thought...

Here's a Cheap Chic tip for you. Information on a website or from personal experience is not always accurate. Call ahead of time (especially in this economy).


Also don't forget The Frick Collection is Pay-What-You-Wish from 11AM-1PM on EVERY SUNDAY.

Snuggie Pub Crawl...FREE!

Snuggie in the bar....Snuggie in the park....Snuggie on the subway....

Yes, it's true!
You can now take your Snuggie ANYWHERE!

And best of all, today there is a FREE Snuggie Pub Crawl with other Snuggie Lovers through through Manhattan. Now your Snuggie obsession can be shared with the World!

It kicks off today at the bar called (you guessed it) The Snug @ 1pm.

For more information on the pub crawl, go to Snuggiefest.com.

For more information on "The Snuggie" go to getsnuggie.com.

Bryant Park Audio Walking Tour...FREE!

Bryant Park is one of my favorite parks in the City. Showcasing the Flagship New York Public Library (remember Ghostbusters?) from the East, Le Carrousel from the South, and the Great Lawn from the West, it's a green oasis in the middle of the Midtown.

Besides a myriad of special events that take place here year round (The Pond, Holiday Shops, Movies in the Park, Broadway in the Park, etc...), Bryant is just a great place to bring a book, lay down a blanket and relax while the rat race passes by.

While, I've loved Bryant Park, there is one thing I've always wondered. How did Bryant Park transform into the Midtown oasis of today?



Now you can find out...FOR FREE! All you need is an MP3 player that you can download to and you can download your own free walking audio tour of Bryant Park. What's even cooler is that it is narrated by Matthew Broderick!! And don't forget your accoutrements so afterwards you can chill-lax on the Great Lawn.

To download the Audio Tour click here.

Tweet! Cheap Chic on Twitter!

All this technology is making me feel like the 1960's were so much easier! (At least I'd have a better chance of having Don Draper as a boss...)

The Cheap Chic is officially appearing on this blog, Facebook and now Twitter. I don't know how to use Twitter (I mean I just figured out how to text whilst walking), but still I joined! So, now you, gentle reader, can follow me there too!

http://twitter.com/cheapchicsguide

Now, I need a tween intern to teach me all this stuff!

PILLOW FIGHT! TODAY!

Need to let out some of that Madoff aggression? Steaming mad at the fat cats getting fatter as your bills, health care and credit card interest rates raise even higher? Angry that you didn't receive a bailout check or a corporate bonus on the taxpayer's dime? Well, why not.......

FIGHT IT OUT!

Not with sticks and stones or even fists and bones, but with

PILLOWS!

That's right folks! Its NYC's 4th annual (the world's 2nd annual)

Pillow Fight Day!

Head down to Wall Street & Broad St. at 3PM TODAY with your soft pillow and be prepare to swing, swang, swung your way to good ol' fashioned stress relief. OVER 12,000 people have responded *YES* on Facebook alone!!! Plus if your adrenaline is still pumping you can head to the Afterparty in Brooklyn (details below).

You can confirm your attendance via FACEBOOK or you can just show up!

Best of all...this community is FREE (well, just bring your pillow...)

*DETAILS BELOW*

Rules: Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and fun pillow fight for everybody!
+ Soft pillows only! + Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once. + Do not swing at people without pillows or with cameras. + Remove glasses beforehand! + Do not abandon your pillow at the location. + Dress in business suits, demand your bailout check.

Cleanup: Please reduce your use of feathers. As the pillow fight grows in size, so does the mess. By participating, you are pledging to clean up twice the mess you made :)

Afterparty: http://tinyurl.com/whack09

Panorama from the 2008 Newmindspace pillow fight: http://tinyurl.com/pillowpanorama

Join the NYC mailing list at http://www.newmindspace.com

For info e-mail love@newmindspace.com

Subway: Take 2,3,4,5 to Wall St.

or J,M,Z to Broad St.

or R,W to Rector St.

WEEKEND GUIDE: 1st Saturdays @ Brooklyn Museum

Looks like this Saturday night there is a chance of April showers, but don't you cower. Head to the Brooklyn Museum for a...FREE Spring Awakening from 5-11PM!

That's right, every first Saturday of month the Brooklyn Museum opens its doors for a

FREE 'Night at the Museum!'

This Month's Theme is Spring Awakening where you can put a 'spring' in your step through FREE swing lessons and swing dancing from the The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, performances by Nicole Renaud & Cora Dance, and talks about the art, including the new Gustave Caillebotte Impressionist Paintings from Paris to the Sea exhibition.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Location: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052
Subway: Take the 2/3 to Eastern Parkway. For more detailed directions CLICK HERE.

ER: Series Finale LAST EPISODE EVER!

County General will close its doors TONIGHT...

FOREVER.

I grew up with this show. I learned about living with HIV from Gloria Reuben. I saw George Clooney become a star through my television screen. I fell in love not only with the doctors and nurses of the ER, but also with the desk clerk, Jerry. I was introduced to more blood, more guts and more drama and my Thursday nights were never the same.

Re-live all 15 seasons tonight

with an

ER Special Retrospective at 8PM EST.

Watch the 2-Hour Series FINALE at 9PM EST.

*ONLY ON NBC*

P.S. Don't forget your kleenex!

TOPSHOP OPENS TODAY!

Yes, it's true.

Even the Cheap Chic has gotten swept up in the opening of TOPSHOP in the US hullabaloo. No, she will not be one of the hundreds of twentysomething fashionistas lining up this morning (and I guess last night) to be at the 11AM unveiling of 4 Floors and 40000 square feet of UK's version of HM, albeit with clothing "designer" Kate Moss in tow.

However, I, the Cheap Chic decide to look into this culture phenomenon to see if it really is the sheek (but cheap) option for looking stylish on a budget...

Here's what I found:

• Hair Accessories (From $10 to $25. Verdict: My hair ain't worth it.)


• Skinny Jeans (Their flagship product- From $60 to $100. Verdict: More pricey than H&M, but not bad.)


• Sun Dresses ($55 to $80. Verdict: I would have the dress, but no money for sunscreen.)


• T Shirts ($28 to over $100. Verdict: I don't get it. It's a T-Shirt...and what is a slash tee?)


• SALE: Satin Velcro Sandal (Was $135, Now $60. Verdict: Welcome Back, 1982.)

OVERALL VERDICT:

Even on SALE this just ain't the Cheap Chic style for a variety of reasons.

1. I'm a Midwestern gal (e.g. Kate Moss ain't got nothing on these curves.).


2. 28 dollars on a T-Shirt? 55 on a Sun Dress? 10 bucks on a hair accessory? Need I say more?


3. It's Trendy and Hip (e.g. one season wear ONLY and that season was in 1992.).
   


4. Even if I was to go for these prices, I'll go American.

For a tour without the risk of spending check out the video below:

INSIDER LOOK, Business Style:* To get the real lowdown on the risk Topshop is taking opening this mega store during this recession click here.

*So now you know. The Cheap Chic has been know to read Bloomberg.com, Crain's and Business Week (I'm a pseudo business-y geek).

CALL or EMAIL Your Legislator Re: MTA Fare Hike! Just Say NO!

YES WE CAN!

SAY "NO"

to the

MTA Fare Hike!

Call or email your State Senator. Click here to find your Senator by zipcode.

Call New York State Governor David Paterson: 518-474-8390. To email Gov. Paterson click here.

~

As Mayor Bloomberg put it yesterday (not that he ever takes the subway):

"When you see what's going to happen to your commuting costs, you should call your state legislators and say, 'I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore.'"

~

Here's the lowdown on MTA Subway & Bus Service in the 5 Buroughs

On New York City subways and buses, single rides would go from $2 to $2.50. A one-day unlimited MetroCard would go from $7.50 to $9.50. A seven-day unlimited MetroCard would go from $25 to $31. A 14-day unlimited MetroCard would go from $47 to $59. A 30-day unlimited MetroCard would go from $81 to $103.

Also be prepared for eliminated or reduce service on 6 subway lines. 20% more crowded trains (if that was even possible on the 4 &5 Lex Express during the morning rush hour). And 3,000 job layoffs (so even former MTA employees won't be able to afford the subway).

~

Final Note: Budgetary concerns have the MTA scaling back on the Second Ave subway project by removing a plan to add a third track in case of a subway delay, trains could bypass the delay and the trains would move along as scheduled. The rub is that redesigning the 2nd Ave subway project without the 3rd track is going to cost 26 MILLION DOLLARS, even though it will save 90 million, but lead to delays! Ridiculous! Delays and 26 MILLION DOLLARS down.

Weekend Guide: Princeton Art Museum

So, I know it's only Monday, but anyone who doesn't start their week looking forward to the next weekend obviously doesn't find much enjoyment in going to brunch with your favorite lush, getting more than a bit tipsy on unlimited Mimosas and then spending the rest of your collective afternoon watching the Real Housewives of New York marathon on Bravo. I mean, really. Who doesn't live for a weekend like that?

But, I digress....

For all you City weary New Yorkers who want to take a day trip out of the hustle and bustle (and the unlimited mimosa brunch culture) and see some FREE Masterpieces (i.e. actually get some culture), I recommend taking the NJ transit and heading to the Princeton University Art Museum located in Princeton, New Jersey (Yes, yes. I know I just mentioned heading to Jersey, but its not that bad. This isn't the place where Tony buries the bodies. It's too posh for that.).

The campus itself is gorgeous and full of Gothic architecture. Walking around this campus makes one feel quite regal among its grandeur (well until you see the freshmen sauntering around in their jimjams). Then you come across what would be considered a benign building if it didn't have a bunch of headless walking sculptures in front of it, the Princeton University Art Museum. Once inside there is a variety of art, from European to Contemporary to Asian and even some beautiful mosaics. For a University art museum it is quite encompassing. Plus, its art for FREE!

Can't make it to the Museum? View the Princeton University Art Museum eMuseum online here.