Become the next J.K. Rowling w/ FREE Writing Classes!

That's right! You can become richer than the Queen of England, by dipping that pen in some ink and getting to work (well more likely, tapping away on your MacBook, but a gal likes to dream that this is a more Shakespearean society).

The Gotham Writers' Workshops is offering free introductory courses to some of their popular courses today and tomorrow night all over Manhattan. Registration is required so SIGN UP now!

Have you already filled up your dance card for this week?

There are more FREE Writing classes available at local bookstores in Manhattan sponsored by GWW. Just check out their Community Events page where they list all of their Free Classes. Best of all, pre-registration is not required! Just show up and get your write on!

Free Metrocards!

That's right! Starting this morning, Dunkin Donuts is helping those commuters continue commuting by handing out Free Metrocards during the morning rush hour for the next month. I can't wait to see the madness ensue!

Time: 6:30am-9:30am

Monday, January 12th- Lexington Ave/ 53rd Street

Tuesday, January 20th- 14th Street/ Union Square Station

Monday, January 26th- Grand Central Station

Monday, February 2nd- Times Square/42nd Street

Thanks for the heads up- FreeNYC!

Get Your Library Card!!!

Tomorrow starts another work week and the morning commute. This task can be quite irksome, especially since commuting means interacting with the human race (and for those of us in NYC, the MTA).

Want to make the task a little less daunting?

Get your Library Card!

Nothing drowns out the sounds of the hustle and bustle than that Ken Follett thriller, Nora Roberts swashbuckling romance or the latest New York Times bestseller (I prefer paperback myself).

If you actually want to drown out the sounds, most libraries have a wide selection of CDs that you can rip to your computer and download to your iPod. My current favorite is Bret Michaels' solo album (yes, he made a solo album and yes, it is quite delectably bad).

So go to your nearest library and sign up for a card. It takes about 5 minutes, is free and is the Cheap Chic's option for staying sane while commuting (without breaking the bank). Most libraries also have DVD collections, so you can secretly watch The Love Guru from the privacy of your own home and not have spend a dime by renting it (Trust me, it would be sorry with your investment).

In NYC, there are three main library systems: the New York Public Library (otherwise known as the NYPL), the Brooklyn Public Library and the Queens Borough Public Library. With over 50 million items in circulation (NYPL), I'm sure you will be able to find something that would tickle your fancy.

All these systems have websites and online catalogs where you can look up their entire collections and place things on hold (Currently, I'm waiting on The House Bunny to come in! Oh my!).

So go online, find your nearest library branch, and get that card!

'Cheap Vodka to Top Shelf' Myth BUSTED!

I was watching an old episode of MythBusters, one of my Cablecrack shows (because it's so addicting) and they were trying to debunk the adage that if you buy cheap Vodka, you can distill it (through a Brita filter) to make it taste like top shelf Vodka.

Well guess what?

YOU CAN'T!

So don't waste your money on cheap Vodka. It's not worth the money you spend on useless filters, aspirin, and greasy food to get rid of the inevitable hangover the next morning.

Thanks MythBusters!

(Episode Title: Bullets Fired Up)

Calendars: The Cheap Chic's Decorations!

So, I will admit it. I have a major printed paper fetish. Whether a postcard, a greeting card, a calendar or an advert, I am usually quite intrigued. My walls are festooned with all of these things, a lifelong collection of postcards with waiters racing trays of drinks through the streets of Paris, calendars with sassalicious phrases on them ("She liked her men like her cocktails...neat, but with a twist) and cards denoting love, life and liquor (these are a few of my favorite things).

One of my favorite times of year is the New Year. The Cheap Chic loves the New Year, because it means find a new use for the old and bring in with the new.

Thus, don't throw away those old calendars! They make great wall hangings. If you are like me you liked your calendar and anxiously awaited the next month to see what intriguing salacious quote set the tone for the month. Now that its the new year- deconstruct it. Take all those months and tape them up on the wall as artwork as a modge podge, cheap chic collage. Or if you are anal, take a few calendar months and find cheap frames (check the dollar store, Joanns or Michaels) and frame them up!

Also, the New Year brings new Calendars and guess what? They are CHEAP! That's right, the New Year brings the 50-75% off Calendar sales all over (and I'm not talking about the dollar store Cat calendar your Great Aunt gets you every year). These are the beautifully printed, glossy paper, and fabulous artwork variety. For the price, why not buy one as a calendar and another as more decorations for your bachelor/bachelorette pad! For the price of 1 you get 2 or 3!

So raid your local B&N, Borders or discount store.

An Ode to 3 Buck Chuck! (well, 2 Bucks in CA)

I thought it was only apropos to start my first posting with something that is especially near and dear to my heart.....

WINE!

and particularly my love for 3 Buck Chuck as we fondly refer to it in New York City which costs $3, is produced by Charles Shaw Winery (hence the name) and bottled exclusively for Trader Joe's.

The 3 Buck Chuck brand is known for its consistency in flavor and accessibility the masses, whether, a budget conscious wine connoisseur or a wannabe posh college student trying to look sophisticated at the local Frat. However, in essence, really these wines are about drinkability, especially when most wines at this price point taste like vinegar with funky undertones.

The only downfall to this wine, is its location to me. If I live in California it would only be $2 and in NYC the only Trader Joe's is right by Union Square/14th St and a trip for me. However with Trader Joes offers a handy 6 Bottle Reusable/Eco-friendly Wine bag for the Cheap price of 99c.

Log on to Trader Joe's to find the store nearest you.

Cheap is Nouveau Chic!

This guide is not for anyone who is looking to keep up with the Joneses. Frankly, I don't know who the proverbial "Joneses" are nor would I care to spend my hard earned wages (or eventual lottery winnings) on a $1,000 handbag and Botox for my Shitzu.

This guide is for those looking for richness, in terms of life fulfillment (and maybe a bit more honestly....in knowing that anything the Joneses can do, you can do better, and quite unadbashedly cheaper).

I'll leave with you two things:


First with this recommendation. Pick up this book at your local library or hell splurge on buying it at your local Strand or bookstore (remember you are not only supporting actual tactual publishing (death to the Kindle!), but the author as well).....Prosperity Pie: How to Relax About Money and Everything Else by SARK.

Second with this Quote (thanks Rita).

"Money is only a tool.
It will take you wherever you wish,
but it will not replace you as the driver."

Ayn Rand