Frugal Month in Review: October 2008

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot October has come and gone, but we can still enjoy fall and the celebration of Thanksgiving and all of the great joys of the season. Take a look back at all of the ways to save money that were featured last month. October 1st Frugal Halloween Costumes It is fall and Halloween is approaching fast, are you ready? What do the kids want to be? You can make some great homemade costumes … Continue reading

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Manhattan boasts some of the best eateries in New York but generally speaking, I find the really good eats are to be found in mom and pop stores strung in little known places. However, those little known places may boast great food but they also have tiny little spaces hardly suitable for a party of 8, that includes 5 wiggly children. Finding both good food AND a place that has atmosphere entertaining enough for everyone–that’s the real challenge. So it was with a little trepidation that we decided to try out Ellen’s Stardust Diner last night. Ellen’s Stardust Diner sits … Continue reading

Cool Ice Skating Spots

Tomorrow morning my 3-year-old daughter will strap on ice skates for the first time. But, only time will tell if she’ll remain upright during our historic skating adventure. She’ll have me to cling onto, not to mention three of her playgroup pals, so I’m sure she’ll be fine. Fingers crossed. Yes, it’s that time of year again… winter sports season. And if you have children then you will likely be looking for any and all outdoor activities to combat cabin fever. Though, in most cases you don’t have to travel far to find a decent ice skating rink. For those … Continue reading

New York’s Eclectic Gift Shops

You can’t visit New York City without going home with a few souvenirs, right? Continuing in my series spotlighting some of the city’s most unique shops today I’m throwing out a real zinger–big cheese in the Big Apple. Given that I currently reside in a state known for its dairy products I’m really putting my neck on the line here, but so be it. Take a look at some other must-visit Manhattan shops. Murray’s Cheese Shop Located downtown at 254 Bleecker St. between 6th and 7th Aves. Murray’s Cheese Shop refers to itself as “the nation’s leading cheese purveyor.” It’s … Continue reading

Shopping in the Big Apple—Food and Shoes

Life should be so simple… Food and shoes, what more could a girl ask for? (Okay… diamonds, but I’m working with a budget here.) With the holidays fast approaching the streets of New York City will soon be chock full of men, women, and children on the hunt for the perfect gift. As such, I’ve decided to list a few of my favorite Big Apple haunts. I started with this blog and am slowly adding a few more as we enter the gift-giving season. The following retailers offer two items that are essential to any woman’s life—-chocolate and shoes: Jacques … Continue reading

Shopping In New York City—Off the Beaten Path

Sure, you could spend the day with tens of thousands of other shoppers exploring each and every floor of the massive Macy’s store in New York’s Herald Square. Or, you could rub elbows with other shopoholics at Sax Fifth Avenue’s new shoe department in Manhattan that’s so huge that is has its own ZIP code. But, if you are looking for a decidedly different shopping experience I would highly recommend you check out the following lesser known, though truly outstanding Big Apple venues. Your credit card may be smoking by the time you’re done, but somehow I don’t think you … Continue reading

Taking A Break From The Concrete Jungle

In a previous blog I shared some worthwhile day trip destinations for those of you visiting (or living) in New York City. Most of them involved my favorite pastimes—-shopping and eating. I realize some of you may not enjoy indulging in the same hobbies and for you I offer this blog. Let’s face it; sharing sidewalks with millions of others can be taxing on even the most accomplished travelers. Once in a while it’s nice to escape the concrete jungle and visit a more desirable place where the natives are a bit friendlier. You can find such a place about … Continue reading