A lil' Chocolate Truffle goes a long way

I was in Godiva with a friend the other day and as she is about to have her box of chocolates rung up at the register, the sales person asks her if she wishes to join the Godiva Chocolate Rewards Club. Naturally, my ears perked up. My heart started pumping a little harder when I heard the words "you get a free piece of chocolate just for signing up". He asked me if I wanted to join. I asked questions, typical of a skeptic. Godiva passed the test. They really wanted nothing out of me but my email address. So I signed up and got my free, delicious chocolate truffle.
Then I found out that you can get a free piece of chocolate every month just for being a member. No purchase necessary.

When you've had a long day, sometimes a little piece of heavenly chocolate is all you need to set things straight. So go to your nearest Godiva and join the club, honey!

Clothing Swap Goodness

Yesterday, I swapped 'til I dropped! Got a great pair of boots, sneakers, make-up, perfume, kewl jewelry, jeans, dresses, harem pants...the list goes on and on.
Price: $0

Can't beat that with a bat, honey!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Cheap and Chic Alert: Spa Week April 13 - 19

C'mon now. It's time to unwind on a dime...

www.spaweek.com

Free Fun Fountain #1

It's spring! Who doesn't enjoy watching flowers bloom as the weather warms? We are, after all, a part of nature. We come out of hibernation and make more time to do more stuff outdoors. We re-enter the world as explorers, as fun-seekers, and as recessionistas.

Hence, the hunt for free fun begins. Not to worry, I've got a scroll of fun free things to do for all ages. A Monday through Sunday guide to free fun. This will be one of many - the free fun fountain keeps flowing as the heat rises. This week's free fun list highlights cultural events in New York City ranging from art to science to animal appreciation. Check them out below then check them out for real. Have fun, honey!

Free Fun Fountain List #1: Free Culture in NYC
Monday: Tour the Fed
That's right, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York hosts free tours on the half hour Monday - Friday from 9:30am to 2:30pm. How timely, no?

Tuesday: Go Very Green
Visit the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. It's free every Tuesday, and it's so gorgeous. You'd be a fool to miss out. Open 8am to 6pm.

Wednesday: Be an Animal!
Or at least hang out with a wide variety of them at the famous Bronx Zoo! It's pay-what-you-wish every Wednesday. And don't be intimidated by their "suggested donation", just about everybody there on Wednesdays pays nothing. Enjoy!

Thursday: KidArt Time!
Gather the children...yours, your sister's, your friend's, or your inner and pay a free visit to the Children's Museum of the Arts. It's free Thursdays from 4-6pm and it's an excuse to let loose, be creative and have immeasurable fun.

Friday: How Very Modern
You can't be a New Yorker, even if only visiting for a week, unless you spend some quality time at the MOMA. It's free every Friday from 4-8pm, so you'd better go.

Saturday: More For the Kiddies
If you can make it before 11am, the Brooklyn Children's Museum offers free admission (both Saturday and Sunday). I've gone as an adult with no children...it's fun, but be prepared for the question, "where are your children"? If you don't have any of your own, now's a great time to help a friend gain peace of mind by offering to babysit.

Sunday: Drop Science
Again, if you can make it there between 10-11am, the New York Hall of Science is free for you! I know that's early, and trust me, I wouldn't recommend it if it weren't a smackload of fun. Expect an adventure for the mind. A guaranteed thrill for inquisitive types.



On another note, the Metropolitan Opera ("the Met") is offering tickets as low as $20. Ever been to the opera before? May be worth a visit...plus an excuse to dress up ;)

Start the New Year Off Right - at the library!

Just because we graduate from school and enter into the real world does not mean that we must automatically rely solely on Netflix and Barnes and Noble for all our storytelling needs. Hello! Don't - forget - to - use - your - library card!

Show of hands, how many of you actually have your local library card? Now, how many of you actually use it, say, at least once a month? If you're still raising your hand, this post is not for you. Pat yourself on the back and browse through the archives for some information that you may find helpful. The rest of you, read on because I'm concerned. I think you have a problem. Why are you paying for books and movies when there are these buildings all over town that are letting folks borrow them for free? I don't mean to sound harsh. Trust me, I was one of you. Foolishly paying for things like books and movies. But recently I've made the switch back to the stacks.

Now, I totally understand the "I want it now" philosophy, especially when it comes to movies. The selection at the library pales in comparison to that of Blockbuster, Netflix and, don't forget Hollywood Video (I had a love affair in college with their $1 five day rentals!). But if you're looking to find a good DVD you can snuggle up to on your couch with some hot cocoa and your boo - then I think it's worth a stop.

And if you're among the book reading population then there is one word for you: Duh!
Just stop it with the Dalton and the B&N. When you finish a book, do you really then need to let it collect dust on your bookshelf in your tiny apartment? And if you happen to be one of those people with books in storage, this post is especially for you.

They make it real easy these days. Many public libraries have their directories online. You can check to see if your book is available and hold it. In many cases, you can even have a book sent to your local library if it happens to be at a further branch.

Just remember to return your items on time because unlike Netflix, the library will charge you a late fee!

Now get to borrowing!