Fabulously Frugal

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-11-22T15:46:00.000-05:00

New York City comes alive during the holiday season with lights, music and bustling sidewalks.

To celebrate the fast-approaching holidays, FF put together a quick round-up of affordable winter-themed events and activities taking place in our own backyard:

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Staying in New York for Turkey Day? Why not check out the giant balloons and elaborate floats at the 85th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? The parade kicks off at 9am, but get there early for optimal viewing.
Holiday Markets: Take your pick: Columbus Circle, Union Square and Dekalb all play host to dozens of food and craft vendors selling an array of unique and affordable gifts. The markets are open through Dec. 24. Visit urbanspacenyc.com for more information.
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting: The towering pine has made its way to midtown, and will be lit on Wed., Nov. 30 at 7pm. Bundle up and head over to Rockefeller Plaza for the celebration.
Ice Skating: This cold weather tradition carries on at a number of rinks all over the city. Choose from Citi Pond at Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink and Lasker rinks in Central Park, and the Standard Hotel Ice Rink -- all open now through the winter.
Holiday Windows: It may just be the best time of the year to window shop. From Barneys to Saks to Bloomingdale's to Bergdorf's, every major department store adorns their windows with festive scenes.

Send us your favorite holiday-themed events: fabulouslyfrugalnyc@gmail.com.

Dogs on Parade

2011-10-21T22:19:00.000-04:00

There's nothing quite like dogs all dolled up. I'm not talking about rhinestone collars and four-legged designer sweaters. I mean all-out All Hallow's Eve attire.

Some of my favorite dog costumes can be found on parade every year at the Tompkins Square Park Dog Parade. Proud dog owners will once again infiltrate the park tomorrow (Oct. 22) from noon to 3pm to give their canines a shot at the coveted Halloween costume crown.

It's challenging enough to come up with a human Halloween costume, but these pooches work it in their creative get-ups. Last year brought out Cleopatra, a lobster in a pot and a rabbi, to name a few.

Get there early for the best view.

Paying Tribute

2011-09-26T14:10:00.001-04:00

Most New Yorkers steered clear of the Financial District on 9/11, opting to share their remembrances in other ways. For me, it was hanging a handmade sign as part of the makeshift memorial on the side of the old St. Vincent’s Hospital, which took in many of the victims on that tragic day, and chalking condolences as part of a public art project on Fifth Avenue. For others, it was watching the stories of those most impacted that day unfold on television specials or attending services in memoriam.

Wherever we were, whatever we did that day, the 10-year anniversary was never far from the minds of New Yorkers.

Now, with the completion of the 9/11Memorial, everyone who steps foot in Manhattan has the opportunity to pay tribute to those whose lives were unjustly cut short.

The memorial honors the lives of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993. After years of blueprints and debates, architects Michael Arad and Peter Walker and Partners have created a serene space surrounded by green and set to the soundtrack of silence. The names of those lost are inscribed into bronze panels surrounding the Memorial pools.

Admission is free to the public, but guests must reserve a visitor pass in advance. The Memorial is open seven days a week year-round.

Sitting With Friends Doesn't Have to Be a Privilege

2011-09-01T17:48:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest obstacles to enjoying live entertainment is financial: tickets often cost a lot, and few people want to take the risk of paying up front for a whole package of tickets so friends can sit together at an event. I just found out that Goldstar.com now has a solution for both those problems.

The site, which I've written about several times before, offers half-price (and free) tickets to popular live entertainment events in more than 20 major U.S. cities for sports lovers, theater goers, and performing arts fans to enjoy.

And now it also has a ‘Sit with Friends’ feature that lets people buy their half-price Goldstar tickets separately from the group but still be automatically seated together…eliminating the days of buying big expensive packages of tickets for a girls night out or a trip with your friends to see your favorite sports team, not knowing if you’ll ever be paid back.

The Sit with Friends feature is easy to use. After members (registration is free) purchase a ticket to an event they get a personalized URL to share on Facebook or via email. When the URL is used to buy other tickets, Goldstar automatically groups all the seats together— great news for people who are eager to go out more often and socialize with friends, but don’t want to spend a fortune to do it.

Piano Break

2011-08-31T14:21:00.000-04:00

New Yorkers are the type of people who need a good excuse to leave the office during lunch. I should know, I'm one of the worst offenders. But getting some fresh air and a little bit of mid-day exercise does a body (and mind) good.

Next time you're feeling cooped up in the office, eyes glazed over from staring at the computer for too long, grab a sandwich and stop by Bryant Park for some free jazz piano. Every weekday, local pianists like Daryl Sherman and Kuni Mikami tickle those ivories for park goers. Concerts are always free and never overcrowded.

Classical tunes abound now through October 14, Mon-Wed, 12:30-2pm; Thurs, 2-4pm.

Fourth Annual Summer Streets Festival Comes to Park Ave.

2011-08-05T18:04:00.000-04:00

This Saturday kicks off New York's annual Summer Streets. Taking place three consecutive Saturdays through August 20, from 7am-1pm, Summer Streets temporarily shuts down Park Avenue from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park and offers myriad free activities along the way to get New Yorkers outside and enjoying the city.

Tai Chi, improv workshops, bike rides, salsa lessons, yoga, and dance performances are just a few of the ways New Yorkers can participate.

Brooklyn's New Ride

2011-08-03T15:44:00.000-04:00

Soon you will be able to travel back in time to those childhood carousel rides that seemed so innocently thrilling.

Jane's Carousel, a newly restored attraction originally built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, will open to visitors at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park. The historic carousel will be housed in a new riverside pavilion designed by architect Jean Nouvel.

Named for DUMBO artist Jane Walentas, who -- along with her husband -- purchased the carousel at an auction in Ohio in 1984 and gifted it to the park, the carousel features 48 carved wooden horses with meticulous detailing, including mirrored bridles, feather plumes and 24-carat gold gilding. Look for the Lady Liberty chariot.

Jane's Carousel will be open six days a week (closed Tuesdays) from 11am-8pm.

A Midsummer's Hunger

2011-07-05T15:23:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again! The much-anticipated New York Restaurant Week is back, serving up three-course meals at deep discounts. Book your table now for lunch or dinner July 11-24.

Playing in the Streets

2011-06-16T18:20:00.000-04:00

Tap into your youthful side every weekend from June 19-July 16. The Come Out and Play Festival will host a series of games all over the city, from a field day on Governors Island (July 16) to a "Running of the Stocks" during which people playing bulls, bears and brokers race all over Wall Street (July 2).

Participation is free but advance registration is recommended.

Public Yoga

2011-06-09T18:29:00.000-04:00

Grab your PVC-free yoga mat and Lululemon finest and find a meditative spot in Bryant Park. From now through September, free yoga classes are in session on Tuesdays at 10am and Thursdays at 6pm.

Check out other free classes like Thai Chi and fencing here.

Late Afternoon Snack

2011-06-03T17:33:00.000-04:00

Forget about that summer beach diet. It's that time of year again -- National Donut Day. The people who think of these things really have our best interests (and stomachs) in mind!

Show up to a Krispy Creme for a free donut regardless of purchase or, if you prefer, snag a free glazed treat with the purchase of a Dunkin' Donuts beverage.

Picnic in the Park

2011-05-06T18:17:00.000-04:00

Grabbing a bite on the go is standard fare for New Yorkers.

Today, Madison Square Eats takes over 24th and 25th Streets between Fifth Avenue and Broadway.

What does that mean? A lot of local vendors hawking a lot of tasty food.

From 11am-9pm daily through June 3, passersby can enjoy treats from Momofuku Milk Bar, Eataly, Asia Dog, and many other NYC favorites.

Good Local Music, for Free

2011-05-04T16:22:00.000-04:00

New York can seem like a town full of up-and-coming artists and musicians, but rare is the one that makes you pause and listen.

New York singer-songwriter Chris Kiehne released his debut album online for free just last month and his soothing vocals and mellow tunes have caught FF's attention.

Check out an insightful interview with Kiehne on Examiner.com. Kiehne talks storytelling, zombies and why dreaming of dogs may be the inspiration for his next big project.

Ogling Cars

2011-04-27T16:30:00.000-04:00

I often say that I would be happy to never have to drive again -- and I mean it. I'm a sucker for public transportation and my own two good feet.

That being said, I know that other New Yorkers often miss their days of suburban off-oading. And it's for them that I dedicate today's post.

The annual New York International Auto Show is currently taking over the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, host to many fine events, including my sister's graduation from NYU in a few weeks.

This is the last weekend to drool over custom cars, Bentleys and fancy cars with names I've never heard uttered before -- if you're into that sort of thing. Ryan Tuerck from the Red Bull Drift Team will also be on hand to talk about racing cars.

Here's what you need to know:

Tickets: $14 for adults

Time: Mon-Sat, 10am-10pm; Sun, 10am-7pm

Caffeine for the Earth

2011-04-22T16:50:00.000-04:00

Happy Earth Day! If you need that late afternoon pick-me-up, bring your reusable mug or tumbler to Starbucks for free brews today. Don't have a mug? Just ask for your coffee or tea in one of Starbucks' "for-here" cups and you'll enjoy it gratis.

The Pillow Fight You Never Had

2011-04-01T18:03:00.000-04:00

You've seen them in the movies, but how many of us have actually been participants in a veritable pillow fight? Well, here's your opportunity.

Meet more than 5,000 New Yorkers in Union Square Park this Saturday at 3pm for the sixth annual citywide pillow fight in honor of International Pillow Fight Day. Yes, that's really a day.

Bring your softest (and most disposable) pillow, but hold the feathers. With the growing popularity of the 14th Street fight, too many feathers means too much clean-up.

Pajamas are encouraged. Post-fight pillows will be donated to Pillows for Puppies.

New York in the Nude

2011-03-31T15:07:00.000-04:00

The streets of New York can seem like a catwalk, but what would happen if there weren’t any clothes to ogle and fashion to interpret?

That’s the premise behind Franco-American photog Erica Simone’s new exhibit at The Dash Gallery in Tribeca. In “Nue York: Self-Portraits of a Bare Urban Citizen,” Simone takes it all off, performing everyday activities in the buff all over New York City, from the streets to the subways.

The daring, but playful collection of photographs

is on display April 14-28 at 172 Duane Street.

Bill Cunningham: An Inside Look

2011-03-17T17:47:00.000-04:00

Bicycle-riding, octogenarian New York Times Styles section photog Bill Cunningham has made a career of trend-spotting through the lens of his camera.

This month, a new documentary about the elusive mystery man who is ever present at New York's swankiest affairs, is debuting at New York's Film Forum. Bill Cunningham New York, a film by Richard Press, puts Cunningham on the other side of the camera, capturing a behind-the-scenes look at the culture and fashion photographer.

Tickets are $15 and the film runs through Tuesday, March 29.

Headed to the Zoo

2011-03-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

Though a glimpse of the standard neighborhood squirrel may be rare, New York urbanites are accustomed to wildlife of a different kind -- crazy tourists, rats in the subway, anybody roaming the Meatpacking District after 11pm on a weekend night.

So, like any diverse city, we import the creatures we can't observe in the wild. New York may be best known for the Bronx Zoo, but for those who don't want to trek uptown there's another zoo in town, in our beloved Central Park.

The Central Park Zoo, open daily from 10am-4:30pm, is home to an array of furry friends like adorable snow monkeys and gorgeous snow leopards.

For $12 or less, if you're looking to do something other than shopping on a weekend afternoon, it's worth a trip.

And, we're back!

2011-03-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

It's been a while! But we have a good excuse. Last week, FF went to Palm Springs, California to take in TEDActive, which brings together global leaders and innovators – the doers of the world making a difference in their communities and their professions – to exchange ideas, inspire one another and experience a live simulcast of TED2011: The Rediscovery of Wonder.

Now that FF is back in action, it's time to start talking about spring. I mean, really, this winter thing is just about run its course.

While we're coming up with great new ideas to enjoy the coming months, check out Time Out New York's special article on nine things to do outdoors this spring.

In Tribute to New York

2011-02-22T13:56:00.001-05:00

Texas-born photog Mark Seliger made a name for himself with his glamorous Rolling Stone portraits of super celebs like Lenny Kravitz and Willie Nelson, but this week New Yorkers will get to see a different side.

Seliger's collection of black-and-white images of daily urban life are on display at the Steven Kasher Gallery (521 W. 23rd Street) in Chelsea. The photographs, which capture New York City park benches, bridges and some nudes, are in stark contrast to his usual glitzy fare.

"Listen", which closes on Saturday, Feb. 26, is free to the public.

Film Date

2011-02-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

Looking for a non-cheesy way to spend Valentine's Day?

Whether you're spending time with your significant other or shunning sappy couple activities to hang with friends, Valentine's Day presents a perennial predicament: what can you do without spending a fortune on a prix fixe dinner at a crowded restaurant?

The Brooklyn Academy of Music may just have the creative solution.

On Feb. 14, BAM will screen the 1930s romantic comedy Holiday, starring movie legends Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, at 6pm and 8:15pm. Tickets are $7-$12. Advance reservations are recommended as the V-day dinner/movie package for $64 has already sold out.

Cool Movies... Literally

2011-02-04T16:42:00.000-05:00

Just because it's 30 degrees outside doesn't mean you can't enjoy a warm hot chocolate and an outdoor movie.

Bryant Park continues to host free outdoor movies as part of the Citi Pond Winter Film Festival, now through Feb. 14.

Sit rink-side or skate while enjoying winter favorites like Blades of Glory, which will show Monday, Feb. 7 at 6:30pm. Viewers can pack a picnic, purchase snacks and hot drinks at the park or grab a drink at indoor/outdoor bar Celsius.

Happy Birthday, Langston Hughes

2011-02-01T16:16:00.000-05:00

February is a short, but important month -- Valentine's Day, Black History Month, and what would be Harlem Renaissance literary genius Langston Hughes' 109th birthday.

To kick off Black History Month, Harlem's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture,a research unit of The New York Public Library, is hosting a special Langston Hughes tribute tonight at 7pm.

For $10, guests can enjoy readings of Hughes' poetry and excerpts from his autobiography, as well as musical and theatrical performances.

Where Are You Taking Your Valentine?

2011-01-27T18:06:00.001-05:00

It's almost February, which means your New Year's resolutions are nothing but a distant memory. And since you've already bungled your 2011 diet, why not start thinking about where you're going to indulge for Valentine's Day dinner?

Single, taken or looking, Valentine's Day is one of the most popular days for people to eat out in NYC.

Whether you're grabbing a gaggle of girlfriends or planning a romantic rendez-vous, FF is seeking your advice on the following:

Most romantic restaurant
Best bang for your buck
Best Valentine's Day menu

Send your picks to fabulouslyfrugalnyc@gmail.com.

Theatre on the House

2011-01-25T17:48:00.000-05:00

There's no two ways about it. FF is a theatre nerd. But it's hard to indulge our thespian passions when NYC play tickets can be detrimental to the bank account.

One of FF's favorite websites, NYC: The Official Guide, is offering 2-for-1 show tickets and 2-for-1 post-show drinks for more than 30 popular plays like Avenue Q and Blue Man Group. All you have to do is enter the promotional code: NYCGO.

Now that's an offer we can't refuse!

Thursday Night Laughs

2011-01-24T16:05:00.000-05:00

In need of a good laugh to make the frigid temperatures more bearable? Check out "Standing Reason: A Sketch Comedy Show", opening Thursday, Jan. 27, at The Peoples Improv Theater, aka the P.I.T.

"Standing Reason" is written by FF friend and fan Tim Eberle and features a hilariously talented group of comedians. The show, which is based on those inner thoughts that are kept inside for a reason, to determine whether the crazy or sane are really all that much different. FF got a sneak peek last night and can confirm that there will be some very topical sketches.

Tickets are $5. Reservations recommended.

Comfort Food

2011-01-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

It's been too long! FF has been traveling and working and working and traveling, but now we're back, and just in time for the much-heralded Winter Restaurant Week!

It only comes twice a year, but New York's Restaurant Week is an excuse to stuff your face with a three-course meal without worrying about draining your bank account. Forget those New Year's diets -- who doesn't pack on a few extra pounds in the cold NYC winter?

As always, lunches are $24.07 and dinners are $35. Restaurant Week runs January 24-February 6 but make your reservations now.

Photo: David Mehr

Skating on the Fifth Floor

2011-01-10T14:19:00.000-05:00

Another snowstorm is just around the corner, threatening to leave New York City covered in white powder. With winter in full-swing, it may be time to dust off those ice skates and take a spin around the rink.

The W New York - Downtown has transformed its fifth floor terrace into a 12-by-40-foot synthetic ice rink. Skating in the Sky is open 2pm-10pm daily through February 14. Skaters can sip cocktails (a dangerous proposition for those who ice skate like me -- unsteadily!) and nosh on snacks from BLT Bar and Grill.

Blades are available for rental ($12) or bring your own and enjoy an afternoon of free skating.

***

FF is already thinking about Valentine's Day. Send in your frugal date suggestions to fabulouslyfrugalnyc@gmail.com.

Pants-less on the Subway

2011-01-06T17:53:00.000-05:00

The last time it was socially acceptable to drop your pants in public you were probably in diapers. But thanks to Improv Everywhere, on Sunday you can drop trou on New York's subways and you won't be alone.

The improv group known for causing a ruckus has announced its 10th Annual No Pants Subway Ride on January 9, at 3:00 pm. Closer to the event, Improv Everywhere will announce the six meeting points here participants will gather for the much-anticipated event. The only requirements: be ready to drop your pants and do it with a straight face! Nearly 8,000 New Yorkers have already signed up on Facebook.

For a sneak a peek at last year's event, click here.

An Afternoon in the Bronx

2011-01-04T18:08:00.001-05:00

Tucked away in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx is a grand house, which is the only remaining country estate in an area that was once home to more than 20 elegant mansions.

The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, originally the Robert and Marie Lorillard Bartow House, is a New York City landmark that was passed between the Bartow and Bell families before being sold to the City of New York. Though the residence and estate dates back to the 1600s, the current house, which has been renovated and transformed, was constructed in the 1800s. Today the residence is open to the public who can take in the mid-19th century furnishings and fine and decorative arts as well as the surrounding gardens.

The museum is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from noon-4pm. Admission is $5 and 45-minute guided tours start at a quarter after the hour.

A View from the Sky

2011-01-03T18:08:00.000-05:00

An aerial view of New York is hard to come by, but the new Roosevelt Island Tramway offers locals and visitors a three-minute spectacular bird's eye view.

After nine months of renovations, the Roosevelt Island Tramway finally opened to the public last month. The modernization of the 33-year-old tramway means reduced travel time, more stability in high winds, decreased electrical and mechanical malfunctions, and two separate cable tracks to combat rush hour traffic.

For the cost of a MetroCard swipe, passengers can hop on the tram for a quick ride to explore island landmarks like the 50-foot lighthouse built in 1872 by inmates once imprisoned at the Blackwell's Penitentiary and the brick and stone Chapel of the Good Shepherd constructed in 1889.

Located between Manhattan and Queens, Roosevelt Island was originally named Minnahanonck, or "nice island," by the Native Americans of the Hudson Channel. In its colorful history, the island has been home to the New York Lunatic Asylum, Blackwell Penitentiary, the nation's first smallpox hospital, New York City Fire Department training structures, and now, city residents looking for a little respite from the chaos of Manhattan.

*This article originally appeared in the Dec. 27, 2010 edition of WeekendNotes.

Here We Come A-Wassailing

2010-12-23T12:10:00.000-05:00

Caroling is so underrated. Christmas is the one time of year it's okay to belt out cheesy, feel good songs about nature, love and presents, so why not take advantage?

For those who stick around the city for Christmas, here's your chance to make your voice heard. Carolers, accompanied by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet, will convene in Washington Square Park to spread holiday cheer and sing their hearts out on Christmas eve.

Meet at 5:00 PM by the tree next to the Washington Square Park arch. Complimentary song books will be provided so there is no excuse for not knowing the words!

Strolling Through the Winter Gardens

2010-12-22T18:07:00.000-05:00

Looking for a holiday excursion? Tired of the battling tourists at the Rockefeller Christmas tree?

Watch model trains chug around a half-mile track dotted with 140 replica landmark New York buildings constructed of natural materials (nuts, tree bark, pine cones, leaves, fruit, etc.) at New York Botanical Garden's annual Holiday Train Show.

In addition to exploring 250 acres of gardens, visitors can sip hot chocolate, enjoy gingerbread houses made by local bakers and shop for last-minute gifts.

What you need to know:

Hours: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM daily through January 9, 2011 (closed on Christmas Day)

Admission: $15-$25. Advance ticket purchases are recommended. Tickets are available in 15-minute start time increments.

Holiday Market 411

2010-12-21T18:28:00.001-05:00

This is the week of the procrastination shopper. You know the type: flustered, rushed, anxious about finding the right last-minute gifts, which can lead to aggression and even rage.

Unless you've got the energy and motivation to push, shove, and dig, forget the Fifth Avenue shops.

FF has compiled a list of seasonal markets that attract an array of unique local and regional vendors and will be a tad less stressful than fighting the crowds up and down nine flights at Macy's.

For cool gifts, check out:

Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair: Grand Central, while utterly chaotic, is also an amazing vision this time of year. The market is small and mostly full of accessories but it's also an excuse to catch the annual holiday light show. Through Dec. 24, 10AM-8PM daily.

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park: Nothing like burning some calories on the Bryant Park winter ice rink and then cooling down with a shopping spree. Through Jan. 2; M-F 11AM-8PM, Sat. 10AM-9PM, Sun. 10AM-6PM.

Union Square Market: The best of the Manhattan holiday markets with the most unique vendors and quality gift options. Through Dec. 24, 11AM-8PM daily.
The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle: Small, but conveniently located outside of Central Park at Columbus Circle. Pop into Central Park to get away from the masses. Through Dec. 24, 10AM-8PM daily.
Gifted: A Holiday Market presented by Brooklyn Flea and Design*Sponge: 100 vendors. Enough said. Through Dec. 24, 11AM-7PM daily, Skylight One Hanson, 1 Hanson Place at Ashland Place.

Clark Griswold's Got Nothing on BK

2010-12-20T15:59:00.000-05:00

Like many children of the '80s I grew up watching the "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," but never did I dream I would one day experience it for myself!

Far away, in a borough called Brooklyn, in a rather well-off neighborhood called Dyker Heights that would otherwise not be newsworthy, there is a group of people whose love of Christmas runs so deep that they wear it on their sleeves, uh, houses in the form of lots and lots of lights. They are the real-life Whos, blaring their holiday carols, spreading their Christmas joy and creating a scene so full of spirit, cars from across the tri-state area are lined up to watch.

These people's outrageous and totally awesome decorating skills bring pleasure to city dwellers whose cramped apartments do not permit the full expression of the holiday season.

While Manhattan is no doubt an incredible vision around the holidays, let's face it, sometimes you just need some good ol' fashioned suburban kitsch. Only a well-manicured lawn is fit to display blow-up Santas, moving reindeer, carousels, nativity scenes, and enough lights to wrack up an electric bill of epic proportions (see photo).

Not only will you be in awe of the lights, but you'll gawk at the McMansions you never knew existed in New York City. And, of course, the brazen Italian-style sculptures littering so many lawns will remind you that money doesn't always buy taste but it sure makes for interesting design ideas!

For the cost of a round-trip subway ride -- and maybe a slice of pizza on 86th Street -- the Dyker Heights holiday lights are not to be missed. Take the D/M to 18th Avenue or the R to 86th Street. Once you get off the subway, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the neighborhood. Peak viewing times are from 7:00-9:00 PM. The best sights are between 80th and 86th Streets and 10th and 13th Avenues.

Wintering in Central Park

2010-12-17T18:09:00.000-05:00

New York City is really the most amazing city in which to live during the holidays. It's also a wonderland for winter festivities and secular celebrations.

But forget the north star, donkeys and lambs. There's a new manger scene in town and it's at Central Park Zoo's Winterfest. For the price of admission ($12 adults, $7 children), visitors can gawk at holiday light displays, snow leopards, penguins, and polar bears. After all, this is New York. The warm weather animals are in hibernation mode.

Winterfest's final day is tomorrow. Stop by between 2:00 and 6:00 PM for "live animal encounters," which sound equally suspicious and alluring!

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-14T18:21:00.000-05:00

It's hard to impress New Yorkers. We've been there, done that and have an opinion about it. But even this jaded city dweller was beyond impressed by the Cirque du Soleil show she managed to catch in between Vegas debauchery last month.

I'll admit, New York City struggles to compete with Vegas on this one. We just don't have the space for those incredible rotating stages, but we do make room for one Cirque du Soleil show every winter.

Wintuk, which is closing out its final season, is a magical winter journey featuring the aerialists, acrobats and dare devils that have made Cirque du Soleil so celebrated. Tickets can be very pricey but they are well worth the spend, especially for those who have tired of the Radio City Hall Christmas Show. Goldstar Entertainment often offers deep discounts of up to 50% off and 30% off discount codes can be found here.

Wintuk is playing through January 2 at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden.

Scouting Deals

2010-12-13T18:52:00.000-05:00

The success of Groupon and LivingSocial has spawned a slew of local deal sites, but who are we to complain?

The latest on the scene is Scoutmob, which offers mobile deals on restaurants, bars and entertainment. Like its peers, Scoutmob spotlights one deeply discounted local deal every day -- today's is 50% off Cocoa Bar in Park Slope. Unlike competitors, there is no purchase necessary to get the deal. Just type in your cell number and get it sent to your phone and then present the discount code at the point of purchase.

Scoutmob is currently available in Atlanta, San Francisco and NYC with plans, according to their website map, to launch in your typical smorgasbord of popular cities like Chicago; Austin; Los Angeles; and Springfield, Illinois. Yes, one of these things is not like the other.

2010-12-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

FF is feeling a little under the weather this week but will be back with new posts soon!

Re-Gifting Your Gift Cards

2010-12-06T18:33:00.000-05:00

Full disclosure: You are about to read about a company that I work with outside of my role as blogger, but I wouldn't feature them if I didn't think they had a compelling proposition!

The only thing worse than getting a present you don’t want is getting a gift card you can’t use.

According to the National Retail Federation, gift cards are the most popular present but research from Consumer Affairs indicates that $5-$10 billion in gift cards go unused each year. The average household has $300 in unused gift cards collecting dust.

Gift card exchange site Cardpool.com connects millions of gift card holders creating a marketplace where they can buy, sell or trade gift cards safely and securely. With Cardpool, gift card holders can send in their unused and unwanted cards for cash or other gift cards that they want. Cardpool accepts gift cards to more than 200 major retailers, from clothing to airlines to restaurants. As long as the gift cards don't have any fees or expiration dates, users can get up to 90% cash back for their returns.

And for those lazy, last-minute shoppers, Cardpool offers a wide variety of gift cards from top retailers like Banana Republic, Best Buy and Macy's for discounts of up to 30%.All orders and transactions include free shipping.

World AIDS Day

2010-12-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't heard the news: today is World AIDS Day, celebrated globally as a way to raise awareness and increase prevention of HIV/AIDS.

For those willing to brave the rain, Housing Works is hosting a 24-hour AIDS Vigil at City Hall Park in lower Manhattan. Activists, volunteers and those living with HIV and AIDS will memorialize friends and loved ones by reading their names continuously throughout the day.

For a list of other local events, click here.

Festival of Strikes

2010-11-30T18:47:00.000-05:00

Christmastime is here. The tree is being lit tonight at Rockefeller Center. Fur-lined winter coats have come out of hibernation. Holiday carols waft out of stores decorated in gold garlands. And Hanukkah begins this week!

To celebrate the Festival of Lights, Brooklyn Bowl is hosting a Festival of Strikes. The pre-Hanukkah shindig takes place tonight, from 7:00 PM onward, and benefits indie Jewish record label JDub. There will be special appearances by artists and comedian Eugene Mirman.

Get ready to get your bowl on. Tickets are $15-$18.

Snoopy, Santa and SpongeBob

2010-11-24T12:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving, FF readers!

For those sticking around NYC for the holiday, be sure to check out the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tomorrow.The parade kicks off at 9:00 AM but spectators will be lining Central Park West and Sixth Avenue before the sun is up.

As always, the parade will feature performances, appearances by celebs like Kanye West and Jessica Simpson, giant balloons, floats, clowns, Santa Claus, and more.

Safe holiday travels.

Firehouse Insider

2010-11-18T14:14:00.000-05:00

New York City Fire Museum intern Lilli M. Albin is doing more than just getting the coffee. The School of Visual Arts photography student took shots of public and private spaces in firehouses around the city (see photo) that are now on display at the museum through January.

FF is a big fan of the cozy museum, which is bursting with historical firehouse paraphernalia.

"Selections from 'On the Job'" is open to the public and free with admission to the museum ($5 adults, $3 children).

LivingSocial Travel Deals

2010-11-16T19:06:00.000-05:00

If you've got the travel bug, FF's got just the cure.

LivingSocial, the online resource that offers experiences for a serious discount, just launched its new travel service called LivingSocial Escapes.

Just as LivingSocial lets people discover new activities and experiences in their hometown or places they visit, LivingSocial Escapes will now help anyone find one-of-a-kind day trips, packaged nearcations, quick escapes that don’t require air-travel, or weekend excursions they might not typically pursue.

These special travel bundles will be offered all over the country and will vary from ski resort packages to outdoor day trips like hiking or wine tasting. For example, experience a two-night culinary getaway (cooking class included) in Vermont at The Essex Culinary Resort and Spa (valued at $718) for $359.

LivingSocial Escapes packages are available for one week – not just for 24 hours – and are accessible to anyone who clicks on them. If users refer three friends who also participate in the deal, users to get their experience for free!

For a full list of markets where LivingSocial is live or to sign up your location, go to http://www.livingsocial.com.

Spotlight on African Artists

2010-11-15T17:46:00.000-05:00

We've always had a soft spot for all things African. Anyone who knows FF on a personal level knows that.

So it's no surprise that our interest was piqued when we learned about the Contemporary African Art Gallery's new art show African Stew. The exhibit displays fine art from some of the continent's most celebrated artists like Nigerians Sokari Douglas Camp and El Anatsui, as well as emerging artists from Senegal and the Ivory Coast.

Catch it before it closes on December 31. Scheduling appointments is suggested.

Baking for a Cause

2010-11-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to begin reflecting on what we're all thankful for and channeling some of that gratitude toward doing good for others.

Forty local designers (United Bamboo, Paul Loebach) conjure up confectionery treats as part of Caked Up, a benefit for nonprofit Art Start, which provides at-risk NYC youth a creative outlet to change their lives. For $10, guests can salivate at what's been baked for the cause and reap the tasty rewards when the cakes are eaten at the end of the night. It all starts at 7:00 PM at Murphy & Dine Gallery.

***

And a friendly reminder that tomorrow night is The Family Center's Bids for Kids Charity Date Auction and Fundraiser to benefit amazing families in New York affected by illness, crisis and loss. Someone very close to FF will be up for grabs! Tickets are $45 and include food and open bar: www.thefamilycenter.org/bids-for-kids

Documenting Israel

2010-11-10T17:04:00.000-05:00

Israel is a country of many complexities and cultures. In an effort to promote Israel's ethnic diversity and bring a little bit of its rich history and culture to New York City, The Other Israel Film Festival (Nov. 11-21) -- in partnership with the Israel Film Center and the JCC of Manhattan -- will screen a series of Israeli documentary films accompanied by panel discussions starting tomorrow.

The films spotlight minority populations in Israel with a particular focus on Arab citizens, and delve into issues of identity, family relations, nomadic living, and refugee status.

Tickets are $11. Festival pass which admit guests to five screenings are $36.

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

2010-11-08T15:20:00.000-05:00

Tiffany's got nothing on the American Museum of Natural History.

Last week, the museum unveiled its newest addition: the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, a 31.06-carat natural fancy deep blue diamond that will be on display through January 2011.

The Wittelsbach-Graff and Hope were mined in India in the 1600s and are the two largest diamonds in the world. After centuries of making the rounds among European royals, the Wittelsbach-Graff resurfaced in 2008, when it was bought by jeweler Laurence Graff, its current owner.

Regular museum admission gets you a peek at the diamond.

Adventures in Food

2010-11-05T15:27:00.000-04:00

Adam Richman has made a name for himself by eating food others are too terrified to try. Whether it's extreme spice or just plain scary, the host of the Travel Channel's popular show Man v. Food has probably attempted to digest it.

On Monday, Nov. 8, the Brooklyn native will discuss his gastronomic adventures at the Tribeca Barnes & Noble. Starting at 7pm, Richman will be on hand to chat about his latest book, America the Edible: A Hungry History, From Sea to Dining Sea, a study in American culinary anthropology.

The event is free.

A View from the Sidelines

2010-11-04T17:46:00.000-04:00

You may never have run more than a mile in your life, but The ING New York City Marathon was created for all kinds. If you can't beat 'em, become a spectator among the crowds.

Marathon Sunday is one of NYC's most celebrated events. This weekend, thousands of men and women from around the world will tighten their laces and hit the pavement for 26+ miles.

Support those more athletically inclined by grabbing some friends and scouting out a spot along the course to cheer 'til your hoarse. It's free, it's fun and maybe it will even inspire you to run next year.

Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for Chilean miner Edison Pena.

To find out the best spots to watch, check out the marathon map.

Coffee's On at BK

2010-11-02T15:38:00.000-04:00

Celebrate fall - and its chilling temperatures - with Burger King's latest offering: free coffee on Fridays.

Every Friday in November, BK lovers can stop by their local participating restaurant to get a free 12-ounce cup of Seattle's Best.

The only stipulations: Only one per customer during breakfast hours and no flavor shots or whipped topping.

Cheesecake Dreams

2010-11-01T19:14:00.000-04:00

Didn't gorge on enough sweets over the weekend? All is not lost!

Brooklyn's Junior's Cheesecake is celebrating its 60th anniversary tomorrow (Tuesday, 11/2), and those with a sweet tooth reap the benefits. Stop by to pick up Junior's signature cheesecake for a mere 60 cents or enjoy a free slice with any lunch or dinner entrée. If you can't limit yourself to just one piece, now through December 31, 2010, click here to print off a coupon for $4.00 a whole cake.

In honor of its birthday, Junior's is hosting a cheesecake contest. Junior's will soon be selecting a flavor from the more than 3,000 recipes sent in from around the country.

Disappearing Act

2010-10-28T12:26:00.000-04:00

Harry Houdini, the man best known for his dangerous escape tactics (see: Chinese Water Torture Cell escape), is being honored in a special exhibition at The Jewish Museum, October 29, 2010-March 27, 2011.

The exhibition chronicles the magician's daring feats, physically demanding performances and ultimate celebrity. Houdini, who immigrated to America from Budapest, captivated the world with his showmanship, which he chose over his father's rabbinic career path.

Admission to The Jewish Museum is $7.50-$12.

Holiday Gift List: Tree and Kimball

2010-10-26T15:20:00.000-04:00

Etsy is quickly becoming FF's new one-stop shop for holiday gifts. There is so much undiscovered talent on the site that it can all be a little overwhelming, which is why FF has been featuring some favorites.

This week: Check out lace necklaces and earrings from Tree and Kimball by former Anthropologie designer Lisa Bruemmer. Bruemmer's jewelry is Victorian femme fatale. By adding beads and metal chains, she puts a twist on her lace creations.

The best part? None of her designs will run you more than $44.

Haunted House Round-up

2010-10-25T17:45:00.001-04:00

Halloween just isn't fun unless you're willing to experience a little terror.

Here are some of FF's picks for Haunted Houses that will send a shiver down your spine this Halloween:

Nightmare: Superstitions (623 Broadway at Houston) - In its seventh iteration, this year's theme utter insanity. Students can score discounted tickets for $15. www.hauntedhousenyc.com

Blood Manor (542 W. 27th Street between 10th and 11th Aves.) - Expect werewolves and lots of carnage, per the name of this haunted house. www.bloodmanor.com

NYC Halloween Haunted House (115 W. 27th Street between 6th and 7th Aves.) - This one's not for the faint of heart. Increasing the scare factor, visitors must walk through one-by-one. www.nychalloweenhauntedhouse.com

Fear on 21st Street (12 W. 21st between 5th and 6th Aves.) - Fear on 21st Street is the newest haunted house on the block. This year's theme is the criminally insane. www.fear21ticketing.com

Charity Spotlight: Doing It for the Kids

2010-10-20T13:52:00.000-04:00

Full disclosure: Today's post is a bit of shameless promotion for a local nonprofit that FF supports but is absolutely worth every bit of ink.

The Family Center strengthens families affected by illness, crisis or loss to create a more secure present and future for their children. The organization believes that every child deserves an answer to the question: Who will take care of me?

For the second year in a row, The Family Center Leadership Council is hosting an evening fundraiser and charity date auction to benefit New York City families affected by illness, crisis and loss.

This year's event will be held at premier nightclub Marquee on Friday, November 12, 2010, from 7:30-10:30 PM. Mix and mingle with more than 300 professionals and VIP guests; bid on date for yourself or a friend and enjoy a night of entertainment featuring an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, auction prizes, and all-night access to Marquee.

From first-hand experience, we can honestly say that this event is a blast! For young professionals who may not be able to afford big-ticket charity events this is an opportunity to give back without being set back. Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the door and can be purchased online.

Storytime

2010-10-19T16:29:00.000-04:00

Barnes & Noble is on a roll. First, Ben Folds. Now "30 Rock" fans can line up tonight to get a signed copy of Judah Friedlander's new book How to Beat Up Anyone.

Head over to the Union Square B&N at 7:00 PM to catch a glimpse of Judah and learn how to defend yourself against anyone.

What Can You Do for $5?

2010-10-18T15:20:00.000-04:00

FF is always on the hunt for affordable ways to enjoy NYC so we'd be remiss not to highlight this week's Time Out New York article about 50 things to do for $5 or less. From tacos to meditation, nothing on the list costs more than an Abraham Lincoln.

And while we're on the topic of nearly free activities, FF spent yesterday enjoying the gorgeous weather and beautiful views of the Hudson and GW Bridge at Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park (Washington Heights). A surprisingly quick ride on the A train (get off at 191st Street), the peaceful park, which offers a quiet respite from bustling Manhattan, is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic and leaf peeping.

While you're in the neighborhood, wander over to The Cloisters -- the branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe that sits in Fort Tryon Park. The museum's building was constructed from architectural elements that date back to the twelfth-fifteenth centuries and are the remains of abbeys and . The museum houses more than 3,000 medieval works of art and religious relics. The accompanying gardens, flourishing with herbs, flowers and medieval medicinal plants, are open through the end of the month. Admission is a suggested donation.

Saturday at the Library

2010-10-15T13:06:00.000-04:00

Not all afternoons at the library need be spent with your nose deep in a book. The New York Public Library hosts a number of free special exhibits -- and you don't even need a library card to get in.

Here are two exhibits that might not make a Saturday afternoon at the library look so bad after all...

On Stage in Fashion

Where: New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery

What: NYPL brings together performers and fashion designers in a multimedia exhibit. On display are garments from the fashion and costume collections of the Museum of the City of New York and designs, photographs and media from the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts to illustrate over 100 years of these collaborations for mutual benefit.

When: Now through Saturday, January 22, 2011; Monday-Saturday

Want more? Visit http://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/stage-fashion

Alwin Nikolais' Total
Theater of Motion

Where: New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Vincent Astor Gallery

What: Innovative and influential choreographer Alwin Nikolais was renowned for his stage illusions, lighting effects and costume designs (see image). On display for the first time will be the artifacts, documents, designs, and photographs from the archival collections of the Performing Arts Library that defined his career.

When: Thursday, October 21, 2010-Saturday, January 15, 2011; Monday-Saturday

Want more? Visit http://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/alwin-nikolais-total-theater-motion

Last-Minute Plans

2010-10-14T18:30:00.000-04:00

Heading home from work and wondering what to do tonight? Stop by and hang out with singer/songwriter Ben Folds and novelist Nick Hornby at the Barnes & Noble on 17th Street. The duo will be on hand to perform from and chat about their new collaboration, Lonely Avenue. The new album features 11 original songs as well as four stories from Hornby.

Admission is free.

You've got one hour to make it there. Now go!

Shopping Rewards

2010-10-13T17:06:00.000-04:00

Next time you're strolling the aisle of your local grocery store or scoping out items at the pharmacy, you could be earning rewards.

CheckPoints is a new, free retail rewards app that users to accrue points instantly redeemable for real-world prizes, by checking-in to over a million retail locations across the U.S. and scanning barcodes on advertised products.

Shoppers earn rewards just for checking in. No purchase necessary. (Think Foursquare for the grocery store.)

Here's how it works:

Users scan featured product barcodes in stores to accrue reward points. CheckPoints product partners to date include Belkin, Energizer, Seventh Generation, and Tyson Foods.

After scanning, users will see a “post check-in” screen that could include a coupon, mini-game or link to the brand’s mobile website, social page, app, etc. (i.e. if someone scans Tyson Any’tizers, they will receive a post check-in mini game that lets them “flick” a chicken nugget through goal posts. They position Any’tizers as a “snack for football get-togethers”)
Users then cash in their rewards for real prizes – i.e. gift cards, airline miles or gadgets like the iPad

CheckPoints is giving out enough bonus points to allow new users to get a $1 gift card through Oct. 18, making it the first app to cost “negative one dollar.”

Jewelry That Won't Drain Your Wallet

2010-10-08T18:08:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's the change in the weather, but FF is in a holiday shopping mood!

For the super obsessive, early bird holiday shopper, we have the local jewelry maker for you.

If you're a sucker for handmade and vintage jewelry that's actually affordable, check out Diament Designs.

Diament's delicate and feminine designs mix old with new, creating a unique look that can't be found in your average accessories shop.

Scope out letter charm necklaces etched with floral designs ($24), gold vintage round stud earrings ($15, see photo) and vintage gold belt bracelets ($18). Most prices range from $10-50.

A Little R&R

2010-10-07T13:54:00.000-04:00

Worn out? Beat down? In need of some major pampering?

Who isn't?

Maybe it's time for a trip to the spa. New York Spa Week is October 11-17 and more than 100 venues citywide are offering $50 treatments -- facials, aromatherapy, massages, etc. -- that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvinated.

There are a lot of stressed out New Yorkers out there so start booking now!

Drinking at the MoMA

2010-10-06T17:46:00.000-04:00

Turn your Thursday night happy hours into a culture lesson. The first Thursday of every month, head to midtown for MoMA Nights. For the price of museum admission, sit in on gallery talks, listen to live music and enjoy a cash bar and prix-fixe menu at Cafe 2. This Thursday, DJ Vatican City spins house music.

Start your weekend debauchery early by swigging champagne and admiring modern art Just don't spill on the paintings.

When: September-June, 5:30-8:45 PM

Celebrating John

2010-10-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

Fall is officially here. Gray skies have heralded in chilly temperatures and short, gloomy days. With a forecast heavy on precipitation all week, FF predicts that indoor activities will be all the rage.

Luckily, it's NYC so there's no shortage of things to do.

In honor of John Lennon's 70th birthday, The Paley Center for Media in midtown Manhattan is hosting a celebration featuring screenings and a photo exhibit dedicated to the most famous Beatle. The celebration kicks off tonight at 7:00pm with a screening of Nowhere Boy, which documents young Lennon and the relationship with his estranged mother. The screening is $20 for members, $15 for everyone else.

On Thursday, October 7, at 7:00pm, fans can come back to catch a film about the final years of Lennon's life in New York City: LENNONYC. $15 for members, $10 for everyone else.

For those who still need more, The Paley Center will host a "This Boy... John Lennon in Liverpool", a photography exhibit with images of Lennon's youth and his town his band made famous. The exhibit opens on Wednesday and runs through December 31. Free with museum admission.

Art Becomes a Part of Life on 14th Street

2010-09-30T17:05:00.000-04:00

They say art comes in all forms. And Art in Odd Places is putting that theory to the test.

From Oct. 1-10, the fifth annual grassroots public art project will come to life along Manhattan's 14th Street. From Avenue C to the Hudson River, performance and experimental sound-based works will be on display and the audience decides whether to be an active participant or a passive spectator.

In addition to the free art exhibit, special events will take place throughout the course of the ten-day run. A guide to the art and its artists can be found online.

A Walk in the Park

2010-09-29T16:08:00.000-04:00

Mad. Sq. Mark't opened this week with what seemed like little fanfare. If Madison Square Park wasn't on the way to work every morning I probably never would've known.

The second annual seasonal market, open through October 23, makes for the perfect Saturday fall afternoon respite.

Stop by the daily market to check out local vendors, gifts and crafts, fall snacks and drinks.

Luck of the Irish

2010-09-28T13:15:00.000-04:00

Hike up your kilt and click your clogs, lassies and lads. Tourism Ireland has arrived in Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall for a special exhibit on Northern Ireland.

Through tomorrow, stop by to enjoy free music performances, culinary demos, food samples (mutton and potato soup anyone?) and an interactive Titanic exhibit, including a replica hull of Belfast's most famous ship.

Take shelter from the rain; "Experience Northern Ireland" will host special events throughout today and tomorrow.

Documentary Love

2010-09-27T12:02:00.000-04:00

New York’s IFC Center has given voice to some of the world’s most critically acclaimed independent films, shone the spotlight on up-and-coming talent and introduced topics often ignored in mainstream cinema.

This week IFC Center’s documentary film series, Stranger Than Fiction, celebrates its 14th season, showcasing sneak previews of new films and bringing back lost classics.

This season’s lineup features films that run the gamut of emotions, from Surviving Hitler: A Love Story (2010), which follows a Jewish woman and German soldier’s unsuccessful plot to kill Hitler, to Marlene (1984), a documentary about the glamorous and influential show woman Marlene Dietrich.

Stranger Than Fiction documentaries are screened every Tuesday for ten weeks. Films begin at 8:00 p.m. and are followed by director Q&As and gatherings at nearby bars. Tickets range from $8-13 and can be purchased online or at the IFC box office.

Check out the full story on Examiner.com.

Grab Your Partner and Do-Si-Do

2010-09-24T15:07:00.000-04:00

A barn dance in Manhattan -- not your typical Friday-night-out activity. But then again, is anything about New York typical?

New York City Barn Dance, a monthly party at the Philip Coltoff Center in Greenwich Village, brings together people looking to let loose and learn some new moves.

The night offers live music, socializing and traditional dance you won't find at the clubs in Meatpacking.

The party gets started at 7:00 PM with a clogging lesson followed by the dance from 8:00-11:00 PM. Admission is $12-15.

Supporting Local Artists

2010-09-21T13:35:00.000-04:00

New York is home to many a struggling artist so it's no small feat when talented locals land opportunities to showcase their hard work.

Tonight, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) celebrates the opening of the ninth annual Next Wave Festival. More than a dozen Brooklyn artists' work will be on exhibit at BAM's event spaces from now through December 19th. Visitors can attend the opening reception from 6-9 pm tonight at the Natman Room. The exhibit captures local creativity and puts Booklyn's vibrant art scene on display. Admission is free.
*Photo courtesy of BAM website.

Turning Japanese

2010-09-20T18:28:00.000-04:00

Japan is known for trendsetting fashionistas, Harijuku girls, Lolita looks, and avant-garde designs.

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology's "Japan Fashion Now" exhibit, which opened on Friday and runs through January 8, brings the radical style of contemporary Japanese fashion to life. From designer fashion to streetwear, the exhibit explores a range of men's and women's looks that will make you feel like you're walking the streets of Tokyo.

The free exhibit will give visitors a glimpse of pop culture, sub-culture and the Japanese creative visual aesthetic that's captured the world over.

*Photograph by Shoichi Aoki/FRUiTS magazine.

Mexican Pride

2010-09-17T12:45:00.000-04:00

I'm a culture dork. Unabashed, unashamed. Maybe it's my decidedly common roots -- American born Italian-Polish girl -- that make me crave knowledge about other cultures.

New York is the city to be for those who need a melting pot of people, and there never seems to be a shortage of festivals and events to celebrate the diversity of this great city.

Today marks the kick off of Celebrate México Now 2010, which highlights talented Mexican artists in dance, film, literature, and music. Through September 30, the annual festival will host a series of free events -- film screenings, talks, art openings, etc. -- around the city.

In conjunction with the festivities, several tasty Mexican restaurants like Mercadito and Crema are offering prix-fixe meals as part of New York Authentic Mexican Restaurant Week.

Check out the event website for the full schedule.

Yoga on Display

2010-09-16T14:05:00.000-04:00

Exercise is always better with a friend -- or a bunch of strangers in the middle of Manhattan.

Yogis who like to show off their skills, or who like free fitness classes, can join hundreds of their fellow urbanites in Bryant Park for lululemon athletica-sponsored yoga sessions Tuesdays at 10 AM and Thursdays at 7 PM through the end of the month. Classes last one hour and participants should plan to bring their own mats.

Check here for schedule updates.

What Are You Doing This Fall?

2010-09-15T18:20:00.000-04:00

Hey, New Yorkers. FF wants to know how you plan to spend the fall season. Where are you going pumpkin/apple picking? What haunted houses on your Halloween check list?

Write us at fabulouslyfrugalnyc@gmail.com. We want to hear from you!

Food, Glorious Food

2010-09-14T15:58:00.000-04:00

Start saving room in your stomach now. On September 29, Epicurious Entertains NYC hits the city and celebrity chefs like Mario Batali and local hot spots La Esquina and Gramercy Tavern will be leading the charge.

Five days of celebrity chef dinners, cooking demonstrations, food tastings and cookbook signings.

Tickets start at $35 and vary in price. Ticket information and a schedule of events are available through the Epicurious website.