I Can't Move My Arms!

As someone who grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, I can appreciate a good snow storm.  Now that I've moved to the city, the excitement is still there, but there's something missing.  Oh, what's that you ask?  A snow day.  A snow day that NYC schools will look forward to for once, but offices?  Not so fast!  Yes, I'm bitter because I will be the girl walking down the streets bundled up like Randy.  For those who are still sleeping, I'm jealous!  Everyone else, make really big snow angels on the way to work.

P.S.

...my AirPort card is acting up which means no laptop internet access! To my dearest readers, hang in there with me. I'll be blogging via Blackberry in the meantime.

Please note:
1. Crossword puzzles. Bottom line, I need to get good at them. I've realized that they're so lonely, sitting empty in the back of my NYMags.
2. Snow. Pretty excited about the predicted 12" for NYC. Not so excited about not getting a snow day for it. Oh DCers, how are you holding up?
3. Big Love. Are you watching? Just started this season (with thorough wrap-up of seasons 1-3 from my roommate, of course)...I'm beyond hooked. Beyond.

Hopefully, I'll be up soon and back to normal looking Being Red posts. If there are any computer whizzes out there, email me.

Pauper To Princess

I found an article on WSJ about living in NYC with a salary less than $30K.  In a nutshell, Neil Templin's daughter Mariana did the following to survive for a year and end up with $5,000 in savings and $1,000 in her 401(k):

1. Chose the tiny bedroom in a Park Slope apartment for $750 a month
2. Joined a food co-op and always took home chicken bones from a night out with pals
3. Dumpster-dove for bread from a local market
4. Visited museums with "suggested" donations...for no donation
5. Smuggled bottles of wine into bars instead of buying drinks

That's all well and good, but as a 23-year old in Manhattan, I find some of those things are just unnecessary...and embarrassing.  I apologize, Neil.  I like where your daughter's head is at, but I think there are ways to spend less without sacrificing creature comforts or having to perfect the forward dive. Heck, there's even room to splurge if you do it right.

1. A place to call home: Finding a decent, cheap place to live is probably the biggest problem in the city, but I agree with the way Mariana handled it.  Splitting a place with lots of friends definitely brings down rent and utilities.  But, before you start your search, ask around!  Friends may know no-fee brokers or a deal on a great unlisted place...that's what you should aim for.

2. Food swing: Consider buying a CSA share for about $300.  For 22 weeks starting in June, you'd receive tons of different veggies per week.  Not only would you end up saving on produce, but you also force yourself to eat healthier.  To knock down the price even more, split a share with some friends.  The boxes are typically for a family of 4.

3. Workout plan: Nix the gym.  Join a running club if you need group motivation.  If not, find a cozy route and hit the pavement.  Cable subscribers?  One word: FitTV.

4. Deal maker: Don't change what you normally do, unless it's for the better.  There are plenty of ways to enjoy the things you love!  Just gotta wait for the right deal to come along... 2-for-1 off-Broadway tickets!  NYC Ballet for $20.  Spa Week in just a couple of months!

5. Caught up on the web: Sites like Groupon, Lifebooker, and Yelp sometimes have crazy deals for subscribers/members.  It doesn't hurt to do some research on the web before you conquer NYC.

Anyone else have some advice or tips for dumpster-divers? Let me hear 'em! Happy Hump Day. xo

photo via flickr

Totally Rad

Photography by Gregoire Alexandre

It's What's On The Inside That Counts

"Organic farming can often produce extremely delicious and nutritious vegetables that don't exactly look like supermodels." Geez, no kidding.  Dear HuffPo, thanks for making my week.

Feeling Blue

Gorgeous hues of blue are following me, mainly in the forms of magazine covers and fashion spreads.  The March 2010 issue of Elle Decor hits shelves on February 9, but can you contain yourself until then?  Stripes, gold, and a pinch of pink!  I can't wait.

via the NEO-traditionalist; interior design by Nate Berkus and Anne Coyle

Hello, Friday

The weekend is finally here!  NYC is an icebox today...but that won't stop me from my adventures.  I think I'll see this, eat here, and try to get my hands on one of these.  In the meantime, here's my weekly round-up:

Good heavens, I want an invite to this party! (via Natty Michelle)

Craig's List Chuckle: JC Superstar.

You are neat.

I tried doing this dance in my living room.  It did NOT look like this.

Cupcake crawl, anyone? (via Dry as Toast)

Silver shorts, check.

Salinger...in his own words.

Oh Stella, you know the key to my heart.

Months later, I can't get over Thom Filicia's The Big Chill-inspired design.

Yum, Mast Brothers!

xo!

photo via Baked

Cobalt Blue and Nudes Are So Money

There's a point in winter where I just surrender to my giant sweaters and give up on putting a layered outfit together.  No more long-sleeves, no more boots.  When will it get warm!  That's when daydreaming comes in handy, especially when I come across Moroccan-themed inspirations like the one above.  Take me back!

Moschino Cheap and Chic Woven Silk Ruffle Blouse, $575.00
Loeffler Randall Anna Woven Platform, $725.00
Isharya Lunar Cuff Ebony Cuff, $213.00
Lena Bernard Shell Rings, $110.00
Doilie Tiers Knit Vest, $19.80
Silk Maxi Dress by Boutique, $160.00
Quiksilver One Way Top, $85.00
Essie Nail Polish in Mesmerize, $7.00

[Vogue Paris February 2010 via tfs]

Sweating Big Sweaters

Monday, already?  I wish I could just go to work in sweats!  I'll make it up with a big sweater...

via Garance Dore

Hello, Friday

I'm sorry for the lack of my normally scheduled Hello, Friday links, but the least I can do is leave you with Mr. James Brown.  I couldn't have said it better myself...

Enjoy your weekend! xo!