If you’re anything like me..your closet is in desperate need of updating, and your wallet is in dire need of cash, then you spend lots of time plotting how to look like a million bucks for under a hundred. This can be a daunting task, especially in the heart of New York City, where Manhattanites don’t blink an eye before dropping thousands on the latest haute couture.
Image provided by: publish.uwo.ca
Luckily, for us penny pinchers, there are ways to look glam without breaking the bank. The Elegant Tightwad Shopping Excursions 
are guided tours that for $90.00, provides the client with a four hour shopping excursion to various private showrooms that offer designer clothes at wholesale and below prices. Besides the tour, with purchase of ticket, you receive creator Pamela Parisi’s book, Dressing like a Million Bucks, While Only Spending Pennies, 
Image provided by: amazon.com
a list of sales around town you can hit up after the tour has ended, and a goody bag filled with make-up and other treats. Tours are offered virtually every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Visit Parisi’s website to check for exact dates, or call (800)808.4614 for more details or to book a tour date.
.
Image provided by: theeleganttightwad.com
-Stefanie Botelho
Rock of Ages, a musical about the 80's in Hollywood, authentically presents the Rock’n Roll era’s fashion and music by staging some of the most famous rocks songs released back then – including songs from Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake, and many more. The story revolves around a small town girl and a rocker who meet in a bar in L.A. I was captivated by what was happening on stage, not only because of the fascinating clothes the actors were wearing, but also due to their amazing voices – especially the ones of the main actor and actress, who managed to impress the audience by their ability to combine powerful dance moves and solid vocals. Also important to mention is that the live band on stage did an extraordinary job. Having watched this musical I have to say it definitely lived up to my expectations, and was one of the best musicals I have ever seen. Rock of Ages is an experience you won’t regret, especially if you enjoy rock music and all things 80's. Where can I watch it? Brooks Atkinson Theatre, 256 W 47th St. between Broadway and 8th Ave. When do they run it? Mon 8pm; Tue 7pm; Wed-Fri 8pm; Sat 2, 8pm. For more information visit their website: rockofagesmusical.com 
The Pope is scheduled to arrive in Washington D.C this afternoon where he will be greeted by President George W. Bush. This is his first visit to the United States since he became leader of the Catholic Church. " The pope's plane, "Shepherd One", will touch down at Andrews Air Force Base at 4 p.m." "Benedict is also set to address U.S. bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and meet with educators at the Catholic University of America. He'll also say mass Thursday morning at Nationals Park -- in front of an estimated crowd of 46,000 people. "
Image provided by: morris. umn.edu It's $100 per person, or $1200 to enter a team. The winners of each night get treated to two free pitchers and free pizza at Boss Tweeds. Get crazy, Billy Madison style, and bring back the healthful, aggression - alleviating act of pegging your closest friends as hard as you can. The ages are 22+, but it promises to be more fun than 8th grade gym class. More details are available at http://dodgeball.meetup.com/24/, or by calling (718)907.3479.
Image provided by: suspend.co.nz At Body Language, 241 Bedford, St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, classes run $120 for four sessions. Instructor Teresa Cochise is a Social Circus Instructor for the Cirque du Monde, and has a B.A. in Visual Arts and Aerial Dance from New York University's Gallatin School for Individualized Study. Come learn "the fundamentals of aerial fabrics including stretching and conditioning for aerial, basic climbs, wraps, inversion and simple drops" in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Contact Teresa Cochise at (917)805.1407 for further details and to receive $10.oo off for advanced registration. 
Image provided by: showvisiontalent.com
New Yorkers, you can't take the pride out of them...EVER! When the Giants won the Super bowl, it was like New Year's Eve again in the city. People were screaming, hugging, laughing, jumping on cabbies and doing things out of the ordinary. I watched the game with my family, we are crazy Giants fans. Banging on the television, yelling and screaming at each other and getting annoyed whenever the pats made a good play. It was funny to watch, but suspenseful as well. I could not keep my eyes off of the game. Victory felt good! Now, tomorrow should be a holiday, don't you think? Hang out at the parade and perhaps then go to work after? However, I don't think our bosses will be too thrilled with that idea. Resiliency is the perfect word to describe this team and how they played last night in what is to be one of the most intense games that made history for years to come. If you are a die hard Giants fan and is willing to miss a day of work to party with the winning team, then you can head down to Battery Park tomorrow at 11am and participate in a parade that's going to be the highlight of the day. Let me know how it turns out! - 
Originating in the city in 1995, converting a 4o-year-old salon into a so-called beauty "saloon", creator Paul Devitt's idea is nothing but refreshing. As well as the first New York branch, there are now Beauty Bars located in San Fransisco, L.A., Las Vegas, San Diego, and Austin. Welcome your New York weekend with their luxurious happy hour, Wed. - Fri., 6-11 p.m., and Saturday, 7-11 p.m. $10.oo gets you one of their signature cocktails, all whimsically named after a salon treatment, and a manicure with one of their employees. An even bigger treat, many of Beauty Bar's drinks feature 
