Earn Money From Unloved Clothes in Your Closet (And Here's $10 to Shop!)

If you are anything like me, you fill your closets to the max (it is NYC after all and every inch of real estate counts!). However, if you're also like me, you've obsessively read about Japanese organization guru Marie Kondo's method of organization. While her book is still on my NYPL waiting list, I've taken a few of her own-only-things-that-bring-you-joy approaches to heart and done a considerable amount of domestic purging lately.

But I didn't want to simply throw away perfectly good items of clothing (that may or may not still have the tags on)...I wanted to make some money! There was always eBay, but I don't have the patience for that. Then I heard about thredUP.

thredUP brands itself as a "recommerce" company. How it works is you create an account on their site, order a bag free of cost and it will show up in your mailbox in a matter of days. You then stuff it full of worn, but like new items (bonus if they still have the tags on and were never worn) from dresses to shoes and handbags to accessories. At this time they only accept women's, junior's and children's clothing, sorry gents! Here are their rules and here is a video that explains more:

You can then drop your bag (pre-labeled for FedEx shipping) at any FedEx location. thredUP will contact you and let you know which items they are going to resell and how much money you will get back from them. I earned $125 for one bag! For a small fee, thredUP will even send you back the items they don't sell; otherwise, they will give the clothes away for you.

I opted to receive my money via PayPal (and paid a nominal fee for it), or you can choose to spend your money in thredUP's marketplace--chock full of amazing finds that other people like you have sent in. I have also done this and managed to score a brand new Coach leather purse for under $70.

Want to check it out? Create an account through my link and get $10 free to spend in the thredUP marketplace. I'll get $10 too, but once you place your first order and/or submit your first bag, you will want to tell all your friends about this site.

Free Memberships at 33 NYC Cultural Institutions with IDNYC

Joining museums in NYC can run you hundred of dollars. Heck, just paying admission to a few can cost you half a paycheck. So what if I told you that there's a way to not only get free admission but a full-fledged free membership to 33 cultural institutions throughout the 5 boroughs as well as receive discounts for Mets and Yankees tickets and even grocery stores?

IDNYC is a new program sponsored by the city of New York to provide a new form of identification for all New York City residents. Using it will give you access to city services, allow you to enter public buildings, and enable you to open a checking account. You can also link it to your Brooklyn, New York, or Queens library account--the first time one card has ever been recognized by all 3 systems.

As an incentive for people to sign up, you will be able to apply for free memberships at museums, zoos, botanic gardens, and concert halls throughout the city. All you do is present your card at the box office of your desired institution by 12/31/15, and you receive a gratis one-year membership. Examples of membership options include, but are not limited to:

• Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo: Free general admission for one adult to the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo with discounts at select gift shops and restaurants. Invitations to Members' Evenings and free e-newsletters.
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Unlimited free admission for 1 and 2 single-time-use guest passes. Admission for member plus 1 guest to all members-only summer events and 10% discount at Garden Shop and Cafe. Library borrowing privileges.
• Carnegie Hall: "Friends Membership" includes 4 complimentary rehearsal passes; early access to the best seats available; half-price ticket offers on select Carnegie Hall presentations; and invitations to cocktail parties, discussions, & member-appreciation events.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art: Free admission for 1 to the Main Building and The Cloisters museum and gardens; members-only emails with advance notice of exhibitions, programs, events, classes, and festivals; special offers on select ticketed programs; discount on Audio Guide rentals in nine languages; and complimentary guided tours of the collection in 10 languages.
• MoMA PS1: Unlimited free admission; exhibition opening invitations; special offers for select ticketed events; conversations with MoMA PS1 curators and artists; private receptions at MoMA PS1; and a 10% discount at the M. Wells Dinette and the ARTBOOK @ MoMA PS1 Book Store.

As you can imagine, demand for IDNYC is pretty high. I signed up for an appointment in January, and had to wait until April to snag an appointment. My shiny new ID came in the mail just this week.

To get your IDNYC, check here that you possess the right qualifying documents, and schedule an appointment at one of the several appointment centers throughout the 5 boroughs. You might have to wait a while, but that's ok--you will be able to claim your free memberships through the end of the year and they will begin the day you claim them. Then you go in and go through a short and sweet interview (just like at the DMV), they take your picture (but oddly you can't smile with teeth), and you should receive your new ID within 2-3 weeks.

The IDNYC website has a thorough list of helpful FAQs that I'd highly recommend you check out if you have any specific questions. So what do you think, will you apply?

The Best Piano Man Show EVER

As a blogger, I am invited to a lot of events. Of the ones I attend, they are not always great, but usually I can at least go home with a couple glasses of some good wine and some hors d'ouevres in my stomach. But last night, I went to an INCREDIBLE show and had one of the best times I've had in a long while. Bonus...I got to bring a friend along for the ride.

The premise of Vintage Live is similar to a "piano man" kind of show where you can request songs and the pianist will play and sing them...or try to. This specific show is currently playing at Le Qube--a unique take on a cabaret set on Pier 97 in the Hudson River (@57th Street). The location alone is pretty breathtaking, especially with the gorgeous weather we've been getting blessed with lately.

Upon arriving, you fill out the back of your ticket with a song request, and I spent a good long time trying to figure out something unique enough that might stump him, but not embarrassing enough for other people to have to listen to. I went with "I Want You" by Savage Garden aka: the chika cherry cola song (hey! I'm a 90s girl!).

You then use your smartphone to go to log onto their online system and take a brief quiz about your music preferences and even order drinks--how very 2015! 

When the band came out, I was impressed. Not only was Gregory Charles (the aforementioned pianist) going to roll off the cuff all night, but so were a drummer, guitarist, bassist, female singer, keyboardist, and a 3-man wind section. 

The first half was a good mix of classic rock (Scorpions' Rock You Like a Hurricane and U2's Beautiful Day) and modern tunes (Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk). He even did an amazing job mashing up random but surprisingly complementary songs so that the audience would hear a maximum variety. You could chat with him and make requests using the app, and while my friend had 2 of her songs chosen, sadly none of mine made the cut.

The second half of the show was devoted to everyone's hand-written requests, which Charles arbitrarily picked out of a box. The first was a 1931 classic called Minnie the Moocher, which we all were dumbfounded with at first but soon realized we all know it (think, hidy hidy hidy ho). The gentleman who requested it was sitting right behind us and LOVED every minute of Charles' and the band's rendition). 

We were also super impressed when one of the selections was Muse's Supermassive Black Hole, which no one except Charles knew. He proceeded to basically teach the song to his amazingly talented band in about 3 minutes. I have no idea if the performance was accurate, but it was incredible to watch.

They ended the show with medley's chosen by the audience responses--Queen and then a 70s mix. Everyone was up and dancing in the aisles and having the best time. The last song was Celebration by Kool & the Gang, which is the best song to end any party if you ask any bar mitzvah kid.

You can catch Vintage Live every night through May 2 at Le Qube, and I highly recommend that you do. To get BOGO tickets, use the code VINT2F1 here. If you miss them this time around, they travel the world, but definitely find a way to catch one of their shows. Be prepared to have the BEST time. The only person who wouldn't like this show is someone who doesn't like music, and let's face it, you don't want to be friends with that person anyway.

Disclosure: I received free tickets from Yelp NYC for this event, but I was not required to write a post or even tell you guys about this. It's just that good. So go!

Shop 'til You Drop with Kooba in Fort Greene

Spring shopping on your mind? Then head to the Fort Greene General Store tomorrow for a Kooba trunk show with discounts, organic juices and a chance to win a new bag!

What: Kooba trunk show

Where: Fort Greene General Store, 218 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn

When: Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 4-8pm

Details: First 25 customers will receive a goody bag that includes select spring merchandise and a postcard that provides a discount code to use on www.kooba.com

RSVP: here!

AWESOME DEAL: Get 10% Off Sparkly Soul & Give Back to the MS Society

I've raved about my favorite nonslip, workout headbands from Sparkly Soul on this website before, but I'm going to do it again. These are the most amazing headbands for all sorts of workouts--from running to boxing, spinning to yoga, and rowing to Crossfit. They come in a wide array of colors and I have never had one slip off during class. It's like they're magic or something.

Well Sparkly Soul just one-upped themselves in support of my campaign to raise money for the National MS Society. Use the code WALKMS by 4/19 and get 10% off your entire purchase from www.sparklysoul.com. Addtionally, my team will receive 10% of your entire purchase as well. So you get awesome headbands and the MS Society receives vital funds to help support research and programming for people affected by this debilitating disease.

These headbands would make perfect Mother's Day, graduation or just because gifts! I wouldn't fault you for picking up a few of your own (I've got a collection of 6!). Now all that's left to decide is what colors you are going to buy!

A Buzzworthy Happy Hour

Don't get your beans in a bunch, but Monday 9/29 is National Coffee Day! So prep your percolator, clean your Chemex and be ready to celebrate and enjoy some delicious brew (preferably while reading a novel in a cozy wingbacked chair under the comfort of a fuzzy blanket and curled up with a golden doodle...just sayin').

If a fuzzy blanket is not in the cards for you on Monday, the second best option would be to check out the Coffee Happy Hour being hosted by Hudson Valley’s own Crown Maple syrup and Irving Farm at the latter's Grand Central Terminal kiosk from 7-9am.

For $2, they will be serving The Crown Maple Medicine Man--named for a classic cocktail, the drink will include a blend of Crown Maple, lemon and sage and Irving Farm’s Los Lorios coffee blend. The drink will be available after 9am for $4.

AWESOME DEAL: A Fabulous Fitness Find Returns!

Some of you may remember my post about the American Health and Fitness passbooks last year. This was seriously one of the best purchases I've ever made as it allowed me to sample boutique fitness and yoga studios all over the city for an entire year. I could not stop talking about it and convinced several of my friends to buy the passbook as well and join me on a fitness adventure.

If you've ever step foot in an Exhale or fancy Pilates classroom, you know those classes regularly cost upwards of $35. The passbook normally costs $90 and is available in a yoga, fitness, or Pilates version. You can view all of the specific studios available to you here, but know that at a minimum each coupon allows you 2 visits (some places give you a full week!).

Lifebooker is currently selling the books for $45 a pop with a 15% off discount using the code SCOREFIFTEEN (that brings it down to $38.25!!!). With this deal you are basically paying pennies for top-notch classes all around the city (in Queens and Brooklyn too!). To purchase, please use my referral link and go to the fitness section of Lifebooker Loot. You'll see it listed as "$45 Choice of Class Passbook: Choose from Fitness, Yoga and Pilates."

My favorite studios from last year were:

• Exhale Spa: I'm addicted! Their Core Fusion Sport class will make you sweat like no other and builds core strength in a matter of minutes
• Moving Strength: These small Pilates reformer classes feel essentially like private sessions as you get an amazing amount of personal attention and correction. Newbies welcome!
• Atmananda Yoga: A clean, welcoming yoga studio conveniently located near Union Square offers a wide range of classes
• Yoga Vida: You'll find any class you're looking for at this large, unique yoga studio also located near Union Square. I highly recommend their restorative classes for a nice wind down.
• Pure Yoga: I visited the Upper East Side location to try their signature Figure 4 class and was sore for a week! This is the most intense barre class you will ever take, and I mean that in the best way possible.

Seriously guys, no one is paying me to say this but I absolutely love these passbooks. I can't tell you how many trainers and studio administrators looked at me and said "this is the best deal!" when I checked in with my book.I never had any issues using it and was always welcomed into the different studios like any other client. It's good through the end of the year, so the sooner you buy it, the more time you'll have to use it! Trust me, you'll want to get all your friends in on this as well. 

Shape Up Your Face at SPACE.NK

Living in the city, your skin comes in contact with, let's face it, all sorts of nastiness throughout the day. Standing next to a heavy breathing subway rider, urban pollution and stale office air, and plain old winter weather can take a heavy toll. Because of all this, I was psyched when SPACE.NK apothecary, a fancy-pants beauty store originally from London, invited me in to try a facial peel from famed Manhattan Dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross.

While waiting for my aesthetician Salvatore, I had a lot of fun watching a customer's dogs frolic throughout the store. Not to mention the fact that the larger one was an exact replica of my mom's dog at home, any experience for me is made better when there are cute canines to cuddle.

Salvatore explained to me that the line of products offered by Dr. Dennis Gross is clinical strength, but vegan friendly and paraben-free. All products are multi-functional and good for all ages and skin-types. He is most known for his Alpha Beta Peel, a combination of 5 Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids plus retinol, ubiquinone, resveratrol and a host of antioxidants, vitamins and soothing botanicals, which is what I tried. It was designed to brighten the skin while eliminating scarring and sun damage as well as any wrinkles if you happen to have them. 

My skin was cleansed and Salvatore started a 3-step process of applying different products to my face. The first two tingled and almost burned, but they weren't too uncomfortable. He likened the sensation after the second product to what happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar - at first there is a drastic reaction, but then it slowly fizzles down. The last one was very soothing and immediately stopped all the burning. 

Immediately after the peel, which normally costs $225 in-office, I noticed some of my acne scarring (darn teenage years!) had gone down significantly. Several days later I still notice a difference, and had no adverse reactions on my skin, which can often be sensitive.

If you don't want to shell out the big bucks for an in-office peel, I'd recommend checking out the daily Alpha Beta peel packets. You can do them at home and BONUS! Good Morning America announced a special 50% off deal on several products from Dr. Dennis Gross. You can view the deals here, but know that they are only good through tomorrow 2/21 3am EST.

Lusting for Lush

Despite the often overwhelming scent explosion that invades your nasal passages upon entering, Lush has always been one of my favorite stores to pop into and treat myself. Their bath bombs and hand scrubs are divine and their salespeople are seriously the happiest people on Earth.

Long known for their storefronts in the US, Lush has been offering full spa services at several of their UK locations for years. Finally bringing luscious luxury across the pond, they opened one of their first 2 US outposts right here in NYC! And they're throwing a party to boot!

Visit the new store at 783 Lexington (at 61st St.) on Saturday 2/15 from 12-5pm and enjoy complimentary face care experiences, VIP gifts with purchase, cupcakes, and sparkling wine! Bonus: be one of the first 100 people to arrive and receive a free gift, but you must RSVP to lexington@lush.com to qualify.

Don't Hyde From Broadway's Latest Thriller

Broadway's Spring 2013 season is chock full of surprises, but nothing I've seen has been as thrilling as the revival of Jekyll & Hyde. Starring Constantine Maroulis of American Idol fame and the powerful R&B artist Deborah Cox, the show transcends typical theater boundaries while telling the story of a scientist struggling with the duality of life's good and evil aspects. Maroulis plays a suitable Dr. Jekyll but is transformative as Hyde and almost seems to present himself as two different people. Meanwhile, when Cox sings just about anything, you feel yourself unable to even thing about anything else, her voice is just that good.

I had the pleasure of being invited to see the show a few weeks ago with a reception at The Paramount Hotel beforehand. While I wouldn't recommend this show to everyone (ie: children and people looking for a traditional la-dee-da musical), I was definitely entertained and left with much to talk and think about once the curtain fell.

Jekyll & Hyde is only on Broadway as a limited engagement so get your tickets now! Use the discount code HYDE to save up to 30% on tickets through May 26. For Monday - Thursday shows, orchestra/front mezz tickets will be $89 (reg. $125) and for Friday - Sunday shows they will be $99 (reg. $135 - $142). Use this discount by visiting Ticketmaster.com, calling (877) 250-2929 or mention this offer to the Marquis Theatre Box Office (46th St between Broadway and 8th Ave).

Alcohol for Art

If you're not coming to the concert on Thursday, I have a fun happy hour deal for you. I don't know how many of you have been down to check out the bar inside Whole Foods Columbus Circle (yes, I said a bar in a grocery store), but it's pretty cool.

From 6-8 pm on Thursday 3/1, if you check in to On Tap on Foursquare, you can score $1 off beer and wine and $2 off pitchers and a free large beer hall pretzel. This event is to promote the newly launched Water Tank Project, a public art undertaking in which hundreds of NYC water tanks will be transformed into masterpieces in the spring of 2013. On 3/1 5% of sales at NYC Whole Foods will be donated to the non-profit organization.

$29 Tickets for Leap of Faith on Broadway

It's not often that a leap day comes around, so of course it should be a reason to celebrate and give discounts! A new Broadway show is doing just that! Today only, you can get $29 tickets to the show Leap of Faith, which stars Raul Esparza as Jonas Nightingale, the lead singer of a performing troupe that's, let's just say, less than honorable. However, he'll tell the story of how he found redemption through a strong-willed woman and a spirited boy.

Discounted tickets are available for the first week of previews April 3-7, and to get them you must either visit broadwaybox or call 212-947-8844 and use code LF229LP, or visit the box office at the St. James Theater (246 West 44th Street) today only.

AWESOME DEAL: 15% Off at Pure Barre

I have never been a "fitness" person. When I work out, I want to have fun and not think about how much I'd rather be watching re-runs of Project Runway at home while snacking on Reese's Pieces (well, that's an exaggeration, but a girl can dream).

One thing I've loved about living in NYC is the vast availability of new "hip" workouts for me to try. A few months ago I stumbled upon an amazing offer on Gilt City for a 2-month unlimited class package at the newly opened Pure Barre in Columbus Circle. Having tried a sample class at The Bar Method last summer and totally trusting Gilt City because their recommendations are awesome, I roped a coworker into purchasing the package with me and we started classes after the first of the year.

The premise of Pure Barre (a national chain started by dancer Carrie Rezabek Dorr in 2001 with locations currently in 25 states) is using small isometric movements at the ballet barre to the beat of motivating music to lift your seat, tone your thighs, abs and arms, and burn fat. Hence their mantra: lift, tone, burn!

The first few classes, I'm not going to lie, were hard. Each class follows a rigid structure. First, you warm up your entire body using small weights, your own body weight, and the dreaded 90-second forearm plank. Next you move into thighs and then seat. Using only the barre and a small rubber ball, when you do the exercises correctly, your legs shake almost uncontrollably, but that's how you know "your muscles are changing," the bubbly instructors always say. From there, the class focuses on firming your core through a series of exercises at the bar and then on a mat. Lastly, you finish up with some funky "back dancing" to give one final push to the seat and thighs and then some relaxing stretching.

Six weeks in, and I can see a change in my body. My arms have more definition, my core is stronger than it's ever been, and I can do way more full (non on-your-knees) push-ups than I have ever been able to do before. My goal was to go 4-5 times a week, and this has been super easy because they offer plenty of classes at all sorts of convenient times throughout the day. The teachers are all very friendly and down-to-earth, the studio is clean (though it does get a bit hot and crowded sometimes), and the general vibe is very open and not snooty like I thought it might be.

The only real negative for me is the cost, and while I got an amazing deal on Gilt City (keyword: amazing), I have no idea if they plan to run another one any time soon. However, Pure Barre has generously provided me with a 15% off discount code for my readers good through the end of February: AWESOME. To use it visit their online store here, select the package you want and enter code AWESOME in the promotional code box. You should see the discount reflected before you purchase. After that, just sign up for the classes you want and have fun! Keep in mind that some of the busier classes end up with a waiting list, so it's best to sign up as early as possible.

Disclosure: Although Pure Barre gave me a free class for writing this post, I really and truly have become addicted to this workout and just renewed for another month of unlimited classes! The discount code AWESOME is good for all packages except the new client, baby bounce back and bridal specials and is good through 2/29/12.

Wining and, Well, Wining

Day drinking is a New Yorker's treasured pastime, but day drinking classy wines from all regions of the world in the humongous Javit's Center is an experience not to be missed. I attended the New York Wine Expo last year, and this vino-fest was beyond awesome. This year, the grand tasting will feature wines from 175 wineries and a renowned lineup of seminar speakers. The event will take place Friday March 2 - Sunday March 4, with Sunday being for trade only.

Good news! All of my readers are entitled to a $15 off discount on tickets for Friday night using the promotional code: AWESOME. But hurry, this code expires March 1! You won't want to miss an afternoon of day drinking and insightful seminars like "Wine 101: Taste Like a Pro with Wine Spectator," "Wine Spectator Presents...Portugal – Discover a World of Difference" or "The Rhône Valley: A River Runs Through It…with Mark Oldman." Cheers! Hope to see you there!

Time for Tapas

Happy new year awesome readers! I hope you all celebrated in style. I'd like to kick off the new year right with a great deal I found at one of my favorite restaurants in NYC, Tia Pol. Tucked into a small space amid the fabulous art galleries in Chelsea, this tapas restaurant offers amazing sangria and wide variety of affordable and delicious small plates. A few of my favorites are the fried garbanzo beans (a must try!) and the gambas al ajillo (shrimp in olive oil with garlic and chili).

Bring the coupon below into Tia Pol before February 29th (yes, that's right it's a leap year!) and score 25% off your total bill.


Because of the small space, this place gets packed so I would HIGHLY recommend making a reservation, or plan on waiting a while. Cheers to 25% more fried garbanzo beans...