When I moved here, many people said how expensive it is to live here. I'll give you rent. I currently share a small two bedroom apartment with my sister for $1200/month. To be fair, it seems to be more than enough space for me, but Charity complains occasionally that this place isn't big enough to hold all of her stuff.
That being said, I am always on the lookout for free stuff. Look hard enough, or be in the right place at the right time, and you can find it. First, for everyone, every day, is the Staten Island Ferry. Of course, it really is beneficial only if you're going to or from Staten Island. But it's always free.
A couple of weeks ago, I went with my friend Danny, to Splash. We went for happy hour. Some kind of awards thing was going on, similar to the end of softball season in Columbus. There was food on the bar, and he said he thought it was some kind of private party. I asked who would stop us, and went to the bar for a plate. We feasted on chicken, ribs and pasta salad. The drinks were two for one and because it was so early, there was no cover. For under $20, we had four drinks, plenty to eat, and dancing all night long. Right place, right time. Another day, we were walking along the Highline park and happened upon a food cart. I would have walked right past it, except there was a sign that said, "Free Art, Free Tacos." We got in a relatively short line (considering the food was free), and each got one free taco. While I can't remember what was in the taco, it doesn't matter. It was free. Right place, right time.
The other day, I was walking near Union Square. That place deserves an entry all to itself. This particular day, as I was approaching the park, people were handing out free cans of Coke Zero. I've had it before, but it sure tastes better when it's free. Then, a lady was handing out coupons for free Edge Infused Shave Gel. Now, I need to find the people handing out coupons for toothpaste and shampoo and I'll be all set.
Nationwide, Starbucks was doing a taste test this weekend for their new VIA instant coffee. With each taste test, I got a coupon for a free brewed coffee. You can bet I did the test more than once. This one took a little bit of effort on my part, because I really don't care which was brewed and which was instant, but had to pretend to care to get my coupons. Another national promotion was with Woody and TGI Fridays. If he got 500,000 fans on Facebook by the end of September, everyone would get free hamburgers. He got 950,000 fans. I got two free burgers. Right place, right time.
This week, the Philly Pretzel Company is running a promotion. Everyone who walks in the door will receive three free pretzels. Monday thru Friday. No questions asked. I'm so excited. Count me in for 15 pretzels this week. On Friday they are having free raffles for different things. If I get the "free pretzels for a year" card, I'm set.
During the summer, there are free movies on the river and tons of other free things to do if you look hard enough. It's only expensive to live here if you have champagne tastes. I have a beer budget.
