Welcome Back...And Welcome Home

The Diva is back. And certainly still living on a dime.

While I haven't been as active in my Diva-endeavors these past few months, the deals have never stopped finding me. I like to think of it as karma, a reciprocation of The Golden Rule--and probably a little (or lot of) effort on my part mixed in. That Diva-on-a-Dime-mentality--originally taught to me by my savvy-but-certainly-never-cheap mother--doesn't simply disappear. It's not a yo-yo diet or fad. It's a way of life, a mentality. And for me, it started with learning the art of The Price Adjustment at The Gap, and that markdowns always happened on Wednesdays.

Three Diva Deals for the price of one
My favorite deal these days--and one I will certainly rank among my Diva All-Time Top Ten--is the price I negotiated on my new digs (I'm nearly settled...Must do a bit more organizing, then comes the decorating and couch-hunting).

And when I reeled-and-dealed my way to a rent price that's only $25/month more than what I used to pay (and that was with a roommate, in a 4-floor walk-up, in a not-as-great-as-where-I-live-now area of town), more deals discovered me.

1. A sophisticated Back Back studio (Did I mention outdoor living space and steps from the Charles River?) at over $250/mo. less than the original asking price. Yep, it's called putting in an offer lower than the asking price... If it's not September (when 1/3 of Boston--the students--move in), there's a good chance a landlord will be willing to bargain with you. Don't try bargaining with a management company, however. I tried. Hard. With my old building. They wouldn't budge in the slightest.

2. A dozen wine glasses. For free. And sparkling clean. One investment (or Christmas gift I was going to request) was a set of nice wine glasses-- some for red, some for white, and perhaps some champagne flutes. But, last week, while my friend Phil and I popped open a bottle of bubbly, preparing to toast to my new place, I asked him to grab 2 glasses from my crate of bubble-wrapped dishes (note, bubble wrap was free too--I reused wrapping that was used in a shipment at the boutique I've recently picked up some hours at), he answered, "Why?" "Well, so, um, we can drink this," I said. He stared at me, saying, "You have wine glasses right here." I jumped for joy--they had been left by the previous tenant (I am guessing...) and the cleaner who was at my apartment earlier had washed them.

3. A $50 clock radio/ipod player for $30. CVS had marked the price under the display wrong. When it rang up at $50, I inquired, then spoke with the manager, who effortlessly offered to give me the price I thought it was. An unexpected--and stellar--purchase and deal.

There are many more stories and deals to come, but for tonight the Diva must get her beauty sleep.

Dinner in under 10 minutes and $3

This, I am quick to admit: I may be a Diva-of-many-trades, but a domestic Diva I am not. Until, that is, I found a hidden treasure at Trader Joe's (899 Boylston St., Back Bay).

A bag of frozen mushroom risotto may not sound appealing, but, as I enjoyed my dinner, I was utterly convinced this wasn't what I heated up on my stove top four minutes prior, and rather, something I'd enjoyed in Italy two years ago.

It gets better, too: One bag of Trader Joe's brand mushroom risotto was $2.79, with three servings, 140 calories per serving. This "domestic" Diva had two dinners out of this find. There's a few other varieties of risotto, too, if mushrooms don't float your boat.

What's in store this week

Say hello to June with some stellar deals this week that won't break your bank account.

1. $10 Wine Crash Course: Summer Sippers in Wine. Need I explain more? Tuesday, June 2, 7PM at the Wine Gallery (375 Boylston St., Brookline).

2. Join Groupon. You're e-mailed a different offer in the Boston-area each day and, if the minimum amount of people required for this deal sign up, you all receive the discounted rate; if not enough people sign up, the deal is null-and-void (the special offers rely on a group rate-- hence groupon-- and differ depending on what the offer entails). Some recent offers have included steeply discounted mani/pedis at a Newbury salon, tennis lessons at a local country club, and a massage at over 50% off.

3. Take a blissfully free yoga class. lululemon (Prudential Center, Back Bay) and The SportsClub/LA (4 Avery St., Theatre District) have partnered up to offer a yoga class for attendees to "experience the sweetness, strength, and power connected to backbending." Thursday, June 4, 6:30-8PM. To join, e-mail samrein@mp-sportsclub.com or call 617-375-8537; mention the plug in lululemon's May 28th e-newsletter.

4. $1 oysters/half-priced apps/$2.50 drafts in the North End. Mondays through Fridays/Mondays through Fridays 4-7PM/anytime, respectively, at The Living Room (101 Atlantic Ave., North End).

5. If you're a Bank of America, see fine art for free this weekend. Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives cardholders free general admission to over 100 museums nationwide on the first weekend of each month. Saturday, June 6 through Sunday, June 7 (closes at 7PM) at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Ave., Fenway/Kenmore). Bring a photo ID and any Bank of America card.

Stay in shape on a Dime

Because, hey, before you know it we'll be gym-rats again!

The ever-anticipated Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and for those of us Divas in the Northeast it means three key things:

1. We can finally wear white without worrying about that fashion-faux-pas, which was ingrained into our minds long ago.
2. Our tanlines are no longer non-existent.
3. It's "summer."

My point here is this: Take advantage of the next few months of beautiful weather and consider taking your workout routine outside. As a frequenter to the gym for as long as I can remember, I never thought I'd be one to say, "I'll be 'freezing' my gym membership this week." But I just said it, and I am. Because I realized two MAJOR benefits of doing so: I'll get fresh air after a long day in the office and save a pretty penny each month.

If you're locked into a gym membership, inquire about "freezing" it-- some gyms will charge you a small fee per month to keep it "frozen," while others may not even allow it. Because of the state of the economy, however, plenty of gyms in the area are offering promos to those "freezing"-- not canceling-- memberships (such as no-charge "freezing" for X-number of months).

Once you've "frozen" that membership, warm-up outside with one of these no- or low- cost exercises:

1. Running. Burns 600 to 700 calories/hr. There's plenty of routes in the area to conquer head-on, including the Charles' River Esplanade or down Beacon St., retracing the Boston Marathoners' route. Look up other local routes at MapMyRun.com.

2. Walking. Burns about 250 calories/hr., depending on your pace. Make it as simple as walking, instead of other transportation, or go for a power-walk along one of the MyMyRun.com routes.

3. Swimming. Burns 500 to 600 calories/hr. The Mirabella (North End) Pool (Commercial St., North End). $10 for the entire summer. Enough said.

4. Tennis. Free outdoor courts throughout the city (Patience not included! Courts can be busy and waits can be long, especially on weekends). There are two courts on the Common, one in the South End's Southwest Corridor, two on the Esplanade close to North Station, and several at North End park on Commercial St.; check out a complete list of court locations (and which ones are lit) here.

Sail Boston on a dime

Experience the elite world of international sailing for free, and learn the sport for as little as $99.

The Volvo Ocean Race, a nine-month sailing race around the world, happens once every three years. And the only U.S. stopover in the ongoing 2008/2009 race is Boston, in the Seaport District's Fan Pier (28 Northern Ave., Seaport District).

For the next three weeks-- until May 16-- Divas can visit stopover, known as PUMA City. There are events every day or night, several bars, a dance floor, and a crowd comprised of Boston's young, trendy, and hip up-and-coming; rugged-yet-elite international sailors; and avid sailing fans. The best news yet: Admission to PUMA City and all of its events is free.

Tomorrow, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is PUMA City Happy Hour. For a list of all the events, visit Volvo Ocean Race at Fan Pier Boston's Facebook page.

When the ocean racers leave Fan Pier in mid-May and head for Galway, head to the Charles River Esplanade (Back Bay) for sailing that you can afford.

Learn to sail at Community Boating (21 David G. Mugar Way, Back Bay), with 30-Day Intro to Sailing and Kayaking for just $99, which includes boat usage, and instruction and classes. To join for the entire year, which includes boat usage, classes and instruction, guest privileges, and discounts on events and merchandise, pay $240. Visit the link above for more information.

The marathon of all sales

This SALE explains why, on Sunday, Bodega employees were unloading a U-Haul truck in front of the store.

Monday was one of Boston's most-celebrated holidays, Patriot's Day, which many know as Marathon Monday. And if you're a Diva whose been inspired by the recent athletic feats of the Boston Marathon runners, a new pair of stylish, street-chic sneakers may be just what you need.

Swing by-- or run over to-- the Bodega (6 Clearway St., Back Bay) for the store's Annual Footwear Sale, through this Friday. Today, kicks are 50% off; tomorrow and Friday, 70% off; and from 4-6pm on Friday, each pair will cost you a 10-spot.

Even if you're not feeling a new pair of sneakers, a trip to the store itself-- which is disguised as a "Bodega," a neighborhood corner store,vthat customers must enter a secret door to discover the trendy urban atmosphere-- is worth the adventure.

A perfect Match

"Ladies Night" may sound terribly cheesy-- but at Back Bay's Match, it's far from that.

It's now almost a week later and I still can't stop bragging about the $30 filet I had for, um, $5 at Match (94 Massachusetts Ave.; Back Bay). And Liz's stellar salmon-- a $26 value-- for (you guessed it) $5. The catch: You must be a "lady" (I'm going to take it up a notch and say, Diva).

Every Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Divas can get any entree on the menu (there are about 7 choices) for $5. Beware, the dining room packs up fast, and don't go there in search for a Div-o. I felt bad for the couple that was there, unaware of the night's theme. It's a rip-roaring girls night, an all-girls high school cafeteria spruced up with atmosphere: dimmed lights, candles, and a blazing fire. But, it was exactly what Liz and I wanted: Good food and wine, great conversation, and a $40 discount on our check. (And the final price of the meal and 3 glasses of vino cost less than this discount!)

Why not wander over to the end of Newbury tomorrow night?

Bella Divas at Bella Sante

This sure does rival spa week... FREE facials and massages. What more could a Diva ask for?

The following was published in yesterday's Stuff Boston magazine. You can bet that this Diva will be there.

With bare-leg season just around the corner, we’re definitely in the market
for a new fitness routine. And of course, we’re never not in the market for free
facials and cocktails, so we cleared our calendars when we heard that the
Movement Center of Boston (38 Newbury Street, Back Bay) is teaming
up with Bella Sante Spa for a “Beauty from Within” fitness and beauty event.
Tomorrow night from 7 to 9 p.m., enjoy mini facials and massages as well as
demonstrations of Gyrotonic (the new fitness craze that incorporates movement
principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming, and tai-chi) from the pros.
Plus, Burton’s Grill will be providing complimentary cocktails and gluten-free
bites for guests — hey, nothing wrong with a little indulgence if it gets you to
the gym, right? The event is free but RSVP only, so make sure you e-mail info@movementcenterofboston.com before you head over.

Get pampered in homerun-quality style

Say hello to baseball season with a Spring-opening spa treatment— for a bleacher seat price.

This Diva may not be baseball’s biggest fan, but I am a Bostonian and do share an appreciation for the game and the tradition surrounding America’s favorite pastime. And in honor of the Sox’s Opening Day at Fenway today— postponed from yesterday due to monsoon-like
rain— here’s how any Diva can hit home-run beauty for a fraction of the price.

There’s no better way to open a season with a refreshing facial or a relaxing rubdown. So while the Sox play their season-opener, say hello to Spring by scheduling an appointment during Spa Week, April 13-19, in most major cities throughout the nation. All participating spas are offering a selection of treatments, including facials, waxing, massages, peels, and a selection more for $50. That’s not too much to ask for Newbury St.-styled pampering. Spots are filling up, so quick schedule soon— or your chance at a deal like this will be gone like Big Pappi's homerun hit out of Fenway.

Dime-worthy updates from the Pru

La Frugal Fashionista and the Value Vixen report on a Back Bay European chain store that's come and gone, Boston's ever-awaited Restaurant Week, and a crucial fashion find in the heart of Downtown Crossing.

Goodbye MNG, Hello Restaurant Week.

Boston Restaurant Week, Winter 2009

Nanette has come to town...

Disclaimer: Our technology was a lil' shaky on these posts, and the sound not truly Diva-worthy. These kinks will be worked out soon, my recessionistas!

Dust up a little and make room for Spring

We've moved the clocks forward; now it's time to move our some aspects of our lives forward. 

One thing I’ve always loved about living in the Northeast is the shared appreciation everyone has for beautiful weather. After growing up with Buffalo, NY, and doing college in Ithaca, NY— and being a Diva all along— Boston is, well, warm. No. It’s the tropics. But Bostonians and Buffalonians, and every Nor’easterner in between (and North and South and further West), exude this joy when it warms up a bit.

This weekend, it felt like spring had arrived (did I mention it’s now a wintry-mix of slush outside right now?), which had this Diva thinking about the spring cleaning she’d be taking on. 

And I don’t just mean about in the literal sense— because our apartment certainly needs love in that category, too— but in the figurative sense: How can I further simplify aspects of my life? What is going to make me more happy? How can I further stretch a dollar, better budget my funds, and improve my on-a-dime habits— while being fabulous, of course? And what am I going to do for the good of others?

Everything is new and fresh in spring; it’s a time that allows for a new beginning. So, take a few minutes out of your day to ponder over those questions, start thinking about your “New Season’s Resolutions.” While you work on your figurative spring cleaning, here’s a little help with the literal side of things:

1. Get rid of the clothes you never wear. Face it, if you didn't wear that three-year-old sweater all Winter, you're NEVER going to wear it. Try Second Time Around (176 Newbury St., Back Bay)-- they'll give you a cut of the profits. 

2. Can't resell it? Can you DONATE it? Especially in the state of our current economy, a lot of us Divas are a lot luckier than we realize. Before you trash anything-- canned food you're sick of staring at, a pair of jeans that-- let's face it-- will never fit again, and even gently-read magazines-- think if they could, instead be donated to a local charity, cause, or even Diva. Here are JUST A FEW ideas: Big Brother Big Sister Foundation (good for used clothes and other "clutter"), Some food donation options, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (for Divas with dollars, monetary donations), and an all-encompassing donation resource list for Boston-area. 

3. "Spring clean" your life and try something new. I'm giving Flamenco dancing a whirl (watching it, that is).  Every Sunday in March and April, at 7 pm and 9pm, Barlola (160 Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay) hosts Flamenco nights. Best part yet: The show is FREE. 

4. Get away. Doesn't matter where, when, or with who. A weekend in the country, your favorite city, or even a relative's couch always helps to clear the mind. 

The Bolt Bus can bolt you from South Station to NYC in a little more than 4 hours-- and in much more style than the ill-fated Fung-Wah. Wi-Fi, outlets (necessary not only for computers, but Blackberry chargers, too!), and an occasional hottie traveling (maybe NYU law student?)-- what more can a Diva ask for? Oh, yeah, seats starting at $1. 

5. And for the VERY literal: Some deals on cleaning supplies. 

Definition: Recessionista

Noun. (plural recessionistas) 1. A person who is able to stick to a tight budget while still managing to dress stylishly. (Wiktionary)

Like a fabulous roommate and friend (and a fellow Diva herself), Asti came home on Friday with material for my blog.

"I've got a new word for you," she said. "RECESSIONISTA." I was hooked from the second the word rolled off her tongue-- and then, a little embarrassed that it hadn't yet been added to my vocabulary. It is now. And you Divas-- or recessionistas-- should give it a whirl, too. Above, Wiktionary's definition. Below, an example of its context.

From New York's Daily News, July 2008:

"Frugalness is the new black," said Kathryn Finney, author of "How to Be a Budget Fashionista." "People are looking at shopping and consumerism in completely different ways. I'm seeing people on Wall Street talking about getting their suits in Century 21. That would never have happened a few years ago. People are proud to be bargain hunters." (Frugal fashion: New Yorkers learn to look good for a lot less)

In the spirit of today's urban slang lesson, I took an article from London's Times Online, 50 ways to be a recessionista, and tiered it to la vie in Boston:

How to be a recessionista in Boston

THE WAY WE WERE. THE WAY WE ARE NOW.

Sunday brunch at the Aujourd'hui (200 Boylston St., Back Bay). DIY crepes, served on a tray with a napkin.
A day at Bella Sante (38 Newbury St., Back Bay). Perfect your pedicure technique on a mate.

The morning Starbucks run. A good ol' fashion brew from the kitchen. (Gives you a few minutes more of shut-eye each day!)
Afternoon tea at the Taj (15 Arlington St., Back Bay) A slug of rum in your Nestle's hot chocolate.
New shoes. New heels and soles for your old Jimmy Choos.
Redecorating your bedroom. Rearranging your bookshelves.
A romantic mini-break. A weekend’s worth of DVD box sets and takeaways.
A hot tub for the garden. An hour-long bath, while sipping a vodka tonic.
Buying into the military look. Changing the buttons on your winter coat.
A Friday blow-dry. A set of heated rollers stashed in your desk drawer.
Dressing up and eating out. Doing the housework in lingerie.
Vintage Dom Pérignon Sipping. $6.99 Prosecco from Trader Joes

(748 Memorial Dr., Cambridge; 1317 Beacon St., Brookline).

Paying for therapy. A bitch-session with your fellow Divas.
A weekly flower delivery from the florist. A trip to the 'burbs to pick your own.
Dry cleaning your statement blouse. Airing it in off the balcony.
The 7/8 trouser length. Chopping the bottoms off last season’s skinnies.
Upgrading to the new BlackBerry Bold. Going blackberry picking.
Shopping every weekend on Newbury Street. Swearing off shopping (unless, perhaps, there's a bargain to be found...).
Personal-training sessions at Sports Club/LA (4 Avery St., Chinatown). Letting rip on the dance floor at every opportunity.
New hairdo. New parting.
A weekly manicure. CVS’s long-lasting manicure.
eBay. craigslist free listings.
Having it all. Having to choose the one, utterly perfect thing you just have to have this month.
Investing in a new-season Gucci folk dress. Wearing a skinny jumper under a summer smock.
A new cashmere scarf. Joining a knitting group.
Big statement jewelry. Scouring a flea market for old costume jewelry.
Member’s clubs. Starting a book club.
Going away with friends. Having friends to stay.
Botox. Detox.

(Photo Credit: Recession illustration for the Style section of the New York Times.)

There's value in who you know

The business card was invented for a reason.

A Diva on a Dime is a workin' gal... She knows how to work a room, work a bargain, and just work hard. And collecting business cards, well, that's her specialty. 

We've all been hearing it for as long as we can remember, "It's all about networking," "Who does your Daddy know?," "Have your friend call his uncle whose step-brother works at ______, and tell them I need_____." You get my drift.  

This is all true, of course-- but now, more than ever, it's crucial. And I'm not even talking about the job-search-who-you-know (but for you jobless Divas, this can apply), I am talking about the every-day-who-do-I-know-and-how-can-I-save-a dime-and-still-be-posh contact.

I've somehow become an expert at the business card swap. I'm not sure how or when it happened, but it did, and it's fun... Not to mention savvy. I've left a conference with Choos, gotten a leather business-card-holding-accessory in the mail, slated an interview hours before deadline at a bar in DC, and gotten my share of complimentary cocktails.  

Confidence is what it takes-- and, maybe, a glass of vino to break the ice. 

The point to this post is that, last night, I made a valuable contact-- and you can too. 

I was wining and dining at Haru (800 Boylston St., Back Bay) with a few of my fashionistas (A DIVA ON A DIME NOTE: Mention the 10% off banner in the Prudential Center EACH and EVERY time you frequent Haru and reap the benefits). Later, when I was on my way to the loo, I stopped at the hostess stand to make reservations for next week. I small-talked a bit with those behind the stand, introduced myself, and then preceded on with the conversation. I not only left the hostess stand with my favorite drink (Prosecco) saved in the computer system-- so the waiter next week could give me a complimentary birthday drink-- but also with the business card of the general manager who oversees all of the restaurants (in NYC, Boston, and Philly). Next time I'm in Manhattan, he said, contact him and will make sure that me and my "date" are taken care of. 

Landing this contact was never my intention, but rather my willingness to meet someone new and spark a conversation. And there's no doubt, I will be in touch when I'm in Manhattan in a few weeks... and I may save a few dimes (I sure hope more...). 

 

Have no fear and go for it Divas... What is there to lose? And you never really know who you may meet next (or who may meet you next). 

Saturday sales

"Go ahead and swipe your card-- Oh, wait, I'm mistaken, you owe NOTHING."

The cashier at Banana Republic Woman (2 Copley Place, Back Bay) broke that news to me this morning. "Not a bad way to start off my Saturday," I thought. 

At Banana Republic, all sale items are Take an Extra 20% Off; BR (and Gap and Old Navy) Cardholders Take an Extra 10% Off Everything from now through April 1; All full-priced pants, belts, and select sweaters are 30% off. 

The bracelet I "bought" was originally priced at $49, but on sale for $24.99. Apply to that BR's Take and Extra 20% Off Sale Items, my 10% Cardholder discount, and $20 in reward cards (another perk of a cardholder) and that puppy was free.

Needless to say, I was feelin' quite savvy this morning and ventured off through Copley Square and up Newbury St. to see what other deals I land. 

City Sports (480 Boylston, Back Bay) has 20% off all women's running apparel and up to 75% off winter coats. If you purchase something not already on sale, flash a gym membership and receive 10% your purchase (Don't be shy, either, with those small purchases. I flashed my card for a $3.25 can of tennis balls and am proud of it). 

French Connection (FCUK) (206 Newbury St., Back Bay) has 75% off. 

And my second best find of the day was Second Time Around's (176 Newbury St., Back Bay) Economic Stimulus sale at 80% off. Although it's a great deal for a buyer, if you're looking to sell back some old threads, remember they give you half of the price it's sold at, so you may not make bank like you thought. 

A Little Retail Therapy Never Hurts ...

... Especially at 60% off retail!

The Newbury LF Stores (353 Newbury St., Back Bay) kicked of its "Only Sale of the Season" over President's Day weekend, with 60%  or more off the entire Fall/Winter 2008 collection. 

I stopped in this evening with the expectation of finding a storefront over-picked by sale-hungry vultures. I assumed the only merchandise left would be the freakishly small and terribly huge sizes. Well, wrong I was. The selection is still vast and plentiful. Although those items on the cheap are Fall/Winter pieces, LF's clothes are from LA and-- if paired with the correct shoes, accessories, and get-up-- versatile in any season.

Time may be your best friend, however. As the sale progresses, LF tends to further mark down its items.

If your therapy doesn't include a retail option at the moment, LF WILL have  other sales...

When I hit jackpot at LF's "Only Sale of the Season" last year, it was partially due to my naivety in thinking this was the only sale the store would hold all year. It may sound that way, but the store holds another "Only Sale of the Season" near the middle of Summer, to make way for the Fall collection.