LIFE IN THE APPLE
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New York offers a handful of affordable options to pamper and recharge. {photo by Olivia Boddie} |
Living in NYC isn’t cheap, especially if you’re a “starving artist” like myself. (Shout out to Universal Records – go ahead and give me a music publishing deal whenever you feel like it.) Since I’m the one who made the decision to pursue my passion and sign up for the incessant grind of the big city rather than take on a safe, well-paying position elsewhere, I really can’t complain about my insanely long workweeks. Fortunately, New York offers a handful of affordable options so I can treat myself from time to time and maintain my sanity without breaking the bank.
Eyebrow Threading
I made the transition from plucking to threading nearly four years ago, and I’m hooked. There’s something about a perfectly shaped brow that not only gives my face a fresh and polished lift, but also makes me feel as if I don’t need to wear any makeup. I also prefer it to waxing, since I’m not a fan of how that method pulls so much around the delicate eye area. NYC is stressful enough as it is, so I don’t need waxing to create extra fine lines and wrinkles.
I tend to get my eyebrows done every other week, and have two specific salons that I swear by – Looks Eyebrow Threading Salon in Union Square and Sanah Threading Salon on East 86th Street. Note: Sanah is located inside the 86th Street subway station. It’s not the most luxurious surroundings, but both places create bomb-looking eyebrows.
Cost: $7-$12
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Call me crazy, but getting my eyebrows threaded is relaxing. {credit} |
The Metropolitan Museum
I’m a bit of an art and history buff, so I love checking out museums. What’s wonderful about this city is that there’s a plethora of museums that have designated “free” days during the week or a standing “suggested donation” policy – aka, you pay whatever you want.
My favorite museum is the Metropolitan since I’m a fan of painters like Monet, Degas, and Da Vinci. There’s something very relaxing, at least in my mind, about being surrounded by impressionist paintings and relics from ancient Egypt. It’s such a vast space that people can visit several times without seeing all of the exhibits, which is why I’m making it a point to periodically visit when I have a midday break in my schedule.
Cost: Up to you!
Brunch at the Parlor Steakhouse
I’ll admit it – if I go out on a Saturday night, I probably won’t get home until 5 a.m. on Sunday morning. So I’m not a regular patron of New York’s Sunday brunch scene. On the rare occasion when I’m awake at the appropriate time, however (as in once a year), it’s always enjoyable.
Recently, I went to the Upper East Side’s Parlor Steakhouse with my friends Erin and Rae, and I can’t say enough about this place. The city has several great affordable brunch options, but I love the Parlor’s sophisticated yet relaxing ambiance. The prix fixe menu includes an entrée, and even though it’s not an “all you can drink” type of deal, you can have up to five cocktails. Good enough for me. I’m a fan of the Eggs Benedict (best I’ve had in NYC) and the mimosas don’t skimp on the alcohol.
Cost: $29
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Mimosas are a must with any NYC brunch. |
Spa Services
I grew up where $20 manicures and $40 pedicures were considered a good deal. So imagine my surprise when I moved to New York and realized I didn’t have to pay more than $30 for a mani/pedi combo. I often do my own nails, so this is a rare treat; but it’s a very affordable one.
I also love websites like Lifebooker and Gilt, where I can receive discounts on a wide variety of spa services. We’re talking one-hour massages for $39, facials for $35, and Brazilian bikini waxes for $30 or less (granted, a bikini wax isn’t always “that” relaxing).
Cost: Varies
Dangerfield’s Comedy Club
Rae and I always say that laughter is the best medicine, and one of my favorite places to go on the weekend is Dangerfield’s – the country’s original comedy club. The host happens to be a dear friend of mine, but anyone can see the show by going to their website and printing out free cover charge vouchers (although there’s a two drink minimum). I can be found at Dangerfield’s bar, drinking vodka sodas and laughing with the comedians at least once a month.
Cost: Free (plus two drink minimum)
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I like to laugh off my stress at Dangerfield’s. {credit} |
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