Ty Tips:Luxury living for less

Well……..that’s what the book title ‘used’ to advertise “back in the day” for those of us old enough to remember when ten dollars was worth something (and people bought books instead of searching Google or using an App).

So, now that I’ve got your attention I can tell you that it was really more like $50.00 a day, which ain’t too shabby considering the cost of (practically) anything in New York City these days, breakfast for two can set you back at least $35.00 unless you’re dining under the arches.

I thought that since I always seem to be sharing tips on where to buy cute clothes cheap-I’d thought I’d show you where you can show them off…..and all for (way) less than retail.

My recent trip to New York City was a blast and is a perfect opportunity to show you how I experience luxury living for less…in one of the world’s most luxurious locales.

I was all over the Isle de Manhattan, from Battery Park to West Harlem and points in between (and that’s pretty much most of the city). We all know that New York can be like “Sex and the City” (if you’re Carrie Bradshaw rich) but more like “Taxi Driver” or “Mean Streets” for the rest of us without a book deal or a Mr. Big.

But, with voucher’s in hand, I was able (as usual) to have a few “Carrie” moments of my own (sans Manolos, but in a great pair of shoes snagged at DSW for 75% off).

Here’s just a sample of some of what I was able to do (with a friend) in just 48 hours:

Breakfast for two at HK (“Hell’s Kitchen”), a restaurant so named for the neighborhood it’s located in).

Lunch for two at Mitchel London’s; they are quite good at making American comfort food “feel” healthy (somehow you don’t feel so guilty wolfing down their cheesy chili fries) and their cupcakes are pure butter cream decadence.

The there was dinner for two (after the theater) at Blu (located inside the Hotel Indigo in the Chelsea neighborhood), with a glass of wine each, appetizer, main course and desert.

For entertainment there were several options, one night it was modern dance troupe “Pilobolus”, or a play on Broadway, “Clyborne Park” the Tony award winning best play of 2012 and last but not least there was a trip to the “Museum of Sex” on lower 5th Ave (the Museum of Natural History it’s not but it’s a damn site more fun).

So, that’s $ 635.40 worth of Manhattan for just $ 235.00, so that’s $117.50 per person spent over two days…..or $58.75 a day (okay, so I’m over by $8.50…..but, you get my point).

Here’s the breakdown:

HK Restaurant Reg Price $30.00 Living Social $15.00

Pilobolus Dance Co at the Joyce Theater Reg price $150.00 (for 2 tix) TDF $60.00

Clyborne Park at the Walter Kerr Theater Reg price $257.40 (for 2 tix) TDF $82.00

Blu Restaurant at Hotel Indigo Reg price $120.00 (for 2) Groupon $39.00

Michael London Restaurant Reg Price $40.00(for 2)Living Social $20.00

Museum of Sex Reg Price $38.00(for 2)Living Social $19.00

TyTip: Even if you only get to New York once or twice a year, sign up for TDF if you’re eligible, the membership fee ($25.00) goes to a good cause and the savings on your first ticket alone will more than make up for your investment in savings.

Also, TDF is cheaper than TKTS (which is a part of TDF), you can buy your tickets online in advance and you don’t have to stand in line with the tourists in their Times Sq. location or downtown at the Seaport for same day ticket sales.

TyTip: There are now free Apps for Living Social and Groupon with daily deals for shopping, lodging, eating out and cultural events all across the USA, so sign up and sign in before you travel.