Thanks...I guess

The purpose of this blog is for the creator to provide tips for other people on a budget. I recently checked one of my posts, and unfortunately I had made an error about walk-up sales. I guess that I should say thank you to the person who so aptly back tracked and got the correct information, but then again...maybe not. To err is human. If I misinterpreted something or misinformed my audience on purpose that would have been one thing, but that was definitely not the case. And for the "anonymous" person who so snidely left their findings, thank you...I guess.

*picture is from an online program on my computer

BORED...well are you?

I have a really good friend of mine that is always complaining about being bored. In a modern society where there are SOOO many things to do, she never seems to find any of them appealing. This tip is for any other people who share her affinity for staying inside of the house!!!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
One of the cheapest ways that anyone can enjoy themselves is to visit the local Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Even for those who don't read, Barnes and Noble offers many other choices that are sure to tweak any appetite.

From classical novels and historical literature to new releases from your favorite musician, Barnes and Noble is probably the cheapest date you can get.

The benefits of Barnes and Noble include:

1. Barnes and Noble is open late every night
2. There is a wide selection of things other than books (i.e. magazines, new music on CD, games, exercise materials)
3. Starbucks located on the premises
4. Some have a study lounge, etc.

For the average Joe, or in my friends case Joanna, Barnes and Noble is certainly a start. Whether you realize it or not, boredom is a choice.

Romantic tip for all you love birds

This past Saturday, I had a late night picnic at the beach. Unfortunately, it was soo dark that I didn't even bother to bring my camera along with me.


If you are looking for something really romantic to do on a budget, this is DEFINITELY for you!!!


The night started off with a trip to a local take out restaurant in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. This local hole-in-the-wall, is so undercover that I will continue to leave it nameless. Let's just say that if you are looking for some unique fried chicken wings, and fries...you won't be disappointed.


The bill for my meal came up to about $8.00.


Armed with takeout containers in hand, we continued on towards Fort Lauderdale Beach. It was cold and in between glasses of Bailey's, and cold french fries it was...magical!


Imagine a cold night, lights on the pier illuminating your impromptu dinner, two sharing a store bought dessert under the moonlight. I know it sounds too good to be true, but it was. And you too can have a fabolous night under the stars for under $20.

Bill

Take Out $8.00

Parking $1.50

Dessert $2.00

Balance -$0.40

Bailey's $7.00

Total $19.90

* Pictures are from the official Fort Lauderdale Beach website.
http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/beach/index.htm

Swanky After Hours Spot

If you're ever in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, searching for somewhere unique to eat, I have the place for you. The Samba Room is one of the hottest after hours spots on Las Olas Boulevard.

Standing outside the restaurant, one might get the immediate impression of it being an overpriced eatery filled with stuffy patrons. Unfortunately that description was completely false.

Against my better judgement, my classmate and I decided to stop in and have dinner. This is what we were greeted with:



Yes, the ambience was divine but the prices weren't. One dinner item sans beverage was approximately $16! My dinner date and I couldn't afford to drink anything but water. Of course if you aren't on a $20 budget like I am, chances are you would definitely enjoy this place.


I was already griping about exactly how much this was going to cost me, when my waiter showed up with the menu. We decided to eat the following:

• Appetizer: Calamari $8.95 (split two ways)


• Meal: Soup of the Day $5.95 (C)

Ceasar Salad $6.95(Me)

• Addition: Chicken $3.99 (Me)

The appetizer was really good! Our waiter even volunteered to go to another restaurant to get us marinara sauce.





Unfortunately the main course wasn't that pleasant. For an $11 salad, (roughly $7 for the salad and $4 for chicken on top) it wasn't the best. There was barely any dressing on the greens, and the chicken had as much flavor as a piece of tree bark.





After suffering through the main course and enjoying the smooth latin melodies playing in the background, it was time for the check.

Our grand total (including tip) was $35.40!

My bill was more, so I ended up paying $20.40 for my dinner. I guess that means next time i'm starting in the negative!

Balance $ -0.40

Why are they SOOO expensive???

This weekend I was planning on going to the Museum of Art-Fort Lauderdale to see a brand new exhibition that they have going on over there. Located at:One East Las Olas Boulevard in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, this museum is known for having some very interesting exhibits.

From December 7th of last year to April 15th of this year, they are hosting an exhibit entitled "Cradle of Christianity." I really wanted to see it because it has artifacts from two of the biggest religions in this world--Christianity and Judaism.

Luckily for me, before I packed my camera I decided to stroll through their website (http://www.moafl.org/). There I found out the following discouraging information:

1. Tickets for this particular event could mainly be purchased by telephone or online; no spontaneous trips to the museum are likely
2. If you are a museum member (which i'm not) then admission is $10, otherwise adults (students or not) is $15, children $7.50 and seniors/military $14
3. The audio tour (another portion of the exhibit) is an additional $5, and
4. No cameras are permitted inside the museum

The Bill would have been:

Parking $4.00 (estimate based on the amount of time spent in the museum)
Admission $15 (regular exhibit)
Audio Tour $5
Grand Total $24!!!

If I had decided to go and see this exhibit, I would have been $4 over budget! My best bet and yours, on a $20 budget, would be to have someone else sponsor this activity!

Free Night Out...well almost

Last week Thursday one of my closest friends and I decided to go club-hopping. For those of you who don't know what that is exactly, it is a common pasttime consisting of people going from one dance club to the next, mostly in search of a good time. We went to one place that I know is the most affordable spot on a Thursday night.

Capone's in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale offers free admission and free drinks to ladies over 21. The three bars neatly aligned in the front of the club showcase some very serious bartenders all clad in black. For the most part the free drinks include: rum and coke, vodka and cranberry juice, and a few very basic staples. If you are lucky though, you might run into the one bartender willing to hook you up with something else.

My friend and I immediately mosied over to the bar upon spotting our favorite girl. "What are you guys getting?", she asked. My friend and I looked at each other and immediately knew what it was that we wanted. "Sex on the Beach," we said in unison. Unlike the other very difficult bartenders, she hooks us up. As we walk away sipping on our cocktails, we promise to tip her after drink number ______.

At the end of the night after popping in and out of Capone's, Art Bar, and China White (all nightclubs on the Las Olas Riverfront) it was time to tally up how much I had spent.

The Bill

Parking $4.00

Club Admission Free

Cocktails Free

Grand Total $ 4.00

Overall I came in $16 under budget!!!! It was a crazy night, but one well worth the amount I spent.