1 Tequila 2 Tequila $3 Margaritas

NYC maybe the most expensive city in America, but I have found a way to drown my sorrows in a $3 margarita. Sometimes you just need to forget that a turkey sandwich may run upwards of $12. This is where Blockheads plays a pivitol role in my life as a city girl. It is always happy hour at this city joint. The margaritas are fresh, flowing and strong and always $3. A round trip on mass transit costs more.

When you think constant drink special, you assume dive bar and seedy crowd. But remember what happens when you assume! I have been to 2 Blockheads in the city and both were warm, inviting dining establishments. The wait staff is pleasant and attentive. My chip bowl and margarita was never empty. The food is delicious as well. I ordered a burrito that could feed a small family. The ingredients were all evenly spaced. Each bite was a mouthful of beans, rice, chicken and cheese. My friend's quesadilla was picture perfect made with the freshest ingredients like roasted red peppers and firm black beans. It was a struggle to finish our meals. We left our meal satisfied and a bit buzzed. It was a pleasant dinning experience and I will be returning often. There are Blockheads dotting all corners of the city. So whenever the urge to sit back with a fresh marg hits you know you are not too far from your local neighborhood Blockheads. One more margarita and I would have hit the floor.

Give My Regards to Broadway

With the current economy and the price of a Broadway show, I am surprised the lights have not gone dim. That’s because there are a select few who can still afford the $100+ a pop tickets for a night of live entertainment or there are the others who know about Broadway Box (http://www.broadwaybox.com/) before seeing Young Frankenstein. Broadway Box is a site that compiles all the current discount codes for all your Broadway needs. There are constantly offers for the biggest names on Broadway from Avenue Q to Hairspray. These offers are limited, so be quick to take up the opportunity to see a live production of the Lion King (Trust me the cartoon version is not quite the same). Savings can be up to 50% off the ticket price. Watching a Broadway show is magical experience that stays with a viewer for years. If you are in the New York area you should take advantage of these sites offers.

Do you live in London? Need a night off from gambling in Vegas? Broadway Box also has offers for shows on the West End and Vegas productions. Become mesmerized by the acrobatics at Cirque Du Soleil. How those performers bend will awe you for hours after the performance has ended. The Sound of Music on the London stage is supposed to be breath taking and the talent is unreal. Or go see Blood Brothers which has been showing on the West End for over 15 years. It is one of the best shows I have seen; sitting on the edge of my seat, tears filled my eyes as I was engrossed in this rich story. Take Broadway Box’s discounts to enrich your life with culture. Get off your butt and see live entertainment. The performers put their blood, sweat and tears into these performances for theater goers like you to be blown away. Walk down the street singing the lyrics to “Popular” with a great big smile knowing you had a great evening on the town.

Sales From Sea to Shining Sea

Events Across the Country

Atlanta Area

Neem Tree Spa (http://www.neemtreespa.com/): For the remainder of the month this spa is offering 25% off all massage, facial, and body treatments. Go ahead and treat yourself to much deserved R&R. 1198B Howell Mill Rd. 404-351-8446Blue Genes (http://shopbluegenes.com/): Bring your used denim to this boutique and receive $30 in Blue Genes Bucks to use on your next purchase of a new pair of jeans. The recycled jeans will be sold in the new Vintage Section of the outlet store at prices ranging from $25 to $100. Spend some time cleaning out your closet to make room for some new jeans. 3400 Around Lenox Dr. NE, 404-231-3400

Salon Next (http://www.salonnext.com/): Is offering 20% off all cuts and color. This is motivation enough to try out their classic bobs and angular cuts, which they are known for. And each treatment comes with invigorating complimentary scalp treatments, this is reason enough to make the soonest appointment. 857 Collier Rd. NW, No. 4, 404-609-7041

Boston Area

The Boston Design Center (http://bostondesigncenter.com/): Multiple Design Showrooms are hosting the annual Treasure Hunt this Saturday and Sunday (10/18-10/19). You can save up to 75% on everything from furniture, antiques, and accessories to fabric, rugs, and tile at more than 40 showrooms, including Baker, Webster & Co, Scalamandre, and Farrow & Ball. Everyone always needs a reason to see how they can spruce up their home. One Design Center Pl. 617-449-5501, Event: Sat., 10-5; Sun., 12-5


Luxe Newport (http://luxenewport.blogspot.com/): This Thursday (10/16) the in-store line Sharkaraa (www.sharkaraa.com)is offering 30% off their Gem Bar, where clients can create personalized healing gemstone jewelry. The sale includes all handbags and jewelry (except Gem Bar custom designs); there are also markdowns on select Rosamond clothing and home accessories. 22 Franklin St., Newport, RI, 401-619-3111, Opening party: Thurs., Oct. 16, 5-8Los Angeles Area

Subtle Tones (http://subtletones.com/index.php): This coming weekend (10/17-10/18) Subtle Tones is having a warehouse sale on their incredibly comfortable loungewear, pajamas, and cashmere sweaters. Prices will be reduced up to 75% off wholesale prices. Stay warm in these coming months with decedent cashmere. 660 Maple Ave., Torrance, 310-328-0408 x118

Shop Til You Drop Sale: This Sunday (10/19) save up to 60% on clothing, jewelry, and accessories from brands such as Kami Shade, Candice Held, and Jenny Jen. Admission is free with RSVP; call 818-358-9966. The Hilton Hotel, Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Dr. 818-358-9966, Event: Sun., 11-4

Elaine Kim (www.elainekim.com): Support this new up and coming designer with her first sample sale this Friday (10/17). Her line features leather trimmed tops and jersey dresses. Have her stuff before your friends find out about her when they read the January 2009 issue of Lucky (they are featuring her). 5971 Third St., 323-937-0355, Event: Fri., 5-9

Miami Area


The Spa at Sports Club/LA (www.mpsportsclub.com/clubs/miami/index.php): As part of Miami Spa Week, this spa within the Four Seasons is offering a Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow promotion. The popular 45-minute aromatherapy facial or massage for just $50 each (the facial normally starts at $138 and the massage is normally $152). This is a deal you cannot pass up for countless reasons. 1435 Brickell Ave., Miami, 305-533-1199

The Little Salon (http://www.thelittlesalon.com/): This Sarasota salon, located in the historic Rosemary district, is known for spot-on consultations, taking into consideration a client's hair texture, face shape, coloring, and lifestyle. Now through Saturday (10/18), save 20% on a color or clear gloss (regular price $25 to $35). This is a great way to extend your pricy highlights for an extra few weeks. 426 Central Ave., Sarasota, 941-955-4691
Van Michael Miami (http://www.vanmichael.com/): Located just off Lincoln Road, this beauty salon is offering 20% off all services if you mention “Lucky” when booking. Services include cuts, color, makeup, and waxing, from 10/15 all the way until 11/30. This is the perfect deal to get all your beauty needs done. Spread them out and keep returning to Van Michael’s. 1667 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach, 305-534-6789

New York City Area

Kipepeo (http://www.kipepeokipepeo.com/HomePage.htm): From Friday (10/17) until the end of the month, Kipepeo is offering 50 to 70 percent savings on its glamorous jewelry. In addition if you mention “luckymag.com” you can save 20% off full-price items. Now go pick up those great earrings for Saturday night’s big gala 250 Elizabeth St. 212-219-7555

Deeply Madly Living (http://www.deeplymadlyliving.com/): Their quirky, unique housewares are reduced 60 to 80 percent during the Wall Street Crash Sale, through the end of December. This is a great long sale to figure out exactly what you need for your home or apartment. 255 W. 36th St., Ste. 502, 212-564-1530
Flight001 (http://www.flight001.com/store/index.htm?partner=google_flight001): The innovative travel boutique is marking down its entire selection of bags—from designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Jack Spade—at 25 percent off, through Wednesday, October 15. Can’t make it into the store? The sale is happening online as well. 96 Greenwich Ave. Manhattan212-989-0001132 Smith St., Brooklyn718-243-000158 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn 718-789-1001

Sally Hershberger (http://www.sallyhershberger.com/): Every salon needs to train their stylists to be able to cut and color on a professional level. Stylists at the infamously expensive Sally Hershberger salon is offering cuts and color for $40 every Wednesday by hair-stylists in training. There is currently a waiting list, but call and put your name on the list. 425 W. 14th St., Second Fl., 212-206-8700
Chelsee Eyes: The store is reducing prices 40 to 60 percent off their designer frames until 10/27. Chelsee Eyes caries every brand from Lafont, to Prada reduced. 20 W. 20th St., Ste. 804, 212-242-4823

Philadelphia Area

Echochic (http://www.echochic.com/): This edgy fashion boutique is having a major sale: Buy one marked-down item and get the second half-off. Time to find the trends of the season you want to rock this winter. 1700 Sansom St., 215-569-9555

Portland Area

Sole (http://www.4mysole.com/): This accessories Mecca is offering 20% off shoes, handbags, and other accessories made and designed by local designers for the rest of the month. You know how I feel about supporting local artists, now please spread the word and accessories with a conscience. 1033 NW Couch St., 503-222-SOLE

Una (http://www.una-myheartisfull.com/): This small boutique boasting an stocking a mix of designer and vintage clothing and accessories recently received its new fall shipments from Mociun, Earnest Sewn, Decca and Harlan, Mercy, Rodebjer, Nami, and Tehen/Poles. They are offering 20% off select pieces from Bonubora, Clu, Coven, Chan Luu, and more. 2802 SE Ankeny St., 503-235-2326

San Francisco Area

Hydra (www.hydrasoap.com): Save up to 70% on handmade soaps, aromatic bath bombs, and relaxing salts. All products are handmade locally, sport adorable packaging, and make perfect gifts. After a long day of work you are going to thank yourself you indulged at hydra. 1710 Fourth St., Berkeley, 510-559-9796
Her Boutique (www.her-sf.com): The boutique is bringing back its annual denim sale with 20 percent savings on regular-price jeans from labels such as Joe's Jeans, Paige Premium Denim, and James Jeans, until the end of the month. Who really wants to pay full price on those jeans? 2053 Fillmore St. 415-923-9628


Seattle Area


Lucca Statuary (http://www.luccastatuary.com/): The annual fall sale is going on until 11/21. Garden items such as planters, birdbaths, benches, and statues are reduced 30%, and all fountains are marked down 20 to 50 percent. This sale will help you make it through the winter knowing that your garden will look beautiful next spring. Stockpile for warmer months at Lucca Statuary's annual fall sale, now through November 21. 3623 Leary Wy. NW, 206-789-8444


D.C. and Baltimore Area


Urban Chic: (http://www.urbanchiconline.com/): At the annual Pink is the New Black shopping benefit on Thursday, 10/16 enjoy a 20% discount on all merchandise, from Loeffler Randall, Catherine Malandrino, and Rory Beca. Ten percent of sales benefit the Komen Race for the Cure. This is a great way to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, while sporting a stylist new purse or a great blouse. Event: Thurs., 5-8Urban Chic Georgetown1626 Wisconsin Ave. NW202-338-5398Urban Chic Bethesda7126 Bethesda Ln., Bethesda301-657-0290
Green and Blue (http://www.greenandbluestyle.com/): Its 5 o’clock somewhere and that place is the south Dupont boutique. They are throwing a daylong wine and cheese party on Friday, October 17, with 20 percent off all clothes, including Cynthia Steffe and Shoshanna. Stop in for a snack and maybe the buzz will encourage you to walk out with a Shoshanna dress. 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-223-6644

There Is Never a Free Lunch….But you Can Try and Come Close

I do not know how it is around the rest of the country, but there is a great thing about NYC….Chinese and Asian restaurants on every corner. You could never leave your apartment and drown yourself in lo mein noodles. To make things even better at these restaurants are their lunch specials. In an effort to spur mid-day business many Asian restaurants, specifically Chinese and Thai, offer a lunch special that could feed a small army. Depending on the restaurant or neighborhood you can find a real deal. Read the fancier the area it may be more expensive, but no more than $10.

Today, I was in Williamsburg Brooklyn and had a lunch special at a Thai restaurant. I got a spring roll, a chicken dish and rice. My delicious meal was under $6. This was a modest portion compared to other places I have been to. At a Chinese restaurant near my office I got a spring roll, quart of soup, chicken in garlic sauce and fried rice. This meal was under $7. And it was delicious. I got 2 meals out of this lunch. This is a great way to stretch your dollar out.

Is this too much food for lunch? Wish they had a dinner special? They may not offer it for dinner but order the special later in the day and bring it home for dinner. Order what everyone in your house likes and do not feel like you have to compromise. When a single dish at dinnertime can cost $10, this is a great way to get a couple of meals. Find out if the Chinese restaurant in your town has this special. Maybe another cuisine has a great special. Or try and survive on Beef and Broccoli.

Shameless Promotion

I have recently updated my Etsy.com account. Please take a look at my 8x10 photographs to decorate your homes or give as gifts in the upcoming holiday season. Take a gander here at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5198819. All my photographs are original prints that are limited editions. They were taken on my travels around the world.

All my 8”x10” photographs retail for a mere $10; they all come with a free gift. They are a affordable price for an original piece of artwork. It is hard to find another price on the internet, let alone a gallery. The quality is impeccable on these prints. The colors are rich, and images are sharp.

They are perfect to decorate a hallway or any room you want to add a little artwork too. Do you have a friend who’s home looks like it needs an extra touch. This holiday surprise him or her with the perfect print for their place. Too big or too small? Do not worry; send me an etsy conversation and I will work with you on pricing and sizing. Now show the world you have impeccable artistic taste

Sample This

Sample sales were once reserved for the urbanites who could take a day off work to rummage through racks of clothes to find the one coveted item in their size. Thanks to the internet you no longer have to move into NYC or out to LA to be close enough to the great designer sample sales. There are 2 great websites that bring fabulous sample sales into your homes. Both sites Gilt Groupe and Haute Look have sample sales occurring at all times. Onsite are brands and designers you can find in luxury boutiques and high end department stores. The selection and quality are not to be beat. You now have the luxury to shop in the privacy of your own home for the one dress you have been dying for but cannot bare to spend $500 on. There is no sorting through racks and racks of tiny tops to find the one shirt that is your size. Everything is neatly organized on a grid to find exactly what you are looking for in your size. On both sites you can narrow down the clothes by size to see if they actually have those wide leg trousers in your size.
Currently Gilt Group is holding 5 sample sales from women’s clothes to accessories for your baby’s nursery. Choose from items by Costello Tagliapietra, Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent, DweelStudio, Diesel Men’s, and M Missoni. Haute Look has 3 sales currently running: Alex and Ani, Sass & Bide and Minnie Rose. Don’t like what is on the menu today? Both sites will tell you what sales are coming up in the next few days. Oh and I forgot to mention, prices are ridiculously reduced, well over 50%. That’s reason enough to shop. Go ahead, make your friends think you indulged at Bloomingdales.

Promos Galore

Spend $100 or more at J Crew (http://www.jcrew.com/) improving your fall wardrobe and receive free shipping. Enter the code ACORN at check out. PROMO ENDS TOMORROW, SO HURRY UP!

Keep your toes warm as it gets colder out. Free shipping on regular priced shoes at Nordstrom (http://www.nordstrom.com/). Enter the Code SHOES at check out.

Keep skin refreshed with your Avon (http://www.avon.com/) lady. Many skin care items are just $5. Its worth it to just try. Buy 3 or spend $15 and shipping is free. Enter FALL815 upon checkout.

There is 30% off selected styles on Steve Madden Shoes (http://www.stevemadden.com/)

Threadless (http://www.threadless.com/) is reducing prices on their female t-shirts to as low as $12. They sell limited edition, original artwork t-shirts. They are a great way for you to stand out and make a statement with your clothes. You can show your sense of humor, your artistic tastes or a cause you stand for.

FragranceNet (http://www.fragrancenet.com/) is offering $10 off a purchase of $60 or more. Enter code TSX86 by October 13 so you can smell good for days to come.

Herff Christiansen (http://www.herffchristiansen.com/view-all.php) is offering 35% off all items on their site. Enter the code 35OFF at check out. They sell great basics, such as light weight t-shirts and comfortable pants in four basic colors. Your only options are black, white, charcol and brown.

Make your home smell inviting and make the boys intoxicated by the sents from Malie Organics (http://www.malie.com/). Enjoy 25% off your entire order by entering CANDY upon check out.

Sales Make it Easier to Support Your Local Artists

Here are some promotions on Etsy.com.

Soap Deli (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=2871&order=&section_id=5028607&page=2user_id=2871&order=&section_id=5028607&page=2user_id=2871&order=&section_id=5028607&page=2) has marked down all her soaps by 30%. All ingredients are natural and smell like the real deal. Rebecca’s soaps are made with shea butter, rice bran, coconut, and olive oils that create a lather you can shave with.

Candy Argyle (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82029) is offering 15% off all her items in shop. There are a great variety of items from cosmetic cases to baby booties. Have a friend who is expecting? Surprise them with an adorable changing mat.

Wall Express (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6067620) is slashing prices by 20% on all original wall hangings. They are a great way for you to add a finishing touch to a room that needs a little something more. All hand painted canvas works are signed by the artist.

Who is excited for Halloween? I sure am and I want to wish everyone a happy day of spooks and treats. The Frantic Meerkat (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5166491&section_id=5565523) is selling Halloween cards for $2.50. That is cheaper than some cards in your local Halmark store. Spread the holiday cheer with a card people are not expecting to receive.

Scatter Box (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5278865&section_id=5517430user_id=5278865&section_id=5517430) is choosing to take the shop in a new artistic direction which the shopper benefits from tremendously. The remaining city map and scrabble pendants are reduced from $18 to $10. These make a great holiday present. Swipe them up before it is too late.

This economy is forcing us to save, check out these sales

New York City
Samples for Ecompassion is a socially conscious sample sale with huge discounts up to 80 percent on Edun, Theory, DVF, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Vince. The sale benefits Somaly Mam, a nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking and a tree will be planted with each sale. This sale begins October. 5. with an Opening party (with Somaly Mam book signing and photo exhibit), 6-9 p.m. It is located at 2 Great Jones St., b/t Broadway & Lafayette St.

Built by Wendy Sample Sale is hipstery picks like a boiled wool swing coat for $140 (reg. $326), sparkle minidress for $80 (reg. $209), and men’s flannel pullover for $35 (reg. $135). The sale begins this Friday. Hours are Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m and it is located at 46 N. 6th St., b/t Wythe & Kent Aves. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-384-2882)

Mischen Sample Sale is trying to move its fall and spring merchandise, custom prints, silks, and more at up to 85 percent off. The sale runs Thurs.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. located at 255 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 1106 (212-827-0854).

Atlanta

Boogaloos Boutique (http://www.boogaloosboutique.com/) is celebrating seven years with cocktails, food, and up to 30 percent off your entire purchase. Stop by this Friday from Fri., 6-11 p.m. at 246 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur (404-373-3237).

Philadelphia

For Yourself: Sugarcube (http://sugarcube.us/) is hosting a sidewalk sale/concert with Bare Knuckle, with 25 percent off Rogues Gallery, and 30 off Kyumi. The event starts Fri., 6-10 p.m at 124 N. Third St. (215-238-0825).

Dallas

Lily Dermaceuticals (http://www.lilyskinsolutions.com/index.asp?PageAction=CONTACTUS), the skin care company is donating 20 percent of product sales to breast cancer research. Come in Thursday Oct. 31. at the Lily Day Spa & Salon, 14902 Preston Rd., ste. 506 (972-503-9912).

San Fransico
Rebecca Beeson (http://www.rebeccabeeson.com/ ) Sample Sale is selling their basics for up to 60 percent off this Saturday at 1345 Howard St., b/t 9th & 10th Sts. (415-865-0471).

Online
Bare Necessities Sale (www.barenecessities.com) is discounting most of their merchansies up to 20 percent or more.

S.Sung Sample Sale (http://www.ravinstyle.com/shop/products.asp?d=309&sale=1). Interesting jewlrey and printed frocks.

Come Sail(Fly) Away

Has the fall chill made it to your bones yet? Does this economic situation make you want to escape reality? No longer have the cash to run from your problems? This is where Vacations To Go and Resort Vacations To Go come in handy. This makes cruising and vacationing so easy, hassle free, and in expensive. The sister sites list deals and steals on vacations on luxury cruise liners and decedent resorts. Both sites have a feature called the 90-Day Ticker listing last minute deals for the up-coming three months. So if you are dying to get away ASAP but don’t want to spend a small fortune you can book a last minute trip. For example one can take a Caribbean Cruise on the Norwegian Gem for only $699 for a whole week (http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=27154). Not into cruising, why not a week at Breezes in the Bahamas for $628 (http://www.resortvacationstogo.com/resort_fd_popup.html?fd=10156). These are deals you cannot pass up. Airfare is not included, but Vacations To Go will help you get to your destination for the most inexpensive rate they can find. As the days get closer to the trip the resorts and cruises will lower their prices to entice you to get some R&R. Can’t just get up and leave with only 3 months notice? They have deals for those of us who like to plan in advance.

Destination options reach all corners of the globe. If you cannot find a place to visit, I suggest booking the next civilian trip to outer space. The site lists all appropriate details about the ship or resort. There are pictures for you to view and amenities to drool over. Reviews explain if it is worth your money to take time off or if you should find another option.

Once you have found the perfect vacation to unwind, you call up the toll free number to speak with an agent. You simply give them the deal number and they walk you through the process. It is an easy, seamless process that makes booking travel fun, not a pain. Go thaw your bones and show off your tan. Make your friends jealous!