Archive for the ‘onSavings’ Category

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Not So Starving Artists

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Image courtesy of http://www.777images.net

School is starting again and as if that was enough excitement to look forward to there comes the additional surprise of the fees for school supplies. Though it is not in my curriculum I enjoy drawing and divulging in the pleasure of creating little creatures and girls in my sketchbooks with the occasional addition of color. Living with two art students as well as having art as a personal interest, I understand that the majority of the non-existent art student budget goes to art supplies. It is exspensive. I remember when I would anxiously wait for Prismacolor markers to go on sale and then cry tears of joy when I could buy five of them and not dish out more than ten bucks. A lot of people do not understand just how much art supplies take from a student’s wallet. I remember when my sister was in art school and would complain about how her teacher required her to buy expensive paper for her printmaking class and would accept nothing else. My mother would look at her bank account and ask me why she spent so much money on partying and friends and I would say,” No mom. That money went to art supplies.”

It is a sad but funny truth at the same time. For all art students understand this routine. Even with having art as a personal hobby, and I am not even one to go for the highest quality brands, a strathmore sketchbook I bought was twenty dollars. Does not seem a lot? Imagine being an art student when you need a new sketchbook per semester. That money adds up and that is not even going into specific types of sketchbook paper and sizes.

People always joke how art students are poor. Well here is the reason why. It is the same reason why my sisters and I always tried to find ways to save on art supplies. We would share prismacolor pencils and markers. We would find a use for everything, even finished up sketch pads and tiny scraps of paper. The backs of old sketchpads could be used for backing when watercoloring other pieces. Tiny bits of cloth used in one project could be added to another for embellishment. If something broke or lost its backing: duct tape it until it is fixed again. The money put into these supplies cannot be put to waste.

Always find ways to save money and make the most of what you did use your money on. Every little bit helps. CampusClipper is also here to help with coupons for art supplies stores even when the school starting sales are over. One of my favorite stores to go to for art supplies is Utrecht Art Supplies, mostly for its location since it is so close 14th street, a place I love to hang out and shop. Below is a coupon that helps lessen the art supplies blow to your wallet. Good luck for the new school semester and I wish you the best in following your dreams.

Sophia, Rochester Institute of Technology

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Posted in onSavings, onValues | 1 Comment »

Eating on a Budget

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

There are thousands of delicious restaurants all across New York City. If I had it my way, I would eat at a different restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, so that I could taste all of the rich, diverse cuisine in the city. Unfortunately, not everywhere offers NYC student discounts.

But, I’m on a college student budget. I have college loans. Money is tight, so a lot of times, I have to eat at home.

However, eating at home isn’t a bad thing, in fact I like preparing my food and getting creative in the kitchen. I usually feel healthier eating in too, because I’m aware of the sodium and calories in everything I eat, and I can be more selective with my meals. Everyone has their “go-to” food at home– their “home base” or “comfort food.” My go-to item is the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

 

It’s got everything you need– protein, fruit (sweet jelly), carbohydrates. Plus, if you toast the bread you get a little crunch in your bite.

The Campus Clipper has the perfect NYC student discount for a delicious PB&J sandwich from Whole Foods Market. So, if you want to eat healthy, cheap, and feel comforted, then go get some bread, peanut butter, and fruit spread! I think I’ll have one for lunch.

 

Paul, Auburn University 2012

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Posted in Cheap Eats, Eating Healthy, onSavings, onValues | No Comments »

Super Shuttle is Super!

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

We’re all in a rush for the semester to be over. With the holidays around the corner, there’s nothing more exciting than the upcoming holiday spirits, with all the gifts and quality family time. Will Dad get you that Hermes scarf you’ve been nagging him about for the past year? What new delicious dishes will Grandma cook this year? Nonetheless, there are always things that are not so joyful about the holidays. How did you end up spending so much money on gifts when you were given the promise of sales by retailers? And how could we forget that annoying relative who fathoms at the fact that you couldn’t get into Harvard? Or Mom crying as to why  you’re still not in a relationship. But no matter the family dispute or the cheesy Holiday flicks, there is nothing more annoying than the chaotic airports. The frenzied traffic and airport security make you feel like you’re in Mission Impossible.

I remember the time that I was in such a rush to get to the airport in time that I forgot my passport at home, out of all the things one would forget (Murphy’s Law). I had no time to call a shuttle service and in desperation resorted to taking an unknown bus to JFK.  I made it to the airport in time, but my luggage didn’t. Turns out that the bus had accidentally replaced my bag in the bus going to LaGuardia. I missed my flight and had to beg JetBlue to place me on their next day’s flight. Following this experience, I now always anticipate ahead of time and call in Super Shuttle, the only reliable and affordable method of going to the airport. SuperShuttle will accommodate to your needs, and they even pick you up at home, and always ahead of time.

Campus Clipper is offering a 10% discount on SuperShuttle rides.  Campus Clipper knows students always travel and being so busy with the pressure of exams and grades, we can be forgetful. For this reason, call in SuperShuttle this holiday season.

 

 

Stephanie Kali, Marymount Manhattan College

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Posted in Businesses We Love, onSavings, onTravel | No Comments »

Woes of Transit

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

I’m sure that all of you are familiar with the New York City Transit, aka, the subway, the bus, etc.  Even if you only lived in the city for a few weeks, you know what it is.  It’s one of the most extensive public transportation networks in the world, connecting from the Bronx to Brooklyn, from Queens to Greenwich Village.  It’s one of the most reliable ways to get where you want to go without having to actually drive.

But there’s a dark side to this convenience.  It’s called………..PLANNED WORK!!!!

Like it or not, maintaining an extensive train service underneath a giant city is really difficult.  Several of the subway lines, even ones that were added only a few weeks ago, require maintenance to ensure the trains don’t derail and crash.  This is a good thing, as it means that our taxes are going towards a well-maintained transport.  Still, it can ruin your commute if you suddenly realize your regular route has to change.

The planned Fulton Street Subway Station (AKA, the reason you can't go between Brooklyn and Manhattan on the weekends!)

Personally, I often have to go from my residence in Brooklyn to various areas in Manhattan.  This means I need to take the 2 and 3 trains from Clark St to wherever.  Occasionally I have to stop at Fulton St and transfer to another line.

Well, as luck would have it, they are currently building a huge transit hub at Fulton St!  The main goal of this is to connect more of New York, but until this is done, (which it won’t be for about a year), weekend trips between Brooklyn and Manhattan are a whole lot harder.

They usually limit most of their work to the weekends, since most people don’t work then.  For the last few weekends, 2, 3, A, and C service between the boroughs has been canceled.  This means I have to walk to Borough Hall (about 5 blocks from where I live) to leave Brooklyn!

Fortunately, the Metro Transit Authority is not so cruel as to not give us notice.  They usually post signs outside the stations notifying commuters of planned work.  They also usually post it on their website, so it’s a good idea to look there beforehand. In any case, you should find a subway map and look at all possible routes to make sure you know where you can go for alternative routes, and where you can transfer between stations.

Now, even with no planned work, there’s still the chance that you’ll be delayed.  A lot of trains share tracks, and often they have to slow down or even stop just so they have enough space between them and the other trains.  So my advice is to leave as early as possible, just so you have enough time in case of delays.

You could always take the bus. Still, going through Manhattan might be a little tough right now because of a few events.

Yeah, you should probably stick to the subway.

There’s no getting around it; you WILL encounter some planned work.  Sometimes it means you’ll be late for work, or school, or some other important event.  This is why it’s so important to plan ahead if you’re going through the city.  After all, the transit system can only do so much!

Sergio Lopez, Polytechnic Institute of NYU, Graduate Student ’12

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Posted in onSavings, Out On The Town, Outside Manhattan, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

So You Think You Can (Learn To) Dance?

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Ok, sorry about the cheesy title but I just couldn’t resist. I wanted to highlight the fabulous deal Piel Canela Dance Studio has for Campus Clipper followers – it’s really too good to pass up if you’re interested in learning any of the Latin dances. They’re offering an Unlimited Dance Card for 30 days for only $300! What makes this deal great is that the regular price is literally 5 times the sale price. That’s right: regular price is $150 for an Unlimited Dance Card. So if you think you can learn to dance then you shouldn’t pass this up!
What makes Piel Canela a great place to learn or polish your moves is the diversity they offer. Not only can you learn beginner or advanced levels of Salsa, Bachata or Cha Cha, (just to name a few of their offerings), but you can also take Spanish language classes, audition for their dance company, attend social dances or even take music lessons. They truly offer a full immersion into the Latin Culture. The inspiring music is sure to have you moving, and you may find it hard to resist signing up for other events Piel Canela participates in: vacation plans to exotic places like the Dominican Republic or Machu Picchu, Salsa Cruises or expos during the half time of Knicks Games. This wonderful deal is too good to pass on if you have ever considered tripping the light fantastic!

 

 

Kristen, Salem College ’11

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Posted in Appreciation, onEntertainment, onFun, onHealth, onMusic, onSavings, onValues, Out On The Town | No Comments »

Grotta Azzurra: A Taste of Capri in Little Italy

Monday, August 8th, 2011

The beautiful interior of Grotta Azzurra is just as wonderful as their menu.

Being that my last name ends in a vowel it’s pretty much a given Italian cuisine is something I enjoy immensely. I find that when you eat food representative of your background or even if it’s the primary cuisine you eat at home, you are also critical of said cuisine. I’m always looking for an Italian restaurant that isn’t substandard and successfully fits the criteria I look for. In other words, when I eat Italian food out I want it be just as good as what I happily devour at home. Luckily I found such a place.

Grotta Azzurra resides in Little Italy, a neighborhood with a rich history that attracts both tourists and native New Yorkers because of the many great restaurants crowded on Mulberry Street. Grotta Azzurra has a rich history worth mentioning too.  Grotta Azurra opened its doors in 1908 and was a known favorite of the late great Frank Sinatra.  His music can be heard as well as other famous crooners like Dean Martin throughout the establishment. The restaurant was recently renovated and is simply beautiful. The interior is elegant due to circle pictures of famous Renaissance sculptures decorating the walls. This is all complemented by the colorful marble accented throughout, as well as the checkered floors and intricate tile designs parading around the room. The atmosphere removes you from the stress of the city and allows you to metaphorically wade in the waters of Capri— even if only for a moment.

Grotta Azzurra has more than just a relaxing ambiance, but the establishment is also student savings friendly. The restaurant offers a fabulous and well-worth it lunch special from 11am-4pm during the weekdays, were for only $9.95 you can enjoy a delightful pasta dish and entrée. During my visit to Grotta Azzurra I enjoyed for my pasta dish  rigatoni alla vodka and the sauce was just the perfect blend of tomato, vodka, and cream. I knew even before eating it that it’d be mouth watering good because of the just right pink coloring of the sauce. My sister opted for the penne sorrentina dish, which consisted of a tomato sauce along with mozzarella, basil, and eggplant. She mused that the dish was delicious and even more satisfying because of the tasty eggplant. When finished with our pasta dishes our entrees were served. My sister and I are both fans of chicken parmigiana, so the ultimate test for sure would be to eat just that for the entrée. We both agreed that the chicken was cooked perfectly: it cut easily and was also very light. In addition, potatoes and steamed broccoli were served with the entrée and both were equally satisfying. The added perk to this great meal clearly was the impressive price.

After this enjoyable meal experince at Grotta Azzurra, I will be sure to visit again to try other pasta and entrée combinations offered as part of the lunch special.

Anjelica LaFurno (Baruch College)

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Image credit: bluegrotta.com

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Posted in onFood, onSavings, Restaurant Reviews | No Comments »

Until The Very End

Monday, July 18th, 2011

The beginning of a great legacy.

I can still remember my first experience with Harry Potter. The year was 2001 and I was seeing a movie whose title and content I have no memory of with my younger sisters and Dad at a local movie theater. But what I do remember seeing was the trailer for the upcoming release of the first Harry Potter film: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The glow of November on the screen till this very day is still present in my mind. I was captivated and that following November I saw the film and so began my love for both Harry Potter books and films. I often find that I associate Harry Potter with my childhood, and I certainly believe it is representative of my generation. People my age all over the world essentially grew up with Harry Potter and this is why the release of the second and last installment of the final film this past week is considered widely a bittersweet moment.

Without a doubt, I felt it was absolutely necessary to view a midnight showing of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 this past Thursday for its U.S. premiere at the same theater I saw the first. I brought along my younger sister who was equally excited and completely aware of the likely possibility I would embarrass her by tearing up, which I did. My local theater was overrun by avid Harry Potter fans some dressed in Gryffindor uniforms and many foreheads were marked by a lightning bolt scar.  Luckily my sister and I were spotted by a group of High School friends and acquaintances that allowed us to join them on line and then began the nostalgia. The overall consensus amongst the group was the feeling that their childhood was coming to an end. In simple words: the idea of not being a kid anymore makes me sad. However, I’m happy that my transition to imminent adulthood has become jarringly clear because of a franchise that I’ll always love.

I had no qualms whatsoever with the film. It truly is an achingly beautiful adaptation of the final moments configured by JK Rowling.  Also, the epilogue perfectly captured the bittersweet feeling shared by fans worldwide. It was just a perfect balance of melancholy and sheer optimism. Proof of this is the combined mix of smiles and tears I experienced when watching the films end. And for the sake of my own street cred, let it be known the theater was chock full of young adults, both male and female, tearing up because of the films content and its projection, but also because of it’s beautiful parallel to the life of a growing individual. It really is the end of an era, a great one at that. But at the same time, the Harry Potter franchise is certainly forever because its legacy is so great. I’m sure many fans my age anticipate a future where they could share the magical world of Harry Potter with their own children. Similar to the way many of us have shared the bewitching experience with our parents.

My mom mentioned looking forward to owning all of the films on DVD because it’d be both incredibly nostalgic and fun to watch all of them in a row. I personally cannot wait for such a time too! Luckily this can be the case too for students who are conscious of student discounts.  I suggest checking out DVD Funhouse, they have a discount were you can purchase five DVDs for only ten dollars! This means you can invest in buying five of the films for a Harry Potter movie night.

Harry Potter will always serve as a reminder of the curious kid that still exists within me. In many ways the Harry potter experience has preserved my nine-year-old self in both memory and continued spirit. I know I’ll always be in awe of the magical world I watched on screen and read about. I’m sure until the very end.

Anjelica LaFurno (Baruch College)

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Image credit: onlinemovieshut.com

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Posted in Family, Movies, onEntertainment, onSavings, onValues | 2 Comments »

Bookworm Agenda

Monday, July 11th, 2011

Check out Alabaster Bookshop for cheap books and browsing fun.

I’ve always been a bookworm. As a kid, I’d stay up way past by bedtime devouring a book page by page. My favorite part of the school day in my Elementary years was story time and any independent reading assignments were seen as a sort of academic blessing. Because I’m an avid reader it’s not much of a surprise that I truly enjoy browsing and buying books from bookstores, or even just raiding the shelves of my local library. I feel that choosing a book for yourself is very much a part of the fun and experience of reading, also I find books are one of the nicest gifts to give or receive. Another thing, I really love the feel of the pages against my fingers when flipping a page and even the smell of pages, yet in today’s world more and more I notice that Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook are replacing the tangible beauty of the book. Friends and family question me as to why I don’t invest in an electronic reader when I love to read as much as I do and here’s why: I love books just as much as I do reading them.

I feel that books and reading are essentially one and electronic readers cheapen the experience of reading. I enjoy judging a book by its cover, reading the blurb, and searching for a book in the aisles of a bookstore, or on the streets of Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I like penning my name behind the front cover of a book after having finished reading one. I’m completely aware of the perks of having an electronic reader and I also like the idea that it’s an eco friendly device, but the core of my opinion is that as electronic readers gain popularity my childhood obsession is becoming a thing of the past! And I don’t like it one bit.

The only thing I can do is continuing to buy books used and new from bookstores as a way of pledging my allegiance to books in print form. I don’t even like buying books online because it’s just not as fun. A few bookstores I’m particularly fond of are: Alabaster Bookshop, McNally Jackson Books, Strand Bookstore, Cobble Hill Community Bookstore, and Bookcourt. Alabaster Bookshop is located on 4th Ave. between 12th and 13th Street just around the block from the famous Strand Bookstore. Alabaster is the place to go when in need of a used book at a cheap price. Not only that but the small store has an extensive selection of fiction as well as books sold for  a mere 2 dollars on the outside.  Alabaster is old school and sans database so searching for a book here is more of an adventure, and you’re more likely to unexpectedly find a book of interest. Strand is 18 miles worth of books and is well known for their staff picks as well as their Strand 80, which is a pick of 80 of the most popular books amongst Strand customers. Cool fact: Patty Smith worked at Strand during her early years and beginnings in New York. It’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll find just what you’re looking for because Strand is colossal and filled to the brim with books. It’s basically a nerdy paradise.

McNally Jackson Books interestingly categorizes their books by nation and they also have a great in-house café too. If you’re looking for that Dostoevsky head to McNally Jackson’s Russian literature section or if you feel like dissecting some short stories by Flannery O’Connor browse their American literature section with a cup of Joe. Cobble Hill Community Bookstore is probably my favorite of all because it’s everything that a bookstore should be. It’s a neighborhood staple and also wonderfully unorganized; you can find such treasures in mountains of books piled on top of one another. It is very charming and the prices are great too. Just a block or two from the Cobble Hill Community Bookstore is Bookcourt, which is quite the opposite of its neighbor. It’s two floors of hyper-organized, well-cultivated book sections. They also have in-house events and shoot out weekly emails with announcement and specials, which is incredibly convenient.

Because I’m a starving college student, student discounts are always of the utmost importance to me when splurging on items outside of necessities. Luckily  Namaste Bookshop provides student savings and I’ll be sure to check out this bookshop specializing in Eastern philosophy and health books. You can also buy yoga related items as well as oils/incense at this relaxing spot. If you’re a fan of books then show your support and buy a book or two from one or more of the bookstores mentioned!

Anjelica LaFurno (Baruch College)

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Image credit: testofwill.blogspot.com

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Posted in onSavings, Outside Manhattan, Uniqueness in NYC | 2 Comments »

The Optical Dilemma

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Every time I get ready to leave my apartment, I find myself engaged in different methods of preparation. Sometimes I shower, ensuring that every last inch of skin glows while emanating a floral scent. Other times, I know the dive bar I’m heading to will be as filthy as my kitchen sink piled high with neglected dishes, so I settle on just brushing my teeth. I also consult the weather when choosing each piece of attire as I ponder whether pants or shorts are the best option. And of course I play with my hair, asking myself: “Straightened, or slightly wavy? Up or down? Ponytail? Bun? Bandana?”

The amount of questions I silently pose to myself are varied and depend on a myriad of constantly changing factors like my mood, the temperature, the destination, and how late I’m running. Even when I think I have a recipe for dressing myself, an equation which cannot fail, some new rule or situation destroys my previously conceived solution, and so I start from scratch as I create my outfit for the day. However, despite this seemingly random collection of questions with no discernible pattern, there is one constant in my pre-departure rituals. Prior to applying my makeup, but after selecting my clothing I literally squint at myself in the mirror and address my low-to-mid grade myopia with the following question: “Glasses or contact lenses?”

This binary question’s answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think. While in the past I reserved my contacts exclusively for those “special” occasions like a date or a concert where I knew elbows would be flying, and plastic frames would be a hazard, there are a number of other factors that now come into play. Do I want to pull off a pseudo-hipster look with oversized frames? Maybe I will look more fashionable for my job interview if I wear contacts and amazing eye-makeup? My parents will see the dark circles under my eyes no matter how much cover-up I wear… better put on my glasses for dinner.

The Glasses v. Contacts case is ongoing and won’t reach a conclusion, unless I opt for Lasik surgery. Since that’s not something I foresee happening in the near future, I oscillate between the two forms of corrective lenses, trying not to show favoritism as optical variety is an easy way end fashion monotony. But it’s hard to feel like a smart shopper when you have to worry about buying contact lenses. However, student discounts are available for those of us who need to address our eyesight issues while still having fashion flexibility as there are plenty of opticians in New York who understand the plight of the stylish, yet visually impaired student.

One place that falls into this category is Optyx. This optometry shop has multiple locations in the city and is offering students their 1-day contact lenses at prices as low as 77 cents per pair. And while 1-day contact lenses may seem like an unnecessary luxury when there are some brands that can last up to a month, the reality of contact lenses is that for those with sensitive eyes like myself, the 1-day pairs tend to be less harsh due to their being placed in a milder cleansing solution prior to wear. Additionally there is less chance of getting an eye infection when using 1-day pairs. And a trip to the doctor for an ocular issue is much more unfortunate and expensive than buying affordable 1-day-wear contact lenses.

This summer I have embraced the freedom of choice. As much as my friends and I may complain about how long it can take to get ready sometimes, I think the general consensus among all of us is too much choice is better than no choice at all. Thanks to student savings from places like Optyx, I no longer have to worry about when I’ll be able to afford my next batch of contact lenses.

-Alex Agahigian, NYU-

I have lots of other things to say

Photo Credit: livestrong.com

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Posted in onSavings, onStyle | 2 Comments »

So why lo-fi?

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

lo-fi band Best Coast of California

In today’s music world it can seem like every popular song is terribly artificial, overly processed, and unforgivably marred by auto-tune. Is there no room for humanity in a business that’s dominated by pitch-perfecting, high-tech, expensive machines? Is there any form of originality in pop music? Song after song is practically the same. Live shows are nothing but overdone moments of hyperstimulation. In many ways, it appears that artistic merit is a thing of the past in today’s pop. But hi-fi doesn’t dominate every realm of music—except many people wouldn’t know that, since they’re completely unaware. And it’s not necessarily their fault; after all, such bands and artists receive very little attention from television and radio stations.

In the world of indie and underground music, bands have experimented with lo-fi for decades, and the fuzzy sound has become very popular lately. Lo-fi, for those of you that don’t know, is a recording style that is not intended to sound particularly crisp. In other words, lo-fi music is meant to sound homemade and inexpensive. Don’t get me wrong, it probably sounds a lot better than a karaoke night at Karaoke Boho fueled by student discounts! But there’s no gaudy flash to lo-fi, which is not the case on the billboard charts or on your friend’s Lady Gaga-heavy iPod. Lo-fi has transitioned from being a simple recording technique to becoming a genre in it’s own right. My suggestion is, if you’re bored with the monotony of popular music, then try listening to some lo-fi indie acts.

Four bands I’d recommend checking out are: Smith Westerns, Wavves, Yuck, and Best Coast. Smith Westerns are a young trio from Chicago whose glam-tinged 2011 album Dye it Blonde has garnered a lot of attention from music journals like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. I’ve seen this band live and I was very impressed by the skill and musical maturity of a band composed of guys my age, yet it was of course wonderfully youthful too. Wavves and Best Coast are probably the biggest lo-fi acts out of California right now (and the two groups’ lead singers are dating!). Best Coast’s debut album Crazy For You cracked the top 40, which is a huge achievement in today’s indie scene, and demonstrates the increasing popularity of lo-fi. I also think it’s pretty cool that this success was realized by a female-fronted band. Yuck’s self-titled album is, in my opinion, by far the best album of 2011, chock full of shoegaze wonder.  Yuck is comprised of musicians from New Jersey, London, and Tokyo, which has an interesting influence on their sound. Many of these bands and other lo-fi acts take their queues from the original kings of lo-fi, the cult 90s band Pavement.

The fours bands I’ve mentioned have been touring extensively, promoting recent albums (I’ve been lucky enough to see all four), so there’s a chance you could still catch them yourself! If you’d like to experience some nostalgia then I highly recommend seeing Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks on Monday, September 26 at Terminal 5. Stephen Malkmus is the lead singer of Pavement, which just finished up a successful reunion tour, and he’s now touring with the Jicks. If you’re bored with what’s playing on z100 you should try listening to these bands and exploring websites like Pitchfork and the music blog Fucking Nostalgic to discover even more. And don’t forget indie darkroom, the only true indie radio station, which is on 87.7 FM!

Anjelica LaFurno (Baruch College)

Visit my tumblr here

Image credit: Pitchfork.com

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Posted in Appreciation, onMusic, onSavings, Upcoming Concerts | 1 Comment »

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