Oct 20, 2008 11:23 am US/Eastern
Free Girls Night Out In NYC
How I Hung Out With Pals On A Thursday Night For Little Or No Dough
By TARA LIPINSKY, WCBSTV.COM
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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WCBSTV.Com Senior Producer Tara Lipinsky
CBS
Free girls night out.
Remember when I told you a few months ago my girlfriend Carolyn turned me on to Sheckys.com, the Web site all about fashion, beauty, trends and nightlife? Of course, most of you savvy New Yorkers already knew about the site and their fabulous event "Girls Night Out." But, last night I had to experience it for myself. And I thought since Shecky's so kindly gave me the tickets gratis, and my 401-K is worth virtually nothing, I would make it my goal to have a night out with my girlfriends "free."
Carolyn and I arrived at the Puck Building nice and early, and there were still dozens of women already lined up. We got right in and thought what a better way to kick off our free night, than by cashing in on our goodie bag. With all the full size products on the house, it was like getting paid to attend the event. Chocolate bars, sunscreen, body wash and toothpaste were just some of the items I now had to lug around. (GNO tip: pick up the bag at the end of the night – I promise they won't run out!)
Next stop: hand massages. Luckily we were also thirsty, because Finlandia sponsored those. It was also a great time to take a load off, look through our bags, and trade products with one another. That's when I saw it: a delicious hand-knit shruggie in a creamy red, on sale for only $25!
But I walked away, after all, the night was supposed to be FREE. So, I consoled myself with a manicure which was conveniently sponsored by Chambord. So you can sip one of several cocktails while getting your nails painted. (By the way, even though the drinks were served in small cups, beware! The alcohol packs a punch. There's no skimping there.)
Next, we grabbed some free samples, and signed up for several different raffles. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I get a phone call.
We then meandered through vendor after vendor, trying on jewelry and oohing and aahing over some amazing bags at super cheap prices. And there it was again, the red shruggie. I decided to just 'try it on.' We all know how that goes. I was a goner, but up one amazing piece of clothing at a bargain basement price. It was time to leave before I went crazy.*
So, what to do now? We had to keep it free. Recently, in light of our sinking economy, Shecky's worked up a piece about drinking free in Manhattan. Is that really possible? One of their suggestions: Art galleries. Carolyn, the one who was smart enough to turn me on to Shecky's to begin with, says she does it all the time. I wanted to try it for myself.
So off to Hudson Street we went for a photographer's opening. Guess what? It works. The photography wasn't exactly what I expected, but the crowd was pleasant and the wine was delicious! They offered three different whites, and three different reds plus, Pernod cocktails. Unbelievable! Soon enough, it was time to call it a night. We went our separate ways, my pals went to dinner and I hit Penn Station. I did spend more money, I had to eat. My dinner? A $4 veggie slice for the train ride home.
**Okay, I have to be honest, I did buy more stuff. Ah, but before you berate me, I didn't buy anything else for myself, I did practically finish my Christmas shopping. That sooo doesn't count. And how could I resist all the inexpensive jewelry, purses and wallets, many of them one-of-a-kind? Clearly I couldn't.
For more information about the products featured scroll down to the related links section on the right hand side of this page.
Have an Idea? Know What's Going on? E-mail Tara what you think!
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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