Guide To: Going Out On A Budget

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I’ll be the first to admit it – I’m not one to ever have a lot in my wallet. But with taste for good vodka and the need to be a social butterfly, I still manage to out and enjoy myself. And although I have mornings where I wake up and groan when I look at my bank account, it’s happened a lot less since I started being smart about going out. Here are a few tips to get me through the night:

1. Pregame

I know, terrible word to say when you have a college degree. However, for those who prefer a warm-up before they go out, it’s the easiest solution. To avoid feeling like an underage drinker, think of it as a cocktail party. Use nice glasses, make fancy drinks, and most of all, don’t use cheap liquor.

2. Set a budget before you go out

Keep in number in mind of how much you can spend. For some it works better if they have this amount in cash, some keep a running total in their head when using their card. Either way, determine how much you can spend and try your best to stick to it.

3. Factor in the odds

Do you always end up buying a round with friends? Feel a little better when you take a cab home? Always prefer at least one top shelf martini? Don’t forget to factor in the little things before you determine how much you spend.

4. Always remember to tip!

No matter how broke you are, remember a tip is just as important as paying for your drink! Plan on always giving a 20% tip on every bill. If you can’t afford that – you can’t afford to go out.

5. Look around for deals

Chicago bars always have drink deals going on. Dollar beers here, wristband deals there…there’s always something. Look online and ask around to see if there’s a good deal at a favorite bar.

6. Mix the good with the bad

I like a dive bar just as much as I like going a nice bar. Sometimes you meet an array of people at both places and it leads to a good night. If you bar hop a lot, opt to go to a dive bar in between nicer bars. You never know what you will come across and your bar tab will be a little cheaper.

7. Think before you drink

Do you always have to have that $14 scotch? Do you really need that last drink? Know when it’s time to take a step down from your drinking pedestal. Whether it means going for a well compared to top shelf or just cutting yourself off completely, realize that sometimes it’s just not worth it.

Some of these might be tips or tricks you use every day, some might be brand new to you, but in order to go out without feeling guilty, they are all ideas you should keep in mind before you take the city out for a spin.

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Lindsay Grundy– Fashion Contributor,  Poor Girl’s Guide Chicago
Connect with Lindsay @lindsaygrundy or on her website, lindsaygrundy.com.

Oktoberfest Beer Garden Celebration at Frontier 10.19

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Sausages

Frontier

Sunday, October 19 beginning at 12 p.m.

Guests can enjoy Oktoberfest specials all day at Frontier on Sunday, October 19. In addition to complimentary sausage samples, Executive Chef Brian Jupiter will prepare $8 sausages including Venison Knackwurst, Wild Boar Jagerwurst, Alpaca Sausage and more on the grill. Frontier will feature $6 half liter Oktoberfest steins, a ceremonial Weihenstephaner keg tapping, and music from The Deutschmeisters at 3:30 p.m.

FRONTIER
1072 North Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60642
773.772.4322
www.thefrontierchicago.com

Lottie’s WI Vs. Northwestern Bus Shuttle 10.4

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Lottie’s Pub in Bucktown will host a bus trip to Ryan Field on Saturday, October 4 for the Wisconsin vs. Northwestern game. Tickets are $70 per person will include a 100 level ticket, coach bus to and from the game, and refreshments on the bus. Guests will enjoy specials at Lottie’s before and after the game including brunch starting at 11 a.m., $9 cheese pizzas and a $3.50 beer of the month.

 

WHEN:      Saturday, October 4

Bus leave at 1 p.m.

Kick-off at 2:30 p.m.

 

COST:       $70 per person includes:

  • 100 level ticket
  • coach bus to and from the game
  • refreshments on the bus

RESERVE: Limited availability.

Purchase tickets at: www.lottiespub.com

 

LOTTIE’S PUB 
1925 W Cortland
Chicago, IL 60622
773.489.0738
www.lottiespub.com

 

A Love, Hate, Love Relationship Tale Featuring Forever 21

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Fall 2014 Forever 21

Fall 2014 Forever 21

Alright, I’m not the most excited to admit this, but I shop at Forever 21. A lot. However, most people don’t realize it. A store like this isn’t my first pick to walk into, however when a gal is on a budget and has a shopping addiction, choices must be made. Although at some point I hope to be able to shop at Barney’s and Kate Spade on a daily basis, I think now I have cheaper points of life down.

That’s right ladies and even gentlemen, it is possible to purchase something that is worthwhile at Forever 21. I’m not saying it’s like a walk down the aisle at Bloomingdale’s, however with a few things kept in mind you can make the trip into the store worthwhile. Here’s what helps me:

1. Go for the basics

I live in their $2.80 tanks. And their knit pencil skirts are perfect to throw on before work and are comfortable. Basics here are perfect because you wear them out quicker compared to your other clothes.

  1. Try it onThis one I hate to do, but it’s true. Most of the brands Forever 21 buys from are fitted from a designer or their assistants – not a stand fit model. Plus with cheaper manufacturing you never know how it will look until you put it on.3. One stop trend shop

    Dying for that trendy crop top that you know you probably won’t wear next year? If you feel like trying a trend however you don’t know how long it will last, don’t bother with a higher priced store. Forever 21 is great on offering pieces for every trend and style. It hard not to find that latest style you’ve been wondering about.

    4. Think of the personal value

    If it’s the leather jacket you’ve wanted since your teens, Forever 21 probably isn’t the place to buy it. However if you don’t plan on keeping it forever then what’s the point of spending a lot on it?

    5. Don’t get attached

    Speaking of not keeping it for the rest of your life, never forget where you purchase those jeans for $9.95 or that handbag for $34.95. To shop here you have to accept the inevitable – something with break, something will tear, something will easily get ruined. Once you accept the fact you get what you paid for you will not only be a little less angry for buying that jean shirt, but you will also think twice before you purchase those printed leggings.

    6. Make outfits before a purchase

    To avoid wasting your money, try to come up with at least a few ways you could wear to garment. Sometimes you let something waste away because it was inexpensive. Or you buy it in impulse and realize the mistake you made later. If you figure out multiple ways to wear it before you buy it, the more likely you are to actually wear it.

    7. Look at the content

    Do a little fabric study. Depending on the weave and what it’s made out of will determine how long it will last. Some materials are more likely to tear or pill easily while other fabrics will last a lot longer than you think. Study up and become a better consumer here.

    8. Remember: Cheap is cheap

    I’m smart about what I pull off the rack at Forever 21. At the end of the day, not matter if it looks good from afar or it’s that piece I’ve been looking for, if it looks or feels cheap, it’s not worth it.

    With these tips you can now be put in the right frame of mind to indulge in your guilty pleasure. Now run along beauties, and when they ask you where that adorable skirt came from, give a sly grin and act like the name slipped your mind. Hopefully if you are smart and savy enough, they’ll never know.

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Lindsay Grundy– Fashion Contributor,  Poor Girl’s Guide Chicago
Connect with Lindsay @lindsaygrundy or on her website, lindsaygrundy.com.

Bell’s Blowout Party at Tuman’s Tap & Grill 10.8

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Tuman's Tap

Tuman’s Tap

Tuman’s Tap & Grill
2159 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773-782-1400
tumanstapandgrill.com

Featuring limited release, seasonal and year-round beers from Michigan’s Bell’s Brewery

Tuman’s is pleased to host Bell’s Brewery for this special party and offers limited release beers such as the seasonal Octoberfest lager, and The Oracle, a Double India Pale Ale (DIPA) so rare there are only eight quarter barrels in all of Chicagoland (Tuman’s has secured one especially for this event). Other featured seasonal and year-round beers include Oarsman Ale, Two Hearted Ale and Amber Ale. Tuman’s has also reserved one of the last kegs of the annual summertime favorite, Oberon Ale. The featured beers range from $4-$8 each.

Monica Mooney, Bell’s brand ambassador/beer expert, provides beer education and gives away Bell’s hats, T-shirts and other logoed gear. A $9 brat dinner special, which includes a beer brat and mashed potatoes, augments the regular menu. There is no cover charge for the party and food and drink is pay-as-you-go. The Bell’s event kicks off at 6 p.m. and Tuman’s is open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. on October 8 (the kitchen is open until 11 p.m.).

BELL’S BREWERY TASTING NOTES
The Oracle, Limited Release, 10.4% ABV
This brew is Bell’s spin on the West Coast-style Double India Pale Ale. The aromatic punch of dry-hop sessions with hop varieties from the Pacific Northwest create resinous, citrusy hop flavors and aggressive bitterness.

Octoberfest, Limited Seasonal Release, 5.5% ABV
The Octoberfest is lagered for a full six weeks and is full-bodied with a less aggressive hop presence than the year-round Bell’s lager. Smooth, highly-drinkable session beer with a light caramel malt note and subtle sweetness.

Oarsman Ale, Year-Round, 4.0% ABV
Designed as a flavorful food-friendly session beer, the brewery uses a classic German brewing technique to impart a light, refreshing tartness. Brewed with a healthy portion of wheat and fermented with Bell’s house yeast; German hops lend herbal notes to the aroma.

Two Hearted Ale, Year-Round 7.0% ABV
Hopped exclusively with the Centennial hop varietal from the Pacific Northwest, massive additions in the kettle and again in the fermenter lend their characteristic grapefruit and pine resin aromas. A significant malt body balances this hop presence; together with the signature fruity aromas of Bell’s house yeast, this leads to a remarkably drinkable American-style India Pale Ale.

Amber Ale, Year-Round, 5.8% ABV
Deftly balances a mixture of toasted grain and light caramel notes with a range of floral, citrus and herbal hop notes, capped by a clean bitterness.

Oberon Ale, Seasonal, 5.8% ABV
Wheat ale fermented with Bell’s signature house ale yeast, mixing a spicy hop character with mildly fruity aromas. The addition of wheat malt lends a smooth mouthfeel.