You know you're a New Yorker When...

If you live here a year or three months. You are now a pro with directions. The subway and grid systems makes sense. And there is no north or south, it's uptown or downtown ;) Here is what I think makes you a New Yorker... In no particular order, but we all know It's true.

1)You only go to "times square" when guest are visiting you.

2) You read a newspaper a day, and more than you ever have in your life. Print media may be dying-- but not in this city. AM new york is your best friend, and you find your fashion advice from your favorite c list celebs on your way to work .

3) Mayor Bloomberg is the man. period.
4)You join gym memberships strictly from your groupon purchase.

5) You balance your spending by 3 priorities : clothes, going out, food.

6) You use the subway as your "alone time" or reflection time, and strangely a quick time to relax and think .
7) You know that sex and the city is false-- no one has those nice of apartments.

8) Getting your laundry picked up, folded, and washed for you is the best thing that ever happened since before you left for college.

9) Red Lipstick is your best friend. Before Moving to Manhattan you only wore it for plays or performing. But now, you can't go out without it!


10) You are now a foodie. No matter where you travel or live after this. Nothing will ever be as good as the food available in NYC.

11) You are now a fashionista. You have an eye for this years style, surrounded by the best fashion in the world. You now know what to mix with that certain pencil skirt.

13) The commuters from Jersey each weekend taught you how to fist pump, and now you're a master at it.

14) Coffee is necessary. And coffee along with Advil are your survival kits.
15) You hate your supers.

16) You consider yourself branching out your horizons when you travel to Brooklyn, or Harlem.

17) Your local bodega knows you... and your order.

18) You use time warner cable.

19) You get cheap manicures once a week.
20) Thai food is your favorite. (druken noodle all the way).
21) You secretly want to camp out for Saturday Night live stand by tickets.
22) You didn't go to the annual Christmas tree lighting. Too many people.
23) Despite line, you still shop at Trader Joe's for cheaper groceries.
24) Sunday= Laundry and junk food day.
25) You think spending only 1,000 for rent a month is a steal!
26) You cherish the highline, central park,Washington square park, and the beauty of walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.
27) You start your day off watching NY1 news . They have the fastest weather updates, and they give you true New Yorker stories.
28) Seamless web is your best friend.
29) You like anything animal print.
30) As bad as you hate to admit it, you like fur.
31) You look forward to brunch on the weekends with your best friends.
32) You have nearly 4 metro cards at all times. Half of them are expired.
33) Going out in Meat Packing makes you feel special.
34) Sunday game days with the Giants are you favorite.
35) You thrive off of the fact that your state has 6 professional sport teams.
36) Celebs don't phase you. They are normal people, let them be.
37) You want to go to Gramercy Park / be rich enough to live in that area one day.
38) You know that casting calls suck. Five hours of waiting, for a 30 second audition/ soul selling to a mean casting director.
39) You wish you could afford to see all the Broadway plays, especially The book of Mormon.
40) You use a large vocabulary span in everyday conversations.
41) You feel "in the loop" at all times. Economically, politically, fashion wise, and current events. You see first hand whats happening.
42) You would die without 99 cent pizza on a late Friday night.
43) Los Feliz is your favorite spot on the weekends, but you know you must space it out to only once a month due to their wide variety of tequila selections.
44) You have a secret handshake with a bouncer at your favorite club.
45) You love to go running along the river.
46) You love the Staten Island ferry-- a free way to see Lady Liberty.
47) The boutiques, and unique areas of Chelsea and Soho intrigue you.
48) You hate the unnecessary barricades set up on wall street from the occupiers.
49) You cherish the MOMA and modern art.
50) Strolling up 5th avenue and day dreaming about all the things you wish you could afford is your favorite past time.
51) You take for granted the free music that is played for you at subway stops.
52) You take for granted cheap clothing stores like H&M.

53)You say "the city" and expect everyone to know that this means Manhattan.

54)When you're standing in a packed subway car with 200 hundred other people and everyone manages to avoid looking at each other.

55)$50 worth of groceries fit in one paper bag.

56)Your grocer is Korean, your deli man is Israeli, your building super is Italian, your laundry guy is Chinese, your favorite bartender is Irish, your favorite diner owner is Greek, the watchseller on your corner is Senegalese, your last cabbie was Pakistani, your newsstand guy is Indian and your favorite falafel guy is Egyptian.

57)You get pissed at people who say they're from NY and they tell you they're from upstate.

58)You can pick out the tourists when they turn their heads to the "ladies and gentlemen this is an important announcement from the MTA" message.

59)You've gotten jaywalking down to an art form.

60) You know what real pizza and real bagels are.

**There are a million other reasons that make you a New Yorker. What makes you one? leave your post here!

Free and Cheap Restaurants

Who says you have to spend 50 bucks on a steak with no sides? 30 extra if you want cream of spinach... FORGET IT! Unless you're on a hot date, you're more than likely a young adult living pay check to pay check (especially in this city). Oatmeal, hummus, or peanut butter are your survival foods for the week. They're cheap and filll you up, right? But sometimes when you can't resist a night out with friends. So, what is one to do?

That is why I am going to tell you not only my favorite but some of the truly cheapest restaurants in the city that never sleeps. Whether you're visiting or live here, this is your guide to a free and cheap New York City.

Here is a list of the cheapest I've found -- and all around delicious. In no particular order. For the times when 99 cent pizza and bagels get old.

If you like giant margaritas, this is the place to be. There are four locations in the city, but I've only been to the location on Midtown East. Called Blockheads http://www.blockheads.com
Massive burritos, tacos and margaritas for a great price. So large in fact, I always share with my friends. For 10 dollars you can have an appetizer a large frozen Margarita and a grilled chicken wrap.


The next lounge is amazing. Besides being mentioned on the cooking channel this past weekend, it is truly a fun place to watch a game, or catch up with friends. Crocodile Lounge in Gramercy http://www.yelp.com/biz/crocodile-lounge-new-york gives you an ENTIRE PIZZA if you purchase a drink. So, for a 3 dollar bud light, you can land an entire pizza. Great deal if I've ever seen one.








If you're trying to be healthier or eat veggies only-- the next place is perfect for you. Located in the upper west side, The Hummus Place is absolutely amazing.But, don't judge a book by its cover. Because while the outside of the restaurant may be deceiving, it's truly the best hummus I've ever had. And for an extremely cheap price. For 6 bucks I had enough food for three meals. Check out their website for prices and selections http://www.hummusplace.com/.


You can take the girl out of the south, but you can't take the south out of the girl... that is why I LOVE this next restaurant. Jackson Hole in Murray hill has the perfect comfort foods. If you're craving barbecue, or want to splurge on a delicious burger this is the place to go. There are multiple locations throughout the city. With homemade lemonade for a dollar, and a classic burger for 6, this place will leave you feeling happy and full. Great place to bring your southern visitors. ttp://jacksonholemurrayhill.com/food-delivery-TW/jackson-hole--third-ave-new-york-city.1362.r?QueryStringValue=PEYA45Gmyt2Es1Gx3G5YwQ







If you've ever studied abroad, there are certain things you fall in love with and adapt to in that country. One, being the food. The good thing is , New York City has nearly every culture and food you can imagine. Therefore, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered this next restaurant, Pio Pio. There are multiple locations not only in Manhattan, but in New York. Since my time abroad I tried to explain to my boyfriend how delicious Peruvian food is. Thankfully, He finally got a chance to try it while he visited the city. For 14 bucks, you can get an ENTIRE roasted chicken, chiviche appetizers, and Peruvian sides (advocado salad, tomatoes, and plantanos). Come hungry, and leave with leftovers because just like the Peruvian culture you will have more food than you'll know what to do with. It is absolutely wonderful, and a great way to try new foods. Bring your friends here. Check out their locations and menu options near you .. and if you're wanting to party -- don't forget to order a pisco sour :) But trust me, ONE is all you need! http://piopio.com/#/pio-pio-peruvian-restaurant-new-york-city







Brunch is my favorite meal. And if you live in Manhattan you understand that brunch is a way of life. Something I truly never did until I lived here. Not only do the mimosas help you recover from the night before, but it's a great way to catch up with friends and relax. Sometimes, brunch places can be extremely pricey. And most places that include alcohol have a set price. But Nice Matin a french restaurant in the Upper West side is fabulous. Not only is it located in a beautiful area of Manhattan -- Next to river side park, but it is truly the best brunch I've had in the city. Average brunch, cost around 12 dollars. Cheaper than most, and it is a great place to bring your family or visitors. There is ALWAYS a wait so come early and make sure your entire party is there. Check out their menu options here. http://www.nicematinnyc.com/


And if you're a sushi lover . There are TONS of cheap places in the city. But one of my personal favorites is Aji. located in Murray hill (midtown Manhattan). For 9 bucks you can get a lunch box. This includes soup, salad, chicken terriaki and a roll of your choice. Incredible deal and this will last you two or three meals.




These are a few of the resteraunts that are "must visits". I'll have a list of more resteraunts and cheap bars coming your way, very soon!