The other day, I went to Aveda over on 5th Ave and was thoroughly pleased.  I picked up free Aveda Shampoo and Conditioner with a coupon from PulseJFK.  While sticking in my purse, I signed up for a free blow-out on Wednesday (this is offered every Wednesday from 12-3pm).  On the way out I poured myself a nice hot cup of free Aveda tea, which is delicious and has a sweet hint of fennel.  It was great, thanks Aveda!

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I would recommend going to the public library on 40th and 5th. Not only do they have every book imaginable but membership is also free. Also, if for some odd reason they do not have the book you are looking for, you can request it at a sister branch and it will be delivered within a week.

*Editor’s note: The library also has DVDs and music.  Perfect for a stop during lunch hour.*

Meghan, 24, Hoboken

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When I changed apartments from Astoria, Queens to Williamsburg, Brooklyn I had absolutely no money to play with.

The first thing I did was collect one free AMNY and Metro News newspaper a day for two months.  I got a lot of free packing paper this way!  I wrapped all my glassware and dishes with them and it worked perfectly.

Next I searched Craigslist.org for “Moving Boxes” and found a whole bunch for free from someone who just moved.  They held up pretty well.

After bribing my friends to help me with beer and pizza, I only really had to pay for tape and the UHaul truck.  Not bad!

Audrey, 22, Brooklyn

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The outer boroughs aren’t just a place to look for cheaper rent. They can also be a fun, less expensive spot for a date.

The Boy I’m Dating (TBID) and I, both Manhattanites, recently spent a weekend day in Queens. We met up in midtown to take the 7 train. On the way, we checked out 5 Pointz, a living collage of graffiti art in Long Island City at Jackson Avenue (at Crane and Davis Sts). You can view the graffiti from the elevated train or get
off at the 45 Rd/Court House Square stop. Either way, the street art is on display for free.

The Queens Museum of Art awaits at the Shea Stadium stop on the 7 train. I think it might be the most laid back museum in NYC. The suggested donation for admission is a mere $5, guards and ushers don’t breathe down your neck, and the exhibits are often
quirky and offbeat. The Panorama, a 9,335 square foot architectural model of the five boroughs built for the 1964 World’s Fair, is a sight to behold. Scan its 895,000 individual structures to find where you live and work.

Hungry after taking in our miniature metropolis and the Queens International 4 exhibition, TBID and I stopped by the museum snack bar. I was surprised to find inexpensive and diverse fare from local restaurants, including empanadas and Chinese
beef and chicken buns.

After leaving the museum, we walked around Flushing Meadows Corona Park. On a beautiful day, you can expect to see people flying kites, playing soccer and frisbee, and racing remote control cars. The men who do the latter draw crowds and even take YouTube videos of their cars in action. You can visit the nearby New York Hall of Science or Queens Zoo or wander the park grounds. I recommend renting a boat or bike to explore the area with your sweetie.

Stroll or take the 7 train to The Lemon Ice King of Corona at 52-02 108th Street at the corner of Corona Avenue and 52nd/Strong Avenue. The delicious fruity and chocolate flavors start at $1. If you want to finish the night with dinner, ask a
local where they like to eat. Queens is the most diverse borough of NYC, and thus, a great place for ethnic food. There are myriad restaurants and cafes whose dishes are authentic at a tasty price point.

Beautiful weekends abound this spring and summer. Why not head to Queens with the king or queen of your heart? There’s a lot to love.

Amanda, Central Park North in Harlem
Check out her blog at www.noisiestpassenger.com

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I work in Midtown Manhattan and during lunchtime I like to go to the Reading Room of the New York Public Library and enjoy the quiet atmosphere, architectural beauty, and read my book.  It’s a nice break from my coworkers without spending any money.  I especially appreciate it in the winter and on rainy days when I cannot spend the time at Bryant Park.

Cecilia, 27, Murray Hill

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When the New York Public Library offered a free Genealogy class at the 42nd Street location (with the lions), I jumped at the chance. There I learned of all the free resources at the library including subscriptions to Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest.com, a list of volunteer–added databases, and printed volumes in the NYPL Genealogy Room.

For a month, during my lunch hour I went to the library and looked through the books, censuses, and family indexes and found a great deal of information going back to the 1500s in France. I eventually learned that I am a descendant of King Louis VIII of France!

Anyway, the librarians are so helpful and nice and the resources are very organized. I would recommend this to everyone.  The classes are every month or so but you can walk into the NYPL Genealogy Room and ask for help at anytime.  It was a lot of fun.

Christi, 26, Astoria

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