Real Estate NYC: A Guerilla's Assessment

The Guerilla Shopper has temporarily stopped buying herself consumer goods as she has begun to look at real estate all over New Amsterdam...

And I've discovered that while prices are definitely coming down, buying in this here City is still next to impossible. The math just doesn't work. High prices. Minimum 20% down. Monthly maintenance fees often north of $1,000. Small spaces. Co-op boards. And on it goes. I finally did see several places this week that were at least inspiring and livable, but hard to give up my large, rent stabilized one bedroom in a decent 'hood.

So why am I looking to dump my apartment?

Well first, I ALWAYS miss the real estate or stock market, or pretty much every financial "party" - so I decided that I needed to get out there now in this down economy, so that even if I don't buy anything, I won't have to kick my own ass later and exclaim "WHY DIDN'T YOU LOOK WHEN PRICES WERE LOWER!?" Also, while I live in a rent stabilized building, my rent is not super crazy cheap. If it were, we wouldn't even be having this one-sided conversation. So since my rent is going to increase yet again starting in May, I am also thinking that I may as well put my money to work.

So, no, I am not going to give a detailed look into what I have seen and my assessment of each. At least not until I buy something...real estate is serious business!

But I will tell you about an apartment that I am not going to buy, which was extremely enticing...except for the location for most people. In Washington Heights at 790 Riverside Drive stands "The Riviera," an extremely impressive monument to apartment buildings built pre pre war (as in before WWI). Right near the 1 train at 157th St., apartment 4K offers 5 real rooms - 2 bedrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchen for $599k ($1,168 mtc). Do a google search for more details - or look for it on Corcoran's site. If you work at Columbia or just crave a real old-school building with vast living space for less than $1.4 million, this could be the spot for you.

St. John Sale Online

For all the hot grandmas out there - St. John is on sale now!

Eat Me: Bacon Brittle

First, T-Shirts, and now...the real thing! Pig Whiskey Bacon Brittle brought to you by some zany creative types who dwell in Williamsburg, BK.

It's peanut brittle! It's bacon! Nope....It's both! Two great tastes that taste great together and you too can be eating bacon brittle for the low low price of ten dollarinos per bag (pictured). Just click here and you are well on your way to pig-like bliss...

p.s. I have eaten it and I agree, it truly is Porktastic.

Pig Whiskey Bacon Brittle T-Shirt

I may have an inside track on how you can get one of these very limited edition T-Shirts all the way from Brooklyn...Williamsburg that is...if you're interested.

OK you convinced me. You too can have one (or more!) of these T-shirts, just click your clicky thing on this http://www.cafepress.com/pigwhiskey and you will be well on your way. You can even get a sexy version for THE LADIES - in short sleeve and long.

And yes this Bacon Brittle really exists, and yes it is Porktastic. I will soon have more info on when and where you can get it. It's good and it's good for ya!

And how hot is this model's torso by the way?

Emmett McCarthy Sample Sale Jan 8-11

Emmett McCarthy
Private sale: January 7, Wed 11-7 (THAT'S TODAY!!)
Public sale: January 8-11, Th-Sat 11-7 Sun 12-6

240 Elizabeth Street(Prince-Houston Streets)
212.431.4134

The sale officially starts on Thursday, but the private sale preview is TODAY from 11am to 7pm with the opportunity to meet Emmett McCarthy, himself.
New York-based designer Emmett McCarthy (of Project Runway fame) is hosting a sample sale at his Nolita boutique.
Prices are seriously reduced - now 60 to 70 percent off.
Cashmere “Hepburn” coat now $390. Silk brocade “Audrey” cocktail dress now $170.
His fabulous shoes are also on sale 40 to 50 percent off.
The EMc2 collection is exclusively sold in his boutique.
They accept cash, Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
Preview this sale by visiting www.emmettmccarthy.com/WinterSale2009

Samples for (eco)mpassion Sample Sale: 90% Off

Bar Milano's Upcoming Transformation!

I very recentlyposted a blog regarding the closing of Bar Milano. I just got the following comment, and wanted to make sure everyone saw it, as I believe it is grand news for the 'hood I call Grey Box (and particularly for our collective wallets):

"Jason Denton and company have decided to transform Bar Milano into a new ‘inoteca and liquiri bar after the New Year. The last day of operation as Bar Milano will be December 31st. Already possessing a great space and a bustling bar scene, we aim to deliver casual Italian dining and great wine and spirits at a recession-friendly price point. Effective January 1st, the restaurant will close for minor renovations and to migrate key staff members up from the Lower East Side. We're excited about the change and look forward to bringing ‘inoteca to a new neighborhood."

Bar Milano: No More

Bar Milano, the fancy pants bar/restaurant on 24th St. and Third Ave. was rocking large on New Year's Eve, and then on January 1....POOF! Gone. Brown paper up on the windows, the name stripped off but from the front step. I didn't even get a chance to eat there yet it came and went so fast! Does anyone know what happened? A victim of a poor economy? Of a neighborhood overrun by NYU? Sanitation issues? Is it coming back? Anyone in the know please give the low-down.

Cole Haan: 30% off Extended Til Jan 4

Cole Haan 30% off extended 'til Jan. 4.

Sale on Stuff at Daffy's for Some Amount of Time