Seeking Street Smarts – Details, episodes & analysis

This week on the podcast we’re helping you navigate the essentials for building up your perfect New York wardrobe. Take a walk from the East Village to Soho and you’ll see enough outfit inspiration to fill a Vogue magazine (and make you question everything you own)! So before you load up your Zara cart with hundreds of items join us as we share all of our secrets on where to save (and maybe splurge)!

We’ve included a brief list of some items below but check out our website for some of our favorite key pieces!

Favorite Stores for Basics

• Zara
• Everlane
• H&M
• Target
• Uniqlo

Splurge Items

• Leather Jacket
• Wool Coat
• Parka / Heavier Coat
• Black Booties
• Basic Pumps
• Cashmere Sweater
• Classic Crossbody Handbag
• Well-Fitting Blazer

Welcome back and to the second season of Seeking Street Smarts!

It's been more than a year since Netflix introduced us to Marie Kondo and had us all parting ways with half of our closets. Now as warmer months are rolling around again, and with the anticipation of being able to attend events (goodbye covid!), you might be itching to do a little spring cleaning—especially if you live in New York City. I mean, the closets here are downright criminal. 

Join us as we discuss our tips for spring cleaning and how we turn our old clothes into money-making opportunities.

Local Charities:

• Where to donate clothes in NYC? 
• Dress for Success (Great to donate old work clothes)
• Bowery Shelter (Box Outside)

Resale Websites:

• Tradesy
• The RealReal
• Poshmark
• ThredUp (Easy Donations)
  

Consignment Stores

• Buffalo Exchange
• Crossroads Trading Co
  

In this final episode of our Health and Wellness Series, we discuss what it means to implement self-care both mentally and physically. It’s been a crazy year and the way we approach wellness has changed dramatically, and the meaning of self-care has changed for each of us. Join us to hear how one introvert and extrovert approach self-care in the city, from making doctor’s appointments to affording facials, we talk about it all in our journey to finding our inner peace (or as Julia likes to call it - your inner Hot Girl Energy). 

Our Favorite Resources:

• Headspace Meditation
• 5 Minute Journal
• Jo's Journal Club on Instagram

This week’s street smarts are brought to you by Beth Moncel of the popular blog, Budget Bytes. Beth is a master of creating low-cost meals that are both flavorful and nutritious. We sat down with Beth to discuss her approach to creating budget friendly recipes, get tips on navigating the grocery store (without grabbing all of the snacks), and asked her about some of her go-to recipes. Pro-Tip: Whip up some of her famous dragon noodles (recipe linked below) as you listen to this week’s episode!

What to expect in this episode: Meccay & Julia sit down with Beth Moncel of @BudgetBytes to talk about the creation of her blog, versatile kitchen basics, and cooking flavorful meals that don't break the bank.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Budget Bytes - Beth's blog where you can find delicious and cost effective recipes
  (One of our favorites is the Dragon Noodles!)
• Budget Bytes App - Grab great recipes on the go!
• Flipp App - Score weekly deals across the city

Unsure of how to equip your kitchen? Check out this article on Serious Eats that outlines all the basics for you!

There is no "one-size-fits all" plan to healthy eating and nutrition, as it depends on factors such as budget, location, dietary restrictions, and plain ol’ preferences. A good rule of thumb is to eat a variety of nutrient dense foods, but even that can feel overwhelming. The endless aisles and product options and grocery stores can be intimidating – especially when you’re hungry from your 10 block walk to the store. 

What to expect in this episode: how to stock your kitchen basics, approach the grocery store, and utilize Meal Kits to diversify your menu at home.

Stocking your pantry

Check out this article from BudgetBytes with the items that she likes to keep on hand to help her whip on meals on the fly.

Shopping / Delivery 

Check out this EATER article on the best grocery delivery services in the city from Local Supermarkets to Farm-based suppliers.

Affordable Produce 

We’ve all seen the fruit and vegetable stands placed around NYC, but have you actually stopped to look at the prices? They can be a GREAT way to find affordable fruit. Goodbye $6 Whole Foods blueberries and hello 2 for $5 deals. Heads up – Most only accept cash!

Trying New Recipes

Affordable Meal Kit Delivery Options (Use that free trial!)

1.  Hello Fresh

2.  Blue Apron

3.  Home Chef

4.  Green Chef

5.  Dinnerly

We’ve all had those days where we just want to enjoy a nice lunch, but the $20 dollar Sweetgreen salad sounds just as delicious as it does painful. Here are some ways to make enjoying lunch with the office about the networking and less about budgeting.

1.  MealPal ($6 a meal)

2.  Ritual (Get your entire office to join and you save $$$)

3.  Daily Harvest

In the first episode of their podcast, Meccay and Julia begin covering Health & Wellness by providing tips, tricks, and useful resources that will help you kickstart your journey into Physical Fitness.

What to expect in this episode: how to find gyms and studios, working within a budget, and the process of creating a sustainable fitness practice that is best for you.

Helpful resources:

Online Classes

• Obe Fitness (Free Trial Available) 
• Sweat Sessions with Aubre Winters
• Whitney Simmons (Free Trial Available)
• ALO Moves

NYC Gyms / Studios (ranked by average price):

1. Equinox
2. Temple Fitness
3. Crunch Fitness
4. Blink Fitness

At-Home Equipment

• Bala Weights
• Band and Slider Set
• At Home Weight Set
• Check out Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Target for affordable equipment. Facebook Marketplace can also be a great place to find used equipment at a discount.
  

Welcome to Seeking Street Smarts, a podcast by two real girls bringing you the street smarts you need to thrive.