Broke-Ass of the Week – Kristina Marino from Downtown Diaries
Every week we feature a different person from the community shedding a little light on their life of brokeitude. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about the human spirit'probably not.
Wanna be a Broke-Ass of the Week? Holler at us here and we’ll send you the questionnaire.
In my opinion Kristina Marino is an all around bad-ass. I first met her on the subway platform when she began complimenting my girlfriend’s shoes. When the train never showed up (ugh!) the three of us shared a cab back to Brooklyn and Kristina and I kept in touch. She then went on to plan both my NYC Book Release Party and my NYC Fuck the Recession Party, both of which has attendances of over 700 people!
Kristina has since gone on to start her own awesome nightlife blog called The Downtown Diaries. It’s a great way to stay up on all things happening below 14th Street and in Brooklyn. Kristina has spent most of her life in NYC so she’s got some pretty good insight into what that city is all about. Let’s see what she has to say.
Name: Kristina Marino
Age: 26
Occupation: Founder of The Downtown Diaries
What neighborhood do you live in?: The Burg
What are you listening to these days?: A LOT. I honestly don’t even know where to start considering I just uploaded about 100 tracks to my ipod. Just to name a few… Delorean, Oh Land, Tensnake, Flying Lotus, Gonjasufi, and a shit load of DJ remixes. Oh and 90’s hip hop – I’m always listening to that.
Best money saving tip: Don’t go out if you don’t feel like it. Who cares if all your friends are going to some douchey bar Friday night and they swear its going to be “the best time ever.” Chances are it’s not, and you’re just going to be annoyed that you got stuck paying for all the cabs while Sloppy Sally falls down a flight of stairs and you have to carry her ass out of the bar. Save your money. Befriend a promoter and go out on a Wednesday. You’ll pay for nothing and have way more fun. Oh and don’t go grocery shopping anywhere else but Trader Joe’s.
What do you refuse to spend money on?: Overpriced cocktails, livery cabs, and cover charges.
Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought: Christian Louboutin shoes and the tattoo on my back.
How’d that feel?: Well the Loubs purchase felt great once I overcame the guilt/shock phase of it all…at least I got them on “sale.” The tattoo hurt like a bitch. Three painful sessions – but its all worth it in the end, I have a beautiful piece to show for it. It’s all about investments…
Favorite cheap eat: $3 Falafal from Oasis in Williamsburg and the lunch special at Main House Noodle in Chelsea.
Favorite dive bar: Maracuja in Williamsburg.
Best deal you’ve ever gotten: Hmmm. Well, I’m a sucker for sample sales and I consider a lot of things to be “good deals” – or at least that’s how I justify it to myself. Once, I got Stuart Weitzmans for $45. Also, in case you were wondering, the reason why I am so broke is because I spend ALL my money on SHOES. It’s a legit problem. Oh – and a good manicure for $7… DEAL!
Favorite free thing to do: Dance.
If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?: A plane ticket. First stop: Italy. (I would’ve said a sick loft in the Burg, but we all know you need to be a billionaire to afford that.)
Despite not having money, do you still love your life?: Well duh. I live THE life – what’s not to love?
Do you own my book?: Well being that I planned your NY book release party, I sure do own your book. Multiple signed copies to be exact.
Best hangover cure: Vita Coco, Alieve, and Lo Mein.
Are you a hipster?: That question might be debatable. Do people in New York consider me to be a hipster – NO. Do people in New Jersey – Most likely. I don’t wear vintage, and non-prescription glasses, but I do love my American Apparel.
