Articles by Amy Hayden
Amy L. Hayden, founder and webmaster for Cheap Free Chicago, lives in Lincoln Square, where she co-parents two boys and spends her free time writing stories, both real and imagined. She is grateful to consumer capitalism for Manic Panic hair dye, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Wonder Bras, and vegan riblets. She is frugal above all else; hence, this website. Namaste.
From Nickelodeon’s Yo! Gabba Gabba to Baby Loves Disco, Gen X parents can’t get enough of ways to expose their children to more accessible versions of indie music, and Kidrockers is the latest kid-friendly rock’n’roll …
Well… you haven’t. Not until you attend the Chicago Zine Fest, held this weekend at various city venues. Friday’s highlights include a Zine Reading from 7pm to 9pm at Quimby’s (1854 W North Ave); and …
There are lots of thrift and resale shops in Chicago, and it’s difficult (sometimes) to figure out where to go to get what. But since moving to Lincoln Square, I know that A Secret Closet …
I’m taking a brief hiatus from working on this website. On Friday, January 22, the man who inspired this website (Jack Strom) died of a massive heart attack in his home. He was 48. Grieving …
Lots of bands host cool events week after week, but Faith & Whiskey has to be at the top of that heap…or you’re just not able to have fun. Regular gigs include:
“Walk This Way Wednesdays” …
A few weeks ago, I was asked to contribute my picks to Time Out Chicago for its “Cheap!” issue…and guess what? That issue comes out Thursday. And on Friday the magazine — along with Broke …
The best part about Drew’s Eatery in Lincoln Square isn’t the owner’s friendly disposition, the eco-friendly set-up, or even the daily specials that will net you a fine lunch for less than $6. Nope. It’s …
The environs of NYC and LA have long had places where fashion forward (yet pocket poor) ladies can rent dresses and accessories for events, but until recently Chicago women were forced to buy their finery. …
January 23rd is the Yoga Alliance’s Free Yoga Day, which means you can check out free yoga classes at The Mystical Sciences Institute in Evanston (which, I know, isn’t in Chicago…but the CTA will take …
I don’t normally post on free stuff that isn’t exclusive/specific to Chicago, but Crown Publishing’s Read it Forward program was too good to pass up. Sign up online for a free galley proof of one …
