NEW YORK (TRP) -The fact is, many of us weren’t born with runway ready-style, and at times it seems others aren’t even ready for the sidewalk.

Sometimes, all it takes is just one quick fix to get your look right. The Ramos Project hit the streets with fashion blogger True Fashionista Now, and went on the prowl for fashion victims and trendsetters, offering up some quick tips on what to do and what to avoid.

• A simple pop of bright color such as a belt or accessories(statement necklace or wristwatch) easily puts you in this season’s fashion trend.
• Print fabrics are a must this season. Wear a print shorts, top, swimsuit or dress or mix it up with other plain fabrics and become this summer’s fashion achiever.
• If you must wear your heels all summer, try some espadrilles that are this summer season’s fashion must have.
• It’s all about the nails this season, the more over the top nail designs the better. Go for blues, orange, tattooed designs or even beaded nails design.

To learn more on True Fashionista Now, check out his blog and follow him on Twitter.

It’s no secret: dollar slice pizzerias are a dime a dozen in New York City. While some shops offer decent eats for 99 cents, others not so much. (You know who you are)

The real question is, where does one get a quality dollar slice?

The Ramos Project went on a mission in the Big Apple and uncovered five diamonds in the rough amid the sea of 99 cents pizzerias. These locations are undoubtedly serving up the best slices for your buck and they all get the gold TRP stamp of approval.

Location #5

44th Street Pizza

196 E 44th Street
(between Lexington Ave & 3rd Ave)
New York, NY 10017
Neighborhood: Midtown East

Location #4:

Papa John’s Pizza

213 W 28th Street
New York, NY 10001
Neighborhood: Chelsea

Location #3:

Off Broadway Deli & Pizza

726 8th Ave
(between 45th St & 46th St)
New York, NY 10036
Neighborhoods:  Midtown West, Theater District

Location #2:

2 Bros. Pizza

542 9th Ave
(between 39th St & 40th St)
New York, NY 10018
Neighborhoods: Hell’s Kitchen

Location #1:

Percy’s

190 Bleecker St
(between Avenue Of The Americas & Downing St)
Manhattan, NY 10012
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village

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While some opt to play the “what the hell was I thinking” card and attempt a fast getaway, others embrace the situation and handle it like pros.

Putting together a quick and slick breakfast for you and your significant other will not only bag you extra points, but will most likely secure another “morning after.”

In this TRP exclusive, Michael Ferraro, Executive Chef at Delicatessen in New York City gives us his creative take on the traditional frittata. The results are insanely delicious.

For more on Chef Michael Ferraro, click here.

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For those of you looking for an inexpensive – and slick – way to showcase your photos or child’s artwork, look no further. A quick stop at your local 99 cents store is all you need.

Stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar Dream carry a very impressive selection of picture frames. You’d be very surprised like I was on a recent visit.

Basically the idea is to buy 2 frames for each thing you want to showcase. (So if you have 3 photos or pieces of artwork you want to display, you will be purchasing a total of 6 frames.) Feel free to mix and match, but make sure each pair is the same size and style. 

Pop out the back panels for each frame, removing the glass from one. Take your photo/artwork and center it behind the framed glass. (You may want to wipe it down before hand, to avoid any fingerprints.) Replace the original back paneling for the picture frame with the second piece of glass.

Sealing the two pieces of glass with scotch tape may be a good idea depending on how secure you think the glass is in the frame. This is optional. Use your best judgement.

After you lock in the glass into place with the frame’s snap locks, the job is now complete. Now you truly have a work of art and you didn’t have to spend a fortune.

There are just a few weeks left until Valentine’s Day, which is more than enough time for even the stingiest man to get it together.

Our resident MacGuyver, Andrew Ramos managed to put together a dinner, date and gift all for under 15 bucks! With a little help from a local 99 cents store, a culinary genius and of course some creativity – celebrating Valentine’s Day was just another effortless day.

While visiting Jack’s 99 Cents Store in Midtown, three slick and cheap gift ideas managed to materialize. Of them included the classic coupon book, where anyone could just pick up a book of index cards and fill them out with some funny and clever coupons for their partner to cash any time of the year. With options like “Shut your mouth up and leave me alone” — everyone wins.

Another idea: Write an original piece of poetry for your loved one and frame it in one of the many variety of frames available at the 99 cents store. The poem will surely get you points on the big day.

Picking up an over-sized folder and using it as your cover for a story – your love story is not only sweet but cheap. Write the story of your romance. Add a few photos and throw in a splash of humor and she’ll almost definitely melt in your arms.

So now that we figured out our gifts, the question is: where are you going to go? To help us out with that is Jon Shannon, Senior Editor of Time Out New York.

If your an outdoorsy couple, or just want an excuse to cuddle Jon suggests taking your other half to Bryant Park skating rink where they will be showing an outdoor screening of the romantic film, “The Cutting Edge.” If you bring your own skates, you skate for free.

Now comes the part where you’re going to have to get your hands dirty. Cooking an affordable tasty meal isn’t always as easy as it looks. Michael Ferraro, Executive Chef at Delicatessen in SoHo promises his stuffed crab meat ham isn’t only simple to make, but will cost only $8* to make.

The ingredients* we provided to Chef Ferraro to whip up his spectacular dish included:
• frozen peas
• cooked ham
• imitation crab meat
• loaf of challah bread
• can of chicken broth
• bottle horseradish
• spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, peppercorns)
• white vinegar
• can of sliced pears
• sugar
• salt
• olive oil

Watch the complete video tutorial to create the dish that will have you asking for more:

*ALL INGREDIENTS WERE PURCHASED AT JACK’S 99 CENTS STORE IN MIDTOWN WHICH MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL COST OF CHEF FERRARO’S DISH TO TOTAL $8.00.

After all, Valentine’s Day is a manufactured holiday conjured up by Corporate America and the evil empire known as The Hallmark Company. I mean, if Wikipedia says so – it has to be true.

Enough about conspiracy theories, right now we’re going to talk about three slick gift ideas that will not only make you look savvy and level-headed this February 14th, but will make you utterly adorable to your significant other. (DISCLAIMER: Results may vary, as I am not a magician.)

1. Cook An Old-Fashion Dinner For Two: Yes. As simple as this sounds, this is a winner each and every time especially if you don’t cook regularly. There’s nothing sexier than putting in some effort for that special someone. Things like that get noticed and will get you far (Axe need not be sprayed.) If you’re low on dough… you are in luck as I recently put together a snazzy meal for 2 at the 99 cents store — yes, the 99 cents store — with the help of my buddy Chef Michael Ferraro. You’re welcome.

2. Basket Of Awesomeness: This is an idea that worked for me when I was a broke teen with a girl and a minimum-waged retail job. The key to putting together this basket of awesomeness is… listening (CUE MUSIC). Basically, you throw together a basket or bag of all the stuff she likes. Whether it’s Peanut M&M’s, Red Bull or her favorite chapstick, this arrangement will not only be inexpensive but it will actually serve as concrete evidence that you do pay attention to her. The art of listening plays a critical role in this as, if you don’t listen to her on a regular basis, you probably don’t have a clue what she’s into. (DISCLAIMER: This bag of awesomeness should only be used in times of desperation, i.e. you’re unemployed, broke or relegated to a bed because of an injury. Do not try this otherwise.)

3. Create A Craft-astic Momento Recapping The Past Year: Whether it was the photo you snapped at the beach last summer or the recent outing you had with friends, choose the best photos and throw them into a multi-collage frame. If you’re a wiz at Photoshop, get creative and invite Kanye West to the party or dramatize your photos by adding sick effects. Its incredibly thoughtful and will definitely get you plenty of points.  In the event that you are the proud follower iPad owner, Scrap Pad is definitely a fun app to look into. With a price tag of $4.99 and a user-friendly design, scrapbooking has never been easier.  Check this demo.

So as Valentine’s Day approaches, take a deep breath and keep in mind that  you have 364 other opportunities to do whatever you don’t accomplish on that day.

I went on a mission to create a tasty holiday meal for four using only ingredients found at the 99 cents store.
After recruiting the help of Chris Meenan, Executive Chef at the Water’s Edge in Long Island City, Queens, a bag of ingredients – which totaled only $18 in cost – soon became an unbelievable feast for a family of four.

Using sheer creativity and experience, Meenan managed to churn out an extravagant 4-course meal including two appetizers, one entree and one delicious dessert. In the most shocking twist, the chef was not briefed on what ingredients were going to be involved in the cooking.

After taking a look at his tools, Meenan got to work and created courses just about anyone could do.

Learn how to make all the chef’s creations:
(PLEASE NOTE: All ingredients were purchased at Jack’s 99 Cents Store on 32nd Street in Midtown. For more information, click here.)

Crab Meat Pot Pie

What you will need:
• 2 frozen pie crusts
• Bag of imitation Crab Meat
• Bag of frozen broccoli cuts
• Can of corn
• Generic cream

Thaw out pie crusts, spread out dough, separating in five different portions. Each of the four portions will be used for its own individual tart tray. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or when crust has golden exterior. Set aside the fifth dough portion, which will be will be used to cover each pie later.

Thaw out frozen crab meat. Cut meat into strips, then cut into cubes. Add crab to a pan that is lightly dressed in olive oil at mid-heat. Add about a cup of cream. Bring to a light boil.

Thaw out bag of frozen broccoli. Cut the tops off each broccoli stem and put them aside. (The tops will be used for your Ramen Noodle entree.) Add broccoli to crab/cream mixture. Finally, add canned corn. Allow mixture to reach light boil. Cream should thicken up and appear frothy.

After crab, broccoli and corn cook, its time to add mixture to each tart. After adding a generous portion to each crust pie, roll out fifth dough portion into 1 1/2 inch-wide strips. Take each strip and start covering each tart in a cross-cover fashion.

Place each tart onto a baking sheet and put into oven. Allow to bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until crust goldens. Remove from oven, and Enjoy!
Ham Roll-Up Stuffed With Mandarin Rice

What you will need:
• Oscar Meyer or any generic, pre-sliced processed ham
• Box of Minute Rice
• Can of cut mandarins
• Bag of dried cranberries
• Whole wheat pita bread

Cook minute as per box instructions. Add cranberries and mandarins to a pan lightly dressed in olive oil at low heat. Make sure contents do not burn.

Toast whole wheat pita break. Slice bread into triangle shapes. (Cutting one pita in half and then into quarters should be sufficient for four portions.)

Lay out ham slices (4) onto pan lightly dressed in olive oil at mid-heat. Allow ham to crisp, but do not burn.

When rice is fully cooked, add cranberries and mandarins. Make sure to complete mix.

After ham is cooked, lay out each slice onto its individual triangle-shaped pita. Add small portion of rice to each slice of ham, later rolling each slice using a tooth pick.

Serve and enjoy!

Classic Ramen Noodle Dish

What you will need:
• 2 packets of Chicken Flavored Ramen Noodles
• Box of beef broth
• 4 eggs
• Pack of generic hot dogs
• Bag of frozen broccoli cuts

Cook Ramen Noodles as instructed on packet label. Heat about 3 and a half cups of beef broth in medium-sized pot at mid-heat. (Optional: to add more flavor to broth, feel free to add a carmelized onion.)

Poach four regular sized eggs. Set aside.

Slice hot dogs into quarter-sized portions. Add to pan lightly dressed in olive oil. Cook at low to mid heat for about 10 minutes or when crispy, golden exterior appears.

After noodles are fully cooked, separate in four portions onto serving bowls. Add broth to each bowl. Add cooked hot dogs. Also add broccoli tops saved from crab meat pie scrappings. (see Crab Meat Pot Pie instructions.) Finally, top each noodle dish with poached egg. Serve and enjoy!

Armed with creativity and a few bucks, I recently hit up a 99 cents store in Midtown, where I went on a quest to bring you some holiday cheer for cheap!

Aluminum trays can certainly serve up some great finger food for your holiday party, but did you ever think of transforming one into a nifty wreath? Cutting a hole in the center of a chip & dip tray and decking it out with some garland and a bow

What you will need:

• Round aluminum tray

• Decorative garland

• Bow

Trash bags already serve their role in the holiday cleanup, but they could also serve a role in creating that special holiday friend. Fill three white medium-to-small trash bags with crumpled newspaper. Then pile each bag on top of one another (you could use clear masking tape to hold them in place). Top off the highest bag with a Santa hat and wrap it in a scarf. Finally, give him a pair of eyes and smile and say hi to Frosty!

What you will need:

• 3 White garbage bags

• Black sharpie

• Santa hat

• Scarf

Grab a few colorful ornaments – the bigger the better. Tie each piece with gift wrap ribbon and simply hang them above the doorways of each threshold in your home. It will not only add holiday flare to your room, but won’t let your doorway celebrate the holiday’s alone.

What you will need:

• Colorful ornaments

• Ribbon

Finally, what’s Christmas without Jolly Old Saint Nick! Pick up a red Christmas Tree Removal Bag at the dollar store. Cover it over a chair in your home, preferably one with a tall back. Stuff it with pillows and fasten the loose bag with clips at the back of the chair. add a few Santa Clause accessories (pair of gloves, black belt, white Christmas tree skirt for his cuffs and fur collar). Top it with a cut out of a Santa Clause face – usually a variety of dollar stores sell Santa faces in different sizes as door decorations. After adding your own splash of creativity – you’ll soon have the most popular guest at your next holiday party.
What you will need:

• Christmas tree removal bag

• Black belt

• Santa face cut out/door decoration

• White Christmas tree skirt

• Green/brown mittens

Visit the official website for Jack’s World for store locations and to learn more about their Holiday Sweepstakes for a chance to win several prizes including an Apple iPad and a trip for two to the Caribbean.

Everyone knows buying a Halloween costume is not only time consuming, but can hit you hard in the wallet. We recently sent our own Andrew Ramos on a mission to make the most out of a buck at a local 99 cents store. With the help of trick-or-treaters Colleen and Steven, they managed to muster up six costume ideas – one as cheap as $2.

From Lady Gaga to The Jersey Shore’s Snooki, these popular costumes were found right inside a Dollar Tree on Long Island. Learn how to accomplish these easy look, plus many more this Halloween.

Costume Breakdowns: (Items are available at most 99 cents stores.)

Lady Gaga (outfit from 2009 MTV Video Music Awards)
-red gloves
-red mesh laundry bags (3)
-red construction paper

Rapper
-aluminum foil
-baggy clothes (jeans and t-shirt will work)
-beanie hat
-metal jewelery

Crazy Old Neighborhood Lady
-curlers
-glasses
-sandals
-spatula
-scarf
-pajama top or plastic colored poncho

iPod
-aluminum tray
-plastic bag
-colored construction paper
-sharpie marker

Boy who got ripped off on Christmas
-pajamas (selections vary depending on 99 cents store)
-empty cardboard box
-Christmas gift wrapping paper
-Santa Clause hat
-angry face

Jersey Shore’s Snooki
-pink shirt
-knee-hi socks
-pink trucker hat
-brunette hair extensions
-pink sunglasses with large lenses
-tacky colored bag (leopard print gift bag will work)
-plastic bottle of coke
-bronzer

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