It has been quite a year for us here at PoorLittleRichGirls.com. We've met some wonderful people and had some unforgettable experiences. The best part of our work with the site has been how it has brought us closer, in a way, to the city of Chicago. It can be easy to fall into the routine of eating at the same restaurants, shopping at the same stores and hanging out at the same bars. We didn't do that this year though. This year, we scoured the city and tried a little bit of everything (barley grass juice, anyone?) to bring you the best of Chicago for less. It was truly a pleasure for us and we thank all of our readers for a great 2008.  Speaking of the New Year, have you made any plans yet? If not, this week we've got some great ideas for a big night out, a quiet night in and everything in between. If you've already got your P.O.A. in order, good for you! You can move along and read up on hot party looks or cheap and yummy hangover treats. No matter what the party dilemma, we've got you covered. (Your ex showed up to the party? We've got that too.) I heard somewhere that how you spend New Year's Eve is how you'll spend the rest of that year. Not literally, but more of a foreshadowing of what the next year has in store for you. So, I say, party your PoorLittleButts off and ring in the new year in affordable style!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

The New Year is quickly approaching and, for those who don't have party plans yet, the pressure is on. The cost for many NYE events in the city this year starts at $100 and goes up from there. Now, we aren't rocket scientists, but it seems to us that most NYE "packages" are just glorified bracelet parties with a paper tiara or a party horn thrown in (really, for a PLRG birthday recently we got three hours of open bar for $30 a person). We don't think a party favor and a half glass of cheap champagne at midnight is worth triple the price of your average package party. So, in protest (and for all the PoorLittleRichGirls out there) we have come up with our own list of NYE soirees that provide the most bang for your buck. Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club presents Sexy Supper Club NYE Party $75-$85 Includes a five course meal, a martini or champagne cocktail, champagne toast at midnight (second seating only). Plus classic movies being played on jumbo screens and entertainment by divas Madame X and Traci Ross (fyi- it's a drag club). The perfect place for a girls NYE out. Fizz Bar & Grill New Year's Eve Party
$60-$75
This casual Lakeview spot is hosting one of the longest open bar packages we've seen. Cocktails will flow for four and a half hours. Plus they'll have apps a champagne toast and party favors, of course. Silver Cloud New Year's Eve $29.95 Includes a four course dinner (appetizer, salad, entree, dessert) and a half bottle of champagne or wine. Deleece Grill Pub New Year's Eve $35-$50 Includes a four course dinner (beer pairing are optional) and a toast at midnight. In true Chicago style, the toast is with PBR, not champagne! In Fine Spirits $20.09 (advance tickets)-$50.09 This black and white theme party includes appetizers, $9 drinks (including fancy champagne), party favors and a "surprise at midnight." For just $30 more you can add a three course prix frixe menu with wine pairings.

Free Is For Me-These spot are all no cover, no reservations, no problem for NYE.

The Long Room Free to get in and no reservations required, but no drink specials either. They will, however, be offering a comp champagne toast at midnight. Motel Bar No cover or reservations required. DJ's, champagne specials and "yearbook photos." Ravens Just cut to the chase and head over to this 4am bar for the new year. Open to everyone, music all night and $3.50 Sam Adams Winter Lager.  Chief O'Neils The ultimate in cheap NYE parties, Chief O'Neils will be starting off the night at 6pm with a toast (when the ball drops in Ireland), followed by live music until 9pm, swing lessons at 8pm and a DJ at 10pm. They'll even knock 20% off the price of all food and drinks. (Lacey Brenly)