<ul class="summary-list"><li>I live in a 72-square-foot apartment in New York City's West Village for $1,345 a month.</li><li>My microstudio has no real kitchen or closet, and I sleep on a futon bed that serves as my couch.</li></ul><p>I had dreamed of moving from my small town in Tennessee to <a href="https://www.insider.com/woman-selling-her-nyc-wedding-at-discount-on-tiktok-2021-4">New York City</a> ever since I visited the Big Apple when I was 4 years old. Unfortunately, I didn't quite grasp how expensive it is to live there until I was much older. </p><p>A lot of people live with roommates or move to boroughs <a href="https://www.insider.com/places-to-visit-in-new-york-travel-ideas-2019-2">other than Manhattan</a>, like Brooklyn or Queens, to save money. But I wanted to be in the center of the action and live alone.</p><p>I found my solution on the internet: a <a href="https://www.insider.com/red-flags-signing-a-lease-2018-7">micro-studio apartment</a>. In NYC, these spaces are often between 50 and 100 square feet and make living alone somewhat affordable.</p><p>I found my 72-square-foot apartment in the West Village for $1,345 a month. It's in my favorite part of the city, has a fire escape, and the perfect amount of space for a 21-year-old college graduate.</p><p>Here's what <a href="https://www.insider.com/new-york-city-biggest-misconceptions-2019-8">a day of my life is like</a> in this tiny space:</p><h2><strong>As soon as I wake up, I turn my bed back into my couch </strong></h2><p>I sleep on a futon bed, so when I wake up, I put my pillow and comforter under the frame and turn my bed back into a couch. This is annoying to do when I first wake up, but it certainly forces me to get out of bed.</p><p>I briefly considered putting a twin-size mattress in my lofted storage area instead, but I'm not positive it can support my weight and terrified to roll off in the night. </p><h2><strong>Then I work on using my space to make fresh coffee and breakfast </strong></h2><p>My tiny space does not mean I sacrifice my coffee.</p><p>I stand on top of my fridge to reach the coffee beans and get my electric water heater and bean grinder out from under my sink, since there's no room for it on the counter. </p><div type="image" title="kitchen+bathroomdoor" height="3024" width="4032" msid="83158018" hostid="261"></div><p>After I make my coffee, I put all the tools and ingredients away so I have room on the counter to make breakfast.</p><p>For breakfast, I usually cook eggs on my hot plate while I make toast in my <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-to-make-popular-fast-food-recipes-in-air-fryer-2021-5">toaster-oven-air-fryer combo</a>.</p><p>After breakfast, I have to do all of my dishes immediately, or my sink won't fit anything else.</p><h2><strong>Picking out my outfit can be challenging since my clothes are stored throughout the apartment</strong></h2><p>Picking out my outfit requires a few stops around my studio.</p><p>I keep my pajamas, underwear, bras, socks, bathing suits, and accessories in bins underneath my two-bar garment rack.</p><p>My clothes are color-coded, and all of my black and white clothes are on the rack facing the wall, so I have to dig a bit to see what's back there.</p><div type="image" title="closet" height="3024" width="4032" msid="83158021" hostid="261"></div><p>Some of my shoes and purses are displayed on the wall, which <a href="https://www.insider.com/cheap-ways-to-decorate-apartment-2018-8">gives me extra storage and turns them into decor</a>.</p><p>When it comes to laundry, I pay to have it washed, dried, and folded, since I don't have a washer or dryer. </p><p>My hamper is in the storage loft above my kitchen. When I need to put clothes in it, I either try throwing them in the hamper (and always miss) or climb on top of my counter so I can reach.</p><div type="image" title="loftarea" height="3024" width="4032" msid="83158024" hostid="261"></div><p>Living in my studio is mostly me climbing onto surfaces that are probably not meant to be climbed on. Every small task is now a bit of a challenge to complete.</p><h2><strong>I do my skin-care routine in my bathroom, but I put on my makeup in the main area so I have more space </strong></h2><p>Like with everything else I do in this apartment, my skin-care routine takes longer than it would in a larger space. My bathroom sink is super small, and I have no counter space in there, so it can be a process to wash my face.</p><p>I do my makeup in my main living area and place my products on the kitchen counter while using the mirror by my front door.</p><div type="image" title="aerialview" height="3024" width="4032" msid="83158026" hostid="261"></div><p>I occasionally have to peek in my bathroom to see my look in better light, but for the most part, this works well. </p><h2><strong>During the day, I can easily walk to the park and enjoy the fresh air </strong></h2><p>After this, depending on what my schedule looks like, I am usually out and about for most of the day. </p><p>When the weather is nice, I love sitting in Washington Square Park, which is so close to my apartment that it feels like my backyard. I love living near so many <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-restaurants-chefs-eat-at-in-nyc-2019-4">amazing restaurants</a>, too.</p><div type="image" title="fireescapeview" height="863" width="1151" msid="83158029" hostid="261"></div><p>My fire escape also has killer views of the West Village, so it's nice to pop out there sometimes.</p><h2><strong>It's challenging to make dinner and have guests over, but I make it work with a microwave and floor pillows</strong></h2><p>Preparing too many elements that have to be cooked in the same appliance can turn making dinner into a challenging and lengthy process.</p><p>I usually <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-way-to-make-corn-in-air-fryer-tiktok-hack-review">air-fry a vegetable</a> and make pasta or a protein with my hot plate. Sometimes, I microwave <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-fan-favorite-trader-joes-food-review">a Trader Joe's meal</a>, make a salad, or eat a light snack like fruit or cheese and crackers.</p><p>On some nights, I have my two friends who live downstairs over, but we mostly go to their space, which is bigger. When I do host guests, about three people can comfortably fit on my couch, and I keep two floor pillows under the futon for people to sit on the floor.</p><p>If it starts to feel crowded in my apartment, we hit the park or the streets of NYC.</p><p>Otherwise, I will usually have a virtual movie night with my best friend from back home. I don't have a TV, so I will play a movie on my computer and prop it up on the table beside my couch.</p><h2><strong>Taking a shower can be frustrating because the floor always gets wet</strong></h2><p>My entire bathroom is the shower, which is sometimes nice and sometimes the worst.</p><p>I usually end the day with a shower so my floor has time to dry overnight. If I shower in the morning, my bathroom floor is wet until midafternoon. </p><div type="image" title="Bathroom" height="4032" width="3024" msid="83158031" hostid="261"></div><p>A perk, though, is that I can easily brush my teeth and do my skin-care routine in the shower at night. I can also use my mirror while brushing my hair in the shower.</p><p>When I play music in there, the entire room becomes an echo-y speaker, making for great shower concerts. I also have a little mat outside the bathroom so that no water gets in my apartment.</p><p>I expected to hate the shower-bathroom combo, but now I kind of love it.</p><h2><strong>The noise of the city can be annoying when I'm trying to go to sleep, so I play music or use earplugs</strong></h2><p>When it gets <a href="https://www.insider.com/ways-youre-ruining-your-sleep-2019-5">close to bedtime</a>, I always plug in my air conditioner, as it is a great buffer for all the street noise. I also play some music. If the noise gets really bad, I use earplugs.</p><p>I <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-to-help-you-sleep-better-2019-3">finish my evening</a> by taking melatonin to help me sleep, putting rain sounds on my speaker, and pulling my futon back into a bed.</p><h2><strong>Overall, I like my microstudio, and it's come with a few perks</strong></h2><p>At the end of the day, this is by no means the <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-an-apartment-with-no-kitchen-is-really-like-2020-4">perfect apartment</a>. Someday, I would love to have a living room for parties, a full fridge, a closet, more counter space, and so much more.</p><p>But the small space has its perks. I've learned what items I value enough to be a part of my space and how crucial decor can be in making an apartment feel like a home.</p><p>Plus, this apartment has allowed me to live in the center of NYC, which was a priority for me. The city is always experienced outside anyway, so I don't mind having my small and cozy place to return to.</p><p><em>Editor's Note: This was originally published in June 2021. </em></p>

I'm 21 and live in a 72-square-foot NYC apartment that costs $1,345 a month. Here's what a day in my life looks like.

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6358169" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Lady-GaGa">Lady Gaga</keyword> and <keyword id="6384472" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="oreo">Oreo</keyword> teamed up for a limited-edition flavor.</li><li>The "<keyword id="8842747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="chromatica">Chromatica</keyword>"-themed cookies go with Gaga's latest album. </li><li>Oreo turned its Golden cookie into a vibrant pink-and-green treat.</li></ul><p>Fans know to expect nothing less than a show-stopping, head-turning <a href="https://www.insider.com/lady-gaga-met-gala-four-looks-red-carpet-2019-5">red-carpet look</a> from <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/lady-gaga">Lady Gaga</a>, and her new collaboration with <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/oreo">Oreo</a> delivered the same amount of awesomeness. </p><p>Gaga released her newest album, "<a href="https://www.insider.com/chromatica-lady-gaga-review-tracklist-breakdown-2020-5">Chromatica</a>," in May. On Thursday, she and Oreo teamed up to officially release a limited-edition pack of cookies to go with it.</p><p>While smaller packs of the cookies have been available in certain retail stores across the US since early January, the larger 12-ounce pack officially dropped on Thursday (though, <a href="https://twitter.com/MONSTER4LlFE/status/1354792936865755138">some particularly dedicated fans</a> spotted them in stores earlier). </p><p>Oreo also launched a virtual scavenger hunt for fans who want to win an even-more-exclusive package signed by Gaga herself. </p><p><em><strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-oreo-went-from-knock-off-to-worlds-favorite-2020-8">How the Oreo cookie went from unknown knock-off to the world's most popular cookie, as a result of a sibling rivalry between baker brothers</a></em></p><p>"This collab is inspired by the world of 'Chromatica,' where kindness rules all things," Lady Gaga said in a press release about the new <keyword id="1605920" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Oreos">Oreos</keyword>. "I love these pink cookies with green creme, and hope they brighten your day as much as they do mine!"</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—OREO Cookie  (@Oreo) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1354791397006536704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote><p>Gaga's fans were so hyped about the Oreo collaboration, they've already put full-sized packages on the resale site <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2047675.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3Dlady%2Bgaga%2Boreo%26_sacat%3D0">eBay</a>, where they're listed for as much as $30. (The suggested retail price for a full-sized package is $3.99.)</p><p>As I was unable to find the cookies in a store, Oreo provided Insider with a 12-ounce package for <keyword id="45374" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Review">review</keyword>. Once the cookies were finally in hand, I put on my only pink top, turned "Chromatica" up to loud, and ate the cookies for breakfast. </p><p>Just like the over-the-top performer herself, the new cookies come in a statement-making metallic-pink wrapping that gives snackers a peek at what's underneath, showing off the pink and green cookies that are inside. </p><div type="image" title="Lady Gaga Oreo 15" height="1176" width="1568" msid="80595167" hostid="261"></div><p>After tasting them, I found that, much like <a href="https://www.insider.com/chromatica-lady-gaga-review-tracklist-breakdown-2020-5#sine-from-above-with-elton-john-feels-forced-and-out-of-place-14">the album's track No. 14, "Sine From Above,"</a> the cookie is punchy and bright in some places, but soft and sweet in others.</p><p>As advertised, this homage-to-Gaga is simply a Golden Oreo dyed pink and green, stamped with three different varieties of Chromatica-themed imagery.</p><p>But having previously tried and <a href="https://www.insider.com/taste-test-best-worst-oreo-flavors-ranked">ranked 26 more mainstream Oreo flavors</a>, I think the "Chromatica" cookie's flavors are actually more like the Golden Double Stuf than the original Golden cookie.</p><p>In my opinion, Oreo's single-Stuf Golden cookie is overly sweet without actually having any distinct flavor at all, while the Double Stuf version of the same flavor is more subdued and pleasantly plain. </p><div type="image" title="Lady Gaga Oreo 3" height="1500" width="2000" msid="80595168" hostid="261"></div><p>This pink cookie was plain in flavor as well, and crunchy in texture, which perfectly contrasted the sweet and extra-soft green creme inside. In terms of the amount of creme, it was somewhere between regular and Double Stuf - the extra helping of creme is <a href="https://www.insider.com/taste-test-best-worst-oreo-flavors-ranked">a trait that I found is common</a> in limited-edition flavors. </p><p>When I took a bite of the cookie as a whole sandwich, the three layers smushed together and the creme came oozing out the sides. Of course, it paired wonderfully with a glass of cold milk and held its shape after being dunked. </p><p>If you're a fan of Lady Gaga and can find a pack of these cookies in your local store, it's worth tossing them in your cart (or placing them gently so they don't crumble!) and having a "Chromatica" dance party once you get home. That's my weekend plan, at least!</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/taste-test-best-worst-oreo-flavors-ranked">We tried 26 Oreo flavors and ranked them from worst to best</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/martha-stewart-cbd-gummies-line-inspired-by-snoop-dogg-2021-1">Martha Stewart says her new CBD line was inspired by her friend Snoop Dogg's love of cannabis</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/david-chang-gordon-ramsay-disagree-microwave-cooking-2021-1">David Chang is obsessed with microwaves, but Gordon Ramsay thinks they're 'for lazy cooks'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/photos-show-common-cookie-mistakes-baking-fails-home-bakers">12 cookie fails to make you feel better about your kitchen skills</a></li></ul>

I tried the new Lady Gaga 'Chromatica' Oreos, and the limited-edition cookie is an even better version of the classic Golden variety

<img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5cc28e6ab14bf47ac97ee342-2400/elizabeth%20warren.jpg" alt="elizabeth warren" /><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Sen. Elizabeth Warren is urging Amtrak to reconsider possible changes to its ticketing policies, as revealed by Business Insider last month. </strong></li><li><strong>Among the changes are strict rules on refunds and reservation changes on Amtrak's cheapest tickets that would make its reservations more similar to airlines. </strong></li><li>It's the latest in the railroad's push for profitability under CEO Richard Anderson. Other changes, like those in long-haul dining cars, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amtrak-dining-car-review-much-better-than-expected-2019-10">have infuriated many long-time riders. </a></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/prime?module=article&amp;area=summary">Click here for more BI Prime stories</a>.</strong></li></ul><p>Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Friday urged Amtrak officials to clarify possible ticket changes, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amtrak-considering-change-fees-non-refundable-fares-2020-leaked-memo-2019-12">first reported by Business Insider in December</a>, which could take effect as early as this month.</p><p>Among the forthcoming policy updates revealed in a leaked document are airline-style rules with strict limitations on changes and refunds for Amtrak's cheapest fares, as well as fees for changing second-level "value" fares within 14 days of departure.</p><p>"I ask that you provide a full accounting of any proposed changes, including a schedule for implementation and any internal estimates on the impact on passengers" Warren said in a letter to Amtrak's chief executive, asking for a response by January 24.</p><p>"I am concerned that the proposed changes would increase prices and fees, especially on families and communities with lower incomes who rely on the cheaper fares and whose schedules can be less predictable, and distressed that Amtrak officials have, to date refused to provide any public information or receive any public input on these proposals," the letter continued.</p><p>An Amtrak representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Amtrak had no comment when the potential policy changes were first reported.</p><p>In his tenure as chief executive of the federally subsidized railroad, Richard Anderson has sought to bring many business practices from his tenure at Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines to the deeply unprofitable railroad.</p><p>"We've been able to bring some commercial instincts in and make some basic investments in revenue management technology," Anderson said at an industry event in September. "Nothing fancy, just basic, good, RM practices," he said, using an acronym for revenue management.</p><p>But there have also been some customer-facing changes that have proven deeply unpopular. </p><p>In 2019, overnight trains east of the Mississippi River <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amtrak-dining-car-review-much-better-than-expected-2019-10">bid adieu to traditional dining car services</a> - with their waiters, custom-cooked food, and tablecloths - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amtrak-new-contemporary-dining-car-review-lake-shore-limited-2019-10">in favor of ready-to-eat food heated in microwaves.</a></p><p>So far, the changes appear to have had a positive effect for the railroad.</p><p>The fiscal year 2019 saw Amtrak report record ridership and the agency said it was on pace to break even by 2021. Most of the growth came in the Northeast Corridor, where the railroad runs regularly scheduled, relatively high-speed service through some of the nation's most populated cities.</p><p>Friday's letter isn't the first time in recent months that Warren, who is also running for the Democratic presidential nomination, has voiced concern about new Amtrak policies.</p><p>In November, she <a href="https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/11.26.19%20-%20Amtrak%20-%20Arbitration.pdf">cosigned a letter with 13 other senators</a> urging a reversal of new arbitration policies that would limit passengers' ability to join class-action suits against the railroad in the event of accidents.</p><p>Warren's letter echoes many of the concerns from November.</p><p>"I urge you to reconsider these changes, and to ensure customers are best served by any upcoming policy changes," the senator concluded.</p><h2>Here's the full text of the letter:</h2>  <a href="https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6660244/2020-01-17-Letter-to-Amtrak-on-Policy-Changes.pdf">2020 01 17 Letter to Amtrak on Policy Changes (PDF)</a>  <br /><a href="https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6660244/2020-01-17-Letter-to-Amtrak-on-Policy-Changes.txt">2020 01 17 Letter to Amtrak on Policy Changes (Text)</a>

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I'm 21 and live in a 72-square-foot NYC apartment that costs $1,345 a month. Here's what a day in my life looks like.

Via Hendrix

I tried the new Lady Gaga 'Chromatica' Oreos, and the limited-edition cookie is an even better version of the classic Golden variety

Rachel Askinasi

Elizabeth Warren blasts Amtrak's proposed airline-style ticketing changes that could make it harder to change trains or get a refund

Graham Rapier

I tried 24 of Trader Joe's seasonal summer products, and there are only 4 I wouldn't buy again

Savanna Swain-Wilson