Cheap Thrills

In honor of the extra day we get this month for Leap Year, the following stores are offering bargains galore ...

Dining deals:

Is today your birthday? In celebration of your special day, Papa John’s wants to treat you to a large one-topping Papa's Perfect Pan pizza on Leap Day. Offer good only online.

Getaway on the cheap:

New York City's Buckingham Hotel invites you to book a Friday-to-Monday stay from Feb. 29 to July 7 for as little as $169 per night (pre-tax). Use booking code “LEAP.”

Home entertainment:

Stop by Circuit City and take advantage of their Leap year discounts on electronics and gadgets.

The History Channel has loads of DVDs on sale.

Fun for kids:

Toymaker Little Tikes is slashing prices on their car beds, playhouses, and more. Offer expires March 3.

Discounts for digital scrappers:

Sophia Davies Designs is offering 29% off everything in her digital scrapbook shop.

Nifty Boutique's scrapbooking supplies are 29% off for Leap Year now through March 1.

March is National Craft Month, and it's a great reason to dig out your old photos and begin the process of preserving them in a family scrapbook.

Come out to crop and chew at Your Happy Place, a scrabooking and stamping supply store in East Northport. You'll munch on pizza and soda and then enjoy using their supplies, which include rubber stamps, inks, diecut machines, and stencils. This class is offered at 6 every Monday night in March. Cost: $12. Web site: www.yourhappyplaceonline.com

There is also a Long Island craft group that regularly meets for scrapping and socializing, card-making and other fun paper crafts. Based in Ronkonkoma, the Western Suffolk Scrappers & Stampers invites you to swap ideas, get advice for layouts and mingle with other crafters. All skill levels are welcome. Cost: $10 for a one-year membership. Web site: http://scrapbook.meetup.com/1763/

Photo above: Diana Palmonka, a cashier who also stocks shelves and advertises for Scrapaholics in West Hempstead, with a page from her own scrapbook. (Newsday / Bill Davis)

Now this is a deal you can sink your teeth into!

McDonald's is giving away a free McSkillet Burrito today and Friday with the purchase of a medium or large drink. To get one of your own, stop by any McDonald's during breakfast hours and be sure to get the drink.

Buen provecho!

They call it "the running of the brides." The annual bargain wedding gown event -- where designer gowns go for $249-$699 -- will be happening Friday at Filene's Basement in Union Square in Manhattan (4 Union Square South, 212-358-0169, www.filenesbasement.com). The doors open at 8 a.m. but the lines outside start forming long before then. On this day, shopping is a sport. Many brides-to-be show up with an entourage of helpers to grab armfuls of gowns as quickly as possible for trying on or trading up with others. More Long Island wedding coverage here.

On Tuesday, Feb. 26 only, from 1-10 p.m. Dunkin Donuts will be offering 99-cent lattes and cappucinos.

You can pick hot or iced, and your flavor of choice. No coupons necessary.

Click here to find a location.

Consider it "CSI: Long Island." Former police officer and sex crimes prosecutor Bob Biancavilla will give you an inside look at the real-life world of forensic science by explaining how DNA evidence is collected, analyzed and presented at trials. It's free to attend, this Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Long Beach Library (111 W. Park Ave., 516-432-7201).

We know, you don't watch the Oscars for the dresses. Or speeches. Or Jon Stewart's jokes. It's for the commercials, right? OK, maybe not.

Still, we couldn't help notice JCPenney's fashionable ad buy on last night's telecast, announcing the release of its new American Living line. It's the biggest brand launch in JCP's 105-year history.

And if you think the collection -- including polos to suits for men, and women's preppy knits, check shirts, ruffly tops, sundresses, and, above, a sexy, lace-up patchwork "polo" -- looks a tad Ralph Lauren-ish, that's because his company produces it. Just without his name on the label. And at more pleasantly affordable prices (about $40 to $125).

Available now at about 600 JCPenney stores, or online at jcp.com.

-- Joseph V. Amodio

This just in from the Garden Detective blog: For a brief time, four 15 ft. X 5 ft. spaces are available to gardeners over 60 years old in Queens Botanical Garden’s Senior Garden.

Do you know of a great deal or freebie? E-mail me and I'll post it here for everyone to see.

If I were stranded on a deserted island, there are three things I'd need to have with me to stay sane: comedian Amy Sedaris, crafts and cupcakes. Actually, I'd love to be in the company of Amy Sedaris and we'd share side-splitting laughs while making glittery wands and whipping up a batch of her sweet cupcakes. If you haven't heard of Amy Sedaris -- are you under a rock? -- consider this Microsoft Office commercial your introduction ...

I had the honor of meeting her at New York's Bust Craftacular where she autographed my copy of her latest book, "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence,"and offered me one of her homemade cupcakes. Be sure to check out her book, it's very funny and full of crafty projects and recipes for entertaining.

What: Material Resource Center
Where: 2111 Lakeland Ave., Ronkonkoma
materialresourcecenter.org

Why: Fabric remnants, oversize rolls of craft paper, feathers, mat boards ... you never know what's in store at Material Resource Center, but they're always selling it for next to nothing. The Ronkonkoma nonprofit specializes in repurposing all kinds of supplies that companies would otherwise be throwing out. But don't think that means this isn't stuff you'd want - it's perfect for crafting, especially with kids.

Everything is sold by the pound - paper for finger-painting and coloring is $1, while glitter, sequins, giant rolls of stickers and buttons are $4 to $5 a pound. Frequent shoppers can buy individual or group memberships ($15 to $100 for six months, depending on size) that entitle them to buy everything at 50 percent off. The center also maintains relationships with several school districts.

On a recent trip, I picked up a bag full of oversize vintage spools of rayon thread in several colors--which I'll pile in glass jars for decoration in my craft room-- as well as larger hard plastic spools that seem just right for winding and displaying ribbon that's too pretty to tuck away in a box. The lot weighed just over four pounds cost about $9.

As a kid in the 1980s, one of my first do-it-yourself projects was making my own viewing device (similar to the image above) to watch a solar eclipse.

The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 1, 2008, but don't let that stop you from gazing at the sky... there's a lunar eclipse tonight at 8:43 p.m. and you don't need protective gear either. Just stick your head out the window and enjoy!

P.S. Check out the Garden Detective's musings on the upcoming lunar eclipse...

My desk at Newsday is always pretty messy, so I write notes to myself to stay organized and help remember the things that slip my mind when breaking news hits. I have colorful Post-It Notes tagged all over the place, including my computer screen and the walls of my cubicle. These little doo-dads really do the trick! And after watching an episode of Oprah, I am now in love with 3M's line of Post-It Flag Pens. I simply must have one!

For now, I'll enjoy my office's complimentary stack of Post-It Notes. Pick up some for yourself -- free -- by clicking here

And check out this post by blogger LifeHacker for a tutorial on making a Post-It Note calendar.

Do you know of a great deal or freebie? E-mail me and I'll post it here for everyone to see.

Winter is a great time for crafting indoors with friends. Check out these local classes for handmade fun!

Etsy Labs -- Create whimsical creatures at Etsy Labs in Brooklyn on Saturday, March 1 from 1-5 p.m. At this Plush Class, you'll create a loveable plush creature to give as a gift or keep for yourself. Learn lots of tips on working with faux fur and making plushie creatures. Students will take home printed instructions and patterns to jump start plush making at home. Cost: $50. Sign up: www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9365923

A.C. Moore -- This national craft store chain offers prospective scrapbookers informative classes on the best way to preserve special memories. Classes vary by location. Check your local A.C. Moore for details. Sign up: www.acmoore.com

Claytime -- Make time for playtime at Claytime, a paint-on-pottery studio in Huntington. Be sure to go on a Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. for adults-only fun! Other days are open to all ages. For prices and hours, please call: 631-425-6133.

This week's Cheap Thrills flashback is dedicated to do-it-yourself roman shades. To my surprise, many of our readers find the Cheap Thrills blog via a Google search for resources and instruction on roman shades. It all started with Shawna's post on "DIY Roman Shades" from September 2006 and this post continues to be a popular topic. Click here to read the original post.

Ready to make your own? Here's a few online resources for DIY roman shades:

Martha Stewart: Making a formal shade

HGTV: Room by Room episode enhances a room with roman shades

DIY Network: The Material Girls make a roman shade

DIY or Not: How-To instructions for installing roman shades

It was the 1960s in Harlem. The civil rights movement was hurtling along. Black was beautiful, women were trying cornrows and naturals, men dashikis, and writers and artists were creating new ways to interpret and reflect their lives. Out of this ferment emerged a group of artists who called themselves the Weusi Artists Collective. They were dedicated to folding elements of African art into the fruit of their experiences as African-Americans, and to bringing art to their own community. They plucked their name from Swahili, in which weusi means blackness.

Nearly half a century later, on a rainy Friday in February, eight Weusi artists, including some of the collective's founders, gathered at the African American Museum of Nassau County in Hempstead. They were there to install their paintings and sculptures in the first major Weusi retrospective since 1995 -- about 150 pieces created between the 1960s and the present. "Weusi Collective: Resurrection III," in which the work of eight men and two women is represented, held its opening reception Sunday.

Continue reading this Newsday article by Aileen Jacobson: Weusi artists come to Hempstead

On a recent episode of Oprah, financial guru Suze Orman helps a woman get out of debt and back on her feet after her husband dies. It serves as a reminder that everyone is responsible for their own financial security. Suze also doles out helpful advice on how you can save money and improve your life in her new book, "Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny."

As a treat to viewers, Oprah is offering Suze Orman's new book as a free download today until 8 p.m. EST. It's also available for download in Spanish. Obtenga su copia gratuita del libro de Suze Orman antes de 8/7c en la noche de 14 de febrero.

Updated 2/18: Did you miss the free download of Suze Orman's latest book? No problem, you can read an excerpt by clicking here.

This week's featured artist is Holly Griesel, a busy mother of two young daughters and a business owner. She proves that being creative and proactive can really pay off. Let's meet Holly!

Name: Holly Griesel, 41
Hometown: East Setauket, NY
Occupation: Owner, Forever Etchings Inc.
Craft: Custom engraving
Web site: www.ForeverEtchings.com

How did you get into custom engraving?

About three years ago, my husband visited his brother in California and he saw a huge piece of marble which had been engraved with a photographic image. He asked around and found that it involved a laser engraver and computer expertise. We then spent the next year investigating the options, writing our business plan, etc. And then we officially opened our own shop, Forever Etchings, in January 2006 and we haven’t looked back!

What's your best craft tip?

My best craft tip is to never be afraid to try something new. Even if you think you’ll destroy the substrate or medium you’re working on, you can always buy more and try again!

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspirations come from the retails shops and customers I work with. I also get new ideas from home décor catalogs.

What craft would you like to try next?

I’m currently working on a new product line of engraved mirrors. It’s very exciting!

Where do you get your supplies?

I get most of my supplies from wholesale Web sites, but I always rely on Ace Hardware or Michaels craft stores as my first stop when I’m developing new product lines.

What's your biggest challenge?

A constant challenge is finding quality substrates to work with, particularly wood products. There is a lot of junk out there and engraving it just gives you ‘engraved junk.’

Do you have any advice for beginners?

The laser engraving business is a very creative and fun endeavor, but it is an expensive investment as well. If you don’t have the time and patience to learn the software and ‘bend and flex’ as needed, it may not be the business for you.

Why do you love custom engraving?

I knew I would need to re-enter the workforce when my youngest child goes to school, and I hoped for a business where I could be creative and also be available to attend my children’s school functions without a worry. I've been lucky to create a business which satisfies all of these needs.

For more information, visit online: www.ForeverEtchings.com. Or check out Holly's faith-inspired products from A Gift of Faith on Main Street in Port Jefferson, NY.

Let's make bath truffles! It's the perfect treat to make for someone you love and just in time for Valentine's Day. Jessica Beland, a clothing designer/soapmaker and owner of BeJessie, shared this lovely recipe for what she's dubbed "I Love Me Tub Truffles."

They are effervescent little bath candies that you put in your tub. These tub truffles fizz and release cocoa butter and moisturizing oils into your bath water to pamper your skin. This recipe is super easy to make and make excellent gifts. Try packaging them in tiny truffle boxes with tissue paper from your local Michaels craft store. Let's get started!

Submitted by Jessica Beland, Owner of BeJessie.com

Supplies:

1 digital scale
3.7 oz of cocoa butter
0.8 oz of a heavy oil. I used Jojoba. But you can play around with this according to what you have on hand. Avocado oil and shea has worked well in this recipe.
0.5 oz of olive oil
1 ½ cups of baking soda
1 cup of citric acid
1/3 cup of corn starch
½ tsp of a skin-safe fragrance oil or skin-safe essential oil.
Try flavors like chocolate or citrus scent.
Mold of choice. A candy molds or soap work well, but you can also use an ice cube tray.

Optional ingredients:
2 tsp of cocoa powder
3 tbs of rosepetals or lavender buds

Directions:

Weigh your cocoa butter and then add it to a small saucepan and place the small saucepan over a larger saucepan filled halfway with water. Or you may use a double boiler or bain-marie instead. Put on medium heat.

While waiting for the cocoa butter to melt, measure and mix your dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make sure to mix it well. If you are adding herbs or flower petals, now is the time to add them to the mixture and then set aside.

Once the cocoa butter is melted, weigh and mix your melted butter with the Jojoba oil. Once this is fully mixed, you can add the fragrance oil of your choice. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir.

You will see the citric acid and baking soda starting to react. Do not worry. You want a sort of thick "cake batter" type of consistency. It will not be pourable like a liquid, but liquid enough to take form in the candy mold. Pour the "cake batter into the mold.

Once the mixture is added to the molds, place in the freezer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the bath truffles should be hard. Pop out of the molds onto a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Allow to air dry overnight.

Photos by Jessica Beland and Lilli Albin.

Do you have a great handmade tutorial you'd love to share? Send me your ideas and your diy project may appear here on the Cheap Thrills blog.

Visit the International House of Pancakes for a deal you'll flip over! The restaurant chain is celebrating National Pancake Day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today. Stop by your local IHOP to pick up one free short stack (three) of their famous buttermilk pancakes. IHOP is asking that you consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network.

For more information or to find an IHOP near you, visit: www.ihoppancakeday.com

It's that time of year again, where dogs of the finest pedigree will strut their stuff in front of thousands of cheering fans and judges for the 132nd annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog show in New York City.

In honor of the Super Bowl of dog competitions, I'd like to share with you my favorite picks for handmade, yet affordable finds for dog lovers on Etsy.com:

Shop and do good with this hand-crafted dog collar promoting responsible pet ownership. Buy online: FelineFido.etsy.com

Is there anything cuter than a girl and her dog? Sew this art patch onto jeans or a tote bag. Buy online: carlasonheim.etsy.com

Keep your favorite greyhound warm on cold winter days with this dog sweater pattern. A portion of the proceeds go to support Greyhound adoption.
Buy online: AerieDesigns.etsy.com

Pick up one of these whimsical dog breed tee-shirts and take your dog everywhere you go. Buy online: alfieandrex.etsy.com

Video above: My crazy dog Roxie playing with a chew toy.

Come to the New York Design Center on Friday, February 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. for your chance to be discovered. BravoTV is seeking design talent for the second season of its series "Top Design." Go to bravotv.com/casting for details.

Children 3 and up and adults can enjoy a chocolate-making workshop at Cornell Cooperative Extension at 11a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The one-hour events take place at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, 350 Yaphank Avenue in Yaphank. Fee is $8; you must register, 631-852-4600; info, cce.cornell.edu/suffolk/programs/scfhome.htm

This week's featured artist is a stay-at-home mother of two boys, who rediscovered her love of making jewelry. Let's meet Mirela!

Name: Mirela Jazdzewska, 33
Hometown: Middle Island, NY
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
Craft: Handmade jewelry
Web site: jantar.etsy.com

How did you get into making jewelry?

I'm a workaholic and learned that it is much more difficult to stay home with a child than it seems. I desperately needed something to keep me busy and sane. I know it sounds crazy, but it was a cartoon moment when the light bulb suddenly went off. My dad use to have a metalsmith studio years ago, and I loved working with him. The process of transforming sheet of silver into something beautiful always kept me amazed, so I decided to dust off my interest in jewelry. I'm learning new skills too.

What's your best craft tip?

Let your imagination run wild and don't treat yourself too seriously.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere. I just keep my eyes wide open and let creativity work it's magic.

What craft would you like to try next?

My list is long, very long. I would love to learn one-stroke painting, glass making and ceramics and then incorporate it into my jewelry designs.

Where do you get your supplies?

I love searching local bead shops for hidden treasures and of course the Internet. There is nothing like finding wonderful, unique materials and use them to create something beautiful.

What's your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is finding enough time to bring all ideas running wild in my head to life.

Do you have any advice for beginners?

You should enjoy your craft and have fun with it.

Why do you love making jewelry?

My husband asked, "are you afraid to run out of ideas for your designs?" I'm not! The variety of beautiful stones, lampwork, findings and techniques are so enormous that it will always keep me busy and very happy.

For more information about Mirela's handmade jewelry, visit online: jantar.etsy.com

Want to show off your creative side? Send me an e-mail with pictures showing off your favorite craft and you might be chosen as our next DIYer of the Week!

Wabisabi Brooklyn will be at Camp Lounge this Sunday, February 9th from 12-6 p.m. for a special event: "BE YOURS: Be Your Own Valentine." Bring a friend, have a cocktail, and pick up something for that special someone --YOU!

Camp Lounge is at 179 Smith Street between Warren and Wyckoff in Brooklyn, NY.

See their events page for more details.

Every Tuesday a group of 10 or so women gathers around a table in Greenvale, telling stories and offering support over births, divorces, deaths and everything in between. "It's like therapy," said Cheryl Lavenhar, one of the leaders.

Only Lavenhar is no therapist. She's a co-owner of Knit, a store lined with shelves of knitting supplies and yarns in every color imaginable. The centerpiece is a handmade birch worktable where customers can sit down any time to learn a technique, work on a scarf or sweater, or take part in a community of women that's grown tighter than a cable stitch.

"They just come, they congregate, they network. Whatever it is anyone needs that day, we do," said Ellen Harra, another owner.

Continue reading Knitting friendships at a Greenvale yarn shop by Newsday's Becky Aikman.

Photo: Larita Moultrie-Blue of Freeport sits and knits at Knit in Greenvale. Photo by Newsday's David L. Pokress.