Online coupon sites are becoming increasingly popular with shoppers as they try to cope with rising costs, especially on food and other staples. Read the full story and check here for coupons available in Long Island.
What are your favorite online coupon Web sites? Leave a comment below.
I don't know about you, but flip flops are a summer wardrobe staple in my book.
My fave retail store to score bargains on the cheap is Old Navy and they're selling $1 flip flops this Saturday. Pick up a pair for the beach, trips to the nail salon, or for that upcoming destination wedding.
Don't forget! On June 28th, Old Navy Flip Flops for adults and kids will be just $1!! Limit 5 pairs per customer. Solid flip flops only, excluding printed and metallic styles. One day only.
Thanks to the folks over at Urbanite for the tip!
Linda's Gifts 2 Go in Port Washington is having a blow-out summer sale with shockingly low prices on some high fashion brands. Overflowing bins of cool clothes for ladies, teens, girls and boys are -- get this -- $1, $3 and $5, while other expensive denim brands such as True Religion, Antik Denim and 7 For All Mankind that ran up to $175 will be selling for $40. Also included in the mix: Le Tigre, Sister Sam, Splendid, Ella Moss, Juicy Couture and Bailey 44. The store is located at 1 Soundview Dr., and the sale runs from June 18 to June 21, but the deals are such steals that we recommend getting there early. For more information call: 516-767-0071. – Anne Bratskeir
June 2-7
MAXX NEW YORK HANDBAGS: Designer handbags (fabric and Italian leather) at 40-60 percent off retail. Take an additional 10% off cash purchases over $100. Clutches, satchels and hobos are going for $25-$100. Faux crocodile items start at $70. PVC patent leather items start at $45. New stock daily at Maxx
June 4-5
THEORY: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. tomorrow, SSS Sample Sale, 261 W. 36th St., (between 7th and 8th avenues),
June 4-6
AUTUMN CASHMERE: Men's and women's overstock and one-of-a-kind samples up to 75 percent off and lightweight cashmere wraps, $88, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 231 W. 39th St., (near Seventh Avenue) Manhattan, 212-398-2244.
June 11-14
Sample sale of Tory Burch and IISLI merchandise, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday/Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at SSS Sample Sale, 261 West 36th St., (between 7th and 8th avenues), 2nd floor, 212-947-8748. Dressing rooms close 45 minutes prior to closing; entrance may close 15 minutes prior to closing. clothingline.com
June 12
Meet designer Carolyn Gang at the one day only sample sale of SeidenGang Designs featuring 18 kt yellow gold pendant necklaces, bracelets, rings, and limited edtion brooches. The jewelry is handmade with precious and semi-precious stones and priced 40% below retail with all sales final. The sale runs from noon-8 p.m. at The Yellow Door, Ltd., 1308 Avenue M (between East 13th and East 14th sts.), Brooklyn; 718-998-7382. theyellowdoor.com
June 17-19
Sample sale for women featuring AKA, Tocca, Lewis Cho and Fresh Ink and Lorelei handbags and clutches, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday at SSS Sample Sale, 261 West 36th St., (between 7th and 8th avenues), 2nd floor; 212-947-8748. clothingline.com. Dressing rooms close 45 minutes prior to closing; entrance may close 15 minutes prior to closing.
June 18
DIVAS Shop for Opera, a fundraising event for the New York City Opera, offers vintage fashions as well as 50-75% discounts on desinger clothing, accessories and jewelry donated by
It's almost time to throw a book in your bag and head to the beach. Well, The Sak and HarperCollins have got the book and the bag covered. Every month for the next year, they'll give away a trendy handbag from The Sak filled with new reads. To kick things off this month, 15 lucky winners will receive a Silverlake Convertible satchel stocked with three summer reads: Jean Reynolds Page's "The Space Between Before and After," Kerry Reichs' "The Best Day of Someone Else's Life" and Elizabeth Noble's "Things I Want My Daughter to Know." The first "Book in a Bag" contest runs through May 31. To sign up, visit thesak.com/home/harpercollins.
-- Joseph V. Amodio
Gap has gone arty this week with the release of its new limited-edition Artist Editions tees, created by 13 of today's hottest artists in celebration of the Whitney Museum of American Art's biennial.
The T-shirt designers can be spotted wearing their tees in a slick new ad campaign. There's Chuck Close (in his pixilated creation), Kenny Scharf (collagey), Marilyn Minter (rockin' it Pat Benatar style) and Jeff Koons (whose animal tee is worn by Stephanie Seymour). And can someone please cheer up Rirkrit Tiravanija, whose tee blares "The Days of This Society Are Numbered"?
Find the line, $28 to $38, at Gap stores, gap.com and the Whitney while supplies last.
-- Joseph V. Amodio
On your way to work or school, pick up a free iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts. Yep, you heard right! It's officially "Free Iced Coffee Day" today from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at participating Dunkin' Donuts nationwide. Get a free 16 oz. cup of Dunkin' Donuts' original or flavored iced coffee.
And while you're getting your java fix, trot on over to McDonald's for a free Southern-style chicken biscuit or chicken sandwich. What's the catch? You must buy a large or medium drink today at any McDonald's to get the free, full-size chicken sandwhich. This offer is good from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
Lip balm is one of my favorite things to make at home. It's quick, easy and enables me to keep my lip balm addiction going strong too.
Last year, I received a sample of soaps from Ayelet, owner and creator, of Sun Kissed Bud bath products, and I enjoyed them immensely. So much so, I mentioned her bathtime treats in our first-ever handmade-holiday guide.
When I started running low on my favorite lip moisturizer, I decided to check out Ayelet's collection of hand-crafted goodies in her online store on Etsy.com, a marketplace for all things handmade.
Sun Kissed Bud offers natural deodorant, soaps made from scratch, hand lotion made with shea butter, and moisturizing lip balms. Sun Kissed Bud products are incredibly fragrant, too. I adore the sweeter scents, such as chocolate mint truffle, bubble gum, sweet pea and banana cream.
To save on cash, I picked up a three-pack where I could pick the scents for a mere $7.50. You may also purchase singles for only $3. What a deal! The best part about this purchase was Ayelet's friendly and professional manner.
For more information about Sun Kissed Bud products, visit online: ayelet17.etsy.com.
Have you taken the pledge to buy handmade? Here's why you should ... buying the wares of a craftsperson or artisan is like investing in their hopes, dreams and creativity. That alone can make a purchase extra-special.
Do you want to rave about your recent handmade purchase? Pop me an e-mail describing your latest find and you may see it here on the blog!
The Carle Place retailer 1-800-Flowers.com is partnering with an Islandia company to encourage Long Islanders to recycle old computers.
1-800-Flowers.com and e-Scrap Destruction will hold the recycling drive June 4 at the 1-800-Flowers store at 1 Old Country Rd. in Carle Place between 8:30 a.m and 4 p.m. Electronic-waste experts from e-Scrap will collect the discarded equipment.
Not wanting to miss a promotional opportunity, 1-800-Flowers will give coupons for 15 percent off its items to people who drop off discarded electronic equipment.
-- Carrie Mason-Draffen
Steve & Barry's, a clothing retailer based in Port Washington, is offering the official "Sex and the City: The Movie" apparel line in stores starting today.
The launch is just in time for the long-awaited reunion of New York's favorite girlfriends on the big screen May 30th.
Fans of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda can pick up T-shirts and tank tops with classic phrases such as "I'm with Mr. Big" and "I (Heart) Sex and the City" for an affordable $8.98 or less, according to Steve & Barry's.
Last year, Steve & Barry's partnered with "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker to launch the Bitten Collection of cheap, yet chic clothing for women.
Check out the newest Steve & Barry's store at DSW Plaza in Lake Grove.
Enter for a chance to win a shopping spree or free screening passes to "Sex and the City: The Movie" at participating Steve & Barry's stores, while supplies last. For official rules, visit online: www.steveandbarrys.com and www.bittensjp.com/satcsweepstakes.
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| Sex and the City photos |
You're in for a real treat! Baskin Robbins is offering their popular 31 Cent Scoop Night from 5-10 p.m. today. Bring your friends, the neighbor's kids or the whole family for ice cream on the cheap. But don't be greedy, there's a limit of 10 scoops per person, per purchase.
This special offer is only good at participating stores. A donation of $100,000 will be made by Baskin Robbins to the National Firefighters Foundation.
To get the scoop on this discount, go to BaskinRobbins.com.
By now, everybody knows the pitfalls of using disposable plastic bags. Happily, that means manufacturers are dreaming up better-looking (and much more environmentally friendly) alternatives for toting groceries, toys and books. Here's a sampling:
PRACTICAL
Made from 100 percent recycled materials, the Great A&P Tea Co.'s bags feature imagery depicting seashells, fruit and animals. And they're easy on the wallet, too: costing 99 cents at Long Island Pathmark, Waldbaum's and A&P grocery stores. (Pictured at left.)
Dubbed the new "it bag" by Teen Vogue, this Earth-friendly Baggu tote will help reduce your carbon footprint. Available in a variety of colors and made from sturdy ripstop fabric that will carry up to 25 pounds. Sold for $8 each or $22 for a pack of three at baggubag.com. (Pictured at right.)
Lightweight and waterproof, the Envirosax bag comes in a variety of unusual designs and colors, each sized just right for toting vacation souvenirs or beach gear. Costs $8.50 each or $37.95 for a pack of five at envirosax.com.
PREMIUM
In Asia, they were used as rice and feed bags for transporting various goods. In New York, recycled totes by Gecko Traders can carry your groceries, beach gear or anything else. These durable bags are made by a fully certified Fair Trade Co-op in Cambodia. Plus, no two bags look exactly alike. The recycled totes have even been vetted by Treehugger.com, a blog dedicated to green living. They cost $35.95 at reusablebags.com (Pictured at left.)
Made with 100 percent organic cotton and water-based inks, the oversize Beleaf tote can fashionably carry you through a weekend's worth of errands but withstand the weight of bulky grocery items, too. It's $36 at beleaf.com.
Read more about eco-friendly decorating, green celebrities and ways to reduce your carbon footprint on Newsday's section on "green living," newsday.com/green.
When environmental crusader Deron Beal first created the community recycling network called Freecycle, he envisioned people trading large household items such as sofas and desks. What he didn't expect was the wave of miscellany including old underwear and half-eaten packages of chocolate that has flooded the network. Freecycle says this all helps keep 400 tons of garbage out of landfills every day.
Continue reading this article about Freecycle and check out our living green section on Newsday.com.
Shop 'til you drop, rub elbows with celebrities and help your favorite charity at Lord & Taylor’s Garden City store this Tuesday. The large retailer in Garden City is hosting its Third Annual Benefit Bash, which helps about 100 charities raise money.
Some famous faces who will be there include children’s fashion designer Lucy Sykes Rellie, meteorologist Bill Evans, matchmaker Matt Titus and CBS News reporter Tamsen Fadal, as well as children’s book author Sheri Bell-Renwoldt, restauranteur Jesse Ziff Cool and mystery writer Ellen Crosby.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. offering complimentary makeovers from the store’s cosmetic counters, free books, gifts and a fashion show. The day is great for kids, too. They can meet Marvel’s the Hulk in person, a clown from the Big Apple Circus and get custom-made friendship bracelets.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. Lord & Taylor is at 1200 Franklin Avenue in Garden City. -- Tania Padgett
Just when you thought the deals at Tanger Outlet Center in Riverhead couldn't get better, they just did. A slew of new stores have opened up at the sprawling shopping center and more are on the way. New stores include The Disney Outlet Store, Esprit, Oakley, Coldwater Creek and Avirex. Stuart Weitzman, True Religion and Zoo York are planning to open this year. Meanwhile, the Banana Republic Factory Outlet Store just completed a renovation, while Tanger undergoes its own face-lift. The new Tanger mall will be unveiled this summer. The renovations haven't put a chink in the malls great deals. OshKosh is currently having a warehouse sale. -- Tania Padgett
Before you go, print out these coupons for extra savings!
Spa Week is set for April 14-20, with more than 30 Long Island spots participating, each offering two to three services for $50. Among those participating: Joseph Christopher Salon & Spa in Bellmore and Long Beach, with body exfoliation, facial and pedicure; Gurney's in Montauk with a 50-minute facial, makeup lesson or VIP pedicure; Maximus in Merrick and Westbury, with massages and facials; and Spa 190 in Mineola with facial, massage and body polish. Appointments go fast and the Web site, spaweek.org, goes live today, so check it out and book before it's too late. -- Barbara Schuler
It's time for March madness! Motherly duo Eileen and Elise (a Port Washington native) are owners of Planet Mom T-shirts, which features embroidered tees with witty phrases that are worn by mom and dads. A new shirt will be offered for a discounted price every day this month.
First up, their most popular line:
"Whine? No.
Wine? Yes."
According to their Web site, their shirts have star power .... "Brooke Shields calls her "I need a playdate" tee, "The perfect one for me!" And, Cindy Crawford owns our snarky "Secretary of Transportation" tee!"
To score this awesome deal, check our their Web site: www.PlanetMomTShirts.com.
I recently learned about rugmaker Angela Adams after seeing her do a segment on the Martha Stewart Show showing off her fabulous patterned rugs. The designer is currently having a sale on her chic, yet functional handbags and bathroom decor items featuring the same cool patterns found in her popular rugs. Click here to get the deal!
With new designer collections rolling out monthly at Target, shopping at its mass market apparel competitor, Old Navy, was starting to feel a little ho-hum. Now Todd Oldham, creative director of Old Navy since October, is launching a series of monthly trend-oriented collections. The first collection has an Urban Explorer theme and is full of spring's safari must-haves. Think khaki safari rompers ($29.50) and exotic-print belted minidresses ($29.50). -- Los Angeles Times
What do you get when local artists, designers and crafters -- all of whom are sellers on the handmade marketplace Etsy -- put their heads together?
You get a one-day shopping bonanza called the Brooklyn Home Show. The event highlights artists not just from Brooklyn, but from the surrounding areas as well.
Pick up some great indie finds, including handmade invitations, cards, collage, all-natural soaps, intricately crocheted hats and scarves, photography, animal posters, jewelry, screen-printed apparel, hand bags and dresses.
When: March 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 248 11th Street, corner of 11th St. and 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
For maps and directions and to reserve a gift bag with freebies and promotional items, visit their Web site: www.freewebs.com/bkhomeshow/
Want to get a head start on your shopping? Click here for a peek at the designers.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sure, it's stereotypical to think there aren't any female sports fans out there. Still, we love the idea that stores are hosting special sales during the Super Bowl geared toward women who'd rather tune out. Check back, we'll keep adding more as we find them.
On Long Island:
Three Black Sheep in St. James (213 Lake Avenue, 631-584-9276) is normally closed on Sundays but will open for a super one-day-only sale from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. that will feature closeout yarns at up to 75% off.
The Knitting Corner in Huntington (718 New York Ave.)--which stocks Rowan, Jo Sharp, Debbie Bliss, Noro, Berrooco, Katia and other brands of yard-- is "kicking off" it's winter clearance sale Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. with discounts promised steep enough to allow the store can make room for spring merchandise.
The Fabric Mill in Plainview (219 South Service Road, 516-465-6400) has extended its annual winter sale through Super Bowl Sunday, when the store is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. All home decorating fabrics are 10-50% off.
Elsewhere:
From noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Edressme.com--which carries dresses by designers like BCBG, Anna Sui, Rebecca Taylor and Tibi-- will be putting new designs on sale every hour as part of an incentive for women to "get distracted" by shopping during the game.
Scrapaholics, the scrapbooking and rubber stamping store in West Hempstead, is moving to a new location--(275 Hempstead Turnpike, W. Hempstead, 516-483-3745) with more retail space and a larger classroom.
A moving sale started Wednesday, with some products marked 40-75% off for clearance.
My buddy Jessica Damiano over at the Garden Detective blog has a list of gardening items for sale, including these adorable garden stakes for only $9.99. Hurry, bargains await!
The Sampler is having a sale on their previous Sampler boxes. Each one is filled with a variety of handmade treats, including jewelry, soap, greeting cards, magazines, music, key chains, and so much more.
What is the Sampler? It's a cool way for indie designers and makers of crafty things to get samples of their crafts into the hands of the public. If you love to buy handmade, like I do, then you'll want to a Sampler pronto!
To peruse the bargains at the Sampler, click here to visit their shop.
