Cheap Thrills

A Cheap Thrills reader just e-mailed me about an offer of free tickets to see the Mets for people who donate blood this weekend at the Walt Whitman Mall. Here's more details:

Donate blood at the Walt Whitman Mall blood drive this Saturday, July 19th. Every donor gets TWO free Mets tickets. The drive hours are from 11 a.m. to 4:30pm. Donate blood, save lives, and get free Mets tickets. If you can't make it on Saturday, there are two other blood drives running this summer offering free Mets tickets to donors:

* Friday, August 8th at the Walmart in Commack

* Saturday, August 16th at Lighthouse Harley Davidson in Huntington Station

Note: You can only donate blood every 56 days, so you can only donate once at one of these drives.

For more information, call Long Island Blood Services at 1-800-933-BLOOD (800-933-2566) or visit online: www.nybloodcenter.org

Photo of "Mr. Met" by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

AdornIt by Carolee's Creations offers papercrafting products for scrapbooking and has been a player in the craft industry for around 20 years, according to their Web site. They are currently offering a free idea book to help you get a jump on your scrapbooking projects.

Visit online to sign up for the free offer: www.adornit.com/ideabook/

And while you're at it, check out some of the scrapbooking clubs that meet in the area:

The Sisterhood of the Scrapbook Club meets for weekly workshops in Freeport.

The Bellmore Scrapbooking Meetup has planned a for a full day of scrapbooking where you'll have lots of space to work on your projects.

In New York City, there's the NY Scrapbooking & Rubber Stamping of Upper Manhattan where you enjoy a variety of classes alongside some talented crafters.

Above: A handmade card using a copper foiling technique. Photo by Heidi Davenport

July 19: Shop til you drop Saturday at Shecky's Girls Day Out, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Southampton Historical Museum. Planners promise fashions from up-and-coming designers, free spa services, tons of samples and plenty of cocktails. It's free but you need to register at girlsnightout.sheckys.com; for $30, you get the goodie bag with products from the likes of Dove and Conair.

July 17: Sephora Soho celebrates it’s 10th anniversary with free skincare consultations, makeovers, and spray tans, noon–7 p.m. at 555 Broadway, Manhattan; (212) 625-1309.

Blogger Mark LaMonica is giving away free copies of the book "How the Other Half Hamptons" by Jasmin Rosemberg over at the Hanging in the Hamptons blog. Check them out and learn how you can score a copy. Tell 'em Cheap Thrills sent ya!

Photo credit: Hachette Books

Do you love Slurpees? How about a free one?

Well, 7-Eleven's participating stores are offering customers a free Slurpee to celebrate their 81st birthday on – when else? – July 11, 7/11/08, also known as 7-Eleven® Day!

As has been the tradition for many years, the company will celebrate July 11 with free 7.11-ounce Slurpee® drinks for customers visiting its U.S. stores. Special birthday cups will be available while supplies last.

Fun Fact: Long Islanders buy the most coffee out of all of its stores nationwide.

Pictured: 7-Eleven customers line up for Squishees, the Slurpee-like concoctions made famous on "The Simpsons." (Getty Images Photo)

-- Corris

Latina Magazine offers a day of free pampering -- makeup applications, hairstyling, mini-manicures, 10-minute back massages, July 12 from noon-5 p.m. at the Westin Times Square, 270 W. 43rd St., Manhattan; e-mail reservation (must be 18; include name, age and number of guests) to rsvp_newyork@latina.com.

This summer's Major League Baseball's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium is going to be a hot ticket. Not much of a baseball fan? No problem! Go for the free Bon Jovi concert in Central Park on July 12th. The complimentary concert is part of the festivities associated with the All-Star baseball game on July 15th. Bon Jovi currently has the #1 concert, according to Pollstar.

For tickets, stay tuned to their fan site: www.bonjovi.com/bonjovi or vist the MLB site for the concert: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2008/concert.jsp

Coldplay is playing a free concert at Madison Square Garden on Monday, with tickets handed out through their Web site, coldplay.com. They return for a show at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 26, but ticket info is not yet available.

Check out Newsday's review of Coldplay's latest release 'Viva La Vida.'

Dads get a free small cup or cone of frozen yogurt all day Sunday, June 15 at TCBY locations.

Click here to find one near you.

This Saturday, I'm going to one of the biggest craft fairs in the New York area -- The Renegade Craft Fair. Yay! I'm very excited about this event!

This craftapalooza runs from June 14-15 at McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn and boasts more than 200 vendors and makers of all things crafty and cool. The Renegade Craft Fair is the brainchild of Sue Blatt and Kathleen Habbley. The duo first took up crafts as a hobby and soon discovered there were no events specifically for the DIY craft community. Hence, the RCF was born!

DIYers and craft fans of all stripes swarm this annual craft fair to see what's new, support indie designers, and get inspired. I'll be there on June 14th, so kindly say "hello" if you're there too.

Don't miss this event!

For more details, visit: www.renegadecraft.com

At Port Washington's 18th annual Harborfest Dock Day and Craft Festival, the hardest decision will be whether your fun's on land or sea. Or have it all as the community celebrates its nautical heritage and heightens awareness of the environment. You'll find crafts vendors and area merchant displays; a children's fun park; musicians and other performers and a talent show; field day competitions; kayaking and stage coach and trolley rides; and cruises on Manhasset Bay. It's all happening Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Port Washington's picturesque waterfront at and around the town dock and lower Main Street. Free admission. 516-883-6566, pwguide.com.

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.

My pal and fellow blogger the Garden Detective has the scoop on a tree giveaway through MillionTreesNYC. Click here to get more information.

Down with the dastardly plastic bag! New York City students want shoppers to go green and use cloth instead. So three students have designed eco-friendly canvas tote bags and you can get them today - for FREE!

Click here for more details. Tip of the hat goes to Lauren over at the Urbanite blog.

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.

Old furniture, china, coins and estate jewelry ... some pieces are legitimate, valuable antiques while others are, well, just plain junk.

Learn to spot the difference at a four-session appraisal series on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. through May 1, as the Ward Melville Heritage Organization brings antique dealers and experts to the Education and Cultural Center at Stony Brook Village Center on Main Street. Sessions cost $7 each ($25 for all four), which includes a free appraisal of one item per session. Call 631-689-5888 to register; visit wmho.org for the full schedule of topics and speakers.

-- FRANK LOVECE

OK, I have a secret to share ... I'm a Hannah Montana fan.

Yes, it's true! I'm a 32-year-old-woman who waits for my husband to leave the house, so I can watch a TV show meant for pre-teens and I think it's time I came out of the closet. Why? I just found out Miley Cyrus aka "Hannah Montana" aka "the cutest girl on TV" is giving a free concert on July 25!

Miley Cyrus and a great mix of other artists are part of the line up for the "Today Concert Series." Here's the roster:

Tuesday, April 1: R.E.M (in studio)

Friday, April 4: Raheem DeVaughn (in studio)

Friday, April 11: Bowfire

Tuesday, April 15: Naked Brothers Band (in studio)

Friday, April 18: Ashlee Simpson (in studio)

Friday, April 25: Paula Abdul

Friday, May 2: Neil Diamond

Friday, May 9: Mary J Blige

Miley Cyrus photos

Friday, May 16: Surprise Reunion concert

Friday, May 23: Alanis Morissette

Monday, May 26: B-52s (Special Memorial Day concert)

Friday, May 30: Donna Summer

Friday, June 6: Chris Brown

Friday, June 13: Kenny Chesney

Friday, June 20: Rihanna

Friday, June 27: Coldplay

Friday, July 4: Ashlee Simpson

Friday, July 11: Rascal Flatts

Friday, July 18: Natasha Bedingfield

Friday, July 25: Miley Cyrus <-----------

Friday, August 8: Sheryl Crow

All the performances begin at 7 a.m. Eastern.

Dogs frolic at LI parks

The free two-hour sessions will be offered twice a month and will include presentations by trainers, vets and other dog-related professionals. And if that's not enough, you leave with a free goody bag.

The first class is Wednesday, March 26, from 7 to 9 p.m., at 100 Carleton Avenue, Islip. You must RSVP to reserve a spot: 631-224-5640. Sorry, no dogs allowed (though kids older than 10 are welcome). -- Denise Flaim

See our suggestions for affordable, handmade designs for dog lovers. Also, check out Newsday's list of dog-friendly parks and beaches.

Thursday, March 20 is the first day of spring and for the 16th year in a row Rita's Ice is giving away free 10-ounce Italian ice treats in your choice of available flavors from noon- 9 p.m. at more than 500 locations in 17 states. New flavor for 2008: Birthday Cake Cream Ice.

Find a Rita's near you.

Monique Lhuillier free? Now there are three words that you don’t see together. But on March 25 at Macy’s Herald Square store that’s exactly what fans of the designer will see. Lhuillier, whose bridal couture can cost tens of thousands of dollars, will be on hand to give tips on how to pick the perfect wedding dress and discuss her new line of tableware, stemware and giftware, which debuts at Macy’s that day. The designer created the chic, modern, for-everyday-use collection with the help of Royal Doulton, a century-old British brand. The event will be on the 9th floor and will start at 6:30 p.m. — Tania Padgett

Looking for something old, borrowed or blue? Check out Etsy.com, a crafter's paradise, for their amazing showcase of lovely handmade wedding designs.

Also, be sure to check out Newsday's Guide to Weddings on ExploreLI.com.

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!

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).

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.

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.

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.

What a sweet deal! Baskin Robbins is offering customers one free sundae with the purchase of any sundae.

Click here to get the coupon. Enjoy!

Do you know of a great deal or bargain? Pop me an e-mail and we'll share it on the Cheap Thrills blog.

Michael Trent, a friend to the Cheap Thrills blog and fellow crafter, sent in this tip:

The Ink Pad, a rubber stamp store in Manhattan's Greenwhich Village, is sponsoring the fourth annual Handmade in New York Craft Fair on Saturday, December 1st from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Westbeth Community Center, 55 Bethune Street (between Washington Street & the West Side Highway in Manhattan.)

Grab your holiday shopping list and pick up handmade jewelry, greeting cards, gift tags, collage papers, scarves, ornaments, and other one-of-a-kind crafts. It's a great way to support the local artists. All the items are handmade! Admission is free.

For more information, call the Ink Pad at (212) 463-9876 or e-mail: theinkpad@aol.com.

Thanks for the tip Michael!

Reuseable bags are gaining in popularity as more consumers seek easy ways to preserve the environment and produce less waste. Check out this video tutorial by Make magazine and learn how to make your own messenger bag, which is perfect for any person on the go!

In recognition of Veterans Day, County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that all County veterans and active-duty service personnel will receive a free round of golf at five County golf courses in commemoration of Veterans Day, November 11, 2007.

The following golf courses are involved in the program:

The 18-hole Blue Course at Eisenhower Park (516-572-0327/28).

The 9-hole executive courses at:

Bay Park in East Rockaway (516-571-7242)
Cantiague Park in Hicksville (516-571-7061)
Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills (516-571-8120)
North Woodmere Park in North Woodmere (516-571-7814).

To be eligible, golfers must present proof of Nassau County residency and either military identification (for active duty) or discharge papers (veterans); a Nassau County Veterans Leisure Passport is also acceptable. This offer involves walk-up games only (no reservations), and all other charges (such as golf cart fees) will apply.

For more information about the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks, or call 516-572-0200.

Loren Talbot & Jean Tanler, owners of a new store called Local Labels, has invited you to join them in celebrating the launch of their specialty foods & gifts Web site. Meet local artisans and manufacturers and raise a toast to all good things made within the five boroughs of New York City!

If you're going...

The party will be held on Wednesday, October 24th, from 6-8 p.m. at the Lower East Side Girls Club Gallery at 56 E. 1st Street between 1st & 2nd Ave in Manhattan.

Please RSVP: rsvp@locallabels.com

Visit their Web site: www.LocalLabels.com

Do you play golf, but have yet to putt on real grass? Have you ever played tennis without an actual racket? Well, then you must know the joys of playing with Nintendo's Wii.

You'd be surprised at how much action there is, with all that arm swinging and Wii throwing -- yes, there's quite a bit of the latter!

In response to the Wii flying off the arm of unsuspecting gamers, Nintendo is giving away free Wii jackets as a safety precaution. Pick one up here! Game on safely, my friends!

A mocha choca latte with extra foam isn't the only thing you'll go home with after a trip to Starbucks.

My favorite spot for a cuppa Joe has started their Song of the Day promotion. That's right! You can get free music download cards at your local participating Starbucks and then log onto the iTunes store to get one of their cherry-picked songs by a variety of talented artists every day until November 7th.

What a sweet deal!

Are you ready to party? Well, mark your calendars!

Michelle's of New York is having a launch party and fashion show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 29th at its retail store in Islip Terrace. Come celebrate the addition of their new lingerie line for plus size women. At this event, you'll enjoy music, light refreshments, VIP gift bags, and door prize giveaways. Free admission. It sounds too good to miss!

Note: No children under 18 will be permitted.

Contact Michelle via e-mail: michellesofny@aol.com or visit www.MichellesofNewYork.com for more information.

Visit this crafting mecca online: www.etsy.com

One of my favorite magazines, Domino, is hosting its first decorating contest for a chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree!! Every entry will get a free makeup sample. So, hurry up and start snapping photos of your fabulous decor!

Here's more details about Domino's contest:

Domino is asking the public (only amateurs -- no professionals, please!) to show us how good their decorating is and they could win a $10,000 shopping spree.

All people have to do is simple enter now on www.dominomag.com and upload one photo of their best decorated room in their home.

BONUS: Everyone is automatically entered in a drawing to win a free $3,000 spa trip—and every person who enters receives a free makeup sample.

Domino will choose five finalists by October 23rd and then the public votes for the winner on www.dominomag.com (from 10/23/07—11/30/07). The winner will be announced in January 2008 and will be featured in the February 2008 domino issue. See the Web site for the complete rules.

Good luck!