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Free and Affordable Pittsburgh for 2/3: Think Warm and Happy Thoughts

By Rachel Booth

During the depths of Pittsburgh's chilly weather, it's nice to find lots of fun, and of course affordable things to help you think warm and happy thoughts! On this week's Free & Affordable Pittsburgh segment on Pittsburgh Today Live, we're talking about a tropical escape, shopping for those you love, "Hot Jam" glass blowing demonstrations and more! Learn a bit more about each of the things mentioned on this week's show!

Tropical Sundays at Phipps
Phipps Conservatory
(credit: phipps.conservatory.org)


Sundays in February
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: 50% discount with Tropical Shirt

Let's face it - winter in Pittsburgh can be a little, well... gray. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is filled with beautifully artistic plantscapes and gardens all year round. If you're looking to beat those winter blues, try Tropical Sundays! You can relax under palm trees, enjoy live music by the Tropical Sands Steel Band, and taste tropical fruits. Best of all, wear a tropical flower shirt and you'll receive 50% off your regular admission ticket!

I Made It! Valentine's Day Market

Free & Affordable - I Made It - Robyns Nest
Photo Credit: I Made It Market


Saturday, February 4, 2012
Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Free To Attend

Take advantage of a fantastic Valentine's Day marketplace, just in time to find your sweetie that perfect gift! Value abounds when you buy directly from the source, and I Made It! Mine features 55+ regional artists showcasing their handmade wares, crafted with love. It's free to attend, so the only cost to you is that one of a kind gift! SouthSide Works will also be offering free crafts for the kids - so make a day of it!

"Hot Jam" Open House
Free & Affordable Glass Demo
Photo Credit: Nathan J. Shaulis


Friday, February 3, 2012 (first Friday each month through May)
Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: Free To Attend

On the First Friday of every month through May, the Pittsburgh Glass Center offers their "Hot Jam" Open House from 6 until 9pm. This free event features heat defying acts of art in their state-of-the-art studios. Visitors can get up close and feel the heat of the live glassblowing and flame demonstrations. Plus, this is the last opportunity for everyone to see the current exhibition "Ten More Years on Penn," a mixed media installation by Gwylene Gallimard and Jean Marie Mauclet that shows the future of Penn Avenue.

CBS Local Offers
Free & Affordable Local Offer Pittsburgh Burger Company
Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Burger Company

CBS Local offers has great deals everyday, anywhere from 50-90% off the retail value. Right now, you can take advantage of 50% off premium burgers and American fare at Pittsburgh Burger Company in West Homestead. You pay $10, and you get $20 worth of scrumptious eats. Pittsburgh Burger Compapny only serves hormone and antibiotic free USDA Black Angus beef, along with locally grown produce and veggies. Sign up for this deal and more here. Hurry – these deals are limited in both time and quantity!

What We're Talking About In Best Of

1/24 - shopping and style lip gloss
Photo Credit: Brooke Keane

Take a break from the cold and warm up in one of Pittsburgh's many amazing art galleries! In Arts & Culture, you'll find our February Arts Preview which features several great options for art lovers this month. From thought provoking exhibits, to theater, to hands-on crafts - there's something for everyone. Best of all, many of these great finds are free for your viewing pleasure, or very affordable to enjoy!

Do you ever look at the vast world of cosmetics and get totally confused and overwhelmed? Does more money necessarily equal a better product? Not necessarily! In Shopping & Style, take a look at Spend Vs. Splurge: What Makeup To Spend Your Money On and learn what affordable drugstore finds can supplement your high-end look!

Heather Walsh and Rachel Booth are the bargainistas behind LivingPittsburgh.com, Pittsburgh's go-to bargain website for free, affordable & discounted events, activities, products & services. Visit Living Pittsburgh for even more great 'Burgh bargains!

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