Clicky Skip to Content

Mary Lou Cruz

Mary Lou worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel for 21 years. She was a special sections writer in the advertising department for 7 years and worked in the newsroom for 14 years. Before her newspaper career, she worked in the airline and travel industry and has lived in Brazil, Puerto Rico and vacationed in more than 25 countries. Motto: "Learning to live a frugal lifestyle is both an art and a science." She can be reached at marylou@miamionthecheap.com.

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events scheduled in 2025. Click HERE to see who’s performing and what else is happening this week and next! The amphitheater at Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Plan to take portable seats …

Read More about Free outdoor concert & food trucks in Wellington, Nov. 22

The City of West Palm Beach is celebrating its 34th annual Pleasant City Share-A-Supper community event and will be offering Thanksgiving dinner to residents, while supplies last, at no charge. Share-A-Supper Thanksgiving Feast WHEN: Tuesday, Nov.  25, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Pleasant City Community Center, 500 22nd St., West Palm Beach City …

Read More about Share-A-Supper, Pleasant City Community Center, Nov. 25

The “6th Annual Pooches & Presents in the Park”is a free, pet-friendly holiday event. Not only will it feature photos with Santa, adoptable dogs, local vendors, food and raffles, but also dog-friendly activities like a splash zone and lure course.  “Pooches & Presents in the Park” When: Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, from noon to 4 …

Read More about Delray is going to the dogs with a holiday party for pooches, Nov. 23

Communing with nature has never been more fun and the Daggerwing Nature Center has so many opportunities for kids and their families to take advantage of the great outdoors. Admission is free; access to trails and boardwalk are free; most programs have fees usually from $5 to $10. Upcoming November events: BIRDING 101 Saturday, Nov. …

Read More about Thanksgiving with animals at Daggerwing, Boca Raton, Nov. 25

The Northwood Art & Music Warehouse in West Palm Beach supports local artists and musicians and is also a cool place to hang out and enjoy the vibe. Gypsy Strings Revival When: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, from 8 to 11 p.m. Where: 933 28th St., West Palm Beach Cost: $5 advance, $10 at the door; …

Read More about $5-$10 Weekend shows: Northwood Warehouse West Palm Beach, Nov. 21-22

Mizner Park in Boca Raton is transformed each by a sleigh full of elves with winter holiday decorations and public festivities. Following is a partial list. What: Boca Jolly Days & Merry in Mizner When: Tree, displays and activities extend through Dec. 31, 2025 Where: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton & other venues. …

Read More about Merry in Mizner & Boca Jolly Days, Nov. 22 through Dec. 31

Whether you are looking for that special holiday ornament, something special for your Thanksgiving table setting, or just enjoy shopping for handmade, one-of-a-kind items, you’re going to love this year’s showcase by local artisans. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, …

Read More about Holiday art & craft show, Delray Beach, Nov. 20-22

The Shops at Boca Center will present Jingle & Mingle: Holiday Cheer Lights up The Shops at Boca Center, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Event highlights include: Nutcracker Fantasy – Delight in the presence of Nutcracker Stiltwalkers, along with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy Ballerinas, bringing the magic of the …

Read More about Holiday Kickoff party with tree lighting, at Boca Center, Nov. 22

Each week, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. So, if it’s Friday, shake off the sand and head down to The Norton as part of the museum’s Art After Dark series that features something new and different each week. …

Read More about $10 music & Art After Dark: Fridays, West Palm Beach

Lake Worth Beach is kicking off the season with performances, a meet and greet with Santa, plus plenty of family activities. Tree Lighting and Meet & Greet Santa! When: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Cultural Plaza, Lake Worth Beach Features: Tree lighting with Santa, performances and family activities. Cost: Free …

Read More about Free Tree Lighting with Santa, Lake Worth Beach, Nov. 29

Whether you’re a creative crafter or maybe just appreciate unique handicrafts, or just like to browse a variety of homemade works by local artisans to get ideas for your own projects, this event is for you.  Buckler’s 35th annual Christmas Craft Fair When: Dec. 6-7, 2025, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. …

Read More about Buckler’s 35th Christmas Craft Fair, West Palm Beach, Dec. 6-7

Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

Living on the Cheap in the Media