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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.

If you’ve never been to the Zoo Lights presentation at the Palm Beach Zoo, here’s an opportunity to get discounted tickets on certain days and nights. It’s a dazzling display offered on select evenings with more than 1 million eco-friendly lights.  Palm Beach Zoo Lights Starting Nov. 21, 2025, and running through Jan. 4, 2026, …

Read More about Zoo Lights has advance discounts on certain days, Palm Beach Zoo

Sony Pictures is offering free passes to an advance film screening, saying, “It’s a wall-to-wall cinematic action event, a sequel to the original sleeper hit; rated-R.  Sisu: Road to Revenge When: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Where: AMC Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Drive, South Miami Passes are limited, click HERE to claim yours. …

Read More about Free screening: Sisu: Road to Revenge, South Miami, Nov. 18

The holidays at CityPlace feature a world of wonder illuminated by nightly snowfalls and light shows, with lots to do and see for the whole family. Wrapped in Wonder When: Holiday festivities continue through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Where: CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach Featured activities (weather permitting) include the following: Snow …

Read More about CityPlace holiday events, West Palm Beach, now through Dec. 31

Lion Country Safari is doing something different this year, so we thought it was worth mentioning. It’s offering a “get ready to glow” first-ever lantern festival. Lanterns & Lights at Safari Nights When: Select nights, November 2025 through January, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. Where: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee Price range: $28 …

Read More about Lanterns & Lights at Safari Nights, Lion Country Safari

This looks like an entertaining (PG-13) holiday comedy, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Denis Leary, from Amazon MGM Studios. Register to get a free pass because seats are limited. Only 20 two-ticket passes are being made available for our readers. What: Oh. What. Fun. When: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Where: AMC Aventura 24, 19501 …

Read More about Free screening of ‘Oh. What. Fun.’ at AMC Aventura, Dec. 2

The German Christmas spirit will come to life with lots of fresh holiday flair, thanks to the American German Club. There will be music, cookies and crafts, rides and plenty of magical moments for kids of all ages. Christmas Market When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 9 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, from …

Read More about German Christmas spirit comes to life with authentic folk dances, food and fun, Dec. 13-14

If you believe the spirit of the holidays comes alive through music, then you won’t want to miss the Christmas Cantata. It’s a one-hour program and is free to attend but since seating is limited, we recommend arriving early. A Musical Celebration Tradition When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, from 3 to 4 p.m. Where: Cason …

Read More about Free Christmas cantata: Delray Beach, Dec. 14

Gather your friends, family, blankets and chairs and head over to Canyon Amphitheater in Boynton Beach on the third Saturday of each month (except June-August) the Legends on the Lawn concert series. Legends on the Lawn is free! Just your top outdoor music concert series in a leisurely setting among friends. Legends on the Lawn …

Read More about Free monthly concert: Legends on the Lawn, Boynton Beach, Nov. 15

Making the arts more accessible and affordable to full-time students is now a reality, thanks to the ArshtPass student discount program, which provides $25 tickets to select shows. Plus, they are also offering similar $50 tickets to those 18-35 years old. ArshtPass members get exclusive access to limited discounted tickets for select shows, including concerts, …

Read More about ArshtPass offers $25 tickets for full-time college students, $50 for ages 18-35 years, Miami

If you are a student, educator, veteran or first responder, and you don’t mind making plans at the last minute, here’s an opportunity to check out at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Education & Veteran “rush” Ticket Program Please note that availability is limited and is not valid for all performances. The cost …

Read More about ‘Rush’ discounts at Kravis Center for those eligible, West Palm Beach

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.

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