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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.

Wellington is a family town with oodles of activities, festivals and outdoor entertainment. Most notable are the weekly Thursday Food Trucks & Music series at the amphitheater, and the seasonal Lakeside Market along the Town Center Promenade, both of which are free to attend. Visit Saturday & Sunday Concerts for a list of monthly outdoor concerts …

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The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach hosts seasonal special events that feature taiko drumming performances and other activities, including a seasonal sunset stroll. For more details, visit Sunset Stroll – Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The seasonal Sunset Stroll is a rain-or-shine event, April-September.  Check back with us to find out when …

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The Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach has no admission fee, however donations are appreciated. The Museum is housed in the restored 1913 Delray Elementary School building on the Old School Square campus.  While entry to the Museum is free, there may be fees for special events to help defray costs paid to performers or …

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On the third weekend of each month, Manatee Lagoon hosts Sensory Saturdays for family members who prefer an inclusive experience with softer lighting, less noise, and still a lot of fun from 8 to 9 a.m. Admission and parking are free; advance registration required. Fun fact: Did you know the manatee’s closest living mammal is …

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Oh, the times, they are a changing … and there’s more jingle in the pocketbook! The cord has been cut, the savings are stacking up and it hasn’t been all that painful, thanks to free FAST channels (scroll down for explanation). For many years, my basic and extended cable subscription was included in my condo’s …

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Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a 108-foot historical landmark on a riverfront site with historical displays and natural features. Occasional discounts and free entry opportunities are offered. The attraction includes: Opportunity to walk on a spiral staircase with 105 steps to top of the red structure for a panoramic vantage point of South Florida’s waterways and …

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Summer’s not over yet. There’s still plenty of time to do what Floridians love to do best – play in the water! Marco-Polo — Splish-Splash, come on in, the water’s fine. Grab your swimsuits, it’s time for some aquatic fun under sunny South Florida skies. While some pools, like those at the YMCAs, are usually …

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Active duty military, veterans and West Palm Beach City residents enjoy free admission to The Norton Museum of Art every Saturday with ID, every week, all year round. Palm Beach County residents get in free every Saturday during the summer, May 24, 2025, through Aug. 30. Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West …

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Yesteryear Village in West Palm offers an interactive historical park with an Old Florida vibe. Entry is $7-$10 and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday-Sunday. You’ll get to take a leisurely stroll through original and replicated structures at the attraction that include a school, post office, shops, and a farm. The historical attraction …

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Get 25% OFF* museum tickets for visits from Friday, July 4 through Sunday, August 10. Use promo code SUMMER25 when you book your tickets online.  Science is not only cool, it’s awesome. And the 250,000-square-foot Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami is a campus for interactive science learning that not only houses extraordinary exhibits, but also a …

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Got time? If you’ve got some spare time and you’re looking for a way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others, volunteering is a great option. There are many different volunteer opportunities available, so you’re sure to find one that’s a good fit for you. And the …

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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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