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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.

The Tropical Audubon Society organizes a free bird-friendly gardening day the third Saturday of every month. Join other volunteers to help keep the organization’s bird-friendly demonstration garden and near-native Steinberg Nature Center grounds in good shape. WHEN: Third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon through June, 8:30 to 11 a.m. in July and August. WHERE: …

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You may have seen ads and announcements on social media about Candlelight Concerts throughout South Florida. These special events not only provide a multi-sensory musical experience, but also include a depth of repertoire and breadth of genres, from classical and jazz to show tunes and pop music. What is Candlelight? According to the Secret Media …

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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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The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach was founded more than 40 years ago, but the challenges it faces today have not only been compounded by the effects of recent climate change but also by the increase of red tide and toxic blue-green algae on sea creatures and ocean ecology. Situated on one of the …

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The aim is to “Nurture What’s Wild” at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; closed on major holidays. Where: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter Admission is by donation, with no minimum; whatever the person or family is able to donate. All educational programs …

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If you’re on a quest to discover a place where you can take the kids and enjoy the day for next to nothing, then the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton is definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy an authentic outdoor Florida adventure. And best of all, admission is free! Some …

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Whether you’re a walker or a biker, the City of Boca Raton has your back. Did you know there is an extensive network with 84 miles of bike lanes, shared pathways and trails for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the City of Boca Raton? Through the Bicycles/Pedestrians Program, they aim to: Engineer: Design, improve, and enhance …

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Weather update, check; pumped up tires, check; water and energy bar, check. Then, put on your bike shorts, grab your wheels and helmet and go explore and discover something new in The Palm Beaches – for free! You don’t have to be a snowbird or visitor to enjoy the Florida outdoors. If you’re not up …

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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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