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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.

Delray Beach offers a robust arts and entertainment vibe, including the popular First Friday Art Walk, which not only offers public art displays, murals, installations and open galleries, but also a variety of free music and pop-up performances. The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority has curated this list of public and private art installations throughout …

Read More about Free: First Friday ArtWalk, Cornell Art Museum & downtown Delray Beach, Jan. 2

Floridians know how to celebrate the winter holidays, even if “winter” doesn’t mean here what it means elsewhere. The snow may be fake or manmade, but the fun is real. South Florida has holiday parades, boat parades, Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, holiday concerts, family festivals and more. Many events are free or cheap. We …

Read More about Winter holiday events & festivals in Palm Beach County

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 Art After Dark at The Norton, West Palm Beach, Fridays

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. Weekly: ANIMAL FEEDINGS & TALKS Wednesdays, Thursdays …

Read More about Free entry & cheap activities with animals at Daggerwing Nature Center, Boca Raton

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: For holiday happenings in Wellington! The amphitheater at Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Plan to take portable seats or blankets to enjoy festivities under the stars. …

Read More about Holiday happenings, free concerts & more in Wellington

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

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

You just get home from work and the kids are hungry and you’re tired. If it’s Tuesday and you’re near West Boca, you’re in luck. Here’s a seasonal event for the whole family but it varies between weekly and monthly (on the 4th Tuesday) depending on the season.  Tasty Tuesday When: Tuesday, weather permitting, from …

Read More about If it’s Tasty Tuesday, we must be in West Boca

If you haven’t been to Manatee Lagoon in a while, here’s the perfect time to visit. This information has been updated for 2025. Exhibits include three life-sized manatee statues, a seagrass exhibit and a Florida mangroves exhibit. Entry to Manatee Lagoon is free. Parking is also free.  Recurring events Manatee Rescue Adventure When: Saturdays and …

Read More about New ‘rescue’ adventure at Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach, weekends

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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