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Teresa

Teresa Mears is a publisher, writer and editor who was raised to be frugal. She became a website entrepreneur after 30 years as an editor at newspapers ranging in size from the Portland (Tenn.) Leader to The Los Angeles Times and The Miami Herald, where she worked most recently. She moved to Florida in 1980 because it was the only place she could get a job during that recession and has lived in South Florida since 1985, in Miami, Hollywood, Tamarac, Wilton Manors and Fort Pierce. She is co-owner and CEO of the parent network, Living on the Cheap.

The Adrienne Arsht Center offers a free tour every Monday and Saturday at noon. The tour lasts approximately one hour. No reservations are required.  Tours depart from the lobby of the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House. You might even see some production happenings if the timing is right. Highlights of the tour include: …

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We are lucky in South Florida to have many talented musicians, performing as solo act, duos, trios or bands. They play music from Afro-Cuban funk to classical to country to folk to rock to heavy metal. And don’t forget all the tribute bands, which recreate the music of our youth. We are even luckier to …

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Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or want to try something new, New World Symphony invites you to enjoy six unforgettable Sunday afternoons of world-class chamber music in Miami Beach.  Critically acclaimed soloists join New World Symphony’s talented young artists for powerful performances in the one-of-a-kind, Frank Gehry-designed New World Center. Chamber music showcases the unique …

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Jungle Island’s Luminosa attraction will be open November 14, 2025, through March 7, 2026/ Luminosa includes giant lantern exhibits, featuring mythical jungle wildlife, submerged Atlantis, ancient Asian dynasties and legendary Latin culture. Luminosa takes guests on a journey through 13 acres, using light to explore mythical kingdoms. Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday …

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Broward County has many fall festivals, from Coral Springs to Hallandale Beach, from Pompano Beach to Pembroke Pines, and everywhere in between, including Tamarac, Plantation, Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale. At Broward’s fall festivals, you can buy pumpkins for carving, listen to live music, play games, go on hayrides and celebrate the change of seasons, as …

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Driving around looking at holiday lights is a favorite tradition of the holiday season. We all have favorite neighborhoods in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties that go all out to decorate for Christmas, Hanukkah or winter. In South Florida, the weather is wonderful for looking at holiday lights. In fact, not only do we …

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The treasures of our national parks have a lot to offer, including hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, birding, plus exploring native flora and fauna, and hopefully also finding peace of mind. So, if you’re a fan of wide, open spaces, where you only hear the sounds of nature, then the National Park …

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Who doesn’t love the winter holidays, especially in a place like Miami-Dade where winter is glorious? Indoor and outdoor events abound in Miami-Dade to celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, solstice and just the holidays in general. We have parades, on land and on water, festivals, concerts, light displays, “snow” and more family fun, much of …

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We may never have a white Christmas, unless the snow is fake, and chestnut roasting on an open fire are unlikely. But despite our tropical winter weather, or maybe because of it, South Florida goes all out for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the winter holiday season. Palm trees look great in holiday lights, as do …

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For more two decades, organizers of the Martha/Mary Concerts, led by artistic founding director Paul Posnak, have been presenting award-winning musical artists. Concerts are $15 per person and $25 for Blue Circle, plus fees if you buy online. Season tickets for Blue Circle upfront seating are $88 for the entire series. The 2025-26 season runs …

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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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