FREE Grocery Buying Guide From Cook’s Illustrated: Get The Most From Your Food Budget

Posted on January 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

Cook’s Illustrated, the magazine pub from TV’s America’s Test Kitchen (and a favorite magazine of foodies), has put together their annual Buying Guide for Supermarket Ingredients, and you can print it out FREE here.

This handy list compiles the America’s Test Kitchen winning finalists for hundreds of name brand packaged foods in lots of grocery categories from ketchup (winners = Hunts and Heinz) to chocolate chip brands (winners = Ghiradelli, Guittard, & Hershey’s). This useful guide is compiled based on blind taste tests conducted over the last year, and winners are selected based on best overall quality, taste, and convenience.

Tips on How to Use This List: I have used these “best of” lists from Cook’s Illustrated for the last few years, and find them extremely helpful in getting the best quality for my grocery dollar. It prints on a standard letter size piece of paper and is a convenient reference to keep with my weekly grocery list. I also save a copy to my iPhone so I’ll always have the list with me at the store (this is a pdf, so you can save it to your computer or any smart phone capable of reading a pdf document)! I hope you find it useful, too.

Click here for the FREE guide.

What tips do you have for making the most of your grocery shopping budget? Tell us in the comments section!

Enjoy and Share! :)

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Posted in Cheap, Cooking and Entertaining, FREE, Recipes, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Cooking, Coupon Savings, Fort Worth, FREE, Frugal Living

Fun Surprise from Justin Boots!

Posted on January 16, 2012 | 2 comments

Justin Boots is picking up tweets and facebook comments from their fans and putting them on their billboard. To our suprise, one of ours was picked up (so fun!). Here’s the image:

This one made me smile, too (love it!):

“Like” Justin Boots on their Facebook here (and check out all the billboards while you are at it).

Follow Frugal in Fort Worth on Twitter here.

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Posted in Clothing, Fort Worth, TX

Tagged DFW, Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, Ft. Worth, Justin Boots

January 13-15 Cheap and FREE Fort Worth Events Roundup | Frugal & Fun Weekend Edition

Posted on January 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

ABOUT THE FRUGAL & FUN FT. WORTH WEEKEND EDITION Fridays, we post ideas for FREE (or really cheap) weekend entertainment for you and your family. Subscribe to our blog updates and you’ll receive this weekly entertainment guide along with more budget stretching ideas and tips throughout the week! Subscribe for FREE (here)!

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This weekend’s highlights include:

FREE Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Western Parade
FUN! 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
FREE Cowtown Opry Performance at the Stockyards
FREE Fort Worth Photography Gallery Exhibit
FREE Houseplant Repotting Event and Garden Seminar at Calloway’s Nursery
FREE Bedroom Decorating Class at Pottery Barn
FREE Williams Sonoma Cooking Techniques Class
FREE Woodworking Skills Class for Kids at Lowes

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:: FREE ~ 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Parade
…Saturday, January 14, 2012

Oh I love a parade! Over 100,000 people will line the streets of downtown Fort Worth to watch the “All Western Parade” and to celebrate the opening of the 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. This traditional event is held each year and boasts being the largest western themed parade, as well as the longest 100% non-motorized (no cars) parade in the world. The parade will feature over 4,000 participants including covered wagons, horses, more than 1,000 head of livestock, and of course cowboys!

Details, details
When: Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11:00AM
Where: The parade starts in front of the Tarrant County Courthouse (Downtown at Weatherford and Main Streets), turns right on Main
towards the Convention Center, and loops back to the Courthouse on Houston St. Click here to view the official parade route.
How: Park at one of the many FREE downtown lots (Sundance Square, the parking garage next to Bass Hall, etc.) and walk to your viewing spot. Or, take the TRE train to the Fort Worth ITC station, and walk up 9th Street to the Convention Center (the middle of the parade route).
Cost: FREE!

:: 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Starts Today!
…Opens Friday, January 13 and runs through February 4, 2012

Kick up your heels and enjoy acres of excitement and western heritage at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Events include rodeo (extra ticket required), free musical entertainment, petting zoo, family friendly exhibits, premier livestock shows, and more ~ the schedule of events is fresh each day. Plus your stock show ticket gets you FREE entry into 3 fantastic museums: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Cattle Raisers Museum and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

Want to attend for FREE or cheap? Be sure to check out the list here for a number of ways to save on rodeo tickets and grounds admission.

Details, details
What: The 2012 Stock Show and Rodeo event schedule changes daily.
…• To get the schedule of daily events, click here.
…• For the schedule of special activities, click here.
…• To see the musical entertainment schedule, click here.
When: The 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo takes place January 13 through February 4. Learn more here.
Where: 3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr. Click here for driving directions. A Special Park & Ride shuttle will be available Saturdays and Sundays during the Stock Show. It will take you directly from Ridgmar Mall or Billy Bob’s to the front gate, pick you up, and return you to your vehicle parking lot for only $1.00 each way (pretty slick!). To find out more, click here.
Cost: For opportunities to attend the Stock Show and Rodeo for FREE or Half Price, click here. Otherwise, General Admission is: Adults $10, Kids 6 to 16 $5, and Children 5 & Under FREE

:: FREE Cowtown Opry Performance at the Fort Worth Stockyards
…Sunday, January 15, 2012

Hear classic western music come to life as Cowtown Opry members perform a free music exhibition on the steps of the Livestock Exchange building. This live family friendly music event will take place every Sunday and will feature a different theme each week ~ Western Gospel music will be featured on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Details, Details
What: For more information, visit the Cowtown Opry website.
When: Sunday, January 15, 2012, 2:00PM. See the complete performance schedule here.
Where: The live performance will take place on the steps of the historic Livestock Exchange building ~ 131 East Exchange Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
Cost: FREE!

:: FREE! Fort Worth Photography Exhibit at the Central Library
…Last Weekend (Now Through January 15, 2012)

Three Fort Worth photographers have joined talents to put the city of Fort Worth and their art in the spotlight. This Central Library Gallery exhibit reveals different views of the city, provides a fresh look at familiar icons and landmarks, and displays new images of less familiar places. From downtown’s skyscrapers to neighborhood parks, viewers will enjoy seeing Fort Worth’s urban scenes in a new light.

Details, Details
What: For more information about the exhibit, click here. For an excellent review of the show, pop over here to Fort Worth Business Press.
When: Available for viewing during normal library hours ~ now through January 15, 2012.
Where: On display in the Gallery at the Fort Worth Central Library. You can park on the street or in the 3rd St. & Taylor Parking Garage. The parking garage and parking meters are FREE on weekends.
Cost: FREE

:: FREE Calloway’s Nursery Houseplant Repotting Event
…Saturday, January 14, 2012

Rejuvenate your interior plants by giving them room to spread their roots during Calloway’s plant repotting event. Bring your own plants and pots to Calloway’s protected nurseries for the Repotting Festival and skip the mess and guess work of doing it yourself. They will provide all the complimentary potting soil, fertilizers and top-dressing needed to complete your project. You might want to also attend their 10:00AM seminar on indoor gardening and houseplants.

Details, details
What: For more information about Calloway’s plant repotting event, go here. To learn about the indoor gardening seminar, go here.
When: Saturday, January 14, 2012 ~ Attend the repotting event anytime between 9:00AM to 6:00PM. The Indoor Gardening seminar starts at 10:00AM
Where: All Calloway’s locations. Click here to find one near you.
Cost: FREE!

:: Learn How to Design Your Dream Bedroom at a
…FREE Pottery Barn Class
…Sunday, January 15, 2012

Get new ideas for creating a beautiful bedroom!
Join Pottery Barn for a fun in-store class, where they will share helpful tips for selecting and arranging bedroom furniture, choosing window treatments, and accessorizing for comfort and style.

Details, details
What: For more information, click here.
When: Classes take place January 15, 2012. Times differ by store so be sure to call your local store to verify class time.
Where: Go here to find a Pottery Barn store near you.
Cost: FREE!

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma
…And, Get 10% OFF Your In-store Purchase!
…Saturday & Sunday, January 14-15, 2012

Join Williams-Sonoma for two cooking classes this weekend. Saturday features an in-store class on making “Comfort Foods” (count me in!). And, Sunday is the 2nd in a three-part series focusing on healthy cooking techniques, fresh flavors and inspiring ideas for great meals for the whole family. You’ll learn how to correctly sauté and steam – two techniques that yield delicious golden-tinged vegetables with just the right amount of crunch, bright flavors and perfect textures. Plus, if you attend this class, you can enjoy 10% OFF savings on same-day purchases from their stores.

Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, details
What: For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma Cooking classes and demonstrations, click here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, January 14 & 15, 2012. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact times & date.
Where: Click here to find a Williams Sonoma store near you.
Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

:: FREE Lowes Build and Grow Clinic: Make a Working Castle
…Saturday, January 14, 2012

This Saturday, bring your child to a Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic to help them learn a new woodworking skill and make a FREE project to take home. All workshops are FREE, but you should probably show up early to insure you have a kit for your little ones.

Details, details
What: For more information and to register, click here.
When: Saturday, January 14, 2012 ~ 10:00-11:00AM
Where: Lowes Home Improvement Stores
To find a participating location, click here.
Cost: FREE

Enjoy and Share! :)

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and button down the family finances?

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Leave a note in the comments section or forward this
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Posted in Cheap, Entertainment, Fort Worth, TX, FREE, Frugal Fun in Fort Worth (Cheap/Free Entertainment Ideas)

Tagged Cheap, Fort Worth, FREE, Rodeo, Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show

Save 90%! Gooseberry Patch Dinners On A Dime eCookbook ~ Only $0.89!

Posted on January 13, 2012 | 1 comment

Worth checking out ~ Amazon has temporarily lowered the cost on Gooseberry Patch Dinners on a Dime eCookbook for only $0.89 (Hardback retails for $16.95 in stores). The cookbook includes more than 200 recipes for delicious, budget-friendly family meals.

About the book:

“When we were kids, our moms always seemed to know the thriftiest ways to fix delicious meals that everybody loved. Some of their dollar-stretching secrets still come in handy today! Dinners on a Dime cookbook is filled with easy, budget-friendly recipes for mouth-watering family meals. You’ll find festive, yet frugal suppers like 4-cheese mostaccioli bake, one-dish dinners like easy cheesy potatoes & sausage, and sides like buttery Parmesan potatoes.”

Do note that if you plan to get this book, you might not want to wait ~ we don’t know how long it will be available for this cheap. Also, if you do not have a Kindle, you can still download these cookbooks for free and read them on your PC, iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Blackberry and other devices (learn more below).

There are lots of other FREE books available anytime for download, including a lot of great classics (go here).

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Don’t Have a Kindle?
No worries. You likely already have a device to read Kindle ebooks in your home. All you need to do is download one of the following FREE applications for your PC, Mac, Blackberry, iPhone/iPad/iTouch, Android, or Windows Phone.

*Free Kindle for iPhone/iPad/iTouch
This is the app I use to read my FREE books. Download, here (or download directly through the Itunes App Store on your device) to be able to read Kindle books on your iPhone, iPad, or iTouch.

*FREE Kindle for PC
Download a FREE application to read Kindle books on your PC.

*FREE Kindle Blackberry App
Get Amazon’s free Blackberry application to read Kindle books. Download yours for FREE here.

Find more Kindle apps for Mac, Android, and Windows Phone 7, here.

Linking to Amazon through our site helps support Frugal in Fort Worth (thanks!).

============================

Enjoy and Share! :)

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Posted in Books and Magazines, Cheap, Cooking and Entertaining, Recipes, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Cooking, Fort Worth, FREE, Kindle, Recipes

Get FREE Admission to All National Parks This Weekend ~ January 13-15

Posted on January 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, the National Park Service is providing FREE admission to over 400 National Parks . Do note that not all parks and forests charge fees, but those that do (for example, $20 a car at Big Bend or $25 a car at Yellowstone ) will waive costs these days. There is a long list of participating locations within a drivable distance of Fort Worth, including:

Details, Details
What: Find out more about the National Parks FREE entrance weekend here.
When: January 13-15, 2012 ~ times vary by location
Where: A list of almost 400 participating parks around the U.S.
can be found here.
Cost: FREE! Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees,
and transportation entrance fees.

Need a little more time to plan? Take note of these additional
FREE National Parks Entrance Dates in 2012:

April 14-22 ~ National Park Week
June 9 ~ Get Outdoors Day
September 29 ~ National Public Lands Day
November 10-12 ~ Veterans Day weekend

Enjoy and Share! :)

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Posted in Community Spotlight, Fort Worth, TX, FREE, Stretch your Dollar!, Travel & Hotel Deals

Tagged Fort Worth, FREE, National Parks, Texas, Travel, Travel Deals

2012 Discount Guide to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo: How to Get FREE & HALF OFF Ticket Savings

Posted on January 12, 2012 | 1 comment

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Note: This blog post is from 2012. Go here for the latest 2015 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo insider savings tips.

Attending the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo?
Plan ahead and you can get 50% OFF Rodeo Tickets or get Stock Show General Admission For FREE. This 3 week event (Jan. 13 – Feb. 4) includes the rodeo (extra ticket needed), premier livestock shows, musical entertainment, petting zoo, family friendly exhibits, and lots more. There are lots of special activities to enjoy and the schedule of events is fresh each day.

Here’s the inside scoop on how to save on your tickets…

1. Buy 1 Get One FREE Rodeo Ticket Coupons ~ Pick up a Buy One Get One FREE Rodeo Admission coupon at any Mattress Firm Location in Fort Worth or the Dickies clothing retail store (521 W. Vickery Blvd in Downtown Fort Worth). Follow the instructions on the coupon to redeem your coupon at the Stock Show & Rodeo Ticket Office. Note: Be sure to call before using this coupon, to make sure your desired rodeo performance date is available. Availability is limited for promotion tickets and the coupon is not usable with all performance dates & times.

2. Fort Worth Star Telegram Press Pass Savings ~ Present your valid FW Star-Telegram Press Pass when purchasing general admission or rodeo tickets to get the following savings (Limit 4 discounts per Press Pass ~ learn more details here):

Press Pass Discounts:
$2.00 OFF Adult Grounds Admission Every Day
$5.00 OFF Weekday Matinee Rodeo Performances

50% OFF Rodeo Tickets for Gold Press Pass Holders:
50% OFF ($8.00) for all PRCA $16.00 Rodeo Performances.
Limit (4) discounts per Press Pass. No promo code needed.

50% OFF Wednesdays for All Press Pass Holders:
Press Pass will be honored for 50% OFF adult grounds admission (Regularly $10.00) and 50% OFF midway ride tickets (regularly $1.00 each) on each Wednesday of the show. No code needed.

3. Fridays, 50% OFF Admission for Seniors ~ Senior citizens age 65 and over will be admitted to the Stock Show grounds every Friday throughout the show for $5 (that’s 50% OFF general admission). Learn more here.

4. FREE Grounds Admission, Tuesday, January 17th (Dickies Day) ~ Wear your Dickies logoed clothing item to the gate ticket office and receive FREE general admission to the Stock Show grounds for Tuesday, January 18th only. Learn more here.

5. FREE Grounds Admission AND Rodeo for Military, Monday, January 30th ~ Present your military ID (active or retired) at the Rodeo Ticket Box Office and receive FREE tickets to the Rodeo (includes Grounds admission) for you and your immediate family for the 2:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. performance (you can get your tickets now!). Thank you for your service! Learn more here.

6. FREE Rodeo Tickets for First Responders (Police, Fire & EMS Personnel) ~ In recognition of their valued service, Teletouch-Hawk Electronics would like to host First Responders and their families (up to 4) for a fun-filled day at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. The FREE tickets will admit you to a select performance of the historic 116th Annual Rodeo and will include admission to the Stock Show grounds where you will have access to the Livestock Barns, the Carnival Midway, and all exhibits. Learn more here.

7. FREE Stock Show Grounds Admission For Museum Members ~ If you’re a member of The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Cattle Raisers Museum or the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, you can get into the Stock Show Grounds for FREE. Museum members must present a current Museum Membership card and photo ID at a Stock Show ticket booth for free entry. Learn more here.

8. Save a bundle if you plan to attend multiple days ~ This year, the Stock Show and Rodeo has a special Super Saver deal that nicely lowers the cost if you will be visiting the Stock Show grounds multiple days. With this $40 per person deal, you get 20 Midway Ride Coupons (worth $20) and a souvenir pin that provides ground admission to the exhibit areas for all 23 days of the show. Go here to learn more.

9. Special Bonus (I love this!) ~ Your Stock Show grounds admission ticket can be used to get FREE admission from January 13th to February 4th to The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Cattle Raisers Museum or the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. For adults, that’s an extra savings of $24, if you visit all 3! Learn more about the “Moo-seum” program, here.

Details, details
When: The 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo takes place
January 13 through February 4. Learn more here.

Where: 3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr. Click here for driving directions.

Parking: A Special Park & Ride shuttle will be available Saturdays and Sundays during the Stock Show. It will take you directly from Ridgmar Mall or Billy Bob’s to the front gate, pick you up, and return you to your vehicle parking lot for only $1.00 each way (pretty slick!). To find out more, click here.

Note for fellow bloggers: If you have found this information helpful, please link back to our site (here). Leave us a note in the comments section with your post, so we can visit your site, too!

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Posted in Cheap, Entertainment, Fort Worth, TX, FREE, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Cheap, Fort Worth, FREE, Rodeo, Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show

FREE Book: Best in Travel 2012 From Lonely Planet & Starbucks

Posted on January 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

This week, Starbucks is replacing its normal FREE Song Pick of the Week with a FREE download of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 e-book. All you have to do is pop by Starbucks this week and grab one of the cards that gives you the redemption code (no purchase necessary). The book is packed full of beautiful full-page color travel pictures and lots of ideas to inspire the next vacation. The book normally retails for $14.99 for a hard copy ($10 through Amazon).

Cards should be available at all Starbucks through next Monday (January 16). Be sure to download your book before the redemption code expires in April.

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and button down the family finances?
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Posted in Books and Magazines, Fort Worth, TX, FREE, Stretch your Dollar!, Travel & Hotel Deals

Tagged Coupon Savings, Fort Worth, FREE, Starbucks, Travel

Xbox 4GB With Kinect Bundle ~ Limited Time $250 ~ Just Announced at Amazon!

Posted on January 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

Just went live: Amazon lowered the price on the Xbox 4GB Kinect Bundle to $299.99 + $50 Amazon.com Credit + FREE Shipping + No sales tax (to Texas addresses). Our experience with Amazon is these deals typically don’t last long and often sell out really FAST.

Here is what is included in this deal:

Xbox 360 4GB S Console
Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360
Kinect Adventures game – rated “E” for Everyone
Xbox 360 Black Wireless Controller
Xbox 360 Composite A/V cable (standard definition)
1 year limited warranty on console

Go here to learn more. Check out Amazon’s other specially priced gaming bundles here (Wii, PS3, XBox 360, Nintendo 3Ds, and more).

Enjoy and share! :)

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Posted in Cheap, Entertainment, Gifts, Stretch your Dollar!, Toys & Games

Tagged Cheap, Coupon Savings, Fort Worth, Kinect, Xbox

Cheap Comfort Food (& It’s Healthy!): 13-Bean Fort Worth Soup Recipe

Posted on January 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

This week’s winter weather has me in the mood for this hearty bean soup ~ terrific comfort food for a rainy, cold day like today. This recipe will make enough to feed a crowd, is cheap to make, and is even better the 2nd day after the flavors continue to meld together in the refrigerator. Add a loaf of crusty french bread and a salad and you’ll have a terrific meal to feed the family.

Do note that to make this soup, you will need to soak the beans for at least 8 hours before cooking (so plan accordingly). :)

Bon Appetite, y’all!

13-Bean Fort Worth Soup

Ingredients

4 1/2 Cups of a mixed Bean Soup Mix (We used Bob Mills 13 Bean Soup, but any multi-bean soup mix will work)
2 1/2 Quarts of Water (to soak beans overnight)
1/8 cup Apple cider vinegar

3 Quarts water or stock (chicken, vegetable, or beef)
1/8 Cup Dried minced onion
3 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes
2 Tablespoons cumin
2 1/2 Teaspoons garlic powder
3 Teaspoons dried basil
1 1/2 Teaspoons dried oregano
2 Cans (14 oz each) diced or crushed tomatoes (We used 1 can of Muir Glen Organic roasted tomatoes & 1 can Rotel with Chilis because we like the extra spice & depth of flavor)
Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients for Variations
1 Cup Brown Rice – AND/OR-
1 Pound of meat of choice (like stew meat, ham, chicken, or sausage), cut into bite size pieces – AND/OR-
1 Can (4 oz) of Diced Green Chiles

Directions

Rinse and sort beans. In a large stockpot, add the beans, the 2 1/2 quarts of water and apple cider vinegar. Stir and soak overnight (or at least 8 hours).
Drain and rinse the beans and add back to the stockpot along with the 3 Quarts of stock (or water), and all remaining ingredients except the salt and pepper.
Stir all ingredients together and bring to a boil.
Cover and reduce the heat to and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours (until the beans are tender).
Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Variations

Add 1 cup of brown rice during the last hour of simmering.
Add 1 pound of meat of choice, cut into bite-sized (like stew meat, ham, chicken, or sausage) to cook along with the beans. Add between steps #3 & #4 (right after the ingredients come to a boil and before you reduce the heat to simmer).
If you like extra spice, add 1 can (4 ounce) of Diced Green Chiles during the last hour of simmering.

Enjoy and Share! :)

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Posted in Cheap, Cooking and Entertaining, Fort Worth, TX, Recipes, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Cheap, Cooking, Fort Worth, Frugal Living, Recipes

FREE Art Programs at the Amon Carter Museum in January

Posted on January 10, 2012 | 1 comment

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is excited to present two FREE programs at the end of January ~ a fun drawing workshop for adults and a tour for moms with stroller-aged children offer something for everyone.

Here are the details:

Draw ‘til Dusk ~ Thursday, January 26 from 6–7:30 p.m.
Try your hand at still-life drawing, and discuss still-life paintings and drawings from the Amon Carter’s collection. This adult workshop will be led by local art professor, Brett Dyer. Drawing boards, pencils, and paper will be provided; you are also welcome to bring your own sketchbooks. No drawing experience necessary and no reservations are required. Learn more here.

New Parents Tour ~ Friday, January 27 from 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Bring your baby, and enjoy an interactive tour designed to introduce parents and grandparents to a variety of artworks at the Amon Carter. The tour begins at the Information Desk. Learn more here.

Details, details
What: Get more details about these and other great programs at the Amon Carter Museum, here.
Where: Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard.
Get directions and parking details by clicking here.
Cost: Entrance to this event and Amon Carter’s Museum is
always FREE (but donations are appreciated)!

Enjoy and Share! :)

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Posted in Entertainment, FREE, Frugal Fun in Fort Worth (Cheap/Free Entertainment Ideas), Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Amon Carter Museum, Entertainment, Fort Worth, FREE, Texas

FREE Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Tickets for First Responders, Police, Fire & EMS Personnel

Posted on January 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

Please pass this along to any first responders and their families who might be able to take advantage of this…

I love that Teletouch and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo have joined together to recognize our first responders (Policemen, Firemen, EMS, and other heroes) and their families by offering FREE tickets to a 2012 Rodeo performance ~ normally $22 a ticket!

In recognition of their valued service, Teletouch-Hawk Electronics would like to host First Responders and their families (up to 4) for a fun-filled day at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The FREE tickets will admit you to a select performance of the historic 116th Annual Rodeo and will include admission to the Stock Show grounds where you will have access to the Livestock Barns, the Carnival Midway, and all exhibits. Your tickets also provide entrance to the “Moo-Seum Experience” — that is FREE access to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and the Cattle Raisers Museum.

Here’s the inside scoop on how first responders can get their FREE tickets:

Go to the Teletouch website and click on the “Request Tickets” link at the bottom of the web page.
Fill out the request form for up to 4 FREE tickets. Be sure to fill out the form completely, including badge or commission number, to make sure you don’t delay getting your voucher.
You will be mailed a voucher for the tickets.
Redeem your voucher at the Stock Show & Rodeo Ticket Office for your performance tickets. Note: Be sure to call before using this voucher, to make sure your desired rodeo performance date is available.

Frugal Tip: Availability is limited for promotion tickets and the voucher is not usable with all performance dates & times, so be sure to jump on this and then pick up your tickets as soon as possible.

Details, details
What: For more information, please visit The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo website here.
When: The 2011 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo takes place January 13 through February 4, 2012. Learn more about the daily event schedule, here.
Where: 3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr. Click here for driving directions.
How: A special Park & Ride shuttle will be available Saturdays and Sundays during the Stock Show. It will take you directly to the front gate, pick you up, and return you to your vehicle parking lot for only $1.00 each way. To find out more, click here.
Cost: FREE For First Responders and their families (up to 4). Regular price for Rodeo Tickets is up to $22.

Enjoy and Share! :)

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Posted in Community Spotlight, Entertainment, FREE, Frugal Fun in Fort Worth (Cheap/Free Entertainment Ideas), Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged EMS, First Responders, Fort Worth, FREE, Stock Show

Bank of America & Merrill Lynch Offer Cardholders FREE Entrance to 150+ Museums, Zoos, and More

Posted on January 6, 2012 | 2 comments

If you are a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholder, take note…

You might have read about the Museums on Us program that offers Bank of America/Merrill Lynch bank cardholders FREE admission to the Fort Worth Science & History Museum, The Dallas Museum of Art and the Dallas Museum of Nature & Science on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month (that would be this weekend ~ January 7 & 8).

Did you know that this same FREE admission offer is available at over 150 other cultural venues from coast to coast?

As part of Museums on Us, cultural institutions in 91 cities across the country open their doors for FREE to bank cardholders on the first full weekend of each month. FREE access includes some of the country’s best cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami ~ the Houston Zoo is also participating.

In case you find yourself in one of the participating cities the 1st Saturday and Sunday of the month in 2012, you might want to include one of these spots in your schedule. Check out the complete list of participating venues here.

Details, details
What: Bank of America and Merrill Lynch’s Museums on Us offers FREE museum and cultural institution access to their cardholders. Learn more here.

When: The first full weekend of each month on Saturday and Sunday. Check participating museums’ days and hours of operation, as they vary.

Where: Museums on Us is a national program and includes more than 150 leading U.S. cultural institutions, in 91 cities. In DFW, it includes the Fort Worth Science & History Museum, The Dallas Museum of Art & the Dallas Museum of Nature & Science. Read the complete list of participating venues here.

The Small Print (Only Made Larger): Photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented. One free general admission limited to cardholder at participating institution, excluding fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month. Not to be combined with other offers.

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Posted in Entertainment, FREE, Frugal Fun in Fort Worth (Cheap/Free Entertainment Ideas), Stretch your Dollar!, Travel & Hotel Deals

Tagged Coupon Savings, Dallas, DFW, Fort Worth, FREE

January 6-8 Cheap and FREE Fort Worth Entertainment Roundup | Frugal & Fun Weekend Events Edition

Posted on January 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

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This weekend’s highlights include:

FREE Cowtown Opry Performance
FREE! Fort Worth Photography Gallery Exhibit
FREE Museum Admission at Fort Worth
Science and History Museum
FREE Nasher Sculpture Center’s First
Saturdays Family Fun Day (In Dallas)
FREE Williams Sonoma Cooking Techniques Class
FREE Kids Woodworking Workshop at Home Depot

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:: FREE Cowtown Opry Performance at the Fort Worth Stockyards
…Sunday, January 8, 2012

Details, Details
What: For more information, visit the Cowtown Opry website.
When: Sunday, January 8, 2012, 2:00PM. See the complete performance schedule here.
Where: The live performance will take place on the steps of the historic Livestock Exchange building ~ 131 East Exchange Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
Cost: FREE!

:: FREE! Fort Worth Photography Exhibit at the Central Library
…Now Through January 15, 2012

Three Fort Worth photographers have joined talents to put the city of Fort Worth and their art in the spotlight. This Central Library Gallery exhibit reveals different views of the city, provides a fresh look at familiar icons and landmarks, and new images of less familiar places. From downtown’s skyscrapers to neighborhood parks, viewers will enjoy seeing Fort Worth’s urban scenes in a new light.

:: Bank of America Cardholders: Take advantage of FREE
…ADMISSION to the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History
…Saturday and Sunday, January 7 & 8, 2012

Bank of America’s 2012 national program, Museums On Us offers FREE admission, the first full weekend of every month, to 150 participating museums, zoos, botanical gardens and more throughout the United States. This FREE Admission program takes place this weekend in Fort Worth at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Details, details
What: To find out more about the Museums On Us program, go here. To learn more about Fort Worth Museum of Science & History, click here.
How: Show a photo ID and any Bank of America Card to get FREE admission for each Bank of America Card Holder.
Where: The Fort Worth Science & History Museum, 1600 Gendy St. (corner of Montgomery and Burnett Tandy).
When: Saturday and Sunday, January 7 & 8
Cost: FREE to Bank of America Cardholders (Reg: $14 Adults, $10 Children)

Other DFW Museums With FREE Admission This Weekend:

Dallas Museum of Art
Dallas Museum of Nature and Science

:: Take an “Art-Full” Trek to Dallas to the Nasher Sculpture
…Center’s First Saturdays Family Fun Day.
…Saturday, January 7, 2012

The Nasher Sculpture Center and Target present First Saturdays for families. Held the first Saturday of every month, this special event features FREE admission and a fun schedule of activities for the kids.

Details, details
What: For details, including complete schedule, click here.
When: Saturday, January 7, 2012 ~ 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Where: For directions to Nasher Sculpture Center, click here.
Cost: FREE

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma
…And, Get 10% OFF Your In-store Purchase!
…Saturday & Sunday, January 7-8, 2012

Join Williams-Sonoma for two cooking classes this weekend. Saturday features an in-store class on making Hot sandwiches. And, Sunday kicks off a three-part series focusing on healthy cooking techniques, fresh flavors and inspiring ideas for great meals for the whole family. You’ll learn how to stock your pantry with healthy and delicious choices and receive recipes that both kids and adults will enjoy. Plus, if you attend this class, you can enjoy 10% OFF savings on same-day purchases from their stores.

Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, details
What: For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma Cooking classes and demonstrations, click here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, January 7 & 8, 2012. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact times & date.
Where: Click here to find a Williams Sonoma store near you.
Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

:: FREE ~ Home Depot ~ Build. Learn. Create. Kids Workshop
…Saturday, January 7, 2012

This Saturday, bring your child to Home Depot’s Kids Workshop to help them learn a new woodworking skill and make a FREE Savings Bank to take home. Each Kids Workshop participant will receive a kid-sized orange apron (similar to a Home Depot associate apron) and an achievement pin. All workshops are free, but you should probably show up early to insure you have a kit for your little ones.

Details, details
What: For ages 5-12. Get more information about the workshop, here.
When: Saturday, January 7, 2012 ~ 9:00AM to Noon
Where: Home Depot Home Improvement Stores.
To find a participating location, click here.
Cost: FREE!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend ~
It should be a FANTASTIC weekend to get outside!

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Posted in Cheap, Entertainment, Fort Worth, TX, FREE, Frugal Fun in Fort Worth (Cheap/Free Entertainment Ideas)

Tagged Cheap, Dallas, DFW, Fort Worth, FREE

HOT DEAL: 50% OFF Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Tickets!

Posted on January 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

This deal gets our pass-along worthy seal of approval…

Check Out This Fantastic 50% OFF Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Deal at Groupon Today!

Yahoooo! It’s almost Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo time and Groupon has launched a savings offer of 50% OFF Reserved Rodeo Tickets. If you are planning to go to the rodeo this year, this is a GREAT deal! You get to choose the performance date and time from a variety of options that range from $8 to $11 a ticket plus…

The 50% OFF deal includes:

A reserved seat rodeo ticket from your choice of 6 dates (available dates range from Jan. 19 to Feb. 3).
FREE all day access to the Stock Show grounds, exhibits and carnival midway
FREE entrance to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History*
FREE entrance to the National Cowgirl Museum*
FREE entrance to the Cattle Raisers Museum*
*Details about free museum entrance can be found here.

Buying tips: Buy your Groupon voucher as soon as possible as tickets for the most popular dates will likely sell out quick! The offer expires at Midnight, Thursday, 1/5/12, however you can use the certificate for any of the 6 performance dates available through Groupon and can purchase for up to 8 people. Also, once you get your groupon voucher, be sure and redeem it as soon as you can to get the best available seats for your selected date.

How to get the Offer:

Go here to sign up for today’s Fort Worth Stock Show
and Rodeo 50% OFF deal at Groupon.
Select Fort Worth as Your Groupon City.
The offer can be found in the “More Great Deals” sidebar of the Fort Worth Groupon site.

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Posted in Cheap, Entertainment, Fort Worth, TX, FREE, Frugal Fun in Fort Worth (Cheap/Free Entertainment Ideas), Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Cheap, Coupon Savings, Fort Worth, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Frugal Living, Groupon Fort Worth

FREE Combo at Corner Bakery Cafe for First 10,000

Posted on January 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

One of our favorite eateries, Corner Bakery Cafe, is offering a FREE Corner Combo coupon to the first 10,000 Fans on Facebook.

Hurry over here to “like” Corner Bakery on Facebook and learn how to get the coupon mailed to you.

Enjoy and Share! :)

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Posted in Cheap, FREE, Ft. Worth Restaurant Coupons / Offers, Restaurant Savings Tips, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Corner Bakery Cafe, Coupon Savings, Fort Worth, FREE, Frugal Living

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