Frugal in Fort Worth Blog | Coupon Savings, Personal Budget Tips & Cheap DFW Deals | Your Local Guide to Savvy Savings & Celebrated Living

$10 OFF at Bath & Body Works ~ GREAT DEAL!

Posted on November 7, 2011 | 2 comments

Freebies & Offers From Bath & Body Works:

Get $10 OFF when you spend $30 or more plus FREE shipping when you spend $50 or more. Go here to get the Bath & Body Works coupon or use coupon promo code TENSHIP when shopping online. Expires November 20, 2011.
Get 20% OFF your entire online purchase through November 27, 2011 with coupon promo code 20HOLIDAY11.
If purchasing online, go here to save an extra 7%. Search for Bath and Body Works (in the search box at the top) and then click the blue “Shop Now” button to get the extra 7% cash back, through Shop At Home. I love that this can be combined with any of the online coupon offers!

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Posted in Beauty, Cheap, FREE, Home and Garden, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Bath & Body Works, Cheap, Coupon, Coupon Savings, Fort Worth

Half Price Bookstore 50% OFF (and More) Printable Coupons

Posted on November 7, 2011 | Leave a comment

I have two favorite spots for getting bargain books, Amazon.com for their great daily discounts & seemingly unending selection and Half Price Books for their basement prices and never-ending treasure hunt for books!

If you are like me and have an ongoing “wish list” of book titles you’d like to read, you just might want to use these printable coupons from Half Price Books (good November 7-13).

The coupons offer up to 50% OFF extra savings and change daily:

40% OFF one single item – November 7-8
30% OFF one single item – November 9-10
20% OFF one single item – November 11-12
50% OFF one single item – November 13

Details, details
What: Click here to print your weeks worth of Half Price Books coupons. Limit one coupon per customer per visit.
When: Coupon discounts are different each day and are
valid November 7-13.
Where: Find a Half Price Books Store near you, here.

Special Savings Tip For Teachers, Educators, and Librarians:
Did you know that teachers, librarians, and other educators can get a year-round 10% discount on everything at Half Price Books? Just fill out an Educator Discount application form at any Half Price Books store or apply online. Click here for more info (found under the Educators Discount link).

Please be sure to pass this along to any teachers you know who might benefit from the extra savings.

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Posted in Bible Study Aids, Books and Magazines, Cheap, Fort Worth, TX, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Books, Cheap, Coupon Savings, Fort Worth, Frugal Living

Save 30% on DFW Attractions ~ Six Flags, Fort Worth Science & History Museum, South Fork Ranch and more

Posted on November 1, 2011 | Leave a comment

The Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tourism Council has added four new specialty themed attraction passes that will save you up to 30% on local attractions.

The DFW Attractions Passes allow both visitors and locals a great way to enjoy some of our area’s best attractions in a nice savings package. Each pass is activated the first time it’s used at a participating attraction and is valid for one visit at each attraction associated with that pass. You have 180 days to use the pass once it is activated.

The attractions savings passes include:

All About Kids Pass – Includes the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Fort Worth Historic Stockyards Experience, Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, Dallas Zoo, and SpeedZone. Prices are $71 for adults and $54 for children ages 3-12.
Art Attack Pass – Includes a bevy of museums, sculptures and artistic experiences, including the Dallas Museum of Art, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Women’s Museum. Prices are $25 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 3-12.
DFW Sampler Pass – Includes admission to the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Zoo, Fort Worth Historic Stockyards Experience, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Southfork Ranch and the International Bowling Museum. Prices are $58 for adults and $28 for children ages 3-12.
Thrillseeker Pass – Offers discounted admission to Zero Gravity, SpeedZone, Six Flags Over Texas, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. Price are $140 per person.

These specialty passes create a savings of up to 30 percent off general admission ticket prices. Plus, pass holders receive additional value-added discounts on other area entertainment and shopping. To view all participating attractions in each pass, go here.

Savings Tip: These passes are a great deal if you are going to make it to all the venues on the pass before it expires. However, if you aren’t sure you’ll be able to take advantage of visiting all the spots, you might be better off paying for each venue separately.

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Posted in Stretch your Dollar!

SAVE THE DATE: Sharon Young & Ladies Designer Brand Warehouse Sale ~ November 10-12

Posted on October 31, 2011 | Leave a comment

Woo-hoo! It’s almost time for our favorite Ladies Designer Brand Warehouse Sale ~ mark it on the calendar for November 10-12. I had the chance to preview the sale (pics below), and there was so much to see that I could have spent the entire day perusing the racks and racks of fabulous fashion bargains!

This direct from the manufacturer warehouse clothing sale only happens 4 times a year, and everything is marked down 50% to 75% OFF retail. They have sizes to fit just about anyone (from Petite to Women’s sizes and everything in between)!

Here’s what’s in store at the November sale:

Over 18,000 gorgeous ladies clothing pieces, 50 to 75% OFF ~ we saw lots of pieces, perfect for fall and winter wardrobes. There is a huge selection that covers a wide variety of styles from trendy to traditional and from casual to dressy. These are gorgeous top designer quality collections carried in high-end department stores and fashion boutiques ~ you’ll find them at this designer warehouse sale at deeply slashed prices ~ up to 75% OFF.
Ladies, Petite and Plus Sizes ~ something for everyone! Sizes range from Ladies & Petites 2-18 to Womens Plus 14W-24W.
Half price designer fashions from: Sharon Young, City Girl, Multiples, Ruby Cho, A La Carte, and more. You will find rack after rack of beautiful clothes and everything to complete an outfit including tops, skirts, pants, and jackets ~ $20 to $60.

Details, details
What: Find more info at the Ladies Designer Brand Warehouse
….Sale Facebook Page.
When: November 10-12, 2011 ~ Thursday and Friday – 8:00AM to 8:00PM
….Saturday – 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Where: 10367 Brockwood Rd ~ Dallas. Once you get to the
….parking lot, there will be signs and people to help you find your way.
Do note: There is a large community dressing area provided for trying on
….all your finds. However, this is a “women only” event ~ so husbands,
….guy-friends and kiddos under 12, please stay comfortable at home.

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Posted in Cheap, Clothing, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Cheap, Clothing Deals, Coupon Savings, Dallas, DFW, Warehouse Sale

Frugal & Fun Fort Worth Weekend Events: October 28-30 Cheap & FREE Entertainment Roundup

Posted on October 28, 2011 | 1 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 the weekly Fort Worth 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 Trick or Treat and Fall Festival Family Events
Fort Worth’s 20th Anniversary Boo at the Zoo Event
FREE Family Festival at the Kimbell Art Museum
FREE The Indian in the Cupboard Family Movie
FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams Sonoma

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It’s that time of year ~ crisp air, pumpkins decorating front porches, kids dressed up as their favorite characters, and enough candy to keep every dentist in business! I do love the sights, sounds and tastes of fall.

:: Lots of FREE Trick or Treat and Fall Festival Community Events

Are you looking for a fun and safe way to celebrate the weekend’s fall festivities
with your family? Lots of churches, schools, and businesses in the community
have put together fun festivals with safe places to trick or treat and play games.

There are an abundance of choices, but here are a few FREE suggestions for alternatives to traditional Halloween trick-or-treating to get you started:

• Bass Pro Shops Charlie Brown Pumpkin Event, Friday to Monday
Grapevine Location (2501 Bass Pro Drive) • October 28-31
This weekend event includes trick or treating throughout the store, kid’s costume parade, crafts, marshmallow roasting, dutch oven apple cobbler, and more. Get more details and a daily event schedule here.

• Central Market Stores Fall Carnival ~ Saturday
Fort Worth Location (4651 West Freeway) • October 29, 2:30-5:00 p.m.
Start out at the main entrance to Central Market, grab a map, then wind your way through the store, stopping at each Scavenger Hunt station to get a treat! Once you have scavenged all there is to hunt, make your way out to the patio for games, cookie decorating, cake walk and a costume parade. They’ll have prizes galore and tons of fun for the kids! More details here.

• Treat Street in the Fort Worth Stockyards ~ Monday
Fort Worth Stockyards Station • October 31, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Join Historic Fort Worth’s Stockyards Station and RADIO DISNEY for a safe,
family friendly family party that’s FREE and FUN! Event includes trick
or treating at Stockyards Station shops, FREE hay rides, costume contest,
pumpkin decorating, games, prizes and more. More details here.

• Trunk or Treat at the Met Church ~ Sunday
Met Church in Ft. Worth, 11301 Old Denton Rd • October 30, 3-4:30 p.m.
Bring your whole family for a great time! Trick-or-Treat while enjoying bounce houses, a variety of carnival games and fun family activities. There will be lots of candy, prizes and safe fun for everyone. More details here.

• Other local carnivals and festivals (lots of family friendly choices)
Click here for a terrific line-up of more family safe, harvest and fall festivals put on by churches, businesses and schools throughout Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Thanks to radio station KLTY 94.9 for putting together this lengthy and helpful list.

:: 20th Anniversary Fort Worth Boo at the Zoo Event
Friday to Sunday ~ October 28-30

Boo at the Zoo is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! This fun family event will feature events, games, trick-or-treating, and the most popular attraction: Zoo animals! Daytime event hours will make the entire Zoo open to Boo at the Zoo guests, allowing keepers to incorporate themed activities into the animal exhibits throughout the entire park. Children are invited to wear their favorite costumes.

Details, details
What: For more details about Boo in the Zoo, click here.
Where: 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth. For directions, go here.
When: October 28-30, 2011 ~ Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Boo at the Zoo is $3, after paying zoo admission. Regular zoo
admission prices: $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 3-12, $9 for seniors ages 65 and up, and free for toddlers 2 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the Zoo ticket window. Plan ahead and get Fort Worth Zoo discount tickets at Albertson or Keller Parks & Recreation.

:: FREE! Family Festival: On Stage with Caravaggio at the Kimbell
Saturday, October 29, 2011

Enjoy an afternoon of free family fun for all ages at the Kimbell Art Museum on Saturday. This event will feature creative art-making activities, historic-dress stations, scheduled family tours, a musical instrument “petting zoo” and musical performances by Texas Camerata. No reservations necessary. Admission to the special exhibition Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome is free during this event.

Details, details
What: To learn more about the Kimbell Museum family event, click here.
Where: 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth. For directions, click here.
When: Saturday, October 29, 2011, 1:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: FREE!

:: FREE! The Indian in the Cupboard Family Movie Showing
…Sunday, October 30, 2011

Join the Fort Worth Central Library and other families for a free showing
of the film The Indian in the Cupboard on Sunday, October 30. Plus, kids who dress up as their favorite story book character will receive a free book!

About the movie: Based on the beloved children’s novel by Lynne Reid Banks, this is the story of Omri, who for his 9th birthday receives a cupboard and a plastic toy Indian. When he discovers that he can magically bring the toy to life, the adventures begin. Rated PG; 96 minutes.

Details, details
What: For more information, go here.
When: Sunday, October 30, 2011 ~ 2:00PM
Where: In the Discovery Theater of 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, no ticket required.

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma
Sunday, October 30, 2011

Learn a new cooking technique!
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this is a great time to polish up on your cooking skills! During this free class, Williams-Sonoma will teach you how to prepare a delicious, flaky pie crust that’s perfect to make in advance and freeze for the big day. They’ll share some of their favorite seasonal pie recipes to inspire new ideas for your holiday table. Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, details
What: For more information, click here.
When: Sunday, October 30 ~ 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.

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

Tagged Cheap, Fall Festivals, Fort Worth, FREE, Frugal Living

FREE Gooseberry Patch Cookie Swap Cookbook

Posted on October 25, 2011 | 1 comment

Gooseberry Patch has just released Cookie Swap, another terrific e-cookbook available for FREE download through Amazon Kindle. This latest release has a lot of helpful info for putting together a Christmas cookie exchange party along with some great-looking cookie recipes and other treats to get you started.

Do note that if you plan to get this book, you might now want to wait as we don’t know how long it will be available for free. 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).

FREE cookbooks available to download (Kindle Editions):

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!).

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Enjoy and Share! :)

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

Tagged Cooking, Fort Worth, FREE, Kindle, Recipes

Dillard’s Handbag & Watch Trade-in Event Starts Today ~ Save up to 30% OFF!

Posted on October 25, 2011 | 1 comment

Dillard’s once a year handbag trade-in event starts today! When you trade in your clean, gently used handbag (can be any brand), Dillard’s will give you a bonus of $15 to $50 towards the purchase of any regular priced handbag or wallet. No brand is excluded from this sale (it even includes Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Michael Kors, Brahmin ~ as long as the purchase is over $50!). Plus, you’ll be helping a local charity as your old handbag will be donated to help someone in need (love that!). Here’s how it works:

Purchase any regularly priced handbag of $50-$75 and
receive a $15 bonus discount with trade-in.
Purchase any regularly priced handbag of $76-$125 and
receive a $25 bonus discount with trade-in.
Purchase any regularly priced handbag of $126-$199 and
receive a $40 bonus discount with trade-in.
Purchase any regularly priced handbag of $200 or more and
receive a $50 bonus discount with trade-in.

Similarly, Dillard’s is also running a watch-trade in program that works the same way. Go here to learn more.

Details, details
What:  Learn more details about Dillard’s handbag and watch trade-in event here.
When:  Now through Sunday, during normal store hours.
Where:  Find a Dillard’s department store near you here.

Enjoy and Share! :)

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Posted in Cheap, Clothing, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Budget Fashion, Clothing, Coupon Savings, Fort Worth, Frugal Living

HOT! Buy One Get One FREE Picaboo Photobooks or 25% OFF Custom Christmas Cards

Posted on October 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

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My personal experience: Earlier this year, I took advantage of a similar deal from Picaboo & Groupon to capture our Spring vacation memories ~ so glad I did! I love Picaboo’s “coffee table quality” products, easy layout designs, and the simplicity of using picture books to organize my photos. This BOGO offer is direct form Picaboo and a GREAT deal for those of us who aren’t traditional scrapbookers.
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:: Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Custom ClassiC Photobooks

Just in time to preserve your back-to-school memories or get a head start on personalized gifts for Christmas ~ Picaboo has launched a great savings offer of buy a Classic Photo Book and get a copy FREE! Use promo code GRANDMA at checkout to get the discount. The offer is valid through October 30, 2011, midnight PST.

Plus, I thought I’d mention for those of you who are trying to get ahead on your Christmas planning ~ Picaboo also has a nice 25% OFF Christmas Cards deal going with lots of pretty design choices. Here’s the scoop:

:: Save 25% OFF Your Personalized Card Order

Use the code SAVETHEPO to save 25% OFF your Christmas Card order of $100 or more from Picaboo. Offer ends October 26, 2011 at midnight.

**Not familiar with Picaboo?**

Check out their collection of customizable photo products such as calendars, cards, canvas prints and more at their website here.

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Posted in Cheap, FREE, Gifts, Home and Garden, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Cheap, Christmas, Christmas card, Fort Worth, Gifts

Frugal & Fun Fort Worth Weekend Events: October 21-23 Cheap & FREE Entertainment Roundup

Posted on October 21, 2011 | 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 weekend 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 Alliance Air Show ~ Featuring the Thunderbirds
FREE Sunset Concert in the Park ~ Grapevine
FREE Harvest Moon Festival ~ Granbury
FREE Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering Events ~ FW Stockyards
BEAUTIFUL Ft. Worth Botanic’s Japanese Gardens Fall Festival
FUN! Texas State Fair ~ Last Weekend
FREE Entertaining with Style Class ~ Pottery Barn

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:: FREE Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, Featuring the Thunderbirds
…October 22 & 23, 2011

The US Air Force Thunderbirds are coming to North Texas! Bring the family to Alliance Airport for a full-day of daring aerobatic maneuvers, static displays (including Warbirds, helicopters and jets), simulators, Radio Disney, children’s activities, food and more.

Details, details
What: For more details about the air show and the performers, click here.
Where: 2221 Alliance Boulevard, Fort Worth. For directions, click here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Performances take place between 10:00 AM – 4:00PM.
Cost: Admission is FREE. Parking is $20 per vehicle.

:: FREE Sunset Concert at the Grapevine Botanical Gardens
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Enjoy a relaxing evening of music entertainment by Moving Colors, one of the areas’ most popular cover bands. You’ll be surrounded by the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Grapevine. Bring a blanket or chair and your own refreshments (no pets, glass or alcohol). Fun children’s gardening activities will also be available at the Ed & Edith Pewitt Educational Pavilion.

Details, Details
What: Find out more information from Grapevine Parks and
Recreation, here.
When: Saturday, October 22, 2011 ~ 7:00PM
Where: Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park, 411 Ball Street.
Cost: FREE!

:: FREE! 23rd Annual Harvest Moon Family Festival in Granbury
Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, 2011

Enjoy fall festivities at this year’s 23rd annual Harvest Moon Festival in Granbury’s historic town square. Highlights include contests galore (costume contest, pumpkin pie and hot dog eating contests, cooking with pumpkins contest, pumpkin and scarecrow decorating contests), two entertaining parades, live music, great food, and much more. With changing leaves and crisp cool air, it’s the perfect time for families to come experience the harvest season!

Details, details
What: Sponsored by the Historic Granbury Merchants Association and the City of Granbury. For more information, click here.
When: October 22-23. Festivities will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Granbury Town Square, on the corner of Pearl and Crockett streets
Cost: FREE!

:: Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Festival
Friday to Sunday, October 21-23, 2011

Join the Red Steagall Cowboy gathering in the Fort Worth Stockyards to celebrate the 21st year of this première celebration of the West. Weekend activities include chuck wagon camp and competition, horsemanship clinics, cowboy music, Cutting Horse Association Rodeo Finals, fiddle contest, cowboy church, and lots more! Voted Best Gathering and Best Family Event by the readers of American Cowboy Magazine.

Details, Details
What: Get more event info here. Visit the Red Steagall website, here.
When: Friday to Sunday, October 21-23. Get the full schedule, here.
Where: Fort Worth Stockyards. Find a map & directions here.
Cost: Most outdoor street events on the schedule are FREE to the public.
To get access to indoor events (like the rodeo), get tickets here (children
under 12 are FREE to everything except the Saturday night Rodeo).

:: Fall Festival at The Fort Worth Botanic’s, Japanese Gardens
Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, 2011

The Fort Worth Botanic’s Japanese Garden, voted as one of the most
beautiful places in Fort Worth by the Star Telegram’s readers poll,
is celebrating their annual Fall Festival this weekend! Feast your eyes on
this beautiful garden while you and your family enjoy traditional Japanese
dance, music, demonstrations, papermaking, and tea ceremonies.

Details, details
What: For more information about the festival, click here.
Where: 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard.
All festival parking will be in the Linden Street lot click here.
For directions to the gardens and other details, click here.
When: October 22-23, Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sun: 11:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost: Adults $5.00, Children (4-12yrs.) $3.00, under 4 free.

:: Enjoy a Day in Dallas at the Texas State Fair ~ LAST Weekend!
Now through October 23, 2011

This is the last weekend of the month-long State Fair of Texas in Dallas which runs now through Sunday, October 23. There are literally hundreds of entertainment choices and music performances ~ something for everyone!

Details, details
What: There is so much to see and do at the fair. Check out the main stage
line up of concerts here and the daily schedule of events here
which change daily.
Where: Fair Park, 3921 Martin Luther King Blvd ~ Dallas, TX
When: Daily, Now through October 23, 2011
Cost: Read the comments section of this recent post to learn tips from our fabulous reader, David Pugh who shares how to get FREE & discount admission.

:: Learn New Entertaining Tips at a FREE Pottery Barn Class
October 23, 2011

Get new ideas for entertaining for the holidays!
Join Pottery Barn for a fun in-store class, where they will share helpful tips
for entertaining with style. This week’s class covers all the basics of holiday
entertaining ~ from Thanksgiving dinner to a casual buffet for a party.

Details, details
What: For more information, click here.
When: Sunday, October 23 ~ Times vary by store, so be sure to call.
Where: Click here to find a Pottery Barn store near you.
Cost: FREE!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Enjoy and Share! :)

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

Tagged Cheap, Fort Worth, Fort Worth Stockyards, FREE, Frugal Living

Mortgage Rates Hit A Record Low! Is Refinancing Your Home a Wise Option?

Posted on October 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

Mortgage Rates Fall to Record Lows.

Average mortgage interest rates just hit another historic low, and if you are a homeowner, this is a really good time to explore refinancing. And I do mean “explore.”

Just because rates have dropped doesn’t necessarily mean that it is wise for everyone to refinance immediately. Refinancing involves applying for a new loan which will be used to pay off the old loan. Remember that mile-high stack of mortgage paper work? You’ll have to go through that process all over again, (but the extra effort could really be worth it in savings).

Is Refinancing Your Home Right For You?

There are lots of good reasons to refinance your mortgage including a lower interest rate, a shortened mortgage term so you can build equity and get out of debt faster, lower monthly payments, or switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed-rate mortgage.

Before you invest too much time in the refinance process, make sure you can say “yes” to the following 2 questions (the basic refinance rules of thumb):

Is the new refinance interest rate at least 1 percent lower than your existing mortgage interest rate?
Do I plan to own my home until I break even on the refinance costs?

If you answered “no” to either of these questions, it might not make sense for you to refinance at this time, as loan costs could exceed any potential interest savings. Keep reading, if you said “yes” to both questions or if you don’t know the answer (we’ll help you figure that out below).

6 Easy Steps To Determine If A Refinance Will Save You Money

If you can say yes to the above questions, you still have a little loan shopping and comparison homework to do in order to decide whether a refinance is a wise option.

Find out if your current mortgage has prepayment penalties. Although it is uncommon, some mortgages do charge a prepayment penalty. If this is true of your mortgage, determine how much you will be charged if you pay off your mortgage early.
.
Shop for the best refinance deal. We recommend that you only look at fixed interest loan rates (go here to learn more) from reputable loan providers. Also compare your total closing costs and refinance fees among potential lenders, costs like: points, survey fees, appraisal fees, attorney fees, mortgage prepayment penalties and more (read the list of potential fees here). Ask each lender to give a complete list and total cost of fees in writing so that you can make a fair comparison.
..
Learn what the new monthly mortgage payment will be. Each bank or mortgage company should give you, in writing, the new interest rate and monthly mortgage payment, based on at least two options:
.

Add the closing costs and refinance fees to the remaining balance of the home (this is called “rolling costs into the mortgage”), AND
Pay the refinancing fees and closing costs out-of-pocket and in cash. If you can swing it, this is typically the better financial option, providing a higher amount of long-term savings.
.

Compare the offers and their potential savings. Use the refinance calculator (here) to compare the interest savings and refinance costs for each lender option and figure out which gives you the most favorable overall cost savings. If you’ll have a prepayment penalty on your current mortgage (Step #1, above), determine what the penalty would be if you refinance, and add that amount to your closing costs when you make your comparisons.
.
Calculate your break-even point. For each loan scenario, write down the number of “months for interest savings to offset closing costs” (9th box down in the refinance calculator). This is also known as your break-even point.
.
Analyze your break-even point. Estimate the number of months you expect to own your home and compare it to the break-even points calculated in steps #4 & #5 of each loan scenario. If the expected number of months that you’ll own your home is greater than the break-even point number of months, then refinancing will likely offer you long-term cost savings.

An important side note & warning on taking cash out: You might figure out that this is the right time for you to refinance. Depending on the amount of equity you have already invested in your home, your loan provider might give you the option to get cash back and take out a bigger loan. While this might be tempting, we strongly recommend that you avoid this option if possible. It will likely cost you more money in the long run, could wipe out any potential savings you make from the refinance, and might extend the amount of time until you can be debt and mortgage free. This option benefits the lender (who makes more money off the larger loan), not you. Just say “no” to this option!!

Are you planning to refinance your home? Do you have any words of wisdom you can share from your home refinance experience? We’d love to hear about it (please leave a note in the comments section)!

Enjoy and Share! :)

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Posted in Cheap, Financial Tips and Tools, Home and Garden, Saving, Giving, and Living, Stretch your Dollar!

Tagged Fort Worth, Frugal Living, Interest rate, Loan, Refinancing

REMINDER: FREE Monthly Jazz Concert Thursday (October 20), Featuring The Paul Unger Septet

Posted on October 19, 2011 | 2 comments

Don’t miss out on the last installment of the Thursday FREE Jazz Series for 2011 ~ featuring A Tribute to Miles Davis by the Paul Unger Septet.

All Jazzed Up and Someplace to Go
If you are a jazz fan, then you will want to tune into the Third Thursday Jazz Series, sponsored by the Fort Worth Jazz Society and hosted in the setting of the beautiful downtown library. This is the last installment of 2011’s FREE monthly live concert series which has featured an outstanding list of nationally and locally known talent.

Paul Unger Septet ~ Featured Thursday, October 20
The 2011 series finishes out Thursday, October 20, and features The Paul Unger Septet. Join this local favorite as he performs, “Pathway to Fusion: The music of Miles Davis from the ’60s and ’70s.” The septet is led by Paul Unger, Assistant Principal Bassist for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Paul Unger has performed with such artists as Kevin Eubanks, Bobby Shew, Bob Newhart, Bernadette Peters, Jay Clayton and Andrea Bocelli.

Details, details
What: For more information about the concert series, visit the
….Third Thursday Jazz Series website.
When: Thursday, October 20, 6:30pm.
Where: In the Gallery of the Fort Worth Central Library.
….You can park on the street or in the 3rd St. & Taylor Parking Garage.
….The parking garage is FREE after 6:00pm or if you go earlier, have
….your parking ticket validated at the Central Library for up to
….2.5 hours on weekdays.
Cost: FREE and open to the public. No ticket is required.

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

Tagged DFW, Fort Worth, FREE, Jazz, Miles Davis

FREE Chick-fil-A Sandwich or Breakfast Biscuit on World Series Game Days!

Posted on October 18, 2011 | 1 comment

Stop by Chick-fil-A in Watauga while wearing your favorite Texas Rangers fan gear on World Series game days and receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (or Chick-fil-A Biscuit 6:00-10:30am) when you purchase any large beverage. Offer Starts Wednesday, October 19.

These offers are only valid on World Series Games Days at the Chick-fil-A of Watauga at 8016 Denton Highway (in the Target Parking Lot).

Gooooooo Rangers!!!

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Posted in Cheap, FREE, Ft. Worth Restaurant Coupons / Offers, Restaurant Savings Tips

Tagged Cheap, Chick-Fil-A, Fort Worth, FREE, World Series

11 FREE DVD Rental Codes For BlockBuster Express!

Posted on October 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

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Enjoy FREE movies in the comfort of your home from BlockBuster Express, through Thursday, October 20, 2011.

Details, details
How: Use these promo codes to get a FREE Blockbuster Express $1 rental (or $1 towards the rental of any other movie):

9850BW2
87DWTM2
64MAYB4
46ABDP6
46KRFT7
64WHZS9
47NCCC3
47KJRD8
34BPSP3
86JRTW3
42JBHG6

Go to Blockbuster Express Online to find the available movies at the location of your choice. Reserve your movie with one of the above codes, and then pop by to pick it up at the at the BlockBuster Kiosk location you selected.

Where: To find a BlockBuster Express location near you, click here. BlockBuster Express locations can be found in DFW at most Quick Trip, Race Trac, Tom Thumb, and 7-11 convenience stores.

Things to note: Be sure to return the movie by 9PM the next day, (otherwise you get charged an extra day of rental). Each rental code can only be used once per credit/debit card.

Thanks Faithful Provisions!

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

Tagged Cheap, Dallas, DFW, Fort Worth, FREE

Don’t Miss $10 Entry To The Dallas Market Center HUGE Sample Sale ~ Happens Only Once a Year!

Posted on October 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

Groupon ran this last year, and I’m so glad to see it back! Clothing & home goods bargain hunters, you won’t want to miss out on this one…

50% OFF Entry to the Dallas Sample Sale Preview ($20 Value)!

Hurry over to Groupon to get 50% OFF VIP Preview Admission to the once-a-year Dallas Market Hall Sample Sale Public Preview, happening Thursday, November 3, 2011. The Dallas Market Hall rarely opens to the public and their annual Sample Sale is a great place to get a head start on Christmas shopping. You’ll find gifts, jewelry, toys, women, men’s and children’s clothing, home accessories, furniture and 1000’s of manufacturer samples at unbelievably low & below wholesale prices (in most instances, you are buying direct from the manufacturer). Learn more about the sale, here.

The Dallas Market Hall Representative describes the event:

“This is our once a year public sale. Everyone is welcome and the items are for sale at the time of the event…This Groupon is for a 3-hour preview. Attendees will get first shot at the bargains and enjoy entertainment, food and drinks. Many of the vendors will only have one sample of a particular product so the best deals go early.”

There is a limited quantity of these discounted tickets available, so you might not want to wait if you plan to take advantage of this.

How to get the Offer:

Go here to sign up for today’s 50% OFF deal.
Select Dallas as Your Groupon City.
Look for the offer on the right-hand side of the page under the section More Great Deals.
Buy your Groupon before the end of the day.
There is a limited quantity of these certificates available, I would
recommend not waiting too long to make your purchase.

New to Groupon? You are in for a treat!

If you are not familiar with Groupon , definitely take a moment to check them out. They offer daily deals on local goods, services and cultural events across the country. I’ve seen their local offers include everything from 50% Off Cowboys Stadium Tour, 50% Off Nordstrom Rack to 60% Off some of my favorite restaurants ~ and seemingly everything in between! I’ve even bought Groupon deals in other cities as a way to save on restaurant dining and entertainment when we travel.

Here’s how it works:

1. Each day Groupon features a great deal at an unbeatable price and for a limited time (usually 24 hours to 3 days).

2. You have to sign up for the offer that day, and only get the deal
if the minimum number of people join that day (so pass this along
to your friends)!

3. Check back the next day to discover the next Groupon offer (or sign up for their emails to have them delivered to your inbox)!

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Posted in Cheap, Clothing, Home and Garden, Stretch your Dollar!, Toys & Games

Tagged Cheap, Clothing, Dallas, DFW, Sample Sale

Rare Southwest Airlines Christmas & New Year Travel Sale: $59 One-Way to Lots of Destinations ~ ENDS TODAY!

Posted on October 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

Great Airfare Deals on Thousands of Routes!
If you are looking to travel around Christmas or New Years, today is a great day to book! Southwest has put over 1,000 routes on sale, starting as low as $59 One-Way, but it ends today! Of course, not to be outdone (but more quietly), AirTran , American, Continental and several other carriers have all matched the sale with almost identical fares of their own (some even lower).

These special fares are valid for travel between December 13 and January 5. When comparing airlines, be sure to compare relevant fees to make sure you are getting the best deal (see price comparison tip below).

Note: To get the special pricing, you will need to book by
Today ~ Monday, October 17, 2011.

Details, Details
How: Go to Southwest’s sale and compare prices for the destination and dates of interest. Seats and availability are limited, so being flexible with your travel dates and times will likely help you find the lowest fares as you comparison shop.

When: Special fares are good for travel for flights 12/13/2011-1/5/2012 with black out dates of December 23, 26, & 30 and January 2 & 3. You must book by Monday, October 17, 2011, 11:59 PST to get the special fare. Book as soon as possible for best travel dates and options.

Price comparison tip: When comparing different carriers, be sure to add in relevant fees when trying to get the lowest overall cost. Airline fees like checked baggage and food can quickly add-up if you aren’t careful! Download the FREE & handy Ultimate Guide to Airline Fees from Smarter Travel which quickly compares the various added fees of most U.S. carriers.

P.S. If you haven’t already taken advantage of the FREE invitation to join SniqueAway, be sure to check them out (read about our personal experience here to learn more!). Combining a deeply discounted 4-5 star Hotel Deal through them with one of the low airline fares could make for a luxurious, but cheap family Christmas vacation get-away!

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Posted in Cheap, Stretch your Dollar!, Travel & Hotel Deals

Tagged Airline, Cheap, Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, Travel

Frugal in Fort Worth Blog | Coupon Savings, Personal Budget Tips & Cheap DFW Deals

$10 OFF at Bath & Body Works ~ GREAT DEAL!

Freebies & Offers From Bath & Body Works:

Half Price Bookstore 50% OFF (and More) Printable Coupons

Save 30% on DFW Attractions ~ Six Flags, Fort Worth Science & History Museum, South Fork Ranch and more

SAVE THE DATE: Sharon Young & Ladies Designer Brand Warehouse Sale ~ November 10-12

Frugal & Fun Fort Worth Weekend Events: October 28-30 Cheap & FREE Entertainment Roundup

FREE Gooseberry Patch Cookie Swap Cookbook

Dillard’s Handbag & Watch Trade-in Event Starts Today ~ Save up to 30% OFF!

HOT! Buy One Get One FREE Picaboo Photobooks or 25% OFF Custom Christmas Cards

:: Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Custom ClassiC Photobooks