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

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, here (also FREE!).

This weekend’s highlights include:

• FREE & Discounted Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
• FREE Admission to 3 Great Fort Worth Museums
• FREE Finding Nemo Children’s Movie
• FREE Fort Worth Guitar Guild Concert
• FREE Williams-Sonoma Cooking Technique Class
• FREE Pottery Barn Decorating Class
• FREE Boat Show, Seminars & Family Activities 

:: Take in some traditional Western fun at the legendary
    2011 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
    Now through February 5, 2011

::

:: FREE Admission to 3 Great Fort Worth Museums
    Now through February 5, 2011 

New this year with your Stock Show grounds admission ticket: get FREE
admission until February 5th to The Fort Worth Museum of Science and
History, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame or the Cattle
Raisers Museum. For adults, that’s a savings of $24 if you visit all 3! 

Details, details
What: Learn more about the new “Moo-seum” program, here. 
When: Now through February 5, 2011
Where: Learn about the Fort Worth Museum of Science, here.
    Go here to learn about the Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame 
    and click here to get info about the Cattle Raisers Museum.
Cost: FREE, with Stock Show & Rodeo Ticket Stub.  

::

:: FREE Finding Nemo FREE Children’s Movie & Game Event 
    Saturday, January 22

Join the Fort Worth Central Library and other families for a free screening
of the film Finding Nemo on Saturday, January 22nd, and educational
Wii video game fun afterwards!

About the movie: When Nemo the clownfish defies his dad, he ends up being
captured and put in a fishbowl.  To save Nemo, his dad Marlin joins up with
Dory, a well-meaning but scatter-brained friend.  Together, they embark on
a journey that is both epic and entertaining.  Voices by Albert Brooks, Ellen
DeGeneres and Geoffrey Rush.  Rated G. 100 minutes.

Details, details
What: For more information, go here.
When: Saturday, January 22, 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.  

::

:: FREE Fort Worth Guitar Guild Concert 
    Sunday, January 23

Spend an afternoon listening to amazing classical guitar performed by 
emerging talent from the Fort Worth Guitar Guild. Performers include
Eliza Balmuth, Taylor Bradford, Froylan Cepeda, Audrey Chumley,
Sean McCrarry, Isidrio Vasquez and Corey Zotz. 

Details, details
What: For more information, click here.
When: Sunday, January 23, 2011 ~ 2:30PM
Where: In the Tandy Lecture Hall 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, January 23, 2011

Learn Fresh & Fast Pasta Cooking Techniques!
In the last class of a 3 part series on Fresh and Fast Cooking, Williams-Sonoma
will highlight time-saving pasta recipes that incorporate fresh flavors and
produce, so you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.

All participants will receive a 10% OFF coupon to use in-store
as well!

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

Details, details
What: For more information, go here.
When: Sunday, January 23 ~ Note: 1 hour class times vary from
    store to store, so be sure to call for exact times.
Where: Click here to find a Williams Sonoma store near you.
Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

::

:: FREE How to Set up Your New Home Class ~ At Pottery Barn
     Sunday, January 23, 2011

Get new ideas for setting up your home!
Join Pottery Barn for a fun in-store class, where they will share helpful
tips for decorating and setting up a home. This week’s class covers all the
basics of selecting furniture, choosing window treatments, bath products
and more ideas for your abode.

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

::

:: FREE Boat Show and Seminars at Bass Pro Shops
   Saturday and Sunday, January 22-23

This weekend, bring your family to Bass Pro Shops’ FREE
Boat Show. There are several FREE seminars offered, family activities
(build your own boat and race), FREE refreshments and more! Activities
vary by day (with most happening on the weekends).

Take a look at the full schedule of events here.

Details, details
What: For more details on activities and events, click here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, January 22-23.
    For schedule of seminars and activities, click here.
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 2501 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine
Cost: FREE!  

Want to learn a something new about fine art?
There is a great opportunity at The Amon Carter Museum for parents of
stroller aged children to take an interactive tour of the museum (and
meet other new parents)! 

Details, details
What: The Amon Carter museum is offering a FREE art education event for
    new parents. Bring your baby and enjoy an interactive tour designed to
    introduce parents to a variety of artworks at the Amon Carter.  Reservations
    are not required, but we recommend parents call 817.989.5030 or email
    education@cartermuseum.org to receive helpful instructions.
When: Friday, January 28, 2011 – 10:30am – 11:30am
Where: The museum is located at 3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard.
    Directions and parking details can be found by clicking here. 
    The tour begins at the information desk.

Parking:  FREE parking is available in the museum’s lot, which is east of
    the museum off Camp Bowie Boulevard. Parents are encouraged to park
    in this lot and follow the sidewalk along the north side of the museum,
    where an accessible lift is available for your stroller. A museum
    representative will be there to assist you.
Cost:  FREE!  Entrance to the Amon Carter’s Permanent Collection is
    always FREE (but donations are appreciated)!

P.S. Be sure and check out the other Amon Carter FREE programs
and schedule (click here).There is something for all ages ~ story
time for kids, family fun days, and a variety of lectures by visiting
artists and scholars.

 Enjoy and Share! :)

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and button down the family finances?
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Linking to Amazon through our site helps support Frugal in Fort Worth (thanks!)

               
LivingSocial  (a daily deals site similar to Groupon ) has an incredible offer for an Amazon.com  gift certificate: Pay $10 for a $20 Amazon Gift Card ~ Offer Valid Today Only!

The offer is available in every U.S. market, so feel free to pass this along to anyone you know who might find this helpful!

How to get the Offer:

1. Go here to sign up for today’s $10 for a $20 Amazon Gift Card deal at LivingSocial.
2. Select Your LivingSocial City
3. Follow the purchase instructions.

The fine print:  Limit 1 per person, no gifting allowed • Amazon.com Gift Card does not expire • Voucher purchase is valid for US-based customers only • LivingSocial Terms and Conditions apply • The Amazon.com terms and conditions are deal specific terms that supersede any inconsistent terms in the LivingSocial terms and conditions.

Enjoy and Share! :)

Want to keep up with fresh ways to save money
and button down the family finances?
Subscribe to Frugal in Fort Worth now. It’s FREE!

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

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. 14 – Feb. 5) starts Saturday and 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 Coupon ~ Print out this BOGO Coupon (or pick one up at the Dickies retail outlet store in Downtown Fort Worth).  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:    

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 $16.00 Rodeo Performances.
Limit (4) discounts per Press Pass. No promo code needed.

50% OFF Wednesdays for Press Pass Holders:
Press Pass will be honored for 50% OFF adult grounds admission (Regularly $8.00 – limit 4 adult discounts per Press Pass) 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).

4.  FREE Grounds Admission, Tuesday, January 18th (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.

5. FREE Grounds Admission AND Rodeo for Military, Monday, January 31st ~ 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!

6.  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.

7.  Special Bonus (I love this added FREEBIE!) ~ New this year with your Stock Show grounds admission ticket: get FREE admission from January 14th to Febuary 5th to The FW Museum of Science and History, the Cattle Raisers Museum or the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. For adults, that’s an additional savings of $24, if you visit all 3!  Learn more about the new “Moo-seum” program, here.

Details, details
When: The 2011 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo takes place
January 14 through February 5, 2011.  Learn more, 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: Regular price for General Admission is
Adults ~$10, Children 6 – 16 ~ $5, Children 5 & Under ~ FREE

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!

Enjoy and Share! :)

Want to keep up with fresh ways to save money
and button down the family finances?
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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, here (also FREE!).

This weekend’s highlights include:

• FREE Fort Worth Stock Show Kick-off Parade
• FREE TCU Rose Bowl Championship Celebration
• FREE Williams-Sonoma Cooking Technique Class
• FREE Pottery Barn Decorating Class
• FREE Boat Show, Seminars & Family Activities    

:: FREE ~ 2011 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Parade ~
    The largest western themed parade in the world!
    Saturday, January 15

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 2011 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.        

Details, details
When: Saturday, January 15, 2011 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!

::

:: Take in some traditional Western fun at the legendary
    2011 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
    Opens today and runs through February 5, 2011

::

:: FREE ~ TCU Championship Team Rose Bowl Celebration
    Sunday, January 16, 2011

A celebration to honor the TCU football team’s Rose Bowl championship
and undefeated season will be held Sunday at the Daniel-Meyer Coliseum. 
This event is FREE  and will feature TCU football coach Gary Patterson,
Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, and others.   This year, The Horned
Frogs posted their first undefeated season since winning the 1938 national
championship, and won 13 games in a season for the first time in its
history.  Congratulations TCU!!!

Details, details
What: For more information, go here.
When: Sunday, January 16 ~ 4:00PM (gates open at 2:30PM)
Where: Daniel-Meyer Coliseum in Fort Worth.
Cost: FREE!

::

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma
    Sunday, January 16, 2011

Learn Quick Indoor Grilling Techniques!
In the 2nd of a 3 part series on Fresh and Fast Cooking, Williams-Sonoma
will highlight the technique of indoor grilling  with quick to prepare recipes
for vegetables and meats.

All participants will receive a 10% OFF coupon to use in-store
as well!

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

Details, details
What: For more information, go here.
When:  Sunday, January 16 ~ Note: 1 hour class times vary from
    store to store, so be sure to call for exact times.
Where: Click here to find a Williams Sonoma store near you.
Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

::

:: FREE Bedroom Decorating Class at Pottery Barn
     Sunday, January 16, 2011

Get new ideas for decorating your home!
Join Pottery Barn for a fun in-store class, where they will share helpful
tips for decorating your bedroom. This week’s class covers all the basics
of selecting and arranging furniture, choosing window treatments, and
more ideas for creating a comfy space.

Details, details
What: For more information, click here.
When: Sunday, January 16. Times vary by store, so be sure to call.
Where: Click here to find a Pottery Barn store near you.
Cost: FREE!  

::

:: FREE Boat Show and Seminars at Bass Pro Shops
    Saturday and Sunday, January 14-23

This weekend, bring your family to Bass Pro Shops’ FREE
Boat Show.  There are several FREE seminars offered, family activities
(build your own boat and race), FREE refreshments and more! Activities
vary by day (with most happening on the weekends).       

Take a look at the full schedule of events here.    

Details, details
What: For more details on activities and events, click here.
When: Saturday and Sundays, January 14-23.
    For schedule of seminars and activities, click here.
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 2501 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine
Cost: FREE!               

This weekend (January 15th – 17th) you can enjoy any of our  more than 100 National Parks for FREE .  There is a long list of participating locations within a drivable distance of Fort Worth, too:  

• Texas
  Big Bend National Park
  Fort Davis National Historic Site
  Guadalupe Mountains National Park
  Padre Island National Seashore
• Oklahoma
  Fort Smith National Historic Site
• Arkansas
  Fort Smith National Historic Site
  Pea Ridge National Military Park
• New Mexico
  Aztec Ruins National Monument
  Bandelier National Monument
  Capulin Volcano National Monument
  Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  Chaco Culture National Historical Park
  El Morro National Monument
  Fort Union National Monument
  Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
  Pecos National Historical Park
  White Sands National Monument



Need a little more time to plan? Take note of these
2011 FREE National Parks Entrance Dates:

• April 16-24, 2011 (National Park Week)
• June 21 (First day of summer)
• September 24, 2011 (Public Lands Day)
• November 11-13 (Veterans Day weekend)



Details, Details
What: Find out more about FREE Admission to the national parks, here.
When:  January 15-17 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday weekend)
Where: A list of more than 100 participating parks around the U.S. can be found here.
Cost: FREE! Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees.

Enjoy and Share! :)

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and button down the family finances?

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I had the chance to preview the new Kroger Marketplace at Alliance Towncenter ~ this is the first store of this format to open in Fort Worth. It officially opens its doors tomorrow (Wednesday, January 12th), and you will want to check it out, too. It is wonderful!

Here’s the scoop on the store, Grand Opening FREEBIES, and more…

Groceries, Furniture, And Fine Jewelry?

I have to admit, I was a bit sceptical about how easy it would be to do my normal grocery shopping at this Kroger when I first heard that there would also be whole departments dedicated to furniture, housewares, jewelry, toys, and more.

However, after looking around, I must say, I was impressed at the thoughtful layout of the store that includes bunches of checkout lines for easy in/out navigation! And, since my “love language” is coffee & flowers *grin* ~ I am glad to have a Starbucks & full service floral department under the roof!

Gigantic But Easy to Shop

I really appreciate the fact that groceries are the central focus of the store, so that I don’t have to maneuver around displays of housewares when I just need to pop in and get some eggs (there is a self-check-out that would make that easy). I love the emphasis on organics, too.  

That said, if I was looking for bargain housewares, I would shop Kroger Marketplace.  They have a nice selection of discounted home items & furniture available such as decorative pillows, accents and wall art (head to the back corner of the store).  In fact all wall art and many of the decorative items are marked at 40% OFF now!

Aren’t these wall pictures cute (and check out those sale prices!!)?

5 Days of FREE Give-aways

 Before I share anything more about the store, I want to mention that Kroger Marketplace will be offering 5 days of FREE giveaways for the first 250 customers in the door each day, starting tomorrow ~ Grand Opening Day, Wednesday, January 12th at 8 a.m.

The giveaway schedule is:

    ·     Wednesday, January 12 – FREE Coca-Cola 12 pack,12 oz. cans
    ·      Thursday, January 13 – FREE Blue Bell Ice Cream half-gallon
    ·      Friday, January 14 – FREE Community Coffee 12 oz. package
    ·      Saturday, January 15 – FREE 8oz. Boar’s Head Cooked Ham
    ·      Sunday, January 16 – FREE 14oz. Chappell Hill Smoked Sausage  

What You Will Find Under the MarketPlace Roof

:: Fully Stocked Grocery Store with an Enormous Selection
I found everything I could need along with lots of specialty items throughout the store. There is an extensive fresh produce section including a nice emphasis on organic foods (love this!), a large cheese department, ethnic food aisle, butcher shop, and lots more.

 :: Furniture & Housewares at Bargain Prices
A large section of the store is dedicated to an in-house furniture and decorative housewares section with lots of bargain finds throughout.  I saw bed and bath linens, throw pillows, shower curtains, lamps, rugs, picture frames…

….and this fun little lamp for $23.99.

:: Full Service Deli and Bakery
The deli features a large choice of Boar’s Head products, ready-to-go meals, a salad and soup bar and even fresh sushi. This will be a handy and cheaper alternative to eating out on those “don’t want to cook” nights.

:: Fred Meyer Fine Jewelry Store
While the jewelry store wasn’t open while I was there, I have been told it offers a large selection of fine jewelry, including engagement and wedding rings and brand-name watches.  They also repair watches and jewelry on site.

::  Baby and Children’s Toys & Essentials Section
You’ll find a large department that offers popular items for infants
and toddlers that even includes high chairs, strollers, clothing and shoes.  I saw several sales on name-brand toys, as well.

:: Full Service Starbucks Coffee Shop / Cafe
The coffee shop offers all the Starbucks Classics and has a sit-down cafe as well.  It even offers FREE Wi-Fi (I do love this. Yes. Yes I do.).

You’ll have to pop by this week and experience Kroger Marketplace for yourself. There is so much more to see. 

 One last picture subtle hint for you frugal guys out there (you know who you are) ~ gorgeous flower bouquets for $9.99 .

::

You’ll find the Kroger Marketplace store at:
    3300 Texas Sage Trail in N. Fort Worth
    at the Heritage Trace Exit in Alliance Town Center      

 See you at the checkout stand!

Enjoy and Share! :)     

Want to keep up with fresh ways to save money
and button down the family finances?
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