Frugal Family Movie Night!

I love movies. I love the smell of the popcorn as you enter the lobby. And yup, I have to get popcorn, doesn't matter if I’m not hungry. I love watching the previews. Then the auditorium darkens… the feature begins.

Part of my childhood memories are of going to the drive in. I love going to the drive in. We still go to the Brazos Drive In in Granbury. There are more of those around. The prices vary, so double check. It’s not like regular theaters, the prices are substaincially different.

Several communities are offering movies in the park. I just love the idea of gathering my family and heading out to watch movies outdoors.

FREE MOVIES:

Downtown Fort Worth

Free movies each Thursday night in June. Sundance Square, downtown Fort Worth.

·         Brave. Thursday, Jun 6, 2013 8:00pm-10:00pm  

·         Big Miracle Thursday, Jun 13, 2013 8:00pm-10:00pm  

·         Despicable Me Thursday, Jun 20, 2013 8:00pm-10:00pm

·         We Bought a Zoo Thursday, Jun 27, 2013 8:00pm-10:00pm

Movies begin at dusk (around 8:30PM/9:00PM)
Gateway Parking Lot (located on Houston between 4th & 5th St.)
Chairs are available for rent for $2.00/ea.
As a reminder: No pets, coolers or outside food or drink please.

Allen

Family Movie & Craft - Monsters, Inc.

Allen Public Library; In the Auditorium ; Monday, Jun. 17, 2:30 p.m.

Euless

The City of Euless will show great family movies in our beautiful parks this summer. Bring your favorite pillow and blanket and stretch out under the stars. Popcorn and refreshments are available for purchase while watching a movie in our FabEuless parks. Please help the fight against local hunger by bringing one canned good per person to be donated to local food pantries.

·         Angels in the Outfield

Saturday June 15, 8:30 p.m.

Bear Creek Amphitheater

1951 Bear Creek Pkwy

·         Surf’s Up

Saturday July 20, 8:30 p.m.

Euless Family Life Aquatic Center

300 W. Midway Drive

Highland Village

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to Pilot Knoll Park for Movies in the Park. Feel free to come out and enjoy the park before then and to pick out your spot. It will be a fun evening for the whole family to enjoy. There will not be an entry fee at the gatehouse for these movies starting at 6:00 p.m. with the movie starting at dusk.
2013 Movie Lineup:

·         March 15 -  RISE OF THE GUARDIANS

·         April 19  -  BRAVE

·         May 17  - WRECK IT RALPH

·         June 21 - DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX

Keller

9 to 10:30 p.m. • Thursdays in June  

Keller Town Hall Amphitheater, 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy.

Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, a picnic and the whole household for an evening of free favorite family movies under the stars behind Keller Town Hall. The movie is shown on the park's big screen as soon as the sun goes down, around 9 p.m. Before the movie begins, we will provide a variety of family games and activities. 

Mesquite

Mesquite Parks and Recreation invites the public to City Lake Park on the evening of Friday June 14 to Movies in the Park. The second event in a series lasting throughout the summer, Movies in the Park, is a great opportunity for the whole family to experience movie watching in the great outdoors. The event is free and patrons are encouraged to bring their picnic baskets, lawn chairs, and blankets and enjoy the movie.

The Colony

Summer Cinema Clubhouse at The Colony Recreation Center; (5151 N. Colony Blvd., The Colony, TX 75056). 
The Colony Parks and Recreation is proud to present Summer Cinema Clubhouse, a three-month summer movie series for kids. Children of all ages can catch the latest flick at The Colony Recreation Center starting at 1 p.m. The doors open at noon, so come early to get a good seat! The event is free with concessions available for purchase. The next showings will be on July 11 and August 8. For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 972-625-1106.

Weatherford

2013 Movies will be shown at dusk at the Holland Lake Ballfields

·         June 8: Despicable Me, Rated PG, 95 minutes 

·         June 15: The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Rated PG, 125 minutes 

·         June 22: Madagascar 3, Rated PG, 95 minutes 

·         June 29: Cool Runnings, Rated PG, 113 minutes 

Goodies will be available for purchase at the ballfield concession stand!  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for these FREE family fun summer nights!  For more information call 817-598-4124.

White Settlement

Free movies in the park on Friday nights.

Free admission. Don't forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair

Friday: June 7, 14, 21, 28 || July 5, 12, 19, 26 || August 2, 9
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Location: Central Park - Norris and Ella Chamber Amphitheater
Gibbs Drive entrance off South Las Vegas Trail

Discount Summer specials

Cinemark Theaters offers $1 movies or 10 movies for $5. Cinemark also offers prepaid deals.

http://www.cinemark.com/values-supersavers.aspx

Rave is now part of Cinemark Theaters and they have cancelled their free movies. 

http://www.cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse

Regal theaters offers $1 movies

http://www.regmovies.com/Movies/Summer-Movie-Express

Just something different…

NRH₂0 offers “Dive In” movies. This isn’t discounted, but something different and fun.

Friday nights are famous for fun at NRH₂O Family Water Park! Float in the wave pool or relax on the beach with your family, while watching your favorite movie under the stars on a movie screen suspended across the wave pool. Movies begin at dusk

·         June 14 - The Lorax

·         June 21 - Rise of the Guardians

·         June 28 - The Little Rascals

·         July 5 - Madagascar 3

·         July 12 – Jaws

·         July 19 – Spiderman

·         July 26 - Guest Vote (details to come!)

·         August 2 - The Avengers

*Movies are subject to change without notice. Movie showings are dependent on prevailing weather conditions including wind.

If you know of another city or community offering free or low cost movies, let us know!! And if you take advantage of these, please tell us what you thought.

Auntie M

New Coupons to Print

A few good printable coupons available now on coupons.com!


 
  

Frugal Friday! Tips on Cooking Frugal

For a lot of people, getting the hang of shopping frugally comes easily.  It can even be a bit exciting!  Find a good deal, combined with the right coupon and you can get items for pennies on the dollar!  This way of shopping takes a bit of practice, but many frugal veterans will tell you that once they get the hang of thrifty shopping strategies, they never go back.

The next part, which can be a bit of an unspoken problem, is trying to COOK a frugal lifestyle.

When starting out, most people tend to have a similar experience.  We shop and bring home all these deals on specific items.  Then, when it comes down to making dinner, we have one or two things to fit our Rolodex of recipes, but are missing a handful of key ingredients because they were not on sale.  Here, we have two choices: 1) suck it up and buy ingredients at full price or 2) get creative!

Researching new recipes using what you have in your pantry is the only way to make your frugal shopping worth it! If you’re not a creative cook (Angela is, Micki is NOT) try using supercook.com.  It’s a great website that will allow you to enter ingredients you have in your pantry to create recipes. 

Some tips on frugal cooking:

1.       Keep key ingredients on hand.  If you find yourself using more of certain ingredients, make sure you stock up the next time they go on sale.  For example: I’m in love with slow cooker recipes.  A lot of great recipes require condensed soup to add thickness to the sauce, so I stocked up on Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom soup when they went on sale.

2.       Keep a good selection of spices and/or marinades.  There have been a few weeks where we were either short on money or the sales weren't spectacular, and all we had in the freezer was chicken breast or pork chops.  Keeping meat with a size of canned veggies interesting can be challenging, but keeping a stock of flavorful spices can help change it up until payday.

3.       Keep extra stock on the non-perishables…. For emergencies.  We will be the first ones to tell you that fresh veggies are the healthiest, but frozen keeps longer… and cans are the cheapest (generally).   I buy fresh when they are in season, frozen when they’re not in season, and cans when they’re dirt cheap (for emergencies!).  Spaghetti sauce and chili are other items that should always be in your pantry.  Spaghetti sauce can be used for spaghetti, pizza, dips, casseroles, etc. When you have chili on hand, you can make enchiladas, dips, chili dogs, and Frito pie. Pasta and rice are another shelf stable food item that NEEDS to be a staple in everyone’s frugal household.  A box of pasta should ALWAYS be purchased under $1 and can last for around a year.  When you’re getting creative with your cooking, adding pasta always seems to make it look more put together!

What frugal cooking tips can you recommend?

June 2nd Coupon Preview!

Red Plum

Alka-Seltzer $2/1 product excludes Plus (9/30)

all $.75/1 laundry detergent (7/14) ETS

Allegra $2/1 anti-itch cream 1oz (8/3) ETS

Allegra $3/1 Children’s Allergy, Allergy 24hr 5ct or 15ct or Allergy 12hr 12ct (8/3)

Allegra $5/1 allergy 30ct+ or D Allergy & Congestion (8/3)

AllWhites $1/2 packages (7/3)

Balmex $1/1 adult care rash cream (8/7)

Balmex $2/1 12oz adult care rash cream (8/7)

C&H $.40/1 24oz Organic or 32oz Washed Raw sugar (8/17)

C&H $.50/1 sugar 2lb+ (8/17)

C&H $1/1 Light product (8/17)

C&H $1/1 Organic Light or Amber Blue Agave Nectar (8/17)

Cadbury $1/1 ice cream bars (8/31)

Centrum $2/1 Specialist multivitamin (7/13)

Centrum $3/1 Flavor Burst multivitamin including drink mix (7/13)

Centrum $3/1 ProNutrients Omega-3 (7/13)

Centrum $3/1 regular or Silver multivitamin (7/13)

Daisy $.45/1 cottage cheese (8/31)

Degree $.50/1 Women motionSENSE product (6/30) ETS

Dove $2/1 Clinical Protection anti-perspirant/deodorant excludes trial, multipacks and M+C (6/30)

Dove Men+Care $1/1 antiperspirant 2.7oz or deodorant 3oz (6/30) ETS

Dove Men+Care $1/1 body and face bar 6-bar pk+ (6/30) ETS

Dove Men+Care $1/1 body wash or active clean shower tool 13.5oz+ (6/30) ETS

Dove Men+Care $1/1 face care (6/30) ETS

Fiora $.50/1 bath tissue or paper towels (7/31) DND

Florida’s Natural $1/2 1 liter citrus smoothies (8/31)

Frigo $.50/1 cheese excludes Cheese Heads items (9/30)

Garnier $1/1 moisturizer (7/27)

Garnier Fructis $1/1 shampoo, conditioner or treatment (7/13) ETS

Garnier Fructis $1/1 style product (7/27) ETS

Gold Bond $1/1 anti-itch cream or lotion (8/3)

Gold Bond $1/1 foot cream (8/3)

Gold Bond $1/1 foot cream (8/3)

Gold Bond $1/1 Friction Defense (8/3)

Gold Bond $1/1 lotion (8/3) ETS

Gold Bond $1/1 powder or powder spray (8/3) ETS

L’Oreal $2/1 Preference shade (7/27)

M&M’s $1/1 chocolate candies 9.9oz (7/14) DND

MET-Rx $1/6 mini singles or 1 value pack (7/15)

MET-Rx $2/2 bars (7/15)

Ocean Spray $1/1 100% Juice Citrus 64oz (8/31)

Organic Valley $1/1 regular or flavored half & half (10/31)

Purina $3/1 ONE beyond dog food (7/14)

Skittles/Starburst/Life Savers Gummies $.1/2 packs 13-14oz (9/2) DND

Skittles/Starburst/Life Savers Gummies $.50/2 packs 2-4.2oz (9/2) DND

Snuggle $.50/1 fabric softener (7/14) ETS

Surf $1/1 laundry detergent (7/14)

Smart Source

Aveeno $1.50/1 men’s product (7/15)

BIC $2/1 Flex4, Flex3, Comfort 3 Advance, Hybrid Advance 3 or Hybrid Advance 4 (6/30)

Blue Diamond $1/1 10oz thin-shell almonds (8/31)

Claritin $4/1 15ct+ (6/30)

Colgate $1/1 360 manual toothbrush (6/22)

Colgate $1/1 toothpaste 4oz+ (6/15)

Colgate $2/1 mouthwash 8oz+ (6/29)

Ensure $1/1 Clear multi-pack (7/28)

Ensure $3/2 multi-packs (7/28)

Farmer John $1/1 bacon (8/2)

Farmer John $1/2 breakfast sausage (8/2)

First Defense $2/1 (6/30)

Frigo $.75/1 Cheese Heads string cheese 6ct+ (8/31)

General Mills $1/2 Chex, Fiber One, Total, Wheaties, Oatmeal Crisp, Honey Nut Clusters, Raisin Nut Bran or Basic 4 (7/13)

Glucerna $1/1 multi-pack bars (7/28)

Glucerna $3/2 multi-pack shakes (7/28)

Hamburger Helper $.75/3 (7/27)

Kerasal Nail $3/1 10ml tube Fungal Nail Renewal Treatment (7/31)

Marzetti $1/1 Simply Dressed salad dressings (7/28)

MiraLAX $1/1 10ct or 14 dose+ (6/30)

MiraLAX $3/1 30 dose (6/30)

Mitchum $1/1 men or women product excludes multipacks and trial (7/7)

Nature Made $2/1 VitaMelts product (7/2)

Neutrogena Men $1/1 product (8/31)

Nexcare $.55/1 bandages (7/31)

Nexcare $.55/1 first aid tape (7/31)

Phazyme $2/1 product (7/13) DND

Revlon $3/$6+ beauty tools purchase (7/1) TARGET coupon

Ritz $1/2 Crackerfuls filled crackers 6oz+ (7/12)

Rogaine $10/1 hair regrowth treatment product (8/31)

Smart Balance $1/1 spreadable butter or blended butter sticks (7/17)

Softsoap $.35/1 liquid hand soap antibacterial including 8oz premium pump (6/22)

Softsoap $.50/1 liquid hand soap refill 28oz+ (6/22)

Tyson $.75/1 Grilled & Ready product (9/2)

V8 $1/2 64oz Splash (7/14)

Zantac $2/1 product 24ct+ (7/28)

Zantac $5/1 product 50ct+ (7/28)

Thanks Sunday Coupon Preview!

Frugal Friday! Frugal Family Water Fun

It’s getting hot. The kids will be out of school soon. And although it would be great to go to the water parks all summer, that isn't an option for most of our budgets. But there are other options. I know there are more options that what I found. Check with your local recreation center or with your city and find out if they offer a water park or if they have a partnership that would allow for free or low cost entrance fee. I have tried to find options in different parts of the Fort Worth area.

Arlington offers several options for aquatic recreation for all ages. This link has all of the locations, hours, and fees. It appears that the fee is $6 per adult.  http://www.arlingtontx.gov/parks/simple/aquatics_rm.html

Annual pool passes are available as well.

http://www.arlingtontx.gov/parks/PDF/Aquatics/PoolInfo.pdf

Fort Worth does have public pools. Even some of the YMCA’s offer public swimming. Here is a link to the City of Fort Worth website with maps, locations, fees, etc.

http://fortworthtexas.gov/athletics/aquatics/

Burger’s Lake

Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Burger's Lake offers summer fun for everyone. Burger's Lake is a 30-acre park featuring a one-acre spring-fed lake for swimming. Our facility includes:
- Two sandy beaches for sunning; wonderful big trees for shade
- A complete staff of certified lifeguards
- Over 300 picnic tables
- Six diving boards, a 20-foot slide and 25-foot trapeze
- Charcoal grills for cooking
Open from Mother's Day
through Labor Day
Hours: 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Seven days a week
Admission
$12.00 Per person age 7 and up
$5.00 For each child age 1yr - 6yr
Children younger than 1 yr admitted free

http://www.burgerslake.com/

The Chisholm Aquatic Center is a city-owned water park located in Hurst. This park is open to the public and offers an activity pool with zero depth entry, tumble buckets, slides, diving well with two diving boards, and a children's pool. An additional pool includes six lanes for lap swimming. For kids who get hungry, a concession stand is available with lots of sugary, ice-cold refreshments. Or pack your own lunch and head for the picnic plaza with three spacious pavilions. Food, drinks, and coolers are allowed into the Aquatic Center. Season passes may be purchased for $25 for residents and $75 for non-residents. The Aquatic Center is open from late May to Labor Day.

2200 Norwood Drive; Hurst, TX 76054.  Cost:$1 for residents; $5 for non-residents; (under 12 months) free

White Settlement has a park with spray stations. Raymond Park is conveniently located on the southeast corner of Raymond Avenue and Lockwood Street just off of Las Vegas Trail.  Recently, Raymond Park underwent major improvements and upgrades, it currently has the following amenities: -Three Station Automated Spray Pad
-Assorted Climbing Playground Equipment
-Swing Set
-Shaded Picnic Area

Located minutes south of Dallas, the Bahama Beach Waterpark is a family friendly venue that offers thrills for kiddos and a chance for the adults to either join in the fray or float down a lazy river. Coconut Grove is a great spot for the younger ones to experience their own watery adventure with 40-foot slides and a 1,000-gallon dump bucket. The Tortugas Express will probably be the destination spot for your older kids, so get ready with camera in hand to capture their descent from the top of this 300-foot racing slide. For a little relaxation away from the crowds Bahama Beach Waterpark offers private cabana rentals, creating a true mini vacation experience for the whole family.

http://www.bahamabeachdallas.com/new/
There is currently a groupon for Bahama Beach. $23 for a Water-Park Visit for Two (Up to $47.50 Total Value)

Two park admissions (up to a $15 value each)

Two combo meals (up to an $8.75 value each)

Combo meals include entrees such as burgers, sandwiches, or chicken fingers with a 24-ounce drink and fries.

http://www.groupon.com/deals/bahama-beach-waterpark

No Coupons This week

DON'T FORGET! Because of the Memorial Day Holiday, there will be no coupon inserts this week.  Enjoy the tiny clipping break, and have a great weekend!

Frugal Friday! How To Save Money On Your Electric Bill

I think the one thing expense that everyone has, and everyone complains about, is the electric bill. There are some things that you can do to reduce the bill.

This is a website that is designed to help you understand how to choose a provider and how to compare the rates. And how to switch to another provider.

http://www.powertochoose.org/_content/_about/index.asp

Here are some steps you can take around the house to reduce usage.

• ·         Install darker curtains on the west side of the house. That is the hottest time of the day and hottest temps.
• 
  
• ·         Have your HVAC checked to be sure it’s working efficiently.
• 
  
• ·         Change air filters once a month. This also helps them work more efficiently. My uncle owned an AC company and that was always his recommendation.
• 
  
• ·         Only use dishwashers or dryers in the morning or later evening. They generate heat and cause your AC to work harder.
• 
  
• ·         Keep your freezer full. Less cool air lost, and the fullness helps insulate the items and the freezer doesn't have to work as hard to keep cool.
• 
  
• ·         If you keep appliances or phone chargers plugged in at all times, they use energy even when they are not in use. Either unplug them or use a power strip. Then turn off the power strip when items are not being used.
• 
  
• ·         Ask your electricity provider (not necessarily the same as the electric company) about energy audits.    This link should help you arrange for this audit. It’s free of charge. http://www.takealoadofftexas.com/
• 
  
• ·         I think most of us in Texas have ceiling fans, but if you don’t… install one! Keep the air moving and it will reduce the need for air conditioning.
• 
  
• ·         Line dry clothing. I know this seems like something from housewives of the 50s, but try air drying some items. You’ll save from not running the dryer and from the air conditioner not working as hard. If you don’t have a back yard or space, use a shower rod. 
• 
  
• ·         Switch to fluorescent bulbs. They are more expensive to purchase but save money long term. And they do not have to be replaced as often.
• 
  
• ·         Use your microwave to cook when possible. It can use as much as 90% less electricity than the stove. Plus there is the added bonus of not heating up the kitchen. I also use a toaster oven instead of the oven when possible.

According to Department of Energy (energy.gov), ideal thermostat settings for winter is 68°F when you are awake. For summer months it’s 78°F when you are at home. During the hours you are not at home, you can adjust the temperature as much as 10-15 degrees and it can save you up to 15% on your electric bill.

Sources:

·         Woman’s Day 17 Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill; Downsize your bills when the mercury rises. by Sally Wiener Grotta

·         Lower Your Electric Bill by Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide

·         Department of Energy website

·         Takealoadofftexas.com Oncor Energy