Monday, October 31, 2011

Need Money To Travel? Quit Smoking - Florida Provides Free Patches and Gum

Even though I am thrify about travel and fun, we still do spend money. Our responsible friends and family suggest that move our travel dollars into a savings account or stuff our extra dollars under the mattress.  We will never do that, because we made a promise years ago to spend our cigarette money on travel and fun. 

When my husband and I were first married, we both smoked.  It was not only a dangerous habit, but expensive too.  At $5.00 a pack, and a pack a day each, we had a $300.00 a month habit.  We decided to quit smoking and spend all the money we would have spent on  cigarettes on travel and fun.  Can you imagine how much travel you can do on $300 a month, especially when you are being thrifty? 

Do you smoke?  If you do, Florida really wants you to quit.  So much in fact, that they will provide  you with free nicotine patches or gum.  Call Quitline at (877) 822-6669 to get started. 

It's not easy to quit smoking, but with the help of free nicotine patches or gum it is a little less painful.  It's even harder to stay quit, so spend your cigarette money on something wonderful and you will stay quit for good.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo - Free On Your Birthday!

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is free on your birthday!   Tickets are usually $23.95 for adults. 

The zoo has over 1,500 animals, housed in 56 acres of lush natural habitats. Your admission also includes some free rides:  Overland Express train ride, Gator Falls Flume Ride, Tasmanian Tiger Family Roller Coaster, Boomer's Flyin' Bananas, Carousel Jungle, and a Safari Ride. 

For the free deal, you must present proof of birth date: driver’s license, birth certificate, passport or military ID. If your birthday happens to fall on Thanksgiving or Christmas, you can go for free the day before or after. 

 Not valid for special events. / Offer expires 12/31/2011.

November 11 – Veterans Day – Free National Park Day

National Park and Recreation Day – Free for all

November 11, 2011 – National Park and Recreation Day – Free for all*
(*Excludes the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.)

Entry into Florida's state parks will be free on Friday, November 11, 2011.  There are 160 Florida parks to choose from.  (Find a park).
Some of these parks are free or cheap year-round. Use your free day wisely and go to parks with higher admission charges on your free day.


Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

I would suggest the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park  in Spring Hill, Florida, which is $13.00 per person the rest of the year  (Buccaneer Bay Water Park is not included with the free admission)
The Show Park is famous for its underwater Mermaid Shows. The Little Mermaid is performed daily in the natural spring water. Fish, turtles, manatees, and other wildlife are often part of the show, since the springs are not contained. Children and adults love the beautiful and graceful mermaids who breathe through tubes hidden in the scenery so they can perform the entire show underwater.
The park also offers free river boat cruises and animal shows. 

Another great choice is the  Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homasassa Springs, Florida.  This park is only about 30 minutes from the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, so consider visiting both parks on the same day.  The admission price for Homosassa Springs is also $13.00 per day, yet free on November 11th.   The park showcases native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters.  There is an underwater observatory which you can see manatees and fish in their natural settings.  They also provide free river boat cruises.

You'll still have to pay for some activities, such as canoe rentals and camping, but those are all optional.  Entrance to the parks is free.

If you love Florida State parks and plan to visit frequently, consider getting a  Florida State Parks Annual Pass.  The pass allows frequent visitors to enjoy parks for only $60.00 per year for one person, or $120 per year for a family pass. 


All Free National Park and Recreation Days for 2011
  • Friday, November 11 – Veterans Day – Free for all*
*Excludes the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.

Free Dental Day Lakeland Florida November 18, 2011

Free Dental Day Lakeland Florida November 18, 2011

Fifty percent of Americans can not afford dental care, so they live without it.  Dr. William Nerestand and the team at Midtown Dental want to give back to the community and provide free dental services to those in need.
 
Every year, Midtown Dental provides one free day of dental care for Polk County residents who have no dental insurance and meet financial eligibility guidelines. 
 
You must preregister and get an appointment on October 28, 2011 between 9am and 1pm.  Appointments are on a first come, first serve basis.  You must bring your drivers license or picture id to register.  This is only for adults 18 and over. 
 
Midtown Dental will be providing the following services:
  • Comprehensive exams
  • X-rays
  • Dental cleaning
  • Up to 2 fillings
  • Up to 3 extractions
Free Dental Day Lakeland Florida November 18, 2011
607 S. Missouri Ave
Lakeland, FL - 33815
863-709-4254