Frugal Family: More for Less in Brandon and Beyond

In good times and bad the thrill of the hunt for offers and savings and specials and deals can never be overrated. And when times are tough, budgets are tight, hours are scarce and incomes barely hold steady, the hunt for incentives takes on an even greater importance.

That’s where we come in.

We promise to do our part with five deals we’ll post in the “Frugal Family” column weekly at Brandon Patch. You’ll find, too, similar columns at are neighboring Patch publications should your travels take you across town, across Tampa Bay or even across the nation.

But right here, close to home, we’ll give you some news you can use to save both money and time, since we do the initial scouting for you.

Yet we'd love to hear from you, too.

If you run a business that has a steal of a deal, or you’ve spotted a good buy in town, let us know. Post your finds in the comment box below and together we can support each other — and our local businesses — in doing more with less.

As with all deals, check with area merchants to ensure all offers are current (we link to phone numbers and Web sites to make the job easier).

Let’s start saving:

• Deal: Free storytime and discounted Dr. Seuss books. Rachel Ray reads the Dr. Seuss classic, “I Am Sam,” as this month’s featured “Online Storytime” from Barnes & Noble. To go along with this month’s selection, the bookstore is holding a 40 percent off sale on Dr. Seuss toys and books. Next month’s featured online read-aloud, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," by Eric Carle, starts April 5. Also offered now: a one-year subscription to Parents magazine for $4.97. The online price represents a savings of 88 percent. Visit Barnes & Noble online for both the read-aloud and this and other magazine savings.

• Deals: Create a scrapbook shadow box March 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at Michaels crafts at the Regency Square shopping center in Brandon. Design your own bottle-cap creation at a March 27 class, from 1 to 3 p.m., while supplies last. Class for ages 3 and up. View this week’s flyer, online or in the store, for details.

• Deal: Scrapbooking supplies are 40 percent off at Jo-Ann. Some items available online only. Included: papers, stickers, adhesives, stitched ornaments, design elements, cardstock and more. Also 40 percent off, stamps, stamp sets and stamp pads. Online site features instructions and time requirements for 206 card-making and stamping projects.

• Deal: Two kids can ride the carousel for the price of one at the Westfield Brandon shopping mall. The “Spring Fling at the Carousel” is good all day Tuesdays.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY (MOSI)

• The Museum of Science and Industry offers a series of one-year membership deals, ranging from individual basic ($45) to premium family for five members ($199). Various pricing structures, benefits and add-ons allow for such things as admission to MOSI exhibits, admission to the Saunders Planetarium, discounted IMAX Dome Theatre films, a 10 percent discount in the science stores and MOSI Cafe, a 25 percent discount on guest tickets, members-only events, discounts on science camps and birthday parties, a complimentary issue of MOSI Matters and free or discounted membership to 21 local attractions and museums, including  Sunken Gardens, the Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium. Discounts available for certain groups, including seniors (10 percent), military (10 percent), USF/USF alumni (20 percent), teachers (20 percent), homeschool teachers (15 percent) and more. Visit MOSI online and click “Become a Member” for details.