Trader Joe's – 1309 Beacon Street, Brookline Meal and Deal: Fall means football, especially here in Jamaica Plain and Brookline. The Patriots are just getting hot and the season should prove to be an exciting one. So don’t just turn to any old game time snack.  Head to  Trader Joe's, located at 1309 Beacon Street in Brookline for their Guacamole Kit. For only $3.69, you get a fun package of tomatoes, a jalapeno pepper, garlic, a lime and avocados. All you need to do is peel, chop and smush and you have some yummy dip for celebration purposes. Pick up a bag of Soy and Flaxseed Tortilla Chips …

Girls in Action Deal:  Frugal Family comes across a number of amazing deals on a daily basis, but here’s one that is going down in the tomes of Frugality and Awesomeness.  Bikes Not Bombs, located at 18 Bartlett Square in Jamaica Plain, has a great all-girl program called Girls in Action that teaches young girls (ages 12-18) about physical activity, self-esteem, health and even how to fix their own bikes!  This great opportunity runs each Thursday from Oct. 17 – Nov. 23 and is not only a great frugal find – the cost of each class is based on a sliding scale from $25 - $50 – but it’s a …

We’ve got something for the health-conscious, hair-conscious and more in this week's Frugal Family column. And it’s up to all members of the Frugal Fam to stay on the look-out for local deals. If you find one, share it with us in the comments section. Hankering Deal: Now that September is in full swing and the schools are popping with activity, some Frugal Family members face this daunting question: what can I pack in the kids’ lunch boxes that they won’t throw away or trade for Little Debbie Cakes? Head over to City Feed and Supply at 672 Centre St. in Jamaica Plain. For the month of …

We’ve got something for the fashionista, something for the kid-at-heart and even a slice for the carb-lover in this week's Frugal Family column. And it’s up to all members of the Frugal Fam to stay on the look-out for local deals. If you find one, share it with us in the comments section. Mint Condition Deal: Mint Julep is a sassy boutique located at 1302 Beacon St. in Brookline that every fashion-lover should visit at least once while riding the C line. The store offers bright articles of clothing and to-die-for accessories that will make you want to break the budget.  But you don’t need to…

Frugal Family Fav:  Urban Renewals, located at 122 Brighton Avenue in Allston (right down the street from Brookline!) is a great place to shop for all members of the Frugal Family. The store is huge and offers endless racks of clothing for adults and kids, household items, furniture, jewelry, electronics and much more.  The elders in the Frugal Fam are appreciated here too!  On every Wednesday, seniors who are 50 and older can take advantage of 50 percent off most items.   Frugal Family Fav: You love thrift and consignment stores, but you thirst for upscale products!  Head to the Atrium Matt…

This week our "Frugal Family" columnist offers tips on giving parties and not breaking the bank. Location This may seem like a no-brainer.  Clearly, there’s no cost when you have your event at your home or apartment.  However, the event might be too large for a tiny third floor dwelling and the idea of having 50 people over makes you envision human sardines.  Check in with your place of worship.  They may offer you one of their function halls for a small fee or donation.  Both Boston and Brookline offer low-cost permits that allow you to rent a park space for your event, as well.  Certain …

JP Music Festival Deal: We at Frugal Family have always known how many amazing musical artists in and work in Jamaica Plain. But now, for the first time ever, this talented town will be getting its very own music festival!  The amazing JP Music Festival will take place on Aug. 20, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and there will be over 12 bands rocking the scene. The event is free and there will be food available for purchase.  All proceeds from the food will go to support the Boys and Girls Club of Boston. Spend a delightful and delicious, frugal day at Jamaica Pond, celebrating these rising stars and …

Know Thyself: Before you can be a truly effective Frugal Family member, you need to take an in-depth look at your financial life. Make a date with yourself, order a coffee from Starbucks in Brookline and create a detailed spreadsheet of how much money you have coming in and how much money you have going out each month. Don’t cheat!  Be specific! If you have five student loans, list them all! If the Frugal Fam kids are involved in 10 afterschool activities, document the cost of all of them! Know what to expect financially so that in months ahead you can become a budget warrior.  Lists, Lists, …

Vegan Prix Fixe at Vee Vee Deal:  When we sit around the Frugal Family table, we want everyone to be happy, whether they happen to be omnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians, and so on.  (It’s just the breatharians that seem to be impossible to please!)  So we were thrilled when we found Vee Vee at 763 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain and their Vegan Prix Fixe Wednesday specials.  It can be tricky to find a daring deal on vegan fare, so visit this culinary gem and pay only $25 each Wednesday to enjoy a delicious and healthy three-course vegan meal.  Good Through: Until further notice   Discounted …

Sundays in the Park Deal:  There are few things more beautiful than excellent music, played outside, as the summer night sky spreads out marbled colors above your head.  Oh wait!  It’s better if this experience is free!  As part of the Emerald Necklace Converancy's Summer Sundays in the Park Program, a Boston Pops Quartet concert will be taking place at Olmsted Park at the Allteron Overlook off Pond Avenue, near the intersection with Allerton Street.  Bring all the members of your Frugal Family, along with some chairs, a blanket and some yummy snacks to make the evening perfect! Good Through…

Essay Writing Class Deal:  Right now the schools are on summer vacation and even the most studious Frugal Kids might be opting to hit the pool instead of looking at their summer reading.  But when the leaves start to change, some of them might start applying to colleges and where there are college applications, there are essays.  Help them brush up on their writing skills with a free essay class at Brookline High School.  Everyone needs a refresher when it comes to the essay and here’s a frugal opportunity. Good Through:  September 24, 2011   Video Underground Deal:  Aside from having some of…

Deal:  The Lantern Festival at Forest Hills Cemetery is a well-known and beloved Boston event that draws many people from both inside and outside the city each year.  It’s a beautiful celebration that brings neighbors together to remember those who have passed on.  The belief is that during this special time, a door opens so that we may “speak” with our ancestors.  Bring some snacks and flashlights for the family and delight in the magic.  The event is free, with a $10 donation per lantern. Good Through:  Event is July 14, 6-9 pm   Deal:  For even more summer magic, quite literally, check out…

Deal:  Jamaica Plain’s City Feed and Supply, located at 672 Centre Street, is pleasing us even more than usual by starting to sell beer.  And what’s better than selling it?  Sampling it!  Attend a free Notch American Session Beer sampling on June 30, from 5 P.M. – 7 P.M.  Founder and brewmaster Chris Lohring will be on-hand  to answer your most complicated beer questions.  Good Through:  Event is on June 30   Deal: The fine folks at Fixatronix, at 142 South Street in Jamaica Plain, are saying “thank you” to some treasured members of the Frugal Family community. Beginning Veteran’s Day, and …

Despite the fact that June has been feeling a little bit like October with some chilly, rainy days, we know that the Frugal Family will eventually need to beat intense summer heat. But in our search for air-conditioned and educational havens from the heat, we need to look for opportunities on the cheap. The Connolly Branch Library, at 433 Centre St. in Jamaica Plain, has a great program each Wednesday for small children and their parents or caretakers. At 10:30 A.M. kids can pop by the library, at no cost, and enjoy a family-themed short movie. Movies typically run about 45 minutes, and it’s …

Deal:  Check out the Longyear Museum at 1125 Boylston Street in Chestnut Hill to learn about Mary Baker Eddy (1821 - 1910) who worked throughout her life to establish Christian Science in Lynn, Boston, and Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and in Concord, New Hampshire. The Museum contains documents pertaining to her life and the lives of Christian Scientists who assisted her in establishing this worldwide religion.  Admission is free and the museum is open Monday, Wednesday through Saturday:10 AM – 4 PM and Sunday:1 PM – 4 PM.Good Through:  Until Further Notice Deal:  A Short Walk on a Long …

Deal:  Spend a laugh-filled evening at Shrekfest at Nira Rock.  You and your frugal fam will view Shrek 3 and 4 for free under the stars in the beautiful hidden gem known as Nira Rock Urban Wild, located at 18 Nira Avenue, Jamaica Plain.  The first movie begins at 8 p.m.  Packing a dinner or snack to nosh on is a great idea, but J.P. Licks will also be onsite, providing each moviegoer with one free ice cream cone. Good Through:  Movie is scheduled for July 23   Deal:  Bikes Not Bombs of Jamaica Plain will be holding its 24th Annual Bike-a-Thon and Green Roots Festival on June 12, from 12 P.M…

Deal:  Spanish in Motion , with one of its many locations at First Baptist Church's community rooms, 633 Centre St. in Jamaica Plain, can give your child a wonderful advantage as he or she enters into school.  The truth is that in order to get ahead these days, it certainly helps to speak more than one language.  Spanish in Motion uses top-of-the-line, proven techniques to bring light, learning and español into the life of your young child.  Register for a free demo course and see all that this organization has to offer. JP Patch recently profiled the organization and a similar one operating …

Wonder Spice Cafe Deal:  There are few things more scrumptious and satisfying than a meal of tasty Pad Thai.  If you’re in Jamaica Plain, stop by Wonder Spice Café at 697 Centre Street and order this dish.  Delight in some rice noodles mixed with your choice of chicken, shrimp or egg, turnips and ground peanuts.  It’s warm, it’s comforting and it’s a mere $8.50 for a yummy lunch. Good Through:  Until further notice   Purple Cactus Burrito and Wrap Bar Deal:  Calling all vegetarians!  The Frugal Family Frugalista has a yummy deal for you at the Purple Cactus Burrito and Wrap Bar, located at …

Deal:  Take your father, brother, uncle or any sweet guy who has made a difference in your life to the Sam Adams Brewery, located at 30 Germania Street in Jamaica Plain for the ultimate in beer-lovers bliss.  Tour the facilities, see where the beer is born and sample some fine craft beer along the way, for free!  There’s a suggested donation of $2, which is far cheaper than a six pack! Good through:  Until further notice   Deal:  And for the lady who handles the groceries, schedules the family, gives excellent advice, and manages to do it all with a smile, give the gift of health and …

Deal:  For all of you history buffs out there, the Jamaica Plain Historical Society offers walking tours of various JP locations, such as Sumner Hill, Monument Square and Jamaica Pond. All tours are free and open to the public.  Tours are offered on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and last approximately one hour.  They are typically cancelled if there is rain and reservations are not required. Bring a friend, some comfy shoes, and an appetite for education. Good Through:  May 7 – Sept 24   Deal: The Jamaica Plain Goodwill Store, at 678 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, is always packed to the brim with…