Financial

1. Disney Princess and Friends Craft Event - Saturday, January 14.  Disney Store cordially invites you to come dressed as your favorite Princess for an enchanting sing-along and royal craft event. Minimum age for participation is 3 years. Event is limited based on store capacity. No lineups prior to 30 minutes before event begins. Event subject to change or cancellation without notice.  Sessions at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 a.m. (512) 219-7117.  Disney Store at Lakeline Mall, Cedar Park.

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!  I wish you all a lovely, relaxing weekend. Unless, of course, you'd rather run around town.  In which case, here is some free fun to keep you busy:

1. Oliver's Sand & Glitter Art Event - Friday, December 23, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fashion a rainbow with sand and glitter. FREE Make-It Take-It. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up. Michaels stores.

1. Free Chamber Music concert - Friday, December 16 at 8 p.m. Come celebrate Beethoven's birthday in style! Bring a friend and come hear Archlute, Oud, Harp, Guitar, Barque Strings, Harpsichord, Madrigals and more. Appearances by Andrew Del'Antonio, Guido Oliveri and Chuck Dillard. Kaleidoscope is a new concert series offered by Austin-area musicians who hope to approach classical music from a fresh perspective. Pre-concert discussion starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit Safe Place.  Concerts will be recorded, and excerpts will be emailed to concert-goers the following day. Free childcare for children under the age of five will be provided, and after the concert, you will be invited to discuss your impressions and suggestions with the musicians. For a childcare reservation, email: KaleidoscopeAustin@gmail.com with "Childcare" in the subject line.  The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3202 Windsor Rd., Austin.

by Julie Chen Allen

In an effort to move our kids to a better school zone, I’ve been trying to pinch more pennies for a new home. I guess I should have included my dear husband in the planning phase of this endeavor, but why take way the element of surprise in our relationship?

It first started with the thermostat battle. My hubby swears I set it on “hell”-degrees, but I swore I was freezing and promised it was only a couple of degrees higher. He wanted it on 78 and I pushed it up to 80. We compromised and settled on 79. A few weeks later, I raised it up to 81 and he wanted it on 79. We compromised and settled on 80. Those two little degrees saves me nearly $10 a month. Oh, my hunny bunny will sweat a little, but he’ll thank me a lot later.

The annual "Round Rock the Boat Regatta" at Old Settlers Park will be held on Saturday, May 14 at 10 a.m.  In order to help you prepare, the City of Round Rock is hosting free Boat Building Schools!  Kids and adults alike can learn the art of cardboard boat building. 

Cardboard Boat Building Schools take place:

• Saturday, March 19 at 9:00 a.m. at the Clay Madsen Recreation Center

1. The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo Open The Shoots Day - Friday, March 11, 10 a.m. - close (there is no set close time). Free Parking, Free Admission and $1 Rides! Download the schedule here (pdf).  9100 Decker Lake Road, Austin.