Happy birthday, Houston on the Cheap!

January 28 is here once again — the day when Houston on the Cheap was birthed on my computer back in 2009! And what was my first post about: free coffee at Panera Bread!

I can’t believe how this little project in my blog class exploded to be such a huge part of my life and the Houston community. I have enjoyed every second [almost!] of the research, postings, and events required to make this blog what it is today. Your feedback and comments keep me going every day… We have a great little community here, and I thank you for being a part of my world. I especially cherish the friendships with other bloggers I’ve made in the past year. Your support is amazing and appreciated!

Watch for surprises in the next week as the celebration continues…

It’s another free afternoon at the Houston Zoo on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. It’s all part of the Houston Zoo’s revised Free Day Schedule, which is the first Tuesday of each month after 2 pm until closing. This is a great deal if you’re available — considering Zoo admission costs $12/adult and $8/child ages 2-12.

The Zoo stays open until 6 pm during Central Standard Time. The Houston Zoo is located in Hermann Park at 6200 Hermann Park.

photo: Vicki Powers ©2011

From its humble beginning in 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is now known internationally as one of the most acclaimed ambassadors of American culture.

For a limited time, get half-price tickets to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Houston performances at Jones Hall March 2-4. All sections are discounted including Front Balcony, Mezzanine, Orchestra, Boxes, and Grand Tier.

Prices range from $27.50 – $37.50 discounted ($55 – $75 regularly). Performances are 8 pm March 2 and March 3 and 2 pm Sunday, March 4. Purchase your tickets online from Stubdog here. As with all ticket outlets, a fee is added per ticket.

The Ailey company has performed for more than 23 million people at theaters in 48 states, 71 countries and six continents. Truly a worldly dance troupe!

Stubdog is a partner with Houston on the Cheap, meaning I get a little something when folks purchase through these links. Thanks for supporting my site!

Have you visited P.F. Chang’s Facebook page to claim your Year of the Dragon virtual red envelope? I tried it today and only received a fortune “Your next party will be a saucy success”… But you can check back each day through February 6 to try to win prizes such as a coupon for P.F. Chang’s frozen Home Menu frozen meal and t-shirt or $25 P.F. Chang’s restaurant gift card.

Through February 6, visit the restaurant and receive a red envelope with an mystery  reward for your next visit. The reward could range from a meal discount (10 percent to 50 percent off), free appetizer or free dessert. Red envelopes are a traditional gift of the Chinese New Year, and red symbolizes good luck. Envelopes expire March 4, 2012.

The Houston Aeros hockey team is offering a great family deal for the upcoming game against the Milwaukee Admirals. It’s a buy-one-get-one free day for the February 5 game beginning at 12:05 pm. Offer valid for Center Ice, Corner and Upper End Attack seats. Tickets prices start at $17. 

Go online here to purchase and use promo code Nikki to get this deal.

photo © vicki powers

Here is your chance to see all of the Oscar nominated movies (or any movie) without paying full price. Don’t miss this AMC Movie Bundle for $24 including two movie tickets, 2 soft drink vouchers, and 1 popcorn voucher. Best of all, these tickets are good for new releases and don’t have any expiration date! Value is $38.25. Tickets will be mailed February 1.

This is a great deal for folks who go to evening movies, which can cost $10 or more a ticket. Purchase this deal online here through January 30. A $3.95 fee is added per bundle.

This post contains an affiliate link, meaning Goldstar pays me a little something for sharing this great deal with my readers.