Eat free at IKEA Houston — Take advantage of a free meal at IKEA if you plan to purchase some IKEA furniture in the near future. The Swedish retailer is giving away free food by deducting your restaurant receipt from your total home furnishings bill of $150 or more. Valid May 25-27. Limit one restaurant receipt per store discount.

Adopt a cat for $5 — Today through Monday, May 27, the Houston SPCA is helping you save money on mature cat adoptions. Pay just $5 for all cats five years and older. The price is normally $65. The entire adoption package is actually worth about $400. Find your forever friend online here and go rescue a cutie! Houston SPCA is located near I-10 & 610 at 900 Portway Drive. Tuscon, right, is one of many mature cats available for adoption!

Eat cheap at Boston Market — Print a coupon for 50% off a Family Meal purchase at Boston Market Monday, May 27. Print coupon online here.

Save on books — The annual Memorial Day sale at Half Price Books is back, which means 20% off the entire store Thursday – Monday, May 23-27. It’s the perfect time to stock up on used books, music, movies and more. Not valid online or for gift cards. Find Houston locations online here. No coupon needed.

Save with Energy Star Sales Tax holiday — Texans get to avoid paying state and local sales tax when purchasing energy-efficient appliances Saturday through Monday, May 25-27, 2013. Find more info online. The products qualifying for the exemption include:

*Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less
*Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less
*Ceiling fans Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
*Clothes washers
*Dishwashers Dehumidifiers
*Programmable thermostats

Save on home improvement — Veterans, retired, and active military can save 10% off their entire purchase at Lowe’s and Home Depot. This savings is also available on July Fourth, Labor Day and Veterans Day.

Blue Man Group — $38 for orchestra seats to Blue Man Group at Jones Hall June 4 ($62 value). Ticket fee of $5.50 added per ticket from Goldstar.

Houston Chronicle — $25 for 26 weeks of Houston Chronicle Wednesday/Sunday delivery ($78 value) or $49 for one year of Wednesday/Sunday delivery ($156 value). Valid for new customers or those with lapsed subscription more than 30 days.

Cody Simpson — $18.75 for general admission ticket to Cody Simpson at Bayou Music Center on June 6 at 7 p.m. (up to $53 value)

Houston International Jazz Festival — $30 to See 23rd Houston International Jazz Festival at Bayou Music Center on Saturday, August 3 (Up to $62.08 Value)

Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Clinic & Game — $55 for a Two-Hour Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Clinic and Two Tickets to a 2014 Game (Up to $99 Value)

Live Oak Bar & Grill — $12 for $24 at Live Oak Bar and Grill

Darque Tan — $59 for Ultimate All-Access Tanning Package for 30 Days at Darque Tan ($196 Value)

Legacy Amateur Fighting — $45 to See Legacy Amateur Series 12 MMA Fighting on Saturday, June 8, at 8 p.m. ($91.50 Value)

Yoga Lola Studios — 80% off! $39 for 10 classes at Yoga Lola Studios ($170 value

Tracy Morgan — $25 for Tracy Morgan: Excuse My French at House of Blues Houston on May 30 at 8 p.m. ($46 value)

Paintball Package — Paintball Admission, Gear, and 100 Paintballs Each for 2, 4, or 10 at TxR Paintball (Up to 78% Off)

Nazif’s Turkish Grill — $20 for $40 of Turkish Cuisine for Four at Nazif’s Turkish Grill & Deli (Half Off)

Pradaria Steaks & Churrascaria — $38 for Brazilian Churrasco Dinner for Two at Pradaria Steaks & Churrascaria ($78 value)

I am an affiliate partner with several of the daily deal sites — meaning they thank me with credit/compensation for sending folks to their sites.

To help your wallet, the Houston Zoo is sharing a coupon for $4 off admission per person when you arrive after 4 pm this summer. Print out the $4 off coupon here. One coupon per person. Valid May 25 – September 30, 2013.

Watch a movie under the stars — Friday Night Films is back, by popular demand, thanks to Whole Foods Market (Montrose) and Alamo Drafthouse. The evening kicks off Friday, May 24, with Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Food and fun start at 6 pm with the movie kicking off at 8 pm. Bring your own lawn chairs! Located at 701 Waugh.

Enjoy Latin funk — Head downtown for a Concert at the Square Friday, May 24, 8pm with Grupo Fantasma. This 11-piece Grammy Award winning Latin funk orchestra will delight audiences as the new generation of Latin groove music. The Austin-based group will perform at Market Square Park, 301 Milam.

Be patriotic – The Woodlands Waterway Square celebrates Memorial Day weekend with live music, kid fun, and fireworks Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26. Don’t miss the nightly live music kicking off at 6 pm featuring Leannasaurus Rex, the Rock-a-Fellas, Josh Fuller and Dirt & Diesel, and Nobody’s Fool with Kelley Peters. Plenty of kid-friendly fun including strolling entertainers, face painting, balloon artist and more. A special fireworks show begins at 8:55 pm each night. Limited, free parking is available  curbside near Lake Robbins Drive, Waterway Avenue, Waterway Square Place, and Timberloch Place. Garage parking fees vary.

Be soulful at Miller — Four nights of Dancin’ in the Street: Motown & More Revue! This unique annual show, May 23-26, features timeless classics of Motown artists. This year’s show pays tribute to Chaka Khan and James Brown. Show begins at 8:15 pm each night. Free covered seat tickets are available at 10:30 a.m. on performance day while they last. Four per person.  Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 6000 Hermann Park Drive.

Watch a free classic movie — Alamo Kids Camp returns this weekend with the free movie Karate Kid from 1984. Show dates are May 24 (11:30 am), May 25 (10:30 am) and May 26 (10:15 am) at Alamo Drafthouse Vintage Park. Seats are first-come, first-serve. Get a reserved seat by pre-purchasing a $5 food and beverage voucher online.

Sample some chili — The Memorial Day Chili Challenge hits downtown Tomball May 25 to benefit veterans. Enjoy live classic rock from the Grateful Geezers plus a kids’ play area. Pro cookers from Texas and local businesses will battle it out for “Best Chili in Tomball.” Located at 201 S. Elm in Tomball.

Explore at Bass Pro Shops — The outdoor retail store is having lots of inside fun Memorial Day weekend for kids. Families can check out the new BB gun shooting range, explore with the metal detector treasure hunt, and find conservation items throughout the store in the Adventure Scavenger Hunt. Bass Pro Shops is located in Katy and Pearland.

Celebrate 80 years of oil — The Tomball Oiltown USA Jamboree celebrates 80 years since the first oil discovery in Tomball, May 27, 1933. This Memorial Day 1930-style celebration from 11 am – 6 pm features nickel hotdogs and sodas, games, period music, a mobile oilfield museum with 24 stations for kids, and more. Don’t miss the crazy contests like watermelon seed spitting, pie eating, and greased pig contest! Lots of antique cars and antique fire truck to ogle at, too. The Klein family will display antique pieces from the feed store and grocery store. Free admission and parking, to boot! Located around the historic railroad depot in Tomball at 102 S. Elm.

Cody Simpson — $18.75 for general admission ticket to Cody Simpson at Bayou Music Center on June 6 at 7 p.m. (up to $53 value)

Pradaria Steaks & Churrascaria — $38 for Brazilian Churrasco Dinner for Two at Pradaria Steaks & Churrascaria ($78 value)

LEGO Camp — $79 for Week of LEGO Summer Camp for Ages 5-8 or 8-12 at Wow Camps ($165 Value)

Yoga and Screening — $35 for Five Yoga Classes and Screening of “Change: The LifeParticle Effect” on June 23 at Dahn Yoga ($130 value)

Handyman Services — $60 for Two Hours of Handyman Service by B Handy ($120 Value). Use promo code SHARE5 to save $5 on Living Social deals through 5/31/13.

Sweeney Todd – $10.00 for “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” ($25.00 value). July 4-28 at Rice Univ.

Tracy Morgan Live — $25 for general admission ticket to Tracy Morgan: Excuse My French at House of Blues Houston May 30, 8 p.m. ($46 value)

Yoga Heart Studio — $39 for Five or Ten Hatha Yoga Classes at Yoga Heart Studio ($85 Value). Use promo code SHARE5 to save $5 on Living Social deals through 5/31/13.

Texas Kayak Guide — $59 for Two-Hour Kayak Nature Tour with Equipment at Texas Kayak Guide ($120 Value)

Riverboat Cruise — Luncheon or Drinks Cruise on a Riverboat for Two from Southern Empress Cruises (Up to 51% Off)

Gina’s Italian Kitchen –$17 for Prix Fixe Italian Dinner for Two Sunday-Thursday or Friday-Saturday at Gina’s Italian Kitchen ($37 value)

Vein Treatment — $60 for Initial Screening and One 30-Minute Sclerotherapy Treatments at The Vein Treatment Center ($150 value)

I am an affiliate partner with several of the daily deal sites — meaning they thank me with credit/compensation for sending folks to their sites.

The pass is available at any national park or wildlife refuge that charges a fee when military show their military ID. The pass includes the active military member and up to three accompanying adults in the vehicle or three people at sites that charge per person.

Blue Man Group — The Blue Man Group returns to Houston to amaze audiences with their unique entertainment of music, comedy, and multimedia theatrics. I am curious about this show, because I have never seen them perform live.

June 4
$26 ($42 reg.)
Jones Hall

The Addams Family – This Broadway musical hits Galveston with its national touring company. The musical comedy features the quirky family from the TV and movie series.

June 21-22
$13.80 – $33 ($46-$66 reg.)
The Grand in Galveston

Scooby Doo Live Musical Mysteries – This new interactive live event, Scooby Doo Live, features professional actors, spooky special effects and cartoonish capers that will have young audiences on the edge of their seats!

June 1
$15 – $18 ($27 – $33 reg.)
Jones Hall

Glamourous Glee by Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston — This annual pride show by Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston is a tribute to the tradition of glee club choruses. This group has been delighting audiences for 33 years, when they first started as Montrose Singers Inc.

June 4
$10 – $25 ($20 – $50 reg.)
Wortham Theater

Head to Goldstar Houston and search these titles. You’ll need to sign up at Goldstar with an email (it’s free) to take advantage of these deals. A service fee is added per ticket as with all online ticket purchases.

Goldstar partners with Houston on the Cheap. I get a little something for sharing these great deals with my readers.

Several Houston-area restaurants are donating a percent of sales May 22 to help folks affected by the Oklahoma tornado.

Houston-area Luby’s and Fuddruckers will donate 15% of sales May 22, between 4pm – 8pm. Money will be given to the American Red Cross to help the citizens in Moore, Oklahoma. The restaurants are partnering with CBS Radio for Houston Helps: Money for Moore.

Chili’s will give 10% of sales all day May 22 to help with Oklahoma disaster relief. Print the voucher in link and show to server.  The restaurants also are collecting items during normal business hours for Red Cross: bottled water, diapers, heavy duty gloves, shovels, toiletries, and sunscreen.

Rather than feeling helpless, there are a number of ways to help. I’m proud to be a part of an amazing group of bloggers — both locally and in Texas — that are joining together to share information on how we can help. Two Houston bloggers that I admire are actually collecting supplies this week and driving up to Oklahoma Monday for Memorial Day. It’s an amazing gesture of love and support. Tiffany  (MyLitter.com) and Paul (IHeartTheMart.com) Ivanovsky are willing to deliver whatever we bring. Plans are in place for a truck and trailer, and people are stepping up.

If you live in the Houston area and would like to provide supplies for the Ivanosky’s to deliver, most needed items (according to news reports in the area) are:

• bottled water and Gatorade
• toothbrush, toothpaste and hygiene items
• like-new clean clothes
• cleaning supplies
• baby wipes, formula and diapers
• bedding
• hand towels
• work gloves
• sunscreen
• hand sanitizer
• individually wrapped snacks

Bring donations to The Woodlands Christian Church, 1202 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands, 77380. They will be collecting 9 am – 4 pm all week and Saturday and Sunday. Tiffany and Paul said the goal is to sustain people until the insurance money starts coming in.

Monetary donations go a long way as well. 1) The United Way of Oklahoma has created a disaster relief fund to help area residents affected by the storm. 2) Red Cross is collecting donations by text — simple text REDCROSS to 90999 or donate at RedCross.org. 3) Salvation Army is helping first responders and disaster survivors. Text STORM to 80888 to donate $10 to help with disaster and recovery efforts. 4) Central Oklahoma Humane Society is collecting donations to help with displaced pets.

Prayers are just as important as the physical and monetary help. Please pray for these families to bring peace to their hearts when everything appears overwhelming now.

Purchase the six-month or one-year Wednesday and Sunday delivery here.

I am an affiliate partner with several of the daily deal sites — meaning they thank me with credit/compensation for sending folks to their sites.

Weekend events include film screenings, panels, fan groups, Guest Autograph Signings, Artists Alley, workshops, roller derby, wrestling, costume contest, Anime viewing, laser tag, and a Geek music showcase. Some of the many featured guests this year include Patrick Stewart, Michelle Rodriguez, and Avery Brooks.

Save $8 total with advance online purchase and a special promo code! Save $5 on a 3-day weekend pass ($45 instead of $50 at the door) and save $5 on a daily pass (Friday: $20, Saturday: $30, Sunday: $20). Plus, use promo code BACKSTAGE to save an additional $3 from BackstageOL.com. It basically covers the online ticket fee! Children are $10 each, online and at the door. Purchase advance discount tickets online through May 22 at midnight.

We had bookmarked several card designs we liked a month ago from Tiny Prints. So that’s where I started last Monday night creating a few sample graduation announcements online with different photos, fonts, and colors. There are so many choices and options! My daughter selected her favorite the next morning, and I ordered them around noon last Tuesday — with Super Rush delivery. I had no idea about this amazingly quick option. For just $11 more than standard shipping ($19.95 total) you can have your products delivered in two days, door to door. That time includes the printing!

It’s here! Imagine my surprise when a box arrived at my door 24 hours later on Wednesday. It was the graduation announcements. The card was larger than I imagined (5×7″) and I loved it. Paper was thick with a smooth finish. I stress over the details, and this product made me happy! Thursday morning the graduation party invitations arrived. And we had them in the mail by Friday morning.

It is never too late! Tiny Prints has a number of promo code offers for 15% off products (baby announcements, invitations, and graduation announcements) that expire Tuesday, May 21, 11:59 PM PT. I am a dedicated customer now!

Disclosure: I received credit to order graduation announcements from Tiny Prints, but the genuine excitement is all my own. I had no idea the power of Super Rush delivery!

Tracy Morgan Live — $25 for general admission ticket to Tracy Morgan: Excuse My French at House of Blues Houston May 30, 8 p.m. ($46 value)

Replay on 19th — Half off  ($10 for $20 credit or $15 for $30 credit) at Replay on 19th. Named Houston Press’ Best Vintage Store last three years.

Johnny Carino’s — $10 for $20 Worth of Italian Food at Johnny Carino’s. Valid at College Station (Harvey Road) location only.

School of Rock Clear Lake — $49 for 2 Private Music Lessons, T-Shirt, & Wristband at School of Rock Clear Lake ($130 Value)

Stubbs Harley Davidson New Rider Course — Rider’s Edge New Rider Motorcycle Course for One or Two at Stubbs Harley-Davidson (Half Off)

Man’s Best Friend — $29 for Three or Nights of Pet Boarding with a Bath ($93 value) or $49 for One-Hour Dog-Obedience Class at Man’s Best Friend ($98 value)

Shutterfly — $10 for 20-Page Hard Cover Photo Book at Shutterfly ($30 Value)

Boat Rental — $169 for Four-Hour Boat Rental for Four from Carefree Boat Club in Lake Conroe or Clear Lake ($435 Value)

Marble Slab Creamery — Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, and Sorbet at Marble Slab Creamery (Up to 53% Off).

Photo Booth — $350 for Photo Booth Rental with Prints & Attendant at Injoy Photobooths ($700 Value)

Jimmy G’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant — Cajun Dinner for Two, Four, or Six at Jimmy G’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant (Half Off)

Spa Package — $79 for Two-Hour Spa Package with Massage at Beauty and Body Wellness Spa ($205 value)

I am an affiliate partner with several of the daily deal sites — meaning they thank me with credit/compensation for sending folks to their sites.

Here are a few Houston-area locations offering special events around Free Fishing Day, June 1:

**Go Fish: Learn to Fish Events — Free Go Fish events are held throughout the year but there are many of them June 1 for Free Fishing Day. Find activities and fishing fun at Eisenhower State Park, Lake Whitney State Park, and Lake Arrowhead State Park. Hours and activities vary by location.

**Sea Center Texas — This marine aquarium, fish hatchery and visitor education center is offering a National Fishing Day Youth Event June 1, 8 am – 10 am. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to help first-timers. This event is for kids 16 years and under, accompanied by an adult. Be sure to bring your own gear and bait with barbless hooks. Sea Center Texas is located at 300 Medical Drive about 50 miles south of Houston in Lake Jackson. It offers free admission Tuesday – Saturday and is operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

**Missouri City Community Park — It’s a morning of fishing at the community park from 8 am – 11 am. Bait and fishing equipment will be provided — or bring your own. All fish will be measured for size. Free snacks, to boot! Located at 1700 Glenn Lakes Lane.

**Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge — Family fishing day June 1 offers hands-on demonstrations and activities for the beginner and experienced fisher. Kids can learn fishing basics, target casting, crabbing for kids, fish identification, do fun crafts and more. Want to catch a blue crab? Crab line, bait and nets will be available along with a limited number of fishing poles and bait.

Free fishing year round: In addition to June 1, did you know Texas offer Free Fishing in State Parks year-round in more than 50 state parks? The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is waiving the requirement for fishing licenses and stamps. Texans can fish for free within the boundaries of a state park.

Check out many Houston/Galveston area fishing spots at the TPWD site.

This event is such a great way to teach kids about helping others. I attended with my girls a few years ago, and we really enjoyed it. The hardest part was selecting our bowls from the hundreds of unique and beautiful handmade bowls! Two of the bowls we selected are in the photo.

In addition to the lunch, the event features live music and art demonstrations. The collections of bowls are made and donated by Houston area craft artists and ceramists. Whole Foods Market has graciously donated the soup lunch. All the festivities will be at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft at 4848 Main Street.

Studio Movie Grill is located at 822 Town & Country Blvd. (CityCentre) and 8580 Highway 6 N. (at West Road) in Copperfield.

Backstreet Boys Concert — $25 for a reserved seat ticket to Backstreet Boys Concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion August 31, 7:30 p.m. ($52 value)

Berri Swirl — Five Frozen Yogurts or $5 for $10 Worth of Frozen Yogurt at Berri Swirl

George Ranch Historical Park — $10 for Admission for Two to George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond ($20 value) or $19 for Four ($40 value)

Big Time Rush & Victoria Justice Summer Break Tour — $20 for Big Time Rush & Victoria Justice at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion June 28 (Up to $47.80 Value)

Track 21 — $29 for Indoor Go-Kart Races, Laser Tag, Mini Golf, and Sodas for Two at Track 21 ($62 value)

Yoga Heart Studio — $39 for Five or Ten Hatha Yoga Classes at Yoga Heart Studio ($85 Value)

Picaboo — $19 for $70 Worth of Custom Photo Books, Canvas Prints, Collage Posters, Enlargements and More from Picaboo (73% Off)

Paula Deen — $15 for Cooking & Entertaining Show with Paula Deen! at MetroCooking Houston ($29 Value)

Simply Pho — $20 for $40 at Vietnamese Food for Two or Four at Simply Pho (Half Off)

The Social Knitwork — Crocheting Class with Supplies for One, Two, or Four at The Social Knitwork (Up to 51% Off)

I am an affiliate partner with several of the daily deal sites — meaning they thank me with credit/compensation for sending folks to their sites.

The adoption fee includes everything you need (vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, complimentary wellness exam, microchipping with lifetime registration, and a gift courtesy of Hill’s Science Diet) — a $400 value. Go online here to search for your new forever friend!

The Houston SPCA is located at 900 Portway Drive. Hours are Monday through Friday from 11 am – 7 pm and Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm.