Pocketbooks are getting tighter as entertainment costs are going up.

This is leaving families extra creative as they try to find ways to have affordable fun.

As a relative newcomer to the Brentwood area, I've been thrilled with all the coupon books and half-off dining options that I have found.

There are lots of great discounts around that have allowed me to try some pretty great places in Brentwood.

I checked out the new Spruce Inspired Living store this week.

It is a very attractive store with so many unique items to offer:

• home decor
   
• gift items
   
• baby furniture
   
• handbags
   
• jewelry
   
• knick-knacks

You name it, they just might have it!

If you're looking for inexpensive (read: cheap) Valentine's Day roses, have a look at these photos!

These six-rose bouquets from Aldi cost $2.99 all year long.

Here's how to make those cheap supermarket bouquets look fabulous for Valentine's Day, or everyday...

We're giving my brother-in-law's family a Honey Baked Ham for Christmas.

Since they live in Florida, I'm sending a gift certificate instead of shipping a ham.

Two things I need to find first:

• a Honey Baked Ham coupon or coupon code
• a cute way to package the gift card

I know it's only October, but I just couldn't resist wrapping the Christmas gifts I've bought already.

Don't groan! I have to ship overseas.

If you love pattern and color as much as I do, you probably keep selection of pretty gift wrap in your closet.

Here are local resources for finding the perfect wrapping paper at Brentwood stores.

I'm so excited! My favorite out-of-town delivery service is now available right here in Brentwood, Tennessee!

Forget the deli tray. Forget the FTD flower arrangement.

Edible Arrangements in Maryland Farms will design (and deliver) a bouquet of fresh cut fruit to any home in Brentwood.

You can buy discount books online, but sometimes I just want to flip through the pages in real life.

Thanks to The Book Gallery Half Price Books in Cool Springs, you can save money and enjoy browsing at the same time!

Hands down, my favorite Brentwood store is the Fresh Market on Franklin Road.

I always spot a new grilling recipe, a gourmet snack in bulk, or the perfect gift for a friend.

The Fresh Market is a fun place to go in Brentwood!

Father's Day is Sunday, June 17th. Do you have a great Father's Day idea yet?

Drumroll, please....

Here are our TOP 10 FUN THINGS TO DO FOR FATHERS DAY in Brentwood and Nashville!

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13th. Have you made reservations for Mother's Day brunch yet?

No? Let a local mom give you a few quick ideas for celebrating Mother's Day in Brentwood.

I was so surprised when a Nashville florist left this rose bouquet on my doorstep!

I'm a flower snob. I usually make my own bouquets from the garden or wholesale flower shops in the Nashville area.

If you have to send flowers to Brentwood, TN, I recommend calling a local florist directly. You'll have more reassurance of overall style and quality.

You can also give specific instructions, like "lose the FTD mug, the glitter-sprayed carnations and please, oh, please--no leather leaf fern!"

Feel like joining me in a project?

We have some corporate guests who will be staying at a Brentwood hotel. My job is assembling "Welcome to Nashville" gift baskets for their arrival!

Shopping, taste-testing, and gift wrapping Tennessee products? This is my idea of a fun time in Brentwood!

Where is the Hill's in Brentwood's H.G. Hill Shopping Center?

When the Nashville-based grocery closed its doors, Greensboro's Fresh Market moved right in. Brentwood's oldest and most visible shopping center has never been the same!

Here's a complete directory of all the great shopping you'll find in Brentwood's Hill Center.