Gardening, fashion, art among free events

HOUSTON If fashion is your passion, then head over to the Houston Galleria mall for The Simon Fashion Now event. It's a celebration of style with free beauty events, style expertise and runway shows.

Two of the runway shows start at 6 and 7pm Friday. But if you can't make it this evening, drop by Saturday afternoon. The fashion shows start at 2pm.

Additionally, retailers like Macy's and Sephora will host style stops on Saturday throughout the Galleria. Style stops are complimentary and offer interactive demonstrations of spring beauty and style trends.

You still have plenty of time to take advantage of this next deal so hurry up.

Right now, with a web coupon, you can get a free 8x10 print from you local Walgreen's photo shop. The coupon is good only Friday. No purchase is necessary.

The musical "Cats" holds the title of the second longest-running show in Broadway history, and now, you can catch it on stage for free at the Miller Outdoor Theater, featuring an all-youth cast, ages 8 to 19. The show is free and starts at 8pm on Friday and Saturday. If you can't make it this weekend, there will be performances next weekend April 15-17 at 8pm.

If you need a little inspiration to create the perfect kids room, sign up for a free decorating class at Pottery Barn Kids. Experts will be on hand for design and decorating tips. Class participants will receive a 10 percent discount on products featured. There are two Pottery Barn Kids locations. Sign up for the class online or call the store.

Earlier this week on Stretch Your Dollar, we featured a report on growing your own herbs and roses. Well, if you need more resources to get a beautiful garden, the Galveston County Master Gardener Association has several free book downloads available online. Downloads include a Thumbnail Guide for new gardeners and Herbs for the Upper Gulf Coast.