Wine + Dine on the Cheap. Rinse and Repeat.

I'm VERY big on cooking at home, but you know what? Sometimes even I can't stand one more frugal yet fabulous home-cooked meal. Still, if I'm going to slip into the Payless wide width cha-cha pumps and schlep to a fancy-schmancy restaurant meal, a 20% discount eases the financial pain.

I liked it better when it was called IDine.com, but despite its blandsville new moniker, RewardsNetwork.com still operates the dining rewards program that allows my inner deal whore to save big at participating local cafes and restaurants. (Don't get your knickers in a twist. The chances your favorite restaurant or even rib shack is on the list is YOOGE, as Donald Trump would say.) No ID card, no special coupons and surprisingly little hassle.

Simply visit the RewardsNetwork.com Web site, pay a $49 one-year membership fee, let them know which credit card you'll be using to pay for your meals, and voila! No tattered coupons or labored explanations to a bored waiter who suddenly hates you because he sees a reduced tip in his future. But now that $60 meal at Mixto is just $48. How do you like them bourbon and honey-glazed apples?