D.V.

Diana Vreeland used to have a column called “Why don’t you?” It is in that spirit that I offer up the following:

Stay in to save money, but pick up chocolate soufflé at Trader Joe’s. Made for two they are cheap and fool proof. Saving money need not be boring. :-)

Start your spring cleaning. Just work on one room per week. It’s time to get our summer clothes, give them washing or use some linen spray. I get mine at TJMAXX.

Send a cute or loving or sexy text message today? If you feel it say it.

Pick a new recipe out of your cookbook and try it? If you don’t have one, look at Martha Stewart.com. Always an inspiration in the kitchen!

Check and see if any of the plays or musicals you want to attend, are offering discounts during the week. Cheap seats, but you get out of the house and get some entertainment.

Grab a few extra bottles of wine during your weekly shopping. Traders and BevMo have many inexpensive brands to choose from, your pocket book will hardly notice and when someone drops by, you will have some on hand.

Cook more than one meal at a time. I cook for the week on Monday afternoons. The rest of the week I just open the frig and nuke what I have. It’s great when you are tired and don’t want to cook.

Take an afternoon and turn in your bottles and cans. Take the money and treat yourself to something nice. Make sure your treat doesn’t include calories. Mani-pedi? Or some nice stationary? Too bad wine bottles don’t have deposits on them. I would have new shoes.

The next time you go to the mall and get yourself something get something for someone else. Don’t know what they will want? Hit up the makeup and cologne counters for samples. Put them in a goodie bag and give them to a new mom or male friend that doesn’t go to the mall that often.

Holidays over? Bake some muffins or cup cakes and give them out to friends. No one can say “No,” to a cupcake. Not that big and just right to cure a sweet tooth.