Dallas - May 20, 2009

Ten-Step Program

Ten Things Under $10

We’ve all been in the red lately. But you hit a new low when you painted the bottom of your Payless pumps to look like Louboutins. (Faux reals?)

Here’s a better idea: Kick up your heels with low-cost thrills.

Budding Mexican joint Quesa-D-Ya’s new deal meal includes a quesadilla (the Smokey Mountain is D-lish), dipping sauce, and fresh lemonade or iced tea for $8.50. Work off the cheese at Aeon Studio’s free circuit training classes (boxing, cardio, weights, medicine balls) May 23 and 30 (9:30-10:30 and 10:30-11:30 a.m.). Only six allowed per class. R.S.V.P. to info@aeonhealth.com.

Tomorrow DMA launches its free, annual outdoor concert series, Jazz Under the Stars. Take a blanket and picnic (or buy food and bev on-site) before the music starts at 8 p.m.

Cork has several low-cost labels under $10, including 1492 Red, Veramonte sauvignon blanc, and French Maid. FYI: June 13 is Beer and Brats, an outdoor grill fest with a keg.

Celebrate summer with Sprinkles Cupcakes’s limited-edition Key lime for $3.25 apiece (available May 22-31). Or go old school with hot popcorn for fifteen cents (no, not a typo) per bag at Weir’s Country Store.

May 24-30, Ra Sushi is offering an extensive sips and apps menu (eight cocktails are $8 or less) from which 100 percent of proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. After dinner, drag the gang to NYLO Plano at Legacy where you can play free Wii on Mondays or grab drinks and snacks for just $4 on Wednesdays.

There’s no charge for relaxing at PoolSide at The Joule Thursday through Sunday, but take dough for libations and bites. Nonhotel guests R.S.V.P. to Maria Booth (214-261-4501 or mariabooth@pmnightlifelounge.com) for a spot.