I’m going to take a leaping wild guess here and say that the readership of the Terminal is no stranger to “Pinched Wallet Syndrome.” I’ve discovered that Birmingham has an amazing wealth of free stuff to do, and depending on your taste, even free food that can be had (grazing at Whole Foods, anyone?). But there’s a special niche I’ve discovered of “Things That Should Cost More, But Don’t,” if you know where to look. I’m in love with three things that allow me to live like a Hilton, even when I’m closer to Motel 8 material: the tamarind margarita at Sol Y Luna in Lakeview, At Home in downtown Homewood, and the lobster cakes at V. Richard’s in Forest Park.

Sol Y Luna is not a place I’d normally go when the funds are pinched; the food is too good to skimp on, and I inevitably end up ordering their amazing churros for dessert. But for a taste of something exotic and expensive for less than $10, you can’t beat the Puerto Vallerta Tamarind Margarita. It’s hard to explain to a newbie what tamarind tastes like, and it does tend to be a bit of an acquired taste. But start with the subtle taste of a premium tequila, add a soft sweetness-almost like a dried apricot-a hint of sour lingering on your tongue, and just a dash of salt from the rim. This concoction is a Mexican holiday in a glass, and yours for less than cabfare to the airport.

When it’s my living conditions instead of my palate that needs a boost, I sneak a lunchbreak to At Home in Homewood. Here a wide swath of stuff for the home sparkles from every surface, telling you to get a little present for yourself. (Or, sure, for a loved one if you must.) Not everything in the store is inexpensive, but if all you need is a pick-me-up…some candles, a fancy soap, a cheery new mug for the office, a funny farm animal bowl for your morning cereal…this is the place to come. For less than ten bucks, you can have a luminous Japanese handcrafted plate to show off at your next potluck party.

And should you need something to go on that plate, I can recommend my absolute favorite on this In Love With list: the lobster cakes at V. Richard’s in Forest Park. This treat is for the days when you want to impress someone without actually paying for the surf n’ turf at a pricy restaurant. These breaded, buttery lobsteriffic cakes cost a few bucks apiece, but one per person ought to do it. Grab some baby spinach and a baguette along with, and you have a delicious, rich-tasting dinner for that special someone. He or she never needs to know how much you actually spent.

Sol Y Luna, 2811 7th Avenue South in Lakeview, 322.1186; At Home, 2921 18th Street in Homewood, 879.3510; V. Richard’s 3916 Clairmont Ave, 591.7000. Look for the lobster cakes in the fresh seafood case.