Despite what the calendar is insisting, the warm weather over the last few days has me fairly convinced that spring is already in full swing. One of my absolute favorite signs of the new season is the return of restaurant weeks.

The Seacoast is up first with what is officially being called Restaurant Week Portsmouth, even though not all the participating restaurants are in the Port City. From March 26-April, you can find special three-course prix frixe menus. Lunch is $16.95 per person and dinner is $29.95 per person. If you have your heart set on a particular meal at a particular locale, reservations are highly recommended.

A growing list of participating restaurants, with links to their menus, is available on the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce site. Some of the hottest new restaurants join familiar favorites, so it’s a truly great opportunity to dig in and try them out.

Not to be outdone, Manchester brings back Eats Week from April 11-15. Unfortunately, I can’t find anything more on the InTown Manchester site, but last year there were some fabulous offerings at Richard’s Bistro, Cotton, the Commercial Street Fishery and Z — just to name a few.

You may have to loosen your belt after they’re both over, but that’s a sacrifice I think is worth making.

Have I missed any others? Are you North Country or Upper Valley folks planning a Restaurant Week.

I can’t imagine the holidays (or any other day, for that matter) without my little fuzzy friend. I’ve had my rescued cat for eight years now. I know so many people who talk about getting a pet but they always come up with some excuse not to.

Well, no excuses. The Salem Animal Rescue League has a great deal on kittens and cats through Jan. 6. While the pricing is in effect, you can bring home a new furry companion for a reduced rate.

Check out the details here.

Are you sick of turkey yet?

Me too.

That’s why I’m looking forward to welcoming December today with lunch at the Commercial Street Fishery in Manchester.

It’s tucked away a bit in an old mill building near Merchantsauto.com Stadium, and serves up lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Take a look at some of the scrumptious, out-of-the-sea offerings on their lunch menu here.

Want to join me? Today CSF is offering a buy one, get one free lunch deal — an even better reason to leave the dregs of your leftover stuffing in the refrigerator and enjoy a fresh fish meal.

I invested in cross-country skis a few years ago. Although New Hampshire has some great options for downhill skiing, to me nothing beats cross-country skiing. There is something serene about swishing along a trail and taking in all the beauty of the New England countryside in winter. Plus, it’s a great workout and a great way to get out and enjoy the cold instead of huddling up inside.

That being said, last year I realized my skiing could use some help, so I am planning to take a lesson this winter. So I am particularly looking forward to this coming weekend’s Cross Country Center Open House at Gunstock.

Guests can participate in raffles, check out the new yurt, partake of free refreshments and hike the snowshoe trails for free.

Speaking of skiing, today is the last day to take advantage of big discounts on the 4 NH College Pass and Threedom Pass, which opens up discounted skiing at there mountains. Check out the details here, snow bunnies.

Elm Street just got a little sweeter — at least for tonight.

Do you like chocolate? How about wine and chocolate?

I thought so.

Van Otis on Elm Street in Manchester is hosting a Thanksgiving wine and chocolate event tonight (Thursday, Nov. 5), from 5-8 p.m.

And it’s free. We like free here.

A representative will be on hand to provide wine education and answer questions about pairings, like what wine goes with a Snickers bar. (OK, that’s my question.)

There will be live music and a drawing for a gourmet gift basket, as well as special savings for participants.

R.S.V.P. by calling 627.1611.

Sorry for neglecting you, O bloggy readers, but I’ve had big things going on for a while, including a visit out of state.

But when I’m back, I’m back.

Eating out is hard in this economy, and every little bit of savings can help when you do decide to splurge. Now, I’m not saying that the 99 Restaurant chain offers the most eclectic or fine dining in New Hampshire, but you can sit down with the family and be fairly sure that everyone finds something agreeable on the menu.

And your wallet will surely find these printable coupons agreeable. Make sure you print ‘em out and make use of them before Oct. 29.

Head’s up, chocolate lovers!

Van Otis Chocolates and Cafe will be holding a sidewalk sale on Friday and Saturday. The sale runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday.

Expect huge discounts on a selection of chocolates, candies and gifts.

All prepackaged products are buy one, get one half off.

Don’t say I never do anything for you.

I know I’ve been neglecting my duties here, so I am going to make it up to you, O budget-conscious bloggy readers, with a hot tip for which you will truly thank me.

At the end of every September and into October, Flag Hill Winery in Lee hosts its Harvest Days. They are so popular, you have to be on the e-mail list to purchase tickets, which are sold by lottery within a matter of hours after the e-mail alert goes out.

And why?

Because it is one HECK of a time.

I’ve gone the last two years, and I have it on good authority that the e-mail alert is going to go out VERY SOON. So, now is your chance to sign up for their e-mail alert. Trust me. Do it NOW.

The day begins rather early in the morning on a Saturday. You need to bring along garden shears and I highly recommend waterproof shoes, as the ground is usually covered in dew so early. If you’re afraid of bees, you might want to bring work gloves, too. A few folks got stung last year.

The deal behind harvest days is that you help Flag Hill pick its crop of grapes. Then you can opt to stomp some of the grapes in what looks like a slightly larger-than-average kiddie pool. Then they feed you and everyone gets a free commemorative glass and a glass of the wine made the year before.

When I say “feed you,” I mean they really feed you. The lunch is hugely delicious and you can also buy bottles of Flag Hill’s wine to drink with your repast. I highly recommend the strawberry wine.

The gift shop is also open during lunch, and you can partake of a tasting and check out the distillery.

I’ve been lucky enough that both years I’ve gone, the weather has been achingly picture perfect. The vineyard is so beautiful, and there really is no better way to spend an autumn Saturday.

Now here’s the best part. Last year, tickets were only $6 each. I cannot stress enough what an incredible bargain it is. So, go! Sign up for the alert before it’s too late!!

I can’t imagine life without my furry little purrball, who I adopted in 2003 from a local shelter. She was 8 at the time and has aged very gracefully. She’s uber affectionate, knows how to use the litter box and has the sweetest demeanor of any cat I’ve ever met.

Jealous much? You don’t have to be. The shelters this summer are overrun with cats. There are kittens, as always, but it’s so much easier to find a home for cute little kittens. But I can’t say enough about the benefits of going with an older kitty.

If you have room in your life for a little purrball of your own, get on over to the NHSPCA, which is offering mystery discounts on adoption fees through a special promotional board this month. If you’re close to the Gate City, the Humane Society for Greater Nashua also has reduced fees on cats and kittens.

Many local restaurants are offering recession busters to lure their cash-strapped customers out of their houses. One of my favorites is from 900 Degrees in Manchester, home of some darn tasty wood-fired pizza. You might have caught them this weekend on TV Diner.

On Mondays through Thursdays from 3-6 p.m., dine at the restaurant on a Margherita pizza and Caesar salad for $10 (only one order per table, though). I highly recommend planning to take advantage of this deal on a Tuesday. If the weather is nice enough, you can head out to their deck for some acoustic music while you dine.