Getaway

I've been coveting other people's travel plans lately. A good friend of mine and her husband recently slipped away for a few days to Jamaica, and another colleague and her husband left town last week for a quick cruise to celebrate their anniversary. Scott and I, on the other hand, have no plans to go anywhere exotic anytime soon.

We need to take some time to get away, though--if even for just an evening. This past fall, when things were very difficult, L.'s doctor advised us to take some "couple time" together--"before the stress cracks you" was how she put it. We still haven't gotten around to this yet.

We do feel a little cracked-around-the-edges, to be honest--not as a married couple, but individually; however, as any married couple knows, cracks have a way of spreading awfully fast.

Scott's birthday is coming up and even though he has an extensive list of CD's and record albums he wants, I'm thinking that the gift of an evening out for the two of us would be just perfect. I'm lining up a sitter, and even if we don't have the money or childcare resources for a cruise or a fly-away getaway somewhere, I'm thinking an activity together followed by dinner at Scott's favorite Indian restaurant (we never get to eat there with the kids since they don't like Indian) might be just perfect.

What do you think? How do you carve out much-needed couple time on a limited budget? Any suggestions for a fun and inexpensive activity out for the two of us?

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I've been thinking a lot of exotic trips to warm places which is probably part of the reason why I can't get enough of this absolutely delicious smoothie lately. I found the recipe while I was waiting to get my teeth cleaned last week, and I fell in love on the spot. I adapted it only slightly and since I first made it I think T., Scott and I have made this three or four times in one week. Its texture and taste are almost just like ice cream and if you don't care much for avocados, I can tell you that the taste of them is very subtle in this smoothie. Avocados, of course, are extraordinarily good for you: each serving of avocado offers 20 essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.

 

Avocado and Almond Milk Smoothie

1-2 peeled and seeded avocados. I used two small avocados. I think the more avocado you use, the thicker, creamier, and more like ice cream it will be.

1 cup vanilla almond milk

1 cup ice cubes

2 tablespoons raw turbinado sugar (I love this stuff!)

1 teaspoon vanilla

Put ingredients into a blender. Blend until everything is combined, and smoothie is thick and creamy. Pour into glasses, close your eyes, and pretend you're somewhere warm and exotic.

 Oh, and why not make this for your Valentine, and garnish it with strawberries?

Happy Valentine's Day!

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