couples Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Couples Resort – A Romantic Anniversary Retreat

Paula — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 13:21:11 +0000

Couples Resort is romantic getaway for any couple that needs to relax and reconnect, without the kids in tow. Last week Jim and I dropped our youngest daughter off at camp in Muskoka near Huntsville. I had heard of Couples Resort and we hadn’t yet had time to celebrate our 25th anniversary, so I planned to surprise my husband with two nights away. We headed up past Algonquin Park after dropping Ainsley at camp and Payton at her aunt’s house. The drive from Huntsville was about 90 minutes. I’ve never been through Algonquin Park and loved seeing the Moose Crossing and deer crossing signs. On the way back we popped into the Park entrance and I noted all the wildlife that had been spotted in the park the week we visited. Beavers, black bears, herons and moose! You can’t see those in London, Ontario! Spending time at Couples Resort was a gift just to us. We travel often with our family and I write about that a lot. But we rarely have time just for us. Between parenting, Jim’s job, my blog, my consulting business and all the family and business obligations that come along with all of that, it’s rare for us to get time away together. Like so rare it’s been 5 years or so. And while that’s to be expected when you have a family, sometimes it’s nice to get away and get some one-on-one time with the person you married before all the responsibilities of life kicked in. That’s why Couples Resort was such a welcome opportunity. Couples Resort is All About Romance From the moment you enter the resort, you can tell it’s different. First it’s quiet. Peaceful. No Partying campers next door, no loud jet skis ripping up the water. Just a beautiful rustic resort nestled near the shore of Galeairy Lake close by Algonquin Park. This destination is unique – romantic, calm and pretty all year round. Everywhere you look, you see the beauty of nature, the gorgeous grounds, and accommodations that are rustic on the outside and super cozy and comfy on the inside. As soon as you arrive, you know you’ve come to the right place. Couples resort is a great spot to celebrate an anniversary or just rekindle that sense of being together. At a little over 3 hours north of Toronto and around 3 hours west of Ottawa, Couples Resort isn’t a long trip for many. It wasn’t long from Huntsville, but all told from London it was easily 5 hours. Since we were celebrating and in no rush to be anywhere else we were happy to take the time. The drive down Highway 60 was pretty straightforward and it was worth it. The Rooms The buildings have a feel of rustic simplicity that is really nice. But once you enter, you’ll be immediately struck by how well appointed the rooms are. While they may look rustic on the outside, on the inside, they are 5-Star all the way. Each room and cottage is individually designed with themes ranging from Old European to Boutique Algonquin. We stayed in a junior suite on the top floor. It was cozy and inviting, with lots of wood, and earthy tones to lend the decor warmth. It was comfortable immediately and not at all overwhelming. With warm wood and a big Jacuzzi tub inside and a hot tub on the balcony of every unit, it was perfect for relaxing. Room Styles: Chateaus: At Couples Resort the rooms are organized in many different price points and sizes. There are extremely well appointed chateaus with maximum privacy. Some of the most beautiful features of the chateau are: the steam room; the in room jacuzzi which looks extremely fancy, double sided fireplace and the extras. For instance with a chateau you get the window seat at dinner every day. That’s magical. There are some in room extras too – like the spa goodies included. In several other rooms there’s a surcharge for those. Espresso machine too. Spa Villas: Lovely private lakefront again. Cabin style. There are six with private driveway as well. Set back a bit from the suites. Sauna/ steam room gazebo and sundeck. Espresso machine too. Chalet: The chalets are private too. Furnished with cedar the rooms are dark, bathrooms are marble and the shower is a rain shower. Exotics: Exotics are decorated with an African flare. There is an exotic junior suite and a grand exotic at two different prices. Master Junior Suites: All named for painters. Decor and furniture are a big more opulent and European than the junior suites. Junior Suites: We stayed in a junior suite so most of the photos you see here are of that space. It was a large room and perfect for us. Loved that hot tub on the balcony. There was also a jacuzzi in the room. The shower was beautiful as well. There was a large King bed and a sitting area. All the rooms: Exceeds 5 Diamond and 5 Star Room Standards. Have real wood fireplaces Free Internet and Wifi Streaming Netflix The Time This was the biggest thing on my and my husband’s agenda for Couples Resort. The time we had was amazing. Being able to decompress from the daily responsibilities of our jobs and parenting was perfect. Our room had a Keurig machine and a mini-fridge, where we could store wine as needed. There is a wine steward at dinner and you are able and encouraged to bring your own wine in. TIP: Do it – wine is not included. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” —Lao Tzu So our 25th wedding anniversary was back in June but we were ridiculously busy then. Sunday we took our youngest to camp in Muskoka and drove up to @couplesresort – semi-formal dinners are a treat for us. We enjoy dressing up. The meals here at the adults only, all season, all inclusive, 5 star luxury Couples Resort, are a highlight. Bring your own wine. Don’t forget your tie. Oh and no cell phones 📱 in the dining room. Not going to wait so long for a couples travel next time. This was a really great idea. This lake is pristine, remote, quiet and charming. Worth the drive and the investment in you. . . . #travel #hosted #ifwtwa #love #canada #ontario #muskoka #outdoorliving #lakelife #lakelifestyle #canoeing #watersports #travelblogger #traveling #travels #travelmassive #happy #mybestthingsinlife A post shared by Paula Schuck (@inkscrblr) on Aug 15, 2017 at 12:45pm PDT Couples Only and All-Inclusive SCORE! Couples Resort is an all-inclusive, couples-only affair, which means that my husband and I were free of any worries about extra costs and there were no kids anywhere. I love kids. I have two. That being said, kids are not what you want to see when you’re on a romantic retreat. You can choose from various packages at Couples. If you love it, you can probably find it there. Fine Dining The food at Couples Retreat is top notch. My husband and I love a good dining experience, so that’s important to us. After all, we are in charge of the meals for our family, or when we dine out we opt for the family friendly restaurants. Chain restaurants are good for kids’s birthdays and Sunday dinners, but they will never compare to a leisurely five course gourmet meal plated beautifully and served with wine. They use fresh ingredients to bring a variety of first class dishes that will delight any palette. For your information they have a large organic garden on property where they get some of the ingredients for meals. From breakfast to dinner, Jim and I were able to share lovely meals that added to the overall feel of the entire trip. And because Couples Resort is couples only, dinner is a quiet, romantic semi-formal affair. Men: bring your ties and fancy shoes. Ladies: cocktail dresses and nice shoes too. Dressing up is part of the experience. If you sit to eat meals in your room you can do that instead. BUT, I highly encourage you to go the distance and enjoy the dining offered here. NO extra tipping. It’s all included which is nice as a patron. Hot Tubs, Jacuzzis, and a Pool Each room has a private hot tub and jacuzzi for some great relaxation as I mentioned. And they have a salt water pool that is open May until Labor Day weekend. There’s a self service patio with lakefront view and a double fire pit so you can sit and enjoy a nice fire in the evening. The Spa Couples Resort features a top-notch, fully appointed spa if extreme relaxation is your thing. Couples can get massages, hot stones, manicures, pedicures, scrubs, wraps, facial, waxing, and more. Book in advance. We did not do this because we didn’t have time and really had other priorities for our visit. Activities Couples Resort offers a wide variety of activities for you and your partner to enjoy. When we visited we did some canoeing, hiking and cycling too. Of course we went swimming a couple of times. You can also do horseback riding, kayaking, paddle-boating, row boating, fishing motor boating, tennis, and more. They also have indoor activities like ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, and darts in the recreation room. In winter months there’s cross country skiing, skating and various other winter sports. Get Back to Nature You can enjoy the beauty of nature not only on the grounds but around the grounds, as well. Head from Couples Resort to nearby Algonquin park to enjoy 17 hiking trails, canoeing, wildlife spotting, the Art Center and Logging Museum, the Algonquin Art Gallery, and more of that’s your style. And by the way there’s a small museum and an art gallery right at Couples Resort. Don’t forget to visit Gertrud’s Gallery. She was the owner of the resort until a short while ago when her family took over that responsibility. She is extremely friendly and will be happy to tell you anything you want to know about Couples. Gertrud also did several of the art displays around the property. Couples Resort – The Best Time You Can Have with Your Partner We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Couples Resort. It was amazing to have a weekend just for us and the food was memorable. There’s something so valuable about getting away – just you and your partner – and hiding from the responsibilities of parenthood for a while. It was one of the best weekends we’ve ever had as a couple, and it was long overdue. In fact I think we might have even realized we love quiet adult only travel as much as family adventures. We were hosted while at Couples Resort which means we received our accommodations, activities and food in exchange for this post. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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How to Plan for an Early Retirement

Paula — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 11:52:12 +0000

Rather than waiting to turn 65 many people are planning for early retirement by making smart financial decisions early in life. The key to early retirement is knowing that you have enough money to live on, and set aside for emergencies once you retire. How to Plan for an Early Retirement Save, save, save! That might sound simple but it’s truly the first step. Not only do you need to save money, you need to make sure that your savings are in high interest accounts, or GICs, and RRSPs. Stashing cash in your mattress only gives you the money that you stash. But placing every extra penny into interest bearing accounts increases your deposits over time. Find someone you trust to help you build your savings now. Find a financial planner and work with them. Or go to your bank and work with an adviser at whichever institution you typically deal with on a weekly basis. Be honest and tell them your goals. You can’t get there without proper advice and support. In order to successfully plan for an early retirement, it’s best to develop a financial strategy early. This includes planning your savings, but also choosing to avoid credit cards so that you can live within your means and still save money for the future. The sooner you pay off credit debt and start investing your money, the better your chances of being able to retire early and live comfortably. Even if you are in your 30s or 40s it’s not too late to begin planning for an early retirement. However, you will have to put more effort into it than those who start in their 20s. If you are in your 20s and you know you want to travel or take up a hobby after you retire then give that some consideration quickly. If you start investing now and saving you can reach your goal. If you wait you will need to save more aggressively when you are in your 30s and 40s. Determine quickly with your financial adviser or planner what type of investor you are. I know that my profile has changed a bit over time. When I started working with a financial planner I was extremely cautious. I had zero interest in stocks and wanted stable investments only. I chose mostly RRSPs (registered retirement savings plans) because they are obviously intended for retirement and they are stable and the tax benefits are important for me as a self employed person. A few years ago a couple of members of this household graduated to stocks. I feel okay with that now. As long as I don’t obsess over daily fluctuations I am happy to dabble in higher risk investments. You need to take a hard look at whether you have a pension from your employer, or any income from other pension plans you might be eligible for eventually. How much will that be? Will you need to top it up? Will you be able to downsize your home? When will you have that mortgage paid off? Finally you also need an exit strategy. This is crucial for many, but extremely important for couples. Time and again I hear from older relatives who indicate they had no desire to be underfoot while the other spouse was still working. Coordinate your early retirement together and think about the plan for post retirement. Will you travel? Will you have a small part time job doing something different than is a passion project? Will you take up a hobby or volunteer? Everyone needs a reason to get out of bed in the morning. What will work for you if you choose early retirement? Early retirement is a wonderful goal to have. Now how can you make it happen?

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Six Anniversary Trips that Totally Rock

Paula — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 13:08:16 +0000

Anniversary trips can be just the thing to ignite a renewed sense of romance in your marriage. They can also be an extension of the romance that never really went away. Whatever they are for you and your spouse, one thing is certain. Anniversary trips can and should be memorable experiences. Otherwise, you might as well just have a staycation with a bouquet of flowers. There are so many great ways to spend anniversaries really. If travel is involved I don’t think you can go wrong. 6 Anniversary Trips that are Totally Worth It The only trip you should take for your anniversary is one that is completely and totally worth the expense. These trips should make memories that last a life time and be filled with all the magic and wonder that life has to offer. To that end, here are some ideas for a memorable anniversary getaway. Disney Hey, it’s not just for kids. Disney is a place for both the young and the young at heart. Think about it. We all grew up with Disney. This is an anniversary trip for people who are in love with Disney and all the magic that goes with it. Of course, it’s not all pixie dust and talking animals. You and your spouse can enjoy posh accommodations at Disney’s impeccable resort hotels to fuel your own Disney romance. I know many couples who would choose Disney annually as their favourite vacation spot. Disney can do romance as well. All-Inclusive Resorts Nothing says romance like a tropical getaway. There are all-inclusive resorts all over the world from the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico to the South Pacific and more. An all-inclusive resort is the perfect place to celebrate a long and happy marriage and inject some extra passion into the relationship. Beaches, sunsets, fine dining, and more are included in the package, so all you and your mate have to do is enjoy the resort and the time you spend together. Here’s an idea from a recent trip to Alabama and Gulf Shores. Check the post out for more details on where to stay there. [tweetthis]Have you ever considered an anniversary trip? #travel[/tweetthis] A Mountain Getaway Want to feel like you and your mate are 1,000 miles away from everything? A mountain getaway might be just the thing. There are all sorts of cabins for rent in both of the major U.S. mountain ranges as well as parts of Canada for those seeking a rustic, “just you and me” retreat for their anniversary. Remember, anniversary trips don’t always have to involve warm weather. There’s nothing more romantic than a warm, blazing fire. British Columbia has many beautiful and romantic resorts and chalets that would be magical for anniversary trips. Skiing Similar to a mountain getaway is taking an anniversary trip to a ski resort. At a resort, you’ll get all the amenities you’d expect at a resort getaway as well as some nice ski time. In addition to that, you’ll have the added bonus of fires and night and moonlight on the snow. It has the perfect blend of rustic and posh. Many ski resorts have impeccable (although expensive) restaurants on site. There are often hot tubs and spa services available too. Frankly I enjoy skiing with my husband. Although he has to slow his pace down a bit when skiing with me I find it really enjoyable couples time. A quiet chairlift up the side of a scenic mountain is peaceful. A Cruise A cruise is a great option for a romantic anniversary trip. Everything is here in one spot for you. It’s essentially a floating resort, and with exotic ports of call, great entertainment options, and all-inclusive everything. Cruises are a wonderful way to combine relaxation, adventure, and romance all into one trip. You can lounge in the sun, sipping cocktails by the pool while on the ship, and then explore beautiful, exotic locales when you dock. It’s an almost perfect trip. A Safari I recently had the chance to visit Zambia with the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life global vaccine advocacy group on a fellowship. While we worked hard all day visiting clinics and US aid organizations and hospitals too, we also built in some amazing adventures after we finished the daily interviews and visits. At night we took a scenic sunset cruise down the Zambezi River and we also did a safari. As we were visiting and doing these things I noted many seniors visiting as a retirement adventure and I felt it a bit of a shame people wait so long to see Africa. This is a trip that people should embrace at any stage of life. It’s a very romantic setting. I would recommend doing this once in a lifetime African safari and tour as a romantic anniversary trip. These Anniversary Trips Can’t Lose If you’re looking for an extra special way to celebrate an upcoming anniversary milestone, all of the options I just listed are sure fire winners. Anniversary trips are all about making spectacular, life long memories, and these trips are perfect for that. Any one of these anniversary trips is just the thing for an anniversary you’ll never forget.

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Vow Renewal – A Few Memorable Destinations #travel

Paula — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 13:02:28 +0000

Vow renewal is a beautiful and romantic thing. It’s a way for couples to reaffirm their commitment to one another in a way that’s more than just the everyday “I love you” and the occasional flower bouquet. I’ve been thinking about this lately and contemplating whether this is something we should do for our 25th wedding anniversary. I like the idea of building a memorable romantic trip together as a couple. Renewing our vows could add a touch of magic to our marriage. It might remind us how we felt that day when we first slipped those rings on our fingers in front of friends and family so many years ago. Unforgettable Vow Renewal Destinations If we are to renew vows, we would want to do so in a memorable and unique way. Let’s take a look at destinations. One of the biggest influences on the second biggest day of your marriage is the atmosphere. The destinations below make for some of the most memorable locales to renew your vows in. So far I am just plotting and dreaming about these destinations. I will need to check dates and prices before I know if we are able to do any of these. Sandals Sandals resort is much more than jet skis and swim-up bars. They have locations in some of the most gorgeous places imaginable, and they actually offer a vow renewal package that includes everything from a cake to a reception a keepsake, a honeymoon dinner a reception for up to 6 guests and more. Dreams Dreams Resorts & Spas offers a vow renewal package as well. Some of the highlights to this tropical paradise and gorgeous renewal location package include a dedicated wedding coordinator. ceremony, an evening of special dining, and breakfast in bed. And that’s only part of it! St. James’s Club Morgan Bay Located in beautiful Saint Lucia, St. James’s Club Morgan Bay is the perfect place to renew your wedding vows. They offer a vow renewal package that includes your choice of weeding location on the property, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a single tier celebration cake. While this may not seem super fancy, what makes it a winner is that it’s free if you book 7 nights. Hey, you’re renewing your vows. You might as well have a second honeymoon while you’re at it. ( We haven’t been to St Lucia yet so that sounds promising.) Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki Why not have your vow renewal/second honeymoon in one of the most gorgeous locales in the South Pacific – Hawaii? The Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki is a great choice because it offers a package including a three night stay in an oceanfront room, a convertible rental car, daily breakfast for two, free parking, chocolate and sparkling wine on arrival, and a one-time $100 dinner credit! [tweetthis]Have you considered renewing your wedding vows? Here are a few #travel destinations that do that.[/tweetthis] Spice Island Beach Resort Head to beautiful Grenada for a gorgeous vow renewal locale. Spice Island Beach Resort offers a vow renewal package which includes a ceremony either beachside or at a beautiful gazebo, flowers, wedding cake, one framed photo, a private en-suite dinner, and more. There are many great options for Vow Renewal if you are planning to renew your commitment to each other this year. Have you ever renewed your vows? If so, where did you do that?

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Surviving Valentine’s Day: Pauline Parril’s Advice for Married Women

Paula — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 09:11:19 +0000

This is a sponsored guest post on the launch of The Perils of Pauline. Surviving Valentine’s Day: Pauline Parril’s Advice for Married Women by Pauline Daley-Parril Valentine’s Day hashtags are proliferating on Twitter. That means one thing: #valentinesdayiscoming. For single women, the 14th of February is tough enough when it’s #nodate and #aloneagain. But for married women, Valentine’s Day is a #minefield #forgetaboutit #norosesforyousister #fml. For women in general, Valentine’s Day is like trying on a new bikini: single girls hope to find something nice that handles the girls effectively but all too often end up with lingering regrets and maybe a yeast infection from the previous person who tried the bathing suit. All that married women can hope for is that the top half can still work the old black magic while the bottom half still fits the base. Meanwhile, the average man is completely oblivious to the whole #chocolates #romance and #finedining thing. That’s because he hasn’t set foot in a shop since the day before Christmas when he did his annual shopping trip. Only women know that, just minutes after New Year’s Day is over, every store and mall in the country turns into a raging river of pink and red hearts with fur-trimmed bralettes on display in every window. It’s not enough to avoid the flood of lacy crap at the mall. You better stay away from the drugstores too. Trouble is, you forgot to get your flu shot last fall, didn’t you? Now you need lozenges for the bug that is shredding up all the real estate in your throat. In you go, determined to make it past the heart-shaped candies and roses-made-of-chocolate aisle. You quickly skirt the section with the wide selection of ribbed condoms, cherry-flavored lubricants and estrogen massage cream. But, suddenly, you’re confronted by the greeting card aisle. Love is in the air. And it’s sucking all the oxygen from the store. You pause to look at all the pretty, pretty cards. Maybe it’s a good idea to inject a little romance into your plodding relationship and get your man a special valentine? You pick up a card with a pink satin bow. It says: “You are my forever best friend.” But, last time you checked, your husband wasn’t a Golden Retriever. The card with the velvet trim says, without the tiniest trace of irony: “Every moment I spend with you is a dream.” Every last card is festooned with curvy fonts, cupids, roses, arrows and hearts. As if you weren’t feeling sick enough with the flu before. The sad fact is there are no realistic cards for wives to give to husbands. Clearly, companies need to offer cards with more truthful messages, such as: My darling, you deserve the best of me. (Sorry I called you a moron yesterday. The stupid of you got the better of me.) Or: You can be my Valentine, but only if you stop being a prick. For newer brides, the card could read: Be mine. (Unless you cheat on me. In that case, I will cut you.) Or: Let’s get married all over again! (Without your drunk cousins this time.) Together forever. (Unless you screw it up.) Middle-aged marrieds have even more options: Loving you is my mission. It’s right up there with gaining control of the remote someday. You are still hot to me. Mostly. (I’m still sleeping in my socks tonight because your feet are freaking blocks of ice.) You make me smile. (To be honest, sometimes I smirk. Sometimes, it’s an evil grin. And sometimes I laugh hysterically. You say tomato …) For older marrieds, the card could say: I can’t believe I’m still putting up with your shit. But, wonder of wonders, I am! Nothing can compare with you! Dude, you could win a snoring contest. Together, we are stronger. Especially when we fart at the same time. Never mind. Skip the card aisle. You have a bad head cold. It’s February for goodness’ sake. Your man doesn’t want a card anyway. Buy yourself some chocolate and don’t forget the cough syrup. Collette Yvonne graduated from York University in Toronto with an Honor’s BA in Creative Writing. Her short stories, including From the Cottage Porch and Wild Words 2010, appear in several anthologies. She’s written numerous articles in national Canadian publications, plus over 150 pieces for various Ontario newspapers. Her short story, Snapshots for Henry, was made into a short film, directed by Teresa Hannigan, and received a 2007 Genie nomination for Best Live Action Short Drama. The Perils of Pauline— http://bit.ly/1Ki2LE0 is her first novel. The Perils of Pauline BOOK LINKS: The book is available here: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1zbZrnS Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1DGMuXv Kobo: http://bit.ly/1tqQBDq This is a sponsored guest post. I received compensation to run this post and was happy to do so because this author’s writing makes me laugh.

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26 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Paula — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 18:53:18 +0000

Are you stuck wondering what to do this Valentine’s Day? Here are some simple and fun ways to celebrate your relationship together this year. 26 Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is getting closer and closer. If you are looking to shake up your Valentine’s Day date this year and stay away from the overcrowded restaurants, use this list to help you arrange a heartfelt date with the one you love. There is no perfect option that fits everyone when it comes to Valentine’s Day date ideas, but there are hundreds of tiny ways to say I love you that can be budget friendly too. Where to Start? Decide what your budget is and start with that always. There are a few ideas here that are a bit more money. For instance, a ski weekend is not inexpensive. But a cozy evening in watching Netflix ROMCOM’s together, is of course a totally easy and affordable way to spend a night. Remember it’s the thought… The most important thing to remember is that anything you choose to do will be appreciated as long as it comes from the heart. And frankly, it’s important to celebrate your partner and the relationship you have periodically. I know sometimes it’s hard to find the time. But Valentine’s Day is just right for that. Take the Time to: Take a drive to a special spot that reminds you of a special moment you shared together. Pack some sweets, something warm to drink, and a blanket to snuggle under. If it’s too cold to get out of the car cuddle inside and just reminisce about the event you took part in at that very spot, five or ten years earlier. Dine-in. Cook up your favourite Valentine’s Meal together and hunker down for date night under your own roof. I suggest these Valentine’s crepes. Watch the sunrise or the sunset together. Visit a bookstore together. Grab a coffee and take your time meandering around. There is nothing more leisurely than book store browsing. Go to the drive-in, if you have one around. Create a romantic scavenger hunt for your date. Play card games together. Go for a lesiurely walk hand in hand. Visit your local miniature golf course. Host an intimate wine tasting for your date. Catch a play. Check your local community college to see what the drama department is producing. Take an art class together. Grab some ice cream. Explore the zoo. Rent a hotel for the night. Indulge in a couple’s massage. Decorate a tree in a park or your own backyard with strings of paper hearts to make a romantic spot for a picnic. Pack a basket with strawberries, wine, and chocolate. Keep your plan a secret until you lead your love to your date spot. Pump up your music, hang a disco ball, and dance! If you don’t have a disco ball make do with what you have. The important part is the dancing. Make fondue for dessert. Serve with strawberries or other fruit. Go for a drive to see houses you dream of living in together one day. Visualizing your future together can help you work to make a goal happen. Watch Netflix at home. Embrace the Rom COMs. Make martinis at home. Visit a museum. Attend a sporting event. Hit the slopes and go skiing together. Take a ski trip. Rent a cabin, and make it a weekend trip. MY FAVOURITE. Go to an art gallery and browse. Take your time. Share your thoughts about the pieces you like. How Will You Spend Valentine’s Day? What is your favorite Valentine’s Day date idea? Did it make our list? If not, please share your ideas with us!

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Making the Time for Adults Only Travel

Paula — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Weird but true. We travel a lot actually and did so before we had kids. But ever since having children we have not been able to find the time to just cut loose and go somewhere as adults. You know adults only travel. Well, maybe that’s not such a weird story after all. I am sure a few of you have a similar story. Finding child care is hard. In fact when special needs kids are involved it is actually almost impossible. But soon we will go away together just the two of us for a grownup trip. Reason number one – it is to celebrate a busy year and a recently birthday too. My husband turns 50 soon and I am in my 40s and I realized it’s so time to do this just for us. Reason number two – travel with adults only is SOOOOO much cheaper than with the entire family. Couples travel is the way to go if you can make it happen. By the time you read this I will be away. On my first adults only vacation since becoming a parent. This year was a great year, busy and prosperous. My business grew and so did we. My mother settled into her new retirement home happily. What we did not have was any down time this past year. It was busy, and then some. No trips, no breaks, just a quick working week at the cottage with family in August. I was busy writing a magazine article at the cottage (not complaining at all.) My kids have often travelled with us and we have written about economical last minute family travel here. We have made many trips about economical family adventures and we have made a lot of memories. What my husband and I have not done though is take time for ourselves. So this year, when I mentioned to my fabulous sister-in-law that I was thinking about gifting my husband and myself a trip for our Christmas present, and she said: “Sounds great. I will take your kids,” the offer was sealed. It’s hard carving out time just to be husband and wife, or to even have an uninterrupted conversation when kids arrive. I love every second of being a parent and we fought harder than most just to become parents because of our health care challenges and infertility. But truly after 20 years of marriage, 11 + years as parents and scarcely a moment of quiet since, it’s time. I don’t expect to win big at the slots or anything, but I have enough good fortune to last me several years and I hope to recount an exciting adventure here for you next week. So tell me have you ever gone on a vacation just with your spouse? How do you carve out time just for you and your partner?

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