Surprise Kiss

Archive for September, 2009

I recently talked about going camping because there was not enough money saved for your anniversary yet. It was titled “No Money No Problem.”  My friend, Kathy, emailed me that when there is no money to getaway she recommended that you do what she and her husband, Chris, did. This was such a good idea I wanted to make sure you knew about it too.

Chris and Kathy’s budget is very tight just like everyone else today but she and her husband felt they needed some time alone. So they made an agreement with her sister to trade spaces. Her sister lives about 3 hours away. Kathy and her sister made arrangements to have the children stay with friends which would give them both the much needed R&R with their husbands. They set a few ground rules. The house would be clean and sheets would be changed in the room they would be sleeping in. Before they went home they would do the same. Things were picked up and new sheets were on the bed. No one had to come home to a dirty house.

What was nice about this arrangement was that it was a family member’s home you were staying at. You know they wouldn’t take anything or go through your things. They both left notes of their favorite places to go to, things to do and where to eat if you wanted to go out to dinner.

If money is really tight for you plan on having dinner at home. Bring steaks, potatoes and salad that you can grill for one night. And the second night make it simple, have something you prepared at your own home that you can pop in the microwave or oven. Bring games you can play and videos to watch. Of course, don’t forget a bottle of wine or sparkling cider, candles, massage oil, favorite music and something sexy to wear. After all this is your romantic getaway.

Both couples got the alone time they needed to rekindle that old romantic feeling. This worked out so well they are going to do it again! Chris’s brother heard about the arrangement and wants to switch places with them too. He lives in Chicago, IL and they live in Ojai, CA. Both couples are saving for the airline tickets.

Another way you could do this is you still swap places but one weekend one couple watches all the kids and then a month later the other couple watches the kids. You get to bring your family on vacation to another city and the kids get to know their Aunt, Uncle and their cousins better. You will all feel closer with your family and theirs.  Studies have shown that when children have the opportunity to spend time with their cousins they are more confident and feel loved more.

Even if you only live across town from another family member who you would like to swap places with go ahead and do it. You will be staying in a different home and it will feel as if you have gone away.

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

When you are traveling and visiting a new area, how do you choose a restaurant?  There are a number of ways you can find out where the best places are and if there are any deals.

Ask the concierge in the hotel or one of the hotel employees. If you are out enjoying the city you have traveled to ask someone in the store you are in where there is a good place to eat near by. No matter whom you ask they will usually ask you what type of food you want to eat, so have something in mind when you talk to them. If you are trying to save money let them know. They will usually tell you a place that has great food but won’t break the bank. Locals usually know the best places to eat. Don’t forget to ask your friends. They may have lived there or visited the area and give you some good recommendations too. You will learn about some wonderful restaurants just by asking.

Another way to find out about great places to eat is by reading the books provided in your hotel room. On one trip my husband read about a bar in one of the other hotels that served fabulous tacos. On Thursday nights the tacos and margaritas were half price. Not only was the food and drinks delicious the atmosphere was really hip and cool. We felt like we went out to a special place but didn’t spend too much. Also, look for the free newspaper you see at the newsstands around the city, there are usually reviews on where to eat and sometimes coupons for local restaurants.

Another way to find out about places to eat is a company called restaurant.com. You can purchase gift certificates for $10 and only pay $4 or $25 and only pay $10. This site not only will save you money eating out while traveling, you can save money in your own home town! Check to see if restaurant.com has a restaurant you like to frequent or a new one you would like to try in your area.

Always remember before you get out of town go online and Google the Top 10 Restaurants in the city you are planning on visiting. We did this not too long ago and were able to find a couple of the Top 10 restaurants listed on Restaurant.com. What was nice is that I purchased the gift certificates and printed out the coupon before we left town and brought it with us. It was so nice to have paid for a portion of our meal ahead of time. It didn’t feel as expensive eating there. There are restrictions, read the restaurant’s requirements before you purchase your gift certificate.

Check out their website: www.restaurant.com

Remember when you are traveling you don’t have go to a restaurant blindly. Ask a shopkeeper, friends, hotel concierge or an employee in the hotel where the best places are to eat.  Read the reviews  in the free local newspaper. Google the Top 10 Restaurants in the area you are visiting. Check out restaurant.com. You can find wonderful restaurants and get great deals even when you have never been to the city you are visiting. Do your research before you leave home and don’t be afraid to ask where to eat.

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.