Five Ways to Enjoy a Romantic Getaway -- On A Budget

Think that a romantic getaway is synonymous with a fairytale budget? Think again. The romance you get out of a trip is based on the romance you put in the trip, an investment far more important than money. Here are some tips for arranging a romantic getaway when your heart is far more full than your pocketbook:

On a time or money budget? Take a mini-vacation in your hometown. Call your chamber of commerce or convention and visitors bureau and get a visitors guide. Find one place where the two of you have never been. Dine at a restaurant you've never visited or have a picnic in a park you've never stopped to enjoy before.

Picnic on your vacation to save money. Create a five-star atmosphere with a basket of cheese and crackers and a bottle of wine.

Staying at an inexpensive motel? Send your partner to the ice machine then do your own turndown service. Turn back the covers, put chocolates on the pillows, and light some candles.

Can't afford a getaway? Create your own at home. Pick a destination and live there for a night. Serve French food and French wine. Have a fiesta with margaritas and Mexican food. Learn a few words of the local language. Get a CD of local music or rent a movie shot on site.

Want to make your lover feel first class--when you're riding in coach? Before your trip, pack a special bag of first class treats--expensive chocolates, cashews, almonds--then order some wine or your favorite drink. Bring along two colorful napkins or placemats. Enjoy a romantic picnic at 30,000 feet.

Want to fix up something special in a jiffy? Chocolate never fails on Valentine's Day. Try these easy and quick recipes:

Champagne Truffles

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces (no substitutes)
3 tablespoons whipping cream
1 beaten egg yolk
3 tablespoons champagne or whipping cream
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted powdered sugar, small white decorative candies and/or melted white chocolate

1. Combine semisweet chocolate, butter, and the 3 tablespoons whipping cream in a heavy, medium saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted, stirring constantly. Gradually stir about half of the hot mixture into the egg yolk, Return entire mixture to the saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes.
2. Remove from heat. Stir in champagne or 3 tablespoons whipping cream. Transfer truffle mixture to a medium mixing bowl; chill about 1 hour or until mixture is completely cool and smooth, stirring occasionally.
3. Beat cooled truffle mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until color lightens and mixture is slightly fluffy. Chill about 30 minutes more or until mixture holds its shape. Scrape a small ice cream scoop, melon baller, or spoon across the surface of the cold truffle mixture, forming 1-inch balls. Place balls on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate until very firm.
4. Gently roll balls in unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted powdered sugar, or small white decorative candies until evenly coated, reshaping as necessary. If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate. Serve in decorative foil candy cups, if desired.

Makes 25 to 30.

Chocolate Chip Squares

1/2 c Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
1/2 c Margarine Softened
1 ea Large Egg
1 t Vanilla
1/2 c Unbleached Flour
1/2 c Rolled Oats
1 t Baking Powder
1/4 t Salt
1/3 c Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 c Chopped Nuts

Grease bottom only of square baking dish, 8 x 8 x 2-inches. Mix brown sugar, margarine, egg, and vanilla. Stir in flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Spread evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts. Microwave uncovered on high (100%), 4 minutes; turn dish one-quarter turn. Microwave until no longer doughy, 2 to 3 minutes. Cool; cut into about 2 inch squares.

Makes 16 Cookies

Lover's Fondue

3 sq. unsweetened chocolate
1/2 c. light cream
3/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. butter
dash of salt
3/4 tsp vanilla
Fresh Fruit (Strawberries, apples, bananas, grapes, dried fruit)

Combine chocolate and cream in a sauce pan. Stir constantly over low heat until mixture is smooth and blended. Add sugar, butter and salt. Continue to cook 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, add vanilla. Keep warm in small fondue pot.

Dip fruit.

LAST MINUTE VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN

Forgot to buy a gift in advance for your Valentine? Try these tested last-minute gift ideas for your man:

1. Wine or Champagne

2. Apparel - A Shirt or a Jacket, perhaps

3. Food Gifts, Gift baskets

4. Watches, Belts, Wallets and other useful accessories

5. Magazine Subscriptions - Choose publications that cater to his likes and/or hobbies

6. Gift Certificates, Passes or Private Lessons for something he will like to watch or take part in.

7. His favorite after-shave, cologne etc.

8. CD's, DVD's

9. Collectibles - If you know of something he likes to collect, gift him something to add to his collection

10. Gadgets.

'The Dot Com Woman' Ezine is published by Lata Tokhi, Editor & Contributing Author.

You can send your feedback to feedback@dotcomwomen.com. Send in your short (yes! I mean that!) articles, tips etc. at lata@dotcomwomen.com

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