Date Night In with goodLife {eats} + Shabby Apple

Are you on a budget but still want to make time for special occasions with your significant other? That is definitely us. As much as we love going to movies, plays, ballets, musicals, dinner at our favorite local joint, it's just not practical to do that for date night every week. We've found that we really need the time and space away from the kids where we can just be "us," and though we don't do it as often as I'd like (blame my lack of organization on advance planning...) the cost does add up. For us, a date night means money for a babysitter in addition to money spent on a date. Even one date can be quite expensive!

I try to add "date nights" at home to the mix to keep the cost down and more money in our wallets. Watching new movies at home after kids are in bed. Waiting to eat dinner until the little ones in our life are all tucked in so we can actually have a conversation. The main point is that we're spending time together. It doesn't have to be expensive or extravagant to count. And sometimes simple is better. I can often be a homebody. Sometimes staying home is just easier. And that's okay once in a while!

Shabby Apple gave me the opportunity for a fun date night in and sent me a gorgeous dress to make the occasion a little more special. I am going to share a few recipes from our date night in with you. I was sent the Cayenne dress from their new Baja Collection to try out. The dress immediately had my mind heading towards a hot and spicy meal outside out on the patio. (and of course the kids tucked in bed!)

You will feel just as gorgeous as you look in this dress and you don't need a special occasion to wear it. It is so comfortable and lightweight - perfect for summer! Light some candles on the patio, make a fast meal, throw a blanket on the grass...just spend time together because that's what is special. I brainstormed an idea for a Mexican inspired menu that is easy enough to put together after kids are in bed, but still date night worthy!

• Grilled Baja Shrimp with Creamy Pasta (recipe below)
• Mango and Avocado Salad (recipe below)
• Kiwi-Lime Bars

The menu is meant to be quick. Fast recipe and a dessert that can be made in advance. Even the shrimp can be made ahead and warmed by tossing with the pasta. If time wasn't an issue, I really like this Black Bean, Avocado, and Mango Salad for a more elaborate side. YUM! For drinks we just had ice water with a squeeze of lime, but you could certainly include a margarita if that's more your style. Another great dessert idea that takes almost no time would be vanilla bean ice cream sprinkled with toasted coconut.

I would love to hear your ideas for how you make date night in a special occasion. I know it might seem counterproductive to purchase a dress to make your date night less expensive. As a mom, I know how neglected my wardrobe is compared to my kids. Give yourself the opportunity for a (probably) much due update. Movie tickets come and go, but a special dress is something you'll wear over and over again and enjoy even more because of the memories tied to it. Enjoy 10% off with the code goodlife10off now through 7/27/2010. (plus all customers receive free shipping on returns and exchanges)

Spicy Chipotle Grilled Shrimp
a goodLife {eats} creation

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (1/4 for medium, 1/2 for hot)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 15 shrimp, deveined and tails removed

Combine the garlic through oil in a medium sized bowl. Add the shrimp and let marinade for 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours if you need to make it ahead.

Preheat the grill to high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade. Thread the shrimp onto skewers (remember to soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes first if you are using wooden skewers). Grill the shrimp for 2-4 minutes per side, flipping once, or until cooked through as individual grill temperatures may vary. Serve with creamy pasta, recipe follows.

Creamy Garlic Pasta
adapted from Pasta Alfredo with Broccoli and Mushrooms

• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/3 white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 lb. pasta
• 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan (using a microplane)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• dash cayenne pepper
• salt, to taste

Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente.

Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic clove and saute 1 minute. Add white wine and cook until reduced by half. Stir in the half and half, cooked pasta, black pepper, cayenne, and salt (to taste). Stir to combine. Sprinkle with parmesan. Cook on very low heat, tossing to combine the ingredients, until sauce is slightly thick, 1-2 minutes. Toss with grilled shrimp and serve.

Mango and Avocado Salad

• 2/3 mango, chopped
• 1/2 cup avocado, diced
• juice of 1-2 limes

Combine the mango and lime juice. Chill for 10 minutes, more if you like. Toss with avocado just before serving. Enjoy immediately.