My husband and I enjoy best those weekends when we spontaneously decide to ditch the laundry, errands, meal planning and other adult responsibilities. That’s right; we are occasional rebels who hit the road with our Wayfarers on and our sunroof open–ready for all manner of adventures.  Of course, this spontaneity only occurs about three times a year. Most weekends we can be found vacuuming or lugging clutter to Goodwill. But we recently made a mutual promise to create more “we” time and to seek Great Escapes, even if it means wearing wrinkled clothes to work on Monday. As I said–we’re rebels…

Sunny, warm days recently found our community, which took many of us by surprise this time of year. Makes me want to head to the lake! Fortunately, Woodstock is close to what I think is one of Georgia’s most beautiful bodies of water–Lake Allatoona. Late February may be a bit early to dive into the water, but you can still enjoy the scenery by escaping to the Little River Grill & Sports Bar. The upstairs restaurant of this casual retreat has a full bar and serves a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and dinner plates, including daily drink and entrée specials. I’m partial to the Whale Tails (…

I have alligator skin. Between the cold weather, harsh soaps and indoor air zapped dry by constantly running heating systems, my skin is in sad shape. Not to mention heels as rough as sandpaper and hands that look like I’ve been farming the past two months. My skin is not all that needs rejuvenating. This is, after all, the time of year in which many of us feel listless in spirit as well (see my recent column, In the Doldrums for more on this annual phenomenon). So let’s allow ourselves an hour or so for a good pampering this week. Pick up the phone and schedule some time at Beverly’s Day Spa…

Starting today, you have permission to take the time you need to recharge your batteries. I’m serious. Do this now and do it without guilt. Marriage and family therapists are clear that one out of balance family member affects the entire home. Moms and dads need time away from the kids, and moms and dads also need time away from each other. We try so hard as parents to make every family moment count, and that is surely important. But as loving spouses and parents, we tend to defer our own needs because we believe that somehow our sacrifices benefit our family members. Trust me. A burned out …