You know that moment when you open your eyes and you can feel that your face is puffy? You reach over to your nightstand in hopes that your fingers will meet a glass of water, but instead you just end up unplugging a lamp, knocking off an alarm clock and dropping your cell phone. The headache sets in. A headache that can only be described as “this is what happens when you mix champagne with gin.” Or, “this is what happens when you mix half a bottle of champagne with gin.” OR, “this is what happens when you mix half a bottle of champagne with gin, eat animals from both land and sea, have butter as a legitimate side dish, swear you are not going to have dessert and then eat half of a chocolate bar, pass out on the couch in a sloppy champagne fueled coma” situation.

Sounds like another successful Steak and Lobster Day (or shall I say “Valentines Day” for all you non Steak and Lobster-ers). The husband got home a little bit early. We cooked together. I spiced up the steaks and got to work on our side dishes. I whipped up a mashed cauliflower with garlic and wilted chard situation as well as a Greek salad. Peter cooked our meat to perfection, melted some butter and mixed us some cocktails. I had planned to get a bottle of wine at the grocery store, but in my intense steak and lobster excitement I managed to forget. Instead, we went rooting through our cabinets and found a a bottle of champagne. We then proceeded to make ourselves French 75′s. This is a cocktail that combines gin with champagne (yes, this might be a red flag). Of course once we opened the bottle of champagne we decided that we could not let it go to waste (Perhaps we are the red flags?).

No matter. When you wake up with a gin and champagne headache thing going on, you need a little bit of a boost. I hobbled out of bed, found the advil, chugged a bottle of water, texted my husband “Steak and Lobster Day win. Champagne fail.” and then proceeded to take out my blender. Between this awesome smoothie and the effects of the advil, I think we’re in good shape. I will live to see another day. But, maybe there will be naps. No promises.

The cucumber and the coconut water in the smoothie help to keep you hydrated and refreshed and the peach Greek yogurt adds a bit of sweetness and protein  I threw in a couple of handfuls of spinach because, why not? You can’t taste it, and it gives you lots of fantastic vitamins. I am in no position to get mad at some extra vitamins today. This smoothie is a good move. You don’t have to feel like you got hit by a champagne bus in order to enjoy its benefits.  I promise.

Also, just a side note… you don’t always have to finish a bottle of champagne just because it is open (I am probably writing this note more to myself. Dang it, Gina. Lessons. Learn them).

Cheers, Love Birds!  Happy Friday.