I LOVE Valentine's Day! Honestly, I'm not sure why because my ex-husband gave me plenty of reasons not to (which I won't get into here LOL) but I think I just love- LOVE! Not just the romantic kind but celebrating the love of family, friends, and self-love too. This year, I am in a fully committed relationship with me! Before you can do anyone any good - you've got to start there- by truly loving yourself!
When I was a kid my Mom always had the cutest Valentine's Day gifts for my sister and I but what I remember most about them was that they were not just stuff for Valentine's Day -they were things that made you feel good like tights, bubble bath, lotion or a good pair of socks.
Valentine's Day is often associated with roses, cards, and cheap heart-shaped chocolate but to me, those aren't the parts anyone REALLY cares about. It's the simple nature of feeling loved and taking the time to appreciate that love with thoughtful and caring gestures.
The simple truth behind the numbers of Valentine's Day are anything but romantic.
In 2024, the NRF projects a whopping $25.9 billion in expenditures:
$1.6 billion on candy
$1.9 billion on flowers
Around 145 million cards are exchanged in the USA alone, generating a significant amount of waste.
In 2023, the United States imported about 2.8 billion cut roses, contributing to the extensive carbon footprint of their transportation and the environmental impact
1 diamond carat causes miners to move 250 tons of earth
disturbing large areas can greatly harm local ecosystems
polluting the soil and water supplies. For example, hundreds of cattle died Local people, wildlife have no choice but to drink contaminated water and die or get sick
On average, 160 kg of greenhouse gases is released per polished carat of a mined diamond.
Why This Matters: The excessive consumption associated with Valentine's Day contributes to environmental degradation and wastefulness. However, celebrating love and affection doesn't have to involve excessive spending or environmental harm. A simple Valentine's Day can be just as meaningful, if not more so, by being thoughtful and kinder to the planet.
Instead, opt for these simple swaps:
Gift a live plant instead of cut flowers that can live much longer, if not forever!
Opt for a favorite flower as a more thoughtful and unique gift rather than roses.
Buy second-hand jewelry, after all diamonds are forever- why get one new?
Skip the traditional cards, making your own is way better anyway!
PSA: Those fake rose petals- are made of plastic and take 200 years to decompose
use real petals, paper or PLEASE pick them up when you've thrown them across the sand or ground for a romantic outing!
DIY Gift Ideas:
DIY upcycled picture frames
Use the frame to create a thoughtful gift with or without a photo
Make a jar of date ideas
Dinner at home- you can still make it special with thought
as fancy or casual as you like
pick a theme (Italian sounds romantical!)
charcuterie boards are always fun
wine and pizza
Upcycle coffee grounds with
DIY candles
DIY exfoliant
DIY rose water using rose petals
Don't throw away those roses! Make this with the petals after they lose their luster!
Thoughtful Gifts:
An experience or a trip for memories that will last a lifetime
Underwear
Real Jewelry (get vintage/consign it!)
Valentine's Day Décor:
Save your money and skip the excessive creation of MORE things being made. Shop handmade, upcycled, or second-hand décor items. Decorate with colors so they are more functional for more than one occasion. Think red, pink, and gold. I like to decorate with fabrics like blankets, towels, pillowcases, and rugs to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Plus they are much easier to store!
For example, I just got all this red and then I used it for the "Big Game" and then can double for Christmas or any time I need red!
Valentine's Date Night Outfits:
Whether you're going out or staying in, when you mix and match existing wardrobe pieces with festive flare! Using accessories works great too. No matter what you wear -if you feel great, you will look great! Even if you don't wear pink or red or something with hearts on it.
Date Night
o  Oversized blazer
o  Tank/ turtle neck/ nice shirt/ blouse tucked in or body suit
o  Nice jeans
o  Stilettos/ heels/ boots
Oversized blazer
Black Dress (LBD?)
Heels or boots
Tights
Red or pink accessories
Casual
o  sweater
o  Jeans
o  Sneakers or boots
o  Red or pink accessories
o  Red or pink lipstick and nails
Night in
o  Leisure Set
o  Cute Pjs
o  Lingerie
Recipes: Indulge in homemade treats like chocolate mug cake or chocolate-covered strawberries. Opt for locally sourced or organic ingredients to reduce your environmental impact.
Chocolate mug cake
Smaller mug (9oz) OR dump it upside down and put on a plate
45 seconds ish
3 tablespoons cacao
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
3 tablespoons maple syrup
Pinch of sea salt
Optional Topping Ideas
A little splash of almond milk
Icecream
Berries
Whipped cream
Sprinkles
Cinnamon
Dark chocolate chips
Peanut butter
Coconut flakes
Â
Chocolate covered strawberries
Strawberries with tops on (washed)
1 cup Dark chocolate
½ tablespoon Coconut oil
Drink
Cute glass
Strawberries (any fruit will work)
Local honey (or sugar anything sweet really)
Ice
Booze of choice
Club soda (optional)
Garnish with extra fruit and something else similar in color or green
Watch the video here. Rim the top of the glass in honey (optional). Muddle the fruit and honey. Fill the glass with ice of choice and add about 2 parts of the booze of your choice. Add the muddled fruit + honey and then top off with the (1-2 parts) club soda. Garnish with fresh fruit and a straw if you like! You can tailor this to add more sweetener as you prefer, just like you would your coffee.
Embrace the spirit of love and sustainability this Valentine's Day by prioritizing thoughtful gestures and eco-friendly practices. Let's celebrate love in a way that honors our planet and our relationships.
Simply,
B.
xoxo
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