Valentines Day...Part II: The Date

We as humans remember experiences more than we do physical things. So here are a few ideas for you and your sweetheart:

• Go to an organic spa! Up in New England, they're not so hard to find. Look for the places that are more hidden from the public. It may cost a little more, but it will likely be worth it.
• Go on a hike. Make sure to bundle up if its still extra cold in your area. If trails aren't open yet, just take a walk near a body of water with a destination in mind. It may still be a little cold, but you'll likely find ways to stay warm. ;)
• If you're lucky enough to be in an extra-warm area, go on a camping trip! Theres nothing more romantic than roughin it out together. Even better...if you ARE in a colder area, build a fire and bring lots of blankets!
• If you'd prefer going the more traditional route, book a reservation at restaurant that specializes in local or vegetarian food. Or make a nice dinner at home!

***Note: Remember, soy candles last longer! So pick a few up tonight!

Good Luck ;)

Didja know...?

1.) 65% of Americans buy their significant other a greeting card for Valentines days. If you must go along with the other millions, please make sure to buy one made from recycled materials! It should say so right on the back. These days if you recycle, you advertise it.

2.)79% of cut flowers come from Equador and Columbia. (Can a rose get jetlagged?) Ask if your flowers are local.

3.) Yay for Formaldehyde! This scary chemical can be found in the bits of foam that sit at the bottoms of your arrangements of flowers. Ask just to have them cut, then go the extra mile and plant them in some dark or pebbles yourself.

4.)18 karat gold lasts forever, but is it worth it? Every ring produces EIGHTEEN TONS of arsenic, cyanide, and mercury-laced waste. Maybe opt for silver...its usually more flattering anyway.

Seed Bombs, DIY

Seed bombs, as previously mentioned, are a great way to sneakily brighten up our world. Throw them into a sad empty lot, quickly toss them off onto the sides of the road, or spread them around your backyard. Essentially a seed bomb is just as it sounds...a super packed ball of seeds ready to explode into a bouquet of wild flowers. Yes you can buy them, but theyre pretty simple to make, and why not prep for the warmer months now?

What you'll need: old newspapers, water, seeds, cheesecloth or a thin rag, immersion blender.

SIMPLY: Shred old newspapers, mix with water, blend until lumpy, gray, unappetizing consistency. Wrap in rag, wring out excess water, press in seeds (about 2 teaspoons of seeds for every sheet of newspaper). Roll in balls, or press into cutely-shaped ice cube trays (these can be purchased at any dollar store), or an empty egg tray. Leave to dry. Make sure they dry quickly, as otherwise they may start to sprout on their own.

Package back in egg trays with a ribbon for a perfect present.

**Note: If following the above recipe, your seed bombs will turn out a muuuch lighter color than these pictured. They should dry into a heather gray.

Valentines Day...Part I: Gifts

Its February, everyone! Some may cringe with disgust, and some may shriek with joy at the thought of Valentines day, but alas, it's unavoidable...whether that's a good thing or not! Do you all have a gift ready for your Valentine?

If not, we say better gettur' done now, rather than run into CVS or Walgreens on the night of the 13th with all the other sorry men and women who waited till last minute, hmm..

1.) Did you know that 25% of all seasonal cards sent are Valentines? Thats a lot of paper. Try sending an e-card, most of the time they're free, and theres no need to pace up and down the stationary isle at the grocery store! Plus, who wouldn't want to watch an animated puppy dog drag a box of chocolates across the screen? Again, and again...and again...

2.)Buy a used picnic basket. Call it 'vintage', and leave a note tied to the stem of a (insert favorite flower here), saying to promise many romantic picnics once it gets warmer out. One more reason to look forward to spring!

3.) Sometimes love and war do cross paths. In this case, they do with something called a flower/seed bomb. They're sold all over the place here in Western Mass, and can probably be found in any sort of novelty shop, or gardening store. Perhaps even at Target! The gum-ball sized "bombs" can be thrown anywhere to create a spray of wildflowers.

4.) This is one of my personal favorites: Alphabet flash card valentines. This has the potential to be really corny, or really sweet, its all up to what kind of Valentine your recipient is. The idea is to take a deck of flascards, like so:

Then paste over the original words and pictures with photographs or pieces of moments or memories from your relationship. Tie with a ribbon, and Voila!

5.) Hey, and maybe you don't have a person to buy flowers for, make promises to, or write love notes to, thats okay! This holiday doesn't have to be just about commercialistic lover-lovey-love; consider buying a lil something for the one who will always show you love, unconditionally. A new hemp woven bed, a new catnip toy, or just a bone. They won't care, they understand that it's the thought that counts.

To my Valentine, Holly <3

---->  ---->  ---->  ---->

by the way...

Post a comment, and let us know what kind of stuff YOU want to read about, and what you find interesting.We're listening!