When I think of Valentines Day, green is not necessarily a word that comes to mind. However, this year I did my best to go green.
One way to go green is to stay local on your purchases. You could do the usual, such as purchasing flowers or plants from a local greenhouse, buy a small box of beautifully hand-made organic chocolates from a local chocolatiers. One of my favorites is http://www.d-chocolates.com Purchase a bottle of organic wine from a local winery. If you purchase jewelry, try to find diamonds or gems that are conflict free. If you are not sure, ask the manager at the jewelry store or you can buy man-made stones and gems that are conflict free.
My husband has become very good at surprising me for Valentines Day over the past few years. Part of the fun is not knowing what to expect. One year we got dressed up and he took me for a ride, and I had to keep my eye closed until we got there. To my surprise we had arrived at the Flagstaff House at the top of the Flatirons in Boulder. We had the most amazing meal I have ever had, and when the waiter presented me my dessert of chocolate dipped strawberries (made to look like they were wearing little tuxedos), a box dressed in ribbon containing a beautiful bracelet also appeared! He has taken me to a comedy show in Denver, a concert, a play and many very nice restaurants over the years. We have also had many years when finances were very tight and he surprised me with a candlelight dinner at home with soft music playing in the background. One year he hid several Valentines Day cards all over the house, another year he had post it love notes planted all over the house. This year he surprised me with a big beautiful bouquet of Red Velvet Roses that I found on the bedroom dresser when I awoke. I surprised him with some very nice cologne and our brunch at Jill’s. Valentines day doesn’t have to be expensive, after all it is a day to be with the ones you love.
One gift I would also like to recommend, if your finances do allow it, is a mini vacation. A weekend stay at a local hotel or a day at a spa that is Eco-friendly. We all work hard and just getting away for a day or two together, even if it is in your own town can be very romantic and relaxing. Many places offer Valentines Day specials.
A nice romantic dinner or brunch at an Eco-friendly restaurant. Make sure to make reservations a few days or weeks ahead, depending on were you plan to go. Jill’s at the St Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder Colorado http://www.stjulien.com, was our choice this year. It is a very Eco friendly place and they work hard at being a green hotel, spa and restaurant. They even have a Tuscan Tuesday Lights Out Lunch to support energy conservation. They offer a very extravagant brunch on Sundays for $34.95 per person. Valentines Day was $42.95 per person and they offered many other additional delicious gourmet foods for the brunch that day. I made reservation about a week ahead for us for this year. This is one of my favorite places for any special occasion or celebration. http://www.jillsdining.com The Sunday Brunch from brunch is from 10am – 2pm and the meal includes:
Sunday Brunch
Cocktails
Mimosas
Sparkling Wine
Bloody Mary’s
Chilled
Cold Water Shrimp
Alaskan King Crab Legs
House Cured Salmon
Artisan Cheeses
Muesli & Homemade Granola Station
Action Stations
Prime Rib Carved to Order
Waffle Station
Omelet Station
Brunch
Chef’s Pasta of the Day
Polenta & Cous Cous of the Day
Chicken Apple & Pork Sausages
Applewood Smoked Bacon
French Toast
Pastries
Assorted Bagels
Home Made Croissants & Danish
Banana Nut, Blueberry, Whole Wheat Muffins
Assorted Coffee Cakes
Warm Cinnamon Rolls
Dessert
Milk Chocolate Fountain
Warm Bread Pudding
Chef’s Selection of Pastries
Something a little more personal might be a massage candle from http://www.magicfairycandles.com, along with some organic bath salts, soaps or an organic cotton/bamboo towel or robe, all tucked into a small woven basket. A nice way to pamper your loved one.
A gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, facial or a massage at a local spa would also be a great gift.
If the budget is tight this year (as many are), you could also stay at home and surprise your loved one with breakfast in bed or fix a romantic dinner for two. French toast, waffles or pancakes are not that hard to make. Serve them with fresh organic fruit or macerated fruit in a little pure organic maple syrup. I like to heat up a handful of fresh blueberries in a skillet and then add about a 1/4-cup of organic maple syrup and pour this over hot buckwheat or blue berry whole-wheat pancakes. Serve this with some fresh squeezed organic orange juice or make a mimosa (champagne with a slash of orange or pineapple juice). A simple and healthy dinner to make for two would be wild caught salmon steaks with organic fresh green beans or mixed fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrots and onion all baked in a foil packet (recycled of aluminum foil of course) sprinkled salt & pepper, with some olive oil and baked in the oven. For a simple dessert, take fresh organic fruit such as strawberries dipped in fair trade melted chocolate or make chocolate fondue for two, serve with a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, bananas, pineapple and marshmallows, pound cake or angle food cake cubes.
Make your own valentine cards using handmade or recycled paper, scraps of lace or fabric, etc. Write a poem about your loved one. Make a box of love notes or promises, such as: a back massage – no strings attached, dinner and a movie – your choice, breakfast in bed, a day without the children, a night on the town, etc. Use your imagination.
There are many people who spend this day alone, so if this is the case no need to sit home alone. Treat yourself to a special day or take a friend out.
Think green for Valentines Day.
“Although I may not be the greenest crayon in the box, at least I am trying!”
Coloring Me Green – Vickie Jo Higgins
