Show Some Love: The Eco-Friendly Way!
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People everywhere are showing some love this week - and it's time we all get to focus on who we care about and express our feelings through gifts, messages and gestures. But the best thing you can give to those you love - is a sign of appreciation and support. And that includes to yourself!
What Pulls at Your Heartstrings?
If you randomly were to search "Love Images" on Google, what's going to pop up? Probably lots of images of two people together - right? Maybe families, children with pets, etc.
But what about peace and love? - a sense of connection with our surroundings. Loving our community, loving our hobbies, loving our journey. Everything that makes us feel human and allows us to open up and be able to LOVE each other.
Self Love is vital in any relationship, and it's quite the trendy topic these days! There are so many resources online to help you find your true self - the highest version of yourself.
One of my favorite tools is Thinkr, which aims to "make you think by bringing you the best ideas from the brightest minds". More specifically, a free app and website that take the key insights from new and noteworthy non-fiction and distills them into brief, sharply-written packs that you can read or listen to on-the-go.
The Impact of Love
Valentine’s Day is a plight on the environment. Over a billion cards sent each year, with almost all of them ending up in the landfill — coated in glitter, metallic effects, and laminated in plastic. And that’s just the cards — we spend billions annually on throwaway gifts, like balloons, teddy bears, and decorations, to name a few. I'm a sucker for Valentine's Day just like many people are, but my perception has definitely changed over the years.
I watched a Rich Roll episode where he interviews his wife of 18 years, Julie Piatt. She talks about her 3 main loves - and her 3 marriages. And how each one was extremely different. She said that she's at a place with Rich where she would rather celebrate with him & form rituals and ceremonies together during Valentine's day or an Anniversary. She's been to hundreds of dinners, has received dozens of flowers - she would rather celebrate and form bonds with her loved ones. I thought there was so much meaning behind what she said - and Julie carries herself in such a graceful manner - that this entire discussion was very impactful to me.
So what are some other ideas that express powerful feelings towards one another?
Rituals and Memories
If you believe in "Good Vibes" and setting intentions - then maybe forming rituals isn't so out of the norm for you. Have you ever lit a candle and taken a hot bath and sensed immediate relief, warmth, and comfort? Then you've created a ritual and seen the benefits of it.
Valentine's Day is a day for love, a day for romance, and most definitely a day for spiritually elevated people everywhere to do some magical rituals and set some intentions. Here's a list of 3 Valentine's Day Candle Rituals to help attract Good Vibes! And it's not too late to visit one of these local Candle Makers in Texas:
Karma Candlemakers - can be found in San Antonio at Blue Star Provisions
Rocky Creek Candles - located in Fairview, outside of Dallas and a proud Go Texan Member
Lone Star Candle Company - located in Keller outside of Fort Worth
Firefox Candles - located in Austin at Vintage Park
Simply Scents - located in Houston
You can read about "Candle Wisdom" and how you breathe what you burn through the Legendary Candle Co. website, which sells online but has a shop at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival.
And what goes well with candles? Chocolate! Check out Fariya's List for Best Local Chocolatiers.
You can see how Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world here. And if you do decide to order take out or make reservations at a safe place to dine in, be sure to read Jem's Romantic (Local & Ethical) Restaurants in Texas.
Remember, you can still show your appreciation towards your Valentine by getting them breakfast or ice cream too!
Just For Us, No Leftovers
Whatever you decide to do this Valentine's Day, try and keep it ethical and local! And if you're staying indoors there are tons of tasty recipes on TexasRealFood like Ben's Cheesecake Recipe.
Consider drying flowers and medicinal plants if you're gifted them by loved ones! You'd be surprised what rare, local plants you can regrow because they drop seeds when hanging them upside down (I've placed a bucket under a beautiful bouquet recently and now have about 200 seeds). There's also a variety of crafts and home decor you can make with your bouquet leftovers.
Whether you decide to have a bonfire in the backyard, order food, watch a movie or anything in between - make sure you're present this weekend with your loved ones. Not meaning physically, but that you're taking it all in and cherishing the moment. That you're making ethical and wise decisions because that really is the best way we can give back, consistently!
TexasRealFood has your back with our directory to help you find anything you need - a nice steak, fresh flowers, local produce and a community full of support and similar ambition.
