Green Vday Blog PART TWO

OK. Valentines day is almost here. The pressure is on. Do you have a gift? Gift idea? Totally Clueless? I've got a few more ways to ooze green love for your honey bunny. You can even take the credit for the fantastic ideas.


Guess what... V-day is on SATURDAY! That means you can make it into a weekend long event. (sorry) Why not plan a romantic getaway? Get out of your pjs, get out of your house and go live a little! I found a few GREEN hotels you can stay at around the country. There are a few local green getaways in our very own Cle Elum and Leavenworth. Check them out, along with other green hotels at: http://www.greenhotels.com/members.htm


Who doesn't love a day at the spa? Well, I've never been to a spa, but I can imagine how wonderful it would be. Spas can be expensive so save money and give it your own touch (get it) by treating your loved one to a day at ______ (insert your name here) Resort and Spa.

Here's how: Clean up your living area and bathroom and make it feel cozy and unique. For a bit of fun, mix things up. Create a waiting room with a chair and magazines or newspapers on a coffee table. Provide your loved one with a drink of their choice and a soothing environment. I suggest playing some relaxing music or relaxing noise...think classical music or ocean sounds.
Set up different spa stations. You can do several... use your imagination! Massage, facial, foot soak, bubble bath, hand treatment.

Body: I don't want to pay for my loved one to go get rubbed down by some random person. Share that experience with each other! After a long hard week at work or school or dealing with life, a massage will probably feel pretty darn good. So treat your loved one to it!
Look into finding some Green massage oils. Try going to health food stores or supplement stores for ideas. Your special touch on aching muscles and joints could be the best gift ever.
Before or after the massage, Draw a nice hot bath or bubble bath for them to soak in.

Piggies: Focus on the feet. Have your spa visitor soak their feet in a big bowl or even just sit on the side of the bath tub and soak for 10minutes in warm water. Add in Epson salts, lavender or peppermint oil.
Here is an article on how to give a good ol' fashion foot rub. http://www.learnfootmassage.com/

Face Time: Look beautiful and feel refreshed after a home facial treatment. Start out with fresh cucumbers over the eyeballs. There are debates over the fact if this treatment works...but for the most part cucumbers will feel good on your eyes and the water in them will help hydrate your skin. The fresh scent can also relax you and lift spirits.

Try making your own face mask. Look online for recipes that suit you...otherwise here is are two easy ones for all skin types:

Natural exfoliate for all skin types Mix a tiny amount of brown sugar with olive oil in your palm. Once it turns into a paste, massage into your face. (Courtesy of: Lena Korres, founder of Korres Natural Products, and makeup artist Jemima Kidd, in the July 2008 issue of Cosmo)

Natural Face Mask: Combine 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat) and 1 tsp runny honey (microwave for a few minutes to soften) Apply to face and let sit for 15minutes. Wash face with steaming washcloth. For dry skin, use an extra tsp of honey.
Oily skin? Add a few drops of fresh lime juice.


OK my LAST idea is to be childish. Get silly. Be goofy. Be you. When you love someone you really can be yourself without worrying about judgment. Being around the people you love is usually a gift enough. So just enjoy some time together with the person or people you love. Friends, family, pet, wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend or whatever! Being able to be yourself around true friends or true loved ones is not only a gift to them but a gift to you.

What else? Play a game. Board games, card games, video games computer games, trivia games. Its fun to have a friendly competition and gets adrenaline pumping.

I recommend turning on some favorite tunes and having a dance party. If you are with pals have a crazy goofy dance party, see who can create the most awkward dance moves. If you are with your partner, turn on a few of "your songs" and slow dance while singing (loudly) along. Do living room karaoke and grab a hairbrush or a spoon and serenade each other together. Singing is euphoric and makes you feel good.... yes even when it doesn't sound good.

I hope these green Vday Ideas tip you off to a few ideas of your own. Remember Valentines Day doesn't have to be about being IN LOVE. It can simply be a day to show a special someone, or all of the special people in your life how much you care.