Sustainable Valentine's Day

This is a web-only article.

While listening to my guilty pleasure, Cosmo Radio on Sirius satellite radio, I heard some great Valentine's Day gift ideas that are budget friendly and sustainable.  While Valentine's is geared toward gifts for women, this "Hallmark" holiday can also be a great time to acknowledge your partner with love notes, a special surprise and romantic time together.  Hiding love notes around the house, in his dresser drawers, in his car etc can be an low-cost, low-tech way to remind your man how much you love him.  You could surprise your man with a special lunch.  If he is brown-baggin' it every day with the same ham and American cheese slices sammie maybe take a few minutes to make a deluxe sandwich with grilled peppers and onions, roast beef and pepper jack cheese-- you know, spice things up!  If you can get away, maybe take a hot pizza or burger to your man for lunch. 

It seems that lots of people are trying to stick with their healthy New Year's Resolutions.  Valentine's could be the day of your free pass, a day to splurge on the guilty pleasures you've been denying yourself.  Your and your loved one could splurge by making a pasta dish together and sharing a bottle (or two) of wine.  If going out for dinner strains the family budget, plan a special dinner at home.  Valentine's can be about the little things, the little loving ways to show you care.  Buy your man his favorite beer and display it in a bucket of ice.  Make super duper nachos and then a beautiful chocolate dessert.  Acknowledging your man and making the day/ evening about both of you will make it a truly memorable and lovey experience. 

And drop hints.  Drop hints or just be flat-out honest and say, "This is what I would like for Valentine's Day."  I've asked for house plants-- a sustainable alternative to cut flowers or a dozen red roses.  Be realistic when making wish list, being mindful of family budget and time constraints.  Perhaps your man doesn't have the time to hand-craft a spice rack, brick-a-brack shelf, or new bed.  But if you make him monster nachos and chill his favorite beer on ice, he may become more romantic than you could ever imagine. 

You could always boycott the day or your could combat the giant global corporate greediness by having an at-home, homemade card, sharing of quiet time date with your loved one.  Light some candles, turn on your favorite record, and pour some pink champagne (New Age has a delicious rose' that is effervescent, fruity and slightly dry, $10 at Main Street Market).  Include the kids, get a sitter, or share a succulent dessert after the kids go to bed.  This Valentine's Day 2012, it's all about the LOVE.

Love and Light,

Sustainably Sadie