Art Alley, Rapid Falls, SD
I came across this street art sculpture in Art Alley, in Rapid City, SD. Every inch of the alley is filled with paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Anyway, because I view art as creation, and creation as an expression of love, I wanted to share this image with you.
I’d also like to share my recipe for heart-shaped onigiri (Japanese rice balls). It’s perfect if you are looking for a simple, not-your-typical Valentine idea.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Herban Lifestyle Bath Bonbons made with Fair Trade Cocoa Butter
This post was written by Katie Peige, Herban Lifestyle’s Sustainability Associate
This Valentine’s Day, you can show your love for the people in your life and your planet with eco-friendly gifts and experiences. Herban Lifestyle offers a range of bath and body products that are made with natural, organic, and fair trade ingredients, which you already know from reading this blog. But what about some other Valentine’s Day treats and traditions? Here are some ideas for gifts that are kind to you, your loved ones, and the planet:
• For cards, go paperless with e-cards or get crafty and re-make some cards out of old cards or magazines. Another fun option is to send a grow-a-note card that has seeds embedded in the paper so you can send a card and flowers all in one! Greenfield Paper Company offers a huge selection, as do several Etsy sellers, including girl*in*gear studio, who has some gorgeous plantable Valentine cards. Petco also carries them as does Capitol Hemp, and My Organic Market.
image copyright girl*in*gear studio
• Flowers travel long distances to get to us, often from South America requiring a lot of fuel. Together with the pesticides needed to grow them, cut flowers can have a very large carbon footprint. This Valentine’s Day opt for a potted plant or an organic, local bouquet of flowers. Check out the very sustainable Green Space for bouquets and plants.
image copyright Divine Chocolate
• Show your love for the world and your gift recipients by going with organic and fair trade chocolate this Valentine’s Day. There are many brands with exquisite products, like Divine Chocolate. Mmmm, it’s orgasmic! Remember to look for organic and local wines while you are at it!
Herban Lifestyle Fuzzy Valentine Soap
• Save water, bathe together! And bring some of our earth-friendly bath products to add some sassy fun to the experience.
• For date ideas, check out the Eat Well Guide to find local and sustainable restaurants in your area or head to the local museums and parks via the Metro system.
• Plan a staycation in the DC area, its all the fun of a vacation only locally and definitely screams green both for the environment and your wallet! Plus, there are many wonderful Smithsonian museums with free admission, all of which are Metro accessible.
image copyright Smithsonian Museum of American Art
• If you do decide to travel, check into a green hotel that seeks to reduce their water use and have a low impact on the environment. You can search for green hotels using the “Green” Hotels Association webpage.
• Give cco lingerie: feel sassy and sexy in organic cotton, organic hemp, organic silk, recycled fibers, or Lenpur, a material made from white pine tree clippings. It’s the gift that satisfies you and your partner and is available for men and women. Check out Treehugger’s guide to sustainable lingerie here.
image copyright EarthSake
• Sleep on organic cotton or bamboo sheets. You’ll sleep soundly knowing that your soft as silk sheets have a lower impact on the Planet.
• If this turns out to be one of the most important Valentine’s Day ever, spare yourself from conflict by purchasing responsibly sourced diamonds and fair trade metals. Or go vintage: A family heirloom or beautiful antique ring makes a very romantic statement.
And, of course, check out the Herban Lifestyle website for our fun Valentine gift sets that will really get you in the mood!
Valentine Chocolate Mint Soap
A few months ago, when my naturopath recommended that I cut out certain foods from my diet (including wheat, dairy and sugar), I found myself compensating by developing new bath and body products that fed my cravings through their scent. My clients seemed to really enjoy these food substitutes, and so, for Valentine’s Day, I thought I would come up with a candy substitute. And that’s how my chocolate mint soaps were born.
These soaps are made to feed your chocolate cravings without a single calorie! They make a wonderful gift for someone special — including you! Made from pure vegetable oils and organic peppermint essential oil, organic cocoa powder, and tinted with pure vegetable coloring, this soap smells delicious and is super gentle on your skin.
These yummy-looking soaps come packaged in a handmade lokta paper box, with shredded kraft. Each box contains four .75oz/23g soaps, and retails for $14.00. Available from my Etsy store for a limited time.
herban lifestyle 