We don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. I should reword that to clarify that we have no vendetta against the occasion, we just try to avoid any “Hallmark Holidays” as my husband calls them. (We avoid Mother’s, Father’s and Grandparents Day as well as Halloween for similar reasons). I should also note that while this holiday is supposedly the celebration of the feast day of St. Valentine, very little is known about the actual Saints Valentine (there were several) and so St. Valentine was removed from the Roman Calendar. February 14th is actually the celebration of Saints Cyril and Methodius on my calendar.
History aside, it seems my husband may have good reason to financially boycott valentines day. It is estimated that the average consumer will spend almost $120 on Valentine’s gifts, meals and entertainment. 141 Millions cards will be exchanged and over 15 Billion dollars will be spent total. Apparently it all must do something add to the romance though, since more at home pregnancy tests are sold in March than any other month.
Am I against romance or celebrating love? Heck no, I just prefer not to take the traditional route (anyone surprised?). The normal valentines gifts are cards (I’d rather have a handwritten note), chocolate (unless it is 80% dark and organic, no thanks!) and stuffed animals (really?). It annoys me that this day is used as an excuse for kids to eat more candy and adults to indulge in unhealthy foods.
So should we all go on next Monday as if it were any other day with no special notice given to our most precious relationships? I vote no. My solution: Romantic at home dinner with my husband, maybe kids staying with grandparents, and homemade massage butter. We avoid contributing to the sales for the day, and perhaps when I mention that fact, I can even talk my husband into a massage (now that’s a good gift!).
Our at home menu will include Grass fed Porterhouse Steak with Balsamic Glaze, Grilled Shrimp in garlic butter, loaded cauliflower and spinach salad with homemade vinaigrette with dark chocolate fondue and fruit for dessert.
Here’s a romantic recipe that is healthy too! No sulfates of parabens here!
Homemade Mint Chocolate Massage Butter
Ingredients
- 2 T almond oil (or other lightly scented oil)
- 2 T coconut oil
- 3 T Cocoa Butter, grated
- 1 T 70% Cocoa or higher dark chocolate or cocoa powder
- 1 tsp honey
- 5-8 drops peppermint essential oil
How to Make
- Use a microwave or double boiler on low heat to melt all ingredients except essential oil
- Mix ingredients well and add essential oils (orange would be another good choice)
- Store in small glass jar- makes just over 1/2 cup.
Going to try it? Let me know!
Shared on Fight Back Friday
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