We don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. I should re-word 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, but we make a point to celebrate the purpose of these many times throughout the year!)
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 over $120 on Valentine’s gifts, meals, and entertainment.
141 million cards will be exchanged and over 15 billion dollars will be spent total. Apparently it all must do something to add to the romance though, since more at home pregnancy tests are sold in March than any other month.
Another Way to Celebrate
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.
But does this mean we all go through Valentine’s Day as if it were any other day with no special notice given to our most precious relationships? I vote no.
How We Celebrate
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 Mongolian Beef from the Wellness Mama Cookbook (also a great Valentine’s Day Gift!) over cauliflower rice and spinach salad with homemade vinaigrette and dark chocolate fondue and fruit for dessert.
Thanks to this great at-home couples massage course (no worries, it is all PG), my hubby is an expert masseur. At least when he wants to be!
I’ve found that most conventional massage lotions make me break out. I started making massage butter years ago, and love this decadent recipe that leaves my skin feeling super soft. No sulfates of parabens here … and no breakouts!
Homemade Mint Chocolate Massage Butter
This is my favorite massage butter recipe. It also works wonderfully as a regular body butter if you aren’t into massage.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp liquid oil – I like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 3 Tbsp cocoa butter, grated
- 5-8 drops peppermint essential oil (or any other oil of choice – lavender would be another great option)
- 1 vanilla bean (slice lengthwise and scoop out from inside) – optional
Instructions
- Melt all ingredients except essential oil in a double boiler. You can also use a glass bowl over a small pot of water over medium heat. (Microwaving works too, I just don’t have/use one.)
- Carefully stir the ingredients to incorporate and add the essential oil.
- Store in small glass jar. Makes just over 1/2 cup.
Note:
This massage butter is thick and ultra-nourishing for skin. Since in massage, only a small amount is needed and it is worked in, I find it is the perfect consistency. It is, however, much different from regular lotion and more oily if just used as lotion.
Shelf Life:
Because this massage butter has no liquid ingredients added, it will last as long as the shortest shelf life of its ingredients. It lasts at least 6 months without a problem, though the scent of the essential oil fades slightly. I make a small amount and re-make when needed, but you can also add more essential oils over time if needed.
Ever made a massage butter? What flavor do you prefer? Share below!
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