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 for similar reasons, but we make a point to celebrate the purpose of these many times throughout the year!)
If I do anything for Valentine’s Day, it’s make my husband these chocolate truffles or a new batch of homemade massage butter (with a promise of a massage, of course!).
What Is Valentine’s Day For, Anyway?
I should also note that while this holiday is supposedly the celebration of the feast day of Saint Valentine, very little is known about the actual Saints Valentine (there were several) and so the feast 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 Valentine’s Day. Business Insider reports that the average consumer will spend over $120 on Valentine’s gifts, meals, and entertainment.
One hundred forty-one million cards will be exchanged and over fifteen 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!
Valentine’s Day Gifts
Am I against romance or celebrating love? Heck, no. I just prefer not to take the traditional route (anyone surprised?).
The normal Valentine’s gifts are cards (I’d rather have a handwritten note), chocolate (unless it is 80% dark and organic, no thanks!), and stuffed animals (really?). If you can’t tell, 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 Valentine’s Day
My solution: Romantic at-home dinner with my husband, maybe kids staying with grandparents, homemade massage butter, and some years maybe a material gift. Our at-home menu will include Mongolian Beef from my cookbook (also a great Valentine’s Day Gift!) over cauliflower rice. Served with spinach salad with homemade vinaigrette and followed up by dark chocolate fondue and fruit for dessert, this is a special treat even if we do have to cook.
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 or parabens here … and no breakouts!
Check out more DIY gift ideas here.
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.
How to Store
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 scent do you prefer? Share below!
Can you do mango and Shea butter mixed? My favorite massage scent is rose-geranium with a little bit of lavender.
The cocoa butter is what gives this a chocolate smell and helps it to be firm. Shea and mango are softer so the consistency and smell would be different. You could try this whipped body butter recipe and replace half the shea butter with mango though, that should work well. And you can customize the scent with your favorite essential oil. https://wellnessmama.com/6544/whipped-body-butter/
Would vanilla extract or essential oil have the same effect?
Vanilla extract should work. Vanilla can’t be distilled as an essential oil but is instead extracted with chemical solvents and labeled as vanilla absolute. Sometimes the cheaper brands mislabel it as vanilla essential oil. Plant Therapy has a botanical vanilla extract that uses alcohol and water to produce that also should work.
Hi!
How much does this recipe make?
I am doing 2 ounce jars.
Thank you!
Your comments about Valentine’s Day and Hallmark made me laugh. My husband knows that if he brings me flowers it should be something like a 6 pack of marigolds to plant in the garden. I like to celebrate by cooking a wonderful dinner together with the music on low. Usually leads to wonderful discussions and dancing in the kitchen; and a delicious meal.
Couple of things I wanted to ask about:
almond oil and sweet almond oil – Is there a difference?
Do you have a resource relating to pets and essential oils? I’ve been reading stuff that some oil may be bad for them to be around. I don’t consider what I’ve been reading to be a reliable source.
Thanks for sharing all your wonderful recipes!
why is vanilla bean so expensive? for one been it costs $18.00
Supply and demand…
Is there any refined coconut oil that is Healthy???? Please share!!!!! I like both flavored and Unflavored…
I made this using the exact recipe listed above and it is a pure liquid form. It does not look like butter at all. Any idea what I am doimg wrong? Thanj you so much!