3 DIYs For Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day means celebrating love in all sorts of ways. Whether you’re showing love to your family, friends, yourself or a special someone, these recipes for sweet homemade gifts are sure to make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one.

These are three of my favorite winter DIYs that are nourishing for your skin and body, and are perfect to use as gifts or to keep a jar on the counter for yourself.

Chocolate Truffle Body Butter

The combination of oils is super moisturizing and nourishing to skin. I love the gentle cocoa aroma of this recipe that comes from the cocoa butter. Personally, I do not feel the need to add essential oils to the lotion. However, if you want a different aroma or benefits of essential oils, feel free to add them in.

A little goes a long way. When you first apply the body butter, it feels a tiny bit greasy. However, I find that it absorbs almost instantly for a smooth, satiny feel. It does not leave skin greasy.

Ingredients

Chocolate Truffle Body Butter

Instructions

  1. Create a double boiler by placing a small glass bowl in a saucepan with water. Add coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter to the glass bowl.
  2. Turn heat on medium and bring water to a gentle boil. Stir mixture frequently until shea butter and cocoa butter melts completely.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vitamin E oil and essential oils (if desired).
  4. Place the bowl in the freezer for about 10-20 minutes. When the mixture starts to solidify and turns opaque, remove from the freezer.
  5. Scrape the edges of the bowl and stir to incorporate. Then pour mixture into a mixing bowl for a high speed mixer.
  6. Beat mixture at high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. If you overmix, it will become dry and crumbly. If this happens, simply warm the mixture slightly, and start again.
  7. It should resemble whipped butter or cream when it’s done.
  8. Store body butter in a glass jar.

Love Your Skin Salve

The cold winter months can wreak havoc on skin. If you have sore, stressed skin, try this ultra – moisturizing winter salve to soothe hands, feet, elbows, or other stubborn dry areas. There are four rockstar ingredients in this recipe that will keep your skin feeling and looking silky smooth.

Tip: A little bit goes a long way! Use a small amount of salve on dry skin. Try applying to dry hands before bedtime. For extremely dry skin, you can apply a thick layer on hands and cover with cotton gloves. Or apply to feet and cover with socks. Wake up in the morning with smooth, moisturized hands and feet!

Love Your Skin Salve

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons coconut oil

2 tablespoons beeswax pellets

1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

8 drops Northern lights black spruce essential oil

4 drops frankincense essential oil

4 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions

  1. Combine olive oil, coconut oil, the beeswax, and vitamin E oil in a glass jar.
  2. Create a double boiler by pouring a few inches of water in a small saucepan, and carefully set the jar of ingredients in the water.
  3. Next, gently heat the pan over medium-low heat.
  4. Once the mixture is completely melted, remove from heat. Add essential oils and vanilla and gently swirl to incorporate.
  5. Finally, pour into a small jar. Allow to cool completely and solidify before using.

Sweet as Sugar Exfoliating Hearts

Sugar scrubs are such a quick, simple way to exfoliate and freshen the skin. This recipe combines moisturizing oils, cleansing natural soap, and fragrant essential oils to leave skin silky smooth. I love the handy little cubes that are just the right size to quickly clean and exfoliate hands, legs, or other areas. These vanilla chai exfoliating cubes are simple, handy, and even make great gifts.

Shea butter is an emollient that helps skin retain moisture. It also contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps keep skin looking young and healthy. I use vitamin E oil in so many of my DIY recipes for skin because it is high in antioxidants that decrease the appearance of scars, stretch marks, cuts, and other blemishes. Coconut oil is an emollient, which is a moisturizer that helps keep the skin moist and protected by trapping moisture in the skin. It is also antimicrobial, so it is great for cleansing hands and other areas in this scrub.

The vanilla and essential oils give these little exfoliating hearts a delicious aroma. Plus the oils are great for cleansing and protecting hands and skin.

Ingredients

Sweet as Sugar Exfoliating Hearts

Instructions

  1. Using a kitchen scale, weigh soap base in a medium pot. Tare your scale and weigh shea butter into the same pot. Warm gently over low heat to melt the soap and shea butter, while stirring constantly.
  2. Once melted, remove from heat and add coconut oil and vitamin E oil. Stir to melt coconut oil.
  3. Add essential oils.
  4. Stir in sugar. The mixture will be loose, but it will harden as it cools.
  5. Scoop mixture into silicone mold and smooth the tops the molds.
  6. Allow to cool and solidify for at least 2 hours at room temperature or for about and hour in the refrigerator before popping out of the molds.
  7. Store cubes in a jar with a lid in a cool place. (They will melt if they get too warm.)

Looking for even more great DIYs for all winter long? Try this Sugar Lip Scrub for soft, luscious lips!

A Self-Care Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

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Roses are red, violets are blue,
No matter what you’re doing for Valentine’s Day,
This self-care gift guide is for you.

In a busy world, self-care often falls to the bottom of all of our priority lists. But while showing love to your special someone this Valentine’s Day, it’s important to also show some love to yourself. This gift guide is full of products curated just for you to treat yourself to something special.

Dreaming Up the Life You Want

Ready to make 2021 your best year yet? Choosing some curated crystals just for you is a way to set the right intentions every day in your home. Check out The Manifest Towers Collection from Wild Alabaster. These towers will help you see clearly and manifest what you want for your life. Talk about taking self love to a whole new level!

Crystals, self-care
Wild Alabaster

Manifest your deepest dreams and desires with a beautiful Crystal Manifestation Pen. Because these pens are topped with amethyst or quartz crystal, they are a pretty and poignant way to put your intentions in writing.

Affirmation Cards, self-care
Barnes and Noble

Add these self-love themed affirmation cards to your daily routine. Positive self talk is one of the best ways we can change our mindset about not only who we are, but what we are capable of. Challenge yourself to see your self worth with just one card per day.

Looking to dig into your own astrology and how it might affect your love life? Check out this modern compatibility guide that explores the romantic and sensual sides of your zodiac signs. Take your relationship to the next level, or manifest just the right relationship for you with your copy of The Astrology of Love and Sex.

Your Body Is A Temple, Love It As Such

Face Wand, self-care
The Detox Market

Feeling like you need a glow up? Add some extra love into your nighttime routine with this Glow Vibrations Face Wand. With stimulating sonic vibrations, this rose quartz face wand detoxes and depuffs. It will leave your skin noticeably lifted, toned, and refreshed. Get your face Zoom camera ready and feel your stress melt away with this vibrating wand.

Dry Brush, self-care
Goop

Did you know how essential dry brushing is for energizing and detoxing your skin? (Learn more about the benefits here.) This Ultimate Dry Brush is made from natural sisal that exfoliates lightly and sweeps away dead skin cells. Plus, dry brushing promotes cell turnover and rejuvenated skin. Use this baby right before you turn on your warm shower and moisturize after for a glowing look and feel.

It seems like a lot of us are doing our nails and toenails at home these days. With these products being used more often, it’s even more important that we’re using safe, non-toxic products. Dear Sundays has the perfect Self Love Box that includes 3 non-toxic polish colors. Plus, the box comes with a self-care love letter, so whether you’re gifting for someone, or keeping for yourself, you can write down some kind words for yourself and kick off your year on a positive note.

‘Down There’ Self-Care & Booty Bliss

Taking care of your body means taking care of all of its precious parts, and that includes your tushy. Take it from Tushy, a company devoted to staying on top of your bottom; they know that bidets are not only good for cleaning those extra sensitive areas, but it’s also great for the environment when you forego flushing toilet paper down the drain. Grab a Tushy Spa for some extra special self-care.

Tushy Bidet Spa, self-care
Tushy Bidet Spa

By the way, want to know more about sustainability and how your tushy can play a role an environmentally friendly role? Listen to my episode of the Lindsey Elmore Show with Kathryn Kellogg so you can learn just how realistic being sustainable really is.

Showing some self-care and some self love while we’ve got our monthly visitor is even more crucial for boosting mood and feeling good about yourself. Thinx makes your period more bearable because it makes you feel more comfortable and confident. Check out my favorite styles in this blog, including brand new period-proof workout gear. And, pick up some Thinx for yourself and receive $10 off when you head here.

Cozy Up in the Name of Self-Care

weighted throw, self-care
Baloo

Because when did self care not involve a little snuggle? Cuddle up on the couch with a cup of tea and your favorite show under this weighted throw that promotes a restful night’s sleep. Get snuggly on the couch, in bed or on the go with this versatile size and high quality material. This weighted throw from Baloo is one of my favorites!

slippers, self-care
Dearfoams

Get cozy from your head to your toes with these super fluffy and cozy Dearfoams Slide slippers. Made with genuine suede and plush faux shearling lining, these slides are a must for luxurious relaxation and self-care.

Whether it’s work, school or children that are vying for your precious time, make sure you’re equipped to get the right amount of quality sleep with this super soft Tempurpedic Sleep Mask. Sleep affects every aspect of your body, including your immune system, so make sure you’re prioritizing those valuable zzz’s.

Endorphins Make You Happy, Happy People Really Love Themselves

I’m pretty sure that’s how the Elle Woods quote goes, right?

yoga mat
lululemon

Keeping up with your exercise routine is a huge part of self care. But, it’s not always easy to stay the course when it comes to movement. When you move your body, you’re stimulating your mind and releasing endorphins that not only boost your mood, but also help your body function. So, take your healthy routine on the go with this Carry Onwards yoga mat from Lulu Lemon.

meditation cushion
Brentwood Home

Just 5 minutes of yoga and meditation a day can help you get into a healthy mindset, starting every day off just right. Actively practicing gratitude is not just good for the mind because that gratitude drips down through the body as well. This meditation cushion is perfect for getting in the habit of sitting with your thoughts for a few minutes a day to boost mood and clear your mind. Because calming the mind is a key component of self-care.

DIYs for Y-O-U

Want to make a little something special for yourself of someone you love this year? Check out these great DIYs that are perfect to spread the love this Valentine’s Day.

You can make a lip balm to spread some kissable moments.
How about a foot scrub to give those toes a spa day?
And we can’t forget the bubble bath, for any time we’re in need of some self-care!

How about you? What are some of your favorite ways to indulge in a bit of self love? Comment below with your best ideas!

Still looking for a gift for your Valentine? Check out this post from Lucy Libido for some tips for getting the perfect gift for every personality!

Black Bean and Kimchi Quesadillas with Togarashi Sweet Potato Fries and Lemon Aioli

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Jazz up your normal (ahem, boring) quesadillas with these Black Bean and Kimchi Quesadillas. Add in spicy Togarashi Sweet Potato Fries and top with zesty Lemon Aioli, and you have a creative and flavorful meal.

Cooking Vegan for a Family

One of the most common complaints I hear when people consider transitioning to a vegan lifestyle is kids and family. Because most children are so accustomed to having meat at every meal, they balk at the idea of eating only vegetables. So how do you get picky kids (and adults) to enjoy vegan foods? Check out these top tips.

Educate

First of all, take the time to explain to your family the reason for the change. When they understand the health benefits for the decision, they’re more likely to cooperate. You can even go as far as to tell your kids the benefits of specific foods and help them learn to appreciate the value of them.

Don’t Be an Extremist

If you recently decided to become vegan, resist the temptation to force it on your family as all-or-nothing. Resist the urge to pack organic vegan-friendly meals when your kids go to a friend’s pizza party. You may even decide to set aside one day a week for them to choose whatever they want to eat. In the long run, they’ll be better off for the small changes.

Involve Them in the Process

From the very start, you can involve your family in their food choices. Ask them to help look for recipes and plan menus. Take them with you to the store and involve their help choosing groceries. Invite kids to help cook and serve the meal. Kids are far more likely to eat a new food if they’ve been involved in the planning and preparation process.

Keep it Familiar

If you start out with exotic dishes that taste unfamiliar to your family, you may catch some flack. Instead, choose things that taste familiar. That’s why I love recipes like these Black Bean and Kimchi Quesadillas. I mean, what kid doesn’t love good, cheesy quesadillas? There’s enough familiarity to it that they will likely accept the foods better. (And it’s okay to leave out the kimchi if that helps too. Be flexible.)

So cook vegan burgers and pizzas and Mac and cheese and soups and such. You can gradually branch out with more creative dishes, but not all at once.

Make it Fun

Have a kid who doesn’t want smoothies? Then freeze them and make popsicles instead. Spiralize assorted vegetables for fun texture. Mix up colors; serve finger foods…whatever it takes to get them involved.

Fake Them Out

Okay, so this isn’t my favorite method because it’s better for kids to learn good eating habits. But occasionally, there’s no harm in sneaking some spinach in their smoothie, black beans in the brownies, or pureed carrots in the pizza sauce. You can also purchase vegan “meat” products, such as chicken nuggets, hamburger patties, lunch meat, hot dogs, and more. While these aren’t always the most nutritious option, they can be great for adding occasional variety.

Baby Steps Are Still Steps

Even if you’re family isn’t all-in when it comes to a vegan lifestyle, small changes add up to make a big difference. You may start by cooking just one vegan meal a week. That’s still a step in the right direction.

Looking for more kid-friendly vegan recipes? Check out some of my favorites:

Seared Broccolini, Sweet Potato Mash, Lentils, and Coconut, Turmeric, Fresno Chili Relish

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Tender sweet potatoes, creamy black lentils, seared broccolini, and crispy, spicy relish. . .This recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures that will not disappoint.

A Rainbow of Phytonutrients

This dish combines so many different flavors, textures and colors for an eye-appealing, tastebud-tantalizing treat. But there’s more to it than just a pretty presentation. The diversity of colors from assorted vegetables brings the added benefit of a variety of phytonutrients.

Red

Red fruits and vegetables contain lycopene, an antioxidant that fights free radicals. They also protect against prostate cancer and heart and lung disease.

Found in: strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, tomatoes, cherries, apples, beets, watermelon, red grapes, red peppers, red onions

Orange & Yellow

Eat yellow and orange for beta carotene, retinoic acid, and zeaxanthin. These benefit the immune system and the eyes, as well as support the cardiovascular system. Additionally, orange and yellow vegetables may help protect against breast cancer.

Found in: carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow peppers, oranges, bananas, pineapple, tangerines, mango, pumpkin, apricots, winter squash, peaches, cantaloupe, corn

Green

Green leafy vegetables contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, B, and C. That’s why power-packed greens benefit just about every body system. Your skin, digestive system, eyesight, blood, heart, and brain thank you when you eat your greens. As an added benefit, you also get cancer-blocking chemicals, like sulforaphane, isocyanate, and indoles, when you consume green vegetables.

Found in: spinach, avocados, asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kiwi fruit, collard greens, green tea, green herbs

Blue & Purple

Blue and purple vegetables get their color from antioxidants called anthocyanins. Because of their anti-inflammatory actions, these phytonutrients support healthy detoxification, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, digestion, and more.

Found in: blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, Concord grapes, raisins, eggplant, plums, figs, prunes, lavender, purple cabbage, purple carrots

White & Brown

The onion family contains allicin, which has anti-tumor properties. Other foods in this group contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol.

Found in: onions, cauliflower, garlic, leeks, parsnips, daikon radish, mushrooms

Can pancakes actually be healthy? Check out these Pumpkin Pancakes, loaded with carotenoids.