Just taking a quick break from our “six weeks to your best year ever,” to insert a holiday that should have us all feeling connected. Wah, Waaaah – insert disappointing music here – because it doesn’t (have most of us feeling connected)! We’ve all had that disappointing Valentine’s Day – the one without a date, or with a terrible date, or where your significant other “forgets,” (with all the Valentine hoopla, I don’t know how anyone forgets).
This year, take Valentine’s into your own hands – don’t let someone else control your outcome! No matter what the s.o. has in store, or if you’re single or by yourself on Valentine’s, take this as a time out for you. Valentine’s Day is the self-proclaimed (or greeting card company proclaimed) day of love so go ahead – love yourself!
FOR THE DREAMERS:
Denver resident Kael Robinson founded Brazilets as a way to share with the world a 200 year-old tradition from mystical Bahia, Brazil. Worn throughout Latin America, these “wish bracelets” have spiritual significance for all who wear them. Wrap each Brazilet around the wrist and tie three knots, making a wish with each knot. When the bracelet naturally breaks down and falls off, it is believed that your three wishes will come true. So whether it’s a wish for a life of adventure, a happy baby, or the perfect mate – millions of Brazilians and hundreds of years of tradition can’t be wrong – take a chance, make a wish. www.Brazilets.com
FOR THE FEMININISTA:
Denver’s own Margot Elana created Lollia, a company that promotes a life of feminine mystique. It’s no secret, I love almost everything in Lollia’s ultra feminine collections (even though I don’t consider myself that frilly girl, the packaging, the scents and the concept together all are enough to make anyone swoon).
This Valentine’s Day, I find the “In Love Bath collection” a perfect way to indulge yourself or prepare for a night of romance. Imagine a sense-enlightening bubble bath, awash with In Love soap, followed by all over moisturizer and topped with a hint of perfume – pure decadence without the guilt. In Love’s exquisite packaging is only overshadowed by what’s inside – an intricate scent containing delicate infusions of Apple Blossom “kissed sweetly” by jasmine and living rose. www.LolliaLife.com
FOR STYLISH COMFORT LOVERS:
After observing that her young daughter never wanted to get out of her comfy ballet shoes, Denver Native Cinder Trout created SweetSlips, an apropos treat for tired feet after a long Valentine’s night out. Stay stylish yet comfortable and enjoy your evening – whether it’s with the girls, with your “man,” or with the ultimate person: Yourself. Housed in a small ball-shaped bag, discreetly carry Sweetslips in your purse. Once you’re ready to switch out of toe crunching heels, the “cute ball” turns into a sleek black carrier for the shoes you WERE wearing… Now you can love your favorite heels (you know, those “one hour” shoes) without all the pain. www.SweetSlips.com
FOR THE SINGLE LADIES:
Bitter with Baggage. The title just has a ring, doesn’t it? Well, if the description is apropos, you’re not alone. I distinctly remember a college friend who called Valentine’s “Black Wednesday,” one year. Of course, since then, she’s happily married with two kids, but never-the-less this was her battle cry at the time.
Bitter with Baggage has mugs, journals, greeting cards and more that feature a cute little yellow “chick” (as in baby chicken) who, you guessed it – is bitter, and has baggage. With journal covers like: “At $150 a session, Amy didn’t want to talk about intimacy issues. She wanted to know what Dr. Arlow thought of her new shoes, if he liked the bangs, and whether he too looked forward to their weekly sessions with gnawing anticipation.” And book titles like: “Bitter with Baggage Seeks Same: The Life and times of Some Chickens,” and “Still Bitter, More Baggage” this cheeky line of products is a fun way to lighten up this holiday. Go on, love yourself – laugh at your baggage! www.CRgibson.com or www.Amazon.com
FOR THE TECHIE
Basalt, Colorado Based Iota has a new collection for the technophiles this Valentine’s Day. Love your iPhone? Addicted to your Kindle? Can’t go 20 minutes without checking email? Well, you might have issues, but that aside, Iota’s “Barcelona” collection has stylish carriers to protect your e-reader, tab computer, iPhone 4 or carry tech tools in a wallet with style.
Awash in pinks, golds, reds and greens it takes Iota founder Kelly Alford’s penchant for color to a whole new level. They’ve transferred her unique designs from paper and party goods to chic accessories for the savvy social diva. Perfect for the techie who also has a soft side, the Barcelona pattern is sure to brighten any day. www.CRGibson.com or www.everyIota.com
So take charge of your life, your love and your happiness this Valentine’s. Don’t let anyone dictate how you’ll feel – only you should do that. And next week, we’re back on track with “strength” in the fifth of our six weeks to your best year ever!
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via email Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog: www.SimplyAliveWorld.com/Blog.
