Green Valentine – Chocolate, Candles and Wine

TheDailyGreen has some wonderful ideas for greening your Valentine’s Day. Chocolate, Candles and Wine is one of our favorite combinations. However, traditional methods of harvesting coco can be damaging to rain forests, spreading chemicals as well as fueling wars in Africa. But there is an alternative. Fair trade organic chocolate is becoming more available and is created through organic means and fair trade practices. Find them at Organic Style.

Soy candles are becoming the flicker of choice for those who are sensitive to the damage that traditional candle ingredients have on the environment. Candles are typically made from petroleum based wax, artificial dyes and fragrances and result in indoor pollutants. From Way Out Wax you can find an array of organic soy based candles. Made with 100% organic materials and scented with pure essential oils, soy candles are the way to go green on Valentine’s Day.

Organic Wine completes our trio because it is made from organic grapes and do not contain herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or synthetic fertilizers. Many award winning wine makers are making wine with organic methods. Organic wines are becoming more widely available at including Whole Foods Market and Trader Joes as well as online sources like Eco Vine Wine Club among others. Take it a step further and buy organic wines from local sources. Local wines are easier on the environment because they are transported fewer miles and use local water.

Of course music is always at the heart of it. For Valentines music ideas visit the Playdates Boutique.

OKAY! VALENTINES DAY IS COMING

Quick do something! Planning (or like us, no planning) to sneak out for a romantic dinner on Valentines Day? Tables fill up pretty quick so it’s best to book ahead. If you have a favorite place, great, just call the restaurant. But if you want to experience something different and new there are a number of websites to check out reviews, menus, pricing and then book reservations online. It’s pretty easy to find what you are looking for. The one we always use is OpenTable.com. If you are looking for a restaurant with a scenic view or outdoor dining they have a great list to review. One of our favorite dining experiences is Café’ La Boheme in West Hollywood. The décor is amazing with fireplaces and chandeliers the atmosphere is relaxed and classy. A perfect fit for good food with an Asian twist. Another favorite of ours is Villa Piacere in Woodland Hills. We have always had a consistent experience, and we love Italian. They have a beautiful romantically lit outdoor brick patio in the back of the restaurant, perfect for an intimate Valentines dinner. Whatever you decide to do, be safe, have fun and give yourselves a little time.

FOR MOM AND DAD

So it is said that life as we new it changes when we have a family, forever. Feed ‘em, clothe’ em, take’ em to school, run' em around, feed’ em gain, homework, bath’ em and put' em to bed. It’s all about the kids and we wouldn’t have it any other way, right? Balance your life with a little time for yourselves. Manage to recruit a babysitter and find a few hours to go connect with each other and the outside world.

Go let off steam at one of L.A.’s roof top bars. Reconnect with your old self, fashionable side, glamorous side, social side, whatever side for a few hours of drinks and views. The Takami Sushi and Robata Restaurant + Elevate Lounge opened in August of 2007 above the financial district with outstanding views of downtown. Featured in Los Angeles Magazine and others this place is on our list for date night.