Valentine's Day

Oh Valentine's Day, this day (like most holidays) is an excuse to spend lots of money on needless junk in the name of love.  I do think that a special day to let someone know how much you love them and care for them is important, like more than once a year.  I just don't think that should require expected gifts and lavish spending sprees.

Love is a feeling that can't be bought or refined with jewelry and chocolates (although I do love chocolate).   I love my husband, more than the amount of money I can spend on him in clothes, tools or apple products. And I love gifts, a little something to be doted upon, a reminder that I am special.

Looking towards this Valentine's Day I'm not excited or expecting, I almost forgot about it if it weren't for the red and pink plastic heart stick ons placed on the windows and mirrors of work.  It is kind of a sense of dread.

Like, do I really have to exchange little cards with cheesy characters that say 'be mine' or start with 'Roses are red...'  I'm 24 now, aren't we past that.  Or, the little bags of nasty sugar hearts that confess undying love or how 'sweet' you are.  Give me a break...  

I apologize in advance for anyone that is sending out cards and sweet hearts.

But, Valentine's Day is a tradition and for some people it wouldn't be right if not celebrated.  So, if you're going to buy gifts at least make a purchase that can make a difference.

All of these and more can be found at Ten Thousand Villages
A Fair Trade Retailer. 
To create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships.