Eco Friendly Valentine Find: Lori Bonn Jewelry

Lori Bonn left the corporate world to follow her creative passions.  Now she owns one of the few eco friendly jewelry companies out there and produces some wonderfully unique designs.  She tries to keep it as green as possible with ethically sourced gemstones, responsible manufacturing practices, and some recycled metals.  There are several different collections to choose from, each with its own theme and feel and some collections feature stones exclusive to Lori Bonn.

I am especially fond of this Cluster ring from the Windsor collection.  It's a lovely mosaic featuring Amethyst, Alexandrite, Peacock Quartz and Sapphire.  It's very comfortable--not always the case with large rings, and heftier than it appears in the photo.  This is just one example of her imaginative designs.

Lori Bonn can be found online or at Nordstrom.  I think her jewelry would make a great Valentine's Day gift or--treat yourself!

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Valentine's Chocolate Roundup

Chocolate is the ideal gift for Valentine's Day.  It works in a variety of circumstances--and almost everyone loves it and it's affordable and good for you!  Great for your sweetheart, your child, your Mother, friends, anybody.  Chocolate speaks to something deep within, something primal.  There is nothing else like it.  Below are just a few chocolates that I have tried and liked.  Some are raw, all are organic and all but one is vegan (the Equal Exchange gift includes milk chocolate).

Endangered Species makes a wonderful vegan dark chocolate cherry that is smooth, organic, and supports endangered wildlife--yaay!  The cherry is my pick for Valentine's gifts but they have a bi selection to choose from.

For raw chocolate, UliMana has a great selection of organic raw vegan chocolates and treats.  I liked the cacao truffle and the lemon fig bars myself.  UliMana is an uber positive company whose namesake is the serenity goddess Uli which combined with Mana (life force energy) is a prayer to the goddess Uli asking for vibrant health and energy.

Equal Exchange has a gift set they are promoting for Valentine's Day pairing coffee and chocolate.  It contains two dark chocolate bars, two milk chocolate bars, and two different types of coffee.  The bag and tissue paper is recycled and Equal Exchange is a Fair Trade Organic company.  I Love the Equal Exchange vegan dark chocolate bars--this one is Extra Dark and they are not kidding.  Equal Exchange is eco friendly and fair trade, always a nice company to support.

For something sexy, try Lulu's Chocolate Alchemy.  Their chocolates are raw, organic, and unique.  Their Velvet comes in a lovely glass jar and is dark chocolate infused with maca root, vanilla bean, and orchid.  This would make a very attractive presentation for a gift to your sweetie.  Lulu is definitely taking chocolate to new heights.

And speaking of sexy, I think Alter Eco's packaging is sexy and masculine, great for guy gifts.  The chcolate is deep and dark.

For the adventurous who like to make their own treats, how about making your own raw chocolates for your valentine?  East Bluff Trading Co. is a company comprised of two brothers passionate about chocolate bringing the first ever Venezuelan organic cacao to the US.  They offer organic raw cacao butter, cacao, nibs--everything you need to create your own sweet confections and keep them as pure as you like.  

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Green Valentine Find: Alex and Ani Love Bracelet

Here's a green valentine find for you--cute, affordable eco friendly jewelry.  Alex and Ani uses recycled metals and keeps it local to the US.  I love the LOVE bracelet which is expandable and customizable to each wrist.  This is great for me as I have small wrists and bracelets tend to slide right off.  I also love that it is light weight--you hardly know it's there.

I think this would make a great Valentine's gift for friends and family or sweethearts, I'm sending one to my mom.  Alex and Ani have a great selection on their website with many meaningful charms and jewelry options. They even offer an opportunity to help others with their Charity By Design collection. Another great feature--design your own bangle at their Bangle Bar.  You pick the metal, charms and stones.  Fabulous!  For 10% off, use the promo code: IC2010.

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Valentine's Day Meal Idea: Raw Ruby Ravioli

Need an idea for your Valentine's Dinner?  The Beet Ravioli from one of my favorite raw food books, Living Raw Food by Sarma Melngailis would be an awesome choice.   I have made this before and it was delicious!  It looks difficult and makes a beautiful presentation, but it was really super easy. There's plenty of time for getting supplies (nothing too fancy or hard to find) and even doing a trial run.  Highly recommended.

Image Credit:  Living Raw Foods

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Green Valentine Find: All The Better To Kiss You With Organic Lip Balm

Kiss your Valentine with organic eco friendly lips nurtured with All The Better To Kiss You With lip balms.  They come in Lavender Vanilla, Chai Mandarin, and Pepperminty.  The packaging is gorgeous and makes a statement, the flavors come in cute little recyclable tins,  and I think it makes a wonderful and artful gift.  The website is pure Brilliance, you have to check it out:  HERE.  Also worth having a look at is their sister site, HERE. They've taken Organic to beautiful new heights.  COUPON CODE: Enter 'ecomama' for a free pepperminty lip balm with $30 order, usa only.  

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