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A Slow And Meaningful Valentine

4 Feb 2020 | slow & simple

At first glance Valentine’s Day is not an obvious celebration for those with a slow living mindset. It’s a day that has been commandeered by Hallmark, chemical-laden red roses, and useless teddy bears. It represents, in many ways, the worst of unsustainable consumerism, telling people that they must buy things that the receiver has no use for, and indeed no real desire for either.

Yet, at its heart – beneath the pink fluff and generic vacuous messages – it’s a celebration of love. A chance to show the ones you love that they matter and that you care. A day to appreciate the important people in your life, and to make and share memories of love. And that is lovely. And definitely in keeping with the slow living ethos of prioritising the things that really do matter.

So if you’d like to celebrate love, real love, in all its myriad of forms and turn it into a slow and meaningful Valentine’s Day, then here are some ideas from The Slow Living Guide.

greeting card with illustration of a sun set with text 'simple moments with you are my favorite' - by The Hidden Pearl Studio

Simple Moments Card & Envelope | The Hidden Pearl Studio 

This simple message of affection will always be well received, and a handwritten note really is the oldest, and loveliest, way of showing that you care.

image of couple candle making kit from hazel & blue consisting of a box, two candle jars, a paper bag with soy wax and two small bottles with essential oils

Couples Soy Candle-making Kit | Hazel & Blue 

Rather than give someone a scented candle, give them the means to make that candle themselves and…together. This kit contains everything you need to make two, sharing the experience, and then think of the other as you burn your finished candle.

paper cut art work with green leaves in a circle with the names Maud & Peter in gold in the middle

Personalised Paper Cut Art | Freya Lines Design

Mark a special moment with a truely unique paper cut art work that includes special personal elements and memories.

two carved mugs on a table

Carved mug | Hilda Carr Pottery

Giving something that someone will use everyday is a lovely way of making ordinary moments that bit more special. These beautiful mugs make a tea or coffee drinking into a delightful ritual, and make you a part of their every day.

silhouette portraits of two kids

Ink Silhouette | Burnt Peach Design

A beautiful gift for your fellow parent, and one that captures their love for your child along with your love for them both.

And Breathe gift box by phoenix & providence

And Breathe… Gift Box | Phoenix & Providence

The most important person to love is always yourself, so why not treat yourself to a home spa? Make time for some self-care with this organic body oil infused with seeweed to hydrate and soothe your skin and experience calm with the breathing techniques of yoga and mindfulness coach Michael Townsend William.

As a business mentor and brand strategist, Fiona Barrows helps creative business owners get through the difficult, sticky patches in their businesses and lives, find clarity and build momentum. She’s also a writer, the maker of the There Are Other Ways podcast, and an enthusiast of coffee shops, carrot cake and beeswax candles. She’s based in Frome, Somerset, but works with creatives all over the world.

www.fionabarrows.com | @fbarrows

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