What Leslie Knope Taught Me About Valentine’s Day


Whether you’re single, married or in a new relationship, we have ideas that you’re sure to love!

 

Singles, It’s Time to Thrive Instead of  Just Survive!
Written by: Amanda
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Valentine’s day is known to be a romantic celebration for couples. The streets become filled with handholding and heart-shaped everything. Being a single woman, I have a tendency to shy away from V-day. I will work the entire day, then come home to my zebra snuggie and a container of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. I refuse to do that this year. V-day is a day for love. Love for family and friends. It is no longer a holiday that requires a significant other. This year I am celebrating Galentine’s day with some single gals(Thank You Leslie Knope). Men, you are challenged to have a Palentine’s day with your single pals. This day will be filled with storytelling,  laughter and most importantly sweet treats. Here are a couple of yummy recipes that will give you the sweetness you crave without any of the guilt.

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Chocolate Recipe

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
1/4 Cup Cacao Powder (can use cocoa powder)
2 TBLSP Honey or Agave
2 TBLSP Butter Olive Oil
*You may adjust any of these ingredients to taste
Directions:
Melt all the above in a saucepan on low heat, stirring constantly.
Once everything is mixed, pour into chocolate molds
(or you can pour into a small brownie pan and cut into pieces once it has hardened).
Put in fridge to cool. Keep refrigerated. Enjoy!

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Avocado Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 Avocado
– 1/2 Cup Pure Cane Sugar
– 1 Egg
– 2 TBLSP The Sacred Olive Butter Infused Olive Oil
– 1/2 Cup Cacao Powder
– 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
– 1/2 Cup Semi- Sweet Chocolate Chips (Optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix avocado and sugar in a mixer on high until creamy. Mix in egg and butter olive oil. Add cacao and baking soda. Mix in chocolate chips if desired. Form into 2 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet covered in wax paper. Bake approx. 12-15 minutes. Let cool (cookies may come out a little raw, they will continue to bake as they cool). Enjoy!


Just Bitten by the Love Bug?
Written by: Amanda & Kylee
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Being in a new relationship is fun and exciting! However, if this is your first Valentine’s Day, the pressure is probably on to create the perfect date. So take a deep breath and keep reading, we’ve got you covered.
A picnic is simple, affordable and romantic. Every woman appreciates a man who will take the time to pack a basket and plan a day to spend together. Take your date out into the beautiful Florida sun, have lunch and get to know each other just a little bit more. Here is a delicious salad recipe to pack for the picnic!

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Fruit Salad with a Twist

Ingredients:

-Strawberries
-Grapes
-Kiwi
-Blueberries
-Raspberries
-Shredded Coconut
-Persian Lime Olive Oil
-Coconut Balsamic

*bowl for mixing and bowl for final product*

Directions:
Rinse strawberries, grapes, and blueberries. Quarter strawberries,
dice kiwi, add both to a mixing bowl. Take blueberries, raspberries, grapes and add to bowl. Add shredded coconut to rest of fruit. Drizzle liberal amount of Persian Lime Olive Oil and Coconut Balsamic and toss! Finally, transfer fruit salad to your desired picnic container.

Here are a few simple and cute ideas to add a special touch to your picnic: Roll plasticware/silverware in a napkin, tie with twine and add a little flower. You can also take your Sacred Olive bottles, wash them out, and use them as a  vase for flowers!

 

Once My Valentine, Always My Valentine
Written by: Carolyn & Donna

Valentine’s Day and Marriage…Hmmm can Valentine’s Day still be magical after being married for many years?  The holiday that we once looked forward to as single women can become a distant memory in the humdrum monotony of everyday life of house cleaning, preparing meals, taking care of kids and oh yes… the never ending laundry!  Well ladies, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be boring or ordinary. Stop resorting to getting a sitter just to fight the crowds at your favorite restaurant leaving you frustrated and not in the “mood”.  Instead, think outside the heart-shaped chocolate box, because being married to your valentine for many years is an advantage giving you insight to what he really likes. Surprise him with packed bags, whisking him away to an overnight stay at a nice hotel or perhaps recreate your first date or even make it as simple as watching a moving under the stars on the bed of his pickup truck. Whatever you decide, the sheer excitement of making this Valentine’s Day different and fun will help you create an adventurous memory which someday will be a precious treasure!