The Gross Consumerism Fairy Strikes Again

Tonight I was out at a local bar having a lovely blue cheese burger and a beer (yum) with my two wonderful guy friends and I swear to god I saw at least 10 commercials for Valentine's Day gifts. The TV was tuned to ESPN . . . almost as if the gross consumerism fairy (she hangs out around Christmastime too) was gently reminding each and every gentlemen about February 14th between Superbowl highlights.

I started to get a little pissed because I really do not like Valentine's Day. It's not just because I am single. I've never liked the idea of my significant other being forced (yes forced) to show their affection through red roses and hallmark cards and vice versa. Blah.

*Anyway*

Then when I got home and started writing this blog I got to thinking about it and . . . maybe Valentine's Day isn't so bad. I mean, the day is about Love and . . . I like love. I like being love. I like when my Grandma sends me a Valentine's Day card because she wants me to remember she loves me. I like conversation hearts (but not the weird sour ones). I like thick, heart shaped sugar cookies with butter cream frosting. Plus, there is a lot of chocolate . . .

I don't even mind that I don't have a date this year. It's OK. I already have plans. I'm going to make myself a nice pasta, pour some white wine, and watch a comedy. I've decided to face the day like a woman--the exact opposite of how I faced it back in February 2007:

I WILL NOT spend Valentine's Day 2010 drinking an entire bottle of wine and watching "The Way We Were" only to be interrupted by a Stephen King look alike knocking on my door asking me if a vehicle in the parking lot was mine. I told him no, but I liked "The Shining" while laughing hysterically. I don't think he thought that was very funny.

And finally, I know it probably always seems like I'm always pushing causes on you . . . but the one I'm about to remind you of is very dear to my heart and very pertinent to this holiday.

On this day of LOVE please take the time to make sure that you are purchasing CONFLICT FREE diamonds.

This means that the stones you purchase are guaranteed to have been obtained WITHOUT the use of violence, human rights violations, or child labor. Insist that your diamond has been tracked to ensure that ethical production was used throughout the entire diamond process--from unearthing to cutting. Here is a great article about finding Conflict Free Diamonds: Shopping for the Guilt-Free Diamond.

Brilliant Earth (in Canada) is also a great place to find Conflict Free diamonds. BE is one of the only retailers that guarantees conflict free diamonds (Brilliant Earth Interview). But it may be better to just avoid diamonds all together . . .

Well, have a lovely day . . . today. That is all.

Love,
Nik