Feelin' The Love
We get it. Valentine's Day is super cheesy and commercialized and lame, and you're all too cool for it. Even Leslie Knope's Galentine's Day is going mainstream!
But let's be honest: we can all actually use a reminder to slow down and appreciate those around us.
And we can do so without being total sell-outs.
We're wishing you more than just a day full of chocolates and flowers and teddy bears holding hearts embroidered with "BE MINE" (but knock yourself out if that's what you're into). Use this Valentine's Day as a chance to remember the things that fill your soul and make you happy.
Because we're no good to anyone else until we're good to ourselves.
Carve out some time for those you love -- whether it's your partner, your friends, your family, or your pets -- but don't forget to do the very same for yourself. We're busy dishing out care and compassion each and every day, but it's also so dang vital to conserve some of that for the (wo)man in the mirror.
Whether you're looking to pamper yourself or your loved ones (or hopefully both), we've got a handful of ideas that are sure to please -- as well as a Valentine's Day-inspired playlist to get you groovin'!
Love is in the air! Or wait, is that one of the delicious-smelling goodies we have at the shop? No way of knowing...
BathVS Sheer Lip Tint in Papaya | This tint offers sheer orange and light pink tones to enhance the natural look of your lips with one or two swipes, but add a few more layers for a bolder look. BathVS of Williamsport, Pa. makes her natural lip colors with a touch of peppermint, lavender and lemongrass essential oils for just the right amount of refreshing tingle. Also available in Wine, Plum, Chestnut, and Coral.
Of Earth Essential Oil Blend in Rose | Nothing says "love" like roses, but the flowers themselves will quickly wilt and fade. Luckily, this essential oil blend will last far beyond this holiday weekend. A quick roll on the wrist or neck is all you need to enjoy the subtle floral smell of this calming scent. Also available in Lavender Patchouli, Lavender Vanilla, Lavender Geranium, and Geranium.
BathVS All-Natural Lip Scrub in Blood Orange | Keep your pouty silky smooth with this all-natural tangy lil' lip scrub. Just dip you finger in the pot, rub a little scrub on your lips and lick your lips to wipe it away! It's the yummiest beauty treatment around. Also available in Mocha, Vanilla Bean, and Honey.
Zanabella Plant Based Skincare by Valoreee & Co. Spray Mist in The Spell | This light mist is seductive and enchanting, featuring orange blossom, rose water, and a variety of essential oils with floral and earthy notes. And even better, these scents are created with all-natural ingredients right here in Central Pa. Also available in Lavender and Rose.
Brooklyn Candle Studio Hand-Poured Scented Soy Candle in Love Spell | Super sensual scents abound in this delicate mix of citrus, cherry blossom, hydrangea, apple, peach, and blondewood infused with orange and grapefruit essential oils. Made in Brooklyn, N.Y., these candles are 100% soy derived from American-grown soy beans, free of added dyes or chemicals, and containing a lead-free cotton wick primed with vegetable-based wax. Because good lovin' starts with showing Mother Nature some love!
BathVS Lilith Parfum | Lilith is a fun, feminine scent with sweet notes of cherry blossom and vanilla, plus lavender essential oil and hints of musk. This scent was inspired by the Lilith character in ancient folklore, rumored to be Adam's first wife. Also available in Obsidian and Paragon.
Chickey's Open Your Heart Bitters | Ok, so this one isn't necessarily one of our good-smelling products, but it sure is yummy and good for your body. It contains hawthorn berry, chamomile flowers, dandelion root, burdock root and orange peel, and, when taken daily, can help strengthen your heart. Add it to your sparkling water or cocktail for a subtle taste and a not-so-subtle benefit. Chickey's also creates plain bitters and dandelion apertif.
A hand-written note is one of the sweetest ways to spread the love. So why not do it inside of a clever little Valentine from Amy Heitman, Emily McDowell Studio, or Nightingale Projects? All of these artists design their cards themselves and are based right here in the United States. We have these varieties and more available now at the shop!
We're stocked up with some sexy little lacy numbers, from leotards to slips to camisoles and more. Nothing is more luxurious than lounging around your house in lace and satin.
But no need to save them all for the bedroom! You can totally work lingerie into your daytime, out-of-the-house looks by layering it up and topping it off with a chunky knit or fitted blazer. Add in some layered necklaces to complete your look and add a little sparkle.
As Haley was taking these lingerie shots, multiple passersby (including the guards from our neighboring federal building) couldn't help but comment on these seductive little numbers, reminding us that Salt-N-Pepa's "Let's Talk About Sex" is just as relevant now as it was then. And while we don't have that jam on any format in the shop (right now, at least), we do have Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up" single on cassette tape -- as well as some other timeless sexy-time hits!
Plus all the smut books your little heart could desire...
Even some of our displayed artwork is feeling the love: Andrew Sedgwick Guth's linoleum block prints offer some affection for the Keystone State, and Shelby Lopez of Lambs Club gives a nod to the now infamous t-shirts created in the 70s by Labyris Books, the first women's bookstore in New York City. You can find more info on the phrase's history here -- as well as the sweet Otherwild t-shirts and sweatshirts that brought it all back!
Keep grooving all February long with this playlist of smooth tunes that are sure to get you in the mood for lovin'. Most of these jams are available on vinyl at the shop!
Compiled by our very own Haley Harned.