If you’re giving Valentine’s gifts this year, instead of grabbing that supermarket bottle of wine and box of chocolates, find them locally. Make a reservation at one of Arizona’s thousands of local restaurants instead of the national chains. Or, if you’d rather stay in, visit the farmer’s market and pick up fresh local produce and specialty items to cook at home with your beloved. Check out our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide on pages 14-15 for more ideas on how to make this Valentine’s Day special while contributing to the local economy.

My boyfriend and I have a tradition of staying in on Valentine’s Day to avoid the crowds and share a special meal together. We camp out on the floor with pillows and blankets and eat a home-cooked meal followed by chocolate fondue, fresh fruit, and other dippable goodies. It’s pretty much the only day of the year that I break out the fondue pot, and it’s something we’ve come to look forward to every year.

In our February Love Your Home issue, we touch on the importance of loving your space in professional organizer Andrea Brundage’s article; a local green home builder’s passion for buying locally; and a celebration of Arizona’s 105th birthday. Plus, enjoy an inside look at this year’s ASU Sustainability Solutions Festival; a spotlight on SRP’s president David Rousseau and his family roots in local farming; couples’ finance tips; the origins of organic gardening; a feature on local artist Patsy Lowry; and much more.

February is also National Heart Month, and we feature an article from the American Heart Association on how walking can be the best exercise for heart health. And don’t miss our Valentine’s Day recipes for two on pages 40-41.

This year, say “I love you” in a simple way that doesn’t contribute to more waste. Steer clear of the mass-produced teddy bears and overpriced roses, and vow to shop locally instead. Think of it as a birthday gift to Arizona. Your state will thank you.

Amanda Harvey | Associate Editor