Cacao to Cacao!

You can't avoid it, you can't forget it, so you might as well embrace it -- Valentine's Day is here. Whether you're a cynical single, happily partnered, or anywhere in between, February 14th can be as stressful a day as any. So take it from me -- you can't go wrong with chocolate. 

The infinitely wise Charles Shultz once said, "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." 

Here at Teaism, we've got a bevy of choices for your favorite chocoholic or just for you: 

Looking for something exotic? Vosges haut-chocolate has everything from bacon to cherry rooibos or coconut curry deep milk chocolate. And then there's my personal favorite: the Blood Orange Caramel Bar, made with hibiscus, blood orange caramel, and Campari. 

Or perhaps you prefer your chocolate in liquid form? That's where the Couture Cocoa comes in, available in three delectable varieties: La Parisienne (classic), Bianca (white), or Aztec elixir (chocolate with a kick). 

Local chocolate guru Bailey Kasten started Double Premium Confections because she is passionate about making the freshest chocolate in the DC metro area. Her confections are all hand-made and she created a V-day gift set just for us, featuring honey caramel hearts, a pure dark bar, and a 9 piece signature collection from DPC -- chai spice, lavender, Irish cream truffles and more!

If your mouth isn't watering yet, perhaps some chocolate-with-a-mission will do the trick. Theo currently owns and operates the only fully organic and fair trade chocolate factory in North America. Buy a bar of Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, and proceeds from the sale will go to World Bicycle Relief, helping provide students, health care professionals, and entrepreneurs in rural Africa with specially designed, locally assembled WBR bikes.

How can you argue with chocolate that provides access to an independence and livelihood through bikes? So skip the stress this year, and indulge in a little Valentine's Day chocolate, guilt-free.