With all of our recent holidays having more of an indoor, cozy and intimate vibe, valentines day is next in line for that change. Lockdowns and restrictions are still in effect in many parts of the World and if we want to stay sane and not lose our minds, we must redefine the spirit of special occasions and holidays.
Confession- most of my teen years and a big chunk of my twenties, valentines day was often spent alone or with my girlfriends exchanging cute pharmacy gifts, eating sushi and watching bad rom-coms or horror flicks. I don’t believe the hallmark day of love should only be targeted romantic love. And although I’m currently in a serious relationship, valentines day still has the same meaning to me. Love is love and I keep in mind all those dear to me around this day of love. As for my boyf and I, he puts no pressure on me for the day. While I on the other hand, put a little bit of pressure because my love language is acts of service and quality time also, I’m frankly just a sucker for themed parties and any excuse to celebrate love!
What better day to collectively tap into that love energy than on Valentines day! If you’re bummed that you’re locked in this year like I am, or your imagination has left you for an all inclusive solo vacation to Maldives, here’s a little list of things you can do with your special someone or solo-ish!
OooOo la la.
Games Night!
They don’t say old reliable for no reason. There are so many new game boards available it’s impossible to play them all! You can stick to the oldies like scrabble, chess or guess who. If you’re looking for something new and haven’t played board games since the 90’s, you’re in for a surprise with all the incredible new games that are available now (two player friendly as well) Games like Cake duel to exercise your poker face or for the history buffs (also for those who do not have a short attention span- not your fault its the phones!) Twilight Struggle touted as the best two player game and the best game of all time. Taking three hours to play, twilight struggle simulates the struggle between the soviet union and the united states during the cold war.
Psst, games night doesn’t exclude video games. Animal crossing? Owners of the new PS5? Or if you miss childhood classics like Sonic or Mario check ebay for the vintage consoles. If you’re an odd ball like me, get your love to play games for you while sit back and watch the game unfold.
Shop Games
Scrabble Maple Luxe Edition
Twilight Struggle: Deluxe Edition
Cake Duel
Dine in
Breakfast? Brunch? Dinner? Fondue? Nacho bar? If you’re coupled up, single or spending the evening with your mother, preparing food can be such an enjoyable experience! Pick a cuisine of choice and a skill level and whip up something restaurant worthy. Something like sushi can be really fun and interactive. An italian dish- carbonara, spaghetti, gnocchi for all the carb lovers out there. Mexican, Chinese, Thai, plant based, vegetarian whatever tickles your fancy! Pour yourself a glass of your beverage of choice- wine, beer, bourbon, kombucha. Put on a romantic or cheerful playlist and get cooking!
Get inspired with these kitchen friendly picks…
Love and Lemons Cookbook
Joe Beef Cookbook
Le Creuset Cookware
The last couple of months have be trying and testing our mental health and nerves to say the least. Some of our relationships were strengthened, while the ones built on shakey foundations crumbled. Self-care is important and if you and your partner are in dire need of some T.L.C take this opportunity to dedicate that time to yourselves…guilt-free! Bring the spa at home, that can mean starting off with a relaxing bath with some dextoifying salts and oils, followed by a massage, body or feet or both! Next bring out all those serums and moisturizers (all of them have dude friendly ingredients).If both of you are in for some mega T.L.C then bring the spa at home. Get creative and make a spa itinerary that works for you both.
Shop at-home spa products here.
Lush Mask of Magnaminty
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-ox Hydra-gel Eye Patches
Biore Strips
Netflix and Veg
Not like veggies and dip, just another take on netflix and chill because sometimes that chill has another connotation ;). If game playing and cooking and an evening at your home spa sounds like too much effort then just opt out of it all! Don’t be hard on yourself and make it your own but prioritizing whats important to you. If you’re solo and would rather spend it on the couch watching HGTV, DO! Putting undo stress on yourself during an already stressful time will only cause burn out. Instead order food, binge watch and entire season of a new series. You and your special someone can celebrate love any day of the year (and everyday if you’re asking me 😉 )
Just bask in the not doing of a single thing!
Show Recommendations
Bridgerton- Netflix
Yellowstone- Amazon Prime
The Flight Attendant- HBO Max
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