Valentine’s Day, you either love it or hate it. In other words, you’re either in a relationship or single. Listen up ladies, because I’m about to give you a new approach. Being bitter because you’re single ends right this minute because Valentine’s Day isn’t solely about having a significant other. Valentine’s Day is about love in all its forms: loving your mom, dad, boyfriend, girlfriend, dog, best friend, and most importantly, loving yourself. From this February 14th forward, celebrate all types of love in your life. Here are some of the best ways to do it:
1. Get Moving
Grab your mat for a morning yoga class with mom. Yoga is therapeutic and some bonding time with mom is always fun. Also, exercise releases endorphins, meaning you’ll love the feeling you get from working up a sweat. Make sure to drink lots of water after your workout. Hydration is essential after all the H20 lost through sweat. Plus, getting a good workout in early in the day will make you feel less guilty about all the V-Day goodies yet to be consumed.
2. Treat Yo’ Self
Calories don’t count on Valentine’s Day. What I said about feeling guilty for indulging in store-bought chocolate was a lie. There is no guilt on Valentine’s Day. Chocolate is superior to calories and guilt. Check out the definitive guide to Valentine’s Day chocolate to know exactly what to treat yo’ self with. If you’re still grinding on those New Year’s resolutions (you go Glen Coco), try some of these healthy chocolate alternatives to kick your craving without falling off track.
3. GNO
A girls night out can be unpredictable, but one thing that is always certain is alcohol. If you and your girlfriends are looking for a wild night out on the town, make some of these Valentine’s Day drinks for your pre-game. Recipes range from Cupid’s Float to The Dirty Shirley to the ever so classic jello shot.
4. GNI
If you and your crew are more of a stay-in squad, have no fear, your GNI will be equally as exciting as a GNO. Throw on your aprons and try baking a couple of these Valentine’s Day recipes that are almost too cute to eat. Promise me you’ll eat them, though. Or, rather than getting domestic, order from one of these V-Day delivery shops to have decorative desserts brought straight to your door. Bless the food delivery industry.
5. Netflix & Chill (Actually)
Although the food is an important aspect of a GNI, the movie watched while eating said food is equally as important. My top picks are Aquamarine (accompanied by Ben and Jerry’s), Mamma Mia, The Last Song, Crazy Stupid Love, and lastly, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without watching Valentine’s Day. Any of these flicks will be sure to keep you and your girlfriends laughing all night long.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Take Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to pamper yourself because you are more deserving of your love than anyone else. Spend the morning in the bath with a book; I’m currently hooked on Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler. Also on the day’s agenda, try out a few of these DIY recipes to pamper yourself. The oatmeal bath soak is perfect for your tub. And if you’re meeting up with your sweetheart later in the day, test out the coconut lip scrub.
7. Date Night
Speaking of sweethearts, if you have one this V-Day, check out these unique activities you can do to celebrate your love. After an afternoon of wine tasting and a cooking class, buy a bottle of your favorite and impress each other with your cooking skills over a romantic candlelit dinner. Incorporate some of these foods into the dish to get your SO in the mood for later in the evening.
Whether you’re celebrating solo, surrounded by galentines, or spending the day with someone special this February, remember that Valentine’s Day is about love in all of its forms. Take the day to appreciate all the people you love and who love you.