As a wedding planner, it’s easy for me to constantly post about couples. And rightfully so, because… at the risk of stating the most obvious claim in the world… weddings are about as couple-y as it gets. Duh. But in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I feel like it’s appropriate to focus a little less on the WE and a little more on the ME.
Well, not me. YOU. Today, we’re talking alllll about you, girlfriend. No one deserves love more than you do.
Plus, it’s old fashioned to think that Valentine’s Day only revolves around couples anyway. Like, get real. Is anyone able to show you a deeper, more intimate love than you can show yourself? I think not. So, in the words of one of my all-time favorite people – it’s time to treat! yo! self!
I took the liberty of making a list for both the self-care lovers and for the people who can’t seem to take a day for themselves. Let’s get to it!
1) DRAW A BATH
When was the last time you used that bathtub you were so excited about when you first moved in? And no, we’re not talking just bubbles and water, we’re talking the whooole 9 yards. Light some candles, throw in a bath bomb, dim the lights, turn on your favorite playlist, lock the door, and settle in to your much-needed YOU time! Enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet.
2) COOK A DELICIOUS AND INDULGENT MEAL
With many of us still being in quarantine, or simply social distancing due to personal choice, making a real home-cooked meal seems more possible than ever before… but have you ever gone all out? If you want to please the palate: meaty ribeye or a rack of lamb, add a side of mashed potatoes, a nice simple salad. Voilà.
3) OPEN THAT *SPECIAL* BOTTLE OF WINE OR LIQUOR
What are you waiting for, the Queen?! Well, in that case… you might as well open it right now (you see what I did there? You’re the queen. Get it? Okay. Lame joke. Moving on.) But seriously, there’s no better way to show yourself how special you are than with an expensive pour. Plus, it’s not like you’re having guests over to impress with your fancy booze any time soon.
4) SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL GIRLS’ NIGHT
It’s okay to admit it. I know you really miss all of the hot gossip you used to receive. So why not catch up with your friends with a virtual girls’ night on FaceTime or Zoom? Reconnect, talk shit, laugh, cry – whatever you need to do, don’t let COVID keep you from (virtually) hanging with your friends.
5) WATCH A GOOD MOVIE
This is all you – the world is your oyster. You get to pick the movie. Whenever I need a moment, I go to my “go to” movies – When Harry Met Sally or Sound of Music, It’s Complicated, etc. If you’re feeling daring there’s also a ton of new movies streaming – Try something new!
6) MOVE YOUR BODY
Sometimes the best way to show yourself some love is to show your body that love — maybe it’s a walk, some type of fun dance cardio (there’s so many streaming services available now) or if you’re a luck ass aristocrat – jump on your Peloton or treadmill and ride it out. As my girl Elle Woods once said… Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.
7) WRITE A LOVE LETTER TO YOURSELF
I know, I know: cheesy. And probably a little bit more difficult than you’d like to admit. But once you start making this a routine, it will be fun to do! Remind yourself how amazing you are, what this year has thrown you, and how you continue to overcome obstacles and deal with the BS of the world. You’re a rockstar. Remind your future self of that.
8) BUY SOMETHING FUN
Maybe it’s a new pair of shoes, maybe it’s a new comfy set for your WFH days (Lou and Grey are my fav), or maybe it’s even something crazy, like a nice dress for when COIVD isn’t a thing anymore. Get something you want rather than something you need. You have my full permission to take that “treat yo self” comment to heart.
9) AT-HOME BEAUTY SALON
It’s been pretty rough for all of us when it comes to treating ourselves with getting our hair, nails, and facials done because of the pandemic. That doesn’t mean you can’t DIY it, though! My recommendation? Indulge in a home facial beauty treatment. Sephora has endless supplies of masks and products; you could spend hours simply browsing their site. My favorites are Summer Fridays, Glam Glow, Farmacy or Make. They leave your skin glowing and feeling refreshed!
10) RELAX WITH SOME MUSIC, HOLD THE SCREEN TIME
Your eyes deserve some long-overdue rest. Put the screens down and allow your other senses to take over. Whip out that vintage record player you never use or turn on that Spotify playlist
11) ACTUALLY READ THAT BOOK OF YOURS!
You know the one I mean. It’s that book that has been staring at you from the night stand everyday. Pick it up! It’s calling your name, and I’m willing to bet it’s a good one. Once you finally start it, you’ll be hooked & get into the habit of choosing your book over TikTok!
(Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an aggressive goal. But at least it’ll give you some time away from your phone, right?)
12) FOR THE NOSTALGIA — GET AN (ADULT) COLORING BOOK
Who said coloring is only for children 10 and under? That’s all BS. Those adults’ coloring books are actually quite beneficial. Not only will they make you feel like a carefree kid again, but they’ll also help reduce anxiety and stress. LORD KNOWSSSS we all need that right now. (And if you say you don’t, stop lying.)
13) DIY A HOME EDIT
Marie Kondo style, baby. Organize and donate those extras clothes, because nothing makes you feel better than giving to charity and decluttering your space! Plus, the feeling of an organized linen closet cannot be beat. Getting your Spring cleaning done a bit early never hurts.
14) END THE NIGHT WITH SOMETHING SWEET
This is the last but definitely not the least. Whether you want to Martha Stewart your own dessert, or have someone else do the baking… sweets are a MUST on V Day. Pick up your fav treat and live your best life. There’s only one rule: you are NOT allowed to feel bad about it. Dessert is an essential part of a balanced diet and no one can convince me otherwise, especially not on a quarantine holiday.
Soooo yeah – as the inspiring Justin Bieber famously sang… it’s time to go and LOVE YOURSELF. He was totally saying it in a different context but honestly it’s late and this is the only song lyric that feels appropriate right now.
I definitely didn’t hold out on all of the possible options of possibly treating yourself in this blog post – and yes, it’s totally possible to do every single thing on this list. The more the merrier, right? I hope you all have a safe and relaxing Valentine’s Day — because, remember, YOU DESERVE IT! I want you to love yourself the way I adore you. Hugs & kisses! xx