Yes, it’s that time of year again. V-Day approaches – and with it all that worry about what to do, where to go and how to celebrate this romance-filled day. No matter which side of the fence you are on, you will be faced with the same inevitable question. “What are you doing on Valentine’s Day?”. To make the process that bit easier, we’ve crafted a special guide packed with ideas on how to sweeten your V-Day celebration.
Whether you plan on treating yourself or sending some helpful hints to your significant other, we’ve got February 14th covered.
“Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life.”
Be my (own) Valentine
The day of love is around the corner and not everybody has a significant other to spend it with. Why fret? 2018 is the year of self-love and what perfect day to celebrate your relationship with the one that’s always been with you? Yourself! Here’s what you’re going to do this 14th of February…
“Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Body. Mind. Spirit.“
Create a playlist called I’m a Rockstar
Once you create this playlist you’re going to fill it up with songs that’s going to help you power through the day and make you feel like a total diva. Some songs you could add on are:
- “Let Me Blow Your Mind” – Eve ft. Gwen Stefani
- “Flawless” – Beyoncé
- “Lady Marmalade” – Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Maya, Pink
- “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
- “Girl On Fire” – Alicia Keys
Embrace Comfort
“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” Oscar Wilde
Let go of your heels, skirts and jeans and wear sweatpants or a loose shirt and know what deep comfort and what “ I don’t care” feels like. Speaking of comfort, nothing will soothe you like comfort food that’s easy to make and feel really good inside your belly – a cheat day with your favourite food won’t do any harm! Also, you can get bath bombs and soak yourself in the tub playing soothing music.
Start reading a new book on self-love and mindfulness. Some good reads are:
- Beautiful You – A Daily guide to radical self-acceptance by Rosie Molinary
- The gifts of imperfection by Brene Brown
- Milk & Honey – Rupi Kaur
- How to be a Bawse – Lilly Singh
- Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert.
Treat Yourself
Put aside this day for pampering – you deserve it! Occasionally spending on a blow out for your hair or a new hairstyle, or just a mani-pedi at the spa can be life changing. If that’s out of the question, then why not pamper yourself right at home?
DIY Facial Masks
Oats & Honey Mask (To soothe sensitive skin)
- ½ Cup organic whole milk yogurt
- 1/3 cup organic oat flour
- 2 tsp. organic honey
Avocado treatment (To moisturize dry skin)
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 tsp. plain yogurt
- 1 tsp. honey
Tropical Banana Mask (To brighten dull skin)
- ½ Banana, mashed
- 1 Tbsp. orange juice
- 1 Tbsp. Honey
DIY Foot Soak
- 2 cups of mouthwash
- 2 cups of white vinegar
- 2 cups of warm water
DIY Hair mask
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- ¼ cup whole fat yogurt
Dine under the stars
Tired of the standard dinner and movie date night? Looking for something romantic that won’t cost an arm and a leg? Have a picnic with a twist – find a secluded spot in a park, beach or even on your rooftop. Spread a blanket and laze around together for the evening with yummy deli treats. Take a book, magazine and even some tunes. Gazing at the stars together is one of those truly romantic date ideas for Valentine’s day.
Although we should share our love all year long, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to remind the special people in our life that we love them
Cook something special
If you’d like to forego the usual three-course meal this Valentine’s day, but feel afraid to stray too far off course, then why not prepare something heartwarming and tummy-filling foe your loved one? Light the scented candles, stick the Barry White album on the stereo and treat your sweetheart to a decadent meal for two. Kick it up a notch by setting the table with candles and flowers, too!
• Slow-cooker red wine beef stew
Because red wine makes everything better – including stew! This savoury, protein-packed dish is perfect for a romantic meal at home, especially on a chilly evening. Simple and quick to throw together, the stew can cook all day so it’s ready when you and your sweetheart are.
• Butternut squash ravioli with seared chicken
Take your pre-diced butternut squash with roasted chicken breast, asparagus and cheese for an easy yet elegant meal.
Swing it
Dance classes are a great way for couples to bond together – there’s tons of fun when you two get your bodies moving. Revamp your romance and break out of your routine with this exciting idea. Learn traditional waltz or a little more sultry dance like tango and bond over the fact you’re learning something new together.
