GYST for Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and if it snuck up on you, well, you are certainly not alone. This whole year feels like a time warp, and between prepping for my in-laws’ visit last weekend and trying to figure out how to do a new job, I haven’t really had much time or energy to even THINK about thinking about it, you know what I mean? But as we are less than 24 hours out, I figured I would throw a post together to bail us all out. (((You’re welcome!!)) These ideas range from virtually free to $$$, so surely there’s something in here that will delight you and your husband/wife/bf/gf/bff/neighbor/cat.
1. At home spa night
If you’re anything like me, you probably have all the materials you need to do this at home. I have more masks and makeup samples than I know what to do with. But if you or your partner doesn’t, there are plenty of recipes online to DIY your own spa treatments. And you can do it up V-day style! I’m talking a rose petal bath, scented candles, massages ;) One of my best friends told me last night, “You really missed out on being a lesbian because we do these things right!” and while she’s not wrong 😂 I’m sure it wouldn’t take much convincing to get my husband on board with this plan. But if this isn’t a good fit for you, maybe consider…
2. Indoor picnic
You’ve got to eat, right? Might as well make it cute! Clear out a spot to lay down a blanket and some pillows, put your dinner on fun plates, turn on every lamp in the house to pretend it’s daylight (sounds extreme but I actually cannot remember the last time I saw the sun), open the windows, corral some houseplants. Make it a moment. And if you’re in a nicer climate, eat outside! If you have extra cash, you can pick up dinner and dessert from your favorite restaurant(s). Find mismatched dishes at your local thrift store to ramp up the charm factor. Make a V-day inspired charcuterie board and mocktail. If that feels a little too spendy, you could make sandwiches and cut them into tiny shapes (which makes them instantly cuter). Look up what type of potato chips pair with your favorite wine. Or try to recreate the meal you had on your first date. Get creative! But if you’re like me and you can’t cook and/or your first date was at a Brazilian steakhouse, then maybe you try…
3. Movie night
Cliché? Maybe. But clichés exist for a reason, and that’s because they work. The Oscars are less than a month away. Maybe you can spend a night at the theater doing a movie marathon of potential contenders. If you’re like me and can barely make it through one movie let alone multiple, venture out to an indie cinema! They usually have a diverse mix of film options, and I always feel a little bit cooler when I’m there. You could hit up a drive-in theater if you’re somewhere a little warmer. Nothing is open in TN - I checked :( If you’re not independently wealthy (seriously, why is going to the movies so expensive??), use one of your streaming services to watch a film and plan a themed night around it. This is probably my favorite idea of the bunch because you can really go over the top if you want, and god knows I love doing the absolute most. This can range from buying your favorite movie candy and snacks to dressing up like the characters and eating a meal popularized in the film or in the style of food they would eat. Some ideas for you:
10 Things I Hate About You: Throw it back to high school and eat your favorite childhood snacks. Did somebody say Pizza Rolls?? *low rise jeans optional
Titanic: Dress up in your fanciest clothes and eat a nice meal like a rotisserie chicken or something
The Godfather: Dress like you’re in the mob and eat pasta! Italian is like, the official cuisine of romance.
You’ve Got Mail: One of my fave movies of all time. “That caviar is a GARNISH.” If you can’t swing caviar, eat pizza. The film is set in NYC after all.
At the end of the day what matters most is spending time with the one(s) you love and showing you put a little thought and effort into the relationship. If you can’t afford jewelry or to buy out an entire florist, who cares? Repotting your houseplants can be romantic if you want it to be! It’s about being intentional with your relationship. And if you need to dress up as your emo high school self to do it, please tag me in the photos.
Go get em, cupid!
PS if you made it this far and you have extra love AND money to give, there are a lot of organizations that could use your support. Consider a donation to your local animal rescue ❤️
