a very valentine's day newsletter
Hello.
Happy early valentine’s day. I was initially going to wait to release this newsletter on february 14. But I realized, why would you cram all of these goodies in one day when you can have a couple of weeks to enjoy valentine themed treats?
So alas, here we are. An early valentine’s day present from me to you.
I’m going to share films, tv shows, books, music playlists, activities, treats, and articles to make your holiday feel more intimate and special.
Films:
-be my valentine, charlie brown (1975)
-the love witch (2016)
-love in the afternoon (1972)
-blue valentine (2010)
-dirty dancing (1987)
-portrait of a lady on fire (2019)
-winnie the pooh: a valentine for you (1999)
-je, tu, il, elle (1974)
-breakfast at tiffany’s (1961)
-lady and the tramp (1955)
-barefoot in the park (1967)
-the umbrellas of cherbourg (1964)
-breathless (1960)
-belle de jour (1967)
-sleepless in seattle (1993)
-101 dalmatians (1963)
-(500) days of summer (2009)
Tv Shows:
-normal people (2020)
-friends (1994)
-bewitched (1964)
-i love lucy (1951)
-the nanny (1993)
-angelina ballerina (angelina’s valentine- 2002)
-modern love (2019)
Books:
-love poetry by jon stallworthy
A curated collection of some of the most profound and beautiful love poems from various poets across ages and cultures.
-the diary of anais nin vol. 1 and 2 by anais nin
Intimate and deeply personal journals of Anais Nin, exploring her thoughts, relationships, and artistic journey in the early part of her life.
-all about love by bell hooks
A thought-provoking examination of the nature and complexity of love, and its role in our personal and societal well-being.
-letters to milena by franz kafka
A compilation of Kafka's passionate and introspective letters to Milena Jesenská, revealing the depth of his thoughts and feelings.
-my year of rest and relaxation by ottessa moshfegh
A novel about a young woman's attempt to escape the traumas of her life through prolonged sleep, using a cocktail of prescription drugs.
-juliette by marquis de sade
An erotic novel that delves into the dark and libertine adventures of Juliette, exploring themes of amorality, sexuality, and freedom.
Activities:
-make homemade valentines: make it cute and creative- you can use stamps, glitter, magazine cutouts, candy, etc
-make a valentine's day craft with candy: heart necklaces, a homemade card, a pretty garland
-bake valentine’s day treats: heart shaped sugar cookies, rice crispy treats with red and pink sprinkles, dark chocolate brownies, mini hand pies, cupid crunch (chex mix filled with white chocolate pretzels, pink and red m&m’s, nuts, heart shaped marshmallows and other yummy things), heart shaped ravioli, dark chocolate covered strawberries (pinterest has a lot of ideas)
-take a valentine’s day themed class: cooking, knitting, painting, wine tasting, etc
And… if you’re single (like me), valentine’s day can feel lackluster, but here are some ideas to make your day feel special:
-breakfast in bed: make your favorite- waffles, buttermilk pancakes, french toast, eggs, etc
-girls night: I vote for fondue
-solo night to yourself: cook yourself a homemade meal, drink wine, eat chocolate, watch your favorite shows, play your favorite music, read your favorite books, take a bath. Do all the things you love most.
-buy yourself flowers
-spa day
-film marathon
-have you heard of Dipsea?
To Buy (for yourself):
-candy hearts like these.
-chocolates like these. I’m quite fond of these.
-new lingerie (just for you) something like this. Or this bra with matching underwear. This slip is so pretty. This silk pajama set is so wicked expensive but they’re so cute.
-new candles. I have this one and I love it. It’s warm and sensual and also coveted by Beyonce. I’m very excited to buy this one for myself. This is one of my favorite fig candles ever.
-babaa sweater. This sweater is a timeless piece that will last a lifetime. I love my babaa so much. I have it in black and I want more.
-a timeless piece of jewelry. I’m thinking about a watch. And I don’t know your budget so I’m not going to through specific suggestions out there. Personally, my dream watch is a used (very well-loved) Cartier tank. Black leather. Gold hardware. Lady Di forever. One day, this watch will be mine.
Music:
Articles:
You Can Blame Geoffrey Chaucer for Valentine’s Day
This article humorously traces Valentine's Day's evolution from a day associated with a Roman martyr to its current status as a hallmark of romantic expression, crediting Geoffrey Chaucer for transforming it into a day of love and courtship. It delves into the historical ambiguities around St. Valentine and challenges traditional narratives, highlighting the significant role of poets and societal shifts in shaping the modern perception of this day.
This article offers a unique and introspective take on Valentine's Day, blending a personal perspective on chocolate with cultural and historical observations. The author's ambivalence towards chocolate, contrasted with its traditional role in romantic courtship, provides a refreshing viewpoint on the holiday's customs. The discussion extends from the historical ties of chocolate to courtship, to Roald Dahl's passionate views on chocolate, and even to the author's own preferences, adding depth and humor to the narrative of Valentine's Day traditions.
A Peak At Literary Curiosities And Vintage Cards From Valentine’s Day Of Yore
This article delves into the enduring nature of love as captured in literature, highlighting a curated catalog of rare books on love, prepared for Peter Harrington, a London rare-bookseller. It spans a spectrum from ancient texts like the Song of Solomon to modern letters by Ian Fleming, emphasizing how the expression of love has remained captivating through ages. The catalog, timed for Valentine's Day, also explores the history of the day and its literary connections, resonating with the current year's need for authentic, connective expressions of love.
Advice On Love From Nietzsche And Sartre
This insightful article delves into the complex interplay between love, freedom, and possession, using the metaphor of love locks, like those on the Pont des Arts, to explore deeper philosophical concepts. It reflects on how contemporary symbols of love, from padlocks to wedding bands, often contradict the ideals of existential freedom as championed by thinkers like Nietzsche and Sartre. The piece navigates the tension between the desire to secure love and the inherent vulnerability and unpredictability of romantic relationships, ultimately advocating for a balance between commitment and individual freedom in love.
11 Literary Pick Up Lines For The Chronically Dateless
This engaging piece humorously explores the effectiveness of pickup lines, particularly those inspired by literature, in the context of romantic pursuits. It playfully acknowledges the limitations of pickup lines while offering a unique Valentine's Day twist, suggesting literary quotes as potential conversation starters for those looking to impress book enthusiasts or simply to add a touch of charm and wit to their romantic endeavors.
This narrative offers a poignant and introspective view of navigating relationships and loneliness in the era of social distancing. The writer weaves together personal experiences of dating app connections, past relationships, and the challenges of forming meaningful connections during a pandemic. Amidst the backdrop of global isolation and changing social norms, the story captures the complexities of human interaction, the craving for intimacy, and the introspective journey of self-discovery and acceptance in unprecedented times.
Write A (Bitter Valentine) to (Your Therapist) In The Style Of A Yelp Review
ChatGPT attempts to capture the strongest human emotion: love.
This article provides an engaging exploration of the cultural and historical significance of conversation hearts, a staple of Valentine's Day candy. It delves into the evolution of their messages, reflecting societal changes and trends over the years. The piece highlights the delicate balance candy companies must strike between staying current and preserving the nostalgic charm of these classic sweets. It also touches on the broader context of the candy industry, illustrating how conversation hearts have adapted to the digital age while maintaining their role as a symbol of affection and sentimentality.
Big Time Sensuality: AnOther's Most Intimate Style Moments
In this essay, the author explores the evolution of Valentine's Day traditions and their relationship to modern expressions of sensuality and intimacy. They highlight five instances of extraordinary sensuality from AnOther's archive, showcasing diverse and nuanced depictions of sensuality that move beyond conventional Valentine's Day symbols like heart-shaped chocolates and cards. These moments range from Man Ray's photographs of muse Adrienne Fidelin, embodying natural ease and eroticism, to Robi Rodriguez and Jacob K's fetish-inspired imagery, representing a more adventurous and unconventional take on sensuality.
I love you.
If you’re single on valentine’s day, same. I promise there are ways to enjoy this holiday. And not to sound like a hallmark card, but you can find love in other platonic relationships that can mean just as much, if not more, than romantic love.
Oh! Here’s my valentine’s day pinterest board for some inspo / vibe checking.
That’s all for today.
All I want for valentine’s day is more of you, dear reader. If you haven’t subscribed already, it would mean the world to me to have you here more often. <3
See you tomorrow.
Bye <3
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A perfect film to add to this list would be Picnic at Hanging Rock. It gives that otherworldly vibe AND takes place on Valentine’s Day 💝