happy valentine's day

hello.

happy valentine’s day to you.

just a sweet note in case you’re feeling lonesome…

valentine’s day is about love, and not just romantic love- it’s about love in all its quiet, everyday forms. love for yourself, for your friends, for the things that make life feel like yours. spend this day indulging in whatever reminds you that love exists everywhere, especially in the spaces in between. if you’re spending it solo like me, here’s how i’m making the day feel a little softer and a little more special…

here’s my valentine’s day letter for extra references, ideas, etc…

• trader joe’s for flowers, heart-shaped ravioli, garlic bread, brownie mix, maybe wine? if they’re out of ravioli, grab pizza dough and make heart-shaped pizzas instead.

• burn your favorite candles (altar is the one i can’t stop obsessing over)

• wear your favorite perfume for nobody but yourself (this one to feel like a fairy, this one to feel like a woman, this one to feel crisp, fresh, and androgynous)

• if you’re like me and find comfort in the kitchen, spend some time browsing the nyt cooking website or app for a recipe that feels like a slow, rewarding process. i recommend this one or this one. put on a jazzy record, sip something you love, and lose yourself in it. (these look good: french onion soup or ratatouille, brownies or cheesecake for dessert)

• when in doubt, assemble a decadent, dionysian-inspired charcuterie board filled with your favorite cheeses, cured meats, dried fruits, nuts, olives, crackers—everything that feels indulgent.

• pick some comfort films to sink into. today, i’m in the mood for in the mood for love (2000). i’ll definitely be ending my night with be my valentine, charlie brown (1975) , and maybe 101 dalmatians (1961) if i’m still awake.

• take extra care with your morning and evening skincare routines. draw a bath if that’s your thing. take an everything shower. use your favorite soaps and lotions. make it an experience.

• put on your most luxurious, coziest pajamas

• listen to vintage radio jazz

• here’s another nostalgic, comforting soundtrack to play in the background

• read something that feels like love. maybe anais nin, madonna in a fur coat (one of my current reads), or something from my valentine’s day letter that speaks to you.

• make something sweet: brownies, dark chocolate-dipped strawberries, your favorite cookies, ice cream straight from the pint

• make homemade hot cocoa

• a long, indulgent journaling session—scrapbook, add stickers, write until your heart feels lighter

• if you’re into podcasts, let me recommend a few that fit the mood today

• lastly, here’s my valentine’s day youtube episode if you’re looking for something cozy, something to keep you company

if you’re reading this, i love you, and i hope you find ways to love yourself extra hard today.

if you’re not ready to become a paid subscriber and you have the capacity to leave a tip, that would be so appreciated.

i love you.

bye.

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