What to do on Valentine’s Day – loved up or not

I was on location working yesterday with lots of beautiful young women around me.

Valentine’s Day came up in conversation and one of the women said that she was flying out to Adelaide for the weekend to escape the day.

It got me to thinking – and reminiscing (can you reminisce if something is a bad memory?) about Valentine’s Days when I was her age.

I also would have escaped if I’d been smart enough to.

The thing is February 14 does come around every year.

I won’t feel guilty that I now – as one half of a smug couple – embrace the romance but I do wish I’d never spent my single years wallowing in my own petty pool of self pity.

It’s just one day.

It’s a day when you can – and should – take matters into your own hands, partnered or not!

For the record, I also embrace Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas – regardless of any cries of commercialism they may bring with them.

I understand it’s not for everyone but, hey, I enjoy any excuse for a celebration.

So, I’ve put together some ideas on what to do on Valentine’s Day – loved up with someone else or not – so hopefully you can plan a day of love should you wish to.

Spread the love, I say. The world needs it.

And because I love anything with a heart on it, you’ll also find a collection of gift ideas that I’d be happy to receive any time of year!

1. Typo card $4.98 | 2. Twenty8 Romance & Intimacy synergy aromatherapy blend $41.95 | 3. Typo chalkboard pegs $4.95 | 4. I Love Linen pillowcase $29.95 | 5. Sassy Mama Lingerie set $69

What to do on Valentine’s Day

Single

Plan ahead. February 14 is a Saturday this year so if you’re not working then plan out a day just for you – or for a group of your friends.

Go to the movies. Bradley Cooper is always a good idea. As is Reese Witherspoon.

Book a massage at a day spa. You’re so worth it. Choose somewhere where you can sit a while afterwards. With Champagne.

Book a weekend away – with friends – or by yourself. A health retreat weekend like Gwinganna is way better enjoy on your own.

Invite all your single friends over for a dinner party. Create a food theme, assign everyone a dish and ice down the sauvvy b.

Go shopping for yourself. Buy something outrageous and impractical. Or just plain fun. I fully endorse self gifting.

You don’t have to be in a relationship to like anything with a heart on it. Hearts are not just about romance; they’re about caring and compassion.

1. Pinata Press card $6.50 @ Down That Little Lane | 2. Le Creuset pie dish $45 | 3. Kerrie Hess Illustration for The Dairy phone case $45 | 4. Piper-Heidsieck Champagne $39.95 @ Dan Murphy’s | 5. Winter Design Space satchel $105 @ Down That Little Lane

Smug couple

Don’t dismiss this as just another day. Embrace and acknowledge your relationship on February 14 – and every day.

Take matters into your own hands and plan something for your partner that you really love enjoying together. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate but it should be something fun and meaningful.

Have a willing and ready babysitter? Head out for the evening. Most restaurants do a set menu on Valentine’s Day. If this is not your thing, go out the night before.

Have a VERY willing and ready babysitter who can look after the kids for the whole weekend or the night? … ESCAPE! A hotel staycation is always a good idea.

No babysitter? Dim the candles, light the candles and cook up a favourite meal at home together – after the kids are in bed.

Champagne is always a good idea.

Put away the phones, switch off the TV and TALK. Not about what’s on the schedule for next week but about shared good memories and hopes for the year ahead.

Gifts don’t have to cost a lot – if anything. How about a playlist of all your favourite songs … the 2015 version of a mixed tape? A written letter or poem?

When it comes to the buying gifts on Valentine’s Day – like buying gifts at any time – the key is always thinking about what the recipient loves. Not what you do.

Come to some kind of agreement on what you’ll spend on each other. It doesn’t have to be any kind of grand or expensive gesture (but hey if you do want to go down that path, do not let me stop you!). Whatever the expense, it should have some kind of meaning.

If you or your partner is into hearts than don’t hold back. Too many are never enough. #justsaying

Self love

You know I like to get a bit woo-woo with you occasionally? Well I’m doing it again.

My good friend, author and aromatherapist Kim Morrison taught me five years ago that self care and self love is essential.

Whether you’re in a relationship or not, this is the cornerstone to being happy within yourself. Other people can’t make you happy – only you can do that.

1. Lush soap $6.95/100g | 2. Cat Hammill necklace $39.95 @ Blue Bungalow | 3. Cartier LOVE bracelet (pink gold/sapphire) $6050 | 4. Fleurieu Gifts succulent heart centrepiece $49.95 @ Down That Little Lane | 5. Marquee light $219.95 @ Urban Nest Designs

So tell me … do you do Valentine’s Day? Escape or embrace? Anything on your wishlist?

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