Treating Yourself. To A Self-Date.

Treating Yourself. To A Self-Date.
It's Valentines week, in case you're behind the curve on your candy purchases. Valentines Day seems to evoke a wide variety of emotions, depending on where you're at in life. Perhaps you're a hopeless romantic and you adore the notion of dreamy flowers and treats. Or you might be rocking independence this season and the idea of V-Day brings up mixture of annoyance and pity for those who dote on it's sentiment. Perhaps you're somewhere in the middle, one of those "it's not a real holiday, so why celebrate?" types. I have found myself have oscillating between these range of emotions. But I feel like there is one element people tend to neglect when it comes to this day: celebrating themselves. You don't have to wait for someone else to make you feel special or important. Take some time for you!

I love myself. I'm a fun girl. And I know that I'm worth a little pampering every now and then. When the winter is making me sad and I'm missing my family and friends (and growing larger by the day), I know it's time to enact a Self-Date. What is the Self-Date? You're gonna want to know. You're gonna want to do this, too.

Ways to celebrate YOU. 
1. You like flowers.
So treat yourself. Those tulips would look nice on you.

2. You like pretty nails.
So get a manicure. And pick a FUN color. I'm sporting a shade of purple that a 5th grader would wear. Because I can.

3. You like hot beverages (especially in this weather.)
Splurge on that ridiculously overpriced herbal tea with the jasmine. YOU DESERVE IT. Even better, for all you non-pregnants, order a nice glass of vino. Mmm I miss my old friend, red wine.

4. You like to read.
Pick a totally indulgent read and immerse yourself in the story. Snuggle up on your couch (with the above-mentioned bevvy nearby). Maybe light a yummy candle. Perhaps throw on some John Legend, crooning in the background (didn't he just kill it at the Grammys?) Perfection.

Other add-ons? Take yourself to see a movie (and don't forget the Sour Patch!), treat yourself to some fun art supplies, invest in a cooking class or those personal training sessions you've wanted. The point of all this? To remind yourself that you are worth it. It's not just about loving yourself. It's about treating yourself better than you even think you deserve. Because if you don't, how can you expect others to?

Would you add something else to this list? Who's joining with me on the Self-Date? 'Tis the season!

Be Mine: Valentines Day Gift Guide For Her & Him

Celebrate love! Buy presents! There are my two favorite things. It's almost Valentines Day, and that means that you have the opportunity to tell your loved ones what they mean to you. Boys, girls, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents - everyone deserves to know why they are precious to you. Take this opportunity to show them how you feel. Tell them why they are cherished. I've compiled a gift guide specifically for that extra-special guy or gal in your life. Go ahead. You have permission to wow.

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For Her...
ONE // Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar Candle
Every woman wants this candle. This is THE candle at our beloved Anthropologie. We won't buy it for ourselves. But you could buy it for ourselves.

TWO // Boite A Savon Bath Salts
Oooh la la, any guy who encourages his lady to take a bubble bath is automatically THE MAN. And if he gives her these luxurious bath treats, she will be singing his praises for a long time to come. First seen (and most easily purchased) here. Peace and tranquility, anyone?

THREE // Warby Parker Glasses
 Give the gift of vision. For only $95 (anyone who has to buy glasses knows what a steal of a deal this is), you can try out 5 different pairs of glasses for 5 days. Keep the ones you want, return the rest. Oh, and the bonus? They will send a pair of glasses to someone in need, on your behalf. I love gifts that keep on giving.

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For Him...
ONE // Instagram on Canvas
He snaps those photos, but wouldn't he like to savor them? Print his Instagrams to canvas and experience the moment all over again. First seen here, this radical gift will be treasured for many Instagrams to come.

TWO // Growler Beer
"On tap" beer you can bring home. Isn't this every man's dream? Growlers come in 1/2-gallons, so not only is this pretty much the freshest beer you could have outside a bar, it's also a decent amount. Perfect for a picnic for two. Inside your home. On the couch. Check out your local breweries (and select liquor stores) to see if they carry growlers. You can even get them refilled! My local spot is the Harpoon Brewery, which has been on my Boston Bucket list for a while now... now I've got a reason to hit it!

THREE // Skyfall on Blu Ray
This is the action flick of the year. I personally think that Javier Bardem should win an Oscar for his performance in this latest installment of the James Bond trilogy. Experience it over and over again in HD. Order with ease here.

I hope you have the happiest of happy Valentines Day. Remember that these gifts reflect your love for your sweetheart, but only YOU can tell them why they are so special to you. So don't forget that part, too. I wish you many hugs and smooches.