by Miranda Voth & Style Contributor, Arielle Paech
Ah, February, welcome back. I’ve always had fond nostalgia for you. It usually means I have lost some weight thanks to my New Year’s resolution, a paid day off to spend with family, and the possibility of Spring at the end of the short month. But one thing that never fails to put a damper on my fantastic month is Valentine’s Day.
My usual V-day location is one traditionally used by couples: The cinema. But instead of snuggling up to my lover, I’m with my fellow single girlfriends, in the back row of a chick-flick. The twist: We drink martinis out of a flask and heckle love birds.
“How cliché, a movie on Valentine’s Day! Good for YOU TWO.”
Sad, I know. It has been the perfect way to deflect feelings of loneliness and inadequacy that are brought on by the 14th to an otherwise independently happy individual. But don't get me wrong, I hate it when I'm single and taken.
But if the superficial reason for Valentine’s Day is about buying things for your mate to strengthen a romantic relationship, then I shall look into it for myself!
I have narrowed down my shopping list to cover the five staples of Valentine’s Day:
ur single friends happy on V-day this year.
Staple #1: Public Displays of Affection (PDA): I have no one to send me flowers and a box of chocolates - I eat what I want because he loves me anyway - at work to cause jealousy in my office, so I would like to send myself a treat that’s not entirely guilt ridden. Edible Arrangements are the perfect mix of a healthy snack, with the chocolate indulgence I crave on Valentine’s Day. I will absolutely act surprised when the delivery person drops it off at the front desk! No one has to know they’re not from a secret admirer named Enrique.
Staple #2: A Gift of Pampering: Since we’re talking love here, I can openly say “I love you” to manicures, facials, massages, and mud wraps. The most fulfilling part is that I have no reason to be a commitment-phobe with them because as long as I invest my money, I will leave happy, and go back whenever I want.
Dove Spas have popped up all over Toronto in the last year. They’re running a promotion for V-Day too:Buy a $50 gift card and get a free box of Godiva chocolate. (In which case I will consider re-nagging what I said about chocolate, since it’s free and all)
Staple #3: Open Something Sparkly:
The 14th maybe the most popular day to get engaged, but buying your own rock will spare you the hesitation to say ‘I do.’ Try this sparkling cocktail ring from Banana Republic.
Staple #4: A bottle to pop: Up grade your night, not matter what your plans with the Grand Dame of champagne herself, Veuve Cliquot. Available at LCBO
Staple #5: Sexy Ambiance: Tocca’s Candele da Viaggio boxed set can set the mood for a romantic night in the bedroom or a relaxing one in the bathroom, available at Sephora.
Once the mood is set, cozy up in this berry pink satin Stella McCartney bra and panties set and keep your tootsies warm in these heart printed socks from Old Navy.
