I love Valentine's Day. I actually wish it came around more than once a year. I go crazy for the hearts, cherries, pink frosting, balloons, and love notes (obviously). Of course, I understand you might not be into this holiday for many totally valid reasons. So as I was thinking about this issue, I liked the idea of framing it not as a Valentine's Day letter in the traditional sense with pressures and expectations, but more of a BS lovefest — a guide to sharing expressions of love in an un-serious, maybe-spontaneous, casually joyful way.
You don’t have to make a plan. You do, however, need chocolate. Why we don't eat boxes of chocolate all year round will never make sense to me.
In the spirit of indulgence and love and you guys, I’ve designed a fun little BS Lovefest itinerary! It can apply whether you’ll be with friends, your significant other, or solo. I've spent more than a few Valentine's Days solo and feel strongly that it doesn’t have to be a bummer. Here’s...
1. Make waffles. Wake up to waffles! I’ve heard this is an easy recipe to make on a weekday morning with whatever you have in your pantry. Or try this, if you happen to have cocoa powder and buttermilk. I found a fabulous red waffle maker that is somehow $9.95. Heart-shaped waffles are kitschy — as a lovefest should be!
2. Wear the pink or red (it can be a sweatshirt). I love the idea of wearing a bright red sweater and your favorite pair of jeans. It’s an easy outfit formula. But knowing myself, there’s a high chance that I wake up on Valentine’s Day and want to put on sweats. But I'll make sure they’re pink.
For something not so in your face and on the nose, how great are these love letter cookies? My favorite emoji, because it reminds me of Beau (and all of you).
4. Turn up the volume on thoughtfulness. If you’re with a partner, use this day as an excuse to go overboard with kindness and consideration. It can be little things: Make the coffee, say “I love you” a few extra times. If you’re single, self-compassion and self-kindness are mottos for the day.
5. Go for the simple gift. See’s chocolate and a handwritten card. It feels almost too easy, kind of like gifting a candle. But if you’ve ever received a fabulous and never-before-smelled candle as a gift — that fills your home with tomato leaves or sandalwood— you know it’s special and a capital T treat. To me, chocolate is the same — everyone loves a creamy, nutty (not me), chewy, heart-shaped sweet they didn’t have to buy. That’s a cliché I stand by.
6. Yes, with a love note. Let’s face it, running out to buy a card is kind of inconvenient. It takes energy to get up and drive to a store. It takes time to find the perfect card (and I'm the person who will stand in the card section of the store and flip open every single one). Plus, you have to sit and reflect on that person and your relationship to write something meaningful inside. All of that effort is super romantic when you think about it.
7. Let the night be what it is. Comparison is the thief of joy, especially on Valentine's Day. Turn off your phone and do what sounds fun to you. For me, Valentine’s Day will most likely be a low-key evening. We'll pull out a recipe we haven't tried, cook it together, and turn in early. As much as I want to go on Pinterest and turn my house into a Valentine’s Day party (every single year), it always ends up being something way more casual, like a red balloon tied on a barstool in the kitchen next to a plate of pink-frosted cookies. So if you find yourself on the couch watching Notting Hill with a bowl of popcorn and pink M&Ms on Friday night, same. (Side note: M&Ms recently sent me a sweet package of M&Ms with ‘Beau’ written on them - I’ll share them on IG!)
Before we move to our Valentine’s Day-themed More BS, I wanted to say thank you! I’m so grateful to all of you who read these letters each week and share your Fridays with me. It’s all BS but there’s so much love here because of you.
TO EAT: These brown butter blondies. Cookie batter + pink M&M's = I can’t not make these.
TO LISTEN TO: Some great love songs. New dinner playlist.
TO SIP ON AT DINNER: Oops…that’s for next week ;)
TO SUPPORT: This gorgeous flower shop in Altadena was affected by the wildfires. If you’re buying a bouquet, get it here.
TO KNOW: How to reflex a rose. The best tip!
TO READ: Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn.
TO CELEBRATE: The freaking MVP!! Okay, this is a personal one, but I’m so damn proud of my fiancé!
Love,
Hailee (Beau)
Highlighting your comments on the previous week’s issue. Today, we hear Shealena’s response to Vampires & boobs.
“Thank you for using your platform to educate on the importance of breast health! In August I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32. I was shocked. I live a healthy lifestyle and don't have any family history, BUT because I did monthly exams, am familiar with my body, and advocated for myself, I caught it earlier on. I never thought this would be part of my journey at this age. It's so important to educate young women. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and women are getting diagnosed younger. I can't express enough how important it is to do monthly exams AND advocate for yourself and your health if you think something’s off! Appreciate this issue and its important message sooo much!” -Shealena
