Vday (self) lovin’
Many people find valentine’s day a fake/commercial holiday, and of course in a lot of ways it can be. BUT, I have to be honest, I absolutely love it. The vibe of valentine’s day is really on brand for me, mostly the colour scheme if I am being honest, and why can’t we just love a day about love. I also really appreciate any excuse to decorate, dress up, and show my sweet husband how important he is to me. This does not mean that we do elaborate gifts or even that we are able to have a dinner together on the actual day, as often he works, but just little things like a card, some cute texts, some chocolate and his favourite beer left out when he is done his shift, are all sweet little extras to do on a day about showing love. I will say our first valentine’s day as a married couple I expected him to do something as we were away on vacation, and he did not. I was not a happy camper. In hindsight I absolutely overreacted because hello we were on vacay but sometimes you just want something extra, right? Anyways, my husband is beyond lovely and goes above and beyond for me all the time so really a little vday mix-up is nothing to get my knickers in a knot over. All of that being said I think something we often forget, and I know especially as a mom this can be way too true, is to show yourself some love. This can mean anything. Positive affirmations, buying yourself a gift, getting your hair done, taking a long walk alone . . . Anything that allows you to give yourself some much needed and much deserved relaxation, kindness and self love.
I thought it might be nice for us all to take a minute to celebrate ourselves this love day season so here are a few ideas of “self” love activities to spark some extra niceness towards ourselves . . .
Take a bath. As basic as this sounds having a bath with all the “fixings” ie, bath salts, bubbles, a mask, a good book, etc., can really do wonders for you in terms of relaxation. Take out all the baby toys (or is that just me that needs to do this?), light some candles, put on some spa music and really take the time for yourself to just be present in the nothingness. Game changer.
Speaking of spa, treat yo self. For me any type of spa service truly brings me back to life. Since the pandemic my regular nail and spa routine has gone down the toilet however being able to take a few hours here and there to get a mani/pedi, or a facial, are absolutely pivotal in helping me feel important and prioritized. Book yourself a little something and added points if you get some kind of heart nail art this go around!
** linking three of my fav, local, spots to go (but FYI there are a million great ones!)
Ah Nautrel - Favourite services: shellac mani/pedis, the massages that come with are heavenly.
Muskoka Aesthetics - LASHES - the best, no question. Also living for their new dermaplaning services.
Le Nails - Acrylic/ fake nails, they are no question the best in the business. Ask for Tony and thank me later for the best nails you’ll ever have.
Have a meal alone. Or a drink. Or anything. Go sit somewhere, your favourite restaurant, at your house with takeout and no one else home, anything. Just give yourself the time to relax, eat your food hot (if you are a mom you get it), and just embrace not having to converse with anyone. It is really relaxing if you can get over feeling strange sitting alone (tip sit at the bar), or if that is too much home alone is great too. Just spend time treating yourself to a nice meal and glass of wine (and have one for me please). ** SUPPORT YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT **
Buy yourself something pretty. I know for a lot of women, and mom’s especially, we feel almost guilty buying something nice for ourselves, or splurging on an outfit that we think we might not get a chance to wear often. But truly, if it makes you feel good, do it for yourself. Grab that cute top, buy that pretty dress, add to cart those sparkly earrings, whatever it is you have been wanting that you know will make you look and feel great, just do it. (I want to note I have no trouble treating myself and someone should stop me LOL).
In case you need some inspo here is a little something I have added to my “treat yo self” list. I really should not, but probably will . . .
Girls Night. I think spending time with your besties, especially after so much time apart during this panny, gives us a life. Make a girls love night of it. Tell your friends they are important to you, have a little at home spa and wine night, gossip about your partners, complain about your job, whatever you need. Show love to those special babes around you and I can guarantee you will be feeling the love yourself.
Purely adding this photo because it is a throwback from 2019 with some of my girls at goat yoga and there is not much I would not give to go back and do this again right this minute.
There are so many things you can do for yourself to show and receive love from you to you. It feels silly to say sometimes but we all have to show love to ourselves and make sure our cups are full so we can keep filling up the cups of all the people that count on us. Let me know how you are showing yourself love this love day season over on the gram. Have a great week babes, LOVE YA!
xo