Tomorrow is the Busiest Day of the Year for the ❤️Emoji
So let's talk about love.
Happy Thursday…
Winding things up this week with a lovefest.
First, Happy Galentine’s Day.
If you don’t already have plans with your besties today, this may be your sign. Or at least send them a text or call to let them know how much they mean. 👯♀️
If you need justification for a night out with the girls, USA Today will back you up. Here’s how they described Galentine’s Day:
It's a day to leave husbands, boyfriends, and significant others at home to gather with other women and to celebrate female friendships − often over a boozy-filled brunch, lunch or dinner.
So go have that boozy-filled brunch.
And, hey, tomorrow is Valentine’s Day!
The day to share love and candy hearts that communicate our love, like, or dislove. (Not a word, I know.) There are traditional sayings like BE MINE, YOU’RE CUTE, MUST BE LOVE, and then there are some funny (kinda PG13) sayings that you can find here. While at the grocery store yesterday, I saw a new (to me at least) heart that cracked me up:
At any rate. Regardless of what kind of candy hearts you’re dolling out, I always like Valentine’s Day because it feels like one of those days when people are just nicer to each other. Whether you’re singled, paired, or wondering WTF is up with your relationship, Valentine’s Day is set aside to celebrate love.
An outfit in Australia called Roses Only describes Valentine’s Day like this:
St Valentine's Day is an annual festival celebrating romantic love, friendship, and admiration. Every year, on 14 February, people celebrate this day by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family, and friends.
Various publications have different takes on the day. Bride Magazine’s Valentine’s Day explanation is not surprising; Real Simple Magazine answers, “How did a Christian holiday become a modern-day celebration of romance?” (great question). And OMG, stop what you’re doing and watch what these kids say about the day. My favorite ~ is the girl saying, “Wait, is it God’s birthday?” (Not quite, Virginia.) And most of these kids thought it was a day for caring and making cards for friends.
Some people look at the day as an excuse to play all the love songs they listened to in high school and dish over old breakups. That’s always fun.
In addition to the lovefest…
There’s chocolate. 💝
Flowers.🌹
Presents.🎁
Hearts everywhere. ❤️💕💜
And, of course, romance, maybe some proposals💍, and first dates.
Do you have an epic Valentine’s story? Drop a comment!
I have one…
Growing up, my mom always made Valentine’s Day special. Every year, she had a card for my dad and one for me, and then she'd always have cookies or a special dessert. Then, maybe 10 or so years ago, Valentine’s Day fell on the weekend, so my parents came for dinner. True to tradition, my mom brought a card and homemade cookies, presented in a chocolates box. I still have that box and now use it to store my mud doll nativity figurines. (Sidenote: If I were a nativity scene figurine, I would want to be stored in a heart-shaped box, too. Wouldn’t you?) At any rate, I absolutely treasure both the box and the note from my mom.
All of this leads nicely to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week.
Regardless of whether you celebrate or ignore Valentine’s Day,
it brings up one of the most universal truths ~
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE.
It’s true.
Love makes everything better.
Just like heart shaped cookies in a heart shaped box. Made by your mom.
Perfection.
Here’s to a Happy Pal/Gal/Valentine’s Day!
(Basically, I wish you a day of ❤️. Whatever that looks like for you!)
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You can access those links weekly, plus special pop-up newsletters, by taking advantage of the February SALE!
And now… the links!
Eat chocolate, and give back at the same time. (Because when you do this, it negates the calories.) Click this delicious link for details.
Looking for a last-minute gift for her? (Or yourself?) These are maybe the most gorgeous charms I’ve ever seen.
Hey, did you know Random Acts of Kindness Week is next week? That would be a great way to keep the Valentine's love vibe going. (Also, are you like me and thinking, There’s a Random Acts of Kindness Week?)
But back to Valentine’s Day - first, let’s see what’s on sale this weekend. Also, don’t miss these President’s Day Sales at Amazon, in tech, and everything in between.
Maybe you think going to France would be a romantic Valentine’s Day… complete with a leisurely lunch at a cozy cafe, a glass of wine, and a Winter Niçoise Salad. Recreate that vibe at home with this recipe, and check out more goodness from healthy recipe developer Justine Doiron. Sign me up for this chickpea fried egg bowl.
Can you see yourself here? Photo by Camille Brodard on Unsplash And in case you’re wondering, Skyscanner says March is the cheapest time to fly to France. Or, look for a last-minute deal from Apple Vacations or Costco. (And yes! Costco is a great place to book a vacay.)
While you’ve got the travel bug, try The 25 Best Beaches Around the World or The Best Places to Visit in February in 2025.
Finally, if flying or week-long adventures are out of the question, why not take a weekend getaway? (Or even mid-week for better rates.)
Back to dining suggestions… make this salmon dinner to impress your special someone or any dinner guest. Note: the only thing I’d do is replace canola oil with avocado or olive oil. (No me gustan seed oils.)
After your salmon, how about a healthy dessert?
My sister Beth sent me the recipe below. It’s delish - she served it last time my husband and I had dinner at her house.
Healthy Chocolate Mousse
Servings: 4
Cooking Time: 5 minutes, 30 minutes set time
Ingredients:
4 ounces dark chocolate (80% cacao or greater)
12 ounces of silken tofu
2 tbsp maple syrup
Chopped tree nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans), for garnish
Blueberries, strawberries, and/or blackberries for garnish
Fresh mint or lavender, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
1. In double boiler, melt the chocolate over medium heat, stirring periodically to prevent scorching. When the chocolate has completely melted, add the silken tofu and maple syrup. Stir to combine.
2. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and whip until fluffy. Spoon the mousse into individual ramekins or serving cups. Place in fridge to cool and set for at least 30 minutes.
3. To serve, top with crushed nuts, berries, and mint leaves, if desired. Enjoy!
If you don’t like tofu, here’s another option.
Whether it’s Valentine’s or a Tuesday night in April, here’s an article with suggestions for the perfect night. While you’re at it, try this Slow Down Playlist.
Or, how about a movie about love but not necessarily romantic? And do not forget these classics.
Speaking of taking the romance pressure out of Valentine’s Day, the downside of love in the air are “status” questions like “Are you dating anyone?” which can be annoying if you’re single. Been there, get that. If you can relate, here’s a newsletter for all the single ladies. ( Go ahead, sing it.)
These happy kids just spread love automatically.
Five Podcasts that can make you happier and feel better. (And therefore more apt to spread love.)
And with that… I’m going to wrap things up and repost the billboard pic.
For the third time. (Thanks, Jose, for taking that pic!)
It says it all.