The season of love approaches and despite everyone’s best efforts every year, the holiday still pushes an over arching narrative of romantic love and relationships. Couples are everywhere, Valentines date ideas flood social media and red hearts adorn everything. It’s easy to be a bit of a grinch this time of year, even aside from the overly romantic notions of February, as the weather and our social lives suffer a wash out. But at Curvy Kate, we want to remind you to buy yourself the flowers.
Celebrating Valentines doesn’t have to be candle lit dinners and cuddly teddys with love hearts stitched to their hands. Love isn’t just about the grand gestures and expensive presents, and neither is self love.
Self reflection
Hot off the heels of the new year, showing some self love at Valentines can be a great excuse to reflect. Now we’re past the January slump, it’s a great opportunity to look at your goals for the year, to start journaling and to set some good intentions. If you’re opting for some traditional brain dump journaling, try exploring what love means to you or writing about the love you already have in your life. Alternatively try writing a love letter to yourself to open next valentines or take some time for a peaceful, cosy candle lit evening in the bath to reflect, think and relax
The hard tasks
Nothing says ‘I love myself’ more than tackling the hard tasks. Maybe not the most glamorous use of Valentines, but a great way to look after yourself and your mind, this Feb 14th is the perfect excuse for a wardrobe clear out or a deep scrub of the kitchen. Change your sheets, make your space a relaxing one, pop to IKEA for some new towels or hang up the pictures you’ve been meaning to for six months. Investing in your space is a great way to invest in yourself and your mind- clean, tidy and cosy surroundings do have a positive impact on our mental and physical health- pop on a chick flick sound track and get to work.
Hosting
Looking to avoid the loved-up couples in every restaurant, try hosting a few friends for a Valentines dinner or evening. This can be a great bonding experience, way to introduce different parts of your social circle to each other or a chance to try something new. Whether you plan a chocolate fuelled movie marathon with matching pyjamas and a few fluffy blankets or opt for a sociable dinner, it’s a cheap, loved filled alternative to Bridget Jones style sofa wallowing alone. You could even inject some love themed games into the night, like personality quizzes, a game of Mr and Mrs (friends style) or something silly like a valentines version of headbandz.
But mostly, Valentines is about love, something we all have tucked away somewhere in our lives. Take the opportunity to call you mum, send a letter or email to a friend or simply indulge in some self love with a little retail therapy (Curvy Kate’s Zen bralette makes for a great dose of self love). Be gentle with yourself and let the season take you where it will. Buy some flowers for your bedroom, take some time to relax and be your own perfect date!
