It’s that time of year y’all… time to either get really excited for Valentine’s Day, or to completely boycott the Hallmark holiday. I’ve for sure been on both ends of the spectrum. It was way bigger of a deal when I was younger, that’s for sure. I did love passing out valentines in grade school and getting crafty, but I always remember there being stress around this holiday. There’s basically either pressure to not mess it up if you’re in a relationship, OR guilt slash bad feelings if you’re single. It’s pretty silly and I kinda hate it slash usually avoid it. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever actually celebrated this holiday other than a girlfriends brunch once? Reservations are usually too difficult to get on that night anyway!

But instead of being all negative-nancy-pants and writing this off as a useless holiday, I got to thinking about all the good that comes with it. Wearing cute pink or red clothes, lots of chocolate (obviously), and the fact that, at the end of the day, this holiday celebrates love. Whether that’s love you’re sharing with a partner, your family, a BFF, or your self – there ain’t nothin’ wrong with spreadin’ a little love (even if it is on a totally arbitrary day).

5 Steps to a Happy Valentine’s Day

To keep the positive vibes going and to not be a total downer on a holiday that I don’t necessarily enjoy, I wanted to make it that exactly – enjoyable! I started thinking of cute ways to celebrate – maybe throwing a girl’s brunch or having self-care day. But then I realized I was putting pressure back on myself to make the holiday amazing! It’s a vicious cycle y’all! Instead, I wanted to find simple ways to make it a happy day. And I ended up with five things – or steps – to getting there.

Since V-Day is on a Tuesday this year (womp womp), I put together a little plan for after work. A little 5-step program to having a great night. Wanna join?!

Step 1: Cute, comfy lounge wear

Something that makes me my most happiest is being in comfortable clothes. As in the second I get home from shooting or meetings or whatever. So the first step for having a nice lil’ V-day night is treating yourself to new lounge clothes. I actually just ordered a few of these things to have ready for the 14th, and I know I’ll enjoy them all year.

Step 2: Easy food

If you feel like cooking, get ingredients to make an easy, stress-free meal (like something from my meal plans, duh). Have them delivered on Instacart if you don’t feel like grocery shopping.

Or if takeout is the key to your heart, do that! Order your most favorite meal and let someone else do the cooking. Slash you could also use UBEReats or some sort of meal-delivery service to deliver it to you as well! I’m so guilty of WAY too much of this and my credit card bill shows me the scary reality each month (it’s bad, but getting better now that I’ve got the meal plans!)

On a side note – I’ve been obsessed with the salad from Week 3, so that’s what I’ll be making.

Step 3: Wine

I mean, duh, right? Valentine’s Day doesn’t exist without it (OK unless you’re under 21, lulz). And this is my favorite step, btw. Treating yourself to a nice bottle of your favorite wine – it is a holiday after all! – and not feeling guilty about it. Pour yourself a nice big glass, in your PJs, with your dinner and r.e.l.a.x.

Step 4: Self-care

Since I don’t remember or have the time to incorporate self-love most days, making this a step and priority on V-day is crucial. Can’t celebrate love without lovin’ yourself, am I right?

There are a ton of self-care things you can do depending on what feels best: Draw a hot bubbly bath, diffuse some oil and read after dinner, put on a face mask (my fav), manicure, journal (also love) – whatever.

These are some ingredients to a majorly relaxing self-care step.

Step 5: Romantic comedy

Because you have to on Valentines Day. Curl up in bed with your computer, or on your couch in front of the TV. There are so many appropriate movies to binge on this day, and how fun is the idea of a movie night ON A TUESDAY?!

Some of my favorites for the occasion: Notting Hill, How to Lose a Guy in 10 days (YASSS) , The Notebook (duh), About time, Love & Basketball, Pretty Women.

Did I miss anything?

What about YOU?! Do you have plans yet? Slash do you PLAN on HAVING plans?! lol. To be completely honest, I have zero plans as of right this second but I’m still hoping I’ll get some (hehe) . But really though, on the topic of having a happy valentine’s day, did I miss anything?? Let’s chat about it :)

Outfit Details: BLANKNYC Suede Moto Jacket // Wayf Wrap Front Blouse // Ray-Ban 50mm Folding Glasses // Paige Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jeans // Heart String Earrings