valentine's day for one.

happy valentine’s day. solo? it's time to treat yourself.

hey there and happy valentine’s day. do you believe in the romance of this holiday, or is it just commercial propaganda brought to us by hallmark cards? i’m single (as per usual) this year, but i think i’ll just celebrate me! i mean it’s all about self-love these days so why not show yourself a little extra care and do something special for yourself as an act of true love? the possibilities are quite endless, but perhaps you need a few ideas to embrace the day solo. never fear, i’m here to give you a few hints on how to spend your special day doing exactly what you want to do.

first of all, play hooky. hey, i know it’s only tuesday, but c’est la vie. it seems to me that you’ve got a low-grade fever and you’re probably very contagious. it’s still early, so skip work. turn the phone on airplane mode and treat yourself right. stay in bed all damn day (these pillowcases serve as a swell reminder). you deserve a rest.

you don’t have to sleep — you can watch all your favorite movies. amélie? check! eternal sunshine of the spotless mind, cleo from 5 to 7 — thought-provoking masterpieces. wes anderson is always good for our inner child — moonrise kingdom or the royal tenenbaums for a couple of quirky little stories that are sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step (the soundtracks alone are worth a watch).

or, stay under the covers with a good book. maybe a great book. i find literary escapes some of the best. or go totally nuts and visit your local public library — they’re so old-school romantic, don’t you think? or go to your favorite old bookshop and sit and read a classic, or better yet discover some love poems — pablo neruda, anyone? mary oliver’s dog songs is a personal favorite and yes, they’re poems about dogs. or take a book with you and read in your favorite secret spot.

how about treating yourself to some art? i joined lacma because not only do i get to soak up all kinds of artful inspiration, i figure their regular social events could be just the place to meet mister sfgirlbybay. can’t hurt, right? and i love a lazy solo day at the museum with or without hot art-loving guys. or maybe you spend the day researching artists you never knew much about before — like a favorite of mine margaret kilgallen, a bay area artist who died much too soon — her story is a true love story. the joan didion exhibition currently on at the hammer museum might be a good visit, too. art is always good for the soul.

maybe this is the obvious choice but do treat yourself to a little pampering. a trip to your favorite spa or a massage — nothing like it to make you feel anew. or, still feeling like hanging in your pj’s? try priv — a new app where they come to you – mani, pedis, blowouts you name it. want to try something a little daring and very valentine-ish? kristen ess has a rose gold temporary tint for your hair. if you’ve always wanted to try pink hair — do it! i double dare you. too chicken? try wearing a wig for the day.

maybe take a day trip somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. sometimes i just get in the car and drive without any real destination in mind. or, i’ve got an idea of where i’d like to end up and i just meander there slowly — via the long, scenic route. i’ve taken some of my favorite photographs on trips like these. maybe take a film camera or a throwaway camera just for nostalgia’s sake — there’s nothing like film. but just wander. run amuck. drive down a street you’ve never driven before. drive down the block you grew up on. just go where you want to go.

make yourself a mixed tape to take along on the ride — or a spotify playlist if that’s your jam. i make myself all kinds of playlists on spotify — and i made you this one just for you — sentimental idiot. i love all kinds of music and i’ve got a mix for every mood. i find making these mixes quite therapeutic, too. an appropriate song to put on your playlist just might be this new one by miley cyrus, flowers.

and lastly, “you’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like there’s nobody listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth (thanks for that quote, william w. purkey). be kind to yourself. be sure and buy yourself some fresh flowers. heck, buy yourself a tree — plant it in your yard to remind yourself that every day you’re growing and you’re gorgeous, weird, and wonderful just as you are.

happy valentine’s day!  xo, victoria