MAD ABOUT VALENTINE'S + GALENTINE'S DAY

THE BEST LOVES ARE THE ONES WHO MAKE YOU BETTER & MORE Y O U

Okay my lovely followers and devoted Mad About Manhattaners, it's that day, the day where commercial views of love run rampant in your city or hometown, where every convenience store is dripping with red, pink, and candy!  Yep, it's Valentine's Day.  I have mixed views on this holiday because I am an extremely lovey dovey person by nature and do not believe you should only go out of your way to express your true feelings for just one day.  I make it a point to tell my family, girlfriends and best buddies how much they mean to me often.  Because life is short!  You never want to wish you had told someone how much they meant to you or how you really feel about a person.  

Since I am Single this Valentine's Day of 2018, I have been reflecting on my past relationships and friendships.  The overlapping theme I keep seeing is: GROWTH.  I have really embraced my own skin and formed a strong sense of Self Love.  To the beautiful couples out there holding hands on their way to breakfast or morning coffee at Starbucks, horray!  I am so happy for you, truly.  You have someone that makes you feel secure, loved and cared for.  That is what we all search for and hope to find one day.  My only 2 cents here is, Make Sure You Are Ready, for when that special person comes.  "How will I be ready?" you ask?  By looking deep into your core and loving YOU first.  It may sound cheesy and take a long time to come to terms with who you are and your demons but trying to fill a hole that only You can fill with someone else ends in heartbreak and disaster for everyone (IE: Last post, Mad About Pain).

Once you feel like you are in a good place emotionally and mentally I swear to you Cupid will send you your match!  Not a Tinder swipe, a real person who is ready, too.  So, now that my motherly nurturing Pre-School Teacher advice giving self has gotten that out, let's talk about fun ways to celebrate this day...and every day in regards to love.  I am celebrating with my New York ladies!  Thus, Galentine's Day reference.  It took me a long time to realize what Galentine meant, Blonde Moment.  Even though some of my girls are in a relationship and some are not, we make it a point to celebrate our friendship!  Of course this is best done over wine and bad TV.  Having women who support women around you is life changing and saving.  My only advice to anyone who feels lonely and lost is: find or make your TRIBE.  

CHEAP & FREE ACTIVITIES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY:

1. If you live in warm weather (jealous), PICNIC!  Grab a blanket, wine & a basket of yummies, even store bought sandwiches to catch the sunset = perfect bliss.
2. If you live in cold NYC or East Coast, Walk through that park but hustle to an adorable coffee shop after to snag hot cocoas with whipped cream.
3. GAME NIGHT!  Get playful & lightly competitive with your love and see the fun side come out over silly games or cards.
4. Wine & Paint Night at your house or special store, see who's better at bringing that basket of fruit to life.
5. Read to each other (I personally think this is beyond intimate & so romantic) Whether it be poetry, a fiction story or the news, it's special.
6. BOWL BABY! If it's too expensive to bowl near you (aka NYC) then create a makeshift bowling alley in your ouse with pins or empty plastic bottles or even toilet paper rolls!  You will be surprised how much fun this is- taken from my Teaching days.
7. Write each other notes, cards, dreams or lists about and for each other.  Extremely free, easy and amazingly sweet.
8. Massage, who would turn that down?  Whether you book one somewhere nice or cozy up at home, this one never goes out of style.
9. Take a drive and get lost, go somewhere you have never been before, try a new diner, make friends with the waiter, grab a bag of candy or treats and hit the road with no set destination.
10. Take a boxing or spinning class together, working up a sweat and challenging each other builds the friendship and camaraderie side of a relationship besides the romantic chemistry.

CHEAP & FREE ACTIVITIES FOR GALENTINE'S DAY:

1. Did someone say GIRLS' NIGHT?! Everyone brings a snack and or drink of their choice and settle into that couch and dish on life.  AKA Therapy.
2. See the 3rd 50 Shades of Grey movie and giggle through it with too much popcorn.
3. Crafting, grab some Michael's art supplies and create something cute while building memories.
4. Check out live comedy, nothing like laughing with your girls!
5. Volunteer.  This is so refreshing and rewarding and a wonderful experience to share with a best friend helping others and doing good in your community.
6. DANCE! Hit up that questionable bar where you can't see the floor and let loose with your ladies.
7. Run or walk around the city or by the river.  This is one of my favorite things to do with my one girlfriend we air everything out in our lives while getting fresh air and not having to dress up!
8. BRUNCH baby! 'Nuff said.
9. Let's be honest, shopping. Whether it be for antiques, a sale or a splurge every time you step into a store it is better with your best friend.
10. Cook, make something or bake something delicious or awful with the people who would never judge you!

Alright my Valentine's and Galentine's Day lovers, I hope I perked your day up a bit if you were feeling down or gave you some extra fun ideas for today or this weekend!  The photos you see in this shoot are my favorite to date with my girl Ronnie Deng who is a Queen behind the camera.  The red dress is Ralph Lauren & the pink sweater is H&M for $20!! Go find em, they're a steal and sooo cozy.  Sending you all the love, have a wonderful day my friends!! Xo A