The other day I was writing in my planner, like the good college student I am, and was trying to fill in everything that's due over the next couple of weeks. Being so close to the holiday, I flipped to Feb. 14. Like every planner, calendar, agenda, etc. it was already printed onto the page, considering it being the national holiday of love and all that. I marked it out. I took the pen in my hand (it was pink, how ironic) and scratched right through those two words. Bitter? You're probably right.
Immediately after my miniature temper tantrum, I wrote in the only important celebration of the month; Feb. 13, Galentine's Day. In the words of the wise Leslie Knope from Parks & Recreation, Galentine's Day is, "It's only the best day of the year... Ladies celebrating ladies. It's like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas." I know I'm not alone when I say that this IS the best day of the year. So rarely do us girls get to celebrate each other for being great friends, mothers, sisters, and so much more. As this wonderful celebration quickly approaches us, I decided to come up with a few ways for all of us girls participating to have a memory filled adventure.
1. Sleep in and go get brunch.
What's a holiday if you can't sleep in? I know some people prefer to wake up early and go get the day, but girl, treat yourself. The day can wait. After all, February 13 is all about us girls to do as we please. Plus, who doesn't like a good brunch with your favorite people?
2. Go for a hike.
While you're at it, bring a couple of hammocks and post up in some trees on top of the mountain. The outdoors do something to the soul that nothing inside could ever do. Exchange stories, gossip about old crushes, or just sit there in silence, soaking in the sunshine and letting mother nature join in on the festivities.
3. Pizza, lots and lots of pizza.
Honestly, every holiday should have pizza at some point. Whether it's late at night while you and the girls are watching Pretty Woman, or for lunch time at your favorite pizza place, just make sure you have it. Anyone who argues against this is false. Pizza makes everything better, especially Galentine's Day.
4. Do something that isn't "the norm."
Change is good! It's okay to not go to that same nail salon you all have always gone to. Maybe try one that's across town where the people don't know you at all, so you can tell them the importance of this awesome day. Maybe go roller blading or go in public WITHOUT wearing make up (I know, crazy idea). Maybe go to a town a couple hours away that none of you have been to and find the gem in that town that makes it great. Whatever it is, make memories, the kind you tell your children and great grandchildren about the year Galentine's Day changed forever, in the best of ways possible.
5. GO OUT.
Go out in public! Yes, it is perfectly fine to stay at home all huddled up under pillows and blankets, sharing secrets and giggles, but it is also perfectly fine to let the world see you. Doll yourselves up in your best dresses and lipstick and go out. Go to a fancy dinner, go get cheesecake, go get drinks at the new club and dance the night away. You don't need a man to take you out when you are surrounded by your best of friends.
6. Pick a different name and story for the night.
Sometimes living the same life every single day over and over again can get draining; use this day to become someone new. Instead of Hannah the sweet barista just going out with her friends for the evening, become Victoria, the cold talent agent scouting for someone to represent and give her a hefty Christmas bonus, or Ivy, the well traveled PhD student who just came back from studying in London for three years under a famous chancellor. Now don't get crazy and make bad decisions, but who could a little fun harm?
7. Don't count calories.
That's just a rude thing to do, truly. Forget that spring break body you've been telling all your friends you're going to start working towards, trust me, today is not that day. Eat that piece of cake, scratch that eat the whole cake. That fourth slice of pizza? Yeah that's yours. Extra fries? Of course why do you even have to ask. Today is the day that emotional eating transforms into just a never ending stomach. Once one of you gets the hang of this, the rest of you will understand and join in.
8. Be creative.
Channel your inner hipster. Go buy a couple of canvases, coffee mugs, frames and some paints, and surf Pinterest until you find the perfect thing to create. Get an adult coloring book and de-stress yourself. Get those imagination juices flowing. Exchange them with each other at the end, for your gal's are the real reason for this day!
9. Have a photo shoot.
Put on your most wild, sexy, flashy, out of this world outfit, over exaggerate every make up touched feature or go naturally flawless, find a nifty background, and pose. Be fun, be flirty, be independent. Laugh and smile until your cheeks hurt and your abs shake. Choose your favorite individual, duo, trio or group picture and post them ALL over social media. You'll be blessing everyone's TL.
10. Turn off your phone.
Really, who do you need to talk to that isn't already there? Take a break to just be there with the people that will outlast any dumb boy.
11. Dance party.
Hook one of your phone's up to a speaker, hit play on Selena Gomez's Same Old Love, and blast it. Get a playlist that is full of boy hating, self loving jams and just get it. Learn how to twerk just for the heck of it and because honestly you will never learn or attempt to learn except for this day surrounded by your other uncoordinated pals. Come up with a choreographed group dance, record it and put it on YouTube, who knows maybe you'll get famous. Just let go and let loose and get groovy!
12. Buy some plants and become gardeners.
Go get yourselves some cute little baby succulents, some cute little flower pots and sit outside and plant those suckers. You would be surprised how calming and refreshing it can be to just put something in soil, to help start a little life blossom. Plus you get to have a little cutie to come home to every day.
13. Become 12 again.
Yes. Revert back to your middle school days (as cringe worthy as they were), think about that one boy that you all had a crush on at some point or who crushed one of you because there always is, and if he's still in town, drive to his house and teepee, ding dong ditch, fork, chalk, egg, whatever you choose. It is childish and high-key possibly stupid, but this will be something you will NEVER forget. I mean, man-hating brings everyone closer together.
14. Go find some puppies.
If anyone ever says that puppies don't make them over flowingly happy, they're lying. Since this is the "season of love," there are bound to be puppies somewhere. If not, go to your local Second Chance and sit on the floor and just feel the unconditional adoration and joy from all those sweet souls. If all goes well, maybe some of you won't be going home alone!
15. Victoria's Secret.
I just gave you another reason to go to 7 for $27. Every girl knows that when her bra and underwear match she can take on the world. Simple fact, really.
16. Appreciate your girls.
That is what this holiday is all about. Appreciate the people that were there when he broke your heart and you needed somewhere to scream and cry. They were there when you needed confirmation on whether or not you were making a poor choice. They were there through the bad and good and great and amazing times. They were always there. Remind yourselves why you are such good friends and look forward to the many more years to come.
While Valentine's Day is gooey and sweet, Galentine's Day is where it's at. Get your girls together and celebrate a holiday whose only purpose is to make you feel like a better you.
