Ah, February! Now love is officially in the air.

As January melts away and Valentine’s candy stocks the store aisles, I can’t help but to reflect on the Valentine’s Day celebration I had a year ago. It was my first V-Day with a boyfriend, and the best one I ever could have asked for. Hiking, daffodils, the first time we said “I love you,” and an endless supply of cuddling made it like something out of my very own fairytale.

This year I’m crushing Valentine’s Day in favor of a new holiday: freaking Galentine’s Day.

Of course, I’d give my left arm to be spending Valentine’s Day with this cutie.

But as any seasoned military girlfriend knows, deployments tend to shake up your life and throw a huge wrench in things like Valentine’s Day. The Armed Forces do not give a crap about your daffodils and cuddling.

If you, like me, are alone this Feb. 14, I’m going to give you the best ideas ever to get your mind off your lack of kissing and snuggling and throw one hell of a girl party. You need not be a military girlfriend to have an amazing Galentine's Day, just a girl seeking friends to enjoy the most romantic day of the year with. In the words of the wise Leslie Knope: "Ladies celebrating ladies."

Here are the steps to having a kickass Galentine’s Day.

Step One: Round up the single ladies.

Be they other military SO’s, girls whose boys are unable to be present, or just your rowdiest single friends, surround yourself with upbeat, loud, ready-to-party females. This is key to having an awesome Galentine’s Day.

Step Two: Plan a kickass menu

Maybe it's reservations at your favorite restaurant. Maybe it's ordering pizza. Maybe you pull everything off of your Pinterest board and create a five-course meal a-la Internet bloggers. Maybe it's just a ton of desserts. Who cares? It's Galentine’s Day and it's time to treat yo' self.

Step Three: Ready the crafts.

Oh yeah, crafting, every girl’s weakness. I don’t care who you are; I know there’s a sliver of you that just friggin’ loves crafting. You can each craft presents for the other members of your Galentine’s Day fiesta, or just decide to do a boatload of crafts all together (whilst drinking wine!) Once again, whip out your favorite Pinterest board and pick your poison. The DIYs are waiting.

Step Four: Prepare the alcohol.

Every good Girl’s Day includes alcohol in some form. Maybe you’re more of a classic kind of gal, who sticks to the finer things in life, like a good wine and cheese plate. Maybe you’re into the more glittery, flavorful side of life, and would rather divulge in some adorable, fruity cocktails (for this, I recommend hitting up The Tipsy Bartender). Whatever your drink of choice, be sure to buy a lot of it. You and the girls are about to turn up.

Step Five: Don’t forget comfort!

This is a day for relaxation and celebration of all things feminine and divine. Let all the nagging thoughts of boys and school and giant steel naval ships drift far away from your mind. You are all that exists. You, and your perfect friends. Be sure to plan out time in your Galentine’s itinerary for facials, mani-pedis, and general cozy time. Bring sweatpants, fluffy bathrobes, and warm slippers. If need be, enjoy this guided meditation.

You are now ready for Galentine’s Day!