Even if no one else tells you, I wanted to make sure I did. Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you have a wonderful day and that you are showered with love by whoever holds you dear. And if nothing else, spoil yourself rotten! You have my permission to indulge yourself completely in the name of love.
While I am not a fan of the commercialism and consumerism surrounding Valentine’s Day, nor do I believe in scheduling love and affection, it is quite nice to dedicate a day to love and sweetness. Heart patterns, shades of red, love notes, chocolate, kisses, hugs… It isn’t all bad. Whether you are single or have a partner, there are relationships that you can use this day to celebrate. Tell your friends how you care for them, and are happy they are by your side. Send a kind word to your relatives or parents perhaps. Or if neither tickles your fancy, why not write a love letter to yourself?
The thing we often forget is to love and care for ourselves. To some it is seen as an egotistical act, something ugly, to care for oneself. But it isn’t. And while it is somewhat of a rebellious act to know yourself and love yourself, what’s wrong with being a rebel? More so, a rebel in the name of love is hardly a rebel at all. For we ought to all be on the side of love. Whether it is love and acceptance for ourselves or a fellow human being.
Valentine’s Day And White Day
In Japan, there’s a very sweet tradition where some give gifts on Valentine’s Day, usually including chocolate. And often homemade. And the recipients give a present back on White Day, which is one month after Valentine’s Day.
How Can Valentine’s Day be Celebrated Sustainably?
It is all a matter of not making new purchases, but making use of what you have. You can write notes, cut out hearts, paint or draw, make something sweet and heart-shaped out of yarn or fabric or embroider something. If you are savvy with wire, you could make heart-shaped earrings or a necklace perhaps. Or if you are more into clay, polymer clay can be used to make heart-shaped stud earrings or even heart-shaped beads for a bracelet.
Of course, the most sustainable and common way of celebrating the day would be to make or bake something yourself. Traditionally something including chocolate or cocoa powder. Whether you are a plant-based eater or not, there are many ways to make your own chocolate, and they are all delicious.
My choice of chocolates for Valentine’s Day would be the chocolate cake which is my go-to-cake recipe. It is inspired by the Crazy/Wacky cake from the Great Depression. A cake made with the necessities alone, but that is utterly delicious still. I have created my own version that I top off with a thick layer of chocolate frosting.
And for the day itself, spend it with loved ones, read romance novels, be creative, express yourself and enjoy the day.
What Can You Wear For Valentine’s Day?
Well first things first, there is nothing you can’t wear. Though I think wearing anything in support of hate would be in poor taste. At any day of the year, surely, but even more so on Valentine’s Day.
If you do want to dress in a more Valentine’s Day manner, how about something soft, happy and warm? Shades of red, soft fabrics, heart-shaped patterns, perhaps something spotted, anything you feel cute in.
If you wear skirts, dresses and blouses, there are even more options available for you to wear. The little red dress, or the more revealing one in the spirit of Jessica Rabbit. A dark red pencil skirt with a pale pink blouse and a red bow tied around your neck. Matching shoes, of course. A pair of culottes with a tunic and boots with a medium heel. And if there is ever a day for hats and extra accessories, this is the day. Go all out in the name of love, I say.
What Will I Wear For Valentine’s Day?
I won’t be going all out with my outfit or doing anything extravagant this year. But I will make something to eat, I might make something heart-related to give away as gifts, and I will likely spend part of the day eating chocolate cake and reading books. Which to me, sounds like an excellent day.
I am very partial to my socks with heart patterns on them. I got them as a Valentine’s gift a few years back, and they’re both appropriate and comfortable.
As I am working on making my own clothes and sticking to a capsule wardrobe, most of my garments go in much the same style. My style. But it would be fun to make something in softer colours for myself as well. I do believe I might have some yarn that would be suitable, but I’ll have to double-check. It would still have to go with the rest of my wardrobe, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to have something made by then. If I do, I’ll be sure to post it here.
How will you be celebrating the day?
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