If you can ignore the cliched adverts, the cards, the roses and the dinner for two deals, Valentine's day could be the perfect excuse to treat yourself this weekend. Either on your own, with a sibling, your girls or your other half.
It doesn't have to be all about romantic love, but just love in general, whether for yourself or those around you. Mostly, we are here for the whole loving yourself element of this oh so special day. So, set up your weekend with a little bit of indulgence you most definitely deserve.
The Best Meal of the Day
Waking up to a nutritious breakfast is a key part of looking after yourself and the weekend is the best time to make the breakfasts you miss out on during the working week. We recommend Melissa Hemsley’s Chocolate Banana Pancakes. The recipe is available on Melissa’s Instagram where you can also browse the other delicious recipes she has shared with her followers!
Pamper Party
If you’re spending the day with some well needed time alone or meeting loved ones, remember to take some time to treat your body and mind with a bit of pampering. If this means getting your nails done, doing some yoga or dancing around the house to Whitney with a face mask on. Pampering yourself is a really good way to get back in touch with your body and can help you feel better in yourself and life in general. We recommend the Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque that cleans out your pours for that weekend glow up.
Chill Out
We live in a fast paced world that can often sap our energy. It’s easy to forget to take time for yourself when you’re busy having a life. Sometimes we need to slow down the pace and take a deep breath. Reading a book is a really great way to relax and lose yourself in a world that isn’t our own for once! We recommend Candice Carty-Williams’ Queenie. Newly released in paperback this book has been described as refreshing, modern and heart-breaking.
Set in modern Britain, the book follows the tender and hilarious life of Queenie. Carty-Williams tackles themes of mental health, race, class and consent, often leaving readers to feel sad one second and crying with laughter the next! If non-fiction is more your vibe, then pick up Claudia Hammond’s new book, The Art of Rest: How to Find Respite in the Modern Age. This text draws on the research gathered from a survey which included 18,000 people across 135 different countries. It highlights how rest directly effects our well-being to explain why rest is just as important as sleep.
Soak Up Some Culture
The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world, containing over 2,300 works. To keep in the Valentine’s Day spirit, take some time to browse its stunning corridors and find some of the most romantic paintings the gallery has to offer. Nothing screams love more than Sandro Botticelli’s Venus and Mars (1489). Venus, the goddess of love is shown in a moment of rest. She attentively watches on as Mars, the God of War sleeps. The painting suggests that love can conquer all, including the God of War’s own strength.
Treat Yourself
Most importantly, this Valentines weekend is all about treating yourself. London Sky Bar is opening its doors on the 14th and 15th February for an ultimate dining experience or for a glass of Champagne, set against the backdrop of London’s skyline. So treat yourself to dinner, buy a bottle of wine or two and eat your body weight in chocolate! Being happy is key and sometimes the smallest pleasures will help you to look after number one.
