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The "for you" part of this headline might have you thinking this article has a plot twist, convincing you to boycott the day altogether. But no, this is not an anti-Valentine's Day rant that might end with "just focus on yourself, queen." If anything, it's pro the biggest marketing scam of all time.
Why?
Because I think it's time we let go of the notions that a solo V-Day date is a consolation prize or love that isn't romantic is lesser and therefore not worthy of celebration on 14 February.
Yes, go on that solo date even if it means being surrounded by the couples who, according to FNB, on Valentine’s Day in 2019, spent approximately R50 million at different restaurants around the country.
"This is a substantial increase compared to what customers spent at restaurants during Valentine’s Day in 2017 and 2018 respectively," FNB said.
READ MORE: Love in the time of chemistry - can you fall in love at first scent or first swipe?
So by all means, gather your coins, gather your girls or even your significant others and indulge in all things pretty. Okay, with regards to the latter, maybe just grab the one (and hopefully only) partner you have if you're in a monogamous relationship, please.
14 February is unfortunately not a public holiday, otherwise some of us would literally use the day to take multiple afternoon naps. It's a working day, which means besides cute office deliveries, the festivities will only commence after 5pm.
So here's how we recommend you enjoy the evening whether you're single, friendshipping or relationshipping:
Single, but not mingling
For the girl who's her own best friend...
At the end of your long week, take a sensorial journey to the planes of Africa and escape from a busy day. Indulge in your bath time and unwind with these luxurious Rose Gold Atlantic Bath Salts. Shimmers of bronze and infusions of sensual Rose fragrance help to rejuvenate and ease your body and mind whilst preparing you for a good night’s sleep.
Desert Rose Illuminating Bath Salts - RSP: R180 (250g) from TheraVine online.
Wear
A Bras N Things collection designed by women for women. It includes pieces that encapsulate the idea of love in its many forms. We believe that includes self-love too.
Available at Bras N Things stores and online at www.brasnthings.com
Watch
To All the Boys: P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU on Netflix
It’s a new year and Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter (Noah Centineo) are no longer pretending to be a couple. They ARE a couple. And, as Lara Jean navigates a trove of official firsts with Peter — her first real kiss, her first real date, her first Valentine’s Day — she finds herself leaning more on Kitty and Margot (Anna Cathcart and Janel Parrish), Chris (Madeleine Arthur), and an unexpected new confidant, Stormy (Holland Taylor), to help her manage the complex emotions that come with this new chapter of balancing a relationship and figuring out her authentic self.
Watch the trailer here.
Sip
Graham Beck Brut Rosé 750ml, R179.99 at Woolworths
Pleasant platonic evening
For friends who will be showing each other some much-deserved love...
According to a recent survey in the US, 11.5% of people will buy themselves something special on the day, 15% of women will send themselves flowers and 9.8% will spend the evening out with friends to celebrate ‘Galentine Day’.
If you’re looking for the perfect ‘Galentine’ event, Hyatt Regency Johannesburg is hosting its first-ever singles Valentine’s evening this year. Raylene de Wet, Director of Events at Hyatt Regency Johannesburg says, “There will be no cringeworthy 'find your match' activities. Instead, expect a spontaneous evening outdoors beneath the trees! Your entrance ticket includes a welcome drink, delicious canapés and soul-loving entertainment." Buy your ticket here.
You and your pals could also exchange these gifts below:
Botanical Tonic by Poetry, R599 at Poetry
Raelyn Textured Cotton Clutch, R250 at Old Khaki
Loved and lavish
For the lovers...
Sometimes the person you're dating is your best friend. Here are a few things to up the ante on your romantic evening.
The Royal Valentine Extravaganza at Hyatt Regency Johannesburg is the perfect ‘experience’ for couples looking for something different, according to de Wet. “The experience is truly unique. Couples will stay in the presidential suite and experience true celebrity status at the luxurious Camelot Spa. They will be treated to a seven-course private rooftop dinner, which is complemented with wine pairing and saxophone melodies. But that is not all, the night will continue at Katzy’s LIVE where couples will enjoy a VIP table with butler. The next-day morning breakfast will be prepared by one of the top chefs in the presidential kitchen.”
Wear this...
New to the much-loved Enchanted range, the Amore features love note embroidery and was created exclusively for Bras N Things with luxurious satin bind finishes, caging and statement red bow details. Pair the contour bra with matching high-waisted v-string or mini-v and complete the look with a suspender.
Available at Bras N Things stores and online at www.brasnthings.com
Buy him this...
Arthur Jack Banquet 2 Wallet - Oxblood, R250 at Tread + Miller
Want to smell as good as the flowers you got delivered to your desk in the afternoon? Buy this unisex Berdoues Collection Grands Crus scent for both you and him to enjoy.
Azur Riviera Eau De Parfum, R1595 at Foschini
Avon has introduced a duo of luxury male and female fragrances that are twin-branded Maxima & Maxime, they retail for R339 for a 100ml bottle.
These new long-lasting fragrances blend rare and divine notes like the immortelle flower, the flower of eternity whose oil promises eternal youth and olibanum, one of the very first ingredients of perfumery.
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