Valentine’s Day has always been a day that I love to celebrate, not because I’m looking forward to spending it with a love interest, but because it’s a day that I get to be thankful for my girlfriends. I think that my love for Valentine’s Day began in high school when all of my single girlfriends would plan a nice dinner at a restaurant in our town. We would get all dressed up and celebrate each other. Sometimes we would get really into it and buy each other flowers, chocolates and even fun friendship cards!

A couple of years ago, I first heard the term “Galentine’s Day,” and I loved it because it made the day more about celebrating the love my “Gals” have for each other.

So, here are a few ideas for how you and your friends can celebrate Valentine’s Day this year!
Get your nails done.
There is no better way to treat yourself than getting a mani-pedi with your best friend. Take the afternoon to just get pampered, and leave the salon feeling like a new person. Valentine’s Day isn’t always about loving other people, it’s about loving yourself a little bit too!
Go on a V-Day hike.
It’s February, so where you live might be a little snowy on the actual day, but if you’re lucky enough to have a clear day on Feb. 14, find a trail and go explore the great outdoors. I always find it so relaxing to take a long hike on Sunday afternoons. Pack a lunch for you and your bestie to enjoy once you reach the top of the mountain… red strawberries anyone?
Make a reservation at a fancy restaurant and treat yourselves!
Like I said before, this is how my friends and I celebrated back when I was in high school, and I think that it is just so much fun. Who said that you need to be in a romantic relationship to enjoy a delicious meal at your favorite restaurant? Plus, chances are that the restaurant has created a special menu for the evening, and who doesn’t love chocolate cake and strawberries? You can take it one step further and buy each other friendship Valentine’s Day cards as well!
Participate in a “Secret Valentine” with your friends
If you have a group of single ladies who you will be spending the day with, why not turn it into a little mini Christmas? Put everyone’s name in a hat and have each girl pick a name and buy a special gift for that person. Here are some great gifts to buy your girlfriends.

Make pink and red cocktails…because, why not?
Singapore Sling
Paloma
Cosmopolitan
Pink Gin Fizz
Kir Royale
Cranberry Vodka Spritzer
Check out these yummy recipes!

Host a Pot-Luck dinner for all of your single girlfriends.
I know a lot of people who show their love through cooking, so why not make a party out of it? Have all of your friends bring their favorite dish and eat, eat, eat. Turn on your favorite music and celebrate being together and eating some incredible food!
And when all else fails, open a bottle of wine (or two) with your best friend / soulmate and watch your favorite rom-com movie.
What’s better than drinking wine with your girls and watching your favorite movies? Honestly, not much. My favorites are The Proposal, Dirty Dancing, The Notebook, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Father of the Bride. If you would rather go for a TV series, Friends will never let you down.

xoxo,

Rachael Claire