Beware single women of the world: that dreaded v-word is right around the corner…Valentine’s Day. However, why should we miss out on all the fun just because we haven’t decided to grace a man with our presence? Instead of wallowing in the exclusivity of this holiday, it’s time to make it our own and reframe this notion of love. This Valentine’s Day, I’m celebrating self-love, and the love and respect I hold for my girl friends. After all, these relationships are so important, and no one actually celebrates “Friendship Day” (if there is one?) so what better opportunity than this?! So, whether you’re celebrating solo this year, or celebrating with friends, here are some tools, ideas, and places to go essential to your Valentine’s Day 2013:
Places to go:
1. The Cannery Restaurant in Newport Beach. This place has a killer happy hour, and their menu is broad, with a variety of different sushi rolls and other seafood options. Last time I was here I got the Spider Roll with a bellini…sounds weird, but mmmm.
2. SideDoor in Corona Del Mar: I just went here last night and it is a fantastic little find! Hidden on the side of Five Crowns Restaurant (a big couples hot spot this night), this gem has a unique beer list and pretty substantial wine list. What I like about it is that you can create your own flights of beer and wine for pretty decent prices. Not to mention the food is unreal. Not healthy at all, so if you’re indulging here, you may want to watch it elsewhere, but SideDoor has an impressive list of cheeses and other palatable plates. Combine all this with a fun, laid-back, yet trendy atmosphere, and you’ve got yourself an excellent find for you and your girls.
3. The Twisted Vine Wine Bar and Shop: We’ve already talked about this place in a previous post-but it’s that good! Voted best wine bar in Orange County by Best of Orange County, this is a fun, upbeat place for you and your friends to hang out over a flight or glass(es) of quality wine.
Things to do:
1. Plan a wine and cheese party. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds this year, I can’t think of a better way than to invite my girls over for wine and cheese…is there any better combination? Ask each guest to bring either their favorite block of cheese and/or bottle of wine and indulge! This is one of my personal favorites:
2. Make chocolate covered strawberries. I just made these bad boys and it’s one of the easiest, most delectable, AND festive desserts. All you need is 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Nestle), and some quality strawberries. Wash the strawberries and dry THOROUGHLY (otherwise the chocolate will slide right off). Melt the chocolate in a bowl in the microwave for about 1:30-2:00 and mix. Quickly dip the strawberries in the chocolate-don’t waste any time, as the chocolate will harden! Add sprinkles, chill for 10-15 minutes, and enjoy! This recipe will make about 6-7 strawberries.
3. Enjoy a classic Rom-Com: The ultimate Valentine’s Day activity, there are tons of romantic comedies to choose between. Some of my favorites include The Notebook, Serendipity, He’s Just not that Into You, Just Friends, When Harry Met Sally, and, of course, Valentine’s Day.
Other essential tools:
-A classic pink/red nail polish. My favorites are OPI “I’m All Ears” and “It’s All Greek to Me.”
-Your favorite bottle of wine. I’m a fan of Malbecs.
– A fool proof Valentine’s Day Playlist, including, but not limited to the following songs:
~All the Single Ladies- Beyonce
~Diva- Beyonce
~Do it Like a Dude-Jessie J
~Girls Just Wanna Have Fun- Cyndi Lauper
~I Wanna Dance with Somebody- Whitney Houston
~The More Boys I Meet- Carrie Underwood
~Girls- Beyonce
~ Survivor- Destiny’s Child
~Miss Independent- Kelly Clarkson
~Independent Woman- Destiny’s Child
~Man! I Feel Like a Woman-Shania Twain
Happy Valentine’s Day to all you single ladies!! How are you planning on celebrating??
~Allison
