Extraordinary times call for extraordinary celebrations. Booze doesn’t hurt, either. This year’s Valentine’s Day is no different. Old traditions like flowers, a fancy restaurant, and maybe a sparkly gift for your partner? Very 2021. Stay-at-home Valentine’s celebrations where the center of attention is you? Now we’re talking. We’ve consulted our experts for some ideas for a stay-at-home Valentine’s Day worthy of a brand new year.
It was a tough 2021. You need a spa day. Correction: you deserve one. And you don’t need to actually go to a spa. Your home will work quite nicely. First thing’s first: wear something comfortable. We’re staying home. What’s the point of dressing up? This is your day, so take the opportunity to make yourself feel exactly as pretty or as handsome as you like. We won’t judge.
Now for your home spa treatment plan: our expert wellness coach, Andrea Abenoza-Filardi, is always on the lookout for all-natural ways to care for our skin. Check out her advice regarding Camellia Seed Oil, an ingredient that has a centuries-long history of giving its users better skin. Also, be sure to take a look at her list of supplements. They keep Andrea healthy on the outside and the inside. (Sorry, Andrea. TMI?).
How about a quick, all-natural facial you can give yourself? You don’t need a fancy spa to get results–just follow along while Monika Tarnowski’s DIY At-Home Facial and her Clay Mask How-To show you how to give your face the TLC it deserves. If you want to really get those pores exfoliated, you can swap in an Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask that Monika reviews and shows you how to use.
While you’re enjoying your private glow-up sesh, set the mood right with a candle you made yourself, using this fast and easy at home candle creation guide with Alicia "ACE" Easter. What’s more important, feeling good or looking good? You’re right. They both are. So treat yourself to a home spa day and relaaaaaax.
Exercise is a proven way to instantly feel better, and your body will thank you for it. This Valentine’s Day, get your heart pumping with this warm-up and dance routine from Asiel Hardison. Asiel’s endorphin-fueled exercise routine is guaranteed to make you forget all about those chocolate-covered strawberries. Or feel a little less guilty eating a whole box of them.
No, you can’t go out to a nice restaurant for a fancy meal. But before you eat your feelings with a frozen pizza and a pint of ice cream, remember: Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to stretch your comfort zone and explore new meal ideas in the kitchen. Make sure you’re making the most of what your kitchen can do with this essential list from Chef Derrick Reed and join him for a hands-on walk through of a delicious Healthy Veggie Bowl With Seared Salmon recipe. After, let celebrity chef and world traveler Charles Webb show you how to spice up dessert.
It wouldn’t be a celebration without something to drink, and Chef Sasha Sincic has you covered with her Easy Basil Tom Collins recipe. If you’re mixing drinks, or even if you just want a nice bit of non-alcoholic bubbly, you could do a lot worse than Topo Chico Mineral Water, Sasha’s favorite.
Maybe you met somebody online. Maybe you’re in a long-distance relationship. Or maybe that special “someone” is sitting next to you on the couch. And that “someone” is your cat. Regardless, you still deserve a Zoom date mini makeover. Let makeup master Nancie Rooney guide you through the Foundations of Foundation, and then Dancer and model Ashley Bates shows us what she does to look refreshed and well-rested for the camera, even when she’s not. And professional makeup artist Maureen Burke shares tricks and tips for a perfect beauty routine so you can look your best. Work that Zoom camera like you mean it.
Last but not least, do yourself a favor and snazz up your living space with a beautiful flower arrangement you can do yourself with a little help from florist Audra Lambie.
2021 was rough. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity for you to recenter, reevaluate and snuggle up to somebody special. And the Desire Company is here to help. We’ll make it all about you and what makes you feel good. Like a non-judgy friend.