The world’s not going to end because you don’t have a boyfriend on Valentine’s Day. You don’t even have to wear black all day or cry your eyes out while listening to sappy songs. Stop thinking about the romantic love you don’t have yet, and invite your single girlfriends over for an awesome night of pampering, giggling and dissing on all the guys who don’t know what they’re missing. Use February 14 as an excuse to thank your gal pals for their loyal friendship and love throughout the year.
Focus on Your Heart
Instead of focusing on your lonely heart, focus on a healthy heart. Every year, 43 million women die from heart disease, and the American Heart Association reports that it’s the leading killer of women in the U.S. Encourage your girlfriends to cultivate a healthy heart so that they’re around for a long time.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your heart, so invite your friends to join you for a bit of fun physical activity. Scout nearby hiking locations at your local park and ask your friends to meet your there or at your house. Then, speed walk through your neighborhood or park as you catch up on the latest gossip. If your local weather is too frigid for a hike, arrange to meet your friends at a local fitness center and take a Zumba class, walk on the treadmills, or play basketball. You can also find a local swimming pool at Swimmersguide.org, and get your hearts pumping as you splash, swim or play water polo in a local pool.
Indulge in Good Food
As an alternative to exercise, plan to gather your friends for a heart-healthy meal like the Parmesan Potato Wedges and Mushroom, Kale and Barley Soup found on Pinterest. Ask your girlfriends to each bring an ingredient, and work together in the kitchen to create a healthy, delicious meal. Don’t forget to wash your fine china, set the table with your best tablecloth, and arrange for a fresh delivery of Valentines Day flowers before your guests arrive. Then, light the candles and turn on the soft music as you pamper your guests and spread the feelings of warmth and love.
Drown Yourself in Chocolate
No Valentine’s Day party is complete until chocolate has been served. Make sure you have the ingredients on hand for hot and cold chocolate drinks. To prepare four cups of tasty Mexican hot chocolate, combine 4 cups of milk, 1 cup of water, 1-1/3 cups of high-quality chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Whisk them over medium heat until the drink is hot and ready to serve. Alternatively, shake 3/4 cup of half-and-half, 1 cup of dark chocolate liqueur, 1/4 cup of vodka and ice cubes before enjoying four to six chocolate martinis.
End your evening with a relaxing chocolate facial. The recipe from The Healthy Living Lounge combines 5 tablespoons of raw cacao powder, 3 to 5 tablespoons of natural organic yogurt, 3 tablespoons of organic honey, and oatmeal to bind the aromatic mixture together. Be prepared for fun indulgence when you gather the facial ingredients, clean towels and wash clothes. Arrange chairs in a circle so you can all chat as you’re relaxing with your chocolate facials and beverages. With this happy ending, your girlfriends will feel loved inside and out on February 14, and throughout the year.
