Self Love: How to Pamper Yourself in Richmond This Valentine’s Day
Ah, here it is. The day of love. I recently read that ancient Romans may be responsible for the name of Valentine’s Day. Emperor Claudius II executed two men, both named Valentine, on February 14 in different years. They were honored as martyrs by the Catholic Church in an annual Valentine’s Day celebration. How’s that for warm and fuzzy?
As my personal love landscape shifts and changes, I am turning to all things self love. I want to help you do the same. Here are a few ways to love yourself this Valentine’s Day…
Fill Up Your Cart
For starters, I’m indulging in shopping for myself a bit lately. This outfit is evidence. I found this off the shoulder crop top at Rumors Boutique and the gold plated choker at Mod & Soul last week. The choker is a definite daily essential. The pants I bought at RVA Fashion Weekend last fall. You saw me wear them two ways here and I’m glad I dug them out of the bottom of my closet after I bought this sassy top. I got about 1,575 compliments last Friday night.
Go out on a limb and buy yourself something sassy AF. And then actually wear it. You don’t need a reason. Just put it on and rock it with confidence, the highest form of self love.
Get Your Chocolate On
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Miss Maude’s Bar of Chocolates studio in the West End of Richmond. Years ago, Boss Babe owner Jessica Leonard left her job as a financial analyst to pursue a culinary life. She’s been creating incredible recipes in acclaimed restaurants and has now created a truly unique product, the Miss Maude Chocolate Bar. What makes it different is that the bar features 8 different flavors in one. From champagne to pink salt (my favorite), you’ve got to try this. Richmond’s full of other great spots to get a chocolate fix like Chocolate’s By Kelly in Jackson Ward and Gearharts on Libbie Avenue.
Book a Massage or Try Cupping
I’m all about bringing services to you. I don’t like to waste time in my car getting from place to place. I get my groceries shipped, get spray tans in my kitchen, and practice yoga on the same block as my apartment. Melissa of alle massage gets it. Do yourself a favor and schedule an at-home session with her or one of her team members. Read about my experience here. I also have an appointment with Indigo RVA to try cupping! I think you need to experience new self care practices when you are able to. You never know what might stick and change your life. Stay tuned for my experience!
Yin it Up
If you haven’t heard me talk about yoga, you haven’t been listening. While I encourage it as a great form of fitness, it’s also the most effective way to relieve tension and reconnect with the feeling of peace. I try to get to a Yin class once a month at Shockoe Slip Yoga. Yin Yoga is a practice that centers on long, deep holds and a slow, meditative pace. It’s designed to improve elasticity and healing. Poses are held longer ( 3-10 minutes), which allows the stretch to get deep into your connective tissues. Classes are usually held in dimly lit rooms with soft, relaxing music, and a variety of essential oils to accentuate the experience. Do yourself a favor this Valentine’s Day and find the next class and add it to your calendar. You are NOT too busy for this.
Get Some Color
Feeling fabulous is just as important to looking fabulous when it comes to self love. I’ve had so much fun with Fairy Tan Mother. She brings her spray tan service right to me in my own apartment. After a 30-minute session, I’m glowing for more than week. It’s an instant upgrade and confidence boost. You don’t have to have a date or special event to treat yourself to this experience. Trust me. I went out of my way to get a spray tan before a date and it didn’t turn out so well. So, I appreciated my own damn self and my glow. Bask in it, girl.
Plan a Trip
You don’t need to hop on a plane or take off a whole week of work to get away, I promise. I make the most of ending a work day early or taking a Friday off to visit somewhere new. I’m heading over to Fredericksburg this Thursday and Friday. I also regularly head to the coast and have fun in towns like Urbanna. I’ll be sharing travel guides to both very soon. Virginia Tourism’s newest campaign, Crush Friday is full of ideas in the state. You can also visit my Travel section for new ideas, many of which are just a couple hours from Richmond.
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