Be My Galentine!
What do I do when my love is away?
Does it worry you to be alone?
How do I feel by the end of the day?
Are you sad because you're on your own?
No, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
~ The Beatles
Of all the fake holiday’s on the calendar, Galentine’s Day might be the one that makes the most sense. Although free candy hit’s pretty nicely when you’re a kid, doesn’t it? Galentine’s Day is dedicated to showering your besties with the love they deserve for being present for life’s up and downs, laughter and tears and never-ending drama (or is that just me?) all year long. Let’s not forget about the endless Zoom calls, Messenger group chats and phone calls they show up for. And who could forget the walks…the walks you have been on with your girlfriends have, let’s face it, been a lifeline during the last two years of the pandemic. The girls have been there with you through it all, so don’t they deserve to be celebrated?
The Urban Dictionary has a few different takes on the definition of Galentine’s Day, but I like part of this one; “February 13th, the other half of Valentine’s Day when you celebrate your love for your lady friends.” I said I like part of the definition because I don’t really believe it’s the other half of Valentine’s Day. I think Galentine’s Day is a special made up holiday unto itself.
“Girl Talk” Arthur Elgort for Vogue
If you were wondering where Galentine’s Day originated, the history goes back to a 2010 episode of the sitcom Park & Recreation where Amy Poehler’s character Leslie Knope takes her besties (including her Mom - so sweet) out on February 13th for a big ol’ breakfast complete with endless waffles and whipped cream. In Leslie’s words; “Every February 13, my ladyfriends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.” As research for this post I watched the episode on Netflix - Season 2, episode 16 in case you want to check it out.
Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation
So with my lovely girlfriends, bffs, and of course all the amazing ladies who read my posts in mind, here are some ideas for you to spread the love on Galentine’s Day.
Galantine’s Day card from Paperscript.
Every holiday needs a greeting card - and this beauty from Paperscript is perfect for your all of your Galentine’s. I love the simplicity of cards from Paperscript and you definitely won’t want to buy just one card when you start scrolling the site. As a special treat use code VICKI20 for a 20% discount at checkout.
BFF Beaded Stretchy Bracelet
12x15mm Stirling Silver stamped heart charm
There is always room for another bracelet in your stack, especially if it’s the exclusive BFF Bracelet from Eliza Perry. Andréa Trail, owner of Eliza Perry created this bracelet at my request exclusively for Galantine’s Day. I’m super lucky to call Andréa friend and thrilled that she would do this for me. I especially love the heart charm hand stamped with BFF. With this bracelet as part of your stack…everyone will know you are loved by your bestie! And while you’re shopping with Andrea don’t forget to pick up a little something for yourself! Everyone can use a new pair of earrings. ;)
Bouquet from Tonic Blooms (GTA) (or your favourite floral designer)
‘Pink It Up’ Bouquet from Tonic blooms
You don’t really need me to tell you to give someone flowers. It seems pretty straightforward, doesn’t it? A gift of flowers is always loved and appreciated. But what you should do to make it feel a little extra special is have them delivered. And I don’t mean you running up to the door, ringing the bell and running back to the car. I mean an actual delivery person bringing the flowers to your bff’s house. Last year I was surprised at my door with an amazing bouquet from one of my bff’s from Tonic Blooms. They have quickly became my ‘go to’ florist if I’m sending flowers within the GTA. Tonic Blooms is offering some amazing floral choices for Gal and Valentine’s Day, and trust me that what you order is exactly what your bff will get. Their website has stunning images an it’s easy to place an online order.
Image via Pinterst
Love candle from Province of Canada
Candles give off the best cozy vibes and so do bff’s, so naturally a candle is ALWAYS a good idea. In keeping with my theme of simplicity, this Loved candle from Province of Canada makes a thoughtful gesture on Galentine’s day. Made with 100% non gmo soy wax, your besties room will be filled with the subtle scent of berries, coconut and lime. What I really wanted to feature was the Sweater Blanket from Province of Canada but sadly it’s sold out. I would keep my eye on their website because a blanket makes a beautiful and cozy gift at any time, and this one comes at a great price point.
In The Company of Women by Grace Bonne
In The Company Of Women is a New York Times bestselling coffee table book featuring short interviews with over one hundred entrepreneurial women from creative fields across the globe. The book hi lights artists, architects, writers, designers (amongst others) and their personal stories. The women come from a variety of backgrounds - all different ages and races. I’ve personally had this book for several years and often find myself thumbing through it looking for an inspirational quote from one of the women if I’m feeling like a need a little kick start. I think it would make a spectacular gift for your book loving bestie.
Me and my ‘ride or die’ girlfriends.
I don’t know about you, but I know I wouldn’t have made it though the last two years without my ‘ride or dies’. My best friends (pictured above on one of our Monday night video chats) are some of the most important people in my life. I think you would be hard pressed to find any woman who wouldn’t tell you that their girlfriends have ‘saved’ them on more than one occasion. I know mine have, definitely on more than one occasion and I’m thankful for them everyday. It shouldn’t take a special day to recognize our girlfriends - but let’s take February 13th and recognize all the special ladies in our lives.
Will you be doing something to celebrate Galentine’s with your besties this year? It happens to fall on a Sunday. Let me know what you’ll be up to in the comments! I say brunch it up ladies!!!
Happy Galentine’s Day!
P.S. Keep your eyes on my Instagram @vicki_hall_ (the post below) for a great Galantine’s Day giveaway featuring Eliza Perry and Paperscript next week!
