February 14, Valentine’s Day — and also may I mention Ayla’s 13th birthday (!) — has always had a special place in my heart. I have the best memories of hanging hearts from the ceiling of our dining room on Lewis Ave with my mom: all cardstock and fish wire. Bright vivid reds and pinks that slowly faded from the sun as the holiday neared. And those adorable valentines, the ones that said, “I am head over heels for you.”

And so, as a grown adult, I still cherish this happy holiday. A chance to celebrate midweek in what, for many of us, is a long, cold winter. A chance to buy a little something for someone you love. (Wrap it all up; leave it on their doorstep with a love note. Or, write yourself a love note and gift it to yourself.) A chance to set the table, plan a nice dinner, light the candles, and share a meal with those you love. 

However you choose to celebrate, here are some ideas to get you started.

Self-reflection, self-celebration

1. Light the Festina Lente Home Luxe La Signora Candle with top notes of rose and cinnamon. Use the gorgeous vessel once the candle is finished for your favorite makeup brushes or a sweet little flower arrangement by your bed. 

2. Pour the Bath Salts: Les Fleurs de Bach makes a great choice. 

3. While the salts are doing their thing, apply the Alpine Rose Mask. The perfect honey like texture with a subtle rose scent; deeply hydrating; leaves you with the perfect glow. 

4. And, while you’re soaking and pondering the joy this midweek Valentine’s Day celebration has brought you, why not give yourself a scalp massage with this gorgeous TEK brush? You can use this massage tool with Augustinus Bader’s brilliant Scalp treatment.

5. Towel off, smile again at your great life choices, and luxuriate in the Kahina Fez Body Serum. The most beautiful sensual and spicy scent, perfect massaged in right after your bath. 

Date prep for a night in or out

If you find yourself invited on a date, out of the home or in, why not apply our favorite Wet Lip Oil Gloss from Kosas in Jaws, a bright red, or Fruit Juice, a hot pink.

Or, check out the ultra-pigmented and gorgeous Manasi7 colors in Fuchsine or Damaskino. (Bonus: you can use the Manasi7 colors on your cheeks as well.) And while you’re at it, how about a little touch of radiance-boosting, light-as-a-feather Manasi7 silk powder.

Olio Osso in Bronze Shimmer or Crimson would be gorgeous for yourself or someone you admire, too.

The perfect dinner in

If you’re finding yourself at home on Valentine’s Day — well, lucky you, that would be my choice as well — can I recommend making a homemade pasta from the delightful Pasta Grannies cookbook? I fell in love with the premise: Secrets of Italy’s Best Home Cooks. “Tell me your ways!” I thought. Our family’s favorite has been Giusy’s ‘Ndunderi with Tomato Sauce, the most delicious and delicate ricotta gnocchi. (And really, what says “I love you” more than homemade gnocchi?)

Pour yourself a glass of this most delicious Cremant de Loire, too, will you? 

While the sauce is simmering for your gnocchi, play Nancy Meyer’s playlist on Spotify, and set the table with these pink linen napkins and these gorgeous gold fringed placemats from our friends at Choix Home. 

Here are a few other gift ideas for those you love

For your mom:
The MyHavtorn hand cream coupled with their divine hand wash. Together, they are a dream team, especially in winter. 

For your supplement loving friend:
The most delightful ​​La Ferme Saint-Sylvan herbal infusions coupled with the most perfect mug for steeping 

For your younger sister who just started noticing a few things here and there: 
Look no further than Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion, a microbiome friendly alternative to prescription retinoids

For your husband who “really wants to start a skincare routine”:
Give him the gift of Dara’s Sea Serum. It really is an all-in-one dream serum product that hydrates, evens skin tone, tightens pores, and reduces fine lines. The perfect thing to get him started. 

For your son who can’t seem to wash his face after lacrosse practice: 
Look no further than the Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes. A 4 in 1 cleanse, exfoliate, soothe and hydrate, the “No excuses, wash your face” product.  

Let’s rebrand Valentine’s Day, shall we? It’s not just a Hallmark holiday — oh, no. It’s a chance to tell yourself, “Hey, you’re doing great.” And to tell those you love around you how much you think of them. A chance to light the candles mid week. Maybe do a little dance. 

Eat the gnocchi, and smile. 

xo
Nora

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Those of you who've been with us for some time might recognize Nora, who was one of the originals! She worked out of Dara’s apartment in our earliest days, helped move us to 1825 Bush Street, then moved to New England, where she was one of our biggest fans from afar. And now, thanks to the wonders of technology, we're thrilled to have Nora with us again as our East Coast Guide.

You’ll love her fun, down-to-earth style, and with Nora on the East coast and Emi — our wonderful, thoughtful Lead Guide and resident sensitive-skin specialist — here in SF, we’re confident that you’re covered with the best guidance you can get anywhere. Book some time with one of them right here.