We all know Valentine’s Day is soon approaching, which means chocolate, flowers, and lots of posts about love. That’s all well and good, but sometimes it can get challenging to love and embrace being single on Valentine’s Day. It seems as though everyone is on a romantic date with their significant other or has big plans to go somewhere to celebrate.

As I was preparing to write this blog, I was reflecting on a post I had written last year on Valentine’s Day.

I still love this idea of using this “day of love” to reflect on all of the people and things we love, not necessarily just the romantic type of love. That’s why instead of being upset about not having a man to celebrate Valentine’s Day with, I will be celebrating this holiday with my friends whom I love.

Here are some ideas of how to celebrate Galentine’s Day with your girls!

1. Go out to Dinner

You may find yourselves surrounded by couples, but last year my roommates and I went to Cossetta’s in St. Paul for some yummy Italian food. We got a little dressed up and headed down to this cute, cafeteria-style restaurant.

While at dinner, we were intentional in talking about what and who we loved and what we were looking forward to in the coming months.

After dinner, we took some fun photos outside of the restaurant and jammed to music on the way back to our apartment.

2. Movie Night

Hello to movies and popcorn! Honestly, movie nights sound good to me just about every night. I love cozying up with friends and watching a really good movie together. Or watching a really bad, cheesy movie together. The whole point is that you’re together with those you love!

Also, if you’re not big movie people, try having a Friends or Office marathon where you can laugh for hours together.

We are huge popcorn fans! Usually, we just make it in a StirCrazy popcorn popper with Canola Oil and then add salt. But sometimes it’s fun to switch it up and make different popcorn recipes. Here are some ideas:

• Add m&m’s
• Kettle Corn (Simply add sugar to the popcorn popper with the oil)
• Cheesy (Add parmesan cheese. It may sound strange, but it’s so good!)
• Oreo (Add crushed oreos & melted almond bark)
• Peanut Butter Panic (Add Reese’s Cups & melted peanut butter)

Pro tip: Sign up to receive deals and promotions from Redbox! They send deals all of the time so I find myself getting either free movies or movies for 50 cents!

3. Go Away for the Weekend

For the past two years, my friends and I have headed to a downtown condo for a little get-away. It has become such a special tradition for us. We get away from the hustle and bustle of campus to spend intentional time together.

We usually make pazookie (half-baked chocolate chip cookies & ice cream), watch a movie, chat while we listen to worship music, and then have a sleepover in the living room! The next morning we make breakfast together before heading back.

Whether you go to a condo, a cabin, or a friend’s house, getting away for a weekend with your gals is such a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

4. Have a Brunch

I don’t know about you guys, but brunch is easily becoming my favorite meal of the day. You get to sleep in, but you get to enjoy all the yummy breakfast food out there.

Have each of your friends bring a different dish for the brunch so one person doesn’t have to cook it all. Decorate with pictures of your friends, flowers (from Trader Joe’s!), and cute decor from Target.

Here are some ideas of food for your brunch:

• Waffle Bar
• Yogurt Bar
• Make Your Own Omelette
• Coffeecake & Coffee Bar

5. Spa Night

If you’re down for a relaxing night at home, grab your nail polish and face masks to do an at-home spa night. I’ve found that these nights usually result in a lot of talking and laughing together.

Whatever you end up doing for Galentine’s Day this year, enjoy your time with your friends! I am so excited to spend intentional time with my closest friends as we celebrate loving life and loving each other.