Like I said in my Philly Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, I’ve never really gotten worked up over the big V-Day. What I do get worked up about is taking the time to appreciate yourself – your body, your mind, your friends, and your blessings. So this past Valentine’s Day (excuse the 30+ days it took me to get this post up), I celebrated by treating myself. The result was pretty much a Philly dream day for me, and I hope by sharing, I can encourage all of you to take the time to treat yourselves, too.
{SWEAT} I started my morning my favorite way (you all know what I’m about to say), at a Flywheel (1521 Locust Street) class. I adore Nicole‘s classes, because she takes my insane song requests (I’ve asked her to play Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” on two different occasions . . . in a spin class) and is so fun and motivational. Flywheel always makes me feel amazing, happy, and strong, but when I score over a 300, then the endorphins are really flowing. Feeling great about my body was the perfect way to kick off my day.
{RELAX} My friends know me very well, and because of that, my last birthday gift was a gift certificate to the lovely Lush Spa (1525 Walnut Street). I had been saving it for a special occasion, and a solo Valentine’s treatment was perfect. When I toured the spa back when it opened, I was in love with the appeal of “The Comforter?” exfoliation treatment. It turned out to be so lovely, but how could it not be? You’re under a heated duvet, the room is dark with stars projected everywhere, and you’re first rubbed down with a hot chocolate scrub, followed by a velvety rose body serum. Lush is big on the music at their spa, and when I got the Synaesthesia treatment, the music was a little too much for me. The music during this treatment was different than other spas, but really fun. Think: poppy songs about love and chocolate. It was pretty magical, and I left feeling fabulous.
{EAT} After giving myself plenty of time to get ready (another treat to myself), my girlfriends and I headed to dinner at Girasole (440 South Broad Street). We picked the spot because it was BYOB and had a bar (believe it), and didn’t have any crazy prix fixe menu. Since we had a table of 10, I worked with the restaurant ahead of time to get everything straight, and they were super easy. It was my first time there, and I was really impressed with the inside of the place. We had a nice table off in a corner – perfect for our big group. Everyone’s food was pretty good, and you really can’t beat an affordable meal with that BYOB.
{ENJOY} After dinner, the snow began! Four of us ladies ubered on up to The Trestle Inn (339 North 11th Street) for a drink before trekking over to Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden Street). We went to go see The Districts, a Lititz, PA band. I am by no means a super fan, but that’s kind of what I love about seeing live music – you really don’t need to be. I liked the music I had heard, and the show was really fun. Yes, we were surrounded by couples, but Union Transfer is pretty much beautiful by itself, and to stand back and enjoy some jams with girlfriends after a lovely day was pretty much the perfect way to end my Valentine’s Day.
Whether you take time to celebrate yourself next Valentine’s Day, or your next birthday, or just a random day because heck yes, just remember to savor it. You’ll feel refreshed and happy, and reflecting on all the awesome things going on in your life every once in a while is a true treat. Love ya, ladies! xx
