ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GALENTINES DAY

Hello, February!

A month of love and affection, chocolates and roses and of course, my new favorite fake holiday, GALENTINES DAY.

Galentines Day - a group of girl friends sitting in a circle at a park having a picnic

I'm sure you can guess what GALentines day constitutes based on the name, but in essence it's a day to celebrate your friends and falls on the 13th of February (The day before that OTHER holiday).

If you're a Parks and Recreation fan, you'd know that Galentines Day was created by Amy Poehler's character, Leslie Knope in the second season of the show. Ever since the show aired in 2010, Galentines has become an important phenomenon. She sums it up nicely in this quote:

"Oh, it's only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends 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."

Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation Galentines Day

Whether you're single or not, you can celebrate Galentines (And you don't even need to be a "gal" - Broentines Day anyone?). It's all about celebrating friendships. You know, those people that stick by your side even through breakups and fleetingness of romantic relationships.

In the show, Leslie celebrates Galentines with a brunch (Waffles anyone?) but you can celebrate it however you like! It's all about celebrating your friends - whatever that entails for you. Don't worry, I've got some ideas for you!

WHAT TO DO ON GALENTINES DAY

Here are some ideas on how you can spend Galentines Day:

Brunch with the girls

Definitely the OG way to spend Galentines Day just like Leslie. But seeing as the 13th falls on a Wednesday, this isn't practical for most of us with school and work. But maybe a brunch over the weekend to celebrate isn't such a bad idea.

Movie Night

Whether it's a movie night at the cinema or at someone's house, celebrating Galentines with a chick flick is definitely a good idea! Some suggestions for chick flicks: Legally Blonde, Sex in the City, Gossip Girl marathon.

ALSO READ: WHAT TO BINGE WATCH ON NETFLIX IN 2019

Picnic At The Park

Luckily for us in the southern hemisphere the weather is amazing and warm so you can't go wrong with a picnic. Get blankets and snacks and enjoy the outdoors and some good company.

Spa Day

January has been the longest YEAR. Luckily it's finally over, but to fully recover I think we need a couple massages and facials! A spa day is a practical way to get some much needed R&R and spend time with those special people.

GALENTINES DAY GIFTS

I always find any excuse to buy people gifts! Now, of course you don't have to go crazy on the gifts. Just spending the day with those special people should be enough, but if you feel like it then go for it! I tried to find gifts that are a little more practical (As opposed to the chocolates and teddy bears people buy for the *other* holiday) Here are some gift ideas to buy your girls:

Nura Handbags

A girl can never have enough bags. These gorgeous bags come in loads of different styles and are super affordable. Why not buy matching pairs? Nura also stocks stunning scarfs. You can purchase them online from the Nura website.

Nura scarves and handbags Durban local business

Della Earrings

I mentioned these in my Christmas Gift Guide but they're too cute to not mention again. Della is a high-end jewelry brand so it may be a bit of a splurge - but it's worth it for your bestie whose been around through everything.

Get Sauced Gift Boxes

This one's for the health conscious foodies. Get Sauced has delicious, healthy treats that make for a practical yet delicious gift. You can purchase a set online from their website.

Royale Pomegranate Seed Oil

I love essential oil because you find so many uses for them. The Royale Afrique du sud pomegranate seed oil is no exception and is packed with antioxidants to give you the most glowy skin. You can purchase these on their website.

Batiste Dry Hair Shampoo

Us 20-somethings are always on the go and sometimes it's hard to schedule in a "hair wash" day (Because we need a whole day for that duh), that's where dry shampoo comes in handy! Girl, all you gotta do is spray and go! You can purchase it from clicks and dischem.