Treat Yo Self

This is what I look like when eating chocolate. At least, if I were a cartoon with shark-fangs, because sometimes confections just need to be attacked.

Food tastes better that way. They proved it in Calvin & Hobbes.

Not everybody likes Valentine's Day. Okay, most people don't like Valentine's Day. It can be stressful, and expensive, and has a lot of potential for embarrassment. To me it sounds like a passive-agressive competition of She Got This, He's Doing That, that disappoints women and confuses men into delirium.

So how do I feel about it, as a person who loves  holidays, and making up my own traditions?

Like a bug bite, if you let it bother you, it will.

If you have a significant other, unless they're thoughtful and know you really well, it might suck. Especially if you're the type of person who cares about what other people are getting or doing, which you oughta know, is a lame way to live. Just because your friends are all getting married and having babies doesn't mean you have to get wedding-and-baby-mania.

If you're single, this silly "holiday" might make you feel lonely or inept, if you actually give two craps about what other people (and society) think.

And if you're a man...I'm sorry. Someone, somewhere, is probably going to find a way to get mad at you.

So I say, treat it like any other day.

Don't wait for V-Day to tell people that you care about them, and make them feel appreciated, whether they're your significant other or not.

Do something special if you want. I always want to do something special.

Happy Tuesday, self, let's eat chocolate in bed! Yes!

Do you have an awesome dog? Don't make it wear a cupid hoodie of some type. Keep them from getting laughed at; that's real love right there.

Love your friends and family? I dunno, bake cookies or give out hugs!

Single gal in the city? Treat yo self to a pedicure. Why the heck not?

Single dude in the city? Treat yo self to a pedicure. Man up. Your feet probably need it, and you might meet a single girl, single guy, or cute esthetician. Whatever!

Have a significant other? Cook them a meal, give them a back rub, bake them a pie, pick some flowers. Any of these are a nice thought, wouldn't you want to do one of them on a regular day?

And if there's something (reasonable) you know they've been pining for, I don't know, go get it? Couples do stuff like that, and women these days seem accustomed to expecting gifts. Sigh...

I've ever been one of those "buy me things!" type of ladies. I like being financially independent. But some guys and girls like to pick up nice stuff for their guy or girl because it's the gesture that counts. It says, "Ha ha, see, I do listen to what you say, and want you to be happy!"

I have kind of wanted a dinosaur forever, but am not expecting anyone to leave one on my doorstep.

Drawings of dinosaurs are acceptable, though, because handmade stuff is the best.

You are special! Do something fun for yourself!

The other day I went out and bought a Tarte natural-ish eyeliner and a brush set (as natural as waterproof black eyeliner can get, anyway). Natural makeup is finally here and doesn't look Plain Jane, so if I can doodle on paper, by gum, I would want to learn how to draw on my face, slowly but surely.

I deserve to feel pretty, whether it's a stupid Hallmark holiday or not. So far, so good, and the sassy cat's-eye makes me feel like a femme fatale.

Here are some favourite dessert/treat recipes from my archives, if you're in an indulgent mood (if you're a new reader, hello, thanks for visiting, and it's now obvious that I always am in the mood for something special).

I will probably crank out one more recipe, in time for the blessed/dreaded day, but this is a good place to start, if you're needing some inspiration.

Chocolate Truffle Squares with candied bacon and sea salt

Deadly Brownies with Bacon, brown sugar, peanut butter cheesecake, and more!

Vegan-Friendly Chocolate Truffles

Lemon Vanilla Soufflé

Mrs. Bean's Famous Nutmeg Ginger Apple Snaps from Fantastic Mr. Fox


Vegan Chocolate Cake with Ganache Fudge Frosting

So no matter what happens, try and have a fun day, and remember to treat yo self!

You deserve it!


Kari