Whether your sailor is home or away, we hope you find some time for yourself this month and squeeze in a little Galentine’s Day celebration! Here are five ways to celebrate:
Host a Board Party or Cozy Basket Exchange
This social media viral trend is trending for a reason they are fun and a way to share your creative skills and indulge in some delicious food. Plan a night and set a theme since Charcuterie Boards don’t have to consist of just meats and cheeses. Dessert Boards, French Fry Boards, and even Buttercream Frosting Boards are a fun way to jazz up the traditional potluck. Take your party to the next level on invite quest to build a “Cozy Basket” under a set monetary amount (ie. Under $25)of all their favorite self care items or favorite coffee blends for guests to swap.
Go on a Dinner Date
Just because your sailor is away or heck even if your sailor is home grab a few Boat Bestie or coworkers and make a reservation to a restaurant you have been dying to try. Stuck in a restaurant rut Open Table or Yelp are great ways to find new places to try. If your sailor is away it is a great way to try a place before they get back and see if the truffle mashed potatoes are really worth the hype. For more restaurant inspiration, here’s some of our contributors favorites in Groton, Kings Bay (Ameia Island), Portsmouth, and Oahu.
Explore a New Activity
Get some friends together and plan an excursion, reserve a time at a local escape room (our contributors love Kitsap Great Escape, Ameila Island Escape Rooms and Mystified Escape Rooms ) or check out a new trail (inspiration here, here and here). Base Information TIckets & Travel Offices (ITT) usually have great deals on popular events and adventures to try. If your sailor is gone let go of the guilt of having fun and trying something new without them. It is ok to explore and adventure on your own! Use the drop-down menu on our blog to find more duty station inspiration!
Plan a Themed Happy Hour
If you feel like you are stuck in a rut why not plan a theme night with friends. Find your favorite pink outfit and have a Barbie Theme night out while grabbing cocktails or dinner. There is nothing better than dressing up with a group and just being silly for a night. If pink is not your thing other great ideas for a theme night are: funky wigs, funny graphic t-shirts, 90’s baby, High School you, and even a pajama jam. You may feel ridiculous at first but there is power in numbers and once your crew is together laughing you will instantly feel the daily stress melt away.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Everyone deserves a good spa day! Check out your local med spas and hotel spas for deals or military discounts. Don’t have the budget for a luxurious spa package? My tip is to look at the least expensive treatment (typically manicure or pedicure) and book it earlier in the day. After your treatment you will still have access to all the amenities of the spa such as the steam room, sauna, and pools. Our contributors favorite spas include Seahill Spa at the Cavalier Hotel (Virginia Beach), Alderbrook Resort & Spa (Bangor), Seaside Santuary Spa (Portsmouth), The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (Kings Bay), and The Spa at Norwich Inn (Groton).
Still can’t make it to the spa? Invite some friends over and ask them to bring their favorite cleansing mask, hair treatment or nail colors and take turns pampering each other while binge watching a Netflix show (we have a list for that). Everyone deserves to be pampered for a little bit!
Whatever you decide to do make sure during the month of love you show yourself some self-love! Our contributor Cat is currently stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam and follow her on IG @aloha.mama.cat for Oahu girls night ideas, family fun and foodie finds!