#6: Semi-sweet (the Valentine's Day edition) 🍬

This week, we're celebrating Valentine's Day without cynicism. Also a reminder to go to the dentist, my favorite dark chocolate gems, and an ode to "renovated" jewelry.

Feb 11, 2022

So many people try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to Valentine’s Day. It’s virtually impossible to talk about February 14th without a reflection on how the goal should be to reinvent Valentine’s Day.

If you’re single and lonely, spend the day with yourself. If you’re single but not lonely, maybe you should use this as a sign to get back out there. If you’re happily coupled, don’t shove your love in other people’s faces.

Though maybe I’m being a bit cynical. Why shouldn’t I want people to express their love for each other on Valentine’s Day? If someone flaunts their relationship to feel better about themselves, that says everything about them and nothing about me.

This weekend, I want to be happy for happy people. I think that’s what Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about for me.

DO’S and DON’TS: a non-exhaustive guide

DO: book a dental cleaning. I finally tried a new dentist after an embarrassing amount of time and holy sh*t my teeth feel so good.

DON’T: settle for a half-empty bag of chocolate chips this weekend. We’re eating Ghiradelli or Godiva at a bare minimum.

DO: make a recipe that scares you (but just a little). We’re going for progress, not perfection.

DON’T: buy garlic from a jar. It tastes better when it’s fresh.

DO: buy yourself some cheap flowers from the grocery store.

DON’T: spend all weekend at home. Make up errands if you have to!

“Required” reading: links to get you thinking

15 breakfast in bed recipes for Valentine’s Day (Camille Styles)

These are the trending flowers of 2022 (Clever)

Swooning over this pink art-deco apartment in Melbourne (Architectural Digest)

Author Jasmine Guillory on food as a love language (Bustle)

This company will “renovate” your old jewelry (SPUR)

This week’s aesthetic: candy

The heroine recommends: HU Kitchen Chocolate Gems

These are the perfect dark chocolates! They’re the perfect size for both snacking and baking. They’re dark but not too dark, sweet but not too sweet. If you need me, I’ll be scouring the greater Charlotte area this weekend looking for a bag of these.

Shop online or find a local store.

Have a recommendation? Let me know!

Go forth: a parting thought

I love you!!!! 💖

xx, Annie

Hello Heroine