JenOni

#valentinesday

Single on Valentine’s Day is a Good Reason to Celebrate Love for Self

Happy Valentine'sDay

Single on Valentine’s Day

I think I missed the memo that being single on Valentine’s Day is a curse.  During this time each year, I see articles coaching people on how to cope with being single on Valentine’s Day.   Don’t get me wrong I like the idea of celebrating with the one you love.  However, being single on Valentine’s Day is no reason to be sad.  I feel like it gives a reason to celebrate doing something special for yourself.

If You’re an Ex

A few weeks ago I saw on the news how to celebrate Valentine’s Day if you have an ex.  Now there are activities if you have an ex,  a zoo in El Paso Texas allows people to use ex’s name for a cockroach which is then fed to a meerkat.  Hooters offers a  coupon for ten free boneless wings by completing an online quiz and shredding an ex’s picture.   All of this negative energy is no for me.  Just move on and channel this energy to celebrate YOU!

My thoughts as a single woman and the idea of stressing over Valentine’s Day brings a few questions to mind.  What happened to the idea of celebrating love every day? Why is being happy and loved dependent on being in a relationship?  Is it possible to love yourself and love your time alone?  Do we spend enough time loving ourselves?  Are we emotionally and spiritually ready to share with another person?   Why have standards and expectations become irrelevant?

Love Jones

One of my favorite movies is Love Jones.   After watching the movie multiple times, I realized how much I missed in my 20s and 30s.   I know now experiences should have no regrets or settle for less.   My takeaway from the movie is the fact a loving relationship requires time, mutual respect, unconditional love, patience, and work.   It was also eye-opening to see how much time is wasted when we are not clear with expectations.

2014-12-12-lovejones

My mantra is to CELEBRATE ME every day of the year.

Ways to Treat Yourself for the Month and Beyond

  1. Book a relaxing massage at a local spa
  2. Schedule an appointment for a facial
  3. Plan a treat to a special pedicure and manicure
  4. Order a dozen of roses for the month and for a real splurge order LeFleur roses (on my 50 wishlist)
  5. Buy a box of favorite chocolates(Turtles are my favorite)
  6. Make dinner reservations at a favorite restaurant

Valentine’s Day is February 14th- Gifts Ideas for the Special Ones on Your List

The Valentine’s Day Countdown is on! If you need a little help in the gift department, you can never go wrong with a signature piece of jewelry. Jewelry is not only a classic choice for Valentine’s Day — with a little bit of guidance — it CAN be affordable too. Here are three V-day picks from Jewelry.com that cost less than $100. Plus, 2/1-2/4 you can save an extra 25% off sitewide and get free shipping at Jewelry.com with code CYCLE25.

Spinner Heart Pendant with Diamonds, $37

null

Feel the love from miles away! Within the largest, round-cut diamond-accented sterling silver heart sit two smaller hearts, the smallest of which is crafted in 14K rose gold.

2 ct Diamond Wave Tennis Bracelet, $97

null

An impressive, 2 ct diamond tennis bracelet is now an attainable luxury. Round-cut diamonds totaling 2 ct line a waved setting in rhodium-plated brass.

Heart Climber Button Earrings, $37

null

Show that love is always in the air with these playful earrings. Four heart-shaped stations in alternating 14K yellow and white gold create these pieces that cascade playfully along the side of the ear.

 

This Valentine’s Day should be all about lavishing your loved ones with little luxuries. L’Occitane has you covered in this department! With Valentine’s gift ideas for him and for her, you really can’t go wrong with anything you chose.

Men’s gift ideas include fragrances, skincare and grooming products, such is this Eau des Baux Eau de Toilette or this Almond Daily Ritual Duo.

For ladies, L’Occitane carries a range of fine fragrances, luxury bath and body products, home fragrances, candles and gifts sets — all of which are superb gift ideas for women. We suggest the Divine Cream or the Roses et Reines Eau de Toilette.

New to the L’Occitane brand and not sure where to start? Now through 2/14, you can get this 8-Piece Shea Set for only only $20 with any $45 purchase. Use promo code COZY at checkout. The set includes 8 Shea Butter essentials, including Light Face Cream, Hand & Foot Cream, Extra-Gentle Soap, Shower Cream, Ultra-Rich Body Cream and a Sample of Comforting Face Oil.

null

 

Hedgehogs in Love

This quirky card features an oversized mushroom and two Hedgehogs in a serenading scene complete with a tiny lute. The adorable details make this card a hit for any occasion.

Bun in the Oven

This Mother’s Day card doubles as a fun way to share BIG news with friends and family. The adorable card features a pop-up oven that opens to show a bun inside. Seal the envelope and see how long it takes your loved ones to figure out the surprise.

Gondola Love Scene

If you can’t send your love to Italy this year, gift them the Gondola Love Scene instead. The 5” by 7” card features a couple in a pop-up gondola gliding along Venetian waterways. It’s a classic romance scene with a 2017 twist — the couple is taking a selfie inside the gondola. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or your next anniversary.

Pirate Ship

Whether they’re 8 or 38, your adventure-loving friend needs Lovepop’s Pirate Ship card. Include treasure in the form of cash or send your favorite pirate on a treasure hunt to find his or her next gift.

Big Deals for the Big Day!

Come in store, pick up your savings and say “I do” to discounts on dresses, jewelry, men’s suites, shirts and ties, furniture, mattresses and rugs, luggage, bedding and bath essentials, women’s shoes, evening bags and more! Create your Macy’s wedding and gift registry today.

Pamper yourself — or someone else — this Valentine’s Day with a gift from Murad Skin Care. Murad is a global leader in skincare science with a wide range of health and beauty products for even the most discerning skin. Now, you can save 15% site wide and get free shipping on all orders at Murad.com. Use promo code BRANDCYCLE15 at checkout. This offer is valid through 2/4.

Shop Murad’s top sellers.

Essential-C Day Moisture

null

This is a powerful, antioxidant-rich daily moisturizer that shields and revitalizes environmentally stressed skin. It’s made to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays and free-radical damage, while improving skin’s radiance, firmness and elasticity.

City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturizer

null

Detoxify and revitalize skin overnight. This breakthrough formula, with super-charged antioxidants from Marrubium Plant Stem Cells, neutralizes pollutants and strengthens skin’s barrier while you sleep.

Beautiful And Bright 4-Piece Set

null

Polish away dry, dull skin; fade dark spots and age spots; plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and protect skin for a hydrated radiant glow.

BONUS: Get a Free Valentine’s Day Gift set ($45 value) with any $125+ purchase (Valid 1/16 – 2/14). Use Promo Code LOVE at checkout.

The Loss of My Dad – Unconditional Love

DadHSGraduationCard

My dad’s love.   This post is filed under “my inspiration” however not sure how to be INSPIRED on this topic.My dad passed away 28 years ago and his birthday is  January 1st.   Every new year is a great beginning and a reminder of his birthday with the void it has left. My dad passed away as I was starting my second year of college and he was over the moon proud. I was the first of his six children to go to college. For him, education was a big deal. Although he was not a college graduate, he believed in the benefits of education or pursuing a trade. He worked hard and was highly skilled in a lot of areas. I give him credit for my interest in science.

While I was de-cluttering a room at my mom’s house I found my high school graduation cards. I will always treasure this card from my dad, wow to seen his signature after 28 years. I remember sitting on the stage at my high school graduation and looking over at my family and winking at my dad. It feels like it was yesterday. The best part of the day is having a limo transport us to and from the graduation ceremony. My dad tried to provide anything for his “SMOOCH”. I remembered he drove miles to get my Barbie RV so I would have in time for Christmas.

DadHSGraduationCard2

He always wanted me to go to college as I was thinking “come on dad what else would I do” Unfortunately my dad passed away during the 1st semester of my sophomore year. I can remember the pride on my dad’s face when I made the dean’s list. It was tough returning to school but I pride my dad felt made it worth the effort.

When I look back over my life I often wonder if he is my guardian angel. Hopefully, he is and smiling down on his busy grandchildren who constantly throw his “smooch” for a loop. Just the other day my baby bro and I were talking about how each of us stands just like our dad. It was funny that we both noticed.

In 2016, I am now 46 years old and high school was almost 29 years ago. I hear people say losing someone gets better over time and I will be the first one to say this is untrue. When I think of the missed conversations, graduating from college, buying my first car, my first job, becoming a mother, etc there is no way to replace a dad’s perspective. A dad is the first man in your life who loves, protects and provides a genuine perspective to make critical decisions. I envy women who have their dads during their adult years. There is no price you can put on reaching out to your dad for advice or having him make you laugh. I know having his advice would have prevented me from making some reckless decisions.

Shortly after New Years Day stores are adorned with Valentines Day cards, gifts, and decorations. If you’re single it may be a bittersweet day. What should you do? Do you spend it alone? or with single friends? Honestly, I like the idea of having a special day to acknowledgement those you love. I do not believe this is the only day to show love or give love. Unconditional love is a given on every day of the calendar. While I enjoy dinner out the only date I could wish for on Valentine’s Day is with my dad.

meandmydad

My Valentine’s Wish    

Single Mom Chronicles: Welcome February- “Love is in the Air”

love is in the air

 

Welcome, February!!!! This is the month where stores are adorned with so much related to Valentine’s Day.   Is Love in the air?

I am so honored to have a guest blogger, Latoi Storr of ToiTime give her perspective overview on celebrating Valentine’s Day if you are single, in a relationship or married.  Latoi is a married, full-time working mom of 3, and blogger.   When I connect with another CocoaMommy who can relate to the mommy challenge and keeps it 100!  This is a breath of fresh air!  Do check out Latoi over at ToiTime!

ToiTimeGuestBlogger

Bio in her Words:

LaToi McGinnis-Storr was born in Ohio and grew up predominately in Lancaster, PA. I am a wife and a mother to 3 beautiful kidlets as I call them.  I am a Pennsylvania State University 2003 graduate.  I can be described by my friends as the wild child and wildflower of the bunch. I like all things “weird” and by weird, I mean that gummy bears are on the food pyramid.  Look it up with a magnifying glass trust me it’s there. In my spare time, I like to practice my make-up tips as well an avid reader.  I value friendships and quiet moments.  As a busy mom on the go, I try to focus on being as prepared as possible and letting the rest just happen.  Follow me on Instagram – Toirenee3 or Twitter @Renee_toi

Valentine’s Day – Check out Guest Blogger, Latoi Storr’s Perspective

 

 

valentine1post

It’s that time of the year again.  Are you happy about it?  Let me say that as a woman I’ve been on every spectrum of the Valentine’s Day ordeal.  I was single, I was newly broken up, depressed, hurt, angry, bitter, and now married so I get it.  I know that many people will tell single women or men not to be in their feelings but let’s keep this real how can you not?

SMOKE SCREENS

 There are going to be deliveries to jobs that practically flaunt the never ending love fest.  Most likely the fest is only a day.  There will be no doubt many roses, candy boxes, and teddy bears being sent where women would otherwise talk negatively about their men.  Watch these next couple of weeks.  Ray Ray is a bum, he don’t take care of the kids, he doesn’t love me, he cheated on me again-then bam magic takes place.  On Valentine’s Day the message will be he’s a mess but that’s still my boo.
There will be men duplicating orders to send to their boo thangs and wives, the day is really a messy day.  Yes some will prey on the day and make women’s lives horrible.  So again take things with a grain of salt.  Am I Valentine’s Day hater, not at all but I am one who knows the real deal behind fake smiles and the smoke screens of Instagram and Facebook.

SINGLE’S AWARENESS DAY

 You do not need to acknowledge this day as singles awareness day.  Unless something magically happens out the sky you have been single and will be single on February 15th.  Now that’s not a death wish or anything like that but I hate when people act like we need to go out of our way to condemn others for not finding the love they need. Love is complicated and it’s not as easy as the movies would suggest.  Men and women put their best face forward and then once you get to know them they don’t match what you need for your life-no harm in that .Yes it’s frustrating but the sting is all in how you make it.  Don’t let anyone push their feelings about the day on you.
For my singles please don’t do the traditional sit around with your lady friends and male bash.  It’s not healthy.  If you want to receive love soon, don’t bash it. You attract what you put out.  So don’t let the bitterness go out and expect a prince in shining armour to appear.  Take the time to deal with your issues.  For my singles it’s a day to gather with friends and uplift yourselves not on the we single and miserable but about the good qualities that you have to offer.  If you don’t want to be alone it can be a great alternative.  I would suggest an actual activity.  For instance instead of dinner find something that you wouldn’t do like go to a Burlesque show.  Nothing is more sexier than seeing another woman in her sexual peak show you some new moves to boost your confidence.
My other suggestion is take a pole dancing class.  One don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it-the work out is insane.  The ladies who pole dance are some strong individuals.  Again it’s about doing something physical and finding an activity that’s out the box.  It will help ease the day trust me.  Also if you have a group of women who are in the same boat, you can have fun and exchange gifts amongst yourself. Now all the women in the group will have a Valentine and no one will be left out.
Yes you can turn the day around and have a little fun while doing it. When I think about the countless dinners I went to sitting around with my girlfriends complaining I really wished I had used my time wisely to do an activity.  I would plan a girls weekend if you have the money to do so.  Get away, and catch a new city.  It doesn’t have to be super far either.  It could be something a few hours away and find activities that are really out of the box and change-up the atmosphere.  Make things such as Groupon and Living Social your bestie for such occasions.  There really is strength in numbers.  If you don’t live near your girlfriends you can still sign up for classes you will be surprised how many others are in the same boat and guess what if you’re open to the idea you may meet a new friend or two along the way.

 NOT THE SAME GIFTS

 If you are on the side where you have a boo, opt for better gifts instead of the same cliché gifts.  For instance do some DIY projects.  I love to be different. My husband has enough stuff so i opt to gift him a day or an activity for him to engage with a friend or by himself.   Yes I know the day is supposed to be spent at an expensive dinner looking into candlelight with violins playing, but my reality is that’s just not the type of couple we are.  For one, we have small children so if you are in the same boat unless you made prior arrangements, finding a sitter will be virtually impossible.  We find ways to bring the action indoors.  One thing we do is after we put the kids to bed, we bake together.  Yes nothing says time together like a mixing bowl, flour and well some cute lingerie. Remember to always keep it cute.
Now if you aren’t into baking and that’s not your strong suit then another suggestion is to step your game up.  Yes play a game just you and your mate. Games bring out that competitive side so trust and believe that its going to do the same then.  You can have prizes that are little trinkets of things both of you like that would eliminate the need to buy one particular gift.  This is something where a gift is now earned. Again different ways in approaching gift giving.
Listen to your mate when they talk.  There is something that your mate will allude to that they like if you are listening you will hear it and use opportunities to gift these items during these times.

 SIDE CHICK APPRECIATION DAY

 This is one day that I need everyone to stop celebrating.  The only reason I’m bringing it up is to get more people to knock this day of celebrating off.  Why would you take joy in knowing that you are the one who will get part-time benefits from a man or woman?  You really want to be the only one, not the main, not the jump off, but the only one but you settle to be called a secondary lover?  This mentality needs to really stop.  I can’t believe that in this day and age we celebrate such things but we do.  Please end this now.  There’s no honor in being second.  Stop the madness.  I can’t knock you for living this life, but to brag about it is another thing.  You are lonely.  The pieces you get are only temporary.  You don’t get full-time benefits will you cheapen yourself to part-time love.  What about this and every other holiday you spend alone?  Is it worth it?  You are okay with just getting a portion when you deserve the whole thing.  If you were hungry and a restaurant gave you half of sandwich when you ordered a whole, you would pay for that sandwich and be okay?  No but if you allow this type of treatment you are eventually never being satisfied. There’s not enough love and foolishness to keep this type of facade going.
Wherever you are in the spectrum that positive and negative feelings that come about on the big day.  Please always remember that at the end of the day it’s one day.  Love should always be celebrated not because of Hallmark and calendars.  The best type of love even if you are in a relationship or two is self-love.

Valentine’s Day – Abe’s Market

10days and counting until Valentine’s Day!

 

Have you started shopping for Valentine’s Day yet? Visit Abe’s Marketplace for natural products for everyone on your list.

Check out Abe’s Marketplace, free shipping for all orders over $49. Up to 50% off of select items. Don’t procrastinate start shopping today for a wide selection of natural gifts for your significant other. Are you planning a romantic evening? Say no more there are plenty of gift ideas for setting up that romantic night, candles, chocolates, etc.

Valentine’s Day – What Should You Do with Digital Pictures? -Picaboo

10 days and counting until Valentine’s Day!

Memories are a great gift to share for years to come. Valentine’s Day is in a few weeks, did you consider turning your digital pictures into a photo book, calendar, or canvas prints?

 Save 50% until February 5th, don’t hesitate, ORDER NOW!

Save 50% on Photo Books. using Picaboo Coupon Code: GROUNDHOG50