​Valentine’s day is around the corner. Whether you love or hate this day is irrelevant, please keep reading why.

While I like having a special day to celebrate love, to have better relationships and connections, love should be celebrated every single day. You don’t need big gestures; many times, it’s the small things that make a difference and reminds us why we love a person. So think of the things that your better half or your loved ones appreciate, incorporate those in your day and relationship and let love flow in. If you’re still out of ideas, read on.

We recently moved. No biggie you’d say since everyone moves, but our move wasn’t your typical and you can read the whole story here. In the process, we decided to donate or purge a lot of our stuff which made me sort through every single item we possessed.

While doing that, I came across many memories and memorabilia we have kept throughout the years. Among those were a lot of cards we got on different occasions, including our wedding. Finding those little pieces of our beginnings brought a lot of lovely memories along with happy tears. But, the best finds were the letters me and my husband wrote to each other, even before we were married.

We began our relationship thousands of miles apart, and it was one of the hardest things we have ever done. Throughout the months we were separated by distance, he would send me letters filled with his love and plans for our future together.

Among those letters, I found one that he wrote at the airport, leaving after seeing me for the very first time. That letter made me cry and laugh at the same time. Reading it after all these years reminded me all over again of all the reasons I fell in love with him and most importantly, the reason I said “yes” 10 days after seeing him for the first time... or less than 2 months after finding out about his existence.

I also found our other little notes we would drop for each other in our lunch bags, letters we would give each other on our birthdays, anniversaries and so on. They are our most treasured "gifts".

So here’s my suggestion for you: forget about chocolates or fancy dinners or jewelry; write your loved one a letter, tell them what it is you love about them, reminisce on your beginnings together, the things you appreciate about them, let them know why they are important to you. Drop little notes or even cards and messages in their bags or even pockets and tell them you are thinking of them and love them. A simple gesture like this will make a big difference in their day and in your relationship. And the best part, this idea is super budget-friendly, because it will cost you nothing, but it will make a big impact. What are you waiting for? Go write that letter!

Now onto Valentine's outfit ideas... While last Valentine's I created a romantic red and white look, this year I wanted to get playful with a polka dots dress, and for contrast and as a tribute to the holiday, I added a fun heart-print scarf.

My outfit is old but I found a similar dress here, here and here, similar boots here and here, and a similar scarf here.

P.S. There's nothing wrong with fancy dinners, chocolates or jewelry if these things bring you joy, I just wanted to share some very simple ideas with you. .

Until next time.
XOXO,
Em