For Your Consideration: V-Day
Cringey love notes. Plus, Sam Smith, Eminem and Tickle Me Elmo.
I got my first valentine this year as early as December 28. The note read:
The time has come for our designer objects to profess to you how sexy and bubbly you are, and the way you make their heart beat each day.
Huh?
OK, so this wasn’t a true valentine, and it obviously did not come from a man I’m crushing on, but rather a publicist attempting to use a contrived Hallmark holiday to promote their product/client. Which I get. I really do. And yet, into the trash it went since I don’t generally write about design or Valentine’s Day. Also, cringe-eyeroll all around.
But then I thought, wait a minute. Maybe it’d be fun to share some of these pitches! The messaging and language used can be quite ridiculous. No disrespect to the senders or anyone for whom such information might be helpful and/or is a fan of the lover-ly day. While I’m personally more of a “love yourself and others everyday” type of gal, I also wouldn’t turn away flowers or chocolates or a handwritten note should one (or all of the above) appear on my doorstep. (Inquire within for my address.)
So! Here are 14 ways to celebrate and/or tidbits you didn’t ask for or know you needed when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day.
First of all, it’s “Romance Month” now. Way back on January 3, I received an email plugging a hotel’s “Stay in for Romance” and “Bubbles and Bliss” spa packages that are available all of February.
On January 12, still over a month away, I was informed that some of the best V-Day gifts might include this backpack (“perfect for hiking dates!”) and cocktail glasses (“nothing says I love you like tableware”).
On the 17th, I was asked how “engagement season” was treating me…
“Ditch the flowers and chocolate, and give the gift of great wine,” read an email I received on January 19, plugging a wine subscription service. (A follow-up came yesterday in case—d’oh!—I was still interested.)
Oh, but what about a “heart-pounding” private helicopter ride over a heart-shaped frozen pond in Switzerland?
On January 9th, I got a very PC message about “celebrating new love, self-love, many decades of love or all the forms of love in-between” pitching over 10 hotel packages from Mexico and Hawaii to Greece and England.
A clever, if not odd email touting “time travel for Valentine’s Day” came the next day in an effort to pitch some retro rentable trailers.
For those looking to “plunge their love” and “grow their romance,” they could do so by planting coral underwater thanks to a hotel in the Maldives. (Cheesy puns aside, this activity actually sounds kinda cool.)
Lisbon is the most romantic city in Europe according to new research done by a European-based yacht charter group. [Insert head-scratching emoji]. (Paris comes in third, btw, with Monaco in between.)
One for the “galentines” came in on January 25th encouraging ladies “not to be wallflowers” by taking photos…in front of a hotel’s flower wall on the 14th, when Cupid himself will also be on-site for posers eager to spend $79 on such activities.
Solo travelers won’t be forgotten thanks to love from a travel company treating singles to free room updates and a cruise company offering some so-called “lovely deals” regardless of one’s relationship status.
Another one for the “month of love” came in on February 2nd from the Champagne Bureau urging people to “make February sparkle!”
One PR took the opportunity to plug every single client they rep because of all the “aphrodisiac boosting programming.”
Even the agency repping the 2024 Paris Olympics got in on the action by suggesting “you and your amore enjoy the ‘city of love’ with tickets” to the games…which are over a year from now.
So there you have it! As for me, I do actually have plans to grab a cocktail with a girlfriend at a rooftop bar on Tuesday, but more so because I have to for a story I’m working on and that day worked best for us both. I’ll probably also eat some chocolate or a pastry, and maybe workout—all things I do on any ’ole day. Same with buying myself flowers, which Miley Cyrus has further endorsed so good luck to florists next week! I hope the day—and, really, those before and after—speaks to you in whatever love language you so desire. Bon week-end, friends! xx — Sara
PS. I’m finishing up a BIG Paris food letter that is worth the yearly paid-subscriber price alone. If you’ve been considering coming over to the sparkly side, now is the time to do it!
Clickable
Harry Styles and celebrity ‘queer baiting.’ | T Magazine
The mother-daughter duo that was…and wasn’t. | NY Times
“Have we simply become allergic to other people?” | The Guardian
The dress that’s “popping” up everywhere. | The Cut
Making the case for sleepovers. | The Atlantic
Madonna: “clueless narcissict,” “just human,” or “subversive”? | NY Post | WaPo | NY Times
Wanna be a writer? Grab your magic carpet, Aladdin. | McSweeney’s
Tipping in the U.S. — “it’s just the rules, don’t complain.” | Grub Street
We should all abide by these etiquette guidlines. | The Cut
The Metaverse: where fact is fiction and news is entertainment. | The Atlantic
Watchable
I know the “news” here is that Ed Sheeran is singing the Dido part of this iconic song, which brings back so many memories (specifically those from Bali, February 2001), but Em got my attention and awe. Never mind that the performance was for his induction into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and I wouldn’t consider what he does Rock ’n’ Roll. Slim Shady 4eva.
Just the other day I was wondering where Rachel McAdams has been, and up she pops in the film version of the iconic Young Adult novel, “Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret”! Cannot wait for this one. Though, I bet God can. lol
On Repeat: Sam Smith, Gloria
Sam Smith’s 4th studio album feels personal. He’s stripped down, yet also dressed up as his most free, fabulous, and flamboyant self, donning the likes of feathers, bustiers, and platforms when performing the songs. While the tracks are definitely more of the in-da-club variety than knife-in-the-heart ballads, his trademark voice is still the throughline that keeps you listening, boogying, and singing along. My favorite songs are: “Love You More,” “Unholy,” and “Who We Love” with (here he is again!) Ed Sheeran.
Currently Overthinking…
…the Paris bars to include in a story I’m working on…
Souvenir: Tickle Me Elmo
Watching the “Pam & Tommy” Hulu series, which takes place in the ’90s, reminded me (perhaps quite randomly) of this popular plush toy from Sesame Street. Remember how HUGE it was for tykes? It came out during the height of my babysitting days and I remember many-a-kid I sat for hitting the giggle button nonstop. #funnynotfunny