Bel-entine's day

For my love, Bella x

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

I know a BEAUTY named Bella,

MY LOVE FOR HER IS TRUE.

This year my valentine is my sweet goddaughter, Bella. She is a soon-to-be 5 year old, with beautiful flowing hair, the prettiest smile, and a witty sense of humor. I loved her since the first time I placed my eyes on her, I called her my budda-baby she is always had a smile on her face that was simply contagious. I've known Bella's mother since college and love her like a sister. So, when she asked me to be Bella's godmother - I nearly cried. There was no hesitation or second guessing. This life task was to be a true honor indeed.

Not everyone has a love to call their own - romantically this year but there is always love in our lives! Whether in the form of pets, parents, friends, and the ultimate devotion we can find - self-love. Knowing love is around you is all you need on the this Valentine's Day. This year I sat down thanked God for the abundance of options that I have in my life. With that said I have committed this Valentine's Day to The four G's : God, girlfriends, godchildren, and grandparents and share how I treasure each. The strong love that I share with my four G's cannot be denied and each deserves a special kind of valentine that can be remembered.

GOD

Prayer is essential to my daily routine, to remain grounded and balanced. Connecting with my creator makes every hurdle, challenge, disappointment miniature.

A Gratitude List can tug on your heart strings when you have so much to be thankful for. Whether surrounded by family everyday or you are working in your dream field, there is always someone/something to be thankful for. Making a gratitude list reminds us that everyday is filled with unconditional love.

Connect to your Heart Chakra with some rose quartz, loving mediation, or cozying up with some warm soup. Add repeating a loving affirmation to your morning routine. For example, 'I choose peace, passion, and joy for myself each day'. The heart chakra is linked to compassion, affection, and love. Connecting to your heart chakra allows you give love to others, as well as yourself.

GIRLFRIENDS

Gal-entine's Day: I'm sure you've heard of this substitute for Valentine's Day when it comes to sharing this romantic day with your girlfriends.I love spending time with my girls on any given day but I'm dazzled to be in the company of good vibes on this Valentine's Day. It makes me feel sort of like a rebel. Going against all that society says we have to expect on this day. This Gal-entine's day I have a dinner date at trendy eatery in Boston with a couple of my girlfriends and the festivities continue during the weekend with a twerking cardio class on Sunday! Girls just want to have fun x

GODCHILDREN

Kiddie Spa Package: Includes glittery nail polish, funky hair accessories, lip gloss, fuzzy socks, and kid-friendly bubble bath/bath bomb, and one my favorite books 'Just Us Women' by Jeanette Caines and illustrated by Pat Cummings. Of course, I can't forget the many, many, many sweets per Bella's request (my apologies to my BM - hahaha). This Valentine's Day project was so much fun to put together especially for someone I love so dearly and whom this piece is dedicated to. Other ideas you can do with godchildren no matter gender or age: arts and crafts, ice cream shop, movie night, museum day, playground fun, and cooking/baking together! It really doesn't matter what you decide to do with the kiddos, they just want your company and love.

GRANDPARENTS

Prepared meals: Most grocery stores carry prepared foods that they make in store most of the time. When you don't have time to make a meal on your own you can basically a homemade meal at your local grocery store. FYI - Roche Brothers has the BEST prepared food! You can even take it a step further when packing your own meal prep maybe pack another serving for a grandparent or elderly relative.

Simple phone call: In the age of technology where everything is text, email, or snapchat. It's refreshing to hear a familiar/warm voice. Picking up the phone and having a conversation with my Grandpa is the highlight of my day. It does help that he is the funniest guy I know. Love is love, he is the physical manifestation of that phrase.

Homemade Valentine's Day card: Time to pull out the good ole construction paper and markers to assemble a new-approved homemade card. You know the ones that you used to make for your loved ones in class? Those were the days - no worries, not even a care. Let's get back to basics and allow our creative skills and inner child to run free, and have fun with making a homemade card.

Ladies - we must not forget about ourselves. Self-care is essential to well-being. So, don't forget about yourself this V-Day. My Self-Care Commitment for February, is a loving and nourishing my hair. I've recently gone natural! I'm learning a lot about my hair's natural state, what my hair truly needs in terms of product, care, and attention this month. Don't forget to take care of your crowns!

Happy Valentine's Day to all the baby-mamas and self-lovers out there x