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Edition #12 • Love in All It’s Forms
Hello friends,
My husband and I don't make a big deal about Valentine's Day in the traditional sense. We first started dating in college when we were both poor, so a night in with a movie and gifting a mix CD was our go-to. I've come to appreciate that February 14th can be whatever you want it to be. It can be a cozy night in with your partner, a hilarious Galentine's gathering, or a quiet evening treating yourself to something special.
What I love about this holiday is how it celebrates the many forms of love in our lives. Romantic love, sure. But also the love between friends who've seen you through everything. And the often-neglected love we owe ourselves.
Fun fact: the holiday we know today traces back to the 14th-century poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, who romanticized the story of a martyred Italian priest named Valentine—a man who secretly married couples when it was forbidden. There really was a flesh-and-blood person behind all the kitsch, and you can actually visit his remains in Rome. Sometimes the best stories are the ones rooted in something real.
However you choose to celebrate—or not—here are some community-sourced ideas to make the day feel intentional, not obligatory.
❤️,
Karli
✨ For the romantics
Whether you've been together 6 months or 26 years, these are the things our community swears by for making time together feel special—no reservations required.
Authentic Cacio e Pepe | CJ Eats
“Something about Cacio e Pepe seems romantic. It's creamy, decadent, spicy with the fresh cracked pepper. Best of all, this recipe is SO easy to make.”
Etta James At Last LP | $30
“The queen of soulful love songs ❤️”
Get Closer Conversation Game: Couples | $30
“I like games that this that are both fun and help you connect on a deeper level with your significant other.”
Dark Chocolate Cake | Tastes Better From Scratch
“We like this recipe because it is less sweet than others and full of rich, chocolate flavor.”
✨ For the friend group
Leslie Knope had it right. Gather your people, pour something good, and celebrate the friendships that carry you through everything. Here’s all you need for a fun painted candle craft that is easy to do while chatting away.
@abby_twinmom your next girls night craft !! 💕💕 #crafty #craftideas #valentinesdaycraft #diyvalentines #crafting
Taper Candles - Set of 6 | $16.50
“Love this set of pink and red candles. Bring a couple of acrylic paint pens in coordinating colors and you've got a super easy and fun Galentine's party craft.”
24 Colors Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens | $9
“This is an affordable set of paint pens with both a fine tip and a larger tip for different uses.”
✨ For you
The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other one. Here's what our community reaches for when they're investing in themselves.
The Kure | intense strength repair mask | $44
“Hands down, one of the best bond repair masks on the market.”
The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession | Michael Finkel
“This is such a cool story!”
💬 Community asks
Someone needs what you already know. Whether it's the restaurant that made your anniversary unforgettable or the gift that actually surprised your partner—if you've got an answer, share it!
Kirsten M. is looking for a photo album rec for “ a bunch of photo prints from our parents and want to put them into a book, but not to the level of scrapbooking. Something quick that will preserve the photos well and allow us to look at them from time to time!” [Share your rec]
Paige W. is looking for the “gold classy earrings.” [Share your rec]
Kenna T. is going to Germany later this year and looking for a rec to learn basic German beyond Duolingo. “Are there any other apps/resources that offer a better learning experience?” [Share your rec]
If you don’t have a rec, share this newsletter with a friend who does! 🙏🏻
💜 Karli Loves
Here are a few things have caught my interest this week:
💌 You can visit The Juliet Club where a small rotating team of volunteers work diligently to respond to the 50,000 letters sent to Juliet Capulet from around the globe each year. You can even volunteer to respond to a letter if you find yourself in Verona!
🖃 Did you know that in 1973 Bhutan issued a set of postage stamps which were tiny, playable vinyl records???
📺 I am so curious about this series from Ryan Murphy based on JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette that came out this past Thursday on Hulu.
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