A WEEK of love instead of just one? That’s right! It’s hard to say no to that!  Did you know there are 7 unofficial days leading up to the “BIG one” where you can share your sentiments in a symbolic way?  If you did, we consider you a romantic dilettante but if you’re still wondering what the build-up is to Valentine’s Day then read on for what the special days are…

February 7 – Rose Day

Don’t get this confused with National Rosé Day (yes, that is a thing and you can enjoy that day on June 11th).  Rose Day is the first day of Valentine’s week and it’s just as it sounds… roses for the lover in your life.  No lover?  Aw, you can still celebrate with roses just pick a color for the reason you want to give them.  For example, lavender roses are great for love at first sight and perfect for a first date.  Try yellow roses for your best friend or peach ones for anyone you want to thank.  Pink ones will brighten ANYONE’S day, so go for it!

February 8 – Propose Day

No explanation is needed here and ladies… you can do the proposing on Propose Day too!

February 9 – Chocolate Day

YUM!  You can celebrate this day with heart-shaped chocolates for everyone (even yourself!) because this delicious treat has some health benefits too, especially if it’s dark chocolate.   According to Johns Hopkins dark chocolate…

• Increases Heart Health – the antioxidants lower blood pressure, reduce clotting and increases blood flow to the heart
• Balances the Immune system – flavanols in dark chocolate prevent the immune system from going into overdrive and reduces oxidative stress which is the common cause of a lot of diseases.
• Improves Brain Function – flavanols also impact brain function, including better reaction time, visual-spatial awareness and stronger memory by increasing blood flow to the brain.
• Reduce Stress – studies have found that eating dark chocolate reduces the stress hormone cortisol…so bring on the dark chocolate hearts!

February 10th – Teddy Day

February 11th – Promise Day

On this day the only gift to give are your words. Try a love poem or a simple handwritten note, and promise to love him or her forever!

February 12th – Hug Day

February 13th – Kiss Day, also known as “Galentines” Day

A kiss can express your feelings better than any words can!

Also, don’t forget February 13th is also Galentine’s Day so hang out with your favorite girlfriend(s) and celebrate your friendship!

February 14th – Valentine’s Day

Well, you made it to the 14th and now that you have had all that practice the 6 days before you should have no trouble showing off everything you’ve learned!  While you’re preparing for Valentine’s week don’t forget the perfect gift for this holiday really is silk!  Truly a gift from the heart, silk is gorgeous to look at and luxuriously soft to wear and to put your head on every night.  With the perfect gift you really will be a Valentine pro… see you in the next blog!

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Deb Fries works at Julianna Rae in Customer Service and writes for the blog at JuliannaRae.com