Let's talk about the brilliant marketing ploy otherwise known as Valentine's Day. Each year, the minute New Year's parties are over, the world is suddenly overtaken by heart-shaped balloons, obnoxiously-overpriced bouquets and teddy bears the size of real bears. I am genuinely curious: how does this nauseating circus make you feel – besides, well, nauseated? {Consider this a free-of-charge therapy session.}
Contrary to what the first paragraph may have lead you to believe, I am most definitely not anti–Valentine's Day. In fact, if my outfit is any indication, I’m as pro–Valentine’s Day as they come. In the hierarchy of important holidays, the day of love is right below Christmas and Easter in my book. And before you write my opinion off as the unbearable ego of a happily–married woman, allow me to explain.
The stigma attached to this commercialized day is obvious: singles are annoyed by the month–long reminder of their less-than-thrilling relationship status, while everyone else is annoyed by the pressure to impress their lover in a way that has never been done before. {For the record, “true love” should probably be celebrated every day.}
I, for one, am annoyed by everyone’s annoyance. If I’ve learned anything in my 24 years, it’s this: “Blessed is she who expects nothing, for she shall never be disappointed.”
And this is coming from someone who truly is happily married in every sense of the word.
Here’s a proposition. This year, and every year following, do yourself a favor and turn February 14th into a celebration of love across the entire spectrum of human interaction {not that you should require a special invitation for that either, but if you do happen to need a reminder to stop and smell the roses then so be it.} On behalf of the world and all of its people, I thank you in advance.
Whether you're single, dating, engaged, married, or somewhere in between, use the day as an opportunity to shower everyone around you with love.
Speaking of love, if you follow me on Instagram, you already know how excited I am to partner with Sincerely Sweet Boutique to show you some lovin' by giving you a chance to win a $50 gift card to www.sincerelysweetboutique.com.
As if Monday's Sparrow Boutique giveaway isn't enough, now you have two chances to score big!
The rules are simple:
-
Follow @SincerelySweetBoutique and @FoxyOxie on Instagram.
-
Repost any of these photos on your Instagram account using the hashtag #SweetLovesFoxy. Don't forget to tag both @SincerelySweetBoutique and @FoxyOxie.
-
Also tag up to 10 of your best friends who love shopping as much as you do! You will receive an additional entry for each friend that you tag in your Instagram post.
-
For those who do not have Instagram, don't fret! Simply leave a comment below and you too will be entered to win!
The giveaway is open internationally and ends on February 28 at 11:59PM. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted directly by Sincerely Sweet Boutique, who is responsible for prize fulfillment.
Now, Instagrammers, hop on over to Instagram and score big!
1. Top, c/o Sincerely Sweet Boutique // 2. Skirt, c/o Sincerely Sweet Boutique // 3. Necklace, c/o Urban Peach Boutique // 4. Sunglasses, c/o Sincerely Sweet Boutique // 5. Lipstick, Maybelline // 6. Nail polish, Revlon // 7. Boots, ASOS // 8. Clutch, DailyLook
CONGRATS TO INSTAGRAM USER @HILLARYMCDANIEL FOR WINNING!