If you’re reading this on February 13th, Happy Galentine’s Day!
Anyone who has spoken to me in the past two months is probably aware that I’ve become completely obsessed with the show Parks and Recreation. People have been recommending this show to me for years – and now I finally understand why. I mean, there’s just so much to love: the witty humour, endearing characters, Leslie Knope’s undying chutzpah and determination to make the world a better place. December was a weird month, and Parks & Recreation was what got me through on those 48hr hangover days when all I could do was lie horizontally and seriously question my life choices.
Anyway, Leslie Knope is an avid celebrant of Galentine’s Day, so I thought it was only fitting that I write my own Galentine’s Day post (plus, I wanted an excuse to share these Parks & Recreation themed Valentines because they are everything.)
Although I wish I could make personalized Valentine’s for all of you (a la Leslie Knope) and present them over waffles, instead I’ve put together a bunch of female centric “Galentine” gifts to make your life more fun & enjoyable.
When it comes to treating myself, I love to indulge in new reading material. Although Leslie Knope tends to favour books written about famous political figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Hilary Clinton, I think she’d appreciate these female penned titles. All of them are great reads and inspiring in unique ways.
–Yes, Please by Amy Poehler – A no brainer. Amy Poehler is delightful and this book is the perfect warm & fuzzy, feel good read.
–Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham – If you like GIRLS or Dunham in general, you’ll enjoy this collection of relatable essays chock full of awkward moments that are as cringe-worthy as they are familiar.
–#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso – Leslie Knope is the ultimate #GIRLBOSS. This book by Nasty Gal’s CEO, Sophia Amoruso is full of motivational pep talks and business advice for ladies looking to take over the world.
–Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay – I’m totally obsessed with Roxane Gay’s writing and this book of essays. Gay tackles everything from Twilight and competitive scrabble, to gender and race. A must-read for everyone regardless of whether you have a vagina or not.
–I Forgot to Be Famous by Almie Rose – My lovely friend Almie wrote this awesome collection of essays about love, dating & LA. After reading Lena Dunham’s book, I still prefer I Forgot To Be Famous. Not only is Rose funnier in general, but I Forgot To Be Famous has all of the awkward, twenty-something insights of Not that Kind of Girl, minus the hype and privilege. I also have first-hand knowledge that the author is a lovely human being.
My friends are an awesome and talented bunch. I feel like the often unlucky in love Anne Perkins would totally dig these books written by two smart women that I’m honoured to know.
–Respected: How One Word Can Change More Than Just Your Love Life by Akirah Robinson – Heartbroken? Lonely? My friend Akirah Robinson believes that you can heal your brave heart.”When it comes to finding love, it seems like everyone has an opinion. Rather than joining the loud choir of love experts and dating gurus, Respected helps women bolster their sense of self-worth and as a result, become better prepared to participate in healthy romantic relationships.” Sounds good, right? Fun tidbit: yours truly contributed to a chapter.
–Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda by Tara Lee Reed – Hey, remember those “Choose Your Own Adventure” books from childhood? Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda takes this concept to a whole new level as an interactive romantic comedy with 60 different Sometimes Happily After Endings. The perfect read for anyone who loves witty one-liners and has ever yearned for a romantic “do-over.”
Parks and Recreation’s April Ludgate hates a lot of stuff. You know what bums me out? Bad sex. That’s why last year I worked with one of my favourite companies, Lucky Bloke, to create the Skinny Dip “Her Pleasure” condom and lube sampler.
I truly believe that you can have scorching hot, safer sex. Having access to the right products really helps with this. Inside the Skinny Dip condom and lube sampler you’ll find a bunch of my favourite condoms and lubes – curated for your pleasure. As I’ve discovered, these make awesome bachelorette party favours and/or gifts for your single girlfriends. Buy one for yourself and a friend. You won’t be disappointed. A portion of all proceeds go to help women in need at the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre in Vancouver.
Donna Meagle is a total baller. Not only does she have a penchant for all things luxurious, she also seems like the kind of woman who would have no qualms taking her pleasure into her own hands. Hence, the reason I think she’d totally dig the Crave Vesper gold plated vibrator necklace or this lingerie set guaranteed to tap into your inner wild woman. Don’t want to mix sex and fashion accessories? Treat yo’ self to one of my top 10 favourite sex toys of all time. You’re worth it.
Now, here comes the really good part! As my Galentine’s Gift to you, I have one copy of Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda by Tara Lee Reed up for grabs. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post and follow the prompts below. I’ll select a winner on Wednesday, February 18th.
