Modern day “Valentine’s day” is frequently associated with hearts, flowers, and chocolates. On this specific day, many couples openly express their love through exchanging gifts such as these. But many people do not understand the true meaning of Valentine’s day. There is an obvious history behind Valentine’s day as with many other holidays, but our culture today has transformed it into a holiday that focuses on exchanging modernized goods and gestures that are deemed necessary between couples. This idea is also applicable to other holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. There are many unnecessary expectations during Valentine’s Day and this is quite disheartening because no one should have to give flowers and chocolates or treat their girlfriends/boyfriends out for a fancy dinner in order to prove their love to each other. Although it is fun going out with your significant other, spending quality time with him/her, and exchanging heartfelt gifts with one another, it shouldn’t have to take a holiday for individuals to justify their love to each other. Every day should be Valentine’s day if you’re truly in love, right? It definitely feels that way whenever I’m with Karen. (hahaha, I’m totally serious too)

This Valentine’s day, I spent it with a dear friend of mine and I’m sure many of you already know who it is. Karen and I planned a picnic at Vista Hermosa Natural Park because the last time we were there, the renowned bench that overlooked Downtown, LA was in renovation. We got to-go sushi at Kazu Nori and ordered the 16-piece with lobster cut rolls and in addition to that, we shared a salmon and toro roll. We also got cupcakes for dessert at a next door cupcake shop called, Big Man Bakes. We always order too much food whenever we eat out together because we want to try everything. We suddenly forget that we’re supposed to watch what we eat and how much we spend. Yet, I don’t regret any of it because I get to try different foods and enjoy it with the best company ever! We brought all the goodies to the park and set up a picnic spot in a nice shady area, surrounded by couples. We enjoyed our lunch with a nice cold drink while Frank Sinatra was playing in the background. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend Valentine’s day any other way!

We ended our Galentine’s date with a movie and decided to watch Brooklyn. I’ve been meaning to watch the movie ever since I saw the trailer and I can understand why it received a positive response from critics. The movie is based during the 1950s era when immigration continued to be heavily present in the United States. It tells the story of an Irish girl’s homesickness, hardship, loss, and temptation after moving to the United States from Ireland. I can only imagine the emotional and mental distress of immigrating to a new country and not knowing the culture and people around me. I think of the adversity that my parents and every other immigrant had to overcome when they first came to the United States while searching for a “better life”. In my opinion, it was a simple movie but I definitely experienced heartache, nostalgia, and sincere happiness while watching the film.

I hope each and every one of you had a great weekend, whether you spent it with your significant other, friends, or your family. I just want to add that I have infinite love for all my friends and family and I’m sure y’all know who you are. I am so thankful for all the experiences and opportunities that life has offered me, but I’m most grateful for being able to experience it with my loved ones.

(Karen’s outfit: Top: Brandy Melville, Shorts: Zara, Shoes: Shoe-shi, Watch: Daniel Wellington)
(My outfit: Maxi dress: Forever 21, Shoes: Target, Watch: Daniel Wellington)