This weekend I did something crazy.
I drove 50 minutes from Southampton to Bournemouth to see my friend Jaye.
For some, it might not seem like that much. Big deal, driving to see your pal. But for me? Well, I started driving in England about a month ago. And while we’ve lived here for a long time now, it’s been a huge deal for me to do this. I’m used to driving on the right side of the road. Roundabouts are totally nerve wrecking. But little by little, I’ve been taking steps to driving further afield.
And this weekend, I really did. All by myself I drove to see one of my best friends, Jaye.
Because if there was ever a time to try something that scares you (hello, driving 50 minutes alone on the motorway) – it’s to see friends.
And we certainly had celebrating and catching up to do! It’s been ages since we last got together – and I can’t remember the last time that we got to catch up for hours, drinking coffee (a french vanilla blend, by the way).
It’s hard sometimes, being so far away from friends. And it means that the time I spend with them makes all the difference. Which is why I’m ALL about celebrating Galentine’s! Even if you don’t get to see your friends all the time, it’s about knowing they’re there for you – and you’re there for them too.
5 ways to celebrate the gals in your life this Galentine’s Day
Give them a call
I know we live in such a text heavy (or even Instagram comment world) but honestly, a phone call catch up makes all the difference. There’s so many small details that I find myself leaving out of texts, but there’s really nothing like an old school hour long catch up with one of your best friends, ya know?
Make plans – and keep them
It’s wild, I know. I’m as guilty as the rest of being a plan-canceller. And of course, there’s nothing quite like the sweet relief of not having to leave your place to go out for the night. But honestly, I’ve never regretted going to see my friends. I’ve never regretted being there for them.
Treat yourselves
So yeah, sometimes I just want to zonk out and watch Netflix… but the good thing is, most of the time – your friends do too! Plan a day to stay in, treat yourselves with mani/pedis (like these cutie nail kits and treats from Yes Studio), drink coffee and catch up over episodes of Grace and Frankie. Who says you have to go out to have a good time?
Remember that it’s the little things that make the difference
Sure, the little things can be treats for Galentine’s day like fizzy bath bombs or Jaye’s EXTREME excitement over the breakfast club cup. But they can also be things like adding their birthdays to your actual calendar. Picking up your pals favorite coffee before meeting them. Or simply asking if they nailed that big meeting they were nervous about? It’s the little things that always meant the most.
Let them know you care
It sounds silly, but saying that you are loved and appreciated is HUGE. I like to make sure to tell my friends, love you! Because I really do mean it. Your friends are the family that you get to choose, so I absolutely love the people in my life who I’ve become friends with. I’m incredibly lucky to have found such wonderful supportive friends both in the states and in the UK – a country I never thought I’d live in! So here’s to all of my friends – I love you and thank you everyday for your support. My life genuinely would not be the same without you (and you all know who you are).
PS. Our super adorable Galentine’s Day set up is courtesy of Yes Studio designs! You’ll want to give them a follow over on Instagram – they’re bright, bold and radiate positivity. Check them out online too here.
And of course, don’t forget that you can treat the gals in your life with Yes Studio too – use my code ‘KELLYP15OFF’ to get 15% off online.
How will you be celebrating this Galentine’s Day?
Kelly xox