I am fortunate – especially this time of year – to have the two words above feature prominently in

 my life.  But it wasn’t always the case.  I know how lackluster single life can be regardless of how

 much one relishes his or her freedom.  Love and happiness do, no doubt, go hand in hand.  But that

doesn’t mean you can’t imbue your reality with some of the magic of romance sans sig-other.  It comes

down to simple things like finding beauty and stirring the senses.  As a designer, I do this for a living,

so I found alternate avenues to joy when I was on my own.  Below are some options for all the

fabulous “independents” out there.  Neither a significant amount of funds nor effort are required.

 

Love when it comes to you, but live well in the meantime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– SEE –

 

 

 

Whistler’s Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery of Art.

 

 

 

 

“I am Love” featuring Tilda Swinton and the backdrop of Milan and the Villa Necchi Campiglio.

photo courtesy of Mikado Film/Magnolia Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– HEAR –

 

 

 

Jazz at the Kennedy Center.  Toots Thielemans & Kenny Werner play April 2.

 photo courtesy of Eddy Westveer 

 

 

 

 

Before she was the first lady of France and after she was a supermodel, Carla Bruni

released an album called Quelqu’un M’a Dit on which she sings and plays guitar.

The music is sweet but throaty – whispery and detached romanticism. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– TASTE –

 

 

 

No prep required, but the perfect indulgent meal.

Charcuterie, truffle cheese, a baguette, fruit and a bar of Swiss chocolate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– TOUCH –

 

 

 

A massage may be the only acceptable substitute for you-know-what.  I’m headed to

the Lorien Spa in Old Town Alexandra with one of my best girlfriends in a few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

Or bundle yourself in one of may favorite textiles – alpaca.

I received the dreamiest wrap from Villa de Alpacas for Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– SMELL –

 

 

 

 

Luxe Custom Perfume Creation is the perfect “I’m treating myself” type of indulgence.

 

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

– PS … AND LAUGH! –

 

Whether or not you are a parent or a dog-lover, I guarantee this video will bring

you an infinite amount of joy when you watch it.  Happy Valentine’s Day!