February 14th, 2024

Planning The Perfect Galentine’s Day For You And Your Bestie

What started out as a joke in the tv show Parks and Recreation, turned into an unofficial holiday we have the sitcom character Leslie Knope to thank for. In the episode, actress Amy Poehler’s character Leslie invites her female friends over for a annual party. 14 years later and this holiday is still popular.

It makes total sense that this holiday should exist because we already have a day celebrating our romantic partners on February 14th. Why not have an entire day where we honor our platonic friendships? After all, they are just as important as our relationships with our significant others.

Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation Season 2, Episode 16- year 2010

How can we argue with that? After all, it’s been highly documented by famous experts Ed Diener and Martin Seligman that strong social relationships are critical for happiness (1) and similarly, other psychologists have written that the need to belong is “fundamental.” (2)

Having a “bestie” in your corner for all of your ups and downs in life just adds to a healthy support system. After all, that’s what a healthy social support system looks like. It’s a network of friends, family and peers that we know we can turn to. Considering the harshness of the world today, having that support is definitely something to celebrate. So let’s talk about different ways we can share the love with the ones who accept us for who we are and fully support who we are working on becoming.

Spa Day

There is nothing that says Galentine’s like having a spa day. You can have a budget friendly outing by choosing small services and curating them into a package. Here at Avalon, we have $40 express facials (30 min), $16 anti-oxidant hand treatments with heated herbal mitts (30 min) and $40 foot soaks (30 min). The foot soaks come with tea service, which adds more time onto your service. So in theory, you and your bestie could have a spa day for only $96 per person / 2 hour time frame.

The Avalon Day Spa also hosts monthly “Self Care Sunday” Classes. This month features

Cashmere Sugar Scrub & Body Butter Class $40.00 February 25th, 2024 / 2pm-3:00pm
Ever wanted to make your own sugar scrub or body butter? Your invited to come to this informative class while you make your very own jar of Cashmere Sugar Scrub and Cashmere Body Butter to take home with you! These decadent products include notes of light spices, cedarwood, vanilla, tonka, coconut, jasmine, olive wood, sandalwood, amber, musk, and cocoa butter. Tea Service Included- ** Limit 6 Per Class** Recipe Booklet To Take Home. Call the spa to sign up 248-686-1259

www.theavalondayspa.com

Brunch

Having a boozy brunch with your friends for Galentine’s Day is the Park’s & Recreation standard. When having brunch, you really need a recipe of upscale ambiance, food that is on par with culinary influences and a drink selection that is unique and pairs well with your menu selection. Well, to me that’s just the brunch experience.

Parc Detroit can be said to be the standard for brunch locations, if we are going to set the bar. Menu items are not as pricey as one would expect unless your ordering the $54 Wood Grilled Prime Filet Mignon. You can however, expect lovely brunch selections such as the Bananas Foster French Toast (brioche, brown sugar custard, caramelized bananas and a brown butter rum mousse) ($21), the Salmon Cake Benedict (two griddled salmon croquettes, smashed avocado, poached eggs and classic hollandaise sauce) ($22) or what Parc refers to as “The Proper Breakfast” (three eggs, cherry wood smoked bacon, caramelized onion potatoes, grilled rustic sourdough, and arugula salad) ($24). The menu is completed with cocktails, mocktails and mimosas. www.parcdetroit.com

Cafe Muse in Royal Oak is personally one of my favorite places to visit. The prices are just as amazing as the food. The menu is designed by Greg Reyner, who I admit I have seen but have never talked to personally. I am sure he is lovely. It’s his food however, I am always continuously impressed by. Reyner is a classically trained chef from the Culinary and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and his passion shows in his food. Menu items like the Stuffed French Toast with Mascarpone and 5-Spice Pear Topping ($11.95), Ricotta & Lemon Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup ($12.25), or the Smoked Salmon Scramble with Gruyere Cheese and Chives ($14.95) are some of my favorites. The drink selection is amazing as well offering a variety of mimosas, cocktails and wines. www.cafemuseroyaloak.com

Toast in Birmingham is a perfect breakfast and lunch spot with a classic diner style ambiance mixed in with art and eclectic accents. Not only is the restaurant truly unique, the menu is as well. Drink selections go beyond craft beers and mimosas and include items such as the Sweater Weather for $12 which includes warmed apple cider, Licor 43 (Cuarenta Y Tres), Duke and Dame salted caramel whiskey, Domaine de Canton liquor, whip and cinnamon. Menu selections include gourmet omelets, huevos rancheros, culinary french toast and pancake selections and more. www.toastbirmingham.com

The honorable mention goes to a place that does not serve alcohol, however, the food is unique and delicious.

The Avenue Brunch House in Dearborn (featured on Channel 4 news) has unique items on their menu including the Smoked Salmon Benedict (two poached eggs, smoked salmon, tried capers, and choron hollandaise), Strawberry Fair Belgium (fresh strawberries, Chantilly cream, and strawberry ice cream sandwiched between two golden waffles; topped with whipped cream, strawberry black pepper sauce and Michigan maple syrup), and the Cinnamon Apple French Toast (Six pieces of challah french toast, topped with apple pie filling, cinnamon sugar streusel, vanilla ice cream, and served with maple syrup). The inside of the restaurant is beautiful with warm woods and copper giving it upscale vibes while the prices are very reasonable.

www.avenuebrunchhousedearborn.com

High Tea

Looking for a dining experience without alcohol? High Tea may be just for you and your bestie(s). High Tea is an experience that is no longer traditional, but highly recommended. The meaning behind High Tea, was the height of the tables and chairs, as well as the part of the day it was served, when you would typically stop working between 4pm and 6pm. Today, we know this as “dinner” or “supper”. Now most establishments that serve this usually serve tea with delicate sandwiches and savoury pastries; small cakes and sweet pastries; scones with jam and cream; and fruit. Be sure to get your reservations in early!

Royal Park Hotel in Rochester has the Winter Royal Tea Saturdays at 2pm ($68.00 per person) with tea service being limited to 2 hours. This includes tea, tea sandwiches, scones, hors d oeuvre and pastries. www.royalparkhotelmi.com

The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham has Afternoon Tea Service Saturday and Sunday noon to 3pm ($65.00 per person) with tea service including tea, tea sandwiches, scones and pastries. www.townsendhotel.com

The Pink House Tea Room Bed & Breakfast in New Baltimore has several options for tea service Tuesday though Saturday 11am-5pm. With gluten and vegan options available, the Tea Time Experience includes tea, scones, entrée, and choice of salad or fresh fruit ($23 per person). The Pink House Treat ($12.00 per person) includes tea service with scones. The Princess Tea Time Experience ($18.00 per person) includes tea service with scones, a cheese tea sandwich with fresh fruit. www.justdeliiousscones.com/pinkhouse

The Whitney in Detroit is one of the cities crown jewels for a reason. This beautiful location boasts a Mansion Tea Service for only $49.00 per person and is available on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm. The service begins with a mimosa or champagne toast, and includes scones, tea sandwiches, canapes, and desert with tea service. www.thewhitney.com

Deliver Flowers

Not just for romantic loves, flowers are for all. And hear me out, before you go online and pick out a floral arrangement by image, call the florist first!!!

In my long history of ordering flowers, I have found that I can give the florist a budget, and they can create floral arrangements that are much more fuller, and unique based on colors I want and what is in season. For $25 I have walked out with an arrangement that looks like I paid $75.00 and was much happier with my purchase.

My spa has an agreement with Brenda’s Biddle Avenue Florist as we put fresh flowers or natural stalks in our waiting room for our clients. We also have foot bath services with florals in them. They are going to be opening a second location in Trenton after this Valentine’s Day. Give them a call and see how they can help make your bestie(s) Galentine’s Day even sweeter.

Paint & Sip Night

This activity is full of creativity and perfect for bringing along a whole group of friends. There are several classes that are local but one of the more popular locations is the Painting with a Twist in Ferndale. With multiple painting styles and a variety of days and times, there is a class available for all. Keeping with the Galentine’s Day Theme, they have a class Saturday February 17th and Thursday February 29th that have pink, red and black and white palettes. Contact for more information. www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/ferndale

Wine Tasting & Wine Events

Do you and your bestie(s) love wine? There are several wonderful locations in the area to enjoy.

Burgdorf Winery in Haslett has the Burgdorf Wine Experience that does not disappoint. It may be just over an hour away, but this experience has flights of 4 wines, ($12.00 per person) specialty flights, ($20.00 per person) and an option of a petite charcuterie ($30.00) with choice of Italian dry salami, dried cranberries, almonds and crackers, and curated artisan style Amish cheese sourced from the Farm Country Cheese House in Lakeview, MI. (Choices of cheese include marble, dill, olive, extra sharp white cheddar, pepper cheddar and sun dried tomato and basil.

www.burgdorfwinery.com/burgdorf-wine-experience

Blooms & Bubbles with Michael B Anthony at The Royce Detroit is an event you don’t want to miss! You and your bestie will enjoy sipping and relaxing while making your own floral arrangement you can take home. This event is one day only, February 10th, Saturday. Contact The Royce for more information. www.theroycedetroit.com

Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room in Royal Oak has wine and jazz music for the perfect ambiance. Entertainment the second Saturday of each month (starting at 7pm) is by jazz artists Dan Cafferty & The Hot Rod Cherry Swing Band. (Saturday February 10th) Wine flights are only $12.00 per person and include 3 different pours. Pair this with “Flight Bites” ($4.00) which feature Michigan cheeses and dark chocolate from Birmingham Chocolate Makers, or choose a Cheese & Charcuterie Board ($20.00) which features Michigan cheeses, two types of meat, locally made preserves, mustard, olives and crackers. www.mbtbtasting.com

The Staycation Movie Marathon & Snack Fest

If staying in is your thing, there is no reason why you can’t make an event out of it. Pick out your favorite movies, and have all of your besties over. It’s become more and more popular for each person to bring their favorite dish or favorite drink beverage beforehand.

There are so many choices for movies that feature the beauty of friendships but here is my list of top 3!

Little Women- In the years after the Civil War, Jo March lives in New York and makes her living as a writer, while her sister Amy studies painting in Paris. Amy has a chance encounter with Theodore, a childhood crush who proposed to Jo but was ultimately rejected. Their oldest sibling, Meg, is married to a schoolteacher, while shy sister Beth develops a devastating illness that brings the family back together.

Fried Green Tomatoes– On one of trapped housewife Evelyn Couch’s (Kathy Bates) Wednesday nursing home visits, she encounters Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy), a colorful old woman who brightens Evelyn’s outlook by sharing tales from her past. As Ninny recounts the exploits of her free-spirited sister-in-law Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson), owner of a small Alabama café in the 1920s, and the bond Idgie shared with her friend Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker), Evelyn gains the confidence to change her own life for the better.

Mystic Pizza –follows the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in a little town called Mystic. For sexy Daisy Araujo (Julia Roberts), her sensible sister Kat (Annabeth Gish) and their wisecracking friend Jojo (Lili Taylor), the summer after high school is a summer they’ll never forget. Slinging pizza at a local restaurant, the three girls share their hopes, dreams and plans for escaping their small town.

However you decide to celebrate, take the time to give your bestie(s) a hug and let them know just exactly how thankful you are to have them in your life.

This blog post is dedicated to Thomas, the most fun, most supportive potato that ever was. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for accepting me for who I am, and encouraging me for who I want to be. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.

Research & Resources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29592642

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark-Leary-2/publication/15420847_The_Need_to_Belong