Friday

"I am worthy of love in all its forms, including my own."

Welcome to Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• The relationship 2-2-2 rule

• Making flowers last longer

• Our favorite Valentine’s Day finds

• Self-love on Valentine’s Day

The 2-2-2 Rule for Relationships

Over time, even strong relationships can slip into autopilot. Between work, errands, and everyday responsibilities, quality time often becomes something couples assume will “just happen.” The 2-2-2 rule is a simple way some partners stay intentional instead of leaving connection to chance.

The idea is straightforward: plan a date every two weeks, a weekend away every two months, and a longer trip every two years. The structure isn’t about travel or spending money. It’s about creating a shared rhythm that reminds both people to check in and reconnect regularly.

What makes the rule helpful is its flexibility. It can be adjusted to fit real life, whether that means stretching the timeline or simplifying what “getting away” looks like. A walk, a staycation, or a quiet night out can count just as much as a trip.

At its core, the 2-2-2 rule is a reminder that relationships benefit from the same care we give other priorities. Putting connection on the calendar doesn’t make it less romantic. It makes it more likely to happen.

How to Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer

Fresh flowers can make a space feel more thoughtful and lived-in, even if they’re only around for a short time. With a little care, it’s possible to help them stay fresh and vibrant longer.

Start by trimming the stems at an angle and removing any leaves that fall below the waterline. These small steps help flowers absorb water more easily and keep bacteria from building up in the vase.

Where you place your bouquet matters. Keeping flowers out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources can slow wilting, and changing the water regularly helps keep everything clean and balanced.

As blooms begin to fade, removing them allows the remaining flowers to keep looking their best. A few simple habits can go a long way in making the most of fresh flowers while they’re here.

Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Finds

Valentine’s Day can feel like it comes with a lot of expectations. This guide is here to make it simpler, with thoughtful gifts that support the people you love in everyday ways.

• 💚 Paleovalley – A nourishing gift for anyone focused on wellness. Their 100% Grass Fed Bone Broth Protein is slow-simmered, collagen-rich, and easy to add to coffee, smoothies, or a cozy mug. Get 15% off.

• 🍳 HexClad – Cookware made for people who love to cook at home. These hybrid pans are dishwasher safe, PFAS-free, and built to last—no scratching, no constant replacing. Explore HexClad’s cooking sets.

• 🥤 Beast Blender – The newly released stainless steel mini blender that makes mornings easier. The Mini 600 Stainless Steel blends frozen fruit and ice fast, keeps smoothies colder longer, and features a blend-and-go design made without plastic. Browse the Blended in Steel™ Collection.

• 📸 Chatbooks – A meaningful gift made from real moments. Turn photos from a phone into beautiful Classic Photo Books in just a few steps. Get 20% off with code LOVE20.

• 💝 MetaGlow™ by Zend Wellness – This collagen supplement supports skin appearance, appetite balance, metabolism, and mental well-being, all in one daily scoop.* Odorless and tasteless, it blends easily into coffee, tea, smoothies, or oatmeal. Shop MetaGlow™ Collagen here.

Shop the full Revel Valentine’s Gift Guide here.

Thank you to our Valentine’s Gift Guide for sponsoring Note To Self. 

When Valentine’s Day Is About You

Valentine’s Day can come with a lot of noise, comparisons, and the sense that it’s supposed to look a certain way. But it doesn’t have to be about grand gestures or anyone else at all. It can simply be a pause in the middle of winter, a moment to notice how you’re actually doing.

Self-love isn’t about fixing yourself or becoming more productive. It’s often quieter than that. It looks like listening when something feels off, saying no without overexplaining, or letting yourself rest without turning it into a reward you have to earn.

Self-care doesn’t need to be a checklist either. Maybe it’s cooking something warm, taking a walk without tracking it, or spending the evening offline. Maybe it’s doing less than usual and trusting that it’s enough.

If Valentine’s Day feels complicated, let it be simple instead. Choose one small thing that makes you feel steadier or more like yourself. That’s still love. And it counts.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Laughing with friends lowers stress hormones within 10 minutes. Laughter regulates the nervous system.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to look one way. Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or quiet time alone, it all counts.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!