Thanks to Parks and Recreation’s character Leslie Knope, light has been brought to a holiday that can sometimes leave people feeling a little left out – Valentine’s Day. Ever since episode 16 in season 2 of Parks and Recreation aired in 2010, Galentine’s Day has immersed itself into the lives of many as a way for ladies to show their love and appreciation for the women in their lives.
Played by Amy Poehler, Leslie Knope describes exactly what the unofficial holiday is in the hilarious and sentimental show. “Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”
You heard the woman - grab your lady friends on Tuesday, February 13th and make plans to celebrate the unofficial annual holiday! Whether you want to celebrate Galentine’s Day traditionally as a Parks and Rec fan, or you’re looking to be chic or simple, ways to plan a day with your gals are endless.
Traditional Day
Why would anyone eat anything other than breakfast food? Bust out the waffle maker and cook them from scratch, or scratch that and just visit a local diner instead, like Main Street Café, Eli's Golden Apple Restaurant and Pancake House, or Round the Clock in Valpo!
One fun and delicious idea that we found online is to make a waffle cake! It’s as easy as stacking a number of waffles on top of another number of waffles that are larger in size to act as a base for the cake. Then add whatever you want and let the syrup drop!
Either way you decide to go, be sure to add plenty of whipped cream on top of the waffles, of course in Leslie’s honor. Mimosas or Snake Juice are recommended for pairing.
PIY (Plan-It-Yourself) Day
This is where Galentine’s Day can be like any other time spent with the girls because, after all, that’s the point – to appreciate and spend time with your gal pals. Since this year's Galentine’s Day happens to fall on Fat Tuesday, bring the crew over to Bulldog Brewing Company in Whiting for a New Orleans themed dinner. Not your thing? Running Vines Winery in Chesterton is hosting a “Name that Tune” game night!
No matter what day you’ll be celebrating or which route you choose to take, here are some other creative ideas that we found to show appreciation for our girl friends:
- Write a poem that rhymes about your friends and then have everyone recite them when you’re all together to celebrate. Although there’s nothing wrong with getting sappy and teary-eyed, there’s always plenty of room for comedy. In fact, there’s sure to be plenty of inside jokes to choose from!
- Send them a flower if your budget allows! Attach a meaningful note that’s pro woman or inspiring. Materials aren’t what count, but imagine the smile on their face when they receive it.
- Give each other extremely outrageous makeovers and browse around cosmetics stores together.
- Basic is sometimes best! Check out any spa deals on Groupon and spend time relaxing together.
- Play the official Parks and Recreation drinking game, (responsibly)!
To end with a quote from Amy Poehler herself, take this unofficial holiday to drop those potential lonely feelings that loiter around on Valentine’s Day and gain gratitude instead by celebrating the women that impact your life positively.
“All I can tell you today is what I have learned. What I have discovered as a person in this world. And that is this: you can’t do it alone. As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” - Amy Poehler