Friday

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

• A cozy Valentine’s meal that won’t waste food

• Practicing self-love this Valentine’s Day

• Our favorite Valentine’s Day finds

• Easy Valentine’s Day desserts

Did You Know

A reusable coffee cup needs to be used at least __ times to have a lower impact than a paper cup.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

A Cozy, Low-Waste Valentine’s Breakfast at Home

Valentine’s breakfast can be a meaningful way to start the day and show your loved ones you care. Sometimes, a simple, cozy morning at home can feel just as special as a big night out, especially when it’s relaxed and low-pressure.

Before heading to the store, take a quick look at what’s already in your fridge and pantry. Eggs, bread, oats, yogurt, or fruit that’s starting to ripen can all become part of a thoughtful breakfast. Planning around what you already have is an easy way to reduce food waste, but it doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to grab a few extra things if you want to.

Keep the menu small and comforting. One main dish, like pancakes, scrambled eggs, or baked oatmeal, plus one simple side, is usually plenty. Breakfast foods are naturally flexible, which makes it easier to adjust portions and enjoy leftovers later in the day.

If you do shop, buying only what you’ll realistically use can make a difference. Loose produce, bakery items sold individually, or ingredients you’ll use again during the week help keep waste low. For something sweet, think fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a piece of chocolate you love.

The goal isn’t perfection: it’s intention. A little planning, a little flexibility, and a cozy breakfast can make Valentine’s morning feel thoughtful, warm, and easy on both your schedule and the planet.

Practicing Self-Love This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has a way of putting the spotlight on relationships, and sometimes that can feel complicated. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, there’s one relationship that’s always worth tending to: the one you have with yourself.

Being your own Valentine doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or expensive plans. It can be as simple as choosing to treat yourself with the same care, patience, and kindness you’d offer someone you love. Even small moments of intention can make the day feel grounded instead of pressured.

That might look like taking yourself on a low-key date (grabbing coffee, going for a long walk, or cooking a favorite meal at home). It could mean wearing something that makes you feel good, even if you’re not going anywhere special. Buying yourself flowers, picking up a small treat you’ve been thinking about, or finally using something you’ve been “saving” can also be quiet ways to mark the day.

One especially meaningful option is writing yourself a short note or letter. It doesn’t have to be poetic, just honest. Say the things you often wait to hear from others.

At its simplest, Valentine’s Day can be a reminder to include yourself in the love you’re already giving to everyone else.

Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Finds

For Valentine’s Day, oftentimes the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that support how your loved ones live day to day. Here are our favorite well-made, intentional Valentine's Day finds:

• 💚 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. Get up to 50% off HexClad’s cooking sets only until 2/17.

• 🥤 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. Use code NOTETOSELF15 for a limited time to get 15% off the Beast 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 only through Valentine’s Day.

• 💝 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. Save up to 33% on MetaGlow™ Collagen here.

Shop the full Revel Valentine’s Gift Guide here.

Thank you to our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for sponsoring The Canopy.

Easy Valentine’s Day Desserts

Valentine’s Day desserts can be a good chance to slow down and enjoy something sweet with your family, significant other, or yourself. A simple, cozy dessert can feel just as special as an elaborate one, especially when it’s something you actually want to eat.

Instead of baking oversized cakes or committing to strict “desserts for two,” look for treats that naturally scale. Chocolate fondue, skillet cookies, chia pudding, or berries with mascarpone cream let you make just enough and linger over it. These kinds of desserts feel indulgent but flexible, and they’re easy to adapt based on what you already have on hand.

A few eco-friendly choices can fit in naturally, too. Using pantry staples, frozen fruit, or chocolate you already love cuts down on extra shopping. Choosing ingredients you’ll reuse (like citrus, yogurt, or creamer) means nothing goes to waste once Valentine’s Day passes.

At the end of the day, the best dessert is one that is delicious, unrushed, and easy enough to make.

Quick Picks:

From sweet outfits to front-door charm, here are today’s cozy Valentine picks:

• 🌹 Our favorite Valentine’s picks

• 💗 Cute, sustainable outfits for Valentine’s Day

• 🌸 Valentine’s Day wreath ideas to brighten your door

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: A reusable coffee cup needs to be used at least 20 times to have a lower impact than a paper cup, but it’s easy to hit that number if you drink coffee regularly.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!