Love.

Here are three more ways to get more love into your Valentine’s Day. Because at the end of the day, and I’m talking about every day, who doesn’t want more love?

And that’s that. So what are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

Eating a cookie tin, 4 at a time, in your undies? Definite don't.

So it’s day 4 of our week long motivational kick in the ass to get all you single ladies out there to see Valentine’s Day in a new, positive way.

First we reminded you of all the wonderful (pause….NOT!!!) things you’re missing by not being in a relationship.

Then we showed you that your laptop/cell phone/iPad are not acceptable Valentine’s Day dates. Yes, even if there is an App for that.

And then we talked about showing yourself some love (not like that.…well, maybe like that if you’ve got the room to yourself and a little free time on your hands…) on V-Day.

And today, Brittany from The College Crush is going to tell you what you shouldn’t be doing come February 14th. That is if you want to maintain your sanity, dignity, friends and chances at love down the road. Which, you know, you should.

Ready? OK!

What else shouldn’t you do on V-Day? Share your advice below.

There seems to be an unspoken February rule that if you have a boyfriend you are not allowed to complain about Valentine’s Day. I, for one, think this is bulls**t. I have a boyfriend, yes, but you know what? I hate Valentine’s Day. Haaaaaaate it.I hate it even more when I have a boyfriend than when I don’t!

Here are the top three reasons, in my book, why the big V Day can suck it.

1. Holidays that come with expectations are always stressful (see: New Year’s Eve, anniversaries, etc.), and Valentine’s Day is one of the worst. It’s one of those days full of things you are ‘supposed’ to do, and the pressure to be creative and thoughtful and loving and perrrrrfect is totally overwhelming. That can often lead to a seriously sucky night, especially if you and boyfriend are not on the exact same page about the whole event. Ladies, admit it, we can be tricky about this day. We “don’t really care about it” and, “it’s not a big deal,” but sometimes that just means “I want YOU to think of something and surprise me.” Nothing ruins a holiday like silent disappointment, when you can’t really be mad about a lack of, well, anything, because that’s exactly what you said you wanted! And it’s doubly bad if you planned something for your honey, only to have your sweet surprise be one-sided. Okay, maybe that’s just me, but I hope I’m not alone.

2. The implications of Valentine’s Day are super annoying, if you think about it. In some ways it’s cute to have a day dedicated to expressing your love for each other. But honestly, I am bats**t crazy in love with my boyfriend, but I don’t love him more on Valentine’s Day than I do any other day of the year. I am lucky enough to have a relationship that is pretty affectionate most of the time, so how am I supposed to make this day bigger and better and MORE loving?! It becomes a big deal when it’s just a goddamn day, like any other day!

3. Single Valentine’s Day is fun! It’s an excuse to have a party, to hang out with your girlfriends, to eat chocolate and drink champagne, all in the name of single solidarity. Just because I have a man doesn’t mean I’ve given up bitching about them!

If you are one of those couples out there who adore Valentine’s Day, more power to you. Get yourself a heart-covered jar of chocolate body paint and have yourself a ball. I am just not one of you, and I don’t need to fight you for an overpriced romantic dinner reservation. Boyfriend, you’re off the hook. And this time, I really mean it.

For us single girls, Valentine’s Day can seriously suck. Even if you love being single, all the PDA (puke), listening to what your coupled friend’s boyfriend did or (more likely) didn’t buy them, and the concerned phone call from your mom checking up on you, gets real old, real fast. And, for the love of god, if one more coupled friend tells me I’ll “find someone soon,” I’m going to scream.

But you can make Valentine’s Day better. Why should you miss out on the gift-giving and indulgence V-Day has to offer just because you’re single? Yes it might just be another day of the year, but it’s also the perfect excuse to buy you yourself a fabulous gift.

Lingerie – Why do you need a guy in your life to buy something lacy?  Buy yourself something that makes you feel pretty and sexy, because feeling good about yourself trumps all.  This ruffle bralette from Aerie is feminine and flirty; the perfect gift from you to you.

Vibrators – It’s 2010, baby. You don’t need a boyfriend (or anyone, really) to have a good time.  These bullet buddies, available at Babeland, are a discrete, non-threatening first-time toy for any girl.  And if you’re looking for something a little more…er… well endowed, Babeland has a large selection of toys for everyone.

Indulgent Fashion Item – Which would you rather have on Valentine’s Day: boyfriend drama or a fabulous and functional L.A.M.B. wristlet?  Your attached friends will most definitely be laying out the cash for their S.O., so it’s time you splurge on the number one in your life: you.

Hot Dress – The best way for any girl to feel better about herself is to look hot. The second best way is to look hot and hit the town. You can do both in this adorable, blue, ruffled mini-dress from Forever 21. I guarantee this will turn heads and, who knows, you may even score yourself a Valentine for 2011.

Jewels - I’m a true believer in buying jewelry for yourself.  There are many benefits: 1. You know you’ll wear it, and 3. It is timeless (if you bought it, it won’t forever be known as something “what’s his name” bought you).  So all the single ladies, don’t wait for a guy to put a ring on it; go and buy your own damn ring.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/02/07/show-yourself-some-love-this-valentines-day/feed/ 8 Leah - Ryerson University I love me intro Aerie cc-divider Babeland cc-divider LAMB cc-divider forever-214 cc-divider love ring http://collegecandy.com/2010/02/04/valentines-day-gifts-for-both-of-you/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/02/04/valentines-day-gifts-for-both-of-you/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:30:44 +0000 Erica- University of Michigan http://collegecandy.com/?p=52605 ]]> What is Valentine’s Day really about?

Romance?  No.
Chocolate?  No again.
Flowers?  Absolutely not.

Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is about spending two weeks trying to find the perfect gift for your boyfriend or girlfriend and often failing miserably. Then spending another two weeks talking about said failure with your friends. It’s exhausting and its not what should be occupying your time.

This year, instead of you and your partner both exerting your energy worrying about getting each other the “perfect gift,” why not focus on gifts you can share together? It takes the stress off of your shoulders and brings the focus back to what this holiday is really about: spending time with the one you luuuurve.

Sexy Lingerie. While possibly a little bit cliché, this gift will always work (especially when you bust it out again in March, April…you get the point).  You get to look really hot in some expensive Victoria’s Secret get-up and he gets to get hot when he sees you. Then you both get to enjoy what happens next. And again in the morning.

Weekend Getaway. If you’ve been dating for a long time and you want to do something ultra romantic, plan a weekend trip to a bed-and breakfast.  Spend the days wandering in and out of shops in the cozy little town and the nights snuggling in your quaint little room. If that’s too much to plan, booking a nice hotel in your college town for the night is a cheaper and easier alternative. It may not seem like much, but it’s amazing what a clean room without roommates can do.

Concert Tickets. If candy and chocolate is not your thing, check out who’s playing around town and split a pair of tickets with your man.  If that sounds too pricey, you can also always look up an open mic night or a café concert for something different, intimate and special.

A Date Day. Instead of doing gifts, plan an over-the-top date! Get breakfast together, come home and watch a movie, feed each other chocolate, cook a meal together, spend the night together…anything that keeps the two of you together for the entire day.  Valentine’s Day is a great day to just be with the person you love (cheesy, but true) and just clearing your schedule for the other person can sometimes be enough.  So enjoy!

Valentine’s Day usually includes a whole lotta red. But why not make it a little Green this year? If you’re still looking for the perfect gift idea or V-Day plan – or if your original plan upped your Carbon Footprint by, like, 10 tons – try these earth friendly ideas on for size.

Send an Earth Friendly Card: One billion cards are sent every Valentine’s Day. Lay those puppies down side by side and you could circle the earth five times! Instead of heading to your local Hallmark and taking part in the clearing of unnecessary trees, why not send a card on recycled paper? Or, better yet, a plantable card; when V-Day is long past, your special someone can just pop that card in the ground and watch your love blossom. (That was just too easy.)

Cook Dinner At Home: No need to waste precious gas by driving to a restaurant. Try something different – and far more romantic – and cook a candlelit dinner at home. Getting your produce and meat from a Farmer’s Market is a great idea as everything is locally grown, usually without those pesky pesticides. And those romantic candles will set the mood and eliminate the energy wasted by overhead lighting!

Gifts that Don’t Need Wrapping: Avoid the clichéd box of chocolates or the gifts that require tons of wasteful wrapping paper. Instead, give your love a sensual massage or set up a romantic bubble bath for two (saves on the water!). If you are really feeling green, take this holiday and donate to an environmental cause. It may not have the romantic Valentine’s Day feel, but it will make you feel good inside.

Going Green for V-Day is easy and actually quite appealing. Now if only I had someone to share it (and a bath) with…

Is this too new for chocolates?

As we all know, celebrating Valentine’s Day when in a new relationship can be somewhat awkward.  How should you acknowledge the holiday?  Here are some tips from the gift giving experts at SomeoneSpoilMe.com.

Just Started Dating

If you just started dating someone and decided that you are going to spend Valentine’s Day together, you should definitely give him a gift.  There is no need to give him anything over the top – it should be thoughtful, but not too personal. Here are some great options for him…

If you know his favorite sports team, get him a get him a Red Jacket Vintage Sports tee ($32) or hat ($26+).

If you know his favorite TV show, get him a fan tee like Crooked Monkey’s “I Heart the Jersey Shore” ($28).

If you want to get him a gag gift, customize a tee for him with a funny saying or inside joke ($8+).

If he loves sweets, get him the Manly Brownie Sampler ($32). Enter the SPOILME discount code at checkout for 20% off.

If you are very comfortable with each other the lover vouchers ($7) are a really cute gift. They include candlelit baths & more. If he gets ahead of himself – tell him you will hold on to his IOU until you are ready!

If you just started dating, but decided not to spend Valentine’s Day together, you do not need to get him a gift; however, if you like him enough that you will be thinking of him on Valentine’s Day it doesn’t hurt to get him something.  In this instance, you definitely want to keep it small in the event he doesn’t reciprocate.  A Valentine’s Day edible cookie card is a great option.  It is inexpensive ($2.75) but can be personalized with a friendly note.

[A hearty thank you to our girls over at SomeoneSpoilMe.com for the great ideas! For more gift-giving, check 'em out!]

Hearing me out? Read on.

- If you want to go traditional, mix up the monotony. Candy and flowers are nice and don’t break the bank, but apparently they are not great for the planet, so why not choose something a bit different this year? A box of fair-trade, organic chocolates won’t run you more than 20 bucks, and they’re made with more care and better-quality ingredients than that Russell Stover collection.

- Does your boo like to spin the tunes? Make him a mix CD. I know, I know—that’s so sixth grade—but really, it’s a very thoughtful gift that can’t come from anyone except you. Go through your playlist and mountains of CDs to pick out songs that remind you of that special someone, burn ‘em off, and make a pretty liner and cover for the CD. Done!

- Are you the anti-Martha Stewart? That’s all the more reason for you to get down in the kitchen and cook up a meal and dessert that will have your lover falling at your feet (out of devotion rather than food poisoning, we hope). Dust off that cookbook, because you know he’ll appreciate your effort of putting together something special just for him (and staying home is way more romantic than attempting to snuggle in an overcrowded restaurant). Buy top-quality ingredients, and leave yourself plenty of time to prepare. And hey, if all goes south, take-out Chinese is way under $30.

- You crafters out there might enjoy making a scrapbook for the one you love. There are a few costs up front—the actual book and the craft materials—but the rewards are great if you happen to be dating someone who is a hopeless romantic at heart and will flip through the book over and over again. Toss in pictures, movie-ticket stubs, e-mails the two of you have sent each other… Whatever reminds you of your relationship in a happy way is a go.

- Finally, try giving the gift of yourself, since there’s clearly nothing hotter (or cheaper…not in that way!) out there. Grab a sexy lingerie set (there are tons of hot, cheap options out there), scatter some rose petals from your sweetie’s door all the way to his bed, light a few candles for ambiance, then give him something he’ll never forget. Could there be a better gift? We think not.

You’ll find her workin on her latest video. And we can’t wait!

Brad and Angie’s kiddies aren’t so well-behaved…

Beautiful jewelry that’s eco-friendly is the perfect V-day gift!

A red-carpet look for less? Yes, please!

What is UP with all these baseball players?!

Amy Adams isn’t as sweet as we thought.

Adorable ideas for a DIY Valentine’s Day!

Spring’s coming! Get the perfect trench for less…

Guys may not dig Holly Golightly, but we sure do!

Heidi and Seal at Disneyland!

And all the V-Day mumbo jumbo has been infiltrating our lives and reminding us that we are alone since freaking Christmas Day.

There are many other days in the year when being single rocks, and a lot of us are completely fine with our not-so-relationship status, but something about the cutesy gifts and the kissing couples brings a lot of girls down.

But it doesn’t have to! With all that annoying looove stuff comes some awesome Valentine’s Day goodies. In the form of chocolate and booze. That you can enjoy regardless of your single status.

So here are some treats you can make with your single friends, buy on clearance on February 15, or, since V-Day is on a Saturday, truly drown your single sorrows with.

If you’re alone this V-Day, treat yourself or another single girl to some delicious chocolates from Godiva or Lindt chocolates. They are relatively inexpensive and very tasty. Who says you can’t buy love?

If you and your other single gal-pals are looking for a fun way to spend V-Day in, why not make some tasty treats that you can enjoy together? It’s just you and the girls so you don’t even have to worry about over eating.

S’More Brownies — These easy-to-make treats take about an hour and have pretty simple ingredients. Oh, and they are good. Some might even say they are better than a boyfriend.

Chocolate Sformato with Amaretto Whip Cream — Another easy-to-make, chocolatey dessert courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis of the Food Network. Best part: you can kill two birds with one stone. This dessert has chocolate and alcohol in it!

If you don’t have a full hour before you break down in “why doesn’t he love me?” tears, you can make these Truffle Tarts with Raspberries in only 20 minutes.

Or, if you’re really wanting to drown your sorrows with some other single buddies, you could whip up a decadent chocolate cocktail and drink V-Day away. The Mocha Mud Mix is a good choice for the caffeine addict, the Chocolate Martini Cocktail is sweet and strong and calls for an Hershey Kiss for garnish (and a whole bag left over that you can eat on your own). Lastly, if you prefer your Godiva in liquid form, there are many recipes using Godiva Chocolate Liqueur.

Are there any other chocolatey treats you single ladies will be using to drown your sorrows/celebrate V-Day?