By Staff Writer Maddie Kenn.
STOP! Before skipping this article, please take note that this section in the paper does not only serve the needs of those who are sharing Valentine’s Day with their significant others.
Today is about letting someone know that they are cared and loved for, and receiving that affection from others as well. This does not only mean that Valentine’s Day is specifically for those who are in a relationship.
You can give a valentine to anyone you admire, or care about, whether that’s one of your professors, friends, classmates, or family member(s).
Speaking of “Valentines,” what comes to mind are those clever sayings on a small card covered in our favorite Disney princess, superhero’s, or animals, accompanied by a few pieces of candy.
As a college student, decorating a card board box with paint, stickers, or glitter, and passing around valentines seems childish. Here, you will find cheap and easy DIY crafts and activities to participate in on this holiday, excluding the childish activities we looked forward to when we were younger.
Want to make your loved one’s heart beat fast, letting them know that they are loved, but you aren’t sure how? You’ve come to the right place! Don’t worry if you are on a tight budget, love shouldn’t be pricey. Be classic about it, maybe purchase a plush teddy bear, a bouquet of flowers, or a box of chocolates. If you want to be romantic in a different sort of way, go down the sentimental route. Buy a cheap frame at your local store (If you have no way of getting there, don’t forget that we have a shuttle provided to us on campus that takes us to stores such as CVS, Target, and Walmart).
Fill your selected frame with pictures of the two of you, and maybe add a heartfelt message as well. Photographs can be printed out at CVS or Walmart, either order online or print them out yourself at the store for a reasonable price. All genders will appreciate this heart-warming gift, and what says “I love you” more than a hand-made DIY gift?
Don’t have many photographs together? No problem! Write a love letter, and no, this does not have to be ten pages long, receiving a few genuine words about how someone feels about you is always rewarding and makes one feel special. Still want to add pictures to your gift, but you don’t have a lot to use? Not a challenge, we can’t overcome! Purchase a lock-it for your loved one, and insert your favorite photograph inside. Keep in mind, lock-its are not just for girls! They don’t have to be worn as a necklace, but can also be transitioned into key chains.
Don’t have time to run to the store but you still want to make your loved ones blush on Valentine’s Day? Fill a mason jar with reasons why you love them! Feel even more creative, and love to write? Write a special and unique book about your journey together; happy tears are bound to stream with this one!
In the mood to bake? Bake goods are sweet treats to give on Valentine’s Day and are loved just as much as any other gift! Below is a favored recipes for valentine’s themed treats, feel free to use it, and don’t forget to let me know how they turned out!
There are so many gift ideas, as well as activities, such as a stay-at-home movie date, a romantic dinner, a casual lunch, a picnic, and so much more. Don’t sit alone in your dorm room or living room watching sad romantics, indulging in an entire box of chocolates (unless that is your cup of tea). Spend it with friends and family; spread the love! You don’t need to have a significant other in order to enjoy Valentine’s Day!
Easy and delicious stuffed strawberries recipe:
This somewhat healthy, and delicious strawberry recipe filled with cheesecake filling only takes thirty minutes and only asks for five ingredients total.
What you need:
4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
4 ounces of heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon of sugar or honey
2 pints strawberries that are washed, and dried with greens removed
Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients, except for the strawberries, in a bowl and whip with electric beaters until thick and creamy, for about 2 minutes.
Store cheesecake mixture in the refrigerator while preparing strawberries.
Cut a thin slice off the bottoms of the strawberries where the stem was so they will sit nicely on a plate.
4. Use a knife to cut deep slits in the top of each strawberry in the shape of an “x” being careful not to cut all the way through.
5. Fill a pastry bag or plastic bag with the cream cheese filling. Squeeze the filling to the corner of the bag and nip off the corner.
6. Fill the strawberries and pop in the refrigerator for about an hour
You can also dip the strawberries in chocolate if desired, but don’t thank me for this recipe, thank the Food Network!