Do it yourself date

Price Point: $$

If you plan on staying in, you can have a wonderful night—even on a budget. Here’s a suggestion for an Italian inspired multi-course dinner: a light salad, homemade bruschetta, spaghetti with red sauce, red wine or Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider

Classic Spaghetti Recipe

A box of thin spaghetti

Olive oil

Salt

A jar of marinara sauce

Water

One large pot, one pan

Measuring spoons

Serving utensils

For meat-eaters: 1-2 pounds of ground beef or Italian sausage (1lb per jar of sauce)

For vegetarians: Gardein meatballs or lentils

Fill a large pot with water and let it come to a boil, add a pinch of salt and teaspoon of oil. In a pan, brown the meat or meat substitution, then mix the sauce in with it. Put the spaghetti in boiling water for seven to ten minutes or until soft. Drain the spaghetti and add to the sauce mixture. After dinner, you and your sweetheart can pick out a romantic comedy from the nearest RedBox. When you are ready to wind down, candles and essential oils will soothe your senses and create the perfect atmosphere. Lavender has a calming effect from the earthy, detoxifying aroma and Jasmine, a natural aphrodisiac is a must-have for massages. Lastly, but most importantly comes dessert. Banana splits anyone? For this you will need:

1 medium banana

3 scoops of ice cream: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry

Freshly cut strawberries or pineapple slices and chopped nuts

Caramel, strawberry, or chocolate sauce

Extras: whipped cream, sprinkles and maraschino cherries

Do

Light candles after dinner is ready to avoid the mixing of smells

Have a blanket handy

Close your curtains for privacy

Dim the lights down to help create a relaxed mood

Dont

Burn the food!

Forget the drinks

Forget to get a movie

Out and about date

Price Point: $-$$$

Keep it traditional by spending the night on the town. Going out to dinner and seeing a movie is a classic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Places to eat

• The Old Spaghetti Factory (on NW 2nd Street)

• Pastini Pastaria (on NW 9th Street)

• Laughing Planet (on NW 2nd Street)

• Luc (on SW 4th Street)

• Flat Tail Brewing (on SW 1st Street)

Movie locations

• The Darkside Cinema (on SW 4th Street)

• The Whiteside Cinema (on SW Madison Ave.)

• Regal Ninth Street Cinemas (on NW 9th Street)

• Carmike Cinemas (on NE Circle Blvd)

Around town

• Wine or craft brew tastings

• Stand up comedy shows

• Live theatre performances

On Campus activities

• Memorial Union Basement Bowling (open until 8 p.m.) For bowling, billiards and games

• “XOXO” Valentine’s Day event in the International Living Learning Center, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m

• Valentine’s Single’s Dinner at McNary Residence Hall, Feb. 14 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at Main Squeeze

• OSU Ballroom Dance Company Valentine’s Dance Benefit & Dessert Feb. 13 in the Womens Building from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Do

Bring cash for theatre

concession snacks

Plan ahead to see what places are open

Go out of town for the night

Don’t

Forget to make reservations

Drink more than you can manage

Treat yourself day

Price point: $-$$

If you don’t have a Valentine this year, there’s no need to worry. Who says you can’t be your own? Gather all your single friends together and plan a girls (or guys) day! Guys, if you don’t want to spend the holiday alone, there’s no reason to. Hang out with your friends, play your favorite video games or if you’re over 21, go to the bar and enjoy a few drinks.

Ladies, go all out with spa treatments. Soak, scrub and paint your nails, make homemade body butters and experiment with face masks.

Peppermint Scrub

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup coconut oil

5-8 drops peppermint essential oil (or whatever scent you like)

2 drops red food coloring

1 1/2 pint canning jar

Microwave coconut oil for approximately 20 seconds, until melted. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and coconut oil together until thoroughly mixed. Add the food coloring, mixing after each drop. Repeat until you achieve the desired hue. Add essential oils and mix. Pack the scrub into a clean canning jar.

Peppermint Whipped Body Butter

3 ounces pure cocoa butter

4 ounces coconut oil

4 drops peppermint essential oil

2 drops red food coloring

Using a double boiler, melt cocoa butter and oil together. Place the mixture into the fridge for five minutes, until cool and opaque. Use a standing mixer to whip the cream until fluffy. Add oil and food coloring. Combine well. Pack mixture into a clean canning jar.

Do

Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself

Splurge on desserts and chocolates

Use this as an excuse to pamper yourself

Don’t

Get desperate and call just anyone up to hang out with

Spend the day alone!

Fret over not having a date