CARISSA MARSH
A&E Editor
Today marks the first day of February, the month of gloom and doom — well, as far as the weather and Valentine’s Day is concerned. In just two weeks, mischievous Cupid will be buzzing about, striking panic into the hearts of single girls and tied-down guys everywhere who are scrambling for a way to celebrate the day of love.
While the stress of Valentine’s Day can leave one firmly against the coupledom establishment, with just a bit of resourcefulness and creativity, this Feb. 14 can go off without a hitch — whether or not you are soon to be hitched.
While chocolate and flowers are Valentine staples, and should probably be included in whatever gift one is giving, they are unoriginal and that equals not thoughtful. Sorry guys. Still, in today’s technology age, an oldie but a goodie gets new life — the mixed tape. Of course, I am just talking about the idea of a “mixed tape,” which now is simply a “playlist.” Music moves the soul and there is a song in my heart — all that good stuff. Just pick out those special love songs (don’t forget “your song”) that put a twinkle in her or his eye, or at least have some sort of meaning, and make a playlist on iTunes. The gift giver can send it for free over the Internet — no need to wrap.
For those who really want to impress, purchase a pink iPod shuffle for $79 and download her favorite songs before she opens (yes, this requires some wrapping) her new, clippable music accessory.
Another option is taking your special someone out for a night of live music at one of Hollywood’s famed concert venues. Or, if you are “so sick of love songs,” Ne-Yo will be performing at the Key Club at 8 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
“I love you” always sounds better in another language, so visit a restaurant that features a romantic atmosphere and decadent French or Italian cuisine. Check out Chocolat on Melrose in Los Angeles and be sure to save room for one of its legendary soufflés or the Cup of Love, an ice cream and raspberry dessert. Restaurant Café Marly in Beverly Hills also offers a taste of the South of France where the brave can try escargot.
For authentic Italian dishes, Malibu’s own Allegria features 12 different pastas that will inspire “Lady and the Tramp” moments.
Candelight Restaurant and Bar in Simi Valley lives up to its name with hundreds of candles around the lounge-style eatery, which features couches and beds for guests to recline. Of course, reservations are a must for all dining plans.
If a night in sounds better, finger food is a surefire way to turn up the heat. Chocolate fondue is a delicious and fun way to have an interactive Valentine’s Day date. Just pick up a fondue pot from Target (the Rival Stainless Steel Fondue Maker is only $29.99), purchase key ingredients such as strawberries, marshmallows, pineapple, graham crackers and ladyfingers, and start dipping.
A big picture can speak a thousand words, but with the souped-up digital photo frames at Brookstone or Sharper Image, a simple wood frame can display hundreds of pictures in an automatic slide show. Easier than cutting and pasting memories into a scrapbook, these pricey frames, ranging from $100 to $400, display cherished moments in vivid color.
For those who lack funds and don’t mind braving the cold, a stroll along the beach is a classic Valentine’s Day move that is easily doable for Pepperdine students. Yes, it is cliché, but it works every time. And for people who find themselves relishing singleness on Feb. 14, a bonfire with friends (or even a fondue party) is the perfect way to laugh in the face of Cupid.
02-01-2007