Inspiration Machine 29: Valentines Edition

Clockwise from left: boopsie.daisy, r e n a t a, ajpscs, D L Ennis

1. Whisper sweet nothings into your beloved's ear (and by that I mean say repeatedly "Sweet nothings, sweet nothings, sweet nothings...") - it's guaranteed to make them giggle and cringe.

2. Alone on V-day? Celebrate the love of your life - yourself! Take yourself out for a fancy dinner, a luxurious massage, or whatever tickles your fancy. Remember throughout the day to remind yourself how wonderful you are, and how lucky you are to be you.

3. No date? Go Valentine hunting: grab a group of your favorite single pals. Before the going out, each decorate an elaborate valentine each out of construction paper, glitter, or anything you have lying around. Then hit the town and find the perfect beau to give it to!

4. Avoid crazy lines, messed up reservations, and crowded restaurants - plan a romantic evening at home. Prepare a sumptuous candlelight dinner, followed by a romantic movie and a bubble bath. Your snuggling potential will be triple what it is in public!

5. Make Valentine crafts: heart-shaped paperclips, and valentine bookmarks will keep love on your mind the whole year through!

6. Get Away! Desperate to flee to some romantic destination, but short on money and time? These weekend get-away ideas are sure to fulfill your need for romance without breaking your budget.

7. Seal your love with tasty, tiny burgers: White Castle offers intimate, candlelight dinners at their establishment every Valentines Day. And yes, you CAN get fries with that.

8. For those who appreciate the odder sentiments, Times Online offers some of the stranger alternative ideas to celebrate this holiday.

9. For those that want to avoid the blatant v-day consumerism: make your own Valentines Day chocolates at home!

10. Remember that love knows no boundaries: support the movement to Invalidate Prop 8, and allow thousands of Americans the right the gift of legally loving one another.