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The Daily Cardinal Est. 1892
Tuesday, September 30, 2025

How to quickly get into the Valentine's Day spirit in five easy steps

With the start of spring semester comes new textbooks, empty notebooks and sharp pencils. However, the most lovey-dovey holiday of the year is also very near. Valentine’s Day is only a few days away! Whether you have a significant other or not, it’s always fun to celebrate the season of love. I have compiled a list of “lovely” ideas to help get you in the Valentine’s Day spirit!

Indulge in red velvet

Red velvet desserts are most definitely my favorite treat anytime of the year. However, I tend to treat myself to red velvet items more around this holiday. After all, nothing says Valentine’s Day like a red velvet cake with extra cream cheese frosting. Try a tasty red velvet cake pop, slice of cheesecake or cookie. Get more adventurous and create a red velvet milkshake, puppy chow or crêpes with whipped cream.

Paint your nails

Get festive by opting for a beautiful manicure in red and pink. I’m sure you have one of these go-to shades at home. However, if you’re looking for a new color, shop my favorite brand, essie, available at Walgreens for only $8.50 a bottle. If you want a deep red, try “Bordeaux”. For an elegant light-pink, select “Pink About It.” Pick up “Bottle Service” if you want a vibrant pink that will make your hands stand out. If you want a more challenging manicure, create some nail art by using a toothpick to paint hearts onto your nails. You could also try writing “xoxo” on your nails using the toothpick again.

Pick up some flowers

You don’t have to wait around for someone to buy you flowers. Treat yourself to a beautiful bouquet! Pick up a bunch of pink roses or your favorite blooms on your next stop at the grocery store. Display them in a vase on the kitchen counter or on your desk. Anytime you need to forget about the dreary piles of snow outside, simply look at your gorgeous vase of blooms. Instant day brightener!

Get crafting

Try a craft that doubles as a homemade Valentine’s Day decoration. I recently made a fun “kiss canvas.” All you really need for this project is a few different lipsticks and a small canvas. Simply apply a lipstick, pucker up and kiss the canvas. To mix it up, use a variety of pink and red lipsticks. For a little extra glamour, swirl gold paint around the canvas.

Grab a cupcake

Cupcakes are the perfect sweet treat everyday of the year, especially during Valentine’s Day. If you don’t have time to make a batch of your own, simply run to my favorite cupcake shop in Madison, Gigi’s Cupcakes, located in Hilldale Mall. As a frosting-aholic, I can confirm that these cupcakes have the perfect amount on their sweet cakes! My favorite flavor will forever be their Scarlett Red Velvet. This cupcake features a vanilla filling and cream cheese frosting with red sprinkles and a white chocolate heart on top—perfect for the season. You can also try their Mini Smooch box, a variety of their mini cupcakes, all festively decorated with pink and red hearts.

I hope these festive ideas make for a happy Valentine’s Day season. Feel the love!

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