DanceBlue 101

Written by: Chelsey Duncan, Marketing Intern

DanceBlue 2011

The college experience entails more than just academics and a social life. During this time period, many students struggle to balance part-time jobs, internships, classes and extracurricular activities. An important aspect that is commonly overlooked is community service. As young adults, establishing a sense of civic duty is vital to a sense of self-worth and to the future welfare of this country. Fortunately for UK students, there is a 24-hour period that rolls around each year and gives students a chance to give back to the community. It’s called DanceBlue, and since 2005 it has raised more than $2,675,000 for the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic.

DanceBlue is a 24-hour dance marathon that benefits the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic and Markey Cancer Center. For more than six years, this yearlong, student-run event has helped children with cancer and their families through the support of the Golden Matrix Fund. The Fund provides:

·      professional salary support for those dealing with patients and their families and for neurocognitive patient testing to determine necessary services for therapy-related learning disorders;

·      two pediatric oncology social workers, whose positions did not exist prior to DanceBlue, and who provide families with financial assistance through community resources;

·      a long-term follow-up clinic to assist survivors with medical care;

·      clinical research support and laboratory research in pediatric oncology that makes the latest treatments available.

The unique opportunity to participate in DanceBlue is only available to UK students, both full- and part-time. Through the Adopt-a-Family Program, teams spend time with and get to know a local family affected by childhood cancer. Registered teams of dancers range in size from large organizations of 180+ members to small groups of a few friends. Each sponsored dancer costs $300, plus registration fees. However, because fundraising occurs year-round, this goal is easily attainable. To fundraise, teams can sponsor their own events, fill out pledge books and participate in canning.

For individuals looking to get involved, volunteers are needed for shifts throughout the entire 24-hour marathon. These volunteers staff different stations such as bag check, water and refreshments, etc. Priority placement is given to volunteers who register and turn in the $50 fundraising fee early. Those unable to attend the big event can still help out by making donations to the Golden Matrix Fund. A gift of just $100 receives recognition as a “Friend of DanceBlue,” which includes your acknowledgement on the website, a DanceBlue sign and DanceBlue decal.  All donations are tax-exempt.

DanceBlue 2012 will take place in Memorial Coliseum this Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3, from 8 p.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone in the UK community should come experience this life-changing event. It is truly inspiring to see not only the immense student support, but also the excitement of the kids and families as well.  One thing is certain, the energy and enthusiasm of DanceBlue is easily spread to all who partake and witness it.

Go to www.DanceBlue.org to learn more about the cause and to find out how you can help!

An Inside Look At DanceBlue

Written by: Chelsey Duncan, Marketing Intern

DanceBlue 2011

Austin Wilson, a senior at UK and one of The Study’s Student Program Coordinators, sat down for an interview to give an inside perspective of DanceBlue. As a current member of the Family Relations Committee, Austin has been involved with DanceBlue since his freshman year of college when he volunteered to be a dancer in his fraternity, FarmHouse. From there, he went on to become the fraternity’s team captain during his sophomore and junior years, and finally found his way onto the DanceBlue Family Relations Committee his senior year.

Q: How has DanceBlue affected you?
A: It’s such a rewarding experience. When I first came to UK, I didn’t donate much of my time to service or volunteering. DanceBlue served as a kind of gateway for me to become more involved, and now I want to give back to the community as much as I can.
Q: How would you describe DanceBlue to a freshman?
A: DanceBlue is the largest philanthropy event in the SEC and has raised more than $2 million in the six years it has been running. It’s a great time dancing with other students who care, but also is very beneficial to get involved in. It raises funds for pediatric cancer and families affected by it.
Q: What would you tell someone who is considering participating in DanceBlue?
A: Don’t be hesitant just because you might not know anyone else participating. You will meet people through DanceBlue – other dancers, morale leaders, etc. I met so many people my first year, many who have since graduated and we still keep in touch. Any doubts? Just ask somebody. There are so many people involved who can tell you more.
Q: How much time/preparation goes into DanceBlue?
A: Well everyone has a different part in DanceBlue, and so much more goes into it than just the actual event. Dancers raise money and participate in canning. Teams hold restaurant nights to fundraise. Leading up to the event, there is a lot of preparation. For the past four Sundays, we’ve held workdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., just getting things ready. During the semesters, committee members attend meetings every other Thursday, but different committees have different ways of involvement throughout the year. I volunteer in the hospital a day per week.
Q: What’s it like working with the kids?
A: On average, dancers don’t get to. However, as a member of the Family Relations Committee, that’s the best part. You get to see what your hard work goes toward. You can’t tell they’re sick. They’re regular kids with cheerful and upbeat families. Getting to help them directly and to see the gratitude they show is very rewarding.

DanceBlue 2012 will take place in Memorial Coliseum this Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3, from 8 p.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone in the UK community should come experience this life-changing event. It is truly inspiring to see not only the immense student support, but also the excitement of the kids and families as well.  One thing is certain, the energy and enthusiasm of DanceBlue is easily spread to all who partake and witness it.

Go to www.DanceBlue.org to learn more about the cause and to find out how you can help!

Clever Couponing

Amanda Laborio

Marketing Intern

College students are notorious for pinching pennies, especially when it comes to grocery shopping. Despite this, how many of us roll our eyes while tuning in to TLC’s Extreme Couponing? Granted, the individuals showcased on the program may take couponing too seriously, but is there some value we, as college students, can extract from the extreme couponer’s tactics? After personally attempting to emulate Extreme Couponing, the resulting story is a compilation of what I learned about shopping on the cheap.

Newspaper coupons are old school. While they are still valuable and easy to get a hold of, couponers are no longer limited to the Sunday paper. Be sure to check manufacturer’s websites and sites like The Krazy Coupon Lady to stay up to date on the latest deals. There are also many iPhone apps to help you collect and organize coupons. My personal favorite is Cellfire, which allowed me to see coupons for products at Kroger and to then upload them to my Kroger Plus card with just a click.


Learn the couponing lingo.  One of the first sites I came across as I began my couponing journey was a glossary of all things coupon related. If you are going to get comfortable tracking down deals on couponing sites across the web, you will first need to learn the lingo. For example, “Buy one, get one free!” translates into BOGO in couponing jargon. The coupons that come on items in the grocery store: peelies. For the casual coupon user these terms are not crucial, but if you’re tracking down deals online you will need to know the vocabulary to decipher the bargains.


Don’t buy something just because you have a coupon for it. While this may seem obvious, it was the most important lesson I learned in my attempt to become a couponing pro. Just because Lysol has lots of good coupons, doesn’t mean you need to buy all of their products. While I may have a really clean apartment now, I ended up spending more money than I had budgeted for cleaning supplies.  Also, for those of you who have seen Extreme Couponing and are aware of “stockpiles” I have one small piece of advice: don’t try it. College students live in small spaces and tend to buy groceries for only one person, conditions which are not ideal for loading up on a lifetime supply of toothpaste.  If you end up with more than you can use of any item, I highly recommend donating your extras to a local charity.


Don’t forget your pre-couponing thrifty college student ways.  Couponing is not the only way to save a buck when grocery shopping. There are many other simple tricks that you were probably taking advantage of before considering couponing, which don’t need to be replaced by your new couponing ways. For example, buying off-brands is less expensive than going for the premium version of an item. In addition, waiting for items to go on sale can be a smart move. Don’t forget to ask for student discounts where you can and to take advantage of the coupon books frequently handed out to students on campus. In pairing what you already know about saving money with couponing, you can really stretch your dollar.


Remember your manners.  With the increasing popularity of couponing, the controversy around the practice is also rising. The Coupon Information Corporation has released a response criticizing some of the practices shown on Extreme Couponing and outlining how to coupon responsibly.  The main points of the list are to know the coupon policy for the store you are shopping in and to be kind and courteous to the cashier. For more suggestions on how you should behave with coupons check out the CIC’s website by clicking here. 

When I Grow Up...

Contributer: Katie Avra, Outreach Coordinator

The Staff at Academic Enhancement were asked: “When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?”

“I wanted to be an astronaut! I fell in love with it after watching Apollo 13, so I decided to join the Air Force as a pilot and then go to NASA and into space!”
-Stephanie Sipp, SPC

“I thought I would be a pediatrician.”

-Kristen Hamilton, SPC

“When I was young, I really wanted to be the sports trainer person who runs out on the field when an athlete got hurt.  I realized from a very young age that actually playing professional football was out of reach, so I really thought the next best thing would be to be on the sidelines and running onto the field when someone got hurt.”

-Kyle Mullen, EPE 174 Instructor

“I wanted to be a world traveler.”

-Eric Weinberg, Technology Coordinator and APP Instructor

“I never really had a defined idea; I was more concerned about what I was going to wear the next day at school.”

-Bethany Sharpe, APP Instructor

“I think I wanted to be a fire fighter first and then a professional soccer player.”

-Alanna Bouhl, Marketing Intern

“When I was young, since actually being a teenage mutant ninja turtle was kind of out of the question, I always wanted to be a professional football player.  My dad coached football for years and I always played, it was something I still love to this day.”  

-Sy Bridenbaugh, EPE 174 Instructor

“I wanted to be a teacher!”

-Penny Robinson, APP Lecturer

“I always thought I would be an engineer.” 

-Austin Wilson, SPC

“Pediatrician -- I wanted to have all those stickers, although I pass out at the sight of blood and needles!”

-Chelsey Duncan, Marketing Intern
 

“I wanted to be a lifeguard when I grew up because I had always seen them in movies.”

-Alex Newby, Marketing Intern

“When I was very young, I was fascinated with the idea of being a hair dresser. I got one of those should/head dolls where you could style the hair and loved it. By middle school, I was thinking about being a journalist or a gemologist as I loved jewelry.”
-Dana Malone, EPE 174 Lead and APP Instructor

“I wanted to be a mailman because I love getting mail!”

-Megan Beach, Assistant Director

“I was planning on being a checkout person at the grocery store. I would go around the house scanning barcodes on everything!”

-Amanda Laborio, Marketing Intern

“I wanted to be a waitress. I had an apron with pockets and an order tablet to take everyone’s orders!”

-Katie Avra, Outreach Coordinator

"I wanted to be the President of the United States of America."

-Amanda Smith, GRE Prep Coordinator

“When I was young, I thought that I would either grow up to be a professional golfer or a doctor.  I have since quit golf and cannot stand the sight of blood!”

-Laura McGehee, Marketing Intern

“I wanted to be a female baseball player because of the movie A League of Their Own!”

-Ali Cicerchi, Program Coordinator

“When I was a wee little child I wanted to be either a teenage mutant ninja turtle or batman. It’s a toss-up!”

-Ian Banta, APP Instructor

“I wanted to be an elementary school teacher.”

-Bailey Grossl, Instructor

“I wanted to be a teacher and a Mom. From a very young age I loved learning, school, and reading. I could be found "teaching" my cat, stuffed animals, friends, and basically anything that would sit still long enough.”

-Karin Ann Lewis, Ph.D., Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Education and Executive Director Academic Enhancement

“When I was little I wanted to be a surgeon.”
-Jim Breslin, Associate Director

“I wanted to be an artist.”

-Blake Dickens, SPC

“I fully believed that I could be a professional Game show contestant.  First I would go on: Jeopardy, Price is Right, and The Pyramid.  Then after missing a fortune I would become the host of my own games how.”

-Russell Williamson, Accounts and Website Coordinator

“I thought I’d be a stock broker.  Something about the excitement on the floor of the stock market really appealed to me.”

-Anna Gatewood, Assistant Director

“When I was young, I always thought I would be a teacher, in one form or another. I used to gather my stuffed animals and "teach" them what I was learning in school. I even had a dry erase board!”
-Jill Page, EPE 174 Instructor and ACT Prep Coordinator

“I always disliked being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. I always answered differently; I had no idea!”

-Beth Neiser, Assessment Coordinator

Spring Break Safety Tips!

Alex Newby, Marketing Intern

With the first round of exams over and the second soon approaching, students across campus are counting down the days until Spring Break 2012. Whether you’ll be caravanning to Fort Lauderdale or jet-setting to the west coast, here are some tips to help get you back to UK safe, sound, and with all your belongings.

For the Road trippers: 

Buckle up! Although it can get uncomfortable during the long ride, a safety belt could help save your life in the event of a wreck.

If driving through the night, always keep an alert “Co-Captain” in the passenger seat to help you stay awake.

Don’t stop at sketchy, half-lit gas stations, and be sure to get out and stretch every once in awhile. 

If you like coffee, look up some Coffee shops on your route and stop every once in awhile for a pick me up! Even superwoman can’t drive 15 hours without a little espresso!

The Cruisers:

If you and your friends have chosen an island getaway, make sure to stay in groups! Getting separated both on and off the boat can be dangerous.   

Be responsible when getting off the ship at different ports and don’t bring anything too flashy. Unsuspecting tourists can be easy targets for local pick pockets. 

Use your common sense! Most port cities are a little more dangerous outside of the “touristy” area near the ship so try and stay around the parts where you feel safe.

The Stay-at-homers:

 

Even if you’re only going home from a couple of days to relax or pick up a few shifts at work, even YOU can take some steps towards a safer spring break. If you’re leaving Lexington, make sure your windows and doors are locked at your apartment and/or house. With a lot of students out of town, college neighborhoods become easy targets for burglaries and that is the LAST thing you want to come home to after a great week!

Positive choices and common sense can go a long way for every spring breaker this year.

Be responsible if you decide to drink. Know your limits and re-fuel your body with water and snacks if you’re going to be out on the beach for long periods of time.

Wear sunscreen! You DON’T want to burn your first day out and spend the week inside and miserable.

Make sure to memorize the location of your hotel or condo in case you get separated from your group and have everyone’s cell phone numbers.

Lastly, make a plan before you go. Know your boundaries and expectations for the trip. Have a “code-word” for when you aren’t having fun or want to leave a situation. By talking to your friends before hand, you can relax and enjoy the week away!

Here’s to an unforgettable (and safe!) Spring Break! 

How To Write An Email

From: Chelsey Duncan, Marketing Intern

Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012

To: University of Kentucky Students

Subject: How to Write an Email

Attached: AdditionalTips.doc

Hi College Students,

Now that you’re well into the semester, it’s time to start coordinating group projects or setting up times to meet with your professor, and maintaining professionalism in your academic relations is a must. Composing everyday email might sound basic, but you’d be surprised how many unprofessional emails are sent to fellow students, professors and supervisors. So unless you’ve taken Business Writing, here are steps to help you communicate via the virtual post office:

1. Always include an appropriate subject line. Sum up the email in a few words to let the recipient know the topic.
2. Address the recipient. Depending on how formal the situation, you can just type the person’s name or start with a greeting such as “Dear,” “Hello,” or “Hi,” followed with a comma or colon. (Example: Dear Ms. Supervisor: versus Fellow group members,)
3. Skip spaces between paragraphs.
4. Introduce yourself by course and section number. This is necessary when emailing professors and TA’s with hundreds of students.
5. Get to the point and tell your reason for writing. Keep it simple and concise with as few questions as possible.
6. List any attachments to the email.
7. Skip a space again.
8. End your letter with “Sincerely,” “Thanks,” or “Best,” again depending on the situation. Follow with your first and last name unless you have an email signature.
9. Be sure to proofread before you hit send. Never abbreviate or write in all capital letters. Remember, you’re not sending a text message! 

The main takeaway is to distinguish who you are and why you’re writing, as simply and clearly as possible. Because emailing is so common, it is safe to assume your recipient’s inbox is regularly flooded, so the goal of your email is to be read and understood. For further advice, please find additional tips attached at the top of this page. Good luck applying these guidelines to your future emails!

Best regards,

The Study

Student Spotlight- Laura McGehee

With her contagious smile, bubbly attitude, and can do approach; Laura McGehee is our student spotlight of the month! Laura is a marketing intern at Academic Enhancement, and was an intern for Nike over the summer. Laura graduates this May and is willing to move anywhere as long as they offer her a job.

NAME: Laura McGehee       

MAJOR: Marketing, Communications Minor

HOMETOWN: Lakeside Park, KY

CLUBS/EXTRA CURRICULAR: SAAC, 3 year member of Women’s Golf team, Lexington Humane Society, managing my fitness website

HOBBIES: Running, reading, sports of any kind, animals, photography

FAVORITE FOOD: Mashed potatoes

MUSIC: A variety but mainly rap.  Drake is my favorite

FAVORITE MOVIE: Juno

PET: Family West Highland Terrier- Chloe

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Chipotle

COLOR: Purple

HOLIDAY: Christmas Eve

BEST PLACE TRAVELED TO: Portland Oregon for internship with Nike

MOST DARING MOMENT: Singing karaoke horribly whenever I get the chance

WHY UK: Came to play golf and attend as many basketball games as possible!

FAVORITE CLASS AT UK: Anthropology- really opened my eyes to the world outside of Kentucky

FAVORITE PLACE TO STUDY: William T. Young Library in a “quiet” cubby

FAVORITE TEACHER: Cynthia Isenhour who taught Anthropology at UK

ADVICE TO OTHERS AT UK:  Get involved and meet as many people as you can.  I meet two new people in every class to ensure I am getting the most of the social and academic world.

LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: Would like to pursue PR or Marketing ANYWHERE in the country.

WHY DOES SHE LIKE WORKING AT THE STUDY: I have gotten to meet wonderful people and broaden my skills in social media, design programs, and marketing in general.

Warming Up those Winter Blues

Contributer: Alanna Bouhl, Marketing Intern

You know that feeling after New Year’s, when the holiday excitement has worn off, you seem tired all of the time, and you’re unmotivated to study or even go to class? You’re sick of winter dragging on and spring break can’t come soon enough. If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing the winter blues. Luckily, I have some tips on how to spark your semester:

 To curb the winter blues try these creative options!

·         Walk! Walk to class, the gym, the grocery, wherever! Getting outside and breathing fresh air and getting your heart pumping will help clear your mind and cheer you up.

·         Have a Support System! Utilize your friends, professors’ office hours, and The Study. We are here for you!

·         Come to The Study! Enjoy our new and expanded space for quiet studying areas or stop in during free peer tutoring. The Study is also here for you with Individual Academic Consolations, giving you the opportunity to discuss any academic stressors.

·         Open your blinds. Letting in the daylight will help boost your mood almost immediately. Sun is one of the best natural sources of vitamin D.

·         Unplug from Social Media. This is a good stress eliminator. Even if it’s just for a day, taking away this distraction will help you focus less on what everyone else is doing and focus more on your own priorities.

·         Make To-Do Lists! Your brain loves lists. This will jump start your organization and reaching goals. Work on projects daily, even if for a few minutes. Try working on the toughest tasks to first that way you work towards the easier ones.

·         Structure your Schedule. Discover and utilize your prime mental time. Know when your best times for studying are and arrange them into your weekly schedule. Designate times for reading, review, breaks, and organization.

·         Reward Yourself! Whether it’s a weekend get away, spring break or just a shopping trip with your friends, having something to look forward to will help lighten your mood and make you happier.

·         Eat Healthy Foods. Eating more protein and complex carbs will help give you energy and make you feel better.

·         Get Plenty of Rest. Getting a healthy amount of sleep, regularly, will help eliminate the tired and lethargic feeling. Try 20 minute power naps.

·         Get Involved! UK currently has 444 student organizations. Connect with your peers, check out a new interest group, or get reacquainted with an old hobby!

·         Exercise! What better way to get those natural endorphins flowing than working out? It will energize you, relieve stress and is an awesome mood booster. Plus you will get a kicking bod!

·         Most importantly, be positive! Nothing makes life better than a positive attitude and it will help you get through times when you’re feeling a little blue.

Try some of the tips to lighten your mood and triumphantly tackle the stretch between the holidays and spring break! 

University of Kentucky Bucket List

List compiled by The Study's Outreach Team. 

Between going to class, attending club meetings, and spending time with friends, it is hard enough to find the time to study, let alone visit Lexington’s attractions.  Although our time in college may be limited, there are many fun and exciting things to do in Lexington. It would be a shame to miss out on these opportunities during your time here at UK, so our team has put together a list of forty must-sees that we think everyone should experience while at the University of Kentucky.

1.    Camp out for tickets to Big Blue Madness.

2.    Go to Louisville for the  Kentucky Oaks. 

3.    Watch the Kentucky Derby. Televised or in person, this is a Kentucky tradition worth celebrating. 

4.     Participate in UK FUSION during K-Week every fall. 

5.     Use the underground tunnel between CB and POT, especially on a rainy day. 

6.    Attend an  SAB event. With a wide range of activities ranging from concerts to comedians, they are guaranteed to have something interesting for you!  

7.     Tailgate for a UK Football game. Want to take it up a notch? Road trip to an away game. 

8.     Participate in Fish Racing at Two Keys Tavern. A nice break during the week as well as a fun game with friends.  Fish are provided.   

9.    Visit Keeneland, particularly on College Scholarship Day. 

10.  Go to the 5/3rd Pavilion downtown for Thursday Night Live during the summer and early fall.

11.  Indulge your sweet tooth with frozen yogurt at Naticakes. Each purchase goes towards the Natalie Wynn Carter Foundation. 

12.  Make it to at least one UK Basketball game. 

13. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park and take a private or group lesson to experience what horse culture is all about.

14.  Watch the sororities and fraternities showcase their moves at Greek Sing.

15. Dance the night away at  The Penguin. This dueling piano bar is also the perfect place for a private party. 

16. Go for a run at The UK Arboretum.

17.  Watch a film showing or attend a concert  at The Kentucky Theatre.

18. Grab dinner at  Charlie Brown’s. 

19.  Love chocolate? Go on a shopping spree at Old Kentucky Chocolates. 

20.  Cheer on the Cats at a UK Hockey Game.

21.  Catch a live show at the Lexington Opera House.

22. Grab lunch at Tolly Ho. Greasy food never tasted so good. 

23.  Play a day of golf at The University Club. 

24.  Visit one of the area's many great wineries. 

25. Chow down at Ramsey’s Diner. Don't forget to get some pie for dessert! 

26.   See Kentucky's proud history of bourbon making through experiencing the Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. 

27.  Go to a concert at the Lexington Convention Center. 

28.  View the collection at the University of Kentucky Art Museum, open daily. 

29.  For an original burger experience, visit Sawyer’s, located downtown.  With a burger-bar full of toppings, the possibilities are endless.

30.  Grab a slice of pizza at Pazzo’s Pizza Pub. This pub offers the best pizza and pretzels around, as well as the largest draft selection in central Kentucky.

31.  Party the night away at Beaux Arts Ball. Hosted each semester by UK College of Design students, the ball proceeds  benefit scholarship funding and local charities.

32.  Take a tour of Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Company. You can watch how Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale are each made, as well as discover your favorite in the sampling pub. 

33.  Release the stress of finals week by participating in the Undie Run. 

34.  Be a part of Dance Blue. Since 2006, this student run 24-hour dance marathon has been raising millions of dollars for the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic. 

35.  Get scared looking for ghosts at Waverly Hills Sanatorium. If you enjoy a night of good frights, than March-August take some friends and visit this historic site.

36.  Have a true Southern dining experience at Merrick Inn.

37.  Take your friends and test your knowledge at Old Chicago's Trivia Nights.

38.  Support the UK Fine Arts student's and come to Open Studio. Every December, these students host an open house in the Reynolds building showcasing their work. There is a juried art show, art for sale, and food. It is a great way to support the arts!

39.  Help break a world record during K-Week at CSF’s Water Balloon Fight.

40. Come to The Study for Individual Academic Consultations, GRE Prep Courses, and FREE Peer Tutoring!

Valentine's Day Ideas

Written by Laura McGehee, Marketing Intern

February marks a popular holiday for those in a relationship. Buying flowers, chocolates, and gifts can get expensive, so we have come up with some ideas for creative and inexpensive Valentine’s Day gifts and dates!

·         A box full of compliments or inspirational quotes- Great for a sensitive partner or someone who enjoys a good pick-me-up

·         Personalized m&ms- Put your anniversary or partners initials on these tasty treats

·         Coupons- Create a booklet containing coupons for anything from a home-cooked dinner to a back rub.  Extremely inexpensive yet thoughtful

·         Scavenger hunt- Create a scavenger hunt that sends your partner searching for his/her favorite goodies or to an ending point where you wait.  You can design it any way you like and your partner will be sure to appreciate your effort

·         Bake cookies or a heart shaped cake- A small but tasty gesture

·         Dinner at home- Getting a reservation at a nice restaurant can be a hassle and extremely pricey.  Take the time to look up your significant other’s favorite dish or a delicious recipe online or in a cookbook.  Homemade pizzas or sundaes make for an inexpensive and delicious meal

·         Fondue- Regular or even chocolate!

·         Gift basket filled with treats or gadgets- Gift baskets can be designed to accommodate any type of personality.  From the candy lovers to the movie buffs, creating a caring gift basket is an extremely easy gift

·         Ice skating- An alternative date that is fun and exciting

·         Picture frame- Find an old picture of you and your partner or take a new photo to frame

·         Gag gifts- Not every couple enjoys the stereotypical sappiness of Valentine’s Day.  If you and your partner like to make this holiday a little less serious, go for a funny gift that will have you two laughing

·         Favorite movie- You don’t have to pay $10 to see the latest flick in theaters! Head to a Redbox or search through a roommate’s movie collection to find a movie both of you will like

·         First date do over- If you have been with your significant other for awhile, take him/her back to where you had your first date

·         Cooking or dance class- A nonconventional date idea that could be beneficial for the both of you

·         Enlist the help of his/her friends and family- Plan the surprise your significant other is hoping for by asking friends or family members for ideas he/she will like

·         Playlist- Burn a playlist of songs you think he/she may like or ones that have meaning to the both of you

·         Make it Valentine’s week- Celebrate all week with small surprises for each other.  They don’t have to be expensive or elaborate, just a small reminder each day of your love

·         Get roses in her favorite color- Red roses are great, but getting flowers that are her favorite color can be more thoughtful

·         Make a memory box- Gather old ticket stubs or pictures and create a memory box for the time you have spent together

·         Complete a chore the other person hates to do- If your significant other hates to pump gas or grocery shop, offer to help them accomplish a dreaded task with your assistance

·         Surprises for a year- A cute idea I found via Pinterest: Put 12 envelopes in a basket, each one containing a surprise date request that the person can redeem once a month! Thoughtful and extremely creative

·         Indoor picnic- It may not be warm enough to dine outdoors, but a picnic can be made in the comfort of your dorm, house, or apartment

·         Anti-Valentine’s Day- Watch scary movies or comedies instead of your typical “chick flick”

·         Celebrate on a different day- Cheaper flowers and a less crowded restaurant may be a smart route for you and your mate.  Who says you can only celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 14^th?

Don’t have a Valentine this year? Take this time to remind your friends and family how much you adore them.  These people can be just as important as a significant other and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.  Good luck in your search for the perfect Valentine’s plans and remember, no matter what you do, give from the heart.