Graphic Created by: Michelle Doan ('11)

Baron Banner is selling their annual Love Grams.

Send your special someone a lovely message through our Valentine’s Day print issue, due to be released on Friday, February 11, 2011.

Each Love Gram will be sold for $2 up to twenty words per gram.

The Love Grams center-spread will be printed in color.

Please see a Baron Banner representative or Mr. Ziebarth in room 306 for more information and/or to purchase your love grams.

All grams are due by Friday, February 4, 2011.

It’s February, which means that the mega-Hallmark holiday known as Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Although some of us will be spending this Sunday celebrating Single Awareness Day, here’s a guide for everyone, single or otherwise, on what to wear for this holiday.

Single Ladies

For all the single ladies without a ring on it, why let a perfectly fine day go to waste? As tempting as it may be to shut yourself in with a tub of ice cream, you should put the commercial holiday to good use and dress up a little. Just because you don’t have a date for the weekend doesn’t mean you can’t show off that new body-conscious dress on a girl’s night out. If you don’t know what “body-conscious clothing” means, then here’s a quick explanation: body-conscious clothing consists of peices that accentuate your curves in a good way. This is not to be confused with “dear-Lord-I-can’t-breathe” clubbing wear.

If  body-conscious clothing isn’t for you, try the opposite approach. Instead of donning a slim fitting skirt, try a full one instead. A full, poofy skirt will give you a more feminine, but not necessarily body-conscious look . However, if you’re taking this route, be sure to pair your skirt with a top that’s fitted in order to better  emphasize the fullness of the skirt.

With both approaches, don’t forget to wear the appropriate colors. Pastels and nude tones are always a good choice.

Ladies with a Date

Now for those who do have a ring on it, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to showcase your femininity, even if you don’t like it. The easiest way to dress up for your date would be to wear a dress, obviously. Vintage dresses with classic, flowing cuts are best. There’s just something about the fashion of the past that’s so perfect for the occasion. Just don’t look too dated. Bring the vintage up to date with some modern jewelry.

Unfortunately, there is a limited supply of decent vintage dresses in the world. Thankfully, floral patterned dresses are highly accessible and just as cute. Pick a dress with that has a fitted bust and full skirt, and just as before, select a color appropriate for your Valentine’s day date.

Gentlemen

Just because you’ve got a Y-chromosome wired into your DNA doesn’t mean you’re exempt from dressing up this holiday. Unless you’re dateless and staying home playing StarCraft, you should dress nicely. If you’ve got a lady friend, then is it too much to ask for a collared shirt? By the way, those flannels you always wear do not count. Pair your shirt with a pair of jeans that actually fit and you’ll be good to go.

So whether you’re a boy or a girl, single or not, Valentine’s day is the perfect excuse to dress up.

Not even one week until the  highly dreaded and equally anticipated holiday of the year- Valentines Day. Men across the country fear it. Women across the nation adore it. But this year, make the holiday mean more. Adopt some innovative green techniques into the way you show your love.

Now these suggestions are only for Valentine\’s Day- you can use them for any date,ut what greater day for experiment than February 14?

Let\’s begin with the date itself. For a nice romantic dinner, the opportunities are endless. Try a nearby restaurant you both love, preferably small and family-run or organic place. Not only will this reduce your gas expenses, but these restaurants are also more likely to use locally grown, or all-natural foods.

Unique and unusual dates are always a great experience as well. If a meal is what you\’re after, cook dinner at home. You\’re guaranteed a meal you both love, less money on a bill and gas, and a comfortable environment as well. Or, if a nice dinner isn\’t your thing, why not try a free outdoors activity, like biking, or going to the beach a thrift store, or for a picnic? All of these are great ways to share a mutual hobby as well as to take   your part to save mother earth.

Despite common belief, homemade gifts can be just as great, if not better than store bought gifts. Not only will they send the personal, caring message to your significant other, but they are one-of-a-kind and designed just by you. For the artsy, creative types, write a song, paint a picture, or decorate a frame. Baked  treats, homemade cards, and homegrown flowers are all cheap and efficient ways to show your guy or gal your feelings for them and our planet.

The ideas don\’t end there. Take your own unique spin on ideas to show people you care. Try double dating to cut down on expenses. Make your own gift, suitable for what your loved one is interested in. Give back to our planet and one another by volunteering together.

Of course, no matter what you decide to do for Valentine\’s Day this year, it\’s most important to show your love and care for the people around you. And if you can do that while simultaneously demonstrating your respect and appreciation for our earth, resources, and fellow peers, then all the better.