University of South Carolina Libraries
Time to get crackin’ - ( V-Day is coming fast BY RACHEL SUTHERLAND KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS Mama always said it’s the thought that counts. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the more thought, the better. The from-the heart holiday is just days away and you’ve been putting off today what you could do tomorrow. Do you still have time to impress? You betcha. If you get crackin’ now, you’ll stay out of trouble with your sweetie. Here, are some ideas that will earn you hugs and kisses, and can be pulled off with a minimum of fuss. DO-IT-YOURSELF There’s nothing more special for your sweetie than a one-of-a kind gift you made with your own hands. -Flowers are an evergreen ■»?— ■ - === Valentine gift, but thinking out side the box will score you points for creativity (not to mention sav ing you some bucks). Think vol ume and space: A single carnation is just cheesy (they’re the generic of the flower world), but a tightly packed, wide-mouthed bowl of red carnations is stunning. Buy at least two dozen carnations of a single color, find a suitable vessel, trim the stems uniformly, and pack 'em in. A lush bow would be a nice fin ishing touch. -Express your inner creativity with stamps, velvet and lace: Make your own one-of-a-kind Valentine. GET SHOPPING -You don’t have to spend a bundle to show your beloved that your heart is true. Just Born, the creator of Marshmallow Peeps, has launched a new Valentine’s Day Decorating Kit complete with four pink, sugared marshmallow hearts and a tube of decorating gel and tips on how to personalize your Peeps. $1.99. Multiple retailers. - Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all hearts and cupid. Defy convention and go for colorful gifts. Just about anything red or pink will do, but choose wisely. A sassy, hot-pink wallet or suave red argyle socks will remind your sweetie of your love all year long. Banana Republic rocks the lace on killer pumps (below), $128. Banana Republic stores at various locations and online at www.ba nanarepublic.com. SET THE TABLE It might be a cliche, but it couldn’t be more true: The quick ♦ Please see PLAN, page 6 Come to lairds ©d 9 Wire for VpUdUds's V$y! a Bottle of Wine for $55.00! Everything ; in the store ; Feb, ll*M5th ! *Not Valid With Any Other Discounts 1--1— Main Street irT Assembly Street 4J g Cn Cn c s 1 I a P 633 Main Street j Corner of Main & Devine i 252-8686 ; --V