Mount Hood

Celebrate the season of love with these activities

Ways to spend time this Valentine’s Day if alone or single

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but not everyone has plans this year, or a significant other to spend it with. However, the holiday doesn’t have to be full of sadness or longing for a partner; instead, it can be an opportunity to make the most out of singledom and celebrate love in other ways. Here are some of the best ways to spend time alone when single or without plans:

  • Write letters to family or friends: If spending this holiday solo, love letters or letters of gratitude for friends and family can go a long way. This past year has been hard on everyone, and a small moment of appreciation can mean more to someone than initially thought. It doesn’t have to be pages long, but can highlight favorite memories, inside jokes or a cute message. Go the extra mile and mail them out if needed. 
  • Pampering: There are a ton of takeout and delivery services available to enjoy a nice meal, beverage or sweet treat from home. Or the day can be spent cooking favorite meals or treats at home, with a movie or music. Take a nap, get out of the house, enjoy time in nature ⏤ do whatever brings the most relaxation through the day.
  • Spend time with pets: Valentine’s Day can be spent with pets, either out on a walk, playing, lounging around or by giving them treat after treat. Have a fun photoshoot with pets to commemorate the day together, give them a little Valentine’s with a toy or treat in it and bestow some extra attention (flowers are optional, chocolate not recommended).
  • Random act of kindness: There are plenty of people in our community that need a helping hand, from folks facing homelessness to families in our own neighborhoods. Donating time and resources can make a big difference to those who may be struggling, even if it’s something small. Spread the love by going through old clothes, dishes, home items or unwanted food products and donating them to food pantries and homeless shelters. 
  • Valentine’s Day cards: If there are any kiddos or youngsters in the family, they may really appreciate some chocolates, a toy or Valentine’s Day cards — since they aren’t in classrooms and can’t quite celebrate in the traditional way. It can be an exciting time for children to soak in the holiday, so try out a themed activity with them. Have them make their own cards to give to family members or friends, decorate the house, bake goodies or have a spa day. 

          Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

          Find classic hits in this Valentine’s Day playlist

          Add these classic love songs and heartbreaker anthems to a Valentine’s Playlist

          Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

          Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and this season of love can best be enjoyed ⏤ or not ⏤ with music. Jam out with these 40 songs, half being love songs and the other half being heartbreak anthems. These songs can create an upbeat tone during date night or enjoy quality alone time if flying solo this year. Or, hit shuffle, grab some ice cream and see how the night goes. 

          The playlist has artists from Etta James, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, and all the way to Soulja Boy and The Pussycat Dolls. This lively playlist can add some excitement to this year’s Valentine’s Day, no matter someone’s relationship status. Find the official playlist ready to stream on Spotify @thewesternhowl:

          Love songs:

          1. “A Sunday Kind Of Love” — Etta James 
          2. “If I Ain’t Got You” — Alicia Keys 
          3. “Every Breath You Take”— The Police
          4. “Wonderwall” — Oasis
          5. “Cupid’s Chokehold / Breakfast In America” —  Gym Class Heroes
          6. “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” —  Soulja Boy, Sammie
          7. “Tainted Love” —  Soft Cell
          8. “She Will Be Loved” —  Maroon 5
          9. “Hopelessly Devoted To You” — Olivia John-Newton
          10. “Can’t Take My Eyes off Of You” —  Frankie Valli
          11. “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe” —  Barry White
          12. “Let’s Get It On” —  Marvin Gaye
          13. “My Girl” —  The Temptations
          14. “Love Her Madly” — The Doors
          15. “Kiss” —  Prince
          16. “More Than A Woman” —  Bee Gees
          17. “Lucky” —  Jason Mraz, Colbie Callait
          18. “Better Together” — Jack Johnson
          19. “My Stove’s on Fire” —  Robert Lester Folson
          20. “Baby, I’m Yours” —  Barbara Lewis

          Heartbreak songs:

          1. “One Is The Loneliest Number” —  Harry Nilsson
          2. “I Hate This Part” —  The Pussycat Dolls
          3. “Everybody Hurts” —  R.E.M.
          4. “Jar Of Hearts” —  Christina Perri
          5. “I’m Not In Love” —  10cc
          6. “What a Fool Believes” —  The Doobie Brothers
          7. “Time After Time” —  Cyndi Lauper
          8. “Heartbreak Hotel” —  Elvis Presley
          9. “I DON’T LOVE YOU ANYMORE” —  Tyler, The Creator
          10. “F*** Being Friends” —  Jessie Reyez
          11. “Bad Religion” —  Frank Ocean
          12. “Sign Of The Times” — Harry Styles
          13. “when the party’s over” —  Billie Eilish
          14. “Someone Like You” —  Adele
          15. “Fix You” —  Coldplay 
          16. “Baby Come Back” —  Player
          17. “Gonna Hurry (As Slow As I Can)” —  Dolly Parton
          18. “I Have Nothing” —  Whitney Huston 
          19. “My Heart Will Go On” —  Céline Dion
          20. “We’ll Meet Again” —  Vera Lynn, Sailors, Soldiers, & Airmen of Mer Majesty’s Forces

          Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

          Campus voices

          Western students answer the question, “How are you spending this Valentine’s Day?”

          Compiled by Stephanie Moschella |‌ ‌Digital Media Manager

          Name: Willa Carstensen

          Graduating Year: 2025

          Major: Business 

          “Sleeping ?” 

          Name: Kendra Acker

          Year: First year

          Major: Education

          “Single”

          Name: Noah Miller

          Year: Sophomore

          Major: Music Education

          “Watching a cute new video by The West of Us!”

          Mix up some cocktails with Cupid

          Four mixed drinks to whip up for Valentine’s Day

          Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

          Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mixed drink. Celebrate with a significant other or a group of friends, or test bartending skills individually with these four Valentine’s inspired cocktails.

          KENTUCKY KISS

          Start to finish: 3 minutes

          Yields: 1 serving

          2 strawberries, sliced

          ½ ounce lemon juice

          ½ ounce maple syrup

          2 ounces bourbon whiskey

          Splash club soda

          In an old-fashioned glass, add the strawberries, lemon juice and maple syrup. Muddle well until the strawberries are mashed. Add the bourbon and fill the glass with ice. Stir well.

          Add a splash of club soda and, if desired, garnish with a strawberry for serving.

          Recipe from thespruceeats.com

          RED WINE MILKSHAKES

          Start to finish: 5 minutes

          Yields: 3 servings

          One 1.5-quart container vanilla ice cream

          1 cup red wine

          4 ounces vodka

          Whipped cream, for serving

          Maraschino cherries, for serving

          In a blender, blend ice cream, red wine and vodka until smooth. Divide between glasses and garnish with whipped cream and cherries.

          Recipe from delish.com

          SEX ON THE BEACH

          Start to finish: 5 minutes

          Yields: 1 serving

          2 ounces orange juice

          2 ounces cranberry juice

          1 ounce peach schnapps

          1 ounce vodka

          ½ ounce chambord or grenadine (optional)

          Orange slice, for serving

          Maraschino cherries, for serving

          In a shaker add orange juice, peach schnapps and many ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a glass and fill the glass with ice to the top, and add vodka on top of the ice.

          If using chambord or grenadine, in a separate glass, gently mix chambord or grenadine with cranberry juice. Slowly pour this red mixture on top of ice cubes to create an ombre effect. Garnish and serve.

          Recipe from flawlessfood.co.uk

          VALENTINE’S DAY MIMOSA

          Start to finish: 5 minutes

          Yields: 4 servings

          1 bottle pink champagne, chilled

          1 cup pomegranate juice

          In each champagne flute, add ¼ cup pomegranate juice. Fill the rest of the way with pink champagne.

          Recipe from everydaymadefresh.com

          Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

          Six stay-at-home Valentine’s dates

          Unique date ideas for this quarantined Valentine’s Day 

          Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

          For those who usually celebrate Valentine’s Day with an extravagant date night, this year might feel disappointing. But being stuck inside doesn’t mean date nights can’t still be exciting. Hunker down with a significant other and have some fun with these date ideas. 

          • Try cooking each other’s favorite meal, or tackle a new dish with one another. Make a challenge out of it by creating a dinner or dessert with only ingredients currently in the pantry. 
          • Still have the travel bug? A number of museums, aquariums and other popular destinations are offering virtual tours and livestreams. Get immersed in places like the Guggenheim, the Louvre, the Smithsonian, Disney World’s Main Street, the Eiffel Tower, nearby aquariums and more all from the comfort of home. 
          • Partners can get cozy with an at-home camping trip. Pitch a tent in the backyard, or build a blanket fort in the bedroom or living room. Enjoy some s’mores — which can be cooked over a gas stove burner or in the microwave — and hot dogs. After cooking up some goodies, put aside the electronics and enjoy each other’s company under the stars or by candlelight. 
          • Get fancy and host a black tie evening for two at home. Dress up and break out the champagne or bubbly apple cider for a fancy dinner or movie night. 
          • Game nights are a classic, and each new round is unique. Sit down to play a favorite board or card game, or learn a new card game like Egyptian Ratscrew, GOPS or Briscola. Video games are also a fun option — hold a one-on-one match in “Super Smash Bros.” and “Mario Party,” play co-op in “Minecraft,” “Animal Crossing” and “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” or host a Jackbox matchup. 
          • Psychologist Arthur Aron presented 36 questions that are proven to generate closeness in partners. Sit down with a partner, friend or even stranger and increase intimacy by discussing these 36 questions as outlined by University of California Berkeley. 

          Looking for more ideas? Brainstorm a list of each person’s favorite activities and decide how to spend Valentine’s Day together. 

          Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

          Booze & reviews: “Valentine’s Day”

          A comedic romance in the perspective of three drunken reviewers

          Kyle Morden | Head Designer

          Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

          Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

          “Valentine’s Day” may not have scored high on Rotten Tomatoes, but it sure makes for a great drunk movie night. Read our full reviews in our online issue, which may contain spoilers. Please drink responsibly.

          Kyle Morden | Head Designer

          This needs to be put out there. If Allie doesn’t say this, SHE IS PISSING WHILE WRITING THIS> 

          Love, cheating, thriller, jason, harry styles, queen beyonce, and valentines day — a day full of lonely a– b—–s who somehow get a love interest by the end of the day?? EVEN THIS LITTLE A– 7 YEAR OLD GETS HIS ONWN MOTHER BACK?? “Lmao im 7 and love sick” B—H WHAT ABOUT MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWSEFERSFDRSGFDRGFGFRGdfgfsjhfvsgfsjhghkjfbvdjkbfhjsdbhjvhbfhbhjvbjnkvbjnkfnk?????????fjkhsgjcgkhhbjkhjkgfbgjfhgfxhjgyibfhhsdjkbzakuhks. Btw. military families amitire? Love em. Thank god that military mom came back for her son. Btw tbh i only remember the actors name (bradley cooper hit me up)

          Valentines day is a day where a lot of people get f—-d (up to your interpretation uwu)

          Ok ok so “valentine’s day” a movie full of twist and turns and sharkboy and lavagirl — without the lava girl and shark. How the f–k do you get two taylors into one movie??? LET ALONE HAVE THEM DATE EACH OTHER??????????????????????

          ANNIE HATHAWAT IS OKAY WITH PEOPLE WITH FETISHES, BUT BACK OFF. SHES MINE. SO IS BRADLEY COOPER — HE LOVES ME. B—H

          I accidentally deleted my last paragraph, so go watch this movie yourself.

          GAY COUPLES ARE THE ONLY COUPLES. ALSO DONT F—–G GROUP ALLIE WITH ME. SHES CRAZy. She said shes rolling, but idk if she means the drug or literally rolling on the floor? Dont do drugs, drink responsibly

          How much do i need to type? I dont remember a word count. I KNOW HOW TO FINISH THIS.

          Overall review: Let’s get naked~ uwu

          Slide into my dms @_kylemorden on instagram 😉

          Or contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

          Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

          Okay first of all i was NOT too into this movie i was just having fun. MY ROOMMATE was into it tho

          I would like to preface my review with the fact that i know none of the characters names, only taylor and taylor. I am inept when it comes to celebrities

          Rotten tomatoes is WRONG, I had an AMAZING time watching this movie even though I was really confused. Who’s at the airport??? Whos barely legal in high school??? I could not tell you I could not

          But listen. Really. It’s a fun movie to watch drunk. Tbh itd probably be Bad if I was not intoxicated. But it was cute! It was nice! There was representation! Gay men and single mums! We support them all!!! GAY BRADLEY COOPER!!!!!!!

          Even through the confusion i was extremely satisfied w/ the ending. Through the MULTIPLE PG-13 sex scenes, there was still a sweet undertone where everyone got a happy ending uwu Not that I shouvlde expected ANY less from a 2010 rom com. Google “romcom drinking games” and watch this movie, you’ll have a fantastic time.

          Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu or don;t

          Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

          Okay so this what I got from this, please note this is my first time being drunk in my life. There were a lot of straight people but at some point we were gay and it was beautiful. I’m convinced all of these people were stunt doubles cause there absolutely no way all these famous people got together. The stunt doubles failed to give me wolf man and sharkboy there was sex scenes sometimes which was fine but i wasn’t really paying attention because I was busy eating my chili fries there was a little boy with a lot of angst for no reason over a cougar woman In conclustion roses are expensive af, and this mans was throwing them in the lake to feed ducks and thats acceptable.  THE MILITARY MOM CAME BACK AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Im going to bed 

          Dont email me, i wont’ reply email thank you

          This week in completely made up horoscopes

          The Western Howl Staff

          Theme: Romantic Advice!

          Aries 3/21-4/19  

          Gyrating hips.

          Taurus 4/20-5/20

          Have you read Killing Stalking? It had a lot of helpful tips

          Gemini 5/21-6/20 

          Don’t change who you are as a person just to please a crush

          Cancer 6/21-7/22

          Sometimes, in life and in love, risks must be taken.

          Leo 7/23-8/22

          Find a sugar daddy on Omegle and call it a day

          Virgo 8/23-9/22

          Romance is dead. Lie in your grave

          Libra 9/23-10/22

          Idk Mercury is in retrograde or something, good luck I guess

          Scorpio 10/23-11/21 

          Honestly just shoot your shot, the worst thing that can happen is they say ‘no,’ right?

          Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

          get drunk and watch a movie with your partner, RESPONSIBLY

          Capricorn 12/22-1/19

          You don’t have to be in a relationship right now to know your self worth, let life progress naturally. You might be surprised what comes your way.

          Aquarius 1/20 – 2/18

          Listen to boyfriend ASMR in the dark and pretend that you’re not lonely

          Pisces 2/19 – 3/20

          Most times love will lead to tears. I cry everyday anyway so it’s worth the risk.

          Western Oregon University

          Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

          WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
          345 Monmouth Ave. N.
          Monmouth OR 97361

          503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

          Tools

          Campus Maps
          Canvas
          Find People
          Portal
          WOU Email
          Technical Support

          Resources

          A-Z Index
          Accessibility
          Academic Calendar
          Class Schedule
          Jobs at WOU
          News
          Explore WOU
          Partnerships
          Student Services
          Freedom of Expression

          Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
          Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

          Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

          WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.