Valentine's Day Survival Guide by Sharon Mosley on Creators.com

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Valentine's Day Survival Guide

Make this Valentine's Day a time to celebrate, even if you're single. Take a new look around and make a fresh start — with or without the chocolates. Yes, you could check yourself into a spa for the day, but here are a few other ways to put some romance into your life and survive the day of love in style!

—Address the issue. How about brightening up the occasion with a new dress? And don't make it just any ol' dress. Red dresses are always a Valentine tradition, but check out the new graphic floral prints popping up in the stores right now. Purchase one of these beauties and give yourself your own bunch of flowers that will definitely cheer you up on Valentine's Day and any other day of the year.

—Lick those lips. This one is easy and cheap. Buy a new lipstick in a red-hot color. Think Angelina Jolie at the Golden Globe awards ceremony. Transform your look with one full swoosh. Check out CoverGirl's LipPerfection Lipcolor in Tempt, Hot or Flame ($6.50 each). Or pick up Revlon's Colorburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie for only $7.49. Delicious. And just in case you're in a bad mood on Valentine's Day, try being transformed with UOs Mood Lipstick at Urban Outfitters. Smack!

—Give yourself some chocolate. No, not that kind, but these are just as sweet with none of the calories! Just rub the Chocomania Body Butter from The Body Shop all over you and you'll feel much better! Philip B.'s chocolate milk body wash and creme is another winner. Chocolate diamonds, anyone? Yummy. View the Le Vian Chocolatier collection at Macy's. (Macys.com)

—Buy yourself some new sleepwear. Whether you're the cozy, fuzzy PJs type or more of a sexy Lolita, new sleepwear can be a real mood lifter. Ditto for the undies department. Sashay through the nearest Victoria's Secret, and see if you can uncover something really special, whether it's a red-hot lace and satin negligee or a slinky, cotton T-shirt.

—Change your hair color.

Yes, you read it right! Take a cue from Hollywood starlets who are going all out for rainbow dyes. No, you don't have to do Katy Perry's bubblegum pink or Kelly Osbourne's lilac gray, but experiment with a new shade and see what happens!

—Go wild with your nails. A black and white checkerboard pattern? Hot pink zebra stripes? Psychedelic tie-dye? It's the hottest craze in nail art and all are possible in an hour at your favorite nail salon. Or you can do it yourself with real nail polish strips. Check out Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in 40 different styles. (sallyhansen.com)

—Put some smoke in your eyes. The smudged eye look is still a hot beauty trend this spring. Instead of using smoky charcoals, switch to blue eye candy this season. Check out Stila's Jewel Eye Shadow in "Blue Sapphire" for $20. (stilacosmetics.com)

—Twinkle on your toes. Put some sparkle in your life with metallic accessories this spring. From glamorous silver sandals to mirrored clutches to architectural rings, Valentine's Day is the best time to shine!

—Think of a friend. What's one of the best ways to brighten up your life on this romantic holiday? Give a gift to a friend. There are lots of fun ways to make someone else smile. Check out these websites: LoveLifeSkincare.com or aerie.com. You'll make their day, and you'll feel good, too!

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.