Stores have been letting us know that Valentine's Day is coming up since mid-January. Pink plush hearts, red foil wrapped chocolate roses, and "I Love You" smashed across windows leave no room for doubt that someone out there is buying, and receiving, all that well marketed luv. It can be kind of sweet, but it can also be frustrating if you're valentine-less this year. Friends make great valentines, but if you're looking for something more romantic, consider getting ready for next year with online dating sites.

While we appreciate a little couple-y lovin', there is a pretty alluring alternative to dropping dollars on your honey. Yes, we mean spending those dollars on yourself. It can be because there's no snuggly bear in the picture or just because you're just in need of some alone time. Either way, get ready to romance yourself this Valentine's Day.

Relationships are tough. Throw 2,000 miles into the mix, and they can feel impossible. It’s hard to leave a significant other while you run off to another state to pursue your dreams. But you have to at least try. Right?

The Loop may be off-air, but it left us with an important message: "you can't get mad at someone while you're eating fondue." While we won't put this to the test, we will whip up some delicious fondue. Cheese or chocolate, it's your call. Both rock. You may think that you don't have the requisite cookery, but we'll show you how to make do.

Congratulations! You're trying to plan nuptials or got roped into helping someone else (you get a halo). You've probably already figured out that weddings get very expensive very fast. Between the champagne and photography, it can be extremely challenging to put a cap on sky-rocketing costs. By no means are we promising miracles, but we've got a few suggestions to create a wonderful, and less bank-breaking, day.

Boy meets girl. Boy asks girl out (or vice versa; this is 2010 after all) and then freaks out about paying for impressive date(s). Hopefully not if he's been paying attention. You should know from earlier articles (kinda like the ones you can find here and here) that there are plenty of cheap date options. And, if you're looking for even more, our lady friend over at 365 Cheap Dates hooks it up with original, affordable venues for love. But, keep in mind that even the best big idea needs finishing touches.

V-day may be over, but we're betting you didn't get enough action. Though you may be alone, you can get hot and heavy under the covers with some of these reads. Some may call romances trashy, but there's a lot to be learned from this unsung genre. Grab a pint of ice cream or some leftover chocolates and curl up under the covers with these historically-based fantasies.