By Renee Mailhiot

Life's too short to not celebrate holidays. For those of us college girls that may not have that special someone for what some deem the most romantic (and some say the most depressing) holiday of the year, activities straying away from pastel candies and candlelit dinner dates may seem hard to come by. If you gather a few girlfriends, however, Valentine’s Day might not seem so bleak.

Expand your wardrobe.

Try this fun, eco-friendly clothes swap with girls in your sorority or your roomies. Have everyone brings a few pieces of clothing, accessories, shoes, or whatever’s been tucked away for the time being and haven’t gotten around to discarding. Everything should still be in wearable condition, because you’ll be trading them for other girls’ apparel. You can even make a little fun out of it by treating it like an auction, or have everyone bring baked goods or a bottle of wine to share. Nothing screams love like gaining a few new outfits without having to spend a dime!

Create your own spa night.

Just because you may be dressed down in sweats and t-shirts this V-Day doesn’t mean you can’t be pampered. Have your friends each bring their favorite nail polish to share, and see what kinds of crazy combinations you can come up with! Layer sheer glitter polishes (like Sinful Colors “Nail Junkie”) in gradual layers to create a fading effect, or add rhinestones to your big toenail for a seriously blinged-out pedi. Or, cleanse your pores with this homemade face mask:

• 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat)
• 1 tsp runny honey (microwave for a few minutes to soften hardened honey)

Combine mixture, then apply to face. Let sit for 15 minutes. Wash face with a steaming washcloth. For dry skin, use an extra teaspoon of honey. Oily skin? Add a few drops of  fresh lime juice.

Have a creative Happy Hour.

Have each attendee bring a bottle of alcohol, mostly ones used in lots of drink recipes, such as vodka, triple sec, rum, or any sort of schnapps. Supply garnishes and mixers like cranberry juice, lime juice, grenadine, lemonade, tonic water, and fruit pieces. Print out a list of girly drink recipes, with classics such as the Cosmopolitan and Flirtini. Try out new beverages, or take your hand at creating your own! Make it a truly classy, Sex and the City-inspired event by requiring semi-formal attire. Manolos are optional.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just reserved for those significant others – especially if you have a group of girlfriends willing to ditch the couch and rom-coms this year for some seriously fun hang-out plans.

What are your Valentine's Day plans?