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Your Guide To: Setting the Mood

Want to get laid without getting screwed? She might be drunk, but she's not that gone. and if your room still smells like pot and leftover Greek Lady, she'll notice. And leave. Valentine's Day comes but once a year; it wouldn't kill you to step your game up for just one night. It might seem like a daunting task to fix up your cement cell in Hill, but if you follow these steps you'll be having a good time in no time.

Bedding:

While nothing can turn a girl on like an extra long. bed, those XL twin sheets tend to be produced in the worst possible fabrics and patterns. If you want to get your mack on, put a bit more effort in this time around: opt for a solid color not found in '80s wear or perhaps a tasteful pattern (no sports equipment or cartoon characters, please). And a thread count over 200 is essential. Oh, and did we mention these sheets should be clean? Several comfortable pillows, preferably a mix of firm and soft, are a wise investment to ensure comfort for all those involved in your V-Day activities.

Lighting:

That lone harsh light on the wall of your room combined with one of those five-armed rainbow lamps (you know you have one) doesn't exactly make for the best mood lighting. If you want a light glow as opposed to total darkness, try Christmas lights in red, pink or white - festive and inexpensive. They're not too bright so as to expose any flaws (i.e. leftover winter break weight), but still serve to prevent loud thumps and your suitemate's awkward "are you okay in there?" If you're feeling particularly daring, or if your RA has some distracting V-Day plans of his own, some contraband candles would be the easiest fix.

Scent:

Febreze is your friend. Use it to mist the entire room to cover your not-so-regular trash emptying and poor air circulation. Incense is a great romantic touch, but again, we wouldn't advise you fall asleep with a flame going. To be on the safe side, try diffusers instead; they give off the same scents as incense but do so using reeds that soak up concentrated essential oil blends instead of using smoke. Potpourri in a bowl is also an excellent fire-free option.

Personal Items:

There are some things that your special someone just doesn't want to see. Pictures of your ex should be put away or placed face down. This should also include clothes belonging to the opposite sex (un-tack the trophy thongs on your walls), stuffed animals (bye bye, Build-A-Bear) and any other gifts or suspicious remnants of past relationships as well.

Extra Credit:

A massage is a classic way to get things started. Get some scented lotion or oil, should you be so inclined to use it. Having music on from the get-go might seem a little awkward, but it's always good to be prepared in case some of the typical West Philly disturbances (jackhammers, ambulances en route to HUP, etc.) become too distracting. Have a few appropriate romantic playlists (excluding anything you can head-bang to) prepared on your iPod or laptop. Besides, if everything is going well, your housemates will certainly appreciate the music (whatever it may be) in lieu of. other sounds.


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