Unless you are a social leper who’s been living in a cave all of your life then you not only know that next Thursday is Valentine’s Day, but you may also be in the midst of a conniption fit over what to do for your significant other. After all, The Day of the Cupid is all about doing something nice for your loved one, would be loved one, sort-of-like-a-lot one, maybe-this-will-do-it one, or your I-ain’t-stalking-you-...-really one.

The source of your fit may be a severe lack of funds that you can use to buy something cool for your sweetie. Well, settle down there, Sparky, many songs have been written about the fact that money can’t buy you love. Unless the object of your affection is as shallow as a rain puddle, it’s true that the thought really counts, and anything you do for him, her -- or it -- should be deeply appreciated.

The question remains, however, as to what to do for the national Day of Love?

I just happen to have a few suggestions that might help.

Let’s say you are female (or want to be) and your mom never gave you adequate training in the womanly art of makeup. Maybe your were a tomboy when you were wee, or worse, a nerd and you’ve never been able to rid yourself of those bushy eyebrows, and mascara remains a mystery to you. Lucky for you there’s Howcast Style.

Howcast Style is a collection of podcasts that cover a variety of subjects that are aimed at the style conscious woman. The videos are very well made and contain step by step how-to instructions on taming eyebrows, removing makeup, straightening your hair, giving yourself a facial, and how to tie a scarf belt.

In fact there are other Howcast categories covering fitness, decorating, cooking and more.

And guys, don’t skip over this just because it’s aimed at the ladies. If you are smart you’d take a look at some of these podcasts as well. Women often find men who are versed in the art of cooking or who can handle themselves well around kids sexy. Get the knowledge where you can, my friend. In this case, you can get episodes of Howcast at the iTunes Store.

So, you’ve tamed those wild eyebrow hairs, or, in the case of a guy, you’ve stored away the knowledge for more imitate moments with your one-eyebrowed girlfriend. Now you want to do something nice for him or her. How about a nice dinner?

Howcast Food showed you how to debone a chicken. Now what? May I suggest Bitchin’ Kitchen?

Bitchin’ Kitchen

Host, Nadia G, cooks up all sorts of dishes while dishing out her own brand of spice. Each episode covers a culinary delight, from One-Night-Stand Breakfast to Rehab Ravioli.

Something’s always cooking in Bitichin’ Kitchen, and Nadia G is easy on the eyes, making Bitchin’ Kitchen a good place to stop back at often. Get some at the iTunes store.

Your Valentine on the cheap can’t be complete without giving that special someone a foot massage.

You know, some people find that a well execute podiatric massage is not only relaxing, but sensual to the nines. I’m not talking about those who get their kicks sniffing shoes -- there are doctors who can help those folks. No, I mean that a good foot massage may be a prelude to other intimate physical activities (wink, wink).

Unfortunately, I was unable to find a podcast that specifically shows you how to give others a foot massage, but I did find one that show you how to give one to yourself, which is not a bad idea. Using yourself as a guinea pig gives you the practice you may need to perfect your technique.

Self Massage Techniques is a podcast hosted a by George Kometani and the things he shows you are pretty easy to learn yet produce a very satisfying massage. Mr. Kometani also has podcasts on shoulder and neck massages which can be very sensual, too.

Mr. Kometani demos foot massage in Self Massage Techniques

There ya go: You’re looking good, cooking good, and footing good, all without emptying your wallet or purse. If you plan it right next Thursday could be produce a smile on your better half’s face for years to come, and isn’t that is what Valentine’s Day is all about?

By the way, if you wind up spending Cupid Day with nothing but your trusty iPod to keep you company you’ll be happy to learn that the iTunes Store is offering more games for your "all about the music" player. Newly available games include Block Breaker -- an updated Break-out clone; Naval Battle which looks a lot like computerized version of Battleship; Chess and Backgammon Classics; Bomberman, which should assuage the pyromania in you; and Pole Position Remix which adds a few new features to that Namco classic. All games look to be great time wasters (not a bad thing) and the graphics on Naval Battle look excellent. Check them out.

Look for my peek at Pole Position Remix.

More free stuff at the iTunes Store:

Vern Seward is a writer who currently lives in Orlando, FL. He’s been a Mac fan since Atari Computers folded, but has worked with computers of nearly every type for 20 years.