Valentine's Day Is Around The Corner!

It's February 9th, just five days till yet another holiday America has managed to make all about the sugar. Sheesh.

I've been writing about Valentine's Day for ten years now, and really, I don't have a lot that's new to say, so if all of this sounds somewhat familiar, thanks for being a long-time reader.

Please, friends, think of some way to celebrate Valentine's Day other than taking on a load of chocolates. I mean, it's supposed to be about love, about romance, about candlelight and looking into each other's eyes and holding hands. It's really, really not supposed to be about being reluctant to be seen in your underwear because you're afraid you've put on five pounds.

So drop some hints to your Valentine about other gifts:

* Flowers are a favorite, of course. I mentioned last year that on our first Valentine's Day, That Nice Boy I Married and I each surprised the other with flowers at work, and both spontaneously quoted Blazing Saddles on the cards. It was meant to be!

* Jewelry is nice, though frankly the little diamond-studded hearts and such the jewelers are all advertising this time of year don't appeal to me; I prefer colored stones and consider diamonds over-priced and over-hyped. And in this economy, jewelry -- especially from mall jewelry stores, which generally have the biggest markup -- strikes me as overkill. Still, you may be devoted to such things, and have some wiggle room in your budget.

* Dinner out. C'mon, rather than a heart-shaped satin box of sugary junk, wouldn't you rather have a fine meal by candlelight, with a great bottle of wine, soft music, and obsequious waiters? I sure would. But make your reservations today -- I've had the experience of trying to get into a restaurant on Valentine's night, and it ain't pretty. Around here, many restaurants do a special Valentine's menu, prix fixe, often even including wine. Just be sure that most of what they'll be serving is something you want to eat; it would be a shame to spend $75 a head and pass up half the meal.

* Dinner in. Okay, this is rough if you've got kids; it's hard to be romantic when small people are blowing bubbles in their milk and complaining about the carrots. But if you, like me, don't have kids around the house, or if you can, er, park them somewhere for the evening, a romantic dinner in is a great option. After all, there's not far to go to get to the bedroom. I'll be cooking Valentine's dinner in this year, as I've done the past couple of years, though I haven't set a menu yet. Last year it was seared duck breast with -- if memory serves -- a blackberry-chipotle glaze. Add a great salad and a bottle of wine, and it's a meal you'd be happy to get in a restaurant at 20% or less of the price. Don't forget the candlelight and music!

* How about some sexy lingerie? If you're thinking "I'm too fat," think again. Take a look at Lane Bryant's website to see just how good this stuff can look on women with curves. Please, if your Valentine gives you something like this, wear it proudly.

* Watch a romantic movie. There's still time to order from Netflix!

* If it just won't be Valentine's Day without chocolate, splurge on some really great sugar-free stuff. My current favorite is Valor 70% Dark. Intense and wonderful.

* If you order (or get your sweety to order) this evening, there's still time to get a Valentine's Day gift basket from Carb Smart for UPS 2 Day Shipping charges, and if you're willing to pay overnight shipping, you can order tomorrow.

* Many specialty chocolate stores carry a modest assortment of sugar-free chocolates; I'm sure they could put some in a heart-shaped box for you.

And remember: If you're hoping for a romantic evening, go easy on the sugar-free chocolate! It can, uh, spoil the mood.

Have a good one!