Expensive dates are no proof of love. A cuddle on the couch with a romantic movie can be just as stimulating as a hundred-dollar fondue feast. Plus, at home, you can neck without fear of being arrested.

Dinner for two

Order up some spicy take-out, Chinese or Thai. Oriental cuisine tends to be less heavy, so you're more likely to be awake and frisky for your couch trip for two. Plus, spices tend to get the blood flowing and heart revving, which is great for inspiring some heat between you two.

Sweets to the sweet

No need for a giant box of chocolates, when a little sweetness will do just fine. Make a rich little pot of hot chocolate to warm things up in front of the TV.

1-1/2 cups of 2-percent milk
1/2 cup of heavy cream
3 oz of chopped bittersweet chocolate, or
1/4 cup of powdered cocoa plus 1/4 cup of sugar

Pour milk and cream into a blender with the other ingredients, and run for about ten seconds. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Do not boil. Pour into warmed cups and serve.


Love is the Answer

And the question is, "What has been the major business of Hollywood for the last 50 years?" Romantic movies abound, so get thee to a video store and take your pick. Following are a list of standard choices, but again keep in mind the nature of your Valentine. If he or she is more into "Moonraker" than "Moonstruck," pick accordingly.

Cuddle-up Cinema

Sabrina, 1954
Stick with the original. Hepburn and Bogart are legends for a reason.

Say Anything, 1989
John Cusak made an entire generation of girls take
another long look at the 'geek next door.'

Moonstruck, 1987
Cher and Nic Cage generate much heat in this tale of love and family.

The Princess Bride, 1987
Not even the most cynical can resist falling for this funny, passionate, loopy fairy-tale of family honor, miracles and true love.

When Harry Met Sally, 1989
Rob Reiner, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal write the ultimate book on making two lovers from friends.

Chungking Express, 1994 (subtitles)
Quentin Tarantino attached his name to this Hong Kong import, but it doesn't detract from the sweet, sexy pair of tales that writer-director Wong Kar-Wai spins for us, of two Hong Kong cops nursing broken hearts.


So grab your sweetie and indulge in some homemade love. And what the heck....let's string out this love thing all year long!

Love is in air! But why limit it to one day? I say we celebrate love for all 28 days! C'mon...it's a short month. We can get back to work in March :)