Can’t imagine this: “Bride dies during marriage’s first dance.” This is a terribly sad story about a bride who had heart failure during her first dance with her husband. You have to read it … then go hug your spouse.

Can you believe it’s here already? You either love February 14 or hate it. I really don’t think there’s much of an in between.

However you feel about Valentine’s Day, I’m sure we’d agree that it comes with pressure. When you’re single, it’s the pressure to have a date on or around the 14th. When you’re a couple it’s the pressure of a gift, the card (funny or serious?), and what to do today (dinner out or dinner in?). It’s enough to drive you crazy.

If you want to guarantee a great Valentine’s Day, however, you have to do something for yourself. The one thing I don’t like about Valentine’s day (besides the pressure) is the fact that we are waiting for someone to do something for us. Don’t wait, do something you love today. Something for you. Get a pedicure on your lunch break. Buy yourself one long stem red rose and display it in a place of honor. Buy a new piece of art for your bedroom or sacred space, something that will remind you to always be who you are on the inside. Order that magazine subscription that you’ve been eyeing, and enjoy the benefits for an entire year.

Above all, remember Valentine’s Day is about love. Loving yourself. Loving your spouse or partner. Loving your children. Loving others. It’s a day to be reminded of who we care about, which should always start with ourselves.

FREE BOOK — TODAY ONLY

If you do only one thing today, do this: download Suze Orman’s newest book about women and finances, “Women & Money.” It’s a FREE, yes FREE, download from Oprah.com. The deal is only good until 5:00 p.m. today so do it now. Orman’s publisher agreed to give it away online for free as part of Orpah’s recent show about how a mother of 5 is left with zero money and a truckload of debt after her husband commits suicide. Suze develops a plan for the woman to get her life on track. Do yourself a favor today and get this book so you don’t fall into a situation like this woman is in.

Related:

• Read my post “10 Reasons Suze Orman Rocks”

Here’s your reminder: Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Have you done your shopping? I know that many people don’t like Valentine’s day, but it is a day when we recognize those we love. Most of the “what to get your fellow” lists I’ve seen online lately have been for pricey tech gadgets, thinks like an iPhone, or new MP3 player. That’s pretty pricey. I think Valentine’s day is about the thought, not the amount of dough spent. Here are a few ideas that won’t break the bank:

Buy a DVD and set up a date night to watch it.

Romantic DVDs:
“Chocolate”
“Pillow Talk,” with Rock Husdon and Doris Day. I adore this movie in all it’s aged glory.
“Romancing the Stone”
“Shakespeare in Love”
Here’s a list I found of the top 100 romantic movies.

Make dinner. I mentioned Rachel Ray’s “You Won’t Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Sauce” in an earlier post. It’s a wonderfully delicious pasta dish.

Make a bubble bath for your mate, complete with new soaps and scented candles. Remember my post the other day about bubble baths save you money, but it will also put him/her in a great mood. And, don’t just say, “go take a bath honey.” Instead, actually draw the bath and light the candles. Set the mood. Watch the kid. Take her hand and walk her to the bathroom where she will see this display of beauty. Put on the music and

Buy a romantic CD:
One of my current favorites is Michael Buble. But also great is Chris Botti.
You can always go “high school” and create a compilation CD or playlist of a variety of songs.
Here’s a list of romantic songs.

When in doubt, or when out of time, go simple. Get a card. Better yet, get 12 cards and give one to your loved one every hour during the day. Words are powerful and this gesture, although simple, will be remembered for a long time to come.

Don’t forget about the kids: stop by the bookstore tonight and get “I Love You Through and Through.” Read my post about this adorable book here.

One of my college roommates and sorority sister — wait, every time I say the word sorority I feel the need to break out in song:

Kappa Delta
Kappa D
We’re the BEST Sor-ror-i-ty!”

Back to my friend … she was featured on the CBS Early Show this weekend on a segment about house swapping. I’ve never heard of it, but it appears to becoming a popular option for homeowners struggling to sell his/her home. Here’s how the article describes the trend:

A swap would work with both sides agreeing on a price and cutting checks to each other. But the owners can avoid the chance of getting stuck with two mortgages as well as real estate commissions.

Real estate agents, however, note that swapping limits the choice of houses to buy. And while the homeowners may save money on commissions, they often spend money on an attorney to help close the deal.”

I’ve know people house swap for vacation time in exotic locations, but swapping for keeps is something new. If it helps people unload their homes so they can move on with their lives, it’s got to be a good thing.

Related:

• Here’s the article on CBS.com. (the woman featured is not the friend I mention above.)
• Vacation home swapping.

I stayed up last night watching the Grammys — not because I’m in love with music and had to see an awards show. Not because I love to stay up late. But because I needed to see the show — we reported on it this morning on our company Web site. Covering big events is secretly fun, even though the late hours take something out of you.

I also spent time doing Valentine’s cards for the grandparents and aunts/uncles for my son. It’s not something I need to do, but think is sweet. I include a recent photo and pop the cards in the mail. I’m just thankful they are in the mail today — so they will arrive by Valentine’s Day.

I’m a little tired today, so I’ll leave you with a great quote I got from my soap opera:

“Positive thoughts lead to positive results.”

Cane Ashby
“The Young & The Restless”
January 2008

Read my collection of Quotes from TV here.