Valentine's Day thoughts

This is the day when thoughts turn to romance -- and how to express our affections.

I promise to walk him, mom!

What I really, really want for Valentine's Day is a dog.

OK, I can wait until we get back from our vacation in Mexico.

But I do miss having a pooch, although I know my husband Dale and our cat Pikachu don't mind.

Anyhoo, I've been thinking corgi, although I also search listings on www.petfinder.org for other small, friendly breeds, such as Jack Russell terriers.

Dogs are great chums. They get us up and our of the house, even on wretchedly cold and wet days. They keep us safe from the mailman. They love us no matter what.

If I get a dog, I promise to stop asking for a pony.

Three great picks for Valentine's Day

I've been counting down the days to the big V, offering ideas of ways you can delight your sweetie. I'm wrapping up some of my faves in a nice little packet here that you can refer to for last-minute shopping. (After all the National Retail Federation says men make more than two-thirds of Valentine's Day purchases -- and the guys tend to shop at the 11th hour.)

Here's a trio of treats at the top of my list:

-- Great Food's caviar and blini kit is tasty, romantic and portable. If you don't get a gift in time for Valentine's Day this will go a long way toward getting you out of the doghouse. (Available at http://www.greatfood.com/.) Pair it with 7 Heavenly Chards, a top-drawer Chardonnay.
-- The Zune, in red, if you please, baby. Load with a mix of the songs you've shared throughout your courtship and you can't miss. Your honey will be thinking of you while putting in time at the gym.
-- Why buy off the rack when the wares of Nancy Whitcraft are just a click away? I'm charmed by her sweet and sometimes salty takes on design, and not just because she's from Haddonfield. Her T-shirts are high-quality cotton, which means people will be asking you where you found such a cool top for eons. This gal has the goods -- and you can, too, at http://www.blacksheepstyle.com/

Zune, Zune, Zune

The Microsoft Zune has always offered super portability and dazzling sound for those who like to take their tunes with them wherever they roam. For Valentine's Day, you also can get a sweet deal on these babies, such as a $20 Sears gift card with the purchase of a Zune 4GB or 8GB. You'll also find attractive offers on Zunes at Circuit City -- and in colors that match your nail polish.

Once you have your Zune in hand (in either romantic red or sentimental pink) head to Zune Marketplace to download the perfect V-Day playlist, certain to warm the heart of the one you adore. Choices include Love Latin Style, A Hip Hop Valentine and, for the hard of heart, the Anti Valentine. Hey grumpy! They're playing your song!

Sleep, not slosh

I haven't been sleeping well, lately. But that's changed, thanks to the Medi-flow pillow, a water-filled cushion that doesn't feel (or sound) like it.

The pillow enhances sleep comfort by shifting effortlessly with your head and neck. You adjust the firmness (or softness) by adjusting the amount of water in the pillow. Tested at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, the pillow is fast becoming a fave of chiropractors and patients who suffer from neck pain. (This strikes me as a great Valentine's Day gift for your favorite pain in the neck.)

Expect to pay about $50 for a pillow and cover, available online at oodles of places, from Amazon.com to eBay to such brick-and-mortar destinations at JCPenney, Macy's and Target. For more info, head to www.mediflow.com

Heavenly wines

I feel quite certain drinking wine is not a sin because it's mentioned frequently in the Bible. I'm pleased to share two heavenly vintages from the Michael + David family of wines, Californians on either end of the taste spectrum.

On the dark (or red) side, is 7 Deadly Zins, a spicy, berry-rich Zinfandel that stands up to steak, chocolate and other assertive foods. It's a winner in my house and also at the 2007 Denver International and AWS Wine Competition, where it scored a gold medal.

On the light side is a stylish 2006 Chardonnay, 7 Heavenly Chards, the boldest and best white wine priced at $15 or less I've tasted in recent memory. Think tropical fruit, ripe pears, vanilla, floral notes and barely a hint of oak. Rated a stratospheric 94 points, this wine was named both Best of Region and Best of Class for a Lodi Appellation.

Either offers a wonderful way to toast your valentine -- or your loved ones all year 'round.

Plastic gets the sack

Whole Foods has sent plastic bags packing.

Instead of handing out those skimpy bags that never go away, the grocer is encouraging shoppers to invest in reusable bags they can shop with again and again. This follow a successful European model that has nearly eliminated plastic. As an added incentive to change, our friends across the pond charge shoppers for plastic bags.

A great idea, eh? So if you want to show your affection for the planet on Valentine's Day, buy a tote, darling.