Ugh! Don't buy me this or anything like it.

I have a collection of heart necklaces. One is an expensive marcasite heart; it's beautiful and was probably expensive, but it's still a heart. I've kept that, but any other heart-shaped jewelry sits unused in my jewelry box. I've given the occasional gem to a niece.

This is the time of year all the heart shapes come out and poor, unwitting men plunk down good money for "hearts" in gold, silver or worse. Don't do it! Red roses would be better. A candlelight dinner cooked by you would be great. Take your love dancing or to hear romantic music.

What do you think, girls? Do you dislike the heart-shaped jewelry as much as I do? What would you prefer for Valentine's Day? -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Want to forget your troubles for a few minutes?

Check out the Valentine's Day gifts from Betsey Johnson at Aventura Mall.

If your sweetie loves candy but is on a diet, get her the Candy Hearts Watch, right, for $175.

The Valentine's Day Shoe ($250) has won my heart. How about you?

It makes me want to do cartwheels like Betsey does at the end of her fashion shows.

The Betsey Johnson store is located on the lower level of the Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Boulevard Aventura. Phone: (305) 933-0291.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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A new video creation program, Amimoto Video Valentine, allows lovers (or perhaps just those who have a crush) to make their own Valentine's video from their own photos and music.

Users can add love notes, special memories, significant dates and other romantic touches to make their video personal. This could be the perfect Valentine for the geek in your life.

One user proposed with an Animoto video on his iPod Touch, according to the company.

Creating an Animoto Valentine is free for 30-second videos or $3 for full-length videos. Annual subscriptions to create an unlimited number of full-length videos are $30.

But remember you have a deadline: Feb. 14. You've got a little more than a week to get creative! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Old Navy has always been a fab destination for cool casual clothing at a good price.

But it can also be a place to get sexy lingerie and hot shoes -- for Valentine's Day or any day.

Check out some of the following items we found at Old Navy bargains

Black and floral satin camis that were $24.50 are now $3.99.

An on on-line only bargain on women's satin ankle strap wedges that were $39.50 for $9.99.

Floral lace bikini panties that were $7 to $9 are now $4.99.

You can also find bracelets that were $10.50 for $2.99.

Sounds like great buys to check out. Better do it soon. Old Navy's parent has it on a respirator. It may soon be another casulty of the sick economy.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl.

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Ruinations has something for everyone - from $5 to $3,800. Flamingos. Betty Boop collectibles. Music boxes. Fountains. Buddhas. Beds. Venetian masks. Home fragrances. Lamps. Decorative portable fans. Custom arranging of silk flowers to fit your decor. Like the music playing in the background? They sell the CD.

The staff is friendly and makes you feel at home. It's a fun place to shop.

One of the most interesting items in the shop is the Deco-Breeze fan ($180), a tabletop model with lamp base. Some of the most popular items are music boxes from the San Francisco Music Box Co., especially the witch from the Wizard of Oz ($150). And the egg-shaped Raku fountain ($360) is unusual and very Zen.

You can find fun items like the mom and baby pink flamingos ($19 and $31), picture frames in the shape of flip-flops ($7.75), Lampe Berger home fragrances ($35-$150, depending on the container) and a jewelry hanger manikin mannequin wearing Scarlett’s green velvet curtain dress from Gone Wwith the Wind ($44).

Coral Ridge Mall, 3200 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 954-566-4823; Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 12 noon-8 p.m. Sunday.
1428 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors; 954-568-1675Ö; Hours: 12 noon-8 p.m. daily; Touchingbeauty.com.

XOX0-- Shopper Girl

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My husband is one of those tough Valentines to buy for. Doesn't wear ties, jewelry or cologne.
His idea of a great gift: Replenish his supply of boxers, socks or undershirts. (He'll do ANYTHING to stay out of the mall.)

So for his simple needs, I have found the perfect simple gift for Valentine's Day or any other occasion, for that matter.

The Find: Bath and shaving products by Every Man Jack, available at Target.

Why we love it: The Shave Travel Kit includes products for a three-step routine. Face wash (with marine extracts and coconut and without dyes, oils and sulfates); Shave cream or gel (made with ingredients like aloe and Irish moss and sea fennel); and shea butter post-shave lotion. Best of all, the products come in Airport-friendly sizes! Price: $8

Other EMJ kits include the Valentine's kit, $16, which includes body bars, body wash, shave gel and face lotion.

All products come in a cool, faux-woodgrain packaging with funny phrases, such as "Will this help me shed pounds?" "Only if you count stubble."

Oh, and wait till you smell it..light and a little spicy.

- KVW

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