My friend Caryn needs a cheaper alternative to the pricey designer handbag of her dreams. I help her out, because I am nice, and because I firmly believe that people who spend 2007-type cash on handbags deserve to be picketed by the 99 percent.

My solution to her problem may, as they say, shock you, but probably only if you don't have a lot going on in your life.

Here's a reason to like Valentine's Day: It gives us an excuse to wear an actual color in the middle of winter.

By the time February rolls around, my wardrobe has completely leached itself of all non-gray hues. I'm not sure exactly how it happens, or why, but by the time Valentine's Day arrives, I could hide in a snow bank and no one would ever find me. So I'm pretty thrilled to have the reminder to wear a red dress now and then.

I'll be totally honest: I avoid thinking about Valentine's Day until the last possible minute. This has lead to some truly horrifying Valentine's gifts over the years. I totally that person who gives her loved ones trampled roses and half-empty boxes of red hots.

So don't be like me. Plan ahead a bit, and you can get your sweetheart something awesome. The cheapest thing on this list is $3 and it won't make you sick to your stomach if you enjoy too much of it.

Here's yet another reason for me to listen to my mother: She's a big fan of Pond's Cold Cream, and has used it for years. Also, and not coincidentally, she looks obnoxiously young for her age.

Years ago, I used to say that I hoped I'd get her genes. Her response was usually something along the lines of, "my genes are in that jar upstairs, so take off your makeup before you go to sleep and you'll be all right."

It's sort of the opposite of "your face will freeze that way" -- in that I'm sort of hoping she's right.