I love a celebration! At my house, the valentine decorations come out right after the Christmas decorations come down. Yes...I'm one of those people whose calendar is full of celebrations!

Not exactly a big day on everybody's calendar. Not on my husband's calendar -- though he's come a long way! Has reservations for dinner already. He claims Valentine's Day is driven by card companies and florists. Retailers do capitalize on it. In fact, it's a $14 billion a year business.

The history of Valentine's Day can be loosely traced back to a Roman Catholic priest in the 3rd century A.D. His name was Valentine. Put to death by an emperor who banned marriages because he thought it would distract his soldiers! Anyhow, Valentine continued to marry young lovers and was soon jailed. But, there's more. It's said the priest fell in love with his jailer's daughter, sent her love notes signed, "from your Valentine." A tradition was born!

I loved exchanging Valentine cards as a kid. I still love giving Valentine gifts to my family and friends! For the past 15 years, my husband and I trek down to the Old Market for dinner at V. Mertz. For us, it's the most romantic restaurant in Omaha!

If you're looking for gift ideas...dining out is still tops! But if you would rather stay at home, how about hiring a personal chef for the night? Just go to hireachef.com and you'll find several personal chefs in Omaha and Lincoln. A spa treatment is always a good choice. My choice? Creative Hair Design and Spa. They have several Valentine's Day packages available. Visit creativehairdesign.com. Fine wines are also great! One suggestion: Goosecross Winery has a chocolate covered bottle of wine and even an etched bottle just for Valentine's day...check it out at goosecross.com.

The best gift however: just a big "I love you." It goes a long way. It's also good for your health. Studies show "love cures people." For real! From lowering our cholesterol to slowing the aging process! So...love, Love, LOVE!