OK — so I’m completely confessing that I read this blog now and again (it’s so hard not to!), but Pink is the New Blog posted photos of hotty soccer star David Beckham wearing a Detroit Tigers hat. David and his LA Galaxy team are in gorgeous Honolulu, HI prepping for a soccer tournament. So hats off to you Becks (although I can’t STAND your wife!), for sporting your D-town pride all the way down in the islands of Hawaii!

First and foremost, many thanks to Girl.in.the.D for giving props to the out-of-the-box Valentine’s Day gifts that are offered at the RenCen shops. Check out her post, and you’ll quickly become addicted to her blog that, hey what do you know, highlights the POSITIVE things that are going on in Detroit!

Now — on to my ode to Mushy Love Day. I know there are many people in this world who think Valentine’s Day is overrated and has been tainted by companies who make you feel guilty if you don’t spend a gazillion dollars to prove your worth to the one you love. However, being the die-hard romantic that I am, I will always think of Valentine’s Day as a way to give simple yet meangingful reminders to the person that you love — whether it be through a thoughtful gift, card, flowers or my personal favorite….words.

If you are a sap who’s a sucker for stories that make you go “Awww”, do read this Free Press article where local couples share secrets to lasting love. Not only is the photo of happily-ever-after couples beyond adorable, but the “love secrets” shared by the couples featured in the article are absolutely priceless. Who knew that the secret to love is as simple as playing footsie in bed, learning to forgive, trying not to change a person and laughing together? Easy as pie, right? Most people who have been in a long-term relationship will beg to differ, but I firmly believe that it CAN be this simple — so long as both people in the relationship work toward keeping their love alive and fresh, whether it be 10, 30 or 50 years down the road.

I hope there’s a Bill Waddell in my future. Bill (who mind you is 80 years old and lives with his wife in a senior center in Farmington Hills), leaves his wife Hershey’s Kisses under her upside-down coffee mug every morning. And Carolee, his wife, makes sure to cover him up when he takes his daily afternoon nap. If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is!

Maybe the perfect love story doesn’t exist for everyone, and sadly will never exist for many people. But I refuse to step down from my “love should never die in a relationship” preaching post. And with that, I’m off to do the traditional love-day thang (regardless of the many eye rolls I’ve encountered along the way), and will continue to look forward to the day that I can tuck my Bill Waddell in for an afternoon snooze.

Move over Valentine’s Day — you’re no longer the sole proprietor of the color red in February. Red also represents American Heart Health Month and today, February 1, is National Wear Red Day.

Heart disease is the numero uno killer of women (and men), and the American Heart Association wants people to understand that it CAN be prevented. The organization is putting its heart and soul into spreading the Go Red for Women message “Love Your Heart” to raise awareness of heart disease and empower women to do everything they can to reduce their risk. Check out the American Heart Association’s Web site for inspirational stories from women who’ve battled heart disease, light and easy recipes that will keep your heart happy and ways you can take part in this amazing initiative.

The Go Red for Women ambassador this year is a girl in her twenties named Melissa. She suffered two heart attacks at the age of 19, regardless of the fact that she is physcially fit, eats healthy and is WAY younger that most people who are affected by the disease. Check her out on TLC’s What Not to Wear (love, love, love Stacey and Clinton!!) on February 22 at 9 p.m.

I had the opportunity to attend the Go Red for Women luncheon at the Renaissance Center last year — and I’m hoping to go again next week. I never realized how many women are affected by heart disease every year, so needless to say it was an eye-opening experience. Women empowering groups ignite a fire under me! One day when I’m ready (when I’m done stressing over student loans and living on my own again), I plan to join groups that work to elevate, inspire and benefit women.

What can (and should) you take away from this post? Love your heart, take the necessary steps to keep it healthy and Go Red! Um, you too men!

** On a side note, check out my sassy boss Maria (she supports the Go Red team in Detroit) in my favorite and local you-go-girl magazine, Strut.