Love is in the air and my Valentine’s Day gift to my readers is an extra edition this month. This is part one of two. For edition one of FEMME-bruary my focus is, you guessed it, Valentine’s Day, but with the ladies’ perspective! Even if you aren’t in a relationship or don’t have a date for Valentine’s Day, read this edition anyway, because I threw in a few tidbits non-related to V-day that will appeal to all of my nightlife-cats, which admit it, is YOU!

Love animals? Valentine’s Day is coming up and The Sanctuary for Unwanted Animals has put together a wish list on behalf of the animals. They've asked for flea control, an exercise course, some doggie septic tanks (they thought those were really cool) as well as some special treats and new dog houses. Check them out at http://www.sanctuaryforunwantedanimals.com/index.html. The sanctuary has items from $5 and up. If everyone just bought one or two things this year, The Sanctuary could really improve things for the animals. Everything is tax deductible and would really be appreciated. There is a lot of progress being made and they want to continue to improve the quality of life for these animals. The Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill animal shelter. Monetary Donations can be made through Paypal on the website:

www.sanctuaryforunwantedanimals.com/Donations.html

Want to show love for a kid this Valentine’s Day? Here’s the scoop to get prices for 50% off Rodeo Carnival Rides. The tickets are as follows, $50 Jumbo Card (150 tickets) + Free Ride Ticket + 8 refreshment Coupons (value $100) $10 Value Card (22 tickets) + 2 refreshment Coupons (value $20.) You can purchase the following immediately from my source: $50 Carnival Ride Jumbo Card (value $100); $10 Carnival Ride Value Card (value $20); $7 Adult BBQ, Carnival and Livestock area-only admission tickets; (Buy early and save waiting in line at the BBQ Cook-off,) $4 Children admission tickets Ages 3-12 years old and $25 Fun Pass per person (allows one person to enter the BBQ Cook-off, Carnival and Livestock areas only every day starting with the BBQ Cook-off through to the last day of the Rodeo Show) please go to: www.hlsr.com Select the “Ticket Info” stub – top right hand corner of the screen, select “Buy Carnival Ride Tickets and Admittance Tickets” Click any of the “Buy” buttons – does not matter which one. Enter either the name: Laura Carmin or the Keycode 918032 to receive the 50% off price. Please call Laura if you have any questions on her cell at 832-215-7063.

Single? Look no further, because on the 14th, your agenda should include the Valentine’s Day Bitter Hearts’ Date-a-palooza at the Corkscrew (1919 Washington.) What could be more perfect than shooting the finger at all this lovey-dovey Valentine stuff with Two Minute Speed Dating with other singles just as bitter as you? Throw in large amounts of wine and some really fancy meat and cheese platters to soak up the alcohol, and you have the best Valentine’s Day ever! All of these Date-a-paloozas fill up quick. Once again, it’s on February 14th at 7:00PM. Cost is only $35, so call 713-864-9463 to sign up or visit www.houstoncorkscrew.com Single and on the north-side, and I mean WAY north-side? Like Woodlands kinda north-side? Well, on Thursday, February 14th, you can join the Woodlands Singles/Social Club and Houston Single Source Happy Hour on Valentine's Day. Come alone, with friends or with a date to share the love between close friends and meet new ones. The event will feature Happy Hour prices and free chips and appetizers. This group is non-profit and free to join. Jump in the fun at Berry Hill Baja Grill and Cantina in Market Street at 9595 Six Pines Road in the Woodlands from 6-8PM, and be sure to ask for Lori. She is the hostess and will assist with introductions. RSVP to Lori at txco@yahoo.com or check out www.thewoodlandssingles.com.

Looking for something to do on the 13th, Valentine’s Day Eve? Single or not the event to do is sponsored by The Fashion Group Foundation of Houston, and it’s their Career Day 2008 at the Hilton University of Houston Hotel. Beginning at 8AM, the program will feature keynote speaker Roz Pactor and other panelists including Designer Vanessa Riley, HCC Fashion Department Chair Kay King, Designer Vivian Andrus and skirt! Magazine Editor, Dusty Gilbert. For more information, call 281-497-0883.

Wanna get your romantic freak on? Here’s how…just come and enjoy an evening of history, heritage and chocolate with non other than POETIC CHOCOLATE at LaMadeline's at 2675 Town Center on Highway 6 in Sugarland on Friday, February 22nd from 4-8PM. Enjoy live performances, original works of art and get your copy of the latest great poetry book by author, artist and actress Gina Batie. For details, email Poetrybygina@cs.com.

So, by now I guess you are ready for my do’s, don’ts and “don’t you even DARES” of Valentine’s Day ideas. The queen has always been a fan of a sexy, sensual, SINsational night of romance in a hotel and my pick is the Hotel ZaZa’s Rock Star Suite. It is 2,160 square feet of “yowsah!” Live the life, if only for one night. Your tour begins with your own frosted-glass, private elevator access taking you directly from the dining pleasures of Monarch to your living room suite. Step inside a world of leather, velvet and crystal chandeliers. This eccentric suite features mirrored walls and rock star prints, a large dining room table and a stainless steel kitchen. The master bedroom can sleep up to six – no questions asked. Add a second bedroom, a fireplace and the most amazing view in the hotel, and this place is rockin’ enough for any star. Two bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms, one study, full gourmet kitchen, private elevator opening into grand living room. Price? If you have to ask, never mind!

I asked a dear friend, Lauren Jordan, to be a guest idea-initiator for my INs and OUTs list this year and her suggestions were so sweet. Instead of reservations in a stuffy, over-priced restaurant, she suggested packing a picnic basket and going to a park at sunset. Lauren also says don't just roll out of bed and head to work with a quick "Happy V-day, baby." Consider bringing your honey breakfast in bed, maybe heart-shaped pancakes. Hell, yeah! We ladies dig effort like that. More, Lauren, MORE! Go on with your bad, romantic self. Lead the way to my INs and OUTs with your very special INs and OUTs list.

Lauren goes on to say what’s OUT is to spend lots of money on over-priced red roses, but Being IN is to send him or her an exotic flower bouquet that you know your honey will enjoy. Hint, think Floral Department at Central Market. Want to be OUT? Just call your mate on the 14th and say "so what do you want to do for Valentine's Day?" (Boo, hiss!) Be an IN by creating a formal invitation and sending it in the mail (yes, with a stamp and everything) inviting your Valentine to a special night on the town. Delivery in Houston only takes a day, so mail it quickly to be in time for the 14th.

Thanks, Lauren for being my special guest “opening act” to lead into my INs and OUTs list for V-day ’08. Now comes the racier side of how to go BEYOND the romance to the lustier side of what Cupid really intended for this holiday to be. It goes way beyond chocolates, stuffed animals and roses. Let me elaborate…

Okay, so what girl doesn’t like an animal to cuddle with when her human animal isn’t beside her? Customize a bear for her occupation, her hobby, her fantasy or just a bear wearing a little t-shirt that says “I love Kim.” Okay, so I used my name as an example, I you can put your playmate’s name on the t-shirt. Visit www.vermontteddybear.com to see why I think this idea is an IN for your sweetie. There are over 100 bears to choose from and are also ideal for birthdays, new babies, graduation or “just because.”

One thing everyone loves is sweets, even SWEETER is naughty sweets from Nooky’s Erotic Bakery. Too long have Houstonians gone without good service, tasty cakes and excellent decorations. The search stops at www.nookyseroticbakery.com. Beauty is only icing deep, which is why Nooky's bakers use only the finest ingredients to make their creations. See their site to get a “taste” of the tantalizing designs to get your partner’s libido going. Don't be afraid to ask for a custom design because Nooky’s can give you what the average family bakery doesn’t. Whether you are having a Bachelorette Party, a Bachelor Party, an Over-The-Hill Party, or any other adult celebration, Nooky’s exquisite edible fantasies are sure to be the conversation piece that delights (or delightfully embarrasses) all of your guests or your Valentine. Special thanks to Nooky’s for providing the sexy cupcakes at the Erotic Cabaret pre-Valentine’s party I recently hosted. Nooky's Erotic Bakery is located at 10140-C Highway 6 South in Sugar Land.

A song that comes to mind for this holiday is L.O.V.E by new-nosed pop princess, Ashlee Simpson and you can see her live (lip-synching?) on stage at RICHs on Friday, February 15th. It is part of her North America tour to promote her new album and after her show, you can groove to the music of D:Fuse and party in to after hours. Listen to 104 KRBE to win VIP passes or purchase presale tickets at the RICHs online store. INSIDER TIP: Always try to buy event tickets online. They are normally lower in price and guarantee your space inside the club in event of venue sellout. Some events have a limited quantity ticket available. These tickets are strictly limited and are the cheapest. Sometimes there are only 100 available, so when you see them, you need to jump on them.

Need an idea where to dine on the 14th? Visit www.houstonvalentinesday.com for a complete guide to romantic dinner accommodations. This site is brought to you by Cleverley Stone, my favorite food critic. The Queen’s pick for a special dinner with you honey is the brand-new Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House. The place is 13,000 square feet, which includes two handcrafted swirling staircases, a wine cellar that holds 20,000 bottles of wine and a private boardroom with an award-winning cuisine. Del Frisco’s is at 5061 Westheimer Suite 8060, in the Galleria. Call 713-355-2600 for reservations. It’s no secret that Cyclone Anaya’s is my most favorite restaurant, but that is for the other 364 days of the year. On the 14th, my pick is Del Frisco’s for seafood, prime beef, wine or martinis, just to name a few of their specialties.

This Friday XO (2611 San Jacinto) is hosting a Singles Night featuring $5 martinis, free shots for the ladies, $150 premium bottles and $5 Long Island Ice Teas before 11:30, all brought to you by Night Scene Entertainment. Doors open at 10:00. Another new spot opened last Friday with a bash thrown by Houston Modern Luxury Magazine at Citizen Lounge. See Citizen Lounge this weekend with your date. It’s at 4606 Washington Avenue.

Do you need to send flowers or a Gift Basket to your Sweetheart, Mom or a friend? For your convenience visit this travel website: www.ytb.com/totalimagetravel and click on Book Travel, then click on Extras and look on the left hand side, down a little - click on YTB flowers, then just shop and send. Plus, remember another benefit of Day Spa To-Go - Travel Discounts and many extras on this travel website. Need a last minute Valentine gift? Several gift certificates are available. Like Spa Pamper Packages, Spa Products, etc. Call ASAP and they will deliver gift cards to include in your Valentine Cards or send them directly to your recipient. For more scoop, contact Susie Abbott, www.dayspato-go.com or call her at 713-443-2140 or 281-974-2722. Hurry, because time is running out.

My time is running out too and I need to get this edition out BEFORE the 14th, so I’ll close for now. You know me, I could chatter on endlessly so I’ll just END instead. Another issue will be in your email boxes next week.