Valentine's Day evokes images of candy-shaped hearts, heart-shaped cards that children trade with classmates, heart-shaped cutout cookies (I've got four on my kitchen counter right now from Panera, thanks to a thoughtful neighbor in the Valentine's Day spirit), necklaces with diamond-filled hearts ... But we might also want to think about our own hearts this time of year, suggest doctors, wellness experts, nutritionists and others.  Here's a "super-seven" do's and don'ts list that could be the best gift you give your heart this Valentine's Day.  1. Do attend special health classes/seminars …

Almost every night around 6, from mid-October until mid-March, my mother would start a fire in the fireplace in our den. As children, we’d grumble when she asked my siblings and me to bring in some logs. The grumbling, of course, didn’t last once the fire was lit. Living in the chilly Midwest, we cherished the flickering warmth that the daily ritual provided. That time of day was special. According to the Virginia-based Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association and the Washington, DC-based National Association of Home Builders, fireplaces rank second among the top features desired by buyers of new…

As Valentine’s Day is almost here, this is a perfect time to think about the power of a good hug. “There is lots of research emphasizing the significance of touch, both with humans, and monkeys,” notes Dr. Talia Ziv, a West Bloomfield-based relationship and parent coach. If you have teenagers, hugging doesn’t always come easy, but Ziv doesn’t want parents to give up. “Adolescents push away because it's part of their process of detaching from their parents,” she said. “But they need a loving touch — even when the hugs are pushed away. Consider a comforting touch on the hand, the arm, even …

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Cupid would like to see you whip up something sweet for your loved ones. Sure, you can grab a brownie mix at the grocery store (he’ll give you a few points for that), but wouldn’t it be nice to try something a little more daring?  Here, some sweet ideas for stirring up a little lust in the kitchen: • GET ROLLING  Gayle Harte of the renowned Gayle’s Chocolates in Royal Oak is eager to show you how to make your own chocolate truffles.  Visit http://www.craftsy.com/class/Dipped-Dusted-and-Rolled-Handmade-Chocolates/54 to learn about the secret of …

A Valentine’s Day bouquet of fresh flowers is typically so beautiful that you wish it would last forever. Obviously, cut flowers do have an expiration date, but by choosing specific varieties and performing various maintenance procedures, your bouquets can be your “best buds” for a good while. Carnations, alstroemeria and roses top the list of longest-lasting cut flowers, said Jocie Rogers, corporate floral coordinator for English Gardens. “Carnations can last up to 15 days in a vase,” explained Rogers. “They come in an array of colors; white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, striped and so…

As Diane Harris of My House of Style peruses her wares in her inviting Birmingham boutique, she contemplates the popularity of the color red. “Red is such a beautiful and strong color,” notes the purveyor of jewelry and great boxes and bags in which to keep one’s jewels. The shop features everything from bangles and cuffs to necklaces, rings and earrings and various accessories that would make any woman happy, especially on Valentine’s Day. “We have a special program where a woman can come in and register her favorite items in the store and then her significant other can come in and check the…

Whether or not romantic love is in your life, there are several great “love”-themed reads that range from traditional boy-meets-girl stories to those that focus on self-love reflection. Michelle Wooddell, co-owner of the Berkley Book Corner in Berkley, suggests delving into the world of love triangles, bridal showers and singles ads. Her favorite picks for Valentine’s reading include: An Available Man, by Hilma Wolitzer. New in Hardcover – this is the story of a widower who cautiously makes his way back into the dating world when his children place a singles ad for him.  “Will he find true …

What's the most romantic movie of all time? A good friend who’s a huge movie buff said The Bridges of Madison County is "up there,” but added: "I almost can’t watch it anymore because it’s so heartbreaking.” She decided it’s easier to name the most romantic scenes, such as one from It’s a Wonderful Life. “Mary (Donna Reed) is on the phone trying to ignore James Stewart and he finally can't stand it and just grabs, kisses, hugs her," she recounts. "Then there’s Rhett kissing Scarlett by the fence after Atlanta burns in Gone With the Wind.” Indeed, those scenes really do make the heart go …