ROMANCE TALKS In this fast-paced world we live in, true sentiment can get lost in hurried conversations and

last-minute gestures. This Valentine's Day remember - actions speak louder than sweet nothings. Use our guide to show someone you're walking the walk! hearts and hugs, l'toile SWEETS FOR THE SWEET - CHOCOLAT CELESTE Give a tasteful gift this Valentine's Day from Chocolat Celeste. Noted as "One of the Top Ten Emerging Chocolatiers in America", this Saint Paul shop features elegant boxes of grand-sized truffles and artisian bonbons sure to make the perfect gift for your favorites sweet-tooth! CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CHOCOLAT CELESTE SITE

POP CHERUB by LANCME Celebrity make-up artist and Lancme creative director Gucci Westman Neville has created a sumptuous spring collection influenced by 18th-century fashion. Marie Antoinette-inspired details merge with modern neon shades - think fancy fondant for the face and the sleek, silver cases feature cherub-shaped charms. POP CHERUB combines a broad, light-infused color spectrum highlighting fresh pastels like spearmint and classic sugar pink, plus metallic silver and bitter chocolate. "I wanted to create harmonious shades that flirt with fantasy but are not too outrageous" says Westman. Cake-inspired cosmetics? We think the line looks good enough to eat! Available at most major department stores. CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FULL COLLECTION

PRETTY PLEASE? (WITH A CHERRY ON TOP?) Why not "pour some sugar" on your sweetie this valentines? Maid of Scandinavia has hundreds of opalescent, edible dusts and glitters for you to play with. Unleash your inner pixie and sparkle! CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MAID OF SCANDINAVIA SITE

MISSED CONNECTIONS Want to find out if your bus crush is crushing on you? Take a happenstance chance and post a missed connection on Craigslist. You never know! Putting it out into the cosmos may even give you the boost you need to actually say hello next time, fraidy cat! CLICK THE IMAGE FOR CRAIGSLIST MISSED CONNECTIONS

FLOWER POWER You'll find no baby's breath here - only "oh, baby, I love it!" The green thumb sophisticates at Stems and Vines offer refreshing floral selections. Modern bouquets with vibrant colors and unique arrangement are the mainstay here, so set aside the red rose bucket - we know you have better taste than that! Order online or visit one of three St. Paul locations. CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE STEMS AND VINES SITE

THE BRITCHES ARE COMING! Who says the British are boring? Coco de Mer, famous English "naughty-bits" emporium, recently made the leap across the pond to sell its upscale versions of everything kinky. From vintage lace blindfolds to painfully sexy lingerie, you'll find all you need to put that spring back in your step.

BOOTY CALLING? With under things that lovely, you'll want to make sure your...assets...are fully covered. Before they're uncovered. If the recent winter chill has left you with a bad case of Baby Got Back-ne, make an appointment at Extrados for a fanny facial! A blissful 45-minute massage to release pressure and tension in the lower back followed by a buff, hydration and shine to give your "cheeks" a healthy glow. CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE COCO DE MER SITE

FRIDAYS ARTIST Paola Pivi Paola Pivi, an Alaska-based, Milanese artist, has won international recognition for her ambitious, daring and thoughtful projects. Often enormously complex to realize, grand in size and scope and employing a variety of media, her projects range from sculpture and photography to live actions involving animals and people. Pivi's interest in the oddities of popular culture and human relationships is evident in every installation. Wow, we're tuckered out just thinking about it! If you just so happen to be in Switzerland next week, check out her new solo show at Kunstalle Basel (we'd certainly be there, but we're busy that night). The artist's website is under construction, (ah, to be a relaxed Italian! Oh wait, ours is under construction too!) but a quick Google search does the trick if you crave more information! CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO ON PAOLA PIVI

WHAT GOES AROUND, SNOWS AROUND You are such a nicey. Really you are. This weekend, brush up on your snow etiquette and lend a mittened hand to someone in need. Since you'll be so bundled and busy we've taken the liberty to act as your personal social assistant - and believe us, your cards are filled - dance, Samaritan and otherwise. xo-l'toile CLICK THE IMAGE FOR TIPS ON BUILDING A SNOWMAN

CLEANING OUT OUR CLOSETS Spring has sprung and Summer is beginning to dig it's hot heels in. Before it does, give your place and yourself a pre-summer over-haul! Whether that means a new beachfriendly 'do, re-arranging your living room or finally making that "less beer/more veggies" commitment - l'toile is behind you 100%. If sprucing up your abode or 'drobe is on the top of your list, make sure to pop by our Super Yard Sale this Saturday from 10am-5pm on the corner of 26th & Pleasant in Uptown! Just think what you might find! xo-l'toile ILLUSTRATION BY AMAZING INTERN MOLLY BUTTERFOSS!

COOL LINK: SEVEN New York One of the most comprehensive, cutting-edge fashion web boutiques we've seen, Seven New York serves as an outlet for the hottest international designers, but is also an invaluable look at who's making what and when you can view the last three seasons by any designer and build your own fashion sand-castle from there. CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SEVEN NEW YORK SITE

Learn A Language @University Language Center 1313 Fifth Street S.E., Suite 201 Minneapolis Whether you want to woo your lover with French sweet nothings or youre bags are packed, check out the language courses at the University Language Center. Its a fabulous way to inject some lasting culture into your life on the cheap. CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ULC SITE

LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING Youll find a million and one gift ideas for your friends, your lover and even your mother at Global Village. This West Bank import-ium swells with colorful clothing, cheerful house wares, gorgeous jewelry, exotic art and enough incense to keep your dwelling smelling sexy till next Valentines Day! Love for Sale: 25% off all jewelry and clothing through February 14th! CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GLOBAL VILLAGE SITE

SUPER TROOPERS Operation NightCAP (nighttime concentrated alcohol patrol) is an impaired driving prevention program designed to reduce alcohol related traffic deaths on Minnesotas roadways. Translation? Don't. Drive. Drunk. They're really not fooling this year. Nor should they. So think ahead, program the phone with a few of these numbers, and don't ring in the New Year at Detox. Honestly, who wants to walk six icy blocks from the parking ramp in their best Marc Jacobs anyway??
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE OPERATION NIGHTCAP SITE

A Sean Na Na New Years Eve! @ The Turf Club University & Snelling St.Paul Sean Na Na, aka Sean Tillmann, aka Har Mar SuperStar, is living proof that some fantasies really do come true. Legend has it he walked right into his college's administration office and told them "Listen Registrar, I'm gonna be a Rock Star !". And that's exactly what he did. This born performer comes home to rock the Turf right into 2007.