Barrett-Jackson, known internationally as one of the most celebrated car collectors around, brought in its 41^st Annual auction on Jan. 15 at WestWorld in Scottsdale. The seven-day event doesn’t just cater to the classic car buffs—over the years, the auction has turned into something virtually anyone can enjoy. Jan 19 featured the International Fiesta of Four Flags event, which mixed the fashions and flavors of countries like Germany, Italy, and Russia, to raise money for the Veteran Tickets Foundation.

Steele-ing the Show:

Russo and Steele has become one of the must-attend events for the many car enthusiasts from around the world visiting Scottsdale at the height of car auction season. It attracts the top buyers and sellers in the market for collectible American and European sports automobiles, and above all, it’s a party! Russo and Steele is known for keeping its event high energy and full of action and excitement for all its guests.

Ferdinand is a 1-year-old Jack Russell-terrier mix. He is very active and energetic. He is not recommended for cats but may get along with other dogs. He is best for junior high age and up. His adoption fee is $125, which includes his vaccines, microchip, and neuter.

Cypress is a 1-year-old terrier-American pit bull mix. She is between 46 and 65 pounds. Cypress is a sweet girl with lots of energy. She would love to go on hikes and walks. She is never one to turn down a game of fetch. She might get along with cats, likes other dogs, and is recommended for elementary-age kids and up. Her adoption fee is $175. This includes her microchip, spay, and vaccines.

Mokey is a 6-year-old Labrador retriever mix. She weighs over 66 pounds. She is a gentle girl who already knows how to sit, lie down, stay, come, and shake hands, and she is eager to learn more. She is also house trained. Her love in life is tennis balls. She is not good with cats but may get along with another polite, respectful dog. She is recommended for an adult-only household. Her adoption fee is $75. This includes her spay, vaccine, and microchip.

Izzy is an 8-month-old domestic medium-hair cat. She is a sweet and curious girl. Her single eye does not hold her back from playing with toys, having fun, or watching the birds. She has a very soft coat of beautiful white fur. Her adoption fee is $50. This includes her spay, vaccine, and microchip.

Pas de Chat is a 6-year-old domestic shorthair. She is a glamorously exotic girl. She is a true charmer and loyal friend. She loves to be near humans and enjoys cuddling. When she is happy, she will roll around in delight. Her adoption fee is $50, which includes her spay, vaccines, and microchip.

Jada is a 6-year-old Turkish Van. She is white with a fluffy multicolored tail. She is a bit shy but enjoys gentle pets and head scratches. Turkish Vans are known for their unusual love of water and are nicknamed “the swimming cat.” Her adoption fee is $50, which includes her spay, vaccine, and microchip.

Applause and praise abounded at a recent concert of the Arizona Wind Symphony (AWS) in Tempe. The group of 80 adult band members had performed the Arizona Centennial Overture, an original piece commissioned to honor the state’s 100-year celebration.

“One audience member actually caught me after the concert and said that the piece was her favorite because of how it described all of Arizona’s history and culture,” said Bill Richardson, director of the symphony.

For nearly  a year and a half, band and choral directors like Richardson who hail from across Arizona have downloaded original chorus and band music to perform in tribute to the state’s centennial. Well-known Arizona artists were appointed by the Arizona Commission on the Arts in early 2010 to create the pieces that will be available copyright free through December.

“Turquoise and Thunderstorms” was the choral song written by James DeMars and poet Alberto Rios. The Arizona Centennial Overture for bands and orchestras was composed by Dr. Sy Brandon, who showed up at the last two rehearsals and the concert to assist with Richardson’s symphony.

“It was a treat to have the composer actually work with the band and actually to be in the audience at the concert,” Richardson said.

Trumpet player and AWS board president David Melkin said the concert was a great outlet to show pride in their community and the state.

“All the music performed was inspired by Arizona and its diverse cultures that live within,” he said. “It is with a strong sense of community that we celebrate our home through the music that was written by [Arizonans] and tells the story of Arizona.”

The choral piece can be sung by high school, college, community, church, or professional ensembles. There are different versions that allow for piano or organ accompaniment, and there is also an a cappella version. The overture is arranged for any type of concert, symphony, or orchestra band.

Works by DeMars of Tempe have been performed by various musicians, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Phoenix Symphony.
“I met with Rios to talk about the nature of the project and the unique images to Arizona,” said DeMars, who teaches composition at Arizona State. “We then worked by e-mail and over the phone. And so it went back and forth until the concert version for the a cappella chorus was finished.”

Then, DeMars created arrangements for all vocal combinations with and without accompaniment. “My wife reminded me that not everyone enjoyed ceremonial music, but many people would enjoy the images,” he said. “So, I worked out a version for a folk song and a version for a jazz vocalist. Those have yet to be sung.”

Brandon, who lives in Cottonwood, is professor emeritus from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. His creations have been recorded by several orchestral groups, including the Czech National Symphony. Rios, a librettist from Chandler, has written poetry books that have been nominated for the National Book Award and  has won many other awards. He has been a Regents Professor of English at Arizona State University, where he has taught since 1982.

The trio was selected through a juried process. Funding for the works came from the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission and the Arizona Commission of the Arts. All of the artists are all available for guest lectures,  appearances, and conducting.

Visit azarts.gov/programs/arizona-centennial-projects/ to download and hear free Arizona Centennial musical compositions. Bands or choruses wanting to perform any of the pieces can notify the Arizona Commission of the Arts in advance and get their performance dates publicized on the commission’s Web site. E-mail Jennifer Tsukayama at jtsukayama for information.

For the Wife-  Not all chocolate is made equal. La Maison Du Chocolat is a French chocolatier that has been perfecting its decadent recipes for decades. A standard heart-shaped box of chocolates is okay, but a box of La Maison du Chocolat chocolate will let her know how special and important she is to you. You can purchase an Assorted Chocolate Gift Box at a Williams Sonoma retail store or directly from La Maison’s online store.
Willians Sonoma, 2450 East Camelback Rd., Phoenix; lamaisonduchocolat.com

For the Husband-  What’s better than a gift for one? A gift for two! Make this Valentine’s Day one that both of you will remember with a relaxing weekend trip to Sedona. Kokopelli Suites in Sedona is a luxurious resort that is affordable without sacrificing top-of-the-line service and quality. You can choose from a variety of themed suites to custom-plan the getaway so that it will be something he’ll love. Valentine’s Day should be a time to enjoy each other without life’s distractions.
kokopellisuites.com

For the Girlfriend- Flowers are classic, never cheesy. Period. There isn’t a woman out there who would be disappointed with a beautiful bouquet of her favorite flowers. Show her how much you care with the best of the best. The French Bee is an interior design studio and retail shop, located in Kierland Commons. They make wonderfully ornate and elegant floral arrangements with a vintage touch. They’re pure silk, so they will last—and remain as a decorative piece for your home that you can keep on enjoying long past Valentine’s Day.
thefrenchbee.com,  2324 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix

For the Boyfriend-  Give him your heart. Not literally, of course. This poster’s quirky design has a charming quality about it that he’ll love. No matter how long you’ve been together, your man is likely feeling a bit tense when it comes to your V-Day expectations. This heart poster will show him your loyalty and commitment without any sap—and he’ll love you for that.
orkposters.com/heart

For the Long-Distance Lovers- These days, so many relationships are long distance. If your loved one lives too far away for you to visit this Valentine’s Day, make sure you take extra care to say that he or she is on your mind. A set of these Secret Love Letter Pens are a fun and playful way to make your long-distance relationship easier. The pens use “invisible ink” and a black light attached to the caps to uncover your hidden messages.  You can find them at several stores around the Valley, including Urban Outfitters, Cost Plus World Markets, Francesca’s, and Smeeks.

For all the Single Ladies – Being a single girl can mean fun and freedom, but Valentine’s Day and all the love in the air might give her a case of the lonelies. Remind her that she can be happy and fulfilled with the most essential love of them all—love of herself! Anne Taintor is an artist who collages vintage images of women with witty captions to create all sorts of hilarious products, like stationery, travel accessories, and bags.
annetaintor.com

For the Bachelor-  Everyone has one of those eternal bachelors in his or her life.  And who’s to say he’s not entitled to a little attention on February 14^th? Chances are a stuffed teddy bear isn’t on his list, so get him something he’ll actually use—an iPhone case plus bottle opener. There are few other items on the planet that make him happier. Plus, it reminds him of all the perks that come with being single.
ibottleopener.myshopify.com

For the Crush- Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to let someone special know how much you like him or her. But getting your crush an over-the-top gift will most probably scare your crush away. Opt for a cute, non-creepy Rifle Paper Company illustrated card. The boutique stationery brand offers plenty of whimsical V-day messages for your loved one that are lighthearted and fun. These cards, printed on top-quality heavyweight paper, will surely elicit a smile from anyone. Find them at local boutique, Blueseeds.
riflepaperco.com.,  Blueseeds, 6824 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale

For the Kids-  Remember those days when you would get a valentine from every kid in your class? The little girls in your life will love giving out these  Peaceable Kingdom chocolate scented Scratch and Sniff valentines to all their classmates. And what’s better than valentines that turn into paper airplanes for the boys? The little ones will love you making them the coolest kids in class this Valentine’s Day.
peaceablekingdom.com

For the Love Cynic- No doubt you have one of those friends who goes on and on about how corporate greed mixed with America’s hyper-consumerist society is the only reason Valentine’s Day exists. Sure, there is merit to that argument, but chances are they’re just currently out of luck in the love department. So, when the day comes, they’ll need a pick-me-up. Get them a box of Bittersweets, a sarcastic take on the original Sweethearts candies, that say things like “Tradin’ You In,” “Return my CDs,” and “Mommy Issues.”
despair.com/bittersweets

Young Adults
Rated R
Leeann – I loved this movie! Charlize Theron is one of my favorites. She’s masterful with her laugh a minute character work, and for someone so lovely, she does grungy very well! It’s far from a laugh-a-minute, but it has some very funny moments.

Matthew – Overall, not really my favorite. The film did a little bit better than my expectations, but not by much. The plot centers on Mavis Gery (Charlize Theron) and her obsession with Buddy, her married high school sweetheart. Her more narcissistic, alcohol-infused moments provide some humor.

La Ricki Designs

(602) 561-7418

ricki@laricki.com

laricki.com

Leeann – We’re expecting our first baby in March! I wanted to get the nursery done right away, so I hired an interior designer to help me. Ricki Uster, of la Ricki Design, is absolutely fabulous! Her style is vintage, but very chic. I highly recommend following her on Twitter (twitter.com/LaRicki), Pinterest, and Facebook.

Matthew – When my wife told me we needed a decorator for the baby’s room, I did a double-take. Turns out working with Ricki Uster has been a great experience. She ended up choosing some fantastic colors and has been saving us money. It was a great investment and saved my wife a lot of time and stress.

Brick Pizzeria & Wine Bar

455 N. 3^rd St. Ste. 154

Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 258-3665

Leeann – I love pizza. I love it pretty much every way it comes. However, I totally did not enjoy my experience at Brick Pizza downtown. When the server got it correct, the dish lacked flavor. I didn’t have a chance to sample the wine or sangria in my “delicate state.”

Matthew – Overall, this restaurant was just okay. My wife and I both found our food a little bit bland, and the service was fine, but not great. Their wine list isn’t bad, however. I think this might be a place to grab appetizers and a drink instead of a full meal.

Bamboo House

502 E. Thunderbird Rd.

Phoenix, AZ 85022

(602) 843-4243
Leeann – A hidden treasure! The food is incredible, authentic, fresh, and delicious. Their spicy dishes have the perfect amount of “bite,” and their crab puffs and egg rolls make fantastic appetizers. I’m not a very superstitious person, but their fortune cookies are always spot on. (Joking…kind of.)

Matthew – Get the orange chicken! I’ve tried lots of items on the menu, and they’re all good, but I keep coming back to the orange chicken. The service is just as excellent as the food. I love that the Bamboo House is a family-owned business. These guys really care about their product.

Pacific Gold Turkey Jerky  

Leeann — We shop at Costco all the time but never noticed the Pacific Gold Jerky before. My husband grabbed a few flavors. Being pregnant, I’m always looking for ways to increase my protein intake. I tried the Pacific Gold Turkey Jerky and I thought it was delicious!

Matthew — I’m something of a beef jerky connoisseur; however, I thought I’d give the turkey version a go. Glad I did! It was absolutely delicious. It’s a tasty low-carb snack, which is always a great find.

While it is impossible to summarize all of the innovative and downright fascinating items from the 20,000 new products demonstrated at the show, a few did stand out and received quite a bit of attention from the attendees and the 5000-plus media folks who were there.

Your Next Television

The television manufacturers demonstrated some incredible new technology to induce you to buy a new television this year. This is actually very hard to do because most of us have recently purchased a HDTV—the hot item from CES two years ago— and really do not need another set. This year’s Best-of-Show winner goes under the funny-sounding name of Organic Light-Emitting Diode. Shortened to OLED, this technology has several technical benefits like power efficiency, wider viewing angles, and a light weight. But the real wow is that it displays much deeper, richer blacks, providing for more contrast in your picture. The picture image is truly outstanding as well. Both Samsung and LG demonstrated new 55-inch OLED TVs. The LG model was a “smart TV” with passive 3-D and the ability to stream media from the Internet already built in. While pricing was not provided, industry experts estimate that you would have to shell out over $5,000 to be the first on your block with an OLED TV.

Taking On The iPad?

Without a doubt, Apple’s iPad is the king of the tablet market. Toward the end of last year, we saw some new products, such as the ASUS Eee Transformer Prime and the Amazon Kindle, that rocked Apple’s cage a bit. This attack on Apple’s leadership was amped up at CES as ASUS announced the Memo 370T with an incredibly powerful processor and 1GB of RAM for just $250. This could be the first real challenger for the iPad, with its $500 price tag. Tablets will be very hot items in 2012, with more variations and lower price points. If you are planning to buy a tablet this year, there will be plenty of great products to choose from.

The Connected Car

Your car is going to compete with your living room as a hotbed of electronic-gadget innovation. While built-in navigation systems and subscription-based services such as those offered by OnStar have been available for some time now, the next few years will see notable advancements in what the automakers call telematics.

Live data feeds for your navigation and entertainment systems allow things like current traffic conditions, weather, and “what’s available at the next freeway exit” types of information to be displayed. The whole world of the Internet will be available to you while you are traveling. Mercedes-Benz had a new SL-Class roadster on the CES floor complete with Internet applications such as Yelp and Facebook. Think of it this way: The apps that you use all the time on your smartphone are finding their way onto the dashboard or in the backseat of your car. You can find new restaurants, book a hotel room, connect with friends, access your online music and videos, and…you get the idea. Your next car, no matter what model, will probably be more connected than you ever thought possible.

There was so much more at this year’s CES. Ultrabooks. Point-and-shoot cameras. Stylish accessories for your phone, your car, your TV, your PC—everything. Windows phones. Games. Headphones—I’ve never seen so many new headphones! Even the basic memory stick was there in every possible design and color. You can learn a bit more about the new gadgets you will see advertised in 2012 by going to the Web and searching for “CES highlights.”

“Simple is the new ‘rich’ in 2012,” says expert wedding and event designer Amina Michele of the full-service wedding and event design company, Some Like It Classic (SLIC) in Phoenix. “Brides are inundated with new ideas, a million Web sites and blogs, and bridal magazines that all start to look the same. So, brides are reverting to simplicity due to the overwhelming amount of choices available in today’s marketplace.” To capture this sense of simplicity while still remaining true to the couple’s individuality, SLIC upholds the motto of creating “timeless” weddings that are reminiscent of classic motifs but incorporate these styles within a modern context.

First, to avoid confusion over mastering the unforgettable wedding, Amina Michele advises couples to pinpoint some basic elements of their relationship that they want to most share with their guests—like favorite foods, hangouts, hobbies—and to let these elements shape the vision for the wedding. “Our brides and grooms want us to deliver them and their guests a wedding experience that no one has experienced before as well as a wedding day that is unique to them as a couple so their guests learn why their love is so exceptional,” says Amina Michele. Instead of wrestling with all the possibilities, risks, and gimmicks for such a wedding, couples should let the location speak for itself. “Brides today want statement venues,” Amina Michele says. “They want venues that will create a specific environment and a fun energy. But brides are also getting smarterand choosing venues where they can get great photo opportunities.”

Next, when selecting the design aspects, Amina Michele usually guides couples into letting the wedding theme tell their story. While most brides love participating in the design process, SLIC’s inimitable way of taking a single theme and spinning it into every detail of the occasion takes the stress out of planning and allows couples to take in the idea that their dream wedding has become a reality. “At the end of the day, we find our brides end up trusting our direction while we bring their story to life, exceeding their expectations with inspiring design skills they never thought they had,” Amina Michele says. Though sensationalism quickly attracts attention, it doesn’t always guarantee that long-lasting appeal. That’s why couples should adhere to schemes, colors, décor, and arrangements that are not only breathtaking but also ageless.

As for the 2012 dress? Go for simple, of course. While brides in 2011 sought lavish layers of intricate fabrics and accents, Amina Michele says that the brides of 2012 are now opting for free-flowing dresses with whimsical silks and light fabrics. Best of all, brides tend to be allowing for more freedom when it comes to their wedding parties’ outfits—like letting bridesmaids choose their own dresses within the same color scheme. Although the attire is a major decision, Amina Michele says that “brides are focusing their spending money on food, entertainment, and unique environment experiences at their wedding. Detailed dresses are still in but are becoming less hodgepodge and more of a classic, simple look.”

Even though destination weddings may guarantee a breathtaking venue, Amina Michele infers that you don’t have to look far for your perfect wedding location. “Sedona is our favoritespot!” she says.

For more “timeless” wedding coordination and design tips, visit somelikeitclassic.com or aminamichele.com.

The Cactus League consists of fifteen teams and ten locations spread out from Avondale to Mesa. Every spring, fans can go to each location and see their favorite teams return to action from what may feel like a long winter without baseball. Fans get to witness star players get back into form for the upcoming season as well as minor league players and talented newcomers.

Getting to see players who could be future starters for major league teams is one of the most unique things about spring training.

“I think that’s one of the things that fans really love,” says David Dunne, manager of Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

Last season, Arizona Diamondback fans got to see minor league talent Paul Goldschmidt during spring training, tying and winning games with stellar performances at the plate. Later in the regular season, when the Diamondbacks were trying to win their division, the team promoted Goldschmidt to the major league roster. Goldschmidt proved himself just as he did during spring training, hitting a game-winning triple in September to help the Diamondbacks beat the San Francisco Giants and win the division. This is just one example of how special spring training in the Cactus League can be.

“That’s the beauty of spring training,” Dunne says. “Fans get to see some guys they might not get to see normally, and then those guys become big-time major league players quickly.”

Two other reasons why the Cactus League is beloved by baseball fans are the location and facilities. Some of these baseball facilities are among the best in the sport, either having withstood the test of time or dazzling fans with their new improvements.

One of the facilities responsible for making spring training popular in the community is Peoria Sports Complex. The complex, built in 1994, was the first to be shared by two major league teams. Not only does the complex give baseball fans a chance to enjoy the sport they cherish but it is also surrounded by restaurants, theaters, and shops. Peoria Sports Complex manager Chris Easom is thankful for the location.

“The development around the park makes us a viable location to not only have spring training but have events year round,” Easom says.

Easom once worked with the Grapefruit League, the other MLB spring training league. and states that it may take up to three hours to visit two parks in Florida, whereas it may be only a 35-to-40-minute drive in the Valley.

“The good thing about the Cactus League is everybody is so close,” Easom says. “In general, it makes it so easy to go from park to park.”

One of the possible drives to make would be from Peoria Sports Complex to Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, home of the Diamondbacks in spring training. Last season, the Diamondbacks were the most watched team in the league, averaging the best attendance in what was a new stadium at Salt River Fields. The Colorado Rockies, who share the facility with the Diamondbacks, were second in attendance. The new facility looks to continue hosting sellout crowds this season.

“The design is beautiful, and the location is fantastic,” Dunne says. “With the great season the Diamondbacks had this past year, we expect it to be even bigger this year.”

“They did it about as good as you could do it,” Easom says of Salt River Field’s success last spring training. “They got the local team there, and who knew the Rockies would draw as well as they did? They definitely cranked it up.”

The Valley certainly is lucky to have a special event in sports with spring training. With the location, facilities, and great fans, spring training will continue to call Arizona home for years to come.

With more than a dash of color and a tribute to the contemporary architecture of the region, the Saguaro is vibrant in both design and spirit. A choice of suite styles and pleasing views combine with attentive service, comfortable amenities, and convenient location to make the Saguaro perfect for your Old Town accommodations. The hotel just celebrated the opening of Old Town Whiskey and Distrito, two restaurants created by Iron Chef José Garces.

Tip 1: With two restaurants on-site, it’s easy to grab a delicious and hearty pre-drinking meal after check-in to start your night off right.
Tip 2: If you’ve had a long night, the pool area is a great place to relax and recover the following day.

8:45 p.m.: Dos Gringos

4209 N. Craftsman Ct.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 423-3800
dosgringosaz.com

Keeping with the casual and colorful tradition of the Saguaro, a stop at Dos Gringos for some drinking and dining is a natural choice. The Mexican cantina sports four full-service bars, a kitchen that churns out some great south-of-the-border fare, and three patios (including one on the rooftop) for relaxing with family, friends, or colleagues. Order a Corona, kick back, and enjoy.

Tip 1: Leave your suit and tie in your car and break out your flip-flops. This is a young, vibrant crowd in a beach-party atmosphere enjoying tasty appetizers that will satisfy any Mexican food cravings.
Tip 2: Having a pocket full of Mardi Gras beads wouldn’t be a bad idea for this pre-party spot.

9:50 p.m.: Geisha A Go Go

7150 E. 6^th Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 699-0055
geishaagogo.com

Geisha A Go Go combines  love of food and  love of fun in one fantastic taste of Japanese pop culture. Sample some specialty sushi rolls and let loose with some friends in private karaoke rooms. Also take advantage of the yakisoba, ramen, and full teppanyaki menus.

Tip 1: Call ahead for seating if you have a large group, as the accommodations are somewhat limited.
Tip 2: Reserve a private karaoke room and allow yourself and your group to get lost in the music—even if you can’t sing.

11 p.m.: The Mint

7373 E. Camelback Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 947-6468
themintaz.com

The Mint, whose location was once a bank, is a luxurious and sophisticated restaurant and ultra-lounge that serves up champagne and other delightful drinks alongside gourmet pan-Asian cuisine. Snack off the tapas menu, indulge in some decadent desserts, and pair your small plates with selections from an extensive wine and sake list. It’s the perfect nightcap and is a staple of Scottsdale nightlife.

Tip 1: Dress to impress, and arrange bottle service inside or out for your group.
Tip 2: Have a DD or car service, or arrange a cab in advance, as it can be quite hectic to get a ride on the fly when this hopping venue finally closes down for the night.

November and December are the least likely months for breakups—who wants to be alone for Thanksgiving and Christmas? But with the busy holiday festivities, it may be easy to overlook the fact that your relationship is at an impasse. But just because January has been designated “National Break-up Month” and you’re both still walking hand in hand on February 1 doesn’t mean that there hasn’t been any thinking going on in the head of your significant other. Here’s hoping that you didn’t feel the pain of Cupid pulling the arrow out of your beloved’s heart (yes, it hurts you more than it hurts him or her).

For some people, breaking up may be part of a News Year’s resolution, along with losing weight, getting a better job, or finding true love. Some men break up with their women early in the year because they hate the weight women put on Valentine’s Day, so the weeks leading up to it present an opportune time for men to leave a lukewarm relationship to avoid the expense of flowers, jewelry, or an expensive dinner. Watch your man’s reaction when those TV commercials come on—most guys find them manipulative.

How do you know if your sweetheart wants to hit the road? Check out the following four telltale signs that you might be heading for a breakup.

1. Sexual behavior changes. A dramatic change in sexual behavior usually means that your beloved is trying to avoid intimate contact with you (usually because he or she wants it but not from you or is getting it somewhere else).

2. Emotional distance. Ridiculous fights usually mean someone is trying to get you to make the first move to end the relationship. If you don’t pick up on the cue right away, then you will usually hear “I need some space,” which translates as “I think we should see other people” (and usually, he or she already is).

3. Cell phone obsession. This is the kiss of death when it comes to relationships. If your sweetie ducks out to the patio to take a call, puts a security code on the phone, keeps it on his or her person all the time rather than on the usual countertop, or worse yet, gets a second phone, brace yourself for the impending breakup. Your lover may say that the new device is for work, but it usually means he or she is starting a new life without you.

4. Complete makeover. A person who is entertaining the thought of leaving or cheating will do a complete makeover. They will get down to date weight, do a wardrobe overhaul, and change colognes. So beware of any radical changes in your significant other, such as new clothes, hairstyles, and workout routine.

If your relationship makes it through Valentine’s Day, chances are in your favor for having a successful long-term relationship. If it doesn’t, realize that you have lots of company, which ultimately means lots of new opportunities. Lose those ten pounds you complain about and update your online profile as well as your hair and wardrobe. Who knows? You could only be one click away from new, true love!