Since tomorrow is Valentine's Day... I want to let you know I feel really bad for the guys out there that have to spend an arm and a leg just so their girlfriend or wife will get flowers and chocolate.

Lets talk about the chocolate factor first. I LOVE my chocolates. In fact, it is hard for me not to have a piece on a daily basis. But have you heard? There was a story in the news the other day that there is chocolate price gouging. Here is an excerpt from the BBC news story on line

Chocolate producers blame the soaring price of cocoa for price rises

German officials investigating possible chocolate price-fixing have raided the offices of some of Europe's biggest confectionery companies.

Nestle, Mars and Kraft confirmed that competition officials visited their German headquarters last Thursday.

Four other chocolate companies were also examined by the German Federal Cartel Office.

Nestle said it was cooperating with authorities and that price rises were due to rising costs of raw materials.

"There have been, worldwide, hefty increases in the price of cocoa. That naturally leads to the adapting of prices," Nestle spokesman Francois Perroud said.

So, I looked up some of the outrageous prices online. Can you believe delivery of those heart shaped boxes of chocolate can start at $85.00! Its important to know how deep some of our men have to dig into their pockets this time of year. Its nice to get chocolates, but really-- I think that $85.00 is a little too much.

And what about roses? According to the L.A. Times today, "American's will spend a record $9 Billion on fresh flowers this year, more than ever before." My middle name is Rose (it is, really) and I love my roses, but to have them delivered... ladies, do you know that your man is spending at least $79.99 for only a dozen red roses? I just find this kind of spending unnecessary.  There are places here in Los Angeles where your man can go and buy 50 red roses for $24.00. That is not a typo. Go to the flower market in downtown L.A. There is a small admissions charge of $2.00 and there you can find the freshest, largest variety of bouquets for your loved one... and deliver it yourself. Not only do you save $53.99 on the cost of delivery, but your woman will probably have more roses than anyone else at her work place. Plus, there is the extra bonus of having you personally deliver it with a kiss. Now isn't that romantic?

Happy Valentine's day all! I hope the men out there don't break the bank. Remember, you can do all that you romantically want to do, without spending the extra dough.