Over the holidays, two more Hillcrest stores, Artventures and Gallery Scene, shut their doors. This is sad, because they were very lovely stores that added a unique character to Hillcrest. I hope it is not a sign that the businesses in Hillcrest are falling victim to high real estate prices. In keeping our neighborhood clean, safe and vibrant, we must make sure we patronize our local businesses as well.

So it is with high hopes that I also see major construction happening on the same street. The landmark Golden Dragon restaurant is being transformed into an Asian bistro, while the old Me ’N’ Ed’s Pizza Parlor (and Rubio’s before that) will soon be home to Saigon on Fifth. Saigon on Fifth is a dream that my Asian sister, Patrick (of Taste of Szechuan), had for many years. And when this location came up, he started the process of renovation in hopes of providing the city with haute Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting. The good news is also that there is underground parking for diners. So watch out for the grand opening of Saigon on Fifth shortly.

I’m a HGTV junkie, and I watch the design shows all weekend. With Circa AD moving to Old Town and Metropolis closing a few months ago, followed recently by Artventures, I wonder if we’re not “trading spaces” too much.

So I rejoiced when I saw that Metropolis Mall has morphed into an exciting specialty store. I was at their grand opening last Thursday. Oh, the grand furniture and home furnishings we have grown to love are still their staples. The luxurious leather sectionals, mahogany armoires, graceful sleigh beds and Asian antique repro pieces are straight out of Architectural Digest. There is also a stunning tuxedo couch in gray wool pinstripes that is sleek and oh so moderne! But the new Metropolis Mall is so much more. They have an area devoted to the California Fleurish line of therapy-grade personal care products, such as soaps, lotions, candles and fragrances (their signature scent being Black Citrus). There is also the Antique Garden line with such inspirational scents as Zen (my favorite), magnolia, gardenia and laurel. Put a basket of various products together for a fine Valentine’s Day gift!

The mall also has exceptional decorative arts, such as exquisite Venetian masks just in time for Mardi Gras; luxurious throw pillows and bed linens; Asian art from Bali, Thailand and China; and a very large selection of silk floral arrangements from National Decorations, Inc. Metropolis Mall also carries a line of fine leather jackets by Moda In Pelle from Firenze, exquisite jewelry from local artists and a large selection of silk scarves, jackets, tunics and skirts by Satori. I especially like the Fortuny pleated jacket in champagne poly/silk.

Wait, there’s more to see and shop for, like the very colorful decorative glassware from Leonardo, which includes a set of fun barware in bright jewel-tone colors.

The new Metropolis Mall is back in a big way. Not only will you find big items like beds, sofas and entertainment centers, you can decorate your entire home from this place and pick up fun, wonderful gifts, especially the iridescent glitter candles! Metropolis Mall is on the corner University and 10th Avenues.

So the Super Bowl is over, but the fun is just beginning here in San Diego. The San Diego Flag Football League starts their new season soon, and I, for one, am looking forward to it. Now, I don’t pretend to understand the game, and my fascination doesn’t merely focus on their sexy uniforms or the colors of their flags (I’ve been told that the colors do not mean what some of you might wear colored hankies for). I do enjoy watching these hot guys run around chasing each other, with lots of body contact, and playing ball. Clinics to show off your skills at will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb. 25, at the field on the corner of Zoo Drive and Park Boulevard in Balboa Park, and a Player Draft takes place on Feb. 25 at 4:30 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s. Their regular season kicks off at the San Diego City College soccer field on Saturday, March 18. So if you’re interested in joining, contact their PR stud, Steve Pena, at sdfflis4u@gmail.com, or contact SDAFFL Commissioner John Hernandez at sdaffl@cox.net. I should start looking for my cheerleading outfit. Be ready to play ball!

I’m convinced that Valentine’s Day, just like Mother’s Day and Secretary’s Day, was created by greeting card companies and the gift industry to promote sales. But what the heck – it’s a fun way to just take time to express your love and appreciation. Valentine’s should not be for lovers only; it should be for everyone who cares about someone else on an intimate or friendly basis. So have you made plans yet to celebrate?

The Center has two events planned on Saturday, Feb. 11. The Center’s Hillcrest Youth Center will host a special Valentine’s celebration for youth ages 14 to 20. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m., and will feature a barbecue, a Valentine card exchange and a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Remember those days? For more information, contact Xavier Mejia at (619) 497-2920 ext. 114 or e-mail xmejia@thecentersd.org. Then there is the “Red Hot Valentine: A Women’s Nightclub,” taking place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Center, featuring great dance music, door prizes and a pass to the after-party at The Flame – all for just $5 per person. Red attire is encouraged and tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, contact Claudia Lucero at (619) 692-2077 ext. 206 or e-mail clucero@thecentersd.org.

How about a gay evening of cabaret at Schroeder’s on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Westin Horton Plaza featuring the Needeman Brothers – Anthony Ballotta and Jorge Luis Abreu? The Needeman Brothers are known for their funny, tune-filled show, and through song mixed with banter, they explore their friendship, auditions, musicals, boyfriends and the pursuit of great clothes. This sounds like a winning combination to me! So spend a night of love and laughter with songs, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Call (858) 794-9044 or visit www.schroeders.cc for reservations.

Most restaurants in town will have some kind of romantic dinner specials on Tuesday, Feb. 14, but be sure to make your reservations ahead of time. Over at Martinis Above Fourth, they’re offering a three-course prix fixe menu with two seatings (6:00 and 8:30 p.m.), plus Laura Jane belting out romantic tunes. To see the menu and make reservations, visit www.martinisabovefourth.com.

You can also head over to Bacchus House on Tuesday for free roses, $4 pomegranate martinis and a CD giveaway of Broadway singer Duncan Sheik’s new album, White Limousine. Or have a Tiki Tuesday Valentine’s at The Brass Rail, featuring fresh new DJs and tropical drink specials.

Try something different, like having your portrait taken with a loved one or a pet. Portraits by Peggy is offering a Valentine’s special on a studio portrait session for $175 ($250 value). Call (619) 788-9152 for an appointment.

Pick up a toy of the adult kind and a video at Adult Depot (behind Sports Arena or on Pacific Coast Highway across from MCRD) and re-enact the scene at home, by yourself or with someone else.

Go for a new cut and color by my forever lovely sister, Cristina Monet, at her new salon downtown called C-13. Call (619) 239-2620 for appointment.

Bling is a good thing, and Jane Iris Design has beautiful garnet and rose quartz trinkets for that special someone at OutMall on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest.

Pick up an armload of fresh-cut exotic flowers from Florastyle on Fifth and Robinson. Or, if you’re more traditional, a dozen roses at Flowers by Sean (next to David’s Coffeehouse) start at just $30. Me,

I’ll be sending a care package of intimate Victoria’s Secret items to the big guy in Fallujah. Unless, of course, I hear the doorbell ring.

Happy Valentine’s Day!