There's a whole lotta love in Honolulu. In response to The Advertiser's call for nominations of people who deserve a Valentine's Day makeover, more than 100 heartfelt e-mails poured in. Each is a moving tribute to a nominee. Many moved me to tears.

The nominations came from all over O'ahu, and one came all the way from Iraq.

Today, we're following the three winners as they get the works — haircut, facial, manicure, pedicure and a makeup lesson — before Valentine's dates. You'll see results Sunday.

To all who nominated someone, a huge mahalo. We hope you printed out your nominations and used them as Valentines.

Here are the winners.

MONICA YASUDA

Will go to: Medical Spa for an all-natural Green Peel with Linda Shafie and to Antoine Salon for a haircut with Ces Spinelli and makeup with Paul Tomooka

Age: 33

Neighborhood: Royal Kunia

Occupation: English teacher, Nanakuli High & Intermediate School

Nominated by: Husband, Kris Yasuda, via poem. Last stanza: "Always thinking about others before caring for herself, / Giving up sleep, / Giving up her days off, / Giving up time to relax, / All to help her students, new-born parents and her neighbors. / Never a complaint, / Except for the occasional 'I need some sleep.' / All for the love of helping others, / Altruism at its best."

Mother of: Skye, 3, and Maverick, 1

The look she's after: "Professional, sexy and easy to manage."

What would you like to change? "Hair ... up-to-date color and style that doesn't make my face, cheeks in particular, stand out; makeup that brings out my best feature(s), whatever that may be; nails that don't look like I ... worked on the yard all day."

Don't touch: "I'm pretty open."

Date destination: "No plans yet. Then again, a nice evening at home isn't too bad, since we're tight on funds."

What item do you wish you had? "Accessories to complement my black dress"

Style inspiration: Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox

LUANA PEAHI

Will go to: Marsha Nadalin Salon & Spa in Kahala Mall. Nadalin will cut her hair, Francine Koani will give her a manicure and pedicure, Jane Fee will provide a massage and Kristin Akana will do a facial, capped off with a Sandi Won makeup lesson.

Age: 50

Neighborhood: Nanakuli


Occupation: Caretaker for five foster children ages 2 to 8, plus an elderly uncle

Nominated by: Linda Carlson, a volunteer child advocate who wrote that Luana's "whole life revolves around making (the children's) lives happy, teaching them manners, showing them things they've never seen like making Christmas lists, dying Easter eggs, flying on an airplane to Maui, helping them with their homework. ... In short, being the best mother I've ever witnessed. She is completely devoted to them and loves them dearly. Nothing she does is for herself ... I can't think of anyone more deserving."

Mother of: WillyJohn K. Peahi, 27, a postal worker on Maui

The look she's after: "I'd just like a new look. I'm not picky."

What would you like to have changed? "I like anything."

Date destination: "Wherever the kids want to go."

Your favorite item of clothing: "T-shirt, jeans shorts and flip-flops. That's all I wear."

MARLENE BARRETTO

Will go to: Paul Brown Salon & Spa. Paul Brown himself will cut her hair, Gerry Brown will give her a makeup lesson and Helga Ellis will do a manicure and pedicure.

Age: 35

Neighborhood: Mililani

Occupation: Contract specialist, Army MWR

Nominated by: Husband, Phil Keli'i Barretto, who e-mailed from Iraq his wife's grueling daily schedule, which begins at 4:30 a.m. with feeding infant daughter Fallon and ends at midnight. "My wife deserves to be pampered because she has dealt with me and my combat deployments, one too many. I have been gone for two out of the last three years. During those three years she has given me two beautiful baby girls, Trinity and Fallon."

Barretto scheduled his two-week leave to be home for Valentine's Day. He'll watch the kids while Marlene is pampered.

Mother of: Trinity, 2 and Fallon, 6 months. Stepmother of Bronson, 12

The look she's after: Elegant

What would you like to have changed? "I would love to improve the feel of my overworked hands. My hands feel so dry from doing dishes, cleaning house and giving the babies a bath. I would love to have a soft feel again."

Don't touch: "The length of my hair."

Date destination: Assaggio Mililani

Style inspiration: Jane Seymour

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.