The average consumer will spend $122.98 on Valentine's Day, according to the National Retail Federation. But hitting the mark on Valentine's Day doesn't require taking a hit to the wallet, said Greg Karp, author of "Living Rich by Spending Smart." Among Karp's tips: Consider dining alternatives such as making a favorite meal at home or a romantic picnic. Check out free, fun alternatives such as a trip to the art museum, the aquarium, zoo or a public concert. And cut down on the candy: Purchase just one or two gourmet sweets by the piece.

— Zenaida Serrano

SPECIAL CELEBRATION? DO TELL!

With leap year comes those special once-every-four-years celebrations. Maybe it's your 4-year-old's official first birthday, or your fifth — er, 20th — wedding anniversary. Want to share a leap year celebration story with our readers? Send your name, phone number and leap year story to Leap Year, Island Life, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; fax to 525-8055; or e-mail it to zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com, with "Leap Year" in the subject line. Deadline for submissions is Feb. 22.

— Zenaida Serrano

FINAL WORD

"Being there among all that history, it leaves you speechless."

Rachel Bilson | on filming at the Coliseum in Rome for "Jumpers," in Vogue