Amoeba Records - Be sure to give her or him your favorite love song and we are betting you can find it in Amoeba Records at 1855 Haight Street, SF and 2455 Telegraph, Berkeley. My number one is “I Will Always Love You” written and performed by Dolly Parton and also covered by Whitney Houston. Whatever your favorites, they will be at Amoeba. Be sure to use the coupon below too.

Año Nuevo Elephant Seals Visit - Those seals may seem strange, but they are lovable and fun to look at and learn about. This annual “Betty’s List” outing at Ano Nuevo State Park will be on Saturday, April 14th so give it to your Valentine and friends. Led by naturalist Kim Powell, this year the trip is for women and men too! Bring the guys! Info: 415-503-1375.

David & Ronnie Jewelry Design - The guys have out done themselves with a gorgeous heart-shaped ring in sterling silver with eighteen 14K gold spheres and sixteen garnets. Too pretty for words! Never heard of David and Ronnie? We have collected their creations for some 15 years! Look around their website (www.davidandronnie.com) and then call and tell ‘em Betty sent you. Call 707-2-597-5003 or e-mail info@davidandronnie.com. You are going to love them!

Flowers of the Valley - There are rave reviews galore for this speciality shop on 24th Street next door to the famous Noe Valley Bakery. Go by and meet Yuliya and her mom Tataniya who are incredibly friendly, ready with smiles and chock full of expertise on orchids and bouquets of many sorts. Plus, they are not over-priced, so the value is strong. Check out the heart-shaped wreaths made of wood products, dyed red and set to be hung for a decorative flourish . . . Give their gifts to loved ones or as business or corporate gifts.
4077 24th Street; 415-970-0579.

Good Vibrations - Have you met the JimmyJane products? This may be your day and our local favorite Good Vibrations is the source. The new GV store in Oakland joins the three in SF and one in Berkeley. Lots of choices to tickle your fancy. Contact www.goodvibes.com and do tell ‘em Betty sent you.

Gypsy Love - We fell in love with Gypsy Love’s talents when Gary Virginia introduced us. Give a belly dance by classically trained Gypsy to your love for Valentines or book her to liven up an event, private or public. Don’t miss this beautiful dynamo. She sings too. Contact GypsyLoveProductions@yahoo.com or www.gypsytime.com.

Harvard Sweet Boutique - This online source for delicacies is a new find for us and it just may become an obsession. Some sweethearts love cookies and handmade delicacies that are prepared with TLC and wrapped in elegant style. Give this a try for loved ones or business and corporate gifts. Send a message to founder Susan George (info@harvardsweetboutique.com) and tell her word is out on the left coast about her magnificent products and customer service. Visit harvardsweetboutique.com or call 888-579-3387.

Lisa Hair Design - Lisa’s shop, two doors from the Castro Theatre, provides affordable, comfortable and skilled hair design services. Very popular stop for Castro denizens wanting to look their best for Valentines or any time. Walk-ins welcome at 421 Castro, but reservations recommended. Contact: 415-626-6268.

Lovejoys Tea Room - Wonderful place for a cozy conversation, Lovejoy’s has been a Noe Valley favorite for two decades. You’ll enjoy their dedication to the ritual of tea and it’s happening in a quirky, eclectic and unpretentious setting. Find Lovejoy’s at 1351 Church Street. Reservations are strongly recommended: 415-648-6845. Enjoy!

Wolfe Video - Valentines isn’t complete without a good video, so we sought recommendations from Kathy Wolfe who has two she says are “perfect.” The Big Gay Love Collector’s Set and the Big Lesbian Love Collector’s Set each features four selections and they are on sale now at $29.95. Easy to order on the website: www.wolfevideo.com. Many, many more to choose from too!

Michael Bruno Luggage & Gifts - We visited Lou Briasco recently and he sold us on the Zuca Sport Bag. Comes in many colors and variations for business travel. There are pet carriers too. Plus, you can sit on it. Great gift for her or him! Stop by 2267 Market Street or call Lou at 415-522-3970.

Monday Hearts for Madalene - Page Hodel’s book and calendar bring loving images into your world to be savored everyday as well as Mondays. Find out about the love story, the loss and the remembrance in these collections of creative expression by one of the most popular DJs in the history of LGBTQ clubs in the Bay Area.  Check the website www.mondayheartsformadalene.com.

NAPA Cellars Wines - Give her or him a pair and set the tone for your own festivities. We love the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinor Noir. We love winemaker Joe Shirley and his sweet love Mo who may one day sing for us! Big thanks go to Vivien Gay for turning us on to NAPA Cellars and the entire Trinchero Wine family. Make a reservation for their tasting room, 7481 St. Helena Highway, Oakville and shop online too: http://napacellars.com. Contact: 800-535-6400 or info@napacellars.com.

Steven Underhill Photography - Steve says give a portrait to your Valentine and he’ll make sure you are looking good. Very talented and well-known photog in our neighborhood, Steve shoots guys and gals for portraits,  events, models or you name it. Check out his portfolio and smile. Contact 415-370-7152, sunderhill@aol.com or www.stevenhunderhill.com.

Sweet Inspiration - Give your Sweet some sweet inspiration from this Castro favorite shop where cakes and pastries are fresh daily. So many delicious delicacies on this menu and so many flavors to try. Really, order her or him a specialty for Valentines, birthday or any occasion. You will be a hit, Baby! New LGBT family owners are opening the doors with gusto! Visit 2239 Market Street. Contact: 415-621-8664 or www.sweetinspirationbakery.com.

Twilight Vixen Revue - Some things are to be experienced. That’s what we think about this troupe of queer burlesque performers who have teased audiences for us more times than one can count. They’ve won Best of the Bay over and over, and once you see them in action at your event, you’ll never forget how much fun was had. Visit www.twilightvixen.com, e-mail vixen@twilightvixen.com or call 510-712-7739.

Valentine’s Soiree Tickets - Gals who love gals will love “Let’s Talk About Sex . . . and Love Too!” Dinner & Comedy with the very funny Karen Williams, singer / songwriter Laura Zucker and the “Betty’s List” Team. Tickets: 415-503-1375 or www.bettyslist.com.

Wild Card - You do need cards and other goodies, so go by Wild Card, our local shop, 3989 17th @ Castro. Always great service and surprising selection, including hundreds of cards, rainbow items and a price range to meet any budget. Contact: 415-626-4449.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Betty and Jen