I sat down with my resident married guy, @Lawboychris and got a take on what Valentine’s Day means to men.

The biggest kissing holiday is only one day away! Get in the mood with these fun facts:

New data from RealtyTrac shows that foreclosures were up 30 percent in Chicago last year, but one sector of the market is doing better than ever: high-end homes. According to Midwest Real Estate Data, the 2012 sales of million-dollar-plus places totaled 1,529 — up nearly 15 percent from 2011 and hitting their highest level since 2008. And for good reason: “There’s a pent-up demand, and the supply of luxury properties is so tight that great places go fast,” says Prudential Rubloff broker Janet Owen (call 312-268-0700). Owen just listed 1866 N. Howe, an 11,000-square-foot, six-bedroom, five full-bath, three half-bath, four-car-garage house with four terraces for $10 million — and is already reporting back-to-back showings for the place.

Mary Astor Smithe, owner of Chicago Butter Cookies, shares a few of the things she’s sweet on.

Are you the type of person who changes your mind 18 times before deciding on the chopped chicken salad? Or maybe you’re the woman next to me in the dairy section who can’t decide between the nonfat milk and the 2%. What about the bigger decisions? Are you indecisive when it comes to buying a house or when to settle down and have a family?

On the morning of Feb. 14, Chicago’s florists will ring up roses, chocolate shops will run out of stock and singer Shelley MacArthur will warm up her pipes for a benefit performance that’s shaping up to be a hotter ticket than same-day tables at Next. Presented by the Joffrey Ballet, “What Is This Thing Called Love” is an all-inclusive evening of food, drink and entertainment from the acclaimed cabaret songstress, taking place at the Murphy Auditorium. 

Hey boys and girls, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to break out that whipped cream and sexy lingerie for that special someone in your life. I’ve had my share of wild times in the kitchen, but I’ll have to save those stories for another time. No, now, I want to hear all about your sexiest, steamiest kitchen stories. The hotter the better (but please, keep it clean!). Let’s start the foreplay early this year!

The latest intelligence from the retail scene, featuring Meredith Marks, Sofia and the fifth annual Tax Free Weekend at 900 N. Michigan.

What we’re loving this week from DavidsTEA, the Four Seasons, The Barbershop and SushiSamba. 

Dispatches from our Chicagoan in Hollywood, Liz Crokin.