Figuring out how to say, “I Love You” without emptying your pockets on cheap chocolate and boring carnations? Good news! We’ve got a bunch of new products for Valentine’s Day that are unique and affordable at every price range! Ch-ch-ch-eck ‘em out!

Crayon Rings!

Made from washable crayons, these rings come in blue, red, orange, and yellow. Mix and match the rings according to your significant other’s taste! And for anyone who appreciates good design from start to finish, the packaging on these crayons add a very personal, and do-it-yourself touch.

“Loving You” His <3 Her T-Shirts

What better way to show your love than wear it! Part of our SPACETIME series, designed by Cody Hudson, the bold design is perfectly in sync with the bold statement. Warning: For “cool” couples only.

We Art Not Two We Are One Silkscreen Poster

Designed by Chris Bettig, this limited edition silkscreened poster will belong to 50 lucky people. So let your loved one be that person! Based on the song “The Strangers” by The Kinks, this poster is perfect for classic rock aficionado’s, art lovers, and the like!

Bird Hand Brooch

Handcrafted by Australian designer Beci Orpin, this wooden brooch is delicate, charming, and wonderfully affordable. Wear it on your chest as a badge of love, or pin them to bags and scarves as accent pieces.

Cactus Boy, Tree Girl Card

Designed by Poketo x Leah Chun, the Cactus Boy, Tree Girl cards are perfect for any occasion, but particularly more relevant this year because of the need for Green! Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy inks, add the final touch to your gift with these simple, and eco-friendly cards.

5-Minute Candles

Sometimes, Valentine’s Day calls for spontaneous candle light. The 5-minute Candles will come to your rescue! Once you whip one of these out, you will instantly transform any moment into a super romantic ambience.

The Silver Diamond Ring

Alas, the creme de la creme to top off your already amazing Valentine’s Day. Ditch the cubic zirconia ring, and impress her with this simple and instantly recognizable silver ring.

For these and other products, please visit: www.poketo.com/shop/Valentines

There’s a huge movement taking place right now in Los Angeles in the arts. Very slowly but very surely is this city starting to gain credibility in the international art scene– autonomous from the once prevalent stereotype of Hollywood glamor. So 2010’s L.A. Arts Month is particularly important for the city because it is a chance for L.A. to join together through a creative lens and not through the Lakers. Through the coming together of different cultures, and not through disparity.

There is a ton of interesting programming happening, but here are the ones that stood out:

1. 1/14: The 19th Annual International Los Angeles Photographic Art Expo
2. 1/14: Culver City Art Walk
3. 1/16: Miracle Mile Art Walk
4. 1/16: Urban Interventions
5. 1/22: Between Science and Magic @ SMMOA
6. 1/25: VIA/LAND Gonzalo Lebrija/ Sunset Boulevard VideoTRONS
7. 1/30: Art Circles at the Getty

Things I want to look out for is how art is integrated into the city, what kinds of people these events will attract, and what the attendees reactions are to art. So close your eyes, take a deep breath, and free your minds!

More information can be found: www.laartsmonth.org

(P.S. Wells Fargo customers get discounts!)

Ever wondered what the post office does with all those letters to Santa? It turns out that these letters do in fact, have a destination and are signed, sealed, and delivered by Santa himself! Operation Santa, founded by Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock in 1912, allowed local postmasters to read and reply to letters addressed to the North Pole. Today, anyone can volunteer at their nearest, participating post office to read letters to Santa with a special post-marked stamp from the North Pole! Charitable organizations like beanelf.org have taken it a step further with volunteers reading letters and sending gifts to the neediest children:

Because of the bad economy and lack of resources, many cities this year won’t be participating in Operation Santa (sorry Los Angeles). Creepers beware! Strict guidelines have been set to prevent potential harm to children like the one in 2008.

What would Operation Santa look like in 2020? Will children start emailing Santa in the coming years? Could very well be…Santa already has a blog and a twitter!

Merry X-mas everyone!