Gentlemen, start your engines. It's Valentine's Day, and odds are good you're not prepared. Lucky for you, the calendar cut you a break this year, and if you set down the paper and kick off the slippers now, you can stay in this race and possibly find yourself on the winner's podium tonight.

* Take your first lap at FlatIron Crossing in Broomfield, where you'll find lots of options to make her smile. Ben Bridge Jeweler has white-gold diamond heart pendants for $99. Or frame the happy couple at Picture Perfect Gifts from Papyrus for anywhere from $20-$50 per frame. You can pamper her with massage oils and bubble baths from Provencal Romance from L'Occitane, or you can find the perfect perfume by Feminine Fragrances at The Body Shop.

* Maybe you'd prefer sweets for your sweet? Pace yourself at the Colorado Outlet stores, where you'll find two-for-$10 Moose Munch at Harry and David stores in the Castle Rock or Silverthorne outlets, or chocolate-covered cherries and strawberries for a classier approach at all three centers. At the Loveland outlets, you'll also find gourmet fudge at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, where the first 100 customers today will receive a free caramel apple.

* Want to give your sweetheart a more lasting gift? Visit the Antique Exchange, where you'll find 10 to 25 percent off all items in the 10,000-square-foot, multidealer store, which might require a few laps. The sale is this Valentine's weekend only and includes some untouched, vintage Valentine's cards. 1500 S. Broadway, 303-777-7871, antique-row.com

* Make a pit stop at Lulu's Furniture and Decor, where you'll receive 14 percent off any one in-stock item in honor of the big day. Spend more than $100 on the boutique-type store's diverse inventory (from tables and chairs to candles and pillows), and receive a free gift. 2553 S. Colorado Blvd., 303-756- 2222, lulusfurniture.com

* Find huge discounts on everything in the showroom through the end of the month at BellaLu Home & Design. Upholstery, rugs, lighting, furniture and accessories are all being let go for up to 80 percent off to make room for spring merchandise. The store offers free interior design services and high-end merchandise, some unique to the Denver area. 9595 E. County Line Road, Englewood, 303-768-8700

* Don't miss Shaver-Ramsey's annual February rug sale, where you'll find hundreds of selected rugs from 20 to 50 percent off. 2414 E. Third Ave., Cherry Creek North, 303-320-6363, shaver-ramsey.com

* Women, if you need in on this last-minute action, pick up a great sweater, jacket or pair of trousers for your honey at the St. Croix Shop, and get a sweet deal. Already-reduced inventory has been slashed an extra 20 percent, bringing some items to 65 percent off just in time for the holiday. The sale continues through Feb. 22. 2445 E. Third Ave., Cherry Creek North, 303-331-9807, stcroixshop.com

* While you're out, grab something at Kids Again. Look for the red tags for 40 percent off select children's items, or browse a special $2 rack at the consignment store today. 311 E. County Line Road, Suite A-10, Littleton, 303-740-7333, www.kidsagain.net

* Since you're already out, why not find something for yourself? Act II Consignment Boutique is pulling out the $2 Bargain Bins today (through Presidents Day), where you'll find top-name women's clothing, purses, shoes and jewelry. 1226 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 303-795-1122, myact2.com.

Have a tip on a good sale? Send it to dmelani@msn.com.