Valentine's Day is just around the corner. This is the one day of the year when there's no excuse for no hanky-panky. Despite being in the throes of menopause, there are ways to feel like a sexy twenty-something again, and give your partner a great, sexy, Valentine's Day experience. You just need to be prepared. Here is a list of my top 5 Valentine's Day considerations:

1. Lingerie with built-in Spanx . This one comes with a warning: under no circumstances is your partner to be the one to attempt the removal of this gloriously flattering, yet tight-as-hell garment. My suggestion is to make out like a teenager for awhile, then slip into the bathroom to remove the goods. Come back to bed wearing a bathrobe, if you must. He'll forget all about it when he realizes you're in the buff.

2. Chocolate-flavored lube . The lube should be self-explanatory: [Link Removed] There's more to lube than meets the eye...

3. A clean bikini line . Whether you wax or shave, having a nice, manicured [Link Removed] (and legs) will make you feel unbelievably sexy and young. It will also give your partner a great surprise, and will be guaranteed to increase his...readiness. (And yours.) Maybe it will inspire him to want to manscape his bush...

4. Be prepared . If it's been awhile (let's be honest- menopause does make you hot, but usually not for sex), consider warming up before running the 'ole marathon. By [Link Removed] with your Shmirshky days ahead of time, you will remember what you like, what you want, and what to ask for. You'll also be able to be more physically receptive to your partner on the Day of Cupid, by reminding your body that you are fully capable of having a great time in the sack. Whether it's been a couple of days, weeks, or months, Valentine's Day is an opportunity to sizzle with your partner.

5. A few reminders of the Big Day . (Or night.) A calendar, sticky-notes, and/or a message left by yourself on your voicemail will help you to remember the significance of the 14th. Many women going through menopause have foggy memories at best, so by pre-emptively warning yourself to not forget, you increase the likelihood of you remembering. When this works for you, you will find yourself declaring the Post-It your new best friend.

Have fun this [Link Removed] Show your significant other that you still have the stuff that sex dreams are made of. Have a light dinner, a nice glass of wine, and then get busy. You're amazing, and he will remember it for a long time after your fabulous sexcapade. You go, girl!

Also, despite all of my recommendations above, don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself or your spouse. Valentine's Day is all about love. If sex is out of the question, make sure to let your spouse know, in some small but significant way, that you're still hot for him. (Or her.)

Remember: Reaching out is IN! Suffering in silence is OUT! Don't sell yourself short this Valentine's day. Forget all about your menopause symptoms and welcome yourself (and your loved one) back to the dirty thirties! (Wink-wink.)