Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away, and that means it’s time to start thinking about what to get that special someone in your life! I know that I’m always at a loss when it comes to Valentine’s Day, as I never can quite figure out what is “too little” or “too much” – if there is such a thing!

I often default to either ProFlowers or Shari’s Berries, two sites that offer the perfect gifts for just about any occasion, and include beautiful floral arrangements, plants, and yummy treats that are sure to please any gender. Take this amazing gift for example: it includes 12 gourmet dipped strawberries + one dozen long stemmed roses!

How can you go wrong with a beautiful sentiment like this! The best part? You can score 20% off with the special DM reader link below and it will be delivered to your sweetie on the date and time you set!

HOT Deal just for DM Readers!
Proflowers is offering DM readers 20% off when you shop their Valentine’s Deals! You can also find a number of additional deals on ProFlowers Facebook page. If that wasn’t awesome enough, you can also get 20% off at Shari’s Berries – a site that offers delicious alternatives to flowers.

Win It!
One Lucky DM reader will WIN a $50 ProFlowers Gift Certificate! The gift certificate is not onl y valid at ProFlowers, but it’s also valid at Shari’s Berries – a yummy site that offers scrumptious gifts that would be perfect for the “guy” in your life!

How to enter: Simply leave a comment telling me how you’ll be spending your $50 ProFlowers gift certificate should you win!

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Before I gave birth to my first daughter, I had silky, full head of hair that I was rather proud of. I’ve always had very straight hair, and was really able to do just about any hairstyle I desired.

Then, I became a mom.

Now, I’m not quite sure exactly how hair loss and motherhood coincide, but for the past 7 years, I have watched my full head of hair, turn into a flat, thin head of hair and I am shocked at how much hair leaves my head on a daily basis.

I know that hair loss is typical right after childbirth, and even up to 6 months postpartum…but, 7 years later? You should see my bathroom floor when I’m finished blow-drying my hair.  I often get embarrassed when we stay overnight with a friend, and I have to take the time when I’m done getting ready to clean up all of the hair in their bathroom.

So, I recently turned my sites to an online search on solution for hair loss in women and I actually found a number of reasons for hair loss in women, however I honed in on one in particular:

Telogen Effluvium – a scalp disorder characterized by thinning/shedding of hair resulting from the early entry of hairs into the telogen phase.

Telogen Effluvium can be caused by a number of factors, such as eating disorders, childbirth, and anemia to name a few, however I happened to hone in on one cause that rang a bell with me: stress. I’ve been a ball of stress for at least half of my life, and honestly it’s not intentional, I’m just a worrier by default.

Sigh… I guess I better take up meditation. Have you experienced prolonged hair loss after childbirth?

Have you often wanted to start on a home improvement project, only to wonder if it would actually be adding value to your home? A patio face-lift, or office renovation is probably not going to offer the kind of return you are hoping for, but the five home improvements listed below sure will!

Kitchen Remodel – This is the #1 home improvement that will add value to your home…when it’s done right! A minor kitchen face-lift will return more value that any other project you choose to invest in, and just about any real estate agent you talk to will concur.

Central Air Conditioning – This is a convenience that we here in California could never go without, and if you live in an area that even gets moderately warm, you may want to ensure that your home has central AC. I can tell you first hand that I wouldn’t personally purchase a home that was without Central air conditioning, and this will add a lot of value to your home.

Automatic Garage Door Opener – This is an often overlooked home improvement, and there are many out there that already have automatic garage door openers installed, however many cities around the country are going without this much needed convenience. If you currently have a garage door that is simply not in working order, you may find that a simple overhead garage repair is all that’s needed to get your garage door in tip top shape once again. For those who have never had an automatic home garage door installed, you can typically find the best value by calling around and getting price quotes. This will add value to your home like you wouldn’t believe, and you would be surprised by how much more home buyers will pay for that handy little garage door opener.

Lighting – The right lighting can make or break the sale of your home. The right kind of lighting can make you feel at peace and actually support well being. In fact, proper indoor lighting has been known to reduce stress and fatigue. The proper lighting fixtures, both inside and outside, will help add value to your home, and will help you with that sale when the time comes!

Molding and Paint – this may seem like a small “remodeling” project, but a little paint goes a long way in adding value to your home, and you can keep costs down by doing it yourself. Whether you choose to brighten up a room, or dull it down a bit to make your home more peaceful, paint can make a run-down house, suddenly appear to be much more. Add some crown molding and watch your home come to life in a way you never thought.

It’s often wise to consult with a real estate agent and find out what will truly add value to your home in the current market where you reside.

It seems that for years now we have set financial goals that we were certain we were going to follow through on, and then, well… life happened. Last year it seemed that every financial obstacle that could get in our way, did, and we are certain that this year will be different.

At least, that’s the idea.

Just like the majority of Americans, we have credit card debt. Don’t fall over of shock now! Our main focus is that we will pay off credit card bills this year.. all of them! This must happen so that we can follow through with moving into a larger home, and ensuring that we have plenty of savings, because guess what? In just ten short years our oldest will head off to college (OMG, reality check)!

So how exactly are we going to pay off credit card debt and free ourselves from financial ruin?

Assess The Damage – First, we had to get a running total of exactly what we need to pay. After assessing the damage we were able to put a plan together that would allow us to pay off debt in the time frame we were happy with.

Shred – The next step was to shred the cards. Now, not everyone agrees with our aggressive manner of shredding, and some may choose to just put them away and have much more self control then we do…that’s ok too. We did keep one card that is for emergencies only, and the rest went bye bye.

No Cash, No Purchase – We are on a cash only basis now. We have a weekly budget and it’s up to us to decide what we do with that budget and how to spend it wisely. Although we may want to go to the movies, eat out, and visit a local festival, our budget may not allow us to enjoy them all, and we have to pick and choose appropriately.

Second Guesses Can Be A Good Thing – There’s many times each week where we allow ourselves to “cheat” and pick up take-out, order a pizza, or take the family out for a fancy dinner. However, now that we have a financial goal, we have to second guess each and every “cheat” night, because that money could go into the “jar of debt”, taking us one step further to our goal.

Do I think we will be flawless? NO! It would be impossible to expect perfection, but the important thing is that we have taken the steps to move in a better direction and free ourselves from financial ruin – that we are proud of.

Have you set financial goals for 2012? Do you have any tips you’d like to share? Please leave a comment below and tell us how you plan on making better financial decision in 2012!

Up until recently, I didn’t give much thought to my skin and the reality of how harmful our environment can be to our skin, not to mention how it can be affected with what we put into our bodies. This year I turned 30 (eeeeek!), and as strange as it may sound, I started to have a new outlook on many things – one being my skin.

Here’s the problem: How on earth do you pick the right skincare products when the possibilities are truly endless?

I’m concerned with the content of my skincare, and I want to know that what I’m putting on or in my body isn’t going to be harmful in any way. It seems that going with a skincare line that has all natural ingredients, such as shea butter, rose, and other natural ingredients would be the way to go, but even taking a look at the many options out there for natural skincare products will have you throwing in the towel before you even get started.

I’ve heard a number of amazing testimonials of L’Occitane products, which uses plant based ingredients (many of them organic), and a quick look on their website displays an natural ingredient list a mile long. That, I like!  I just feel so lost in the skincare sea of uncertainty and I really need some advice from all of you!

Readers Weigh In! Have you tried L’Occitane products? What natural, organic, or plant based skincare have you found that works for you?

Last week I finished packing up the Christmas items, and brought out the tote filled with Valentine’s Day items. After looking through boxes and placing each item in it’s special spot, I noticed a stack of cards at the bottom that I must have packed away at some point. It was a stack of 6 cards that were given to me by my husband for the first, second, and third Valentine’s Day that we were together.

There were no more to follow. In fact, I can’t quite remember if I’ve received a card on Valentine’s Day any year after that, saved or not, and I wonder if it’s that men truly forget holidays, or they choose to ignore them.

Truth be told, I could really care less. A holiday, is a holiday, is a holiday in our home, and although cards filled with gestures of undying love and affection are always nice to read, it doesn’t make me think that he doesn’t love me for a second. In fact, I’ve often wondered why so many women become upset when their husbands/boyfriends forget holidays or birthdays – It’s what men do, and it’s been going on for centuries!

Now sure, if they remembered to do so, a quick online search of “gifts for her” will render a number of ideas that make the process much easier for men, but I wonder how often that actually happens. I’ll take the occasional anniversary gifts that come my way, and I may even get a bit giddy over a birthday gift because my husband is certainly never short on the WOW factor, but I don’t fret when I lay my head down at night if he does forget, because I know he is just being a typical man!

Does your significant other remember your birthday? Holidays? Chime in and tell us how you feel!

We’ve all be there – spent too much money, avoided planning ahead, paying bills late, and generally avoiding the fact that as we grow up, bills begin to show up at the end of the month.  Here are 5 financial mistakes that young people make and how parents can help them avoid financial ruin!

What Budget? Most young adults get their paycheck, and head out to spend it on a fun Friday night, followed by a shopping trip at their favorite clothing store, only to wonder a week later why they can’t make their electric bill. Although budgeting may seem easy to a seasoned veteran, young people find it it hard to think ahead and hold on to that precious paper. They are, in a sense still young and impulsive, which can lead to serious financial ruin rather quickly.

Nickel and Dimes – That $4 Starbucks, that cute pair of fuzzy socks from Target, and those coffee filters needed for the next morning may seem like just a few dollars, but when you are picking up small items every.single.day it becomes a problem, and I think most young adults would be shocked to see how much they’re spending each month on “inexpensive” items. I was certainly guilty of this in my teens and early 20′s, and I think many of you can relate.

Plan what?  For most youngsters planning ahead isn’t exactly on the priority list.  Just like setting a budget, planning ahead for expenses, setting the money aside, and tracking when payments are due on a calendar are all ways that young adults can better financial decisions.

Charge Now – Pay Later? Brilliant! –  Um…not so much!  When my first credit card came in the mail at the ripe age of 18, I thought the idea was brilliant!  I could go buy whatever my heart desires and pay for it later?  SCORE!  Yea, not so exciting when the bill showed up at the end of the month and I had no money left to pay it.  Credit cards can be dangerous and helpful all in the same aspect, but young people can get in over their heads before they know it.

I HAVE to have that – I walk by a million things a day that I would like to have, however living within our means is an important lesson to learn, and one that many young adults don’t quite get yet.  Impulse buying and purchasing items that is outside of their means is a classic mistake made by many, and debt can build up rather quickly when their trying to keep up with what’s “in”.

So, how does your young adult avoid financial ruin?

First, start teaching your child from a very young age how money works.  Open a savings account for them, allow them to “earn” money, then deposit it into their own account every week.  Show them by your own actions that we can’t always have everything we want, and we must plan ahead for each purchase.

Second, educate yourself on smart financial planning.  There’s a number of great money saving articles located at Money Supermarket, and other online sites that focus on financial stability.  You can then, in turn, take the proper steps to teach your child how to manage their own finances as they grow older.

Lastly, remember it’s the example that you set that will ultimately carry over with them into adulthood.  If young adults see their parents acting responsibly with money, they’ll be sure to follow in your footsteps and make sound financial decisions that will stay with them for the rest of their life.

Are you in the market for a new mattress? It can be a very in-depth process; there are so many brands and styles to choose from that purchasing a mattress is not unlike purchasing a car.  However, this is with good reason – as your mattress is likely one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, and it’s no secret that a quality night of rest is great for our bodies and minds.

So, if you’ve decided it’s time for a new mattress, one of the first things to think of is brand.  There are many reputable mattress brands out there, and it’s important to go with a trusted one. For example, a company like Serta has been in business for over 75 years – with good reason. Serta mattresses are known for their quality craftsmanship, comfort, and innovation. Whether you’re looking for a traditional coil mattress or the popular memory foam style, there’s a Serta mattress for you.

Some popular styles include the Serta Perfect Sleeper Daylight, with a comfy pillow top that’s perfect for sinking into after a long day. It’s also the official mattress of the National Sleep Foundation, so it comes very highly regarded! For memory-foam lovers, try the Serta iComfort Insight with Gel-Infused Memory Foam to get that perfect, molded-for-you feel. The iComfort also features cooling gel that keeps your sleep environment temperate and comfortable.

These and many other Serta mattresses are available online at retailers like ShopNBC. So take the guesswork out of mattress shopping and browse online today to read real customer reviews, study product specifications, and compare price options. So rest easy (and sleep well) with Serta mattresses.

This partnered post is brought to you by ShopNBC.

I don’t know about you, but I am loving the show line-up on the Style network this season! With shows like Kimora, the outrageously stylish mom that seems to say exactly what’s on her mind at every turn, and the love story of Giuliana and Bill that has viewers tuning in to see what’s coming next in their fast-paced life, Style has the shows that viewers are looking for and they are keeping the drama level high!

I find myself watching the “makeover” shows, such as How Do I Look? and Clean House (have you seen the messiest home in the country episode?), to name a few. I’m often inspired and sometimes awestruck by many of their stories and the changes that they make by being on the show.

If its drama you’re seeking, then make sure to tune into Super Nanny, Jersylicious, Project Runway, Big Rich Texas and Glam Fairy – all mentioned will give you the drama factor that you’re looking for, and high doses of it at that!

Tune into Style’s new 2012 line-up and click the above video for a sneak peek of the new seasons!

Sponsored by the Style Network.

I have to admit that I did not watch the first season of Dance Moms, however I heard about it through friends, and my many social media outlets. If you have yet to tune in to this hit series, let me fill you in – Dance Moms features one outrageous coach, 5 very demanding moms, and a box full of drama that has fifty-seven million viewers tuning in to watch the show!

I wouldn’t personally subject my own children to such drama, however with the viewer count climbing, Dance Moms Season 2 has viewers chomping at the bit to see what outrageous drama Abby Lee has in store for her dancers this season. Through word of mouth I hear that the mom’s are a bit mouthier (is that possible?), more secrets will be revealed, and from what I hear, season 2 is set to knock season 1 out of the water!

Dance Moms Season 2 kicks off on Tuesday, January 10th at 9pm on Lifetime. Will you be tuning in to watch the drama ensue?

This post is sponsored by Lifetime.