Fighting Frizz Can Be A Whiz! (Review)

I read in one of my magazines that 54% of women got madder at their hair last month than at their partner!  I know, I'm right there with you and probably more so.  I get so dang mad at my hair!  It is so uncooperative.  I'd love to just get out of bed with my hair looking great. I'm lazy that way.  I don't enjoy having to spend more than 5 minutes on that part of grooming.  
 I've spent time in the southern states and there, my hair becomes more curly and frizzy. I am hard pressed to keep it manageable without using some severe restraining methods, like perming it and then styling it to how I want it.  That is damaging! I now live in Utah, a western desert state and while I no longer have a problem with excessive frizziness, it's now dryness that I battle every day.  When I first moved here, it was like my hair had been singed due to heat.  But it was just the dryness sucking all the moisture out of my skin and hair! (I was also thirsty all the time!)  So I look for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to help with the problem! 
Having healthy hair can help it be more cooperative and withstand more heat and teasing in the quest to have a beautiful looking do. I've found something that will definitely get your hair more healthy because it delivers what the hair thrives on--protein!  The product is from a company called Tropical Traditions.  Ever heard of it?

I Wish My Hair looked like this when I get out of bed!

Coconut oil has been used for hair treatment in coconut producing countries such as India and the Philippines for thousands of years. Studies in India have been done on how effective various oils are on treating damaged hair. The study compared mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil because these were the three most commonly used oils in hair treatment products used in India. The aim of this study was to cover different treatments, and the effect of these treatments on various hair types using these three oils. Both sunflower and mineral oils do not help at all in reducing the protein loss from hair. This difference in results could arise from the composition of each of these oils. Among three oils, coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product.

 Tropical Traditions has a Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil specifically For Hair Treatment!  It penetrates the hair shaft to deliver that vital protein so essential to good hair health!  It has a higher protein content than their other Virgin Coconut Oils because it has coconut solids in it. 

 My experience:  I've used this Coconut Oil specifically for my hair and I love how it literally sinks into the hair shaft and keeps it moisturized and manageable.  I feel that my hair is getting healthier and that I won't have to cut it all off because of dryness and damage.  I use it as a pre-wash conditioner and I also use it after I wash my hair, just on the ends to tame the flyaways.  It isn't too oily at all, due to the absorption directly into the hair!  My only suggestion is that I'd like to see more of a practical dispenser for shower and bath.  A wide-mouthed glass jar isn't the most practical for application in the shower or bath.  Other than that, I am most impressed and grateful to have found yet another great product from Tropical Traditions!

(For first time purchasers, please use the referral code 5954910.  You will receive a complimentary copy of the book 'Virgin Coconut Oil:  How It Has Changed People's Lives And How It Can Change Yours' with your purchase.  This book includes over 85 recipes using coconut oil and research showing the health benefits of coconut oil!)
Hugs,

Helena
disclaimer:  I was provided product to give a fair and honest review, which I have done!

Hiking Mt. Timpanogos #BeUtahful

I've been on a little summer hiatus and much needed blogging break...A Gal Needs that once in a while!  The main reasons being that I was completing my last stint with the 2010 Census and being with my two boys, Eddie the Yettie and Sloppy Jo, doing some fun summer activities before Joseph, 13, had to go back to Virginia, where he lives with his Dad.  I so much miss them and their antics already, but also, glad to get back to blogging, which is a comfort to me, and helps to soothe my achy breaky heart when they are away. 

Thanks so much for sticking with me through this break.

These boys of mine have the closest relationship of any two brothers I know.  Sometimes I get a little bit envious of how close they are.  But not really.  I want them to be able to continue seeing one another and associating with each other long after I am no longer able to be with them.  The last day they were here together they hiked to the top of Mt. Timpanogos, a 19 mile round trip with an elevation gain of about a mile.  Here are some great pics they took on this incredible journey. They even got shots of the elusive mountain goats that wander around up there. I don't think I would have made it, although I'd like to try later on in the summer.  A daunting task, to be sure!  They had to bring a young woman down with a broken ankle.  We were there at the trailhead to meet the boys and saw the rescue squad packing her down on a stretcher. I really don't want to end up like that if I make an attempt....Hugs,  Helena

Country Time Lemonade and Pitcher Giveaway!

Congratulations to my winner, #2, Beth, who said,  Friend Country Time Lemonade and Kraft Foods on Facebook   Thanks to everyone who entered, and watch for another batch of giveaways soon!

 Summer just wouldn't be the same without lemonade!  One of my favorite childhood memories is how my mother would always have lemonade for us to drink.  I loved it so much!

"Now warm weather is here and nothing makes friends and family smile like lemonade.  Simply put, it's a classic--a staple of the season that you will always enjoy finding in the fridge.  Whether you'll be spending time entertaining in the backyard, in the park or around the kitchen table, keep Country Time Lemonade on hand.  It's available in traditional and pink, and is a delicious blend of sweet and tart that will stir memories of summers past and remind you of what warm weather is really all about!"

 Get Country Time Lemonade at Stores everywhere!
 
 One person reading this blog will win a cannister of Country Time Lemonade just in time for summer, along with a pitcher to hold it in!  This will come gifted very very nicely, with loads of yellow and pink confetti (like the lemonade)  to cushion it in, so if you like beautiful confetti, that is a bonus!  Here is what I need for you to enter and win:

Mandy:  Write a sentence using the word "lemonade" in it! (Must be done or no other entries count!)

Other Entries:
+1 Friend Country Time Lemonade and Kraft Foods on Facebook!
+1 Follow Kraft Foods on Twitter!  Leave me your link!
+2 Follow AGalNeeds...on Google Friend Connect!  Tell me if you already do!  It still counts!
+2  See what I did with my Country Time on the 4th of July!  What did you do on the 4th?  Make a comment and come back and let me know you did!
+3 Grab my button and post it on your own blog!  
+3 Subscribe to my RSS Feed!
+1 Follow me on Twitter!
+1 Tweet daily about this giveaway for an extra entry per day! 
+3 Blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post!


This giveaway is open to US bloggers and will end on Wednesday, July 21st. The winner will be selected through random.org and will be contacted through e-mail. Thanks so much for stopping by and good luck with this great giveaway!

Hugs,
Helena

Our 4th of July Celebration!

My family had a great 4th of July weekend!  We combined it with the birthday of my oldest son, whose birthday always falls on the 4th every year! ;)  We had good food, good times and made some good memories.  Thank you to Laura and Chris for hosting it at their home.  Thank you to

Leland and Alicia for arranging the trip to Lagoon and thanks to all our extended family for helping and being there to enjoy!  Here I am at Lagoon enjoying one of the more tame rides and my personal favorite, the Sky Rider.  So calm and relaxing!  I also went on the Samurai, Wicked and the roller coaster!  Not so calm and relaxing. 

We had a great BBQ with T-Bone Steaks before we all walked to the park to see the fireworks!  Here are some of the fixins':

                This is the punch bowl cake that seems to be a big hit when I make it!

 Harrison, my 4-year-old nephew, was in charge of decorating this cake.  He got help from Aunt Amy!

                                  This salad was awesome!  Made by Harrison's Mom, Laura!

One of the great drinks was Country Time Lemonade, complete with sliced lemons and mint leaves!


Hugs,

Helena

Tropical Traditions Canadian Raw Honey Giveaway and Review

Congratulations to my winner, LAMusing #26, who said:
I follow on GFC (#1)  I will e-mail you as well with the good news!  

 Tropical Traditions has proved once again that it is a company that offers only the highest quality food products.  This Canadian Raw Honey is exquisite!  It is not clear, like many honeys, but creamy and smooth.  The taste is perfect!  It is almost like a rich butter going onto your toast.  Because it is so very good, I don't want to waste it in baking.  I'll go and get a lesser quality honey to disappear into my cooking.  This honey was made for eating straight!  Try it, you'll see what I mean.

 For first time purchasers, please use the referral code 5954910.  You will receive a complimentary copy of the book 'Virgin Coconut Oil:  How It Has Changed People's Lives And How It Can Change Yours' with your purchase.  This book includes over 85 recipes using coconut oil and research showing the health benefits of coconut oil!
 You can purchase Tropical Traditions Canadian Raw Organic Honey (17 oz.) now through July 8th for 50% off!
Tropical Traditions would like to give one of my readers a glass jar of their pure Canadian Raw Honey!  Here is what you can do to win it!

Mandatory: Visit Tropical Traditions and tell me something else about their honey or honey in general!


Extra entries:
+1  Become a Facebook Fan of Tropical Traditions here!  If you are already a fan, mention it in a comment!


+1 Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter!  Please leave your follower name!


+1 Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway.  You can do this once daily for extra entries! You can copy and paste this!
"#Win @TropTraditions a 17 oz. glass jar of Canadian Raw Honey http://tiny.cc/bbl4g  Ends 7/15"  Leave your tweet status!


+5 Blog about this Giveaway.  Leave me the post link!

+3 Grab my Button and post it on your main page! Leave me where you did it!

+2 Follow me on Google Friend!


+2 Subscribe to my RSS Feed!


Open to US and Canada (well, since the honey IS from Canada...;)
Giveaway will run through July 15th at which time the winner will be chosen through random.org and be notified through e-mail.  
Good luck and thanks so much for participating!  

Hugs, 
 Helena
Disclaimer:  I was provided product in exchange for an honest and fair review!

A Great Place To Run and Walk!

I have a little place that I go when I take my dog for an early morning run/walk.

It's very quiet, it's very beautiful and we both love it.  I've always loved to hike, bike and run--just never all at the same time.  I'm either on a hiking kick, a biking phase or a running stage.  For a long time, I swore I'd never run again.  I preferred the less jolting activities of hiking and biking. But my weight has given me fits lately. I need to do something.  I can't cheat when I run.

 I've started out walking for 5 minutes and running for 5 minutes for an hour.  But this is the place my dog and I go.  No one bothers us, no prying eyes here at 6:30 am.  Just me, my dog, the road and an occasional lake bird.  Yes, we have a beautiful backdrop! 

Evee is a real motivator.  She runs like the wind, and loves to chase birds in flight, ducks in the water (yes, she loves to swim) or, unfortunately bikers, cars and runners.  Of course, she always comes back to see that I'm doing OK and she tries to get me going even faster by circling behind me, ever herding.  That's why I need to have her out early in the morning before anyone comes out.  I can't enjoy a walk where I have a dog tugging on a leash wanting to aggressively herd anything that comes by.  But it's good for me as well to rise early.  Getting up in the morning and exercising really kick starts my day!
Hugs,

Helena

A Way To Get Fresh Fruits and Vegetables For Low Prices --Bountiful Baskets

 

My brother and his wife, Alicia, just started participating in Bountiful Baskets.org.  It's a co-op where you sign up to volunteer and reap the rewards of a fresh fruit and vegetable delivery to a specified place in your city.  Before you read any further, it is currently only available in Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, Washington, Arizona and Nevada.  But with more participation and widespread demand, I'm sure it could spread out to other states.  I haven't tried it before, but my brother says it is really good.  They deliver a very generous amount of random seasonal fruits and vegetables to you and you take what is given.  But it is really good stuff at a really great bargain.  He showed me the tomatoes and they looked delicious!  I definitely want to try this!  I'll let you know how it goes!  If you have some experience with Bountiful Baskets or food co-ops, please fill me in as well!

Update:
I went on to be a huge fan of Bountiful Baskets and for about a year and a half I faithfully went every week to pick up my basket of fruit and veggies at great prices.  I became disillusioned, however, when I saw that the amount of fruit and even the quality of the fruit sometimes wasn't as great a bargain as I thought.  I slowed up my participation and finally quit once I moved to Sandy from Provo.  I do have fond memories of this time and maybe will start up again this summer!

Athletica $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

Congratulations to Random.org selection #25!  DuMei said:

follow athletica via twitter @dmetd42 #2 dumei42 gmail com

June 17, 2010 3:20 PM 

She has been notified and will respond back within 48 hours to claim her win!  If not, there will be another drawing and another winner will be selected!

 

In case you were wondering, to get the most out of a workout, you absolutely must have need the proper sports apparel!  For example, you don't wear jeans to go bike riding(on long bike rides, you'd get chaffed), you don't wear shorts to go skiing (although there are always the smart-A exceptions) and you don't wear ski boots to dance!  

Athletica.net has the right sports apparel for yoga, dance, running, weight lifting, cardio workouts, cycling, aerobics and more!  They outfit both men and women in most sizes! The shipping is free for many orders and the clothing is both super comfortable and very stylish!  You can buy online in the comfort of your own home! Sound intriguing yet?  Wait until you visit their site!  I love their clothing.  I'm sure you will too! 

Me popping some Yoga poses in my Athletica.net Combed Cotton Cami and Jazz Pant


Right now, Athletica.net has some great sale bargains on Women's  fitness capris, Women's Tanks and T's, Men's Fitness Pants and Women's combed cotton basics, to name just a few!  


Also, have you heard of the new Bamboo fabric? Athletica has it and it will really enhance those hot, summer workouts by its natural wicking ability.  Read about what it can do for you in Athletica's blog!


Athletica.net would like to have one of my readers, including those from Canada, to see for themselves what a great company this is!  Here's what they want you to have!  A $50 Gift Card towards whatever you'd like!  Stupendous!  Here's how you can do that!  First fill out a comment for the Mandatory entry and fill out as many comments for extra entries after that as you would like!  It's easy. 

MANDY:  Visit Athletica.net and tell me something that you'd like from there!


Extra entries: (Please leave the number of comments it says for each entry with your e-mail included!)

+2 Follow 'AGalNeeds...' publicly with Google Friend!
+2 Subscribe to my RSS Feed!
+2 Follow Athletica on Twitter!
+3 Read my review, comment on it and come back and tell me you did!
+1 Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this:  #WIN @Melahelen $50 from @Athleticaweb! http://bit.ly/bQj1h5 7/7/10 #Giveaway Hot yoga, aerobic, dance, biking and running apparel!
(Can be done daily for an extra entry every day!)
+3 Grab my AGalNeeds...button and post it on your blog!  Leave me the link!
+2 Enter any other of my giveaways that are going simultaneously with this one!
+1 Enter another of my giveaways!


Well, there you have it!  Thanks so much for entering and I hope YOU win!  Winner will be selected with Random.org at 11:59 pm, 07/07/10 and notified by e-mail.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond, after which time I reserve the right to choose another winner!  I was provided with the clothing pictured in this post for this review and giveawy!
Disclosure:  I received product in exchange for an honest review! 

Sportswear! This Company Definitely Has It!

 Have you been looking for practical, comfortable, dependable, stylish sportswear?  Then Athletica.net is the right place to go!  I ran into this good company a few weeks back and got it confused with another company with a very similar name.  I know, sometimes I amaze myself with how I'm even functioning at any kind of level!  I finally have it figured out.  Athletica.net has everything to do with great sportswear for your body!  


I was excited to get a yoga outfit, the combed cotton cami and the combed cotton basic jazz pant. I ordered it in medium and I absolutely love it!  But even more interesting is my husband really loves it.  There's kind of a story here.  When I first received it in the mail, I immediately went and tried the items on, as I do whenever I receive something to wear via the mail.  (I love clothes!  I'm glad our society doesn't, as a rule, run around in the nude because then we wouldn't get to wear fun clothes!) 

I have learned to respect the practice of Yoga, but it's been awhile since I've done a really serious practice. (Maybe because I've been sitting on my arse blogging lately?) I know that my practice is not as intense as it used to be, simply because I can't do what I did before...  But Yoga is an amazing thing.  You can pretty much start wherever you are and just build from there.  Never be in competition with anyone but yourself!  
So these new yoga clothes were going to be my motivation to jump back into it and start getting my yoga back! I tried on the yoga outfit and wowsie!  I really thought I was a medium, but it just fit so tight, like a glove.  It wasn't really uncomfortable, but it showed every bulge I had.  I really must have put it on this winter but apparently was in so much denial.  I was in a foul mood after that.  

My husband came home, knocked on the locked door, I opened it, still in my yoga apparel. Now, he's a wise man.  He knew not to say one word, positive or negative. Whenever I come home from the hair salon or am in a new outfit, he knows that I am probably just getting used to how it looks and sometimes I may like it, but other times, I may be hating it.  So he's learned it's just best to wait a few hours or even until the next day to voice his opinion.  It's better for me (and him) that way!   

I was obviously not in a great mood, so he just let it go.  
The next day, however, he told me what he thought.  He LOVED it and he thought I looked "hot" standing there when I opened the door in it.  Who knew?  I certainly didn't!  Hot was and is not the first word that comes to mind when I see myself in that outfit! 

But I started to take a new look at the outfit. Hmmmm....yes, it did show all my bulges, but it also showed off some curvature too.  Maybe that was what he was talking about! 
Needless to say, today I took it out again, and this time did a whole hour long workout in it!  It was great!  I've almost got my yoga game back! 
Anyway, get ready because I will be having a giveaway from this great company, and will give you the scoop on it!  I MAY even give you a picture, if I'm brave enough.  Just know, my hubby was a real cutie and although the yoga outfit is great, sometimes it takes a great husband to make you feel your best!

My CSN Giveaway! $40 Gift Card

Congratulations to #205, Kristine!  Her entry was:
I haven't quite figured Network Blogs out, but I think I am following you there!  (For the record, I checked and she is following me!) Yay!  You have been notified and hopefully you will respond within 48 hours! 
Today is the big day to roll out my CSN Giveaway!  I'm sure you have seen quite a bit here and there about CSN and its many positive renderings! So let me tell you what I would get if I, personally, won $40 to CSN right now!  The summer months are upon us and I've got a couple of simple summer needs - because after all 'A Gal Needs' quite a few things and among them is...

Rachael Ray's 'Bubble & Brown' 2-piece stoneware baker set, so I can entertain my guests in style because I want to cook a lot this summer!  This is on sale for $39.95! (shipping not included). My favorite color is the yellow set!


Oh, but the Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker looks so great!  And it is only $29.95! (Shipping not included).  

Here is something I could see in my garden!  A hummingbird sundial! This is only $33.12 with FREE shipping!

Those are just a couple of things I would eye if I had a gift card to shop at CSN!  What do you need?


To WIN a $40 Gift Card to CSN Stores, just do this mandatory entry and any other extra entries you think you'd like to do!  


MANDY:  Find one thing at CSNStores.com that you absolutely NEED this summer!  Come back and tell me in a comment!


Extra entries:
 (+1 daily) Follow me on Twitter and tweet this~#Win a $40 shopping trip to @CSNStores! http://bit.ly/dlxTQc 6/28/10! #Giveaway Very Cool!


(+5) Blog about this giveaway!  Link it back to this post and leave me the link!


(+3) Follow on Networked blogs! (On my right sidebar)


(+3) Grab my button and put it on your blog!  Leave me the link where you did that!


(+2) Friend me on Facebook! (We'll hang out!)

(+2) Tell me about something you want to do this summer!


Thanks, everyone, for entering and best of luck!  Thanks to Ashley at CSN for this generous giveaway! This giveaway will end on 6/28/10 at 11:59 pm MST.  The winner will be chosen with random.org and notified by e-mail.  I will also post the winner after the contest closes on this post, so check back! 
Disclosure:  I received no compensation or product for this giveaway!