Friday, December 30, 2011

How Much Should I Pay For Pants?

The holidays have taken a toll on my hips and thighs and so I went a-browsing to see what I might find in the way of some new pants. I happened to remember a really trendy site, which I remembered had lots of options for the above-mentioned.  I love looking at clothes! I'm not much different from the majority of the female sex when it comes to that.  A few years ago, when I was even more on a budget than I am now, I had a Singer sewing machine and I became obsessed with going to WalMart and looking at all the Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls, Vogue and other sewing patterns in the craft section.  I would then pick out the patterns and material that I thought were so cute and sew my own clothing and even make clothing for my son.  I rationalized that I was saving money.  I was actually paying about the same price as I would if I were just buying my clothes from WalMart.  But I had a little bit of the designer going on in me and it satisfied the OCD/ADD in me which needed to obsess on something.  I wish I saved some of my creations because there were some real doozies!  And I wore them with pride because I had created them.  Anyway, back to the site that I was visiting.  I won't name any names because I'm not out to hate on any sites or for that matter, promote any.  But seriously, would you pay this much for a pair of bloomers? And I don't fault you if you would, 'cause sometimes you just gotta have it!  But for realsies, while I think some of these creations would be just the ticket to hide my surge in poundage due to the holidays, would I be willing to plunk down this kind of lettuce?  Take a look:

Let's start with these red beauties at $253
These are a bit more flashy, so $425

I can tell you that I'm liking these pants - plenty of room for disguising my more-than-ever generous hips. No one would ever know.  I think I could even hide a small child in there as well.  Is it worth it, I ask?  Here are some more options:
Pretty gorgeous, no?  $845


These would be my skinny pants later - $895




Maybe I... should make it a theme in
blue and get two pairs.  One pair for now and one pair for later when I'm much, much thinner!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Reflection - Things Look Brighter After Today

We passed Winter Solstice today and thank goodness!  The days will get a little longer from here on out!  The Winter Solstice occurred early this morning, marking the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year.  There is only one place I want to be during the shortest day of the year and that is in front of my fireplace in the den, watching T.V.  I know, I should be out doing last minute Christmas shopping and getting those last minute deals, but it's just too cold and dark after about 5:30 p.m.  But at least I don't live in Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle.  For people who live there, it's dark 24-7.   I'm also glad that I am off for the Christmas Break.  I work about 38 hours a week at a high school as a special education para educator.  So this was my first day off for a 2-week vacation!

I actually look at Winter Solstice maybe a little differently than some.  I know that it is an ancient Celtic celebration and even some traditional Christmas symbols can also be traced to the ancient celebrations of Solstice.  For instance, lights and candles were put out to ward off the darkness and encourage the coming of Spring during Solstice.  I love the Celtic influence in Christmas celebrations.  I have Scottish ancestry and very much appreciate watching the 'Celtic Women' Christmas PBS Special each year. For me, it is one of the things I look forward to every year. 

Since we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ very soon, I look at today, this most dark of days and ask myself what it was like for the world before the Savior was born.  The world's inhabitants had no way to save themselves from their own sins.  We are taught that nothing can dwell in the presence of God that isn't perfect.  And since all of us sin, man was doomed to live outside of  Heaven and dwell in their sins forever, spiritually dead.  How dark was that?  I'd say it couldn't get much more.  How much it meant to the world when finally the Savior was born, the only one who would be able to save the world from its sins.  Because of His birth, the world came out of darkness and was given hope.
"Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.
Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life."    -Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
 And so, Winter Solstice is a very fitting preliminary event to Christmas, reminding me of how dark the world was before Christ's birth and how much brighter the world was, after His birth.  May you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy it in the ways that are special to you!  Thanks for letting me share!  

Thursday, December 15, 2011

$25 to MyBabyClothes.com {Giveaway} #Rafflecopter

I was so excited to work with MyBabyClothes.com.  I have a sister who just had her 3rd sweet little boy!  He came in October and is just so adorable.  He had the most amazing head of hair right out of the hospital.  Now, little nephew #3 is the proud owner of the Mud Pie Little Angel Lounge Set (I love the little angel wings on the back)! 

I think that she should enjoy him while he is little, sleeping and cooing and adoring her.  Before long, he'll be into everything, making messes, throwing things, and pitching fits.  Then it would probably be more fitting to suit him up in a little devil's outfit.  But for now, the angel label is more than fitting!  He also got the Baby Deer Taupe Suede Shoes!  I got them just a tad large, 6 - 9 months, so he could wear them later on.  But they are actually not that big on him.  He'll be wearing them really soon.  Probably before spring!
At any rate, we both were thrilled with the quality of the items.  I was really happy with how quickly the baby clothes were shipped and delivered.  My sister was happy with the quality of the items.  She did say, however, that the items run small.  The little angel outfit was for 3 - 6 months.  Angel boy has got a few more days before he hits 3 months and he probably won't fit into the outfit by 5 months.  (Of course he was 8 lbs. 15 oz. when he was born, so quite a big fellow). 
Just a word, too, about the little girl section of this great store!  They have the most adorable things, like Tutus and Baby Headbands!  For instance, if I had a little girl, I'd want to put her into this little outfit!  I think that for $29.99, it's a great bargain! 
The Mud Pie Chiffon Tiered Dress

And for both little boys and little girls, check out their baby hats!   

So funny and cute!  Makes me smile!
One final thought--do you have a cute little one who would be oh, so cute in front of a camera?  You should enter the Cutest Baby Photo of 2011 Contest!  You could win $150 to MyBabyClothes.com!  Submissions run until December 31st and voting begins on January 1st of 2012!  Just go to MyBabyClothes on Facebook and enter!

It was Alex Liz Robinson's lucky day!  Entry # 156 - Congratulations!  Thanks, everyone, for entering!  Stop by after New Year's for more great giveaways and fun!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Simply Eden Bath & Body Christmas #Giveaway #Rafflecopter

 When I am looking for a great gift, I look for something that won't end up in the re-gift pile the week after I give it to someone.  And for that to happen, the gift needs to be unique, useful and beautiful. This year, I think I've found that in Simply Eden Bath & Body!  Simply Eden is a Bath & Body Delight!  It is for the discerning soap connoisseur and for the budget-conscious luxury lover.  It is for those with the most sensitive skin and for those who simply love sumptuous suds.   And that is why it is such a great fit for many people.  I'd tell you all about the benefits of goat milk soap but I think Athena does it best on her site.  I WILL tell you, however, that I now know a bit of the history of soap that I didn't know before.  It is quite fascinating. 

I counted no less than 37 different fragrances of soap in the soap section!  The names intrigue my scent imagination--Apples & Oak, Mistletoe & Ivy, Orchid Rain, Cucumber Melon, Georgia Peach or Spiced Rum!  And the soap is so beautiful!  It is swirled with colors that match the particular scent! 

I was also able to try the Black Raspberry Vanilla Body Butter, the Simply Radiant Face Cream, the Holy Goat Soap (with Frankincense and Myrrh)  and the Hair Sculpting Wax.  I was so impressed and wowed with each of these exceptional products.  So much so, that I made another order for Christmas for my 2 sisters and 2 nieces!  I know they will definitely love the body butter!  It definitely won't be going in the re-gift pile! 
Simply Eden and A GAL NEEDS... are teaming up to bring you a great giveaway, either for yourself or a fabulous Christmas gift for someone you love!
One reader will receive their choice of  2 soaps, a body butter and lotion!  (ARV $40)  You can enter to win in the Rafflecopter form below!  

Congratulations to the winner - entrant #42, Kasee Johnson!  

Friday, November 25, 2011

#Win Gourmet Gift Baskets Christmas Classic Gift Basket! #Giveaway

 I love Gourmet Gift Baskets because it makes it so easy to convey a special message to someone special!  Last March I got to take the Snack Classic Gift Basket ($59.99) to school and had my class rate it.  You just know they loved sampling all the yummies in it.  It got a thumbs up! 
Some others I'd love to try are:

Soups and Crocks Gift Basket $79.99
The Holiday Sweets & Treats Gift Basket $49.99
Day In Paris Gift Basket $99.99
Chocolate Gift Basket Premium $99.99  Sweet Decadence!
But enough day dreaming and on to business! A lucky winner will receive a Christmas Gift Basket Classic ($59.99)!  It has some great food in it, like Almond Pecan-dy Crunch by Morley Candy Makers (so good, I've tasted it!), Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies by J & M Foods and Buttered Peanut Crunch by Old Dominion Peanut Company!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

A Toast To 2012 Giveaway Hop

First it was blog hops, blog memes, then it was Follow Fridays and now the latest blog fun and building tool for you is the group giveaway with huge prizes at stake!  I'm afraid I have caught the bug and find myself entering and/or participating in at least 1 every month or so!  One that just came to my attention is Toast To 2012, brought to us by Just Married With Coupons & Sweep Tight!  This will be occurring January 10th - 17th!  If you are a blogger, visit one of the blogs mentioned and sign up. You can either write your own original post or you can sign up for $5.00! 

Monday, November 7, 2011

Ugly Trailer Antiques In Southern Utah

Sometimes the most interesting things are found in the most remote spots!  Case in point, Ugly Trailor Antiques in Hurricane, UT!  I've heard a lot about this little spot in the Southern Utah desert town and evidently it is quite the tourist attraction, let alone place to get great memorabilia from many different eras.  Fred and Sue Thomas have put their talents together to create this unique little place that oozes hospitality, charm and fun!  It is a very easy stop to make if you are on your way to or from Zion's, Bryce, or even Grand Canyon National Parks.  Also, St. George, UT is about 20 miles from Hurricane.

It's rather hard to miss the company's trademark "ugly trailor",  parked in the front of the store.  The location itself has a lot of history behind it.  It was the Hurricane Jail for 50 years, from 1920 to 1970 and the restroom is a converted jail cell along with an iron bar door.  

The whole antique store boasts 22,000 square feet.  Besides finding their own pieces, the owners also do consignment and as a result, have almost everything you can imagine.  Plus, the prices are extremely reasonable!

 "if you like to walk down memory
lane, this is the place to do it"


"It was so much fun!  Like visiting
your grandparents home!"

 
 The different rooms are themed and so, if you come knowing what you'd like to find, chances are you'll definitely find it!  The holidays
are especially busy for Ugly Trailor Antiques because
many people want to find the perfect unique gift for
the discerning antiquer in their life.  They have 30-day layaway to make it easy!




Monday, October 17, 2011

Murad Skin Review and Giveaway!

When looking for a good skincare product, I look for a few things--one of them is company reputation, another is track record and yet another is cutting edge technology that is effective.  Murad seems to have all of those things.  That's why I thought I'd give it a shot. 

Complete Skin Renewal Set
Renewing Eye Cream











I was able to try the Renewing Eye Cream and the Complete Skin Renewal Set.  That is a total of 5 products and I will tell you which two were my absolute favorites.  
Renewing Eye Cream:  This cream is very dense and has substance.  A little bit goes a long way.  I really love it and it is one of the two products that I very highly recommend.  It is the best eye cream I have ever used.  It seems a bit pricey at $73, but it ships for free and a little goes a long way, so it will last a long while.  I noticed a difference in the elasticity around my eyes and the dark circles were diminished.  

The Complete Skin Renewal Set ($42) consists of Refreshing Cleanser, Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30, Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture and Complete Reform.  All of the products were excellent (!!!), but the one that stood out above the rest for me was the Complete Reform.  Again, I noticed the firmness of my skin, namely the jaw area and the neck area, take on a measured improvement and I was quite impressed!  When I put it on, there is just the slightest tingle.  Complete Reform is a "patented treatment shown to increase the firmness of the skin by 61% after just one application while also improving skin texture to reveal softer, smoother skin."  Buy this product in it's full size for $67 with free shipping and enter the code COMPLETE for an additional free gift from Murad.

Murad has a great beauty blog called 'Skin Deep' that is well-updated and quite informative! Today's article is about 3 must-have ingredients in an anti-aging product.  Check it out!

Without further ado, Murad would like to give someone the same products I received for their own use and enjoyment, a $115 value.  To enter, please complete the mandatory entry of  being my GFC Follower and also visit Murad and find a product you'd like to try different from the ones I mentioned. Leave your product find in the comment section along with your GFC Name.  Then proceed through the rest of the Rafflecopter Entry form for more entries if you'd like to increase your chances of winning!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Simply Eden Bath & Body Products - Review and Upcoming Giveaway!


I was so lucky to be able to try some products from Simply Eden!  A little goat farm with sweet little goats, whose milk has been used to make the most delicious bath and body products!  My favorites are:
Grapefruit Peppermint Essential Oils Goat-Milk Lotion. ($14) This lotion smells so refreshing and invigorates me when I put it on.  It sinks into my skin and it becomes baby soft.  It is an amazing skin boost! 

Black Raspberry Vanilla Goat-Milk Body Mousse. ($9) This is like a whipped topping that melts into the skin leaving the most yummy lingering scent.   It comes with a matching goat-milk soap!  There are a variety of scented Body Mousse to choose from, all amazing!
Raspberries and Cream Lip Balm.  ($3.25) Wonderful lip treatment!  It makes my lips feel super soft and supple.  Contains mango butter and is lightly tinted!
Red Rock Cedar Goat-Milk Soap!  ($5.75) This soap feels and smells amazing!  It's raw cut and handmade.  The goat milk and oils in the soap make the skin feel wonderful!  My husband loves this soap and it smells so good!  I also love the Grapefruit Peppermint Essential Oils Soap! 
Athena is the master soap maker and matron of the farm.  Much love and care goes into the making of her products.  She started making them because she was very sensitive to regular products and needed to have alternatives for her own use.  Lucky for those who try her products that she didn't stop with herself.  She lovingly shares her products with friends near and far.  Her little goat farm may need to be expanded if many more people hear about these products.
 I love her idea for parties and baby showers.  She makes soap cupcakes and bundt cakes!  Guests can leave with a take-home gift of a "slice" of soap cake!  How cute and unique!
    Athena, at Simply Eden, will be awarding someone a Raspberry Vanilla Goat-Milk Soap and a Raspberry Vanilla Body mousse when we participate in the upcoming In Honor Of The Ta Ta's Giveaway Event Hop on October 21 - 24! 

My Latest Timed Mile Run


I posted earlier about a really easy way to predict the kind of health you will have in your later years.  All you have to do is do a mile run and look at the time you did it in.  So, I thought I was in fairly great shape because I take my dog on runs, am not seriously overweight and can still do the splits.   But my time earlier this summer wasn't great, that's for sure.  So I vowed to do something about it.  I did, until I started back to work at the high school and since then I've been absolutely horrible about keeping up my cardio.  But thanks to Alice, my Alternative HS's Physical Education Teacher (and my well-respected friend), I decided to do a timed run again with her students.  She has started making her own students accountable for their cardiovascular health by doing several timed runs during the school year and measuring improvement!
    Thursday morning was a crisp fall morning as we made our way out to the river trail, which is adjacent to our small school.  I had made one discovery since my earlier timed run.  If I stop, it's really hard to start back up again.  So I promised myself I wouldn't stop, no matter what.  If I was doing the old-lady two-step shuffle by the time I was through, so be it, I wasn't going to stop. 
     Alice's whistle blew, and off I went, along with about 25 other students.  It was so funny.  Everyone blew by me. I just knew that I was going to be so humiliated and come in dead last.  Oh well, this wasn't to impress anyone.  I just wanted to see if I could beat my last time.  Darn, now I was regretting my negligence about working out these past 3 weeks.  I just kept telling myself, "don't stop, don't stop, whatever you do.  You've been through childbirth, nothing can top that, you're a strong woman...."  
    It wasn't long before I noticed that some of the kids were walking and that I was passing them!  I also noticed that when they saw that I was passing them, they started back up.  I guess it WOULD be the ultimate humiliation to have someone as old as their mom or even older, passing them up.  And so we kept going. I reached the halfway point, took the candy from the lady, to prove that I had indeed reached the halfway point, and started back.  I passed more winded students up, and then I saw the finish line.  I had enough in me to speed up as I crossed.  
    When it was all said and done, I increased my original time by over a minute!  I'm super excited and it did a lot for my motivation.  This morning I took my dog out for a trail run/walk and enjoyed it immensely!  Have a wonderful fall!  You can do it too!