Ugglebo Clogs {Review and #Giveaway $180 ARV}

     I found the greatest clog company. If you want authentic Swedish Clogs that are cute, stylish and well-made, you want to check out Ugglebo Clogs.  I ordered these cute Etna clogs and I love them!  I had a couple of outfits that needed the right shoe and when I saw these, I knew I'd found them.

   I've always loved clogs and have owned at least 5 pairs at different times in my life. Some have been more well-made than others. The last pair that I owned fell apart. The sole came unglued from the heel. But these are so well-made that I won't have that problem. They are also comfortable.  It goes to show that wooden shoes are very comfortable if they are well-made!  Ugglebo crafts their footwear using the finest leathers, wooden bases, and metal hardware available throughout the world. 

    When the shoes arrived, they were not in a shoe-box.  They were neatly wrapped in butcher paper and I thought it was wonderful because it saves the trees when you don't use a whole shoebox.  

   The color wasn't the exact red that I saw on the website.  In fact, I would call it more maroon or burgundy.  But I love them!

   I love the selection they have.  They have high-heeled clogs, mid-heels and low heels.  And they have the most amazing boots. 

   You can buy Ugglebo Clogs in a variety of locations around the world or directly from their website!  The average price is $179.00, but several styles, including my Etnas, are on sale right now for $116.35!  And if you buy two pairs, it's free shipping!
   Or you can win a pair right here!  Just fill in the entry form below and see how the draw falls!  Good luck!  You're going to love your Ugglebos!  This giveaway is open to U.S. entrants 18 and over!

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SmartSilk Bedding! Review and #Giveaway

I am thrilled to do a review on some special pillows and a special company!  I'm such a pillow lover. I prop myself up with them when I read, I put them over my head when the morning light is too bright, I elevate my legs with them when they are tired, I lean against them when I am laying on my side! Yep, I love pillows, and these are special. Because of the natural properties of silk combined with unique and patented technology, I was afforded a better night's sleep. I was able to sleep through the night and be free from any kind of discomfort, temperature changes, coughing and allergic reactions!   These pillows feel like down pillows, but are so much better! No down feathers sticking me!

What makes SmartSilk™ unique?

• Millions of strands of silk are in their pillows and other bedding.  It is stretched into sheets and laid layer upon layer into the perfect thickness! 

• 100% cotton outer shells.  All SmartSilk™ products are encased in 100%, preshrunk, breathable, soft cotton 

• Chemical Free.  SmartSilk™ products are boiled and cleaned using mild soaps

• SmartSilk™  does not harbour odors.  It is an inhospitable surface to dust mites and allergens and resistant to mold and mildew.

• SmartSilk™  is naturally flame retardant, although no chemicals are used nor any special treatments.

• A natural heat regulator. SmartSilk™ naturally adjusts to the body, creating the perfect temperature. You won't need to kick off the blanket in the middle of the night, sleep with one leg out or flip the pillow around looking for the cool spot. When your body begins to overheat, our breathable silk and cotton allows air to smoothly circulate without compromising warmth.

• Smart Silk products are naturally moisture-wicking. This is especially good news for those of us, ahem, who experience occasional flashes of heat during the night, I'm sure because it's summer and all...but anyway, it sure keeps me you cool!

 If you are one of the 50 million allergy sufferers in North America, this bedding is a must for you. It is the first all natural bedding to be certified asthma and allergy friendly. It is scientifically tested and proven to be an effective barrier against dust mites, allergens and pet dander, as well as resistant to mold and mildew growth! In addition to pillows, they offer mattress pads, comforters/duvets, and pillow protectors!

They are delivered vac sealed and they almost look flat, but when opened, they plump out very nicely and feel so soft! All of their products are environmentally friendly, machine washable with cold water and can be tumble dried on a low heat setting. They also include a 10 year warranty on manufacturer defects along with a 60 day 100% money-back guarantee.

Smart Silk would like to give one of my Gal Pals the same two pillows I received! What a great gift! This will get you started on the road to having "silk-filled bedding for a healthy bed and body!"  All you need to do is enter below! Open to US and Canada!

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Free Blogger Op - Classical Stretch Season 8 DVD Giveaway

 Classical Stretch/The Esmonde Technique PBS Season 8 "Anti-Aging Series"

Classical Stretch is an exercise system that is transformational for women 25 and older.  It has unique movements as well as elements of Tai Chi, Yoga and  Ballet.  The founder, Miranda Esmonde-White is a lifetime dancer and ballerina.  Her exercise system evolved in her studio as she studied her own movements and those of her students.  She became known for healing musculoskeletal issues such as back pain and leg problems and for toning, lengthening and slenderizing her students' bodies. 

Currently in its 8th Season on PBS and in filming for Season 9, Classical Stretch and Miranda Esmond-White is a Canadian success story and crosses over into the US and beyond!  She has many testimonials and many disciples of her method.

If you are interested in participating in this Giveaway, please fill in the form here.  Note:  Classical Stretch is also interested in working with individual bloggers who participate in this event! 

  
The Giveaway will run from July 16th - August 6th (3 weeks).  Participants will receive 1 free Twitter or Facebook link.  Participants who post a teaser post before July 8 will receive a Facebook and Twitter link!  All other links will be $1.00.  I will e-mail the html code between the 13th and 15th.  Announcements and updates will also be on the Facebook Group.  This event is hosted by me, A GAL NEEDS...and co-hosted by A Thrifty Diva!

Nutorious Nuts and Ayala Herbal Water! #Giveaway

This is part of the Made In America Giveaway Event hosted by Woven By Words and Joy of Mama Joyner!  We've teamed up with over 40 other bloggers to bring you some great prizes, but best of all every.single.prize is made in the USA!  Not only will you be entering to win some amazing prizes, but you'll also become aware of how many American made products and companies are out there!  Let's all get educated on these awesome companies, and start supporting those who are committed to keeping Americans working!!

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There once was a gal named Helena

Who folks say was such a complain-ah.

She ate some nuts called Nutorious,

And washed them down with water called Ayala.

Then she took them to a party,

where they all then said, "She's such a play-ah!" 

Pardon the verse, but seriously these two items would be a fabulous addition to any party!  Even though these are two separate companies, they have a lot of  similarities.  They were both created by women, both companies are proudly made in the U.S. and both are winning awards for their great quality, taste and ingredients. And I've got both of these to give to one lucky Gal Pal today in a giveaway! 

                                                                          Nutorious Nuts   

These come in 6 different varieties, Pumpkin Palooza being the newest creation, and they are all delicious!  Like it says on the package, these nuts will be addictive, so beware!  Almonds, Walnuts and Pecans are the nuts and the different flavors are amazing!  I know when these nuts arrived, my husband was all about trying them. We weren't disappointed when we tried them, either.  They are delicious.  I tried all 6 flavors in the 4 oz. snack size. You can eat them straight out of the bag, or you can put them on top of desserts like ice cream (Ooh La La Original), blend them in salads (cranberry orange tango), put them in your oatmeal (Pumpkin Palooza), or bring them to a summer party (Blueberry Lemon Meringue).

Ayala's Herbal Water      

Again, in 6 flavors and I loved it.  It made drinking my daily quota of water very enjoyable indeed!  My personal favorites were Lemongrass Mint Vanilla and Ginger Lemon Peel!  They would be great at parties as an alternative to alcohol or even soda!  That is the goal of the creator of Ayala's Herbal Water, Dr. Ayala Laufer-Cahana, M.D.  An accomplished physician in pediatrics and medical genetics, Dr. Ayala's love of gardening and culinary exploration led her to conceive Herbal Water in her own backyard herb garden.  Herbal water is the first nationally available USDA Organic Certified flavored water!  Truly unique!  It's amazing that this water has zero calories because it tastes so good! 

Let's hear it for US Companies headed by women!  Enter the giveaway below by liking Ayala's Herbal Water and Nutorious Nuts on Facebook. Then proceed to the optional entries after that.  Do as many or as few as you'd like!  Good luck!

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The Grand Prize for this Event will be a Kayak from Lifetime Products plus $100 PayPal cash!  Enter for that over at Woven By Words or Joy of Mama Joyner!

Fun With The Color Pink!

In honor of my latest giveaway, which features a pink athletic top and also because it's the only color category I am currently boarding on Pinterest, I wanted to see what came up when I explore the color pink in the fashion world.  I'm not talking about walking around the city with 'Pink' plastered on my butt, that's so 2010.  (HeeHee!)  And of course, we really need to get away from the fact that Paris Hilton practically ruined wearing pink because she wore it so much for the last 10 years!

I think that splashes of pink are beautiful and I apparently am all for it.  My 'Pink' Board on Pinterest, like most of my other boards, was not planned. It was a subconscious affinity for the color that I never would have thought I had partiality to, were it not for that social media phenomenon.  So YES for self-discovery, be it on Pinterest or anywhere else for that matter! 

 I've definitely got to give this shopping lady some credit for wearing the most pink at one time.  She is obviously trying really hard, and I give a thumbs up to anyone who tries!  You go, Granny!

Pink Credits:
Binka Live Love Tank $55.00                                                                                                         
Pink Skinnies Rag & Bone, $187.00
Pink Bandage Dress, Guess, $89.00
Shaun Leane Cherry Blossom Studs, $200.00
Peep-Toe Pumps, CharlotteRusse.com, $43.00
 Tony Burch, Pink Sandals, $157.50
Bamboo Lace Robe, Pink Superstore.com, $86.00
Blake Lively in Michael Kors

An ActivewearUSA Review + #Giveaway

"One of these days I'm going to be so fit!"  I've been saying that all my life.  I've always had this ideal image that I've been trying to attain. I've never hit that image in my head, but along the way, I feel like I've gained something even better.  I love to be active and exercise!  Sometimes I run.  No, I don't do marathons, or even 5Ks but I love running with my dog!  Sometimes I bike.  Last Saturday I did 33 miles, which about killed me...but I loved it!  Sometimes I do yoga.  I am pretty limber, if I work up to it.  By the end of a class I can almost touch my head to my knees!   I  like to hike.  I take my dog for walks and hikes in the hills around our town!  The right workout clothing makes exercising that much more enjoyable.  It's great to feel good about what you're wearing! 

ActivewearUSA.com is a place where you can find the exact right sportswear for you, no matter what the activity!  Founded by Avi Woolman, a wife, mom, fitness enthusiast, and entrepreneur, it is their goal to offer the largest selection of quality, high-performance, stylish women's activeewear, footwear, and accessories.  I believe if they haven't done that yet, they are awfully close!  They have a huge selection of everything, including dance pants! You can shop by category, by sport, or by brand!

I randomly looked up Workout Pants and came up with several different types, but there are literally hundreds of choices!
 

For this review, I was asked 3 questions:  What is your size?  What are your favorite sports activities?  What is your style - crazy, floral, conservative, black?  My answers were:  Size - Medium (8 - 10), Favorite Sports - Yoga, hiking, biking, running,  Style - Floral.  Based on those answers, my ActivewearUSA.com Customer Service Rep sent me this gorgeous top!  I was really impressed.  Here are some ways that I can wear it! (Click for a larger view)

I like it because it has lots of support in the top and is flattering in the waist because of the shirred sides.  So I definitely feel comfortable exercising in it and I also feel like I can wear it as a casual top.  Bonus!  Needless to say, I was very impressed with my Customer Service Rep and how she was able to find something for me that I liked. 

To show you that ActivewearUSA has something just for you, one Gal Pal will be receiving a personalized item of choice based on the same 3 questions I was asked above!  So start thinking about your answers and in the meantime, enter the giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogger Sign-Ups Now For $300 Giveaway Event!

Get in on this great Blogger Giveaway Event over at A Thrifty Diva!  There will be 2 winners, each winning $150 PayPal Gift!  You know entries will be through the roof!  Why not get in?  Just tell them that A GAL NEEDS...sent you, please?  That would be so nice of you!  Make sure you are available to post for July 1st!  It goes from July 1 - 18! 

Rivers And Treehouses

     Have you heard about Tremain Albright in Bonner's Ferry, Idaho who built a beautiful treehouse in a tree on his property overlooking the River, even getting a variance so that he could build it?  Of course, the Army Core of Engineers decided that it needed to come down because it "Could" impede river flow if it "Did" fall down.  It looks to me as if that treehouse isn't going anywhere, nor the tree, for a really, really long time! I saw a picture of the tree and small it isn't!

     It's kind of like me going out to drive my car.  I "Could" hit someone if I "Did" drive over the yellow line.  First of all, that's not going to stop me or others from driving, and second, that's why I took and passed the driver's test!  Furthermore, the Core of Engineers made it even more difficult to oppose them by tying it to money given to the city, Bonner's Ferry.  Originally, the town supported the treehouse owner and his right to keep it.  But now, if the house doesn't come down, the town may not be getting the $128,000 of Fed money for levee repairs this year.  I guess the treehouse goes.  It's crazy how the government decides when and how to get involved in private citizens' lives.

     More close to home is the Provo River debate where I live.   The Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission, a federal agency, is ready to take lands around the Provo River Route by means of eminent domain, and turn them into marshlands so that the June Sucker can survive.  The June Sucker is a little fish that is native to Utah Lake and was declared endangered in 1986.  Never mind that it has been coming back recently, thanks to fisheries planting them into the lake every year, plus the predatory carp are being extincted from the lake to the tune of 5 million carp per year.  (Ironically, these carp were originally planted in the lake by the Government in the late 1880's!) 

     So already many things are being done and lots of money is being spent to bring about the preservation of this little, teeny, fish.  Now, even more money will be spent--taxpayer dollars--to save this fish!  And really, not a lot of support for it here in Provo, UT.. Certainly not from the dozens of farmers whose lands will be effectively  taken from them or if not, dictated to on how they will be used.  Certainly not the people who live surrounding the greater Provo area.  Marshlands means mosquitoes and we've got enough of those already, thanks!  And certainly not any citizens who realize that this is another earmark by the government, using tax dollars that could be used better in some other way than disturbing life as we know it here in Provo, UT!  

      One good citizen looked at it this way:

"The June sucker restoration plan hinges on constant intervention by man.
Utah Lake would cease to exist if it weren't for structures on the lake's outlet which prevent continued downcutting through the old Lake Bonneville sandbar. If allowed to return to a natural ecosystem, the lake would naturally disappear. In geological time, lakes are short-lived.
The other component is continued removal of carp, in perpetuity.
If either of these steps is terminated, the June sucker is doomed. This is hardly a natural ecosystem. This whole endeavor only will delay, at great cost, what nature will do anyway."

So, like Tremain Albright in Bonner's Ferry, ID whose beautiful dream of a little, harmless getaway overlooking the river could be doomed, a way of life for a town soon could be but a memory.  But there is still some time to try and influence government intervention.  Please sign the petition here and help Save The Provo River and save taxpayers 20 - 30 million dollars! 

Back Support

     For about a year I’ve been dealing with some interesting back issues.  Yes, literally my lower back!  And no, it's not because I am overly endowed in the chest area!  What happens is that my back goes through periods of time where I can hardly move at all, like my muscles have given out.  I never know when it will happen because it isn't connected to some sort of wrenching or specific incident.  It’s not a sharp pain.  It’s more like my lower back just turns to mush and there is nothing there supporting me.   It feels fine when I just sit or lay down. It is when I sit or attempt to get up after laying down that it gives me problems.   I can bend over from standing with ease, though.  I wondered at first whether or not it had anything to do with ‘Aunt Flo’ coming to visit.  (I can't believe I just mentioned that)  But this most recent bout has nothing to do with that.  It has been 5 days now that I'm walking around very gingerly, not bending or lifting much at all.  I’m definitely tired of it.  I suppose it will go away eventually, like it does every time.  But oh, how it messes with my plans!  I don’t feel like doing anything, much less exercise when I feel like this.  I recently talked with a friend who has the same thing happen to her.  She also has a boyfriend who is a physical therapist.  He says that it is very commonplace in women to have back issues periodically.  He said the best thing to shorten the duration of the flare-up is to put ice on it.  So instead of pain for 5-7 days, one can shorten it down to 2-3 days.  Next time, I'm trying the ice!  
     It makes me appreciate my body, though.  When I am feeling well, I am able to do so much!  It is a wonderful vehicle to take me through life.  I definitely want to take care of it more.  So with that said, here are a few things I promise to do for my body this summer.  I’m not getting all crazy, but just these few things should help a lot!

      I’ve been sitting at my desk entirely too much.  I know it and my butt knows it.  My butt is yelling, “Get off me!”  So, I will.  I promise to faithfully get up and walk or do other things every hour.  Sometimes I get so involved in what I am doing at my desk that time can really go by quickly.  But even  right now, I am standing up as I type.  There is no reason to be sitting so much! 

     I will drink more clean, fresh water.  The benefits of drinking good water are so many.  But the thing that interests me right now is that sometimes dehydration can masquerade as hunger.  Our bodies are made of 68% or more of water.  I’m sure that the body needs water way before we are thirsty and that could easily be mistaken as hunger.  There is a new bottled water that is out and it is flavored like herbs and fruits.  I could sip on it all day long!  It’s called Ayala’s Herbal Water and it is wonderful.   Right now I'm loving the  lemongrass mint vanilla!  It is so refreshing!  My husband, however, doesn't quite share my view.  He thinks that the stuff tastes like cough syrup.  Not even!!  Men, sheesh!

      I’ve recently learned how important stretching is.  And this coming from the gal who could drop straight down into the splits without the bat of an eye just a year ago.  I can still do the splits. It's just getting out of them that's the killer for me.  It hurts!  Plus I don't drop down into them anymore.  I ease myself down into them.  But being limber isn't whether you can do the splits or not.  It's your hips, your hamstrings, your pectorals, your back!!!  If you want to stay young and not age, you need to stretch and work every one of the 600 muscles found in the body.  And especially  in view of my back issues, stretching can be one of the weapons in my arsenal to keep myself pain-free.  So, I am incorporating stretching in my daily exercise routine.  If I don’t do ANYTHING else, I will stretch.  It’s that important.  A program I’ve found recently is called Classical Stretch.  It is amazing.  The premise of the method is that without regular stretching our bodies start to atrophy as early as in our twenties.   By doing regular stretching, at least 25 minutes a day, we can alleviate the aging process our bodies go through because of non-use of our muscles and bones! 

     I want to spend more time outdoors.  The weather is beautiful right now.  I’ve got a great bike and a dog who absolutely loves to spend time with me.  I feel like being outside frees the mind, invigorates the body and rejuvenates the spirit!  So out I’ll go. 

     I don’t know how much, if any of this will ultimately help my back, but I know it will help me be a better mom, wife, friend and person!  

Disclaimer:  My post, my opinion, yours may vary!  No compensation  was received,

A #Giveaway + 50% Coupon Code - Fold Flop Sandals

 Fold Flops are foldable flip flops that can go anywhere and offer style, comfort and convenience! I like them because they look like regular flip flops, except they can be stowed away in a small purse because of the fold-able technology. They even come with their own bag!

They look great with dresses or jeans!  They can be worn in the shower at the pool and can easily be fit into a beach or gym bag!  Fold Flops also have a cushioned inset to maximize foot and arch support and provide high-level comfort!

In July, Fold Flops will be 1 year old! The inventor of Fold Flops, Mary Kiser, conceptualized the idea of Fold Flops when she was in Paris, waiting for the subway, in 4-inch heels.  She had been on her feet the whole night but she couldn't take off her shoes because of broken glass on the pavement. By the time she reached her car, her pain was through the roof!  She longed for her flip flops....and from there was born the idea!  You can hear it in Mary's own words and some of the words of her dog here!

Fold Flops are easy to care for.  They are waterproof and UV resistant. Just throw them in the washer or dishwasher and they will clean right up!  These are must-haves for summer vacationing!  And let's not forget that these are also for men! Colors come in black, red, champagne (the color I chose), pink and blue.
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Zip-up bag with Fold Flops inside!

I have an amazing Coupon Code for you.  When you purchase these (and I'd suggest at least 2 pairs), enter "AGALNEEDS"' at check-out and you will receive 50% off your purchase!  How exciting is that?  This is for a limited time only, so hurry!

Also, I have a pair of Fold Flops to give away to one Gal Pal!  Just use the Rafflecopter form below for some easy, easy entries!  a Rafflecopter giveaway