What I Wore...Real Mom Style

 I'm posting at the last minute because today has been crazy.  I'm a mom and I was busy enjoying my two sons, ages 24 and 16 and the family!  We ate dinner, talked and after that I asked my 16 year old to take some pictures of what I will be wearing tomorrow to work.  I like sharing because it forces me to take a little bit of time to plan ahead rather than jump up in the morning and while bleary-eyed, try to pick something manageable.  So while I am not at home all of the time chasing toddlers, I am working with kids in another setting and that is rewarding too!  My photographer was my 16 year old, and actually, he should be doing the modeling 'cause he is better looking than I am!  So he consented to let me include him in the photo shoot!  See what other moms are wearing at Momma In Flip Flops and Thrifty and Chic Mom!  Sorry the pictures were a little fuzzy.  I think the flash should have been brighter.  Or I need a new camera!  Ha Ha!

Green Velour Pants - Briggs
Green Sweater - Hillard & Hansen
Random cami underneath
Jacket - Kersh
Clogs - Sonoma   

Photograher: Hoodie - Nike, Jeans - Levi

To Be Inspired By What I Wore Sunday #RealMomStyle

I decided that I need to be inspired and What I Wore--Real Mom Style seems to be the best way!  You gals are awesome!  Thanks Momma In Flip Flops2 and Thrifty and Chic Mom for the fashion inspiration!

This is the dress I love to wear during the cold season.  It's all about comfort, but hopefully it looks OK, as well.  I love to wear non-conforming, non-restrictive clothing.  This maxi dress is so warm and comfortable.  It has a flannel lining!  I actually wear it a ton around the house because it IS so warm.  My family is very used to me in this get-up, sans accessories .  If it's really nippy outside and I'm hibernating, I'll wear it with yoga pants or tights underneath.   If I'm wearing it somewhere like church, I'll put the boots and the belt on!

Belt - Strapped Belts
Boots - Durango
Dress - eShakti

Welcome Skiers #SkiUtah And Come to Xage Med Spa $50 #Giveaway

The snow has been fantastic this year in Utah.  The beautiful powder that skiers from all over the world travel to experience has been at its best this year.  I know, I live just 10 miles from Alta Ski Resort and despite my own harrowing experiences with the winter weather, it has been great on the mountains.  

I've got a great suggestion for those who have traveled here for our great skiing.  When you come to Utah for your ski holiday, you also need to get rejuvenated at one of the best medical spas in Utah!  Located in Provo, UT,  Xage Medical Spa features a whole array of wonderful ways to come away feeling not only more relaxed, but also more beautiful.  Sometimes that is just what a gal needs to go ahead and be the life force for good that she was meant to be.  It's surprising what feeling good about yourself physically can do for you in terms of being more productive, more present and more giving to others.  It's because you have been re-charged!

"Did you ever look in the Mirror and think to yourself “I would look much younger (better) without those wrinkles”? Have you thought about trying Botox, or the recently FDA approved Dysport? With ten years of injecting experience behind him, Dr. Porter can explain each injectable product during your consultation and will help you decide which one is right for you."

 
Dr. Stuart Porter and his team of professionals are dedicated to making your experience at Xage one that will make you glad you came!  It is my spa of choice because of the comfortable atmosphere, the individual attention and the great results I get with whatever service I choose.  It was mentioned as one of the best of 2012 in the Deseret News, Utah Valley's newspaper. 

Some of the services that I have personally had experience with are the massage, the ozone therapy, the vein treatment and the restalyne and filler treatment.  It sounds like I go a lot, but actually it has been limited.  However, every single time I have gone, the service has been great and I have always come away very happy.  So chances are good that I will continue my patronage! For instance one time I had some troubling pimple-like things on my face and they wouldn't go away!  I talked to Dr. Porter about it and he suggested and gave me a small jar of Ozonated Olive Oil.  It smelled horrible, but within a couple of days my problem had completely cleared up.   

Dr. Porter is amazing with his wealth of knowledge about beauty and women.  He is an artist, literally, with an eye for beauty. He is known by many as the best injectionist in Utah, and has 19 years of medical experience.  He is also an authority on Women's Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement.  I am currently trying Amberen, a healthy choice for women approaching or already in peri-menopause and the symptoms associated with it.  It naturally promotes hormonal balance by supporting healthy function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which is the backbone of the female hormonal system.  It is a supplement program that is 3 months on and 3 months off.  I'm excited to see how it works for me!

So whether you are in the area enjoying the beauty and fun of the snow in Utah or are here already, I highly suggest you make an appointment for one of the great services offered at Xage Medical Spa!  You'll be happy you did!  And let them know that A GAL NEEDS...sent you for a special thank you gift!  Also find special savings and this month's great Valentine's Day Special on Facebook!

Disclaimer:  I received product for this giveaway for review purposes.
 

 


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An Innovia Automatic Paper Towel Dispenser Review and #Giveaway!

 Who doesn't want to keep their home as germ-free as possible?  Who wouldn't want a little more organization in their home?  I know I say yes to both.  So  when I saw the Innovia Automatic Paper Towel Dispenser, I knew that I needed it.  

 The dispenser is totally touch-free and so convenient.  Here are a few reasons to get the Innovia Paper Towel Dispenser:

• Easy to operate
• Germ Reduction – the towels are contained in a dry and sanitary enclosure, reducing exposure to airborne germs and cross-contamination.
• Accepts any standard paper towel roll
• Sleek design and various colors available to match your decor
• Loads new rolls easily and efficiently
• Easy installation
• Your choice of battery or outlet power.  

I was initially worried about how difficult it might be to install, but it was really easy--especially if you view the installation video and use the template that comes with it. 

  See first-hand what I think about this great product! 

 I am very impressed with this household item and I would definitely have to say that A GAL NEEDS...an Innovia Paper Towel Dispenser in her home!

Innovia has agreed to give one of my readers their own automatic paper towel dispenser in choice of color.  For valid entries, please make sure you follow me in either GFC, Pinterest, Google +, or Facebook.  Good luck!

Disclaimer: Open to U.S..  I received product for this giveaway for review purposes. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate.  A GAL NEEDS...is not responsible for non-delivery of product or services by any featured companies.  Only 1 entrant per household.  Double entries will be disqualified.  Winner will be contacted after 2/17/13 by e-mail.  Must respond within 48 hours.  Entrants with invalid entries will be disqualified.


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Public Transportation Know-How (Part 2) #Frontrunner Saga

After the first day of harrowing experiences and mishaps, almost freezing to death, trying to navigate the Public Transit System using the UTA Bus and the new Frontrunner train, I would think most would give up and quit their jobs or at least forget using the transit system. But I knew that this was going to work, I just knew it! Besides, I have ridden the train maybe once in my life before this and so this was definitely a novel experience and I was having fun riding it! It was worth another shot! 

The next morning, unlike the morning before, I went armed with a schedule, even more layers of clothing and new knowledge of where the train actually left. I was not disappointed. The train came about 5 minutes late at the South Jordan Station and I was on my way. I found out from another commuter that there is actually a phone app called Isis that will check you onto the train for free in the month of January.  Unfortunately my phone doesn't support that app.  Plus, I use more than just the Frontrunner.  I use the Bus as well.  So I need an All Day pass.  When I arrived in Provo, I hopped onto the bus and waited until it left. Easy peasy. I was dropped off at the closest location again. This time there was no one to pick me up and chauffer me to school so I had to walk.  I  arrived at work about 15 minutes late.  Not cool.  I needed to arrive on time or it wasn't going to work.  

So Troy, the head teacher in my unit, was nice enough to send out a mass e-mail to all the teachers and staff asking if anyone passed by the Frontrunner Station on their way to the school.  I got some good responses, even one great co-worker who was willing to go out of his normal route to pick me up!  But the best one was from Margaret, the School Secretary, who asked if I had thought about riding a district school bus from the train station. A light went on in my brain!  Yes!  The train station is in the school boundaries!  I called the District Transportation Office and talked to Delayna, Head of Transportation.  She gave me the closest stop to the train station and permission to ride in on the school bus. 

The next morning, I got off the train and started walking to where I was to meet the school bus.  This was another new experience for me.  Throughout all of  my school years, I had never ridden a school bus.  I had always been close enough to walk or ride my bike. So I was looking forward to the experience!  I found the stop and waited with another girl.  She was so nice and helpful.  Her name is Carlotta.  The bus came and I arrived at school on time!  

Catching the train on the way back involved matching up the schedule to get me to the train so I wouldn't have to wait outside in the cold for very long.  At first I was trying to take a bus back to the station where I arrived.  But I then realized that I should catch a bus going in the opposite direction and catch the train further north than where I arrived in the morning,  No sense in going back south when you want to end up north.  Fortunately, there is a station north of there, in Orem, and the bus goes there.  

So there you have it, my experience making public transit work for me to go to and from work on the train!  If I can do it, anyone can!  Taking the train saves me about $5 per day in gas, plus it saves a ton on wear and tear of my vehicle, all while avoiding the stress of driving in winter weather and riding the train is so much fun! I hope the novelty never wears off!

Cariloha Bamboo Clothing (A Review & $70 #Giveaway)

Bamboo grows in warm regions. I want to be in a warm region right now. But I'm not. I will settle for writing about Bamboo that grows in a warm region. One can only dream that someday it will also be warm here! 
The Carribean is warm and a place where wearing bamboo clothing would make a lot of sense. Thus, the first part of the name.  Can you guess where another warm region might be that would make up the second part of the name Cariloha? (I'll let you stew on that one) Did you know that when wearing bamboo clothing, your body temperature is 3 degrees cooler on average?  I learned something!  Also when I think of bamboo, I think of these hard yet pliable plants sticking up out of the water.  I didn't really translate that into being soft when it comes to clothing, bedding and linens but let me tell you, clothing made out of bamboo is extremely soft!  The same is said when it comes to bath towels, and sheets!  Wow, it is really something.  Bamboo sheets don't have a thread count per se, but they are softer and more durable than  4 or 5 hundred thread count sheets.  I was able to walk through the Headquarters at Cariloha in Sandy, UT and I got to physically feel the sheets, towels and clothing.  Everything was unbelievably soft.  Some of the pants, like Cargo Shorts, which are supposed to feel rather stiff and sturdy weren't as soft, but comparatively speaking, even those were soft.  So are you getting the message I am trying to convey here?  If you value softness in your stuff, Bamboo is the way to go!!!  If you value coolness in the summer heat, bamboo is the way to go.  If you are concerned about wearing the most eco-friendly material on the planet, bamboo is the way to go. It is the most renewable and sustainable plant in the world!

Another characteristic about Bamboo Clothing is that it is able to keep you from being stinky from sweat. Not that I ever sweat...or smell...ever.  But for those that do occasionally have that worry, the material is extremely breathable and also has some sort of anti-bacterial property that prevents sweating and odors. Who knew? 

 I was able to take home a couple of items!  They were the the Bamboo Skirt in Chocolate and one of their t-shirts in white.  I absolutely love these items.  The skirt is definitely for summer-strolling on the beach or out in the backyard with flip flops--something that I am patiently waiting for.  In the meantime, I will wear tights underneath, many tops and a jacket and a scarf and it will do nicely for winter garb.  

Sorry little fuzzy, but you get the idea!

The t-shirt is so soft, and cuddly.  I actually collect white t-shirts and this one is definitely my favorite because of the softness!  Even the bag they came in is made from bamboo!
If you are ever in a popular vacation spot, be sure to look for Cariloha because they are all over the map.  For instance, they are found in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Barbados, Grand Caymen, Kauai, Hawaii; Key West, Las Vegas, San Diego, Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Juneau, Alaska and more!  If you are dreaming about going to one of these places but aren't there quite yet, you can always order online!   

 I'm not done with Cariloha by any means.  No, this is just the beginning of my love affair with them.  I need to get some towels and linens because I want to have that luxury!  Oh, they have a sister company called Del Sol.  Ever heard about it?  It is every bit as unique and fun as Cariloha! Watch for more about this company later on as we are even closer to warm weather!  

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for your chance to win an item(s) of choice from Cariloha, up to $70! 

Disclaimer: Open to U.S. and Canada..  I received product for this giveaway for review purposes. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate.  A GAL NEEDS...is not responsible for non-delivery of product or services by any featured companies.  Winner will be contacted after 2/9/13 by e-mail.  Must respond within 48 hours.  Entrants with invalid entries will be disqualified.

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Public Transportation Know-How (Part 1) #Frontrunner Saga

It took me exactly 5 days to fully tweak my 75 mile route from home to work and back.  I have decided that I don't want to drive that round trip every day.  Since I moved to Sandy, UT from Provo, UT I have become a commuter.  I had it so easy before the move.  My work was MAYBE 3 miles from my home.  Now it's considerably longer.  But I like my job--I work at a the only alternative high school in Utah County, a school for kids who for one reason or another can't hack it at a regular high school. I am fond of the kids, the teachers, the staff, and the administration.  We all work together to do a good job in helping the students get the help they need to graduate and have the skills they need to flourish after high school.  

The first 3 months of commuting were fine.  The weather was generally good, it was still light in the mornings, and although I-15 was under construction, I left early enough in the morning that it really didn't affect me too badly.  December came along and for awhile it was even better because the construction ended.  But then came the first few snowstorms.  I don't like driving in the snow. Plus my car registration expired and the wear and tear on my vehicle tells me that it might take a lot to get it passed. 

Luckily we just got our new FrontRunner train system running into Utah County and back!  It is a high speed, 3-level train that runs from Provo all the way north to Ogden. We even took our class to Salt Lake City on it.  They all loved it and I was thinking in the back of my mind how nice it would be if I found a way to commute to school using this system!

That's me thinking this.  The one who has never used public transit.  The one who thinks a bus schedule is written in ancient Sanskrit because it looks so foreign.  But on Monday, January 14th I made the leap.  I left home and showed up at what I thought was a reasonable hour in front of what I thought was a Frontrunner Station. I found a guy who looked like he was waiting too. Why read a schedule that I couldn't figure out anyway?  I asked him, "Are you headed South?"  He answered in the affirmative.  I further queried. "What time does the train leave?"  He told me that it doesn't go south from here, only north.  I could have sworn that Frontrunner stopped in South Jordan and made stops all the way down to Provo.  But I didn't say anything, for fear of looking stupid. I should have said something.  I later found out that this wasn't even a  Frontrunner Station.  It was a Trax Station.  Totally different rail system.  He said that the next bus would take me to Lehi and there I could hop onto the train from there.  Mind you, it was the coldest day so far of the year, with near record-breaking cold.  We stood there for another 15 minutes.  I was only wearing 2 shirts, a thin pair of gloves a wool sweater and a neck warmer.  I almost froze!  Finally the bus came and I felt I was finally on my way.  I thought the worst was over. But I was wrong.

A few remaining brave souls before the train pulled in

 When the bus pulled up in Lehi, the Frontrunner wasn't there.  As a matter of fact, it was very late. So I and maybe 20 other poor souls stood in sub-zero temperature, ready to succumb to the cold.  I, of course, didn't know if the next train was heading north or south.  But at that point, I didn't care.  I was getting on the next train, just to keep warm.  The train finally came.  It was about 30 minutes late and most of the poor, freezing souls who had cars there, had already left.  Fortunately for me, the train was headed south.  I got on, visibly shaking. The train arrived in Provo and my next problem was to get to the school. 

I took this shot while waiting for the train.

  There were buses waiting, but I didn't know what bus to take.  So again, I started asking.  I finally found the bus that passed closest to my school. I got in and was thankfully shielded from the cold.  But it wasn't leaving.  I was already quite late to work and this was delaying it even more.  But I waited....   

I finally arrived at the closest stop to work and started hoofing it.  I had only gone a few feet when Brian, a fellow co-worker who was transporting some boys on the work crew, saw me.  He asked me if I needed a ride and I hopped in!  I arrived at school 2 1/2 hours late. 

Now to get home!  That was fairly easy.  At least at first.  My friend, Diana, came and picked me up and kept me at her house until the next train arrived.  (I decided to try and decipher the schedule this time.  Probably a good idea.)  We had a great time and caught up on news and happenings. I got on the train fine, along with her son who was headed to Salt Lake and still not realizing that I hadn't left from a Frontrunner Station, got off at the South Jordan Station.  I walked around trying to find my car, but couldn't locate it.  This station looked really different than it had this morning.  It was still freezing cold.  Again I asked a knowledgeable Public Transit traveler.  This time I was a little more forthcoming and confessed that I didn't know what the hell I was doing.  I couldn't even find my car.  I then, with her help, realized that I had parked my car at a Trax Station and my car wasn't even there!  No wonder I couldn't find my car.  (The cold did more than freeze my butt, it apparently froze my brain!)  So I waited for the next bus going to the Trax Station.  In the cold.  I was so done.  The bus came, delivered me to the Trax Station, I found my car with ease, and drove home.  

I had been gone for 12 long hours, at least 2 of those in absolutely intolerably freezing cold conditions and I needed to go to bed.  I took a really hot shower, and fell into bed.  But I wasn't giving up.  The next day....(Stay tuned for Part 2)

Isabella's Cookies {Review & 5 Winner #Giveaway}

  I can't resist a good cookie and Isabella's Cookies qualify as just that.  As a matter of fact, they are better than good! They are perfectly soft, chewy, flavorful and void of preservatives and artificial ingredients.  The ingredients they put in their cookies are fresh farm butter & eggs, Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, extra creamy peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate, to name a few. I must warn you, though, these cookies are dangerous!  I was the recipient of the Hot Chocolate and Orange Cream Dream cookies and I found myself at the bottom of  a bag before I knew what I was doing. So you do need a plan before you start eating them out of the bag.  A good plan would be to share with someone else!  That way, you won't find yourself having eaten them all in one sitting! 

Each cookie weighs .33 lb. - That's generous!

The Hot Chocolate Cookie is amazing!  It has chipotle in it, and I didn't know it when I tried them. I was naively thinking that they would taste like a cup of hot chocolate.  Not so!  It definitely tasted very chocolaty, chocolate chips and all, until a few seconds after I swallowed.  It was then that I felt  a definite "hot" sensation on my taste buds, but not too hot!  Just enough to make you say, wow, that is some potent chocolate!  And I really, really liked it!  Trust me, I am a choco-holic, and know these things. Just look at my chocolate board on Pinterest!  The Orange Cream Dream tastes just like a Creamsicle!  They are so delicious!  And what gets me is the freshness of the cookies.  I could definitely fool people into thinking that I baked these and that I am a ultra-professional baker!  

"I fell in love with baking as a little girl and always thrived on the happiness brought to others by my cookies. In 2001, I founded Isabella's Cookie Company with that same spirit and a mission to satisfy the world with my fresh baked cookie creations".

The woman behind the cookies, Jennifer Palmer. No her name isn't Isabella!

A big event is coming up here in Utah on Jan 18 through the 24th--The Slamdance Festival. It is a showcase for independent filmmakers, producers, directors, etc.  As an official sponsor at Utah's Slamdance Festival, Isabella's will be much appreciated by all of the attendees there!  As a token of appreciation to all who love independent films, Isabella's is having a Slamdance Gift Box Special.  It includes 2 bags of cookies--the Peanut Butter Bombs and the Rocky Road Bites in a gift box!  It is $3.50 off the normal price.

Some other info:  All Isabella's Cookies are certified Kosher Dairy and they also have 4 Vegan cookies as well!  Isabella's does not currently have its own retail store, but is sold in fine food stores everywhere.  Check your local 'Whole Foods' for a selection near you or check their store locator on the site.  Isabella's is named after a close friend of Jennifer Palmer, the founder of the company.

Two other cookies I'd like to highlight are the Rocky Road - a chocolate cookie with chocolate chunks, gooey marshmallows and almond slivers and the Paddy - a cookie loaded with chocolate chips and green mint chips!

In about a minute, this giveaway will be up and 5 winners will be able to select a bag of Isabella's Cookies from the 4 above mentioned flavors - Hot Chocolate, Orange Cream Dream, Paddy or Rocky Road.  Which one will you choose?  I know, it's more than difficult to choose just one, but that's OK, just order the rest!  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Open to U.S. only.  I received product for this giveaway for review purposes. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate.  A GAL NEEDS...is not responsible for non-delivery of product or services by any featured companies.  Winner will be contacted after 1/30/13 by e-mail.  Must respond within 48 hours.  Entrants with invalid entries will be disqualified.