My Fashion Week Commentary - Mixing Prints, The Billowy Skirt Look, Wild Printed Tights!

In honor of all Fashion Week happenings, I took advantage of this week's Target Special for boyfriend cardigans at $15 each! I bought two, one in tangerine and one in tan.  I feel like they opened up a lot of possibilities for my spring wardrobe.  I don't imagine that my ingenuity at mixing my new finds into said wardrobe will be  recognized at any one of the Fashion Week Events, but I must say, I feel very fashion savvy and in the spirit of les fetes des jours.

I also took a peek via web at the different Fashion Weeks around the world.  We had New York, Milan, London, Paris, Istanbul, did I miss any?  I didn't get to go, darn.  But, I did take a look at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Fall 2014 Collections, part of the New York Fashion Week, and I must say I learned a lot!  Just through observation, mind you!

For instance, I have never been one for mixing prints much.  It seems like chaos to me.  I don't think many designers mix prints well either.  These are from the Clover Canyon Collection.  I do like the colors, but the prints are a little much for me.  Are they for you as well?  Or would you wear something like this out?  If you would, I'm not sure I'd want to even be seen with you, just saying.




 
 Nicole Miller had the interesting idea that you can take two totally different prints and mix and match them to make 4 different outfits.  These are a little easier to swallow, though not much!  I could see myself rolling out of bed one day, with a fever of 101 degrees, and this is what I would look like apparel-wise. 

 

 Then I saw Diane Von Furstenberg's line.  She mixes prints like a master, no, she IS a master.  I would totally wear any of her mixed prints and feel awesome in them!  No wonder I can't find any of her clothing for less than $350.  It is amazing!

 

                                                          

I love what Badgley Mischka put together in their collection of evening and formal wear.  Again, I could see myself wearing these outfits to a formal business event or evening event.  I would love to get ahold of some of that material.  It is beautiful!

 

 

Ralph Lauren masters the flowing, billowing, dress with interesting underpinnings.  I loved these looks, along with the bags, scarves and jackets!  Great for either spring or fall! 

 

Vivien Tam has a different take with contrasting prints!  She likes to mix it up with contrasting tights.  OK, then!  Maybe I really can get away with some of those wild hares I get when I just don't care.  And what I can take away from this is that it's OK in many instances to get crazy with the prints As long as I know there is a theme, anything goes! 
 In the meantime, I'm loving my 2 cardigans from Target!

This post is just me spouting off, all opinions are mine, no compensation was given. Photo Credit: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week http://www.mbfashionweek.com/

A California Delicious $50 Gift Card #Giveway

Welcome To The California Delicious Giveaway!

Sponsored by California Delicious

Hosted by A GAL NEEDS...

Co-Hosts:  

Kathy's Savings, Chronically Content, Mommy Lesson Plans, BloggieAway, Just The Two Of Us and Deals, 

Sassy Mom 2 Spoiled Brats

“All our gift baskets are made in California and are ready for delivery to every state. We have unique food, wine and spa gifts for all the Holidays. We design festive gifts for Christmas and Hanukkah, loving and thoughtful gifts for Valentines, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and special treats for Halloween and Thanksgiving. We offer gifts for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, new job promotions as well as get well wishes, sympathy and condolence baskets. We have gorgeous and delicious gift baskets for any event or occasion!”

Whatever the occasion, California Delicious has you covered!  All you need to do is order online or call 1-800-881-4631!  With free standard shipping in California and $9.00 flat rate shipping anywhere else in the U.S.,  you can be sure that all of the occasions and events you'd like to remember don't go unnoticed!

 

The baskets and sets are beautifully arranged.  Their head designer has a keen eye for perfection!

The fruits are delicious and very representative of California and the abundance in agriculture that is there!

And if your company is looking to stand out and be noticed, 

Corporate orders are their specialty!

Make sure to check back often because they are always 

updating their inventory!

One lucky Gal Pal is going to win a $50 Gift Card to choose the perfect gift basket for the perfect occasion!  Thanks to my co-hosts and to California Delicious for making this giveaway possible!  A GAL NEEDS...is not responsible for prize fulfillment.  Product was exchanged for the review and giveaway.  All opinions are those of A GAL NEEDS...Your opinion and experience may be different  Open to U.S. and Canada.  Canadians must have a U.S. shipping address in order to be eligible for prize.  Do not enter if you do not have a U.S. shipping address.  Contest closes on 2/28/14 at 11:59 p.m. MST

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A Sweet Gift From California Delicious!

 Located between San Francisco and Napa and Sonoma counties, California Delicious has access to some of the finest California produce and other products. Do you need to find something really nice for someone who doesn't live right next to you?  I would suggest letting California Delicious do it for you.  They are experts at what they do!

Sweets For Your Sweetie Gift Tower

Just some of the treats I received

I received an early Valentine Gift from California Delicious! I got to sample their Happy Valentine's Day Gourmet Gift Basket! The sturdy basket came looking very pretty all wrapped up in a pretty bow and cellophane for freshness.    Now, I am a bonified chocolate fan, as attested by my Pinterest Board and those who know me! I was very interested in what kind of chocolate would be included.  I loved the Triple chocolate brownie, the Ghiradelli Chocolate bar, and the Godiva Truffles!  I liked the balance between sweet and salty.  The salty was good with the Smoked Almonds, and the cheese spread and crackers!  There were plenty of treats to enjoy myself and share with members of the family.  It was a big hit with everyone!

My Basket came wrapped like this!

California Delicious has hundreds of options to choose from.  From fruit baskets to Chocolate Towers to wine baskets to Gifts For Her and Gifts For Him.  Basically, if you want to send your Aunt's 2nd Cousin's Secretary a celebratory gift on the acquisition of her first cat, there is definitely something at California Delicious, starting at just $19.99.  I think the only reason NOT to think about sending a gift basket is if the person lives somewhere like Russia.  Now, if they are coming BACK from Sochi because they are participators or spectators at the Olympics, by all means a gift basket from California Delicious is in order!!!!

Right now California Delicious is having a great special.  It's called Give A Gift, Get A Gift and it's just that!  "No kidding…We will send you a nakedwines.com gift card valued at $50 for every gift* that you send from California Delicious.  It’s our way of saying Thanks for your business!"  This is only while supplies last, so hurry!  

You can follow California Delicious on Facebook Twitter and Pinterest 

Sweetheart Bear Hugs Gift Basket

Chocolate Lovers Valentine Gift Basket


 

A Creative Friend!

Ok, she did it again!  My friend, Patti from work made the best baby gift for me!  I order many of my baby gifts from her now because I love the novelty of getting something just a bit different.  I've been getting baby blankets, baby outfits, baby supplies forever and I guess I've started wanting to be a little out of the box.  I want to have fun looking at my gift and I love to see the creativity that someone can have, using ordinary baby supplies and making them into a craft creation!  May I present to you the diaper bouquet!  Voila!

She has a diaper pail, diapers, baby booties, and a baby blanket in this cute bouquet of 5 flowers! See more of her creations here!

GungHo Energy Review and #Giveaway

 I feel like I don't have enough time in my day!  I need at least 3 more hours of energy before I crash.  Tomorrow, I have to get up at 5:30 a.m. so I can get moving to leave for work by 6:45.  I'm at work until around 4:00 and then I'm home around 4:45.  But then I still have things I need to do.  I've got a finicky blog to pay attention to, I've got a husband that I need to pay attention to, I have a dog that needs to be walked, and I have a 16 year old son who needs attention, and lots of it. Thankfully my 25 year old is on auto-pilot and I only wish I heard from him more often!  I love doing it all, but sometimes my energy is lacking and so I collapse instead. 

I posted an article recently about the dangers of energy drinks and posed the question, 'Do the benefits of Energy Drinks outweigh the risks or visa versa?'  And I stand by my general viewpoint that energy drinks are not to be treated lightly.  Many of these products are thrown together without really looking at the science and how it affects neurotransmitters in the brain. Because of the lack of forethought or science, they can actually be harmful.

Based on exciting new research, however, GungHo is an all-natural brain supplement shown to improve focus and concentration now, as well as improve memory recall and brain health over time!  It comes in small packets that you open and pour into your mouth. The taste isn't sugary sweet.  It is slightly medicinal.  But that isn't what you are taking this for, supposedly, right? It's for ninja-like focus, remember?

I have tried GungHo and it's true, it doesn't give you the jittery buzzed-out feeling that some of these drinks tend to do and I believe that it is because of the ingredients combined with the scientific research behind it!  I feel pretty safe taking one of these when I need some extra energy and focus or just a little help with my appetite.  The taste doesn't bother me at all!  It just tastes like a natural food supplement. I like it!

If you'd like more information, or would like to order, go to Gungho.com and look around.  Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube,  or Pinterest!

I am pleased to be able to give 5 of my Gal Pals a 3-pack sample of GungHo! Enter in the Rafflecopter below for your chance! Giveaway ends 2/17/14, Open to US/Canada, I was provided product for review purposes. All opinions are my own! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terrible Game At The Bruno Mars Concert!

Our SuperBowl Sunday could have been a lot worse, but it could have been better too.  I'm so glad that I didn't sink a lot of time into following either of those teams.  What a waste of a game.  But hey, my favorite performer, Bruno Mars, did himself proud!  I loved the performance.  You can't fake talent and he's got plenty of it!  I have to agree with this Tweeter!

He blazed the stage like he was possessed by the spirit of the hardest working man in show business, James Brown. - http://t.co/xCmKIl0U6j
— #BeastMode (@RevoltTV) February 4, 2014

And this one!

Excellent halftime show @BrunoMars! Awesome! One of the best I've seen! What do the haters have to say now?😮😬😦 #BrunoMarsOnSuperBowl
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@DanScavino) February 3, 2014

The thing is, I've been talking him up for a long time now and people are finally starting to pay attention.  (If people only could understand my expertise in the pop music genre!)  He certainly didn't get paid for his gig on Sunday, but word is that his record sales have spiked dramatically and now, so will his ticket prices.  He is currently in the middle of his 'Moonshine Jungle' tour and his ticket prices before the Superbowl were at around $66 on average.  They could now easily hit an average of $120.  Why oh, why didn't I put my foot down when he came to SLC and we almost went to see him, but then we were thinking that $80 was a little too expensive!  Oh how I wish....

Best post-Super Bowl comment: "Terrible game at the Bruno Mars concert."
— pammybean (@pammybean) February 3, 2014

You should've come to see me BEFORE the SuperBowl!

image Credit: Michael Caulfield/AMA2011/Getty Images

A Superfruit For Energy, Focus and More! #Amaçari Review and #Giveaway ARV $49.95

This is a sponsored post by the pr company who is representing Amazon Origins!

 In a previous post I talked about energy drinks and the quest for energy and focus from them.  I wondered if the risks outweigh the benefits!  I'm always in favor of real foods accomplishing the job. It's what our body craves and responds to!  And still there are so many benefits of natural foods that we haven't even yet discovered. 

On a recent Dr. Oz, the good doc talked about an Amazonian superfruit just starting to gain acclaim called  camu camu or caçari, packed with remarkable amounts of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytonutrients!  Just when I thought I knew all the highest nutritional scoring foods, here comes the camu camu berry, straight from the Amazon!

This tart little berry scored amazingly high on 3 different important tests:  fruit source, total phenolics and total ORAC.  I know these sound very scientific but suffice it to say it packs quite the nutritional punch....

With stats like this, it is no wonder why Dr. Oz talked it up on his show, calling it the missing fountain of youth!  It is promising as an anti-aging agent, and with the high Vitamin C content,  definitely something for anti-inflamatory and energy/focus!  

I guess it all boils down to what is important to you--natural and long-lasting results or a quick artificial buzz that leaves you drained after it wears off.  For myself, I think I'll pick the natural!

Each Amaçari capsule is filled with only the pure and natural goodness of the whole camu camu berry, which has the highest levels of naturally occurring vitamin C of any fruit in the entire plant kingdom on earth.  --Jeff Moats, Founder & President of Amazon Origins

To see for yourself, you can go to the website that has this berry as the front and center. The supplement is called Amaçari and right now you can purchase it for 30% off using the code

LOVEAMACARI or start your free trial!

  
(Let us know how you are doing by posting pictures and tag your journey using hashtags: #Amacari #SuperFruit #CamuCamu)


You can follow Amazon Origins on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest

Enter the giveaway below for your own bottle of Amaçari!!!  Open to U.S. only  Giveaway ends 02/02/14

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Cariloha Bamboo Sheets #Giveaway

Welcome to the Cariloha Bamboo Sheet Giveaway sponsored by A GAL NEEDS...and Cariloha Bamboo! Also, a big shout-out to my co-hosts, Susan Heim on Parenting, Chronically Content, Kathy's Savings, Science Of Couponing, Thoughts And Reviews, and Ottawa Mommy Club!

 It's the middle of winter and there is nothing better than snuggling up in bed with warm and cozy sheets to caress your skin.  I was given for review purposes a set of bamboo sheets from Cariloha and their claim is that they have the most comfortable sheets on the planet.  Wow. That's quite a claim - So I decided to take them up on it and this is what I found:



You won't be able to go back to cotton sheets after trying these 100% bamboo sheets.

Giveaway open to U.S. and Canada, must be 18+ years of age to enter, only one entrant per household.  Giveaway ends 2/7/14.  Good luck!

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A Good Lawsuit To Keep Life Interesting

I am all for fairness.  In my perfect world people would practice the Golden Rule and treat others the way they would want to be treated.  But the Golden Rule is fast becoming obsolete in favor of the Brass Rule - get as much as possible without regard to person, property or well-being.  And thus, people who have been unfairly treated need to have a way to make it right and to let others' know that if you treat others unfairly, you will pay the consequences. But to what extent do you want to rely on legal action to get your point across?

I've been involved in litigation before--litigation that I felt was of paramount importance. I felt that if I didn't pursue,  I would be violating my moral principles.  If I didn't pursue legal action, my children would later wonder why.  I ended up sacrificing much--in financial resources and relationships, but did gain my integrity and peace of mind for today.   It's a tedious and draining process and what I've learned is that the only ones who come out unscathed are the attorneys.  They come out a lot richer.  We are at the mercy of a court system overloaded, over-biased and monolithic.  Why would anyone ever want to go through that? 

I've recently heard about a few cases where people apparently felt it was worth the trouble to go through the legal process. Some of the cases I felt were absolutely necessary and others, frankly, were ridiculous, frivolous and greed-based.  As Jack Kingston said, "Frivolous lawsuits are booming in this country. The U.S. has more costs of litigation per person than any other industrialized nation in the world and it is crippling our economy."

Here are some that I ran across--some I feel are necessary and others are completely ridiculous!

A woman sues MacDonalds for getting burned by coffee, 11 years after a similar lawsuit with a huge verdict.

A man sues Warner Brothers for having 166 suspiciously similar situations in the movie, 'The Matrix', comparable to his own, earlier, less successful screenplay.  Damages are for $300 million dollars.

A man sues his ex-wife for $120,000 because his children are too ugly.  It turns out that she had not disclosed her extensive plastic surgery before they were married and that she was the genetic cause of the looks of her children.

A hospital keeps a brain-dead pregnant mother on life support, despite her family's request to take her off life support and say their final good-byes. The family is suing the hospital. 

A hospital wanted to take a brain-dead teenager off life-support despite her family's request that she be allowed to live until such time as they are ready to say their final good-byes.  The family sued the hospital.

A police officer became upset that a woman wouldn't expose herself to him and pursued her at her place of work.  When she still wouldn't comply, he zapped her repeatedly with a taser gun.  She is suing for damages.

 A class-action suit was brought up against the manufacturer of a hair-smoothing product that claimed to smooth and tame the hair in 30 days.  The suit says the company failed to notify women of the potential dangers the product had, namely the hair falling out in large amounts!

A woman takes Fosamax to increase bone-density only to discover that it introduced a virus that attacked her jawbone, almost killing her and making it necessary for extensive surgery and even then, never restoring her to her previous condition.  This is only one in hundreds of people claiming degenerative injury to the jaw bone and other parts of the body.


A woman buys Nutella and decides to feed it to the kiddos.  She decides to sue Nutella, and wins, because she feels that it has false nutritional advertising.

A man felt like the price of his 2 Super Bowl tickets was way too high, $4000 to be exact, so he opened up a lawsuit against the NFL for not offering enough tickets to the general public.

If YOU feel like you have been treated unfairly by a person or a company, here are a few questions to ask yourself before going through with what I promise is a brutal process to justice.  Plus, it's a definite gamble that you come out ahead, even if you think it's a great case, 

1.  Is it worth the trouble?  I love what Nicole Kidman blithely declared.  "I have a different approach.  I don't file lawsuits because I really don't care."  Maybe what she's really trying to say is it's just not worth the trouble to care that much,  I'll just get over it and save myself the trouble.

2.  Will it cost you more than you end up getting?  Many times, even if you have a valid argument, the cost alone is prohibitive.  The courts have the power to only tell you that you are entitled to compensation.  They don't have the power to collect it.  Therefore you could end up spending much more than you get back.  

3.  Do you want your name to be associated with the case?  Many times, friends and family will find out what is going on with you and will make inevitable judgement calls whether they mean to or not.  It's just human nature.  Be prepared for your identity to be associated with your litigations for a long time.  Sometimes, as in the above cases, the media gets wind of it and then you will have many people giving unwanted feedback on your case and even influencing the eventual outcome.

4.  Will it matter in 20 years?  In many cases, what matters so much now is a moot point as water passes under the bridge.  If you can, in any way, see that this may not be so important some time from now, think about dropping the whole thing. 

I still think it's a great thing that we can pursue legal remedy for wrongs done and rights pursued.  I think, however, that we need to think carefully about which wrongs and rights should be brought into litigation.


Now the clincher.  These opinions are mine and were not sponsored.  This blog is copyrighted and is solely the property of A GAL NEEDS...Any attempt to steal content or take ideas without written consent will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law!

Frivolous lawsuits are booming in this county. The U.S. has more costs of litigation per person than any other industrialized nation in the world, and it is crippling our economy.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/lawsuits.html#6IvfhyMUHWO9OazJ.99

Frivolous lawsuits are booming in this county. The U.S. has more costs of litigation per person than any other industrialized nation in the world, and it is crippling our economy.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/lawsuits.html#6IvfhyMUHWO9OazJ.99

Frivolous lawsuits are booming in this county. The U.S. has more costs of litigation per person than any other industrialized nation in the world, and it is crippling our economy.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/lawsuits.html#6IvfhyMUHWO9OazJ.99

Frivolous lawsuits are booming in this county. The U.S. has more costs of litigation per person than any other industrialized nation in the world, and it is crippling our economy.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/lawsuits.html#6IvfhyMUHWO9OazJ.99