Knowing What Goals To Pursue + Motivating Monday

Have you seen this picture? It is powerful in that what we see onstage are those graceful and gorgeous ballerinas floating around on the stage. What we don't see is the intense work they have to do in order to make themselves appear like weightless nymphs! But look at those poor feet, do they not just make you say ouch?  I think I'll stick with the Zumba myself! 

Even with less stressful forms of dance, you still feel the pain. For a couple of years I explored the world of middle eastern dancing and we weren't even close to getting on our toes, but I ended up getting Plantar Faciitis, an extremely painful foot condition. So even my minor success was met with some pain from the work I did put in. After I stopped doing it so much, the pain went away. I don't miss it, either!

What we need to ask ourselves is are we willing to make the types of sacrifices that it takes to see specific kinds of success? For instance, when we become a successful business person, are we aware that it will take many hours outside the home, away from our families? We have to know what sacrifices there will be. Many times it is worth it. But maybe there are certain times in our lives where those sacrifices can best be made and other times when we need to let them go.  

I play both the piano and the violin. When I was younger, if I had wanted to be more successful at these instruments, I probably should have spent more time then, practicing, and less time pursuing leisure. Now, it's not a priority for me to get better than what I am already, even though sometimes when I see Lindsey Stirling playing her violin and dancing dub step, I feel a twinge of something....regret, maybe? I am content with playing fairly simple pieces and not having the technique and quality that I might have had if I had practiced and sacrificed more. I need to be content at being an appreciative audience member at concerts and performances, because I personally won't be on the stage, and that's OK! 

And what does it take to create a successful relationship? What does it take to raise a caring, socially responsible child? Those things also will take every bit as much sacrifice as any successful musician, dancer and business person. And are those things worth it? I think they are. I feel that certain relationships can be and are meant to be lasting. The family, the friend, and the partner all can bring intense joy and satisfaction. But sacrifices must be made--like time, sharing, selfless service, listening, and thoughtfulness.  Some sacrifices should never have to be made, however. For instance, you should never have to sacrifice your dignity, your freedom to choose what's best for you, or your friends and family in order to maintain a relationship with someone else.

Sit down and figure out what it is that you really want in life. Then decide if it is worth the sacrifice. And if it is, work at it every single day and know that your dreams will come true!

































Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating, mostly non-sponsored posts, tips, pictures and videos!  If I happen to find a great one, I'll link it up and share it with you on Twitter via the #MotivatingMonday hashtag!  It's like being featured!  Sometimes I miss some amazing posts.  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Don't be shy--I'm really very supportive!  Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase!  Have a great week!

Your Best Smile #Giveaway

 Have you been meaning to whiten your teeth? Have you tried and the results have been less than stellar?  Everyone has teeth-dulling habits like drinking wine, coffee, tea, chewing tobacco, constantly eating blueberry pie, not brushing, being over the age of 40--life happens! If you can relate, then check out this great giveaway! You can read the review here! We're accepting entries from March 19 - April 6th! 

SmileBrilliant.com is a professional teeth whitening company and national dental lab offering dentist-quality whitening from the comforts of home. It offers convenience, privacy and amazing quality! Their lab was specifically created to curb the high cost of cosmetic teeth whitening that is charged at dental offices around the world. For less than the cost to visit the dentist, you can get custom-fitted, at-home bleaching trays, with 22% high-density bleach that really works!  If you already have trays, or you want to re-bleach you can also purchase the syringes of bleach and  desensitizing gel from the website cheaper than the dentist!  They offer a 100% money-back guarantee as well!  (See the website for details.) Also, if you'd like to purchase now, you can use the code, agalneeds at check-out, and get 5% off their entire product list!
We are excited to announce that 1 winner will receive a $139.95 credit to Smile Brilliant, which is enough for 2 Teeth Whitening Trays + 3 whitening gel syringes and 3 desensitizing gel syringes OR the Teeth Whitening Trays + 6 whitening gel syringes! Enter in the Rafflecopter below! Open to U.S. and Canada. For complete Terms and Conditions, see Rafflecopter form.

 Please consider liking each and every one of  the participating bloggers on Facebook when you visit!  We work hard to bring great information and giveaways like this to you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FLASH #Giveaway! $50 Cash - Amazon or PayPal!

For THREE Days ONLY we are offering this Flash Giveaway!
One lucky reader will receive $50 USD Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Card!!
This giveaway is for THREE Days Only! Enter Now!
We are making it easy peasy to enter! Just use the form below.
Remember, this giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on March 15, 2015! Tell your friends so they can enter, too!
Good Luck!

Enter here at A GAL NEEDS... and your valid entries will be counted at the time of the winning draw!  Good luck!

Entry-Form

 

Disclosure: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post.We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Must be 18+ to enter. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.  My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.
If you have any questions about this giveaway please email Tina at branchpropromotions@gmail.com.

To Get Up, Get Ready And Get Out! And #MotivatingMonday Link-Up

How many people hold themselves back from doing truly remarkable things because they are afraid of criticism?  How many others have truly broken through and achieved remarkable things because they tried things and weren't afraid of failure or others' criticisms? 
Today I'm grateful for the things I do, regardless of what others think.  The times I go out without doing my hair, dressing up or putting on make-up.  The times I have done things regardless of how I felt at the time.  
I have a friend who has been going through excruciating cancer.  It came once, went into remission but came back again.  She has been dealing with it one day at a time.  She is now on the upswing again.  But long before that, in the midst of the worst part, she had moments of happiness.  She chooses to live in the present and appreciate the good.  She also does physical therapy with a group of people that believe no matter what is happening that they will get up, get dressed and get out!  And so they meet together, in various stages of health and they support each other.  They each have a purpose, and that is to contribute to their circle of friends.  In turn they are supported and made whole in spirit.  
You have a purpose and a reason to be here.  Just get up, get ready and get out! And don't let anyone tell you that you can't!

Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating, mostly non-sponsored posts, tips, pictures and videos!  If I happen to find a great one, I'll link it up and share it with you!  It's like being featured!  Sometimes I miss some amazing posts.  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Don't be shy--I'm really very supportive!  Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase!  Have a great week!

A Teeth Whitening Product That Works! #SmileBrilliant Review

I recently wrote about my belief that a smile is one of the best assets in social life, health and  business life.  And the better your smile, the more it can do for you. One lesser known fact is that every decade you age, your teeth lose whiteness by 2-3 shades.  Your teeth actually age you more than your face does!   Now it begs the question - What is the best way to get a brighter smile?  I know that there are the natural ways to get whiter teeth.  For instance, I've heard of natural methods like, coal powder, orange peel, salt, oils, and even egg shells.  And I don't fault them, have even tried some myself.  But I would just like a quick, easy, and effective way to get my best smile.  I was introduced to and provided products from a professional tooth whitening company that is as professional as professional can be, but for a fraction of the cost.  It's called Smile Brilliant. 

Instead of taking a trip to the dentist to get trays made and buying the whitening solution from the dentist, you purchase the kit online, take the impressions yourself, send them into the lab and they send back the completed trays along with the whitening paste.  It saves time and money to do it this way.

I must say I was the ultimate procrastinator, though, because I had the notion that only trained dental assistants are qualified to make the impressions, not someone like myself, who has never taken a dental class in my life.  I didn't know if I would be able to make a good impression of my own teeth.
 But I really needed to make it happen and finally one evening I set aside an hour to do just that.  I read through the detailed instructions included in the kit and was able to make my impressions.  Luckily they do provide you with an extra ball of clay in case you make a boo boo with the first try, which I did.  I sent in my impressions and they came back very quickly, within a week!  

I then started the whitening process, using their highly effective whitening gel.  My teeth responded very quickly.  I only did three 15-minute sessions and they whitened up about 3 levels.  I was really impressed. There is an after-whitening gel, which  in addition to de-sensitizing your teeth, seals up any tiny crevices or cracks in your teeth to keep the enamel from breaking down.  It's just extra service they provide with the regular whitening process! I highly recommend using this because it really helps with the comfort and effectiveness of the overall process!

 This experience came in a timely fashion because I was noticing that my teeth had some yellowing issues and more often than not, you would find me with my mouth closed, to avoid showing my teeth.  I'd still smile, just without the dingy yellows showing.  Now I'm not ashamed to show my pearly whites, and I can practice what I preach about the art of smiling!

Make sure and check out the Smile Brilliant Website, for lots more information and testimonials along with before and after photos. 

A Cure For Strep Throat Without Antibiotics

First of all, I'm not against antibiotics.  But I do want to use them as sparingly as possible because when I do take them, I want them to work.  I think everyone should have that mindset.  Super bugs are no laughing matter and the way to prevent them are to use antibiotics in a judicious and wise manner.  When an antibiotic prescription is filled, it needs to be taken until it is finished!

This past week I was in a battle with strep throat.  I know I had it.  We had a student at the school who was so sick--coughing, sneezing and sore throat. He is in a group home and in state custody and although I hate to say it, as such, sometimes isn't as well cared-for as he should be.   So although he should have been recovering at home, they sent him to school contagious.  Also, one of the teachers that I associate with on a daily basis came down with strep throat earlier that week, missing school for 3 days.  

So, you know that knife pain that won't be relieved, no matter how many sore throat lozenges you consume?  That was me. We were also worried that my husband might contract it and that would be horrible, as he is recovering from reconstructive surgery on his face from the bike accident he had two weeks ago. So, not wanting to come down with it, my husband found a really interesting blog post
(find it linked on Motivating Monday) that talked about an actual confirmed case of strep throat and the concoction the patient drank to ultimately prevail over the horrid beast trying to consume her.  All without the use of antibiotics.  

Mind you, this is the first thing I tried.  If it hadn't worked in a day or so, I would have been at the doctor's office standing in line for my prescription of antibiotics.  Strep throat is not something to play around with.  My mother died way too early because as a child she contracted rheumatic fever, a complication of strep throat. It ravaged the valves of her heart.  When it was found that her heart was working at only 40% capacity, she had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She died of heart failure.

Here's what I did:
I boiled 4 bags of green tea for 20 minutes (I'm thinking any strong herbal tea would also work), making 2 cups.
Then I Added and mixed in:

• 1 TBSP Honey
• 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
• 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon

I gargled as much as I could stand for as long as I could, getting it as far back of my throat as possible, once every half hour over 5 hours.  I swallowed some, if I could.  I repeated it over the next 2 days. 

Each day I felt a little bit better.  The pain in my throat diminished.  In it's place a cold started to form, with lots of phlegm in my throat.  In addition, I had laryngitis in the mornings to the point I couldn't speak above a whisper.  It has been 8 days now and I feel almost back to normal.  I think this concoction is a definite keeper!

 

Motivating Monday Link-Up And Delusions Of Grandeur

 Try as I might, I can never get to bed at a decent hour.  If I could only quit procrastinating, constantly putting low-priority tasks ahead of important ones, and getting last minute inspirations that absolutely can't wait until morning!  I take small consolation in the fact that:

 

 Perhaps I am a poet.  No, that I am not.  That was my grandmother's department.  A writer, perhaps?  Not any time soon.  A blog post is the extent of my attention to that kind of thing.  A Lover?  Well, not tonight.  I'm coming down with strep throat.  An artist?  Uhhh....I guess if you call my graphic artistry any kind of decent, then yeah.  Ah yes, a visionary.  I am definitely one for grandiose plans and dreams.  

Maybe someday all of my ill-planning will come to something yet! Maybe as long as I am just doing SOMETHING, I can conquer all!  Who knows?  I'll just keep trying!  In the meantime, I'm going to bed!  There is always tomorrow!

Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating posts, tips, pictures and videos!  If I happen to find a great one, I'll link it up and share it with you!  It's like being featured!  Sometimes I miss some amazing posts.  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Don't be shy--I'm really very supportive!  Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase!  Have a great week!

The Art Of Smiling And What It Can Do For You

I love getting smiled at!  I don't care if I'm the one who smiled first or not, it just makes my day.  I'm more apt to remember the person who smiled and think positively about them later on!  Yet so many, myself included, are hesitant to put themselves out there with a smile!  What if the smile isn't returned?  Oh no!!! Plus, some "experts" are now saying that smiling is a sexist expectation placed upon women.  And who wants to have unneeded expectations?  We have enough on our plates. But I say smiling has incredible value, whether it is your health, relationships or job satisfaction.

I had a high-school friend who seemed to be everyone's friend.  Everyone just liked her!  Yes, she was very, very smart, a straight-A student.  And she had a great family.  She had a stay-at-home mom who was amazing and her dad was a California Congressman, who came home most weekends to be with the family. She didn't kill with sarcasm or funny one-liners.  She wasn't particularly gorgeous--other than her mega-watt smile that she wasn't stingy with.  She smiled almost non-stop.  And there was a sincerity about it.  I know that I was captivated by it! I tried to emulate her, because I saw that she had charisma and influence on others.  And I, among others, wanted to be around her all the time. 

More recently, I saw the true value of a genuine smile at work.  I work at an alternative high school.  A former student was a boy in our special education self-contained unit.  He walked with an unsteady gait, couldn't speak very clearly, had some behavioral issues, lived in state custody, but oh, his smile!  He used it everywhere he went and people responded so kindly.  I daresay he was the most loved kid in the school because he gave away his smile freely, without price!  I'll never forget him.

These two experiences are interesting because they represent two totally different backgrounds and genders.  One was relatively privileged and the other was what most would consider under-privileged.  But they both had considerable influence within their own circles.  Another thing is that this influence happened because of cumulative effect.  They didn't just smile once in awhile.  They smiled almost perpetually.  And both individuals had smiles that were sincere and unforced.

It pays to smile!  In more ways than one!  Consider these benefits when one smiles:

1) Lowers heart rate - People who smile and laugh often are less likely to develop heart disease! (Medical News Today)

2) Releases Endorphins - With more endorphins in our bodies, we are able to reduce stress, lessen pain and elevate our moods!  In other words, we become easier to live with!  

3) Smiling increases productivity while working.  It makes sense, because mood is elevated and stress is reduced.  We are more in the mood to be productive!

4) When we smile genuinely, people are more apt to trust us!  Relationships thrive on smiles!

5)  When you smile at someone, at least 50% of people will smile back and thus, it is contagious, spreading the benefits to those around us!

I think that there is an art to smiling.  I think that practice definitely makes perfect.  Experimentation is definitely time well spent!  People can tell if a smile is real or fake.  Real wins out every time.  I believe that the eyes also need to be involved in a truly sincere smile. I've seen people who smile with their lips only, but their eyes look dead.  I've also noticed, too, that when my teeth are whitest, my smile is returned by others more often. 

So go ahead, smile and make someone's day.  And don't worry if they don't smile back!  You're the one that's the winner anyway!

Motivating Monday! Life Happens And Build Your Blog Conference!

This week "life happened" as they say.  The Build Your Blog Conference was this past weekend and I had been looking forward to it, ever since I had been sponsored by Taste Of Home earlier this month.  It was such a treat because this was to be my first blog conference EVER!  
 

Then the day before, I got a call at work from the Sandy Fire Department, telling me that my husband had been in a biking accident and that he was waiting for me at Emergency.  He assured me after my questioning that everything was fine and he was just there for observation and check-up, standard procedure after one LOSES CONSCIOUSNESS!

When I arrived, he was awake, but he looked like a zombie.  His face was swollen and his eye was bloody and bruised.  He had all kinds of road rash and abrasions covering his body.  Apparently he hit a bump while he was braking and pulling into an Exxon Station.  He was thrown over his handlebars and landed on his face.  He broke his left orbitol bones and cheekbones, loosening them from the rest of his skull.  Surgery is this coming Thursday.  He gets titanium plates in his face.  

Luckily he got to come home with me but I wasn't sure if I would be able to attend the Blog Conference, because he was in need of major attention.  I'm afraid I wasn't as great of a nurse as I imagined myself to be in such a situation.  Since I knew his injuries weren't life threatening, I still decided to at least attend some of the conference.  I left him with his pain meds, some soups and ice cream for a few hours, and headed up to the blog conference.

I missed the opening and closing events both days but was able to attend the Taste Of Home Trends Event, which was amazing!  It went above and beyond food presentation and submitting recipes.  Something I learned that is pertinent to any blog is how a post is presented.  Too much text in a post can be intimidating and discourages readers.  On the other hand, too many pictures make a post too busy.  It's all about balance!  I did find out about the top recipe draws and that variation is the key!  

I also got to attend 3 of the 5 classes offered to us.  These classes were so informative and I learned a lot and received some inspiration about blogging that I hadn't had before.  I missed the gala event which, in addition to being a great mixer and a chance to dress up, was where we heard about the Blogger of the Year.  But even having missed some of the main events, I came away loving every minute of it.  I can't wait to go next year!

 In the meantime, hubs is steadily improving and I'm so thankful that his injuries weren't any worse.  We're gearing up for surgery this coming Thursday.  He should eventually realize a full recovery. 

Sometimes life happens at the most inopportune times!  The thing that I felt was all-important suddenly needed to take a backseat to what is really the most important, my husband.  I'm with Oprah who says that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.  I'm really full of thankfulness because I still have a husband, with a few more scars--badges of an active life, AND I got to attend some of a really great conference.  If I had been filled with fear that my husband wouldn't be OK without me for a few hours, I might not have made the choice to go to the conference at all.  And if I was so consumed about missing the conference, I might have been filled with resentment and fear of missing out.  

Have you utilized your own inevitable life's circumstances into something that can benefit you?
___________________________________________________

Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating posts, tips, pictures and videos!  If I happen to find yours, I'll link it up and let you know!  It's like being featured!  Sometimes I miss some amazing posts.  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Don't be shy--I'm really very supportive!  Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase!  Have a great week!

5 Natural Hair Products With Proven Effectiveness #Aveda

I have been a fan of Aveda Products for years. It started out when Aveda decided that my town Provo, UT would be a great place to insert an Aveda Institute. We are so lucky! There are only approximately 30 of these in the entire U.S.
When you get a service at Aveda, the students use only Aveda products. I have used many of their hair and skin products and absolutely love them. They are as natural as you can get, they smell wonderful and they work! The instructors are great and I know I'll be getting a great service because they always keep track of what their students are doing. Plus there are a lot of really talented students, who are there because they want to make people happy! Below are a few Aveda products that I think are the bomb! First you want to wash your hair with a great shampoo. Because I have naturally dry and curly hair, I love the Dry Remedy products, as well as the Smooth Infusion products to tame my curly hair!

Aveda - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo For Dry, Brittle Hair (Packaging) 250Ml/8.5Oz

This shampoo restores moisture to extremely dry hair. Use as directed.
Aveda - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo For Drenches Dry, Brittle Hair

______________________________________________________

Aveda - Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray 200Ml/6.7Oz

I love to embrace my curls when I'm styling my own hair and this spray is the way to do it!
Aveda - Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray 200Ml/6.7Oz

__________________________________________________________

Aveda - Women's Aveda 'invati' Thickening Conditioner (33.8 oz.) ($128 Value)

Want thicker-looking and thicker-acting hair?
Aveda - Women's Aveda 'invati' Thickening Conditioner (33.8 oz.)

__________________________________________________________

Aveda - Full Spectrum Hair Color Deposite-only Color Treatment 6Natural dark blonde

Aveda hair color is the most natural of any hair color I know. It is actually healthy for the hair!
Aveda - Full Spectrum Hair Color Deposite-only Color Treatment 6Natural dark blonde

_____________________________________________________________

Aveda - - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner - 200ml/6.7oz

This formula is amazing. Sometimes I even use it as a leave-in for extra protection.
Aveda - - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner