Expectations and Reality + My Post Monday Link-Up

The life you live is never the one you expect....even if you are a master of affirmation, positive-thinking and yoga. The twists and turns of life are very strange indeed. Granted, the more passive you are, not seeking to rock the boat of your existence, the  more predictable your life will be. But even then, something will always come up that totally throws your life into upheaval and interrupt your attempt to just be status quo. On the other hand, there are the fearless ones, those who dive into life head-first, and just want to experience all of it, to the fullest. Death is but an interruption. If they died experiencing the ultimate adrenaline rush, so be it. They die doing what they do best--living life as if there were no tomorrow. I'm somewhere in between. I've done some crazy things, where people just say, "wow, you're the most spur-of-the-moment person I've ever seen!"  Like the time I married my first husband with only 2 months of dating, without consulting anyone, and without a wedding reception. It was a very impulsive decision, and even though we were together 10 years, it didn't end well. (I did basically the same thing with my current husband, but we have been married going on 15 years, with no plans of separating!) And there are the times when all I really want to do is curl up with a great book and hibernate for days, safe in my own space.

Image by trminatr

I have had some incredibly disappointing and sad times. Things happened, sometimes because of my own actions, sometimes because of the actions of others, that I didn't ever expect to happen, didn't want to happen and didn't understand why they had, in fact, happened. Regardless, clawing my way back up after falling, being dumped, or left at the bottom of the symbolic canyon, I've found that I can indeed find happiness again. And the funny thing, when I do, it's even sweeter than before! So my friendly, non-judgmental and possibly unsolicited advice is don't lay down and give up. If all you can do right now is move a pinkie finger, just do that. Do a little more each day until you can start moving forward! In time, you'll see that things are much better, maybe even better than you ever imagined!

Today is "My Post Monday!" It's all about original content from bloggers who care to share what is on their minds--from Crafts to Camping, Wellness to Wealth, Fashion to Food, and whatever else is on the brain!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for original, non-sponsored posts, tips, pictures and videos! Sponsored posts are great and I appreciate the information from well-written and authentic sponsored posts, I write them myself! But this linky is for non-sponsored posts because they are all about what the writer thinks, believes, and knows. It's not about a specific brand and what it compensates the blogger to promote! If I happen to find a great original, non-sponsored post, I'll link it up and share it with you here and on Twitter via the #MyPostMonday hashtag!  It's like being featured!  I can miss some amazing posts, but I don't want to!  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! Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase! (Affiliate links OK)   

"I and Love and You" Wholesome Pet Food #Giveaway {ARV $145}

My stinking cute border collie, Evee, is an integral part of our family, as I'm sure your pets are in your family! I love posting about her because first of all, she has no problem being captured on camera or being paraded about on the internet. So here is my latest pic of her (and me, because I am her human mom) when we went disc-golfing this weekend!

She is going on 7 years old and since I want her to be around forever (probably not going to happen, no matter how hard I wish), I really should start thinking about getting her onto the healthiest food I can get.

I was very happy to learn about I and Love and You Pet Foods and Treats. (ILY for short) They are truly some of the healthiest pet foods and treats I've ever seen. I was thrilled to be able to try the above 3 varieties! 
Venison & Lamb Jerky Bites - Made with 95% meat, these treats not only taste good, but are great for your dog!
Ultimate Dry Dog Food - Made with whole de-boned meat with real fruit and vegetables and gluten-free!
Raw Homemade Dog Food - A 100% raw meal that you mix with water. Leave for 15 minutes while it absorbs and it becomes a meal that your dog was meant to have, long before the days of domestication. 
 It is recommended that your dog be introduced gradually--over 10 days--to this diet, since it is not like normal dog food. It is richer, is not artificial, is more nutritionally dense, and is gluten-free. And so much better for them!

Evee looking alert when she sees her ILY dog food!

It is my hope that Evee will be around for a good long while, and I want her quality of life to be really good as well! So far she loves this whole food switch routine and I'm very optimistic that she will continue to thrive!
ILY Pet Food's can be found at Smith's, Whole Foods, Petco, and Sprouts. They can also be ordered from Amazon! Who knew you could get such great quality foods, formulated by holistic veterinarians with the highest standards, right in your local grocery store!
Giveaway: 1 lucky winner will receive their choice of one ILY dog or cat trial package, ARV $145, open to U.S. only, age 21+, and one entrant per household. All entries are optional! Remember the more entries you complete, the better your chances are for winning! This is a Rafflecopter Giveaway. Winner will be selected through random draw! Sponsor is responsible for delivery of prizes. Enter the giveaway in the Rafflecopter below! Giveaway runs from 11/7/15 - 11/23/15. Good luck!
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Success And Influence + #MotivatingMonday Link-Up

I found this quote with no attached author. At first glance, it felt really warm and fuzzy. But now I am wondering if this statement has 100% truth in it, or if there is some gray area. First of all, is it wrong to want to make an honest living? I'm not talking about doing it subversively or illegally--but doing an honest day's work for a sum of money. No, it's not wrong, obviously. AND doing an honest labor and doing the best you can, does influence people around you. It is showing that you don't take things for granted, that you value work, that you are honest. That, in and of itself, can and does influence those around you and influences others to do the same. 

So right there, is a difference you are already making, by choosing to work for pay in an honest occupation. And that is where the truth of this statement does come in. Whether you work as the CEO of a company or as something more obscure, it doesn't matter, as long as you do it to the best of your ability and are happy and well-meaning. Providing for yourself is a necessity, but your attitude and how well you do it is your gift to the world, it becomes an honorable thing! 

Work is honorable, no matter what kind it is. Developing the capacity to work helps us contribute to the world in which we live. It will bring us an increased sense of self-worth. It will bless you and your family, both now and in the future. 
  
Yes, I think that true success comes from hard and honest work and through that hard work, you will see that not only are you making a living, but you are making a difference in other people's lives by your good example. 

Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating, non-sponsored posts, tips, pictures and videos! Sponsored posts are great and I appreciate the information from well-written and authentic sponsored posts, but I also love non-sponsored posts because they are all about the person and less about a specific brand! If I happen to find a great non-sponsored post, I'll link it up and share it with you here and on Twitter via the #MotivatingMonday hashtag!  It's like being featured!  I can miss some amazing posts, but I don't want to!  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! Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase! (Affiliate links OK)

'Sunny Summer Memories' #Giveaway Featuring Del Sol

Fall has long been underway and there is even snow in the forecast in some states! But just because we're entering the winter months doesn't mean we can't still appreciate the memories of summer and even keep them alive! There are a few ways to do that! 
1) You can actually go somewhere tropical and sunny! Think Balize, Jamaica, St. Thomas!
2) You can buy a sun lamp and bask under the glow!
3) You can wear Del Sol color changing clothing and realize that the sun is still up there somewhere, and its rays are making your clothing burst with color!

Welcome To The 'Sunny Summer Memories' Giveaway, where one person will receive $100 to Del Sol, home of color-changing clothing and accessories!

Del Sol uses dye with Spectrachrome Crystals, which when put onto fabrics, plastics or even in liquids like nail lacquer, and in turn exposed to sunlight, become visible to the human eye! Del Sol Apparel and Accessories turn brighter and more colorful when you go outside! Summer memories are really only a step away! 

Del Sol also has a full line of Disney apparel, a Marvel Comic line with Thor, Spider Man, Captain America and more, nail polish that is non-toxic and cruelty free and their Solize line of polarized,100% UVA and UVB protected sunglasses! Look for daily deals and giveaways on their website and social media sites as well!
No, summer definitely doesn't have to be "out-of-sight, out-of-mind". If you want the sun to make itself known, wear Del Sol apparel and accessories. Even on a cloudy day, the colors will burst out in all their glory! Read more about Del Sol in this review by A GAL NEEDS...
  
Discount Code: Take 20% off all purchases (including sale items) when you enter AGalNeedsSun at checkout! Free shipping on all orders $35 and over!

Giveaway: One winner will receive a $100 eGift Code to Del Sol! Open to U.S. only, age 21+, and one entrant per household. All entries are optional! Remember the more entries you complete, the better your chances are for winning! This is a Rafflecopter Giveaway. Winner will be selected through random draw! Also, many thanks to the great bloggers who are participating in this giveaway! Please consider liking all participating bloggers on Facebook. They worked hard to bring you this giveaway and others like it! Don't miss out on any future events! Sponsor is responsible for delivery of prizes, not participating bloggers. This blog received no compensation for the facilitation of this giveaway. Enter the giveawy in the Rafflecopter below! Giveaway runs from 11/2/15 - 11/18/15. Good luck! 

Facts About Diabetes And A Free Wristband! November Is #DiabetesAwarenessMonth

Diabetes or Prediabetic Syndrome is an alarming and growing epidemic that needs to be addressed and then eradicated. It is expensive for tax-payers and very devastating to those who have the disease. I am personally concerned about this disease because when my father passes away, it will probably be due to complications of  his adult-onset Type II Diabetes. He has worked hard all of his life, very hard! In the past, whenever there was a donut, a good cut of meat, pizza, or ice cream, he went for it! He looked at eating as a reward for being such a hard worker, and I totally concur. He deserved to have some kind of reward, for all of his hard work. Except that the reward he chose was bad for his health. Now he has to take his blood sugar every morning and night to make sure his sugar limits are within acceptable levels. Finally the message has gotten through to him that you are what you eat! He eats a huge salad every day filled with good veggies and fruits. But it will never cure him of diabetes. All he can do now is manage it. I don't ever want to live like that (I hate needles, for one thing), so I try to avoid foods that I know are bad for me, sometimes not very successfully. Because once you have it, that's it!

Here are some facts about diabetes you should know:

Disturbing New Trend. There is an emerging global epidemic of diabetes that can be traced back to rapid increases in overweight, obesity and lack of physical activity.

Death Toll Rising. Total deaths in diabetes are projected to rise by more than 50% in the next 10 years. Most interesting is that they are projected to increase by 80% in upper-middle income countries, like the U.S.

Types I And II. Type I Diabetes is characterized by a lack of the body's ability to produce insulin, which is apparent in early childhood. Type 2 diabetes is flagged because of the body's ineffective use of insulin. This can be adult onset and triggered because of a number of factors. Type 2 Diabetes is much more common than Type 1 and accounts for 90% of all the world cases of Diabetes.

Younger And Younger. Reports of Type 2 Diabetes in children, previously rare, have increased worldwide. In some countries it accounts for almost half of newly diagnosed cases in children and adolescents.

Another Type. A third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes, which is characterized by hyperglycaemia, or elevated  blood sugar.

Complications. Lack of awareness or the unavailability of healthcare services can lead to more severe diabetic complications such as blindness, amputation, and kidney failure. 

Widespread Implications. People with diabetes can live with the condition for years and the implications are widespread, the complications many. Often times, upon death, many reports indicate that the primary cause of death is heart disease or kidney failure when, in fact, those conditions are symptoms and complications of diabetes!

Prevention. With these facts in mind, we can see that this is an epidemic which is spreading too fast and much too easily. There are some basic things we can all do to make sure we don't get this "disease of the armchair and donuts". Basically, make sure you are getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days and that your diet is healthy, with a minimum of junk food. Know your family history. Do other members of your family have diabetes? If so, you may have a higher risk of getting diabetes yourself! Make sure you are getting plenty of fiber because fiber flushes out toxins and extra sugars that might contribute to diabetes. Avoid white flour and go for the whole grains! Whole grains help to stabilize blood sugar levels. If you are overweight, lose some of the extra weight. Studies show that if you lose even 7 percent of your initial weight, the chance for getting diabetes is reduced by at least 60 percent. So even losing some of the weight will help immensely!

November is Diabetes Awareness Month! Show your support to get rid of this disease by sharing what you know, doing what you can, and wearing the wristband!


Sources: Mayo Clinic, World Health Organization

Faith Instead Of Doubt + #MotivatingMonday Link-Up

Halloween is this next Saturday! I can't believe how quickly it came! And I didn't do half of all the wonderful crafts I came across on various blogs, as I sifted among some most appealing posts in order to feature them on Motivating Monday! I really meant to, but I think it's just meant to be that if we make 50% of our goals in any given week, we are doing really well! But darn it, I WILL make that wreath for my front porch this week!

This past week I focused on our yearly Children's Program at church. I am the song leader, responsible for teaching the kids approximately 8 songs to sing by memory for parents, friends, and lay members. It is one of the most well-attended events of the year and it was so cute to see a family with 3 little boys get out of their minivan. The boys, all decked out in white shirts and bow ties, paused to take a family photo and I thought, "this one is a keeper and will be for the scrapebooks and memories."

It had been a struggle trying to learn the songs, since I had only been in this position for about 2 and a half months and the process usually takes at least 8 months, learning one song per month. Before that, they had been without a songleader for a very long time. I ran into people telling me "this isn't how you're supposed to do it", or "that's wrong", or "they don't know that".  It's as if they still clung to the cute and very vivacious young mom, with the gorgeous singing voice, and visual aids that were works of art, who had previously been leading them. But she moved. They didn't want to let her go, and I certainly don't blame them. She is the standard for song leaders. But unless we had a holodek and could beam her back, she wasn't coming back. Am I her? No. But I had to remember that I have my own strengths, talents, and sense of what needs to happen in order to facilitate and bring out the best in these budding young choir members. I could either have faith in my own strengths or doubt myself. Either one of those attitudes would pay out dividends. I chose to have faith in myself. 

Photo by Terry Baker

To find out the rest of the story, you can visit here!
Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating, non-sponsored posts, tips, pictures and videos! Sponsored posts are great and I appreciate the information from well-written and authentic sponsored posts, but I also love non-sponsored posts because they are all about the person and less about a specific brand! If I happen to find a great non-sponsored post, I'll link it up and share it with you here and on Twitter via the #MotivatingMonday hashtag!  It's like being featured!  I can miss some amazing posts, but I don't want to!  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! Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase! (Affiliate links OK)

 

Del Sol Color Changing Apparel + 20% #CouponCode

Remember the mood rings of the '70's? The rings changed colors based on the temperature of your body. I've always thought it would be great to have clothing that did the same thing. One could gauge all kinds of things with that kind of technology--Identify a fever, or chills, for instance!
We're actually closer than ever to that sort of thing! Now, there is clothing that changes colors with the rays of the sun! So many possibilities, and what a fashion statement! The colors appear more muted when inside, but step outside and the brilliant array of colors burst forth within seconds!

It's a real bang for the buck with Del Sol's color changing apparel and accessories--2 looks for the price of 1! When Indoors, it is definitely a more muted version of the exposed-to-the-elements look. Additionally, what a treat to have your clothing unlock the sun's powerful potential. The technology uses Spectrachrome Crystals in the dye, which when put onto fabrics, plastics or even in liquids like nail laquer, then exposed to sunlight, becomes visible to the human eye. NASA explored it for the space program, Del Sol engineered it, and enhanced it for everyone under the sun! I think you could definitely call it rocket science!

 What if it's overcast? Not to worry, as we've all been made aware that the sun's rays get through those dark and stormy clouds, the clothing picks up color every bit as well. It also serves as a reminder to put on your sunscreen! Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. This shirt and sunglasses went outside on an overcast day at around 3 pm. You can definitely see the color changes!

 

Del Sol products make great gifts! My sister-in-law, Alicia, had a  birthday last week and I gave her the long-sleeve 'Tales Of The Sea' tee from Del Sol. She loved it and even modeled it for me! She is a trooper right now, going through a round of chemotherapy to get rid of her Stage 1 breast cancer. We're so glad that she caught it early! The cute little one is her granddaughter!

Del Sol has some great incentives for their customers!

• Shops in 41 U.S. States, including Alaska and Hawaii
• Free Shipping on all orders over $35
• Sol Style nail laquer subscription box with up to 3 color changing polishes and 40% off regular pricing!
• Monthly steals and deals on their website and social media pages
• A fully stocked Disney apparel line
• A fully stocked Marvel apparel line
• Eyewear that is 100% UVA/UVB and polarized!
• And much more!

 Right now their flip flops are on sale for just $15.00! They are so cute! And if you use this coupon code, AGalNeedsSun you can get another 20% off the purchase price of anything on the site! Expires 11/25/15.
 

NASA explored it for their space program, and Del Sol engineered and enhanced it for everyone under the sun! It’s not rocket science but, then again, maybe it is. - See more at: http://www.delsol.com/blog/2015/how-does-del-sol-color-change-work/#sthash.h6D69R1N.dpuf

NASA explored it for their space program, and Del Sol engineered and enhanced it for everyone under the sun! It’s not rocket science but, then again, maybe it is. - See more at: http://www.delsol.com/blog/2015/how-does-del-sol-color-change-work/#sthash.h6D69R1N.dpuf

NASA explored it for their space program, and Del Sol engineered and enhanced it for everyone under the sun! It’s not rocket science but, then again, maybe it is. - See more at: http://www.delsol.com/blog/2015/how-does-del-sol-color-change-work/#sthash.h6D69R1N.dpuf

NASA explored it for their space program, and Del Sol engineered and enhanced it for everyone under the sun! It’s not rocket science but, then again, maybe it is. - See more at: http://www.delsol.com/blog/2015/how-does-del-sol-color-change-work/#sthash.h6D69R1N.dpuf

A Good Scare At The Haunted Village #BeUtahful

It was a dark and stormy night.... The Quaker girl in the long black dress and bonnet was silently standing at the side of the house. Just standing there, no expression on her deathly pale face. When we passed, she followed. It was almost as if she were an apparition. That's when the monkey's started scampering around us, shrieking and jumping over the stair bannister, terrifying me, but mostly Hannah! She screamed and grabbed her boyfriend's hand even tighter!  As we left that house to move on to the next house in the village, I looked back, only to see the Quaker girl, watching us leave. 

Hannah, Gaven, and Edison

And that's how it went the whole way, from house to historical house. You never knew when something might jump out, where something would just amaze you with its creepiness. But it was so much fun! 
I definitely got my Halloween on last weekend in the 'Haunted Village' at 'This Is The Place Memorial Park'. By day it is the home of 'Little Haunts,' where the children run, play, ride ponies, pan for gold, and have a costume parade, where the candy canon shoots out loads of taffy! In addition, the local villagers throw out even more candy, so everyone has plenty! Little Haunts is open for two more days, the 24th and 31st, 10 am - 5 pm, both days are Saturdays.
If you mention A GAL NEEDS...when purchasing admission tickets to Little Haunts, you'll receive $2.00 off each ticket!

But come nighttime, the park belongs to the ghouls and things that go bump (literally) in the night. It's such a contrast!
The Haunted Village is open Wednesday - Saturday, through Halloween, with tickets going on sale at 6:30 pm. Gates open for the fun at 7:30 pm. There is a guide to welcome you and show you to your first house in the village. You walk from there through the rest of the town in about 90 minutes. The train is waiting at the last house to take you back. So much fun! Admission is $20 per person (so worth it) and make sure to print off your $5.00 coupon at their website!

Don't live in Utah? I found a great list of Fall Festivals that are from 25 other states! You should check it out, just in case!

Water and Lamps + #MotivatingMonday Link-Up

Have you ever had one of those sledgehammer types of weeks? Where toxicity in all of its rusty shades tries to erode its ugly way into your heart, brain, and soul? Do you know how hard it is to get up after toxic people get to you? It could even be yourself--negative self-talk, learned after a lifetime of someone else talking negatively to you. The best advice I have is to get away from it as fast as possible!
It's so important to surround yourself with family and friends who are positive, encouraging, and non-judgmental. Thankfully, I have quite a few friends and family members who are like that. I just need to block out the negative forces and influences that try to get into my life. Sometimes it's hard, though. When you have a toxic work environment, a toxic family member or relative, or have been subjected to undeserved toxicity as a child. 
WATER
In 'The Hidden Messages Of Water', by Masaru Emoto, droplets of water are transformed into molecular snowflake patterns by simple one-word introductions, either by voice or print. It is amazing to see how the influence of positive words, music, or ideas will help the water droplets form beautiful and amazing crystals. Just the opposite effect happens, however, when negative words, ideas, or music are placed in the droplet's path--ugly, misshapen, ill-formed crystals are formed.

Image by Leanne Kartchner

Of course we are way more complex than a drop of water, but we are influenced just the way water is. It is just so interesting to see how these influences change a living organism at such a fundamental level. 
LAMPS
If you have been subjected to toxicity, whether in words, music, pictures, or any other kind of negativity, even your own self-talk, I believe you can become healed. It's a personal journey, but I know it's possible! I'm so grateful to friends and family around me who exude goodness and give me courage until I can again walk on my own!
LAMPS
"I met a stranger in the night

Whose lamp had ceased to shine.

I paused and let him light

His lamp from mine.

A tempest sprang up later on

And shook the world about.

And when the wind was gone

My lamp was out!

But back to me the stranger came—

His lamp was glowing fine!

He held the precious flame

And lighted mine!"  --Lon Woodrun, 1940
Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating, non-sponsored posts, tips, pictures and videos! Sponsored posts are great and I appreciate the information from well-written and authentic sponsored posts, but I also love non-sponsored posts because they are all about the person and less about a specific brand! If I happen to find a great non-sponsored post, I'll link it up and share it with you here and on Twitter via the #MotivatingMonday hashtag!  It's like being featured!  I can miss some amazing posts, but I don't want to!  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! Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase! (Affiliate links OK)

Little Haunts At 'This Is The Place Heritage Park' + Discount Code!

The Halloween Season has started at Utah's 'This Is The Place Heritage Park' and they do Halloween up right!

Every year there are fun festivities at the park, starting with The Witches Ball! This is a grown-up event that is loved by Halloween connoisseurs everywhere!  This event has already passed, but make plans for next year!

 Next, the Haunted Village is a whole evening of fun, fantastical and spooky experiences! Recommended for ages 12 and up, the headless horseman rides again! This year's theme is 'Haunted Ever After!' Come if you dare! Open evenings starting October 14th!

Finally, for the little ones it's 'Little Haunts'! Opening today, October 15th, this is a Halloween spectacular that little ones will love! If you mention A GAL NEEDS...when purchasing admission tickets to Little Haunts, you'll receive $2.00 off each ticket!

My nephews and their cute cousin getting into the Halloween Spirit!