Four Must-Have Hobbies + #MotivatingMonday Link-Up!

Did it take you a few minutes to breath before you transitioned from Thanksgiving to Christmas? It did for me this year! I felt like the turkey at least needed to be gone and all the leftovers taken care of before I could even think about starting Christmas. We still have yet to completely finish decorating. I'll probably finish one or two days before Christmas. Needless to say, I take the decorations down sometime in January, probably toward the end... I think one of my greatest strengths and also maybe one of my greatest weaknesses is that I won't put undue guilt or pressure on myself.  I see it in a lot of examples in my life.  

Birthdays are great, but people don't expect a present from me each and every year. (I'm even talking about my own family) I suppose it comes from my own life. When I was growing up, I would get presents some years, but other years were lean. I understood, it was OK. I still felt loved and valued. 

I have a teaching degree, but I don't teach. I'm an instructional assistant. I love helping kids learn, but don't love the stress of meetings, reports, audits, and hierarchy. 

I love nice clothing, but certainly don't run around in designer stuff (most of the time) and I tend to have favorite articles of clothing that I can wear for years before finally deciding to toss or donate it. (Check out the summer dress below. I have modified it to work as a winter dress by layering and adding boots!)
When people are asking for volunteers to do one thing or the other, I won't volunteer unless I know for sure I'll be able to do it. (Even though I have O+ blood, I rarely say  I'll donate because it's stressful for me!) 

 But I am a firm believer that you need a few things that you are absolutely committed to in order to make your life unbelievably happy, no matter what your circumstances are! It's my 4-Hobby Rule. As you know, hobbies are things that you do for the sheer enjoyment and benefit they bring you. I've found that in addition to being enjoyable, they also open up other avenues of experience that you might never have had, if not for the initial hobby! Here are the 4 categories:

It Makes You Money - Find a hobby that you love, but that you can turn into making some money with it. It doesn't have to be much, just something. It will make you feel incredibly productive and useful. It also prods you on to being better and better at what you do because it's nice to know that you can be paid doing something you like! My hobby is being an Instructional Assistant. I use my education, I get paid, I associate with fun people, and it makes me feel like I'm helping others!

It Keeps You In Shape - If you want to be your best self, you need to be in good physical shape. I'm not talking spending hours and hours at the gym, although if you're into that, great! I've always felt that I need to do something physical each and every day to keep in fairly good shape. I used to be much more into it, but then another hobby sort of took over the time I used to spend keeping in shape. (Any guess as to what that might be?) But I need this hobby of keeping in shape in order to stay focused and centered. So my hobby of choice is walking my wonderful dog whenever I can and doing daily stretching exercises. Since it snowed 9 inches today, I didn't get stressed out. we missed walking, so what? But I'll be doing stretching this evening. The key is you've got to enjoy it, or you won't continue to do it. 

It Causes You To Be Creative - Find something that inspires you to create original things. We are so creative as divine human beings, created in the image of God! We can do crafts, cook, write, organize, create music, etc. The point is to start creating, no matter how simple or rudimentary. Do it every day. It may be just creating the perfect closet space, or creating your week's wardrobe! Just do it! My goal is to find a new Christmas piano piece and learn it to play by Christmas! (I've got the first part done, now just need to learn it!)

It Helps Others - When you have something you can do to make others' lives just a little better, it also helps you! It can be a volunteer project, it can be contributing offerings at church, it can be doing your job at work with the real intent to help others! Again, it doesn't need to be a huge thing! If you start small, you will most likely enjoy it and realize how you are actually gaining as much or more than those you are helping!

You can find a hobby that accomplishes all four in one or any combination of the above hobbies! For instance--you could be a yoga instructor, who also teaches at a fitness center, who also constantly creates new poses and posts them on Instagram! That would be a hobby that makes money, while keeping you in shape. It also causes you to be creative and it helps others by motivating them to try out new things! 

What are your hobbies? Do you have the 4 kinds of hobbies above or are they combinations of the above? 

Image by Garett Criddle

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 this linky is for non-sponsored posts because they are all about what the writer thinks, believes, and knows and less about catering to 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)

Finding Your Passion + #MotivatingMonday Link-Up

I conduct a writing class for high school kids with special needs. They are cheerful, happy, full of mischief, and life. Every day we explore a new topic and talk a little bit about it. Today the subject was about machines vs. appliances. It was interesting to discuss the difference between the two. It was somewhat difficult to comprehend the slight difference. We finally came to the understanding that appliances are things that exist to make household chores easier. Machines go beyond that and include everything else. One of the students has blossomed with her writing and looks forward to it every day. She has found something that she really enjoys! It makes me so happy to see that because most of the time writing is greeted, at best, with luke-warm enthusiasm. She comes from difficult circumstances and has acted out to the point she was removed from her home and taken into state custody. If we can help her to develop skills that she feels good about, the chances of rehabilitating her are good! If we can tap into something she is passionate about, those chances increase exponentially.
I have decided that I am a results-oriented person and am the most happy when I am learning and growing, developing new skills, thoughts and ideas! I find that when I find something I am interested in, I go back to it time and time again! And yes, bargain shopping does qualify as a passion! I hope that whatever makes you happy that you will do it, whether that is building relationships, creating beautiful things, or making delicious food! Creativity never stops!

Image by Cole Gleave

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 really love non-sponsored posts because they are all about what the writer thinks, believes, and knows and less about catering to 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)

Candlelight Christmas At This Is The Place Park! #Giveaway

Is it ever too late to start a new tradition in the family? We will be attending Candlelight Christmas this next week! Since I first visited 'This Is The Place Heritage Park' about 16 months ago, and found out about the fun, family-friendly events that coincide with major holidays, I am a huge fan! This will be my first time ever to attend the St. Ives inspired Christmas Village! I know it will be awesome, because everything else I have attended has been wonderful! 

This year the Candlelight Christmas Village is open December 7 - 23 & the 26th (Monday - Saturday). It opens at 5 pm and closes at 9 pm. Make sure to wear your warm and festive clothing! The Park is located in Salt Lake City near the Capitol and Hogle Zoo. 
Ticket Prices:
$11/adults, $8/children (3-11) & seniors, Free/children (2 and under) or if you mention A GAL NEEDS...you will receive $2.00 off all tickets purchased!

Take home a little bit of Christmas by joining in the fun of making crafts and homemade gifts in one of the decorated homes or pioneer cabins. And you can save on all your holiday shopping when you visit the park. The Gift Shop at the Visitor's Center and the ZCMI Mercantile have Salt Lake's best selection of unique, all-occasion gifts for everyone on your list! And don't forget to warm up with a hot soup meal at the Huntsman Hotel, complete with a sweet treat for those who have been good this year!

Observe a Christmas of over a century ago, quieter, more simple, fun for all. Take a stroll through streets ringing with music and make Candlelight Christmas part of your cherished family traditions. 

Giveaway: One winner will receive 4 tickets to Candlelight Christmas!
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

More Tools To Help You Prevent Diabetes

 It is much easier to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes than to manage it. Did you know that Type 2 diabetes is genetically predisposed? Yes, if you have one or more family members that has diabetes, be careful! You can be active, be at a normal weight, and a healthy eater, BUT if your genetics say diabetes, you should be even more vigilant about your healthy lifestyle! Because my father has type 2 diabetes, I am very much aware that my chances of getting the disease are increased significantly. 
Pregnant women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes also have a greater risk of contracting Type II Diabetes when they are older. (For more facts, see my earlier post, here)

Not sure if you are at risk? Take this easy Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test! It will help you make wise choices to help you delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes!
If you know you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, eat as well as possible (avoid processed food!) and be active. Surround yourself with people who will support you and understand the changes you need to make. Healthy food tastes better than processed food, but it takes just a little more effort. Don’t feel like you have to explain or justify how you eat to people. Take back your life and know it's time to take control!

 There are plenty of success stories from people who have beat the odds and have come up winners in the fight against diabetes. If you are unsure about how to start, try this starter diabetic prevention kit, with free recipes, a free glucose tester, and free samples! Or subscribe to Diabetic Living Magazine (get it for free here).  If you're serious, start now!
:

This site accepts product samples and/or compensation.Affiliate links may be used to support this site. Text and opinions are 100% my own and are not swayed by any sponsor affiliation.

Wasted Roller Blades + #MotivatingMonday Link-Up

Thanksgiving was a huge success! That is my assessment, overall, of the holiday that is filled with food, fun, family, and fraught with indulgences, inordinate weight gain and innocuous conversation (we hope so anyway). The turkey was moist, the mashed potatoes creamy (except for the crumbled bacon and herbs throughout), the punch bowl cake tasty and sweet, and the pies plentiful! It was so much fun to watch the guys play a friendly after-dinner game of Risk!

Of course, I could always go on about how we thawed a frozen 20-lb. turkey for 10 straight hours via the sink method, because we didn't get it until Tuesday from our supplier (my son), then determined that said turkey didn't have a giblets pack because we didn't see any sign of it. I told everyone within earshot that I felt that the turkey people had finally figured out that no one uses the giblets anymore and have dispensed with the disgusting practice of putting packaged pieces of the turkey inside the bird. How wrong that statement was I later found out, when I pulled the huge buttered bird out of the oven and started preparing to carve it. Lo and behold, the missing pack of giblets! Apparently we hadn't dug around deep enough to find what I now saw plain and clear. I quickly tossed the evidence in the trash and went on like nothing happened. I received accolades from our guests about how moist and flavorful the turkey was. I don't imagine myself going on a cooking show anytime soon, but if I do, I will do a full demonstration of how to cook a moist and tasty turkey using the giblet packet method! 

In other news, the Christmas shows are now in full swing and I have already got Home Alone 1 and Home Alone 2 under my belt! Bless you Macaulay Culkin, there will always be a place in heaven for you because of those movies! For me, those movies are as much a part of Christmas as stockings over the fireplace! 

This year I loved the dialogue between Kevin and the eccentric Pigeon Lady. She says, "I'm just afraid if I do trust someone, I'll get my heart broken." Kevin then talks about his roller blades and how he was afraid to ruin them so he never used them, but then he outgrew them and he couldn't use them anyway. Essentially, he wasted his roller blades. He tells her, "If you won't use your heart, who cares if it gets broken? If you just keep it to yourself, maybe it'll be like my rollerblades. When you do decide to try it, it won't be any good. You should take a chance. Got nothing to lose."  How did this kid get so much wisdom? 

It's not wise to do as the pigeon lady did. There are so many people who need to be loved, so many people who need our best humanity. This is a great time to exercise our hearts and I'm not talking cardio here. Have you been hurt in the past? Put it to rest and move on. You'll be better off for it! Don't wait until your heart is healed. Giving love is the way to heal your heart!

Image by Paul Marto

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)

A Reality Check + #MotivationMonday Link-Up

I'm so mad at myself, so I'm punishing myself and posting a reality check photo. I should have gone to the dentist to take care of my offending tooth a year ago, when I was aware that I had a tooth going bad inside a filling. But no, it wasn't hurting me, and my finances were such that I had other things to do more important. I don't have dental insurance, I'm one of the many Americans who don't.
Here it is almost 16 months later and finally today, I went to the dentist and hope against hope, had to have a root canal to save the now almost ruined molar in the back of my head. And what was the catalyst, you might ask? (Or not, but I'll tell you anyway!) I was chewing a piece of chocolate that had been in the refrigerator. It broke a big chunk of my tooth off, a big, honking piece! So you want a sign? There's your sign! You need to go to the dentist, pronto! Are my finances any better than they were a year ago? No, indeed! With the holidays coming up, they are possibly tighter than ever. 
That, my friends, is called procrastination! Don't do it! It never works out! But I'm the world's best at it! So here are my favorite memes on the subject! Oh, and my reality check picture. Stare at me, judge me, the misery, the regret, pain, and the cold, hard, reality of someone who is a procrastinator!!!

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)

To Not Ask Why, Ask What + #MotivatingMonday Link-up

This week has been so sad, in a lot of ways. First of all, the Paris tragedy. I am so blown away, and I can't understand how such hatred can exist in a group of people to do this kind of cowardly warfare on innocent people. But the one thing that impacted me is the young boy who was spotted in Paris, at one of the memorials, writing a simple phrase. "Love Will Always Win."  I totally agree, even though at times it just doesn't feel like that. Sometimes I'm tempted to throw in the towel and join in with the rest of the haters. But what good will that do? It just gives them more validation, more ammunition to continue. Love is also contagious and you never know what a kind word or act will do for someone.

Also today after months of surgeries and suffering, Baylee Hoaldridge, a 15-year-old local girl, was taken off life support and passed away. She had been burned over 65% of her body when her family RV tipped over and trapped her as she was buckled in her seatbelt. This happened on July 4th, and over these past months she endured 27 surgeries and was scheduled for her 28th. She was so strong. At one point was even walking, but soon after had to have her legs amputated because she got infection and went into septic shock. The only daughter of 4 children, her parents are absolutely heartbroken. But the community came together for her and so much good came out of it.  Her grieving mother was buoyed up when her brother wrapped her in his arms and whispered, "Don't ask why. Ask what" To me that means that there are things that God knows that we don't, and instead of asking why, we can ask 'what is it that I need to learn, or what can I do to make this a stepping stone, what can I do to make this experience draw nearer to Him? Read more of her story 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)

'Satin Dreams' 2-Winner #Giveaway Featuring Savvy Sleepers

Did you know that sleeping on satin pillowcases is a beauty booster? It prevents hair breakage, and it prevents sleep creases that over time would become permanent! Savvy Sleepers satin pillowcases are the best because they are made from the highest quality polyester blend and are the perfect texture--not too slippery yet silky smooth.

Guys love Savvy Sleepers too! With the patented pocket, you can store things you want to have close to you during the night. And the colors are wonderful. With names such as Pinot Greige, Zinfully Blue, Vintage Rosè, White Russian, Nappuchinno, and Black Truffle, you can only imagine how beautiful they are! The pillowcases are machine washable, so they are very easy to care for! Read more about it at A GAL NEEDS...

 Discount Code: Savvy Sleepers is celebrating their 3rd Anniversary this month and they are excited to offer a 15% discount code on all purchases! Just enter AGALNEEDS at check-out to claim your discount! Expires December 2nd!

Giveaway: Welcome to the Satin Dreams Giveaway, where 2 winners will win their choice of a Savvy Sleepers satin pillowcase! ARV is $39 each + free shipping.  

Open to U.S., Canada, and UK. 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. Sponsor is responsible for delivery of prizes, not participating bloggers. This blog received no compensation for the facilitation of this giveaway. Enter the giveaway in the Rafflecopter below! Giveaway runs from 11/14/15 - 12/02/15. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An Anti-Aging Pillowcase + #DiscountCode to Savvy Sleepers!

This site accepts product samples and/or compensation. Affiliate links may be used to help 

support this site. All text and opinion are 100% my own and are not swayed by any sponsor affiliation.

If I had 15 minutes to grab a few things before my home was destroyed, I'd take my dog, my phone, my small make-up bag (vs. my big make-up bag), some water, some food, and my pillow! 
I must have my pillow with me wherever I go because it is my link to comfort and security! If I don't have my own pillow in a new or strange place, I won't be resting well.  It's just the way it is.  But my pillow preferences have evolved. It used to be that I slept with one pillow. Then it became necessary and normal to sleep with two. Now I feel like 4 pillows surrounding me is the best. I try to make due with 3, but 4 is optimal. Of course I can't take 4 pillows with me wherever I go, but my favorite pillow, the one that is next to my skin, has to go with! 

The most recent change I've made is that I sleep on a satin pillowcase. Satin is so smooth and comfortable. It keeps my hair from going crazy bed-head, and it also helps prevent sleep face (sleeping on face and waking up with creases from where you slept).  My satin pillowcase of choice is a Savvy Sleeper.  It's a pure satin pillowcase, of the highest quality poly-blend, with a little pocket for any incidentals--earrings, earplugs, lotion, lip balm, etc.

Founded in 2011 by Dale Janee, a San Francisco fashion columnist, Savvy Sleepers is now celebrating their 3rd Anniversary! It is the world's first uni-sex line of anti-aging pillowcases for skin and hair. 
Benefits of Sleeping on Satin: Sleeping on satin has been a celebrity beauty must-have and anti-aging secret for decades. Why? Satin is dermatologist recommended as  smoother against your skin preventing facial wrinkles, especially if you sleep on the same side for years. For hair, top stylists urge clients to sleep on satin to protect locks from friction and breakage often caused by sleeping on cotton pillow cases. Satin also prolongs the life of pricey salon blowouts.

So I need to add one more thing to my emergency "must-take" list--A Savvy Sleepers Pillowcase!
If you haven't yet experienced the benefits of sleeping on Satin, and especially the amazing feeling Savvy Sleepers satin with the patented secret pocket, I suggest you do so! And what a perfect gift for the princess in your life! 
  
Discount Code: Use agalneeds at check-out and get 15% off your Savvy Sleeper order!

Keep Track of Savvy Sleeper and the Savvy Spice Blog on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!

Romantic Winter Wedding Ideas and Dresses

This is a post brought to you by myself and sponsored by:

The winter months are the 2nd most popular season for weddings! Aside from May and June, this is the perfect time for family and friends to come together and celebrate new unions.  And what a beautiful picture it makes, if you're lucky enough to have fluffy whiteness in the backdrop for a photo shoot! I love the photo below because the bride is in white, but she isn't afraid to stay warm, despite being photographed.The look is fitting, warm, and savvy! Staying warm in the winter is, and should be, a top priority.  Make sure to include a warm wrap of choice to go over the wedding and bridesmaids dresses! Jackets, shawls, and sweaters can all be very pretty!

You'll want to differentiate from the normal summer colors and floral arrangements. Fall has just receded and some of the rich browns, oranges, reds, and golds are still in our memories. Do include more warm browns, reds, berries, and golds in the thought process for winter wedding decor. 

Berry tones dominate this centerpiece

Remember that warm and inviting is the perfect backdrop to the cool and stark white of winter. It can be a most beautiful and romantic ambiance. 

Evening weddings are also very popular because they contribute to the warm and inviting atmosphere of being inside when it is cold outside! The photo below shows how large halls can be lit with low lights and the colors absorb the warmth and make it a very comfortable atmosphere to be in. 

Having some cute added features like a hot chocolate bar or drink bar with cute captions celebrate the season and make drinking hot chocolate seem like a well-deserved treat! In summer, it's all about light eating and drinking. In the winter, foods can be more comforting and substantial.  

If you have a warm and inviting winter background, the white dress can be breathtaking. Picked Dresses has some amazing dresses for $150 or less for their winter Flash Sale! View my 10 favorites below! I would recommend visiting their site, where they have the largest selection of exquisite bridal gowns in many types of fabrics and styles. In-house designers work to create dresses that reflect the most current trends at prices that your budget can handle! Picked Dresses is a one-stop wedding shop because not only do they offer a huge bridal selection, but they have a stunning selection of bridesmaid and flower girl dresses in a palette of 20 colors to spoil them, helping them to help you make your wedding day truly unforgettable! Also check out the Wedding Dresses Toronto collection! (Click to start slideshow)