Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Pampered Mom Spa Day Giveaway by Aribella Spa (ARV $70)

Mother's Day is coming up and one of the best gifts a mom can receive is some amazing pampering at a wonderful spa! 
Aribella Spa in Lehi, UT is just what mom needs, not only during Mother's Day month, but every month! Mirabella is a full-service salon/spa, with 3 nail techs, 3 hairstylists, and 3 massage therapists, and a Master Esthetician who also happens to be the owner of the business! Sherri Climent, owner, is very hands-on and is in the spa every day! Just take a look at these amenities!

Monday, April 23, 2018

As Prescribed + #MyPostMonday The Week's Best Original Content

It's a struggle when you have something pulling on you, relentlessly telling you to give in, to go ahead and give up and get relief, whatever that may be. For me, it's an unconquered addiction to.....wait for it.....sugar. I don't think I could ever totally give up sweets. #guiltypleasure

Image - Leanne Kartchner

Saturday, April 21, 2018

'Yes To Fresh' $20 McDonald's Gift Card #Giveaway

Have you had a McDonald's Quarter Pounder recently? They are so good! Disclosure: I do eat meat occasionally, especially during the colder months. I was able to have exactly 3 Quarter Pounders in the past several months. The opportunities came up, usually as a result of being on the run and not having prepared well enough to bring something good to eat from home. There are more McDonald's than any other food stop on the planet, it seems, so it's great to know that I can go to McDonald's in a food crisis and there are things that are quite healthy on their menu. 

Monday, April 16, 2018

Who Would I Be If I Stayed? + #MyPostMonday The Week's Best Original Content

I go to work from 9 - 2 everyday to play---play with the most joyous, alive, innocent, mischievous, honest, and savage individuals ever. They are a group of  12 - 14 Middle School Mild/Moderate Special Education students. They belie the title of Special Ed. With totally normal appearance, gestures, clothing, and interests, they transcend any labels people may put on them. They come to school and continue the transition from child to eventual adult. They won't stay this way, but while they are in this stage, I'm so lucky to be able to "play" with them, all in the name of work! They are not quite out of childhood, yet halfway into adulthood. It's so funny to see them act like they are the most knowledgable of experts on any given subject, but then one minute later do something hilariously childish. 

This stage of life only lasts but a year or two. Some people say that it is the hardest stage to raise, as a parent. And I'd have to agree. But I'm not a parent. I'm an educator! I get to take them as they are, make helpful suggestions, even dole out consequences. But mostly, I support them in their hopes, their dreams, their likes and dislikes. I suggest other options. I suggest alternative ways to look at things. I even play devil's advocate. Of course, ultimately, my peers and I let them decide what they are going to do. Some of them will end up being successful and holding down a job and raising a family. Some of them, unfortunately, will not be so lucky. Some of them may even end up homeless. That breaks my heart, because I know they are trying so hard to make a success out of life. And they have so much energy and optimism. 

That same energy and optimism make the most enthusiastic and well-meaning of adults tired. That's why after 5 hours, I am done playing, relieved to leave and do my other jobs consisting of wife, mom, pet-owner, errand-runner, home maintenance worker, gardener, blogger, and elderly care-giver. 
Image - Celeste Camomile
 The end of the school year is fast approaching and I think of the oldest students in our class. They will be moving on to high school, leaving this stage of their lives behind. I realize that although I have developed a fondness and special bond with them, I may never see some of them again. It reminds me of the exchange between Wonder Woman and her mother, Hypolyta. Hypolyta says, "You know that if you choose to leave, you may never return." Wonder Woman replies, "But who would I be if I stay?" 

So it is with my friends. Their journey needs to continue. They can't stay. And I may not know where that journey eventually leads them. But I'll know that when our paths met, we laughed, smiled, played, and learned. And they gave richness to my life, without even knowing they did.
Today is "My Post Monday!", a curation of the week's best original content. It's all about posts from Crafts to Camping, Wellness to Wealth, Fashion to Food, and whatever else is on the brain!  I  open up with a post of my own and then follow it up with a linky of the week's top original blog posts! It's all about what the writer thinks, believes, and knows--in other words, they are active, writing blogs. 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!  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! (Affiliate links welcome!)      

Saturday, April 14, 2018

The Power Of Board Games + Collector's Rummikub Tin Edition #Giveaway

As a blogger and social media influencer I feel like I am in front of a screen a lot! As a matter of fact, too much! It seems to grab me and pull me in, even when I am technically not working. There seems to always be something needing to be done, something to respond to, more catching up to do. And during the course of working, things grab my attention and I spend time just wasting it! And wow....for one who remembers the days when talking on the phone was the only social media and it meant stretching the phone cord into my room and shutting the door, talking for hours---well, things have really changed! 

My husband is the same way. He comes from a family who was really into card games like Rook, Cribbage, and played Backgammon as well. They would have big family gatherings where everyone would play Rook into the wee hours of the morning. Things got really competitive and it was loads of fun. He has very fond memories. Now, none of his siblings really like to play because they are all hooked to their phones, playing their games online. What he has noticed is there is so much less interaction between everyone. Whereas people used to take the time to send birthday cards or call on the phone, now it is limited to a Facebook post saying "Happy Birthday"  or a quick birthday text over the phone. 

Recently we took the time to go back to how things were back in the day. We went off grid for awhile, got out the board games and started playing some of the games we used to play and tried out a few new ones. We talked and joked more than we have done in quite awhile, it seems.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

100% Organic Skincare #Giveaway by 'Hug Your Skin'



'Hug Your Skin' is a company with a mission to deliver the best 100% organic skin care products to you! "The organic way is the only one that protects both planet and the living creatures who live on it." They have chosen Dr. Mariana Speizia, the acclaimed 21st-century beauty alchemist at InLight Organic Skincare, a company in the U.K. as their main supplier. Although fairly new to the U.S., the product
is hugely successful and popular in Europe because there it became certified as the first truly organic product of its kind. It also has been awarded global Cosmos organic certification. The goal is to get the word out so that it will become as beloved here as it is across the pond.

Below is an infographic of exactly what 'Hug Your Skin' does!
 Read my review of the Inlight Under Eye Revive, which contains 100% organic ingredients to calm puffiness and discoloration. I was literally amazed at how well it worked. It kind of shattered in my own mind the myth that natural ingredients aren't as effective as chemical ingredients and, while optimal, they still need the chemicals to render them effective. Silly me! Use discount code Helena15 for 15% off all products!

Another product that tends to be touted more in chemical terms than in natural is the Chocolate Face Mask. Dr. Spiezia says, "I formulated this most intense nourishing mask to transform the appearance of the skin without the action of harsh, chemical peels, which damage the protective mantle of the skin, causing it to secrete extra sebum, making it appear oily and sensitized." 

Also, visit Hug Your Skin to look at the wide selection of 100% organic products, all of which are water-free, so a little goes a long way! They do wonders for your skin, from top to bottom! Free USPS Shipping to all U.S. orders! Use discount code Helena15 for 15% off all products!
A GAL NEEDS...has teamed up with 'Hug Your Skin' to award one winner their choice of 'Inlight Chocolate Face Mask' or 'Inlight Under Eye Revive'. Make sure to enter in the Rafflecopter below and enter daily for more chances to win! Ends 4/26/18!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: Open to U.S. and Canada!  A GAL NEEDS...received product from this sponsor to facilitate the review of this product. Affiliate links may be present. No Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, nor any other social platforms are involved in any way!
Must be 21 or older to participate, 1 entrant per household, Winner will be contacted by e-mail
after 04/26/18.  Must respond within 48 hours.
After notification, winner will be asked to acknowledge their win by contacting sponsor on Social Media and letting them know of their win.
Entrants with invalid entries will be disqualified.
Sponsor, 'Hug Your Skin', is responsible for delivery of prize package.  

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

What Lies Within + #MyPostMonday The Week's Best Original Content

I'm finally seeing spring flowers pushing their way out of the barren winter soil. It is so heartening and encouraging to see that! Here they are, after being dead all winter long, or at least looking like it, laying dormant in the ground. And lo, and behold, here they come, all fancy and frilly, looking like nothing could ever fade them. But, these earliest blooms will be gone before a few weeks are past. That's OK, I don't think any flower is any more welcomed than the earliest spring crocuses. Just something about them...

And here I am, here after yet another winter. I'm sure it beat me down and I am showing a few more signs of wear and tear, if only subtly. But that's OK, I'm tough and I've seen a lot of things. You know what is amazing? Every time something beat me down, I just got back up and dusted myself off. I was told I was a "Saturday's Warrior". I didn't even know what that even meant, except that Saturday is the 7th day of the week, according to the Gregorian Calendar. So does that mean I'm the last before the end? End of what? And warrior? Where is my training? I know that I need to take self-defense at some point, although if some predator were to accost me on my walks, they would be surprised. I carry a taser, excuse me, I was told it's a stun gun! Shhhh.....Whatever....it felt very empowering at the time. But years have gone by since I was told I'm a Saturday's Warrior. Are we still on Saturday? 

I feel like these little spring flowers are warriors of a sort. They fight to be able to be the first to come back each year and herald the appearance of a glorious spring! What an amazing and important job they have! And you know what? They do it really well! 

I'm going to take a lesson and do the job that I feel I need to do. Come back every time I am down, and stand up and be as beautiful, bold, and joyous as God intended and wants me to be! Because I am heralding something too. The end of one stage in my life, and the beginning of something new!!! 

 Today is "My Post Monday!", a curation of the week's best original content. It's all about posts from Crafts to Camping, Wellness to Wealth, Fashion to Food, and whatever else is on the brain!  I  open up with a post of my own and then follow it up with a linky of the week's top original blog posts! It's all about what the writer thinks, believes, and knows--in other words, they are active, writing blogs. 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!  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! (Affiliate links welcome!)     

Monday, March 26, 2018

Sorry, Not Sorry + #MyPostMonday The Week's Best Original Conent

I work with Middle School Special Ed Students. When I transitioned to this age-group from High School, I felt a little trepidation. This is the age group that is just beginning the transition from childhood to adulthood. They have a huge amount of learning to do in terms of how to adult. They are still such children in so many ways. 

I've learned to really enjoy this age-group, though, because they desperately want to learn all the secrets of being an adult and I find it to be so endearing (Most of the time). We have a cute 7th grade girl who has such a hard time saying "no". Her friends have learned that if they put enough pressure on her, she will give them anything--her lunch, her phone, her treats, the shirt off her back, her time. She is having such a struggle and it has gotten her into several situations. We are actually working on role-playing so that she can practice saying "no". She needs to learn it now because it will get even more complicated in high school, when boys enter into the equation.

It's not such a foreign problem to many adults, especially women, who feel that  they don't want to disappoint people or let others down. After observing the behavior in someone who is so new at being independent, I've been making an effort to be less of a push-over myself. What I mean is that as much as I try, I'm not going to please everyone. But rather than falling all over myself apologizing for my shortcomings, or agreeing to do or give things that I really don't feel comfortable with, why not make it a double advantage, and practice being assertive, all while boosting someone else and assuming the good in them?
In effect, I intend to practice stating what it is I normally would apologize for, but without the apology, and instead follow it up with an honest statement of confidence and expectation that the other person will not only acquiesce to the request, but totally understand! Examples:
  • I need to cancel our plans--thanks for understanding! Next time?
  • I can't commit to that right now. But it's a wonderful thing that you are doing. Good luck with your cause! 
  • I don't drink. But I'd love to be a part of the fun!
  •  My house is a mess, and thanks for understanding that housework isn't the only thing I do.
  • I just noticed I've got my shirt on inside out, wow! That's hilarious! 
  • I 'm not interested in buying your product right now. Thanks for thinking of me, though. I'll keep my eyes open for someone who might be interested!
  • My child is having a melt-down. Thanks for understanding that I'm a good parent, regardless!
  • I'm not going to give that to you because it's something I value right now. I'll help you try and find something similar if you'd like, or if there comes a time I don't want it, I'll think of you!
There are a few things I feel like I should always apologize for: being late, falling through on a commitment, or offending someone. Those are things that hurt another person and an apology should definitely be in order. 

I feel like this kind of strategy is good for self-esteem, time-management, stress-management, and sets up perimeters for productive relationships. 

What do you think about this kind of social strategy? Is it empowering or non-productive? Let me know what you think! 
 Today is "My Post Monday!", a curation of the week's best original content. It's all about posts from Crafts to Camping, Wellness to Wealth, Fashion to Food, and whatever else is on the brain!  I  open up with a post of my own and then follow it up with a linky of the week's top original blog posts! It's all about what the writer thinks, believes, and knows--in other words, they are active, writing blogs. 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!  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! (Affiliate links welcome!)     

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Make Your Own Probiotics With EZYogurtMaker #Giveaway

 We all need probiotics and the EZYogurtMaker is the easiest, least expensive and freshest option out there! Think of one health issue that you have right now that you wish would improve. Chances are, probiotics can dramatically help that very thing!



Probiotics are a miracle of nature and provide hundreds of magical benefits for the body! Some of these benefits are:
• Reduce Illness: Inhibit/Reduce Colds/Influenza/Flu, Respiratory/Nasal/Ear Infections...
• Fight Cancer:Fight Cancer(general), Bladder, Colon, Liver, Lung, Stomach...
• Enhance Nutrient Absorption: Calcium, Iron, Fiber Digestion, Produce B Vitamins, Phytonutrients...
• Lose Weight: individual results say"...reduced body fat by 3–4%...", "lost 50% more weight... " No special diet or exercise!
• Lose Belly Fat: studies show"...belly fat was reduced by 8.5%" "reduced...BMI, waist size and hip circumference.."
• Prevent Weight Gain: test subjects - "...prevent weight gain on a high-calorie diet." "...decreased fat storage"
• Control Cravings:"...release the...(appetite-reducing) hormone GLP-1...burn calories and fat."
• Improve Digestion: Help w/Lactose Int., Diarrhea, Vomiting, Flatulence, Nausea, Ulcers, IBS, Indigestion...
• Improve Mental Health: Aid w/ Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Quality and Duration, Mood...

As with any food, fresh is always better. But it's hard to get fresh probiotics. The options are pills &  powders, which, at best, only have a small amount of dormant, usable bacteria. Store-bought yogurt is what most people use for probiotics, and it loses potency while being shipped and stored. Also, it only uses a couple of strains of probiotic, whereas multiple strains are desired. And there is home made yogurt, generally the most healthy way to get fresh probiotics, but it is quite an involved process and needs up to 3.5 hours of preparation time. 

The EZYogurtMaker is so easy because you simply get a gallon or 1/2 gallon of milk, put the starter seeds into the carton, turn on the warming sleeve, and leave it to heat at the perfect temperature for approximately 8 hours. It is so easy! And with 11 strains of probiotics, it is one of the most complete formulas anywhere! And at around .16 cents per serving, it is so affordable!
Once the yogurt or kiefer (it depends on how long you leave the milk in the warming sleeve) is made, there are so many ways you can flavor your probiotic. You can flavor it with stevia and fruit, or you can make a chocolate probiotic shake like I do! Read my review on how to make a Morning Chocolate Probiotic Shake! Also check out more recipes on the EZYogurtMaker Blog!
EZYogurtMaker has teamed up with A GAL NEEDS...to award one winner their own EZYogurtMaker, a $49.99 value. Make sure to enter in the Rafflecopter below and enter daily for more chances to win!
Disclaimer: Open to U.S.!  A GAL NEEDS...received product from this sponsor to facilitate the review of this product. Affiliate links may be present. No Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, nor any other social platforms are involved in any way!
Must be 21 or older to participate, 1 entrant per household, Winner will be contacted by e-mail
after 04/12/18.  Must respond within 48 hours.
After notification, winner will be asked to acknowledge their win by contacting sponsor on Social Media and letting them know of their win.
Entrants with invalid entries will be disqualified.
Sponsor, 'EZYogurtMaker', is responsible for delivery of prize package. 


  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, March 19, 2018

Status Quos Are Meant To Be Broken + #MyPostMonday The Week's Best Original Content

What kind of person are you? Are you someone who tends to think outside of the box, or someone who feels better blending in and not rocking the boat too much? In today's culture of calling someone out for being even a little different, emboldened behind the anonymity of made-up screen names, I would say that we like to blend in more than stand out. We tend to go with the status quo--unless we are the one popping off behind the laptop with the fake screen name.

I have to say that I admire those who are earnestly interested in following where their journey of logic and intelligent inquiry takes them and who, then, openly follow their truth as they know it. Everyone is on a journey! To say that someone is this label or that label is not fair to that person or to time in general. It's like saying that everything is stagnant and finished--never moving back or progressing forward.

I admire the person, who having been told that things need to be a certain way their whole life, continue to question and ask intelligent, fair, and thought-provoking questions that bring them to their own understanding, which may be slightly or even radically different than what they've been taught in the past. Their motivation isn't to be oppositional or rebellious, but just to conduct a sincere, curious, often painful search for truth.

Then, on top of that, they are brave enough, and intelligent enough to verbalize why they have chosen the way they have. It doesn't mean they are finished with their journey, it doesn't mean they disavow everything they have learned from the past. It simply means they are continuing on with their lifelong search for meaning. 

I like being around these kind of people. I like open-minded, and honest conversations. I like non-judgmental, heart-felt, listening as well as conversing, exchanges. To me, this kind of person is truly a fascinating individual. But that kind of person is indeed a rarity, and hard to find!
Today is "My Post Monday!", a curation of the week's best original content. It's all about posts from Crafts to Camping, Wellness to Wealth, Fashion to Food, and whatever else is on the brain!  I  open up with a post of my own and then follow it up with a linky of the week's top original blog posts! It's all about what the writer thinks, believes, and knows--in other words, they are active, writing blogs. 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!  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! (Affiliate links welcome!)