WE ALL HAVE BAD DAYS

Honesty time:

I have had a few days recently where if I went to a store and the cashier asked how I was doing, I'd say I'm ok and then fight back tears. I didn't want to burden anyone so I have been hiking a lot and avoiding going to public places. I figure if I hike, no one will talk to me. Perfect.

Under the circumstances of events that have recently happened in my life (losing my brother AND a best friend from my life). I have felt unwanted, unloved, and unimportant. I am a smart girl. I think I have a strong understanding of my emotions. I know bad things happen to people all the time. Heck, even worse things happen to others. But still these feelings came to me. I know I am a daughter of God. I know we all have individual worth. I know things will work out. I know all of these things and so much more. I just maybe needed that reassurance that in a world that has a lot of bad things where horrible things happen, there are still good people out there. I am thankful for that. 

These tiny acts of kindness and numerous hugs from strangers have helped me see the world is beauty full. 

Thank you to the girl at the tanning salon who left me this note when I colored my hair too dark and  didn't want people to think I was depressed with my pasty white skin (don't judge me).

Thank you to Alex and Ani for the cute bangle and positive (+) energy.

Just making lemonade. every. day.

Thank you to friends who knew I needed a laugh or maybe a cupcake.

Thank you to the random lady who on my hike stopped and asked if I needed to talk, but understood I just needed a hug and someone to cry with me.

I encourage us all to reach out to others. Be the friend someone might need at that moment. Be the smile, shoulder to cry on, and hug that seems so little, but makes a world of difference. Be a little more kind, compassionate, and empathetic. Essentially, be a the best you and then reach a little farther. (Like those PE fitness tests where you get 3 chances to stretch because the teacher knows you need to warm up, stretch, and then you can reach just a LITTLE bit farther). 

I love the words in this Walls (Circus) song by Tom Petty. Give it a listen or read the lyrics below. We all have bad days. It's what we do with our bad days that counts. Loves.

Some days are diamonds
Some days are rocks
Some doors are open
Some roads are blocked

Sundowns are golden
Then fade away

....

Sometimes you're happy
Sometimes you cry
Half of me is ocean
Half of me is sky
....
Some things are over
Some things go on
Part of me you carry
Part of me is gone

Buckle Up - SOLVIT HARNESS REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Wearing your seat belt is the law here in Utah. Click it or ticket is a clever slogan they have come up with to remind us to wear one. Since I am buckling myself up for safety, wouldn't I want to buckle my dog as well. I mean, I care about her and her safety as well.

If you know my dog, you know she has a lot of energy. She loves car rides. During the rides she is usually in the back seat running back and forth between the windows trying to stick her head out. What dog wouldn't with all those smells?! I realize this wouldn't be safe for her if we were in an accident (knock knock).

Now we have the deluxe car safety harness - one of the many amazing Solvit Products. This fits all vehicles, has a lifetime warranty, has a fully padded vest for safety, is fully adjustable to fit your furry friend, and also has a convenient attachment point for your walking leash.

It is easy to attach and your dog won't be tied down and uncomfortable in this harness. It provides range of motion while raveling, but locks in case of sudden stop--just like a normal seatbelt for humans.

Want to win a Solvit Products deluxe car safety harness for your pet? Enter below:

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MEET THE MORMONS

I'm a Mormon kid. We've met. You can Meet the Mormons in theaters starting 10/10/14.

If you want to learn more about Mormon peeps (no I don't have a husband with 6 wives), check it out. I love learning about different cultures, religions, and people. I don't think I could say I believed one was true unless I studied it and learned about others. Give it a try. 

You can go to this site to request a showing in your area.

**Meet the Mormons is not a boring documentary. This film is more of a small glimpse into the lives of 6 people that might be a little like you, me, or someone you know.
WARNING: It will make you laugh and might make you cry.

TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY

Me thinks we'll talk like a pirate fer free bounty, matey.

Thank you Krispy Kreme for free donuts and a reason to celebrate the pirate in us all.

COLBIE CAILLAT

A few years ago, I volunteered at a concert with my roommates Jenny and Hannah. One of the performers was Colbie Caillat. We had all heard the Bubbly song on the radio by then, but we acquired her entire album that night. I'm not the biggest chick singer fan, but I can't tell you how many times I listened that CD on repeat in my car for the next few months. 

I had the opportunity to go to the Coca Cola lounge today 

for a mini concert with Colbie

and, of course, I took Jenny.

MAGNETIC SCREEN DOOR Review

I have been hiking and going to the lake a lot with my dog. Of course, there are mosquitoes at those places out in nature. But when I'm at home, I don't want bugs to come inside. 

So I put up a Mega Mesh Premium Magnetic Screen Door. 

It is easy to set up,

won't fall down,

and pets/people can travel in/out with ease.

This magnetic screen door will help keep the bugs out while it let's the cool air in.

It fits in your home, RV, and where swing doors cannot fit. The screen is high-quality and will last you a long time. Size 36"x83".

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

CHALK THE BLOCK

I love the shops at the Riverwoods in Provo. It is the cutest little shopping center and employees at the stores seem to be so much more friendly than those in the same stores at big malls.

They have fun events all year long and one of them is called Chalk the Block.

The Chalk the Block Art Festival is a free three-day street painting event. More than 200 artists spend hours painting and chalking to transform the Riverwoods into captivating scenes.

 This is my favorite quote from the event:

There will come a time you'll see, of no more tears.

And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.

I survived the Chalk the Block 2014 3-D slide. 

Be sure to add this event to your calendar next year!

MAKING LEMONADE

Do you ever feel like you are living in a country music song? You know, the one where your brother dies, your car breaks down, your dog won't listen, it starts raining on you when you are out on a walk, your family says crazy stuff about you, your boyfriend breaks up with you, and just can't seem to find a break...

Well, here I am just trying to make lemonade with all these lemons.

I'd write a sweet message of hope right here, but I'm not feeling it. The best I can write is I know I'm lucky to have two legs to walk, dry clothes to change into, and memories to last me a lifetime.

SL Comic Con

I volunteered at Salt Lake Comic Con this weekend. I stayed at my friend Patrice's house (which is a 2 mile morning walk from the convention) and stayed until 9:30pm each night. I didn't leave the panel room I was in charge of much, except for 20 minutes to grab a bite to eat and snap these 2 photos while waiting for the food line.

I did it all for the wookie.

Don't we look precious?!

Final verdict, I'm not nerdy enough for this con, but I do love to volunteer.

NO MORE CELLULITE

I treated myself to a massage while on a cruise a few years ago. The massage therapist told me it looked like I was starting to get cellulite on the back of my legs. WHAT?! I was super exercise and runner girl at that time and thought there was no way I could have cellulite. That comment has struck fear in my mind since then. That's like the worst thing to tell a woman...isn't it?!

So I have decided to try various products to reduce any forming of cellulite possible and to firm my skin. That is exactly what this NuElle Triple Action Anti- Cellulite Concentrate says it will do for me - 100% money back guarantee. 

It contains 25 well known ingredients that assist in visible cellulite reduction overtime, like caffeine, L'Carnitine, Butcher's Broom, Bladderwrack, Ivy, and many others. In just 2-3 weeks, you'll notice firming on the surface, detoxifying on the inside, reducing water retention and fat cell clusters, and improving circulation and overall appearance of the skin. This is easy to apply. It creates sauna effect  (warming, not tingling or burning). I will admit it makes my skin feel super soft and wonderful. Give it a try today.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

BROTHER TIM

I wasn't asked to speak at my brother's funeral today so I would like to share a few fond memories I have of him here. 

I remember him:
*looking out of the car window on a road trip and asking if a field of cows were bears. He had an eye exam scheduled for the next week.
*after getting his glasses, my uncle Duane was visiting and making fun of him by calling him 4-eyes and such. Duane then put on his glasses and realized there was a whole new world out there (green trees on the mountains, letters on license plates, etc). Duane then had an eye exam scheduled for the next week.
*sneaking into the racquetball club with me because our parents couldn't afford the membership anymore. As we were leaving, he told me the staff were chasing us and we had to jump out of the window and run home through the outdoor tennis courts. I didn't notice the net between courts and ran straight into one and had a black eye the next day.
*jumping off bridges in California.
*singing The Proclaimers 500 Miles song over and over with me during a road trip with our mom.
*wrestling in the family room.
*hiding food in the best spots in the refrigerator so nobody else could find it and eat it.
*giving each other "santa sleigh rides" down the stairs in our house (one person would get in a blanket or sleeping bag while the other pulled them down the stairs in the wackiest way possible).
*throwing Easter eggs over the fence at the neighbor's house with my cousin Brian. My mom found out because the police came by to tell him to stop.
*jumping on the trampoline and slip & sliding.
*bleaching our hair at home (yikes).
*having his friend Marcus cut my grandma's toe nails while watching Lawrence Welk reruns.
*getting $1 to spend at the Penny Candy Store with me every time we went to visit our grandparents.
*helping with Christmas "ding-dong-ditch" and getting in the wrong car. "Gas it, Freda!"
*somehow knowing when anyone in our family was eating for pizza for dinner and he was there within minutes to share. EVERY TIME.
*riding in the car and carrying a bicycle out of the window because it wouldn't fit in the backseat & riding his bike home while carrying a ladder a different night.
*giving me rides in his Jetta named Sparticus.
*buying a pair of ski poles from the thrift shop, nailing his shoes to 2x4's, and trying to ski down the hill in our backyard when we moved to Utah.
*eating only super healthy foods at his house with his family and then coming to my parent's house and sneaking junk food.
*teaching me how to drive a stick shift by pulling him in the snow behind my dad's truck in the church parking lot.
*bragging about giving my dad the best Christmas present (shirt from Saver's) while I gave him some "tacky famous signed Picasso" piece.
*always being able to mutter a funny comment under his breath.
*eating our mother's famous enchiladas.
*sneaking poopy diapers from his babies under the seat in my car on hot sunny days.
*cutting down Christmas trees together (wherever we found the best one).
*saying, "My name is Tim and I like to party."
*being willing to help out whenever he found a chance.
*making everyone laugh.
*trying to be the best dad - the cool dad.
*smiling and getting whatever he wanted. Ugh...that made me so jealous sometimes.

I love you, brother Tim.

Like Rod, Tim likes to party. He just took his party to another place for a bit.

THE IDENTICAL CD #GIVEAWAY

Do you love uplifting movies the whole family can watch? Maybe a Sabbath appropriate film with a touch of religion?

The IDENTICAL tells the story of twin brothers unknowingly separated at birth during the Great Depression. Drexel Hemsley becomes an iconic 50’s rock ’n’ roll star, while Ryan Wade struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his father. The Reverend Wade and his wife are sure their adopted son has been gifted and called by God to be a preacher. But Ryan challenges his parent’s vision for his life, and unflinchingly chooses to launch his own music career with his best friend. Encouraged by his wife and employer, Ryan embarks on an unpredictable, provocative path - performing the legendary music of Drecel Hemsley in sold out venues all across the country. As the brothers destinies tragically collide, Ryan discovers that Drexel is his identical twin which leads him to question everything he’s ever believed about God, family, and his own identity.

This film includes actors Blake Rayne, Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green, Erin Cottrell, Joe Pantoliano, and many more. 

Official movie website: http://theidenticalmovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdenticalMovie

Movie Trailer: http://youtu.be/MxWVXHatVDA

*If you’re interested in getting some friends together to see THE IDENTICAL, we have a group ticket opportunity http://seatzy.com/main/bulkrequest/the-identical

To get excited about this film, I am hosting a giveaway for a soundtrack sampler. The Identical Original Motion Picture SoundTrack sampler features 12 of the 20 original songs by Jerry Marcellino and Yochanan Marcellino from the film. Including “Your Love’s Keepin’ Me Tonight,” “City Lights,” “Angel of Mine,” “Everybody Knows It” and “Nashville Tonight."

Enter to win below:

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

HOLY GHOST DVD #GIVEAWAY

You know what I have been enjoying lately? I like the fact that Hollywood has been making films with religion in them and we have seen these films in the theater. It's fantastic. Get ready for another film from Wanderlust Productions which releases worldwide September 6th.

Where are they going in this film? Well, there is no plan, no script, no safety net. Director Darren Wilson is planning to go wherever he feels the Spirit leading them to try and discover the adventure God has for him. Have you ever tried to leave things in the hands of faith or God. This film reveals a God who is far more alive and active in our lives than you ever imagined. I have been taught about the Holy Ghost all of my life at church. I think this show is fabulous and helps remind me to keep an open heart and mind to understand that I need help in this life and shouldn't be afraid to ask for it.

You'll be surprised to hear this movie features big names such as Lenny Kravitz, Brain “Head” Welch, Bill Johnson, Michael W. Smith, Todd White, Meredith Andrews, DeVon Franklin, William P. Young, Phil Vischer, and many more. Pretty cool, right?! 

Find out more about Holy Ghost at these links:

Check out the official website here: http://holyghost.wpfilm.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holyghostmovie

Want to win a DVD copy of your own to watch? Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.