THANKFUL

Thanksgiving is about family.

 I'm thankful for family that are my friends

 and for friends that turn into family.

I'm also thankful for YOU.

ALEX AND ANI APP

My name is Deanna and I'm an addict. I'm addicted to Alex and Ani jewelry. This is not a joke.

I'm pretty sure there are worse things I could be addicted to though.

Imagine this...I am asked these questions:

"Hey, Deanna, what do you want for Christmas?"

"Hey, Deanna, what can I get you for Hanukkah?"

"Anything you would like while to celebrate being awesome?"

My answer to all of those would be, "How about an ALEX AND ANI bracelet or necklace?!"

But which ones do I already have or want? Well, guess what... Earlier this holiday season, ALEX AND ANI announced the launch of their app, which features a powerful blend of insight, personalized shopping, and symbolic inspiration. An ALEX AND ANI app to help people shop (for me...ahem) is genius. You can mark ones you have and make a wishlist of the ones you want and then you can shop right their in the app. It is fabulous! Download it today if you have the same love for this company and all their positive pieces.

Download the ALEX AND ANI app today!

CAMPING HAMMOCK

I live in Utah. I have just recently decided I need to enjoy the outdoors more. That's why I am so excited about the new package that was just delivered to my house. I am now the proud owner of two camping hammocks. The first is a double camping hammock with tree straps from #Liveinfinitely.

I like that this hammock just folds up inside this little pouch that is attached. It is so easy to assemble and clean up. The included tree straps roll up into a nylon carrying case as well.

 This double hammock is strong and durable. It is made from the highest quality weather resistant 210T nylon with interlocked triple stitched seams (for you technical people out there) and is guaranteed to hold 450 lbs (put in simpler terms for me). The quick drying, weather & mildew resistant hammock (also machine washable) measures 9' 10" long by 6' 6" wide (300cm x 200cm) which can easily hold 3 adults. Anybody want to join me?

It comes with 11' 5"durable weather resistant nylon tree straps that have a stainless steel lashing ring and unique triple running stitch. The straps are designed to prevent stretching while still allowing simple setup. And if I can do the set up and tear down in less than 5 minutes...you can too. 

 My second newest prized possession is the ultralight camping hammock from #Rallt with #TheUltralight hammock straps. This hammock has super lightweight components. The built-in compression straps cinch it down to a tiny 6” x 6” x 4” package, making it an excellent choice for those of ya'll who like backpacking. It comes with everything you need to hang it including ropes and aluminum wire gate carabiners. 

The ultralight hammock is also made of a 210 nylon body and can hold up to 400 lbs safely with premium carabiners and nautical-grade rope. This one is made for one, but my dog Day-Z snuck in with me. I mentioned it comes with straps and all, but I wanted to try out the hammock straps available for purchase from the same company. You get 10 feet each strap and they pack to 4" x 4" x 1.5" and weigh 12 ounces for the set. Also, reflective tracers are stitched into the webbing for those adventurous ones who need a quick set-up or take down in the dark.

It also folds up easily in nice little attached pouches. 

Check out their free guide to hammock camping on their site.

Now who wants to go camping with me??

Both companies want you to be happy so your purchase comes with a satisfaction guarantee...and you all know I LOVE great customer service!

I received these products free of charge for my honest opinions.

I'M HAPPY FOR YOU GIVEAWAY

The holidays can sometimes get you down. We rush and rush until life is not fun and compare the things we have/buy with others. It's silly. I just read the book I’m Happy For You (Sort Of…Not Really).

The author, Kay Wills Wyma,is a blogger, mother of five, and the author of Cleaning House. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, she held super fancy positions at the White House, the Staubach Company, and Bank of America. I guess she has a lot to brag about.

This book explores the effects of living in a ridiculously competitive culture—and reveals simple yet effective ways to escape the comparison trap. Social media feeds, neighborhood gossip, and even in our homes, we compare ours vs. theirs too often. I like how this book offers ways to remedy the pressures of having to be better. We should be happy with who we are and love ourselves!

I know...it's easy to say.
Find out more about this book on the official website, Facebook, Amazon, and Twitter. 

Want a copy of this cool book of your own to read or know someone who could benefit from reading it?

Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD FRIENDS

Good friends don't let you do stupid things...

alone.

I am thankful for the good people who want to be part of my life.

Thank you for the love and many laughs.

Advanced Color Care System

The Arvazallia Advanced Color Care System can be a little intimidating when you you get the box, but your hair will thank you for using it. This premium hair care system has aloe vera, Argan oil, and macadamia oil to repair, strengthen, and nourish your hair. The formulas are designed to protect and extend the life of color treated hair.

The box comes with a 3-part system including a moisturizing shampoo, restorative conditioner, and a rejuvenating hair mask.

I can attest that using these three products will instantly improve your hair’s texture and manageability. The essential nutrients in the formula will help make your color last longer while promoting natural hair growth. Longer lasting color....yes, please!

My favorite of the three items is the hair mask. It deep conditions my hair and makes it feel so soft.

If you color your hair often, you will want to try this #colorcareset.

FREE MINIONS Blu-Ray/DVD/Digitial HD

If you shop online, you should go through the website TopCashBack to earn money for what you already do (shopping). Right now, they have a deal where you can get the Minions movie for free after rebate PLUS a free $5 Target gift card. This offer is only good while supplies last SO HURRY. 

1. What you need to do: click here to create an account.
*This offer is available to new TopCashback members only*

2. Then click on the Target page here.

3. Click the pink Get Cash Back Now button.

It will direct you to the Target website. 

4. Choose Pre-order now button to add it to your cart.

*the DVD releases 12/8/15*

Shipping is free at checkout.

If you use your Target Red card, you can save an additional 5% and still get the full $18.99 back in rebate.You will also get a free $5 gift card.

5. Do not add anything else to your cart during this transaction.

6. Continue to checkout like normal.

Within 40 days (about two weeks after you receive your movie) the $18.99 in your TopCashBack account will turn payable. Then just head back into your account and request the money to be sent to your checking or PayPal account.

Hooray!

FRIDAY THE 13TH

I went to San Diego to celebrate Friday the 13th.

 The cityscape was scary beautiful

and palm trees were alarmingly gorgeous.

Next, I visited the Whaley House in Old Town San Diego. Visitors can go on self-guided tours during the day for $8 or guided tours in the evening for $13/person.

According to the Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted, the Whaley House is the number one most haunted house in the United States.

In celebration of the 13th, the tour was done in the dark with small lights carried by the tour guide. The staff chose random people to "die" during the tour and I was chosen. Here is my death certificate.

I didn't see any ghosts walking around, but I did feel a little loss of balance while we stood in the general store. It was a strange feeling. Visit the Whaley House on your next visit to Southern California.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

I think we are on this earth to either be loved or love others.

I have come to conclusion that I am here to love.

It's ok. Seeing people happy honestly makes me super happy.

Even though life might be extra crappy in my life for the past year and a half, I have recently met quite a few people who, for some reason, needed to hear a story or experience from me or to get a hug from me. Sometimes I meet people and feel like I am supposed to wrap them up in my love...so I do. I'm not saying I'm an angel on Earth...no no no...I'm far from that. However, I do believe we meet people at certain times and for certain reasons and I am thankful for that.

The Beatles had it right the whole time...

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE.

BRYCE CANYON / ZION TRIP

My aunt and uncle from New Hampshire came to visit for a week. My aunt has wanted to go to Bryce Canyon National Park for awhile now, so we loaded up a rental car and drove for some beUTAHful scenery.

There was a stowaway who didn't want to be left at home.

 Our group wasn't full of amazing hikers, but lucky for us, both parks have pullouts that allow you to see amazing hoodoos without much physical effort.

 You will find beautiful red rocks, arches, trees, and fabulous canyons.

 If you "hike the hoodoos" and find medallions hidden throughout the park, you can go to the gift shop to earn a small prize.

 The next morning, we packed up and drove to Zion National Park.

 We stopped at the Thunderbird Restaurant just outside of the park for breakfast. Try the french toast!

 The rain/snow couldn't deter us from enjoying the trip.

There weren't a ton of visitors in the park since it was October. Reports said that Zion had a record number of visitors this year so they were keeping reservations through Thanksgiving. The flora is still fabulous and leaves are amazing colors right now!

The Fall colors are fabulous.

Today (11/11/15) is Veteran's Day. National Parks are free today. If you have one close by, make a stop. You won't regret it.