Sunday, September 29, 2013

Insta-Recap


I'm linking up with Tawny's Tid Bits again to Inst-Recap my last week from Instagram.
Last week is what I like to call grape juice week. Ever year about this time when we get our first cold snap that means only one thing, the grapes are ready. My mom has tons of grapes at her house. Only now that she is an empty nester she doesn't need that much any more. So usually we spend the week making grape juice together. This year she was out of town so I did it with the help of my kids. They love picking the grapes, washing the grapes, and labeling the grapes.



Tune in next week to see how many we end up doing.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Purify Skin Therapy Review



I was excited to try a new skin care line. For years I have used the same company and I stocked up a long time ago. Last year I ran out and have been trying to balance cost and product to find my new skin care soul mate.
The thing I noticed and loved right off the bat is that it's all natural. It only has organic, all natural clean ingredients. I also like that's it's made not only in the United States, but locally, in Utah.
I love this list of everything that is not in Purify Skin Therapy.
 
 
So here is it how it works. First this product is meant to be used at night. This is one of my favorite parts. I am a night owl. I even shower at night so I can get that much more sleep. Most mornings are unpredictable for me, sometimes I have time to wash my face, put on make up, and do my hair. Other days I am just lucky to get dressed. Since Purify is so thorough there is no need to wash your face in the morning. So long as you sleep on a clean pillow case all you need to do is moisturize in the morning. Only having to do it at night is one of my favorite parts!
 
Step 1: Organic Tea Tree Creamy Cleanser & Makeup Remover.
This product is silky and gentle on your skin.  I didn't know this but oil dissolves oil. The remover will remove and abstract all the junk that we put on and that collects on our face though the day. Keep in mind it will not lather or foam like other junk filled products.After rubbing it on your face give yourself some time to allow some steam to help open and clean your pores. I love that I can just sit, take a deep breath with a warm rag on my face. It's a nice way to wind down after a chaotic day. I was a little grossed out to look at my washcloth after using this, to be honest. "That was all on my face?" I don't even wear a ton of makeup.
 
Step 2: Tangerine Blast Toner
I used a cotton ball with this and just rubbed it over my face. It helped get that last bit of mascara that can be tricky sometimes. That's another positive is you don't have to expense the extra cost of a makeup remover. The toner closes your pores back up and even helps minimize them over time.
 
Step 3: Silk Moisturizer
This may seem a little greasy at first, but there is no fillers in it so a little will go a long ways. Also because it is thicker it came with some instructions in case it clogged the pump. So I followed them and voila, haven't had it happen since.
 
There is also a Night Time rejuvenating Serum which utilizes the power of essential oils. It helps with anti-aging, restoring and rejuvenating your skin.
 
Here are my pictures through 30 days of using Purify Skin Therapy.
 
 
I don't usually like to make a habit of picking out things that bug me in my appearance. With 3 girls at home I try to show them slef confidence in our self no matter what our flaws are. But for this review I will point out some things that I noticed . I know it's not the easiest to tell with the lighting in my bathroom, so let me break it down. I noticed my face wasn't as red. My face gets red especially after long, busy, stressful days. Day 10 was after a long day at my brothers wedding, and day 20 was after we had company visiting. Not just a few guests, 8 guests, 5 of which were children under the age of 10 who mixed with my 4 kids. All that resulted in lots of running around, sweating and trying to keep track of everyone at the aviary, park, laser tag, etc. Yet I still felt confident in how I looked knowing I wasn't as red as usual all day running around.
 
My pores are noticeably smaller thanks to the toner. Especially on my nose where my problem is the worst. Now I don't have huge acne issues anymore. I had a severe case of it years ago. Knowing that I try really hard to stay on top of it. While using this product I haven't had any breakouts.
 
I know I have harped on the all natural part about this enough, but let me make one more statement as to why I love it. I have used products like Proactive and others and have had huge negative reaction to them. I had no issues like that with Purify. Even though it was all natural I still had that thought in the back of my mind, what if I get a negative reaction again? I don't want to walk around with my face practically peeling off like last time. No worries, Purify was so soft and gentle on my skin I loved it!
 
I am looking forward to adding Purify Skin Therapy as part of my nightly ritual!
 
For the month of October only use the following code for a discount of Purify Skin Therapy.
 
 
 


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Winner of 2 Tickets to The Hungry Games


 If you didn't win, don't fear there are more opportunities if you follow Desert Star's Facebook page. The Hungry Games will be playing until November 9th.
The winner for 2 tickets to the Desert Star's funny The Hungry Games is...
#49 Melissa Curran

Congratulations. Please respond to my email within 48 hours to claim your tickets. Otherwise I will have to pick a new winner.

I also am excited about next years shows coming up. If you want the most bang for your buck, I highly suggest season tickets. My husband and I  have loved buying season tickets years past for our Christmas present to each other. Than we had guaranteed date nights for the rest of the year.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Marriage Goals

 Marriage & Relationship Goals
 
 
I love when I come across a fellow LDS blogger by random "accident." It's fun to stumble across people with similar beliefs and goals in mind. I just barely came across Life With Amberly & Joe. I am excited to be following along with her blog. She also has a series where you set monthly goals to help improve and strengthen your marriage. I loved this idea, so I decided to participate.
 
 
As I started to think about what can I (or we) work on I couldn't help but think of my "Letter to the Newlyweds" post. At the bottom of the letter is states how important couples reading is. We were doing really good over the summer and then when school started the chaos crept in. So my goal for the month is to have it every night. Whether it's before we start that movie together, or a quick thought together while we are in the bathroom together, I don't want to miss a day. I need every ounce of daily strength I can get to get through some days, this can only help!
 
Even though the first day of October is next week, that gives me a week to get things in order and start a better habit. Not to mention get my husband on board ;)

 
 
 

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Instagram Insta-Recap

 
 
I decided to join my friend at Tawny Tid Bits on an Insta-Recap of last week.
 
 
 
 I decided to spend last weekend grinding my wheat into flour and canning in #10 tin cans. This was one mother hen who got lots of help!
 
 
It was also talk like a pirate day last week. I was too busy to reap the benefits of it, but my friend went and brought me back some yummy Krispy Kreme doughnuts. They are the only kind of doughnut I actually like!
 
 
That was it for me. I had a full week of lots of errand running.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Friday Night, Family Night


Friday night we usually do one of two things if not both. Usually it's our pizza night and our movie night. Pizza night may sound boring but it's really not. Sometimes we order it, make it from scratch, do frozen pizza's or the kids can make their own mini pizza's. If my kids are lucky once in a while we go to an all you can eat pizza buffet.

Today we decided to try Pizza Hut's big dinner box, for only $20.00. This thing is huge. Seriously, it's almost as big as my 2 year old!

Pizza is usually something everyone in my house enjoys. Only problem is my 4 year old daughter isn't a huge pizza fan. That is why this was perfect for our family. It comes with 2, 1 topping pizza's, breadsticks and you choose between wings, pasta or stuffed pizza rollers. I chose the creamy chicken alfredo pasta. That way I didn't have to watch her dip perfectlty good pizza in ketchup. That is how she eats everything, with ketchup.
My 2 pizza eaters were thrilled. My son got to have his cheese pizza. He's a picky eater and hates when I make him pick off the good stuff. Adrianna also prefers cheese pizza but will eat any kind of pizza really.

Then dad and I paid an extra couple bucks for a nice supreme pizza. The dough was cooked all the way through which made my husband very happy. He hates pizza that is doughy. I also had leftover pasta the next day for lunch. The pasta was way better than I had anticipated it to be. The chicken was well seasoned, and the sauce was very creamy. I actually really liked it! Next time I want to try the stuffed pizza rollers with it. I have heard they are way yummy!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Wacky Wednesday 9/18/13


I have taken a little break with my Wacky Wednesday series, so let me go over how it works again.  Write your own blog post and link it up below. Don't link up just any post though, otherwise you'll look like the sad kid stuck in the corner of the bumper cars turning in circles. Write about a funny think your kids have said, or share a picture of something strange they have done.  Don't forget to add my button or link back here. Then hop around other's blog's and see what fun wacky moments they have to share. We all need a little laugh to break up the monotony every now and then.
A few weeks ago we went to 7 Peaks fun center in Lehi, Utah. Although my girls used their tickets for matching princess rings, Kadan chose a whoopie cushion. One thing my kids love when at 7 peaks is Dippin Dots. Although I hate paying that much for ice cream. So we go to Smiths and buy the same thing only a different brand for a $1 a pop. All the kids can get one for the same price as 1 at 7 peaks. Although a brand new whoopie cushion, a 7 year old boy and a grocery store makes to be for one epic family adventure.
My favorite part was when we were checking out. Kadan snuck on the ground under me while I was checking out the ice cream. Then he let the whoopie cushion go. The teller looked up at me while I simply replied, "Excuse me."

Grab my button and share your wacky moment blog posts below.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

The Hungry Games Review and Giveaway

Did I just read that right? "The Hungry Games?" That must be a typo! Nope , it's not. I went and saw "The Hungry Games" over the weekend at the one and only Desert Star Theater.

I think this will be on my list of top 3 shows I have ever seen at the Desert Star. So I wonder, what makes this show so much funnier than any others?  Here's why I think it's amazingly witty:
1- I think the writer, Bryan Dayley, did a great job writing it. This is the foundation of any great performance. He not only knew the basis of the parody, but the audience and actors. I love the songs in it, they are so well balanced. They bring in not only a part of the story, a part of the character and yet some random stabs at typical desert star humor, ie. Utah life, politics, etc. All while being sung to a well known tune. Here is a fun video clip of how to write the perfect Desert Star show.

2. A great show needs great actors! Even with a great script if you don't have gifted actors, you're screwed. The actors did a phenomenal job. Not only are they great singers (Especially Jason Craig West) but are very versatile. Playing roles based on popular characters, but with a Desert Star twist, there is a lot that they have to portray. They have great facial expressions, dramatic voices, good comedic timing, and reading the audience. I love how they make each other laugh on stage as well.
3.  Desert Star productions are usually based on popular and well known books or shows. Even if you haven't seen or read the show they are imitating you always have several good laughs at the Desert Star. However, if you are familiar with the basic story that is being parodied, you usually get more laughs out of it than those who aren't familiar with it. I enjoyed The Hunger Games books, and movie, making this more enjoyable for me.  If you haven't read them though, don't let that stop you! My husband hasn't read them and he loved the show. He too said it was one of the better shows he has seen there in a while.
So what is this raving show about? It's about an evil fast food owner Donald MacRonald and his daughter Little Debbie who try to get more publicity to their "tolerable" food. So they create the rigged Hungry Games. The contestants are the heroine Katnip Neverclean, her odd sister Grimrose Neverclean, the almost invisible Pizza Malarky, and Gail Rodriguez. All trained by the one and only Haymitch Hogan. As they journey to be the last one standing there are many fun adventures along the way. Including the evidence of Mormons- "They buried their food as part of a ritual called 'Food Storage.'"
Following the show their Olio is based on songs of comedy. It's a mix of some favorite comedic songs through the years. As a Hispanic my favorite being the song about Mexicans and the border. As a little taste of what you will get here is a clip of  me and my sons favorite Olio pieces performed during an Olio, "Defying Gravity."

The show plays till November 8th. So be sure to book your show today! The closer it gets to the close of the show the busier it gets. Their box office is great to work with. I recommend opening up the seating chart when you call them or just order your tickets right online.
The Desert Star is giving away 2 tickets to this fabulous production! Just use the rafflecopter below to enter. Please note that the Desert Star is in Murray, UT making this giveaway for Utah residents only!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway opens 9/18/13 at 12:00 AM and closes 9/25/13 at 12:00 AM. It is open to Utah Residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours. Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

I Will Never Forget

 I am a very patriotic person. It takes a lot for me to get emotional enough to cry, but for some reason when it comes to the amazing men and women who are serving our country, it brings tears to my eyes EVERY time!
September 11, 2001 is a day I will never forget. I was a junior in high school. I was getting a ride to school from one of my good friends down the street. We always listened to the same radio station every morning on our way to school. It was a talk show that was often playing jokes and making us laugh. When we heard that the first plane had hit the first tower we changed the radio station. We didn't think that was funny, something like that should never be joked about! Until we realized the same story was on every station. I quickly called my mom to tell her to turn on the news, I knew that my dad was going to have long day at work. Then when we arrived at school we went straight to the library to watch the news. Shortly after arriving we saw the second plane hit. My thoughts and emotions were everywhere and indescribable. I will never forget how I felt that day. On the other hand I also can't forget how much our country united together in such a crisis.

Recently I was able to visit the 9/11 Memorial. Although I had been to ground zero before this was the first time I had seen the pools they had created in place of the twin towers. It was first time I got to touch and feel the names of the loved ones whose lives were lost. Remember the heroes who lost their lives serving their country and those in need. All those emotions and prayers from 12 years ago came flooding back.

I also want to thank all those who have or are currently serving our country today. I thank you so much for all you have done and currently do.
A great thing to do today as a family in remembrance is write a letter to a service member. A friend of mine's son is part of the Carrier Strike Group 11 who is currently deployed. They were suppose to be coming home soon but they have been extended. She is trying to get together as many encouraging letters, pictures or drawings together for their unit. If you want to write something and email it to me I can print it out, or email me and I can send you a mailing address. I would like to have them all gathered together and ready to give her by next Thursday the 19th. My kids just did this and loved doing it.
God Bless,
Jennifer

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Letter To The Newlyweds

A long time ago I wrote a funny letter that I use to give to newlyweds with there gift. When my brother got married recently I thought I would share it with them. Only I couldn't find it and had to start from scratch. This time it didn't come out as funny, but more serious. I thought I would share it on here for others to enjoy or learn from. Although let me warn you when you get to #8 I open my mouth and my religion pops out. I get very churchy and Christian. Which I won't apologize for but just warn of, just in case. If it offends anyone (Because now days religion tends to be the source of much contention) I will probably say something I say too often, "I'm over it." No really I am. Hopefully someone out there will get some inspiration from a lesson I have learned the hard way.  The fun part about posting it was adding links to some of the past memories. So here it is my letter to the newlyweds...
Dear love birds,
I thought I would share some lessons we have learned along the way, some the hard way others not so much. Enjoy...


1. If you can’t get upset at your spouse when she runs over a 2 ft rock wrecking the driver side of the car or when he gets a huge speeding ticket, then why freak out over the little things.  Too often we overlook the bigger things more than we do little things. Don’t waste precious time fighting over the toothpaste container or toilet paper rolls. A family friend of mine, who is now a widow, once told me she looks back wishing she hadn’t wasted such valuable time fighting over menial things.


2. Pick your battles. Just be happy the other replaced the toilet paper roll at all, instead of getting upset that its going under, not over. Just be happy the dishwasher got filled, not upset how it got filled. There is a positive in almost every situation, find it.


3. Jobs, dishes, and cars come and go, and accidents happen.  Try to be supportive when someone is looking for a job. Garage doors can be fixed, but knowing your spouse wasn’t upset over your car in his brother in laws garage door is so much better. Dishes will break, so either buy plastic or look at the opportunity to buy new! Being quick to forgive can assure that one day the gesture will be returned. Not to mention sometimes I think we are hard enough on ourselves, the added guilt never helps!


4. A home is what you make of it. Whether it’s your car, a tent, a hotel room, condo, apartment or a house, as long as you are together that’s what counts. Pillow fights in hotel rooms, sheets hung to make bedrooms, and cooking all your meals with just a skillet are all memories helping build your love. Make the best of each situation instead of complaining and hoping for a new one, make the most of it.


5. Make your own set of rules, especially when an argument arises. Just knowing that from the beginning you have both agreed upon a set of rules or guidelines can relieve anger or stress. That way you can focus on the heart of an issue and not name calling and degrading each other.


6. Remember you are stuck with your spouse FOREVER! Sometimes you have to put hobbies, jobs, kids and other things on the back burner to a certain extent to keep your flame going. You have a long journey ahead, so do what you have to in order to keep your marriage strong. Take time off work, get a sitter, or learn something new together. Just remember  as time goes on your spouse will always be there for you, if you are always there for them.


7. Recently I received this great advice (Which you could make a rule if you wanted ;) Don’t approach each other with why. “Why did you or didn’t you… “ Try using the word how. “How can I help,” most importantly “How can I help you become the person you want to be.” If we can help the other person we often can get what we need worked out or taken care of along the way. I’m pretty sure that’s what we call service ;)


8.Last but not least is couples time. Some people call it pillow talk, but I think there needs to be more than just that. Starting with prayer. Pray together! One day couples prayer will turn to family prayer, and even after that make sure to continue couples prayer daily. It doesn’t matter how busy you are, you ALWAYS have time for prayer. No matter how late my family is running that extra 2 minutes to say a prayer before we leave the house is worth it EVERY TIME!


Also Couples scripture reading will also help strengthen your marriage. And who doesn’t want that? When Steven and I first were married we did our reading out of “Eternal Marriage Students Handbook,”  we included it in your gift.  We also have done straight scripture reading or the Ensign. Our newest favorite is Preach My Gospel. I love it because A- I didn’t go on a mission so my husband gets to share that with me and B- it's meant for couples. For couples or companions who are teaching the gospel. Which is what we are doing with our children, teaching them the gospel. Wait till your family grows a bit till you bust it out, especially because you are probably are tired of reading it so much from your mission.


Overall no matter how much homework, cleaning, or other duties and callings you have, you will be blessed if you take 10-15 minutes a day to do couples reading together. That is shorter than an episode from Netflix! Taking time for that will help you be blessed at work, school and everywhere else!


I loved Steven so much when we first got married, now 9 years later I look back realizing I had no idea what love was, because I love him so much more than I ever thought possible. I look forward to the bumps in the road in the future so that I can experience even more love for him.


I hope the same for you two!
Love, your sister, Jennifer