There's not much better than getting the opportunity to serve others. Tomorrow will be an early day for me. We are heading out to Phoenix at 5 am to be a part of HopeFest Phoenix 2013 where people can come in and get free medical care, dental care, clothing items, car seats, food, hair cuts and lots more. HopeFest will be held at Chase Field. :) It is so nice seeing the faith community and business community get together to help people with real needs. :) I'm so glad that CityServe AZ has spearheaded this wonderful outreach.
Here is a video from last year's HopeFest Phoenix.
Eating healthy and living a healthier lifestyle is important to me. So is losing weight. Because of this I have really been trying to pay attention to what motivates and inspires me as well as others. Anything to help me get there is important.
SOCIAL NETWORKING AND MEDIA
Nowadays lots of people have found weight loss inspiration via social networking. Via your smartphone you can log in and count your calories, log in your work outs, and check into your gym. You can join weight loss communities, tweet pics of your work out and recruit workout support groups with members miles and even states away and of course you can share your goals and work via Facebook.
I love all of these things though I must admit I haven't partaken in any of them to a large extent other than My Fitness Pal. I see though that the value is there. When you share your fitness goals online you have even more accountability. You also have an outlet to even more encouragement as you reach for your goals. I will definitely take that kind of encouragement over the aggravation that I feel when I try on outfits at Goodwill (I don't do a lot of department stores). I have decided to really invest more time with My Fitness Pal and also
downloaded Fooducate. I will see how these help me along before I go
further in app land anyway. :)
PEOPLE YOU KNOW
My co-worker gets inspiration from an old picture of himself from back in the day when he was substantially heavier. It reminds him of where he was and keeps him on track to achieving his goals. I get inspiration from him and from other friends. Seeing them make better food choices, work out , and have success in weight loss causes me to want to make better decisions too. I am also inspired by bloggers who are making strides in living a healthier lifestyle from women and men who are taking their first steps to those fitness gurus who seem to have it all together. I love them all, and they do help. Though really knowing someone and seeing them face-to-face makes the biggest difference for me.
RANDOM
I get several fitness magazines, and I love the stories in there of women who have lost lots of weight and how they got there. I love the exercise tips and I tear lots of sheets of these tips and stories and keep them in a binder. I also love using my Pinterest account to get motivation. Pinning motivation is pretty new for me. Lastly random documentaries have inspired me as well. I watched one that shared how pilots can't drink diet beverages before flying planes, It also shared how diet sodas contained what they called excitotoxins that kill off brain cells but it feels so good you just keep going. That was all I needed to hear. I stopped drinking diet sodas immediately, and I used to drink A LOT of diet soda. That was about four months ago.
How about you? How do you find your motivation to eat right and live healthy? I need all the tips I can get.
Taxes can be...well, taxing. We gather up all our paperwork, dot every i and cross every t and hope that everything will go smoothly. With all the stress that can come along with tax season, it is nice to get a couple of perks here and there. Here are a few perks to make the best out of tax season for you.
GREAT DEALS
Get a large up to 3 topping pizza at Papa John's plus a 2 Liter Pepsi product for $10.40 when you order online and use the code TAXSPC.
Get free value-sized curly fries or free small potato cakes with the coupon you can print at their site for tax day. Link here.
Chili's has a special coupon on their Facebook page for a free dessert or appetizer with the purchase of an adult entree with the coupon. It expires on 4/18. Facebook link here.
From 6-8 pm at participating Cinnabon locations, you can get two classic Cinnabon Bites for free on April 15th.
Sonic will treat you with half-priced drinks and slushies all day on Tax Day (check with your local Sonic to see if they are participating).
Hydromassage locations all over are giving a free massage with a printable coupon and appointment at participating locations (this link shows you Arizona locations - does not mean they are participating call and ask). The coupons are good from April 15 to 19.
Get a free black and white copy of your tax return up to 25 pages with a printable coupon from Office Depot...here. Shredding up to 5 lbs is also available via coupon which expires 5/1/13.
Get a free small popcorn with printable coupon at participating AMC theaters.
I have joined in a couple of blog hops here and there and I have really enjoyed each one and have found some pretty spectacular blogs to visit and follow. One that I have wanted to try was the Aloha Blog Hop. Today is my first chance! I am so stoked because I love hops, love Hawaii (my grandparents lived there when I was a kid), and love meeting others. If you haven't yet, check it out by clicking on the button above. Follow your hosts and co-hosts, visit and have fun....I intend to. :)
Since this is my first time hopping here, I thought I would share five quick things about myself at the top of my head.
1- I am married and the mom of a teenager.
2- I love to read. As a child that was my total escape.
3- I live in Arizona and am originally from California. I have also lived in the East Coast which means I love all things seafood (including clam cakes and chowder), maple, foliage, Dunkin' Donuts' coffee, and when irritated I tend to speak with a very strong accent that apparently is intimidating. Go figure. :)
4- I work at a radio station as a midday host. In addition, I share thrifty tips on air weekly during the morning show and work the front office as well (lots of multitasking in radio). Because of my job, I have developed a love for Christian contemporary music in addition to other genres. You ask, I probably know the song. :)
5- I am trying to lose weight. It is my total obsession right now. Currently I am following the 5/2 diet (or Fast Diet). It has been pretty successful so far, and I will be updating that progress this weekend.
Well, I am off to discover more blogs. Happy Hopping!
***Me and my son being silly.
Does this happen to you? You work out for a good hour at the gym, get a good sweat in, and burn a couple hundred calories, and then head out to the grocery store for a quick errand. Once you walk into the store...you decide you want to eat EVERYTHING!!!
That was me today. My son was home with a cold so I changed into gym clothes after work, headed to the gym, and happily got my sweat on while also reading Randy Singer's "The Last Plea Bargain." Because Alex wasn't feeling well, I knew I needed to pick up a few things to help out his cold.
Picture this...here I am...chubby me (yes I'm definitely still chubbin) strolling into the store with pure mission in mind: Get more vitamin C, more orange juice, cough drops and something simple for dinner because I have a lot of show prep to do tonight for tomorrow morning. I walk by the cooler and there are a bunch of yummy Bare Naked drinkage. I stopped for a second and reminded myself that this is not what I was at the store for. I moved on to the back of the store to look at the clearance section. A voice suddenly whispers in my head "Hey grab some yogurt. That will make a nice snack." It isn't on my list, but I think that my husband does like yogurt, and it is also something I should eat more of so I agree with the voice and grab some.
I continue on to pick up some organic cereal for my husband (working on eliminating morning crash from his old sugary cereals). My eyes were pulled like magnets to the Newman-Os! No joke! I looked at the container. I stroked the container. I picked it up, and then...I quickly put it down and raced to the produce section as my brain said "Wait! You worked out. You've been losing weight now. You can get some Newman-Os! They are good for you. Well...they aren't made with hydrogenated oils anyway. Go back!!!!!" NOPE NOPE NOPE...I practically sprint the last little bit to the produce section.
THAT was close!
A couple oranges later, I feel calm and composed and I realize that I need to give myself some self talk before the voice comes back. "Kelly" I say, "YOU just worked out hard. You feel good about that work right? Enjoy the victory of that work out. You have some raw nuts and raisins in the car. Enjoy those when you get to the car."
The beautiful thing is...I listened to that voice. I listened as I put the items on the track to pay and I listened as I avoided looking at the chocolate bars and goodies. I paid for my purchases and happily strolled to the car. When I got there, I enjoyed my raw nuts and such and it was GOOOOOOOOD!!!
VICTORY!!!!!
Lesson learned. When cravings start talking...TALK LOUDER. :)
A few months ago, I joined ministry leaders and media representatives in my town for a preview of a film called "Home Run." "Home Run" is the story of true freedom from the darkness that can engulf a person's life when dealing with their past and addictions.
Starring: Scott Elrod, Dorian Brown, Vivica A. Fox, Charles Henry Wyson, James Devoti, Nicole Leigh, Robert Peters, Drew Waters and Juan Martinez.
About the film (from the website HomeRunTheMovie.com) :
Freedom is Possible
Baseball all-star Cory Brand knows what it takes to win in the big
leagues. But off the field, with memories of his past haunting him, his
life is spiraling out of control.
Hoping to save her client's career and reputation after a DUI and a
team suspension, Cory's agent sends him back to the small town where he
grew up. Forced to coach the local youth baseball team and spend eight
weeks in the only recovery program in town, Cory can't wait to return to
his old life as quickly as possible.
As his young players help him experience the joy of the game, Cory
discovers his need to find freedom from his past and hope for his future
… and win back the love he left behind. With this unexpected second
chance, Cory finds himself on a powerful journey of transformation and
redemption.
Based on thousands of true stories, HOME RUN is a powerful reminder that with God, it's never too late … freedom is possible.
Here's the trailer:
PS...Ya'll hear Third Day in the background there? That was their song "I Need a Miracle." YAY!
My opinion:
This is not my review because I saw the unfinished project. I will be seeing the movie again when it comes to theaters on April 19th.
"Home Run" tells a story that many of us are familiar with. It is a story of lives like our own that have been impacted by complications of the past and how those complications can impact our present and future. There is hope. "Home Run" explores that journey. "Home Run" tells that story well. It is full of impact from the choice of actors, location and music. "Home Run" tells an honest story, and it is a story of hope and encouragement. Even if you have not lived a life with its own complications, you most likely know someone who has. This could be a movie to give that person hope. This could be the gentle touch that could bring a person you know to a place of decision and in that decision, solid direction for healing.
"Home Run" is heading to theaters on April 19th. If you like a movie with a message, you should check it out. If you are a fan of faith-based films, you should also check it out. It is not often that we find a movie of this caliber with such a strong message of hope that can truly inspire. Find a theater near you by following this link.
If you are a reader, there is a novelization of the film by author Travis Thrasher. Get the scoop on that as well as read the first chapter here.
One of my favorite things about Netflix streaming is the abundance of various films. My favorite is Faith & Spirituality. I am always looking for something good, and when I find it, I have to share. The film trailer for this movie is below.
Real
Pure Flix Entertainment
Starring: Stephen Krist, Danelle Simpson, Marty Lathrop, John Horstmann, Erwin Smith, David Krist, and Paul Wampler
About the film (from the Christian Movie Database):
All of our lives we’ve been told that life isn’t fair, yet no one has ever bothered to tell us why.
Is life merely a culmination of our own failures, compounded one
after another, or are things truly beyond our control? Is there a God?
If so, is He truly out there, looking on us lovingly, or does He despise
us and laugh as we stumble around in the darkness of our own humanity?
The lives of four individuals unravel as they face a world of
consequences both thrust upon them and as a product of their choices.
Either way, reality is the result.
My Review: "Real" tells four different stories of lives. The stories are not far fetched in their possibility. We all probably know at least one person who has lived a life quite similar yet different in their own way. We all make choices and we are impacted by those choices. The results from those choices is ours, but the chance to do something different is also ours. Change is not easy. Doing something different from what we did to get us to where we are is a process that is usually less than a good time, but with God all things are possible. Living in a rut of the results of bad choices is not living the life God created you to live. He has so much better for you. This film shows you this.
If you are looking for a high budget film, this isn't for you. The message however is well worth it. God cares about you and wants to be there for you. Even with the most difficult circumstances, there are often two choices...choose life. "Real" is well acted. The message is pure and clear and delivered in an honest way. Not everyone has a great budget, but that doesn't mean a film doesn't have a great message. Give it a chance. I believe you'll like it. I did.
This is a faith based film with a great message. As I often review family friendly films, I want to stress that I would not watch this with a young child. There is some violent imagery and some grown up subject matter. Things are done tastefully, but still I would not watch this with younger than say age 14. And I would watch it with them so you could discuss it afterwards. Watch it yourself first though, because you know what you would allow your child to see.
I give "Real" four out of five stars.
My husband is freakin' amazing. He is absolutely the coolest guy I have ever known. He is faithful, funny, kind, sweet, and treats me with real love. It isn't always easy to find that. I know from past experience that the olde adage "A good man is hard to find" rings very true. And a good man is much easier to find if you let God do the work and keep out of it too. Because I realize it can be easy to forget how special someone is when life gets in the way, I try to remind my husband that I know how amazing he is and that I truly appreciate him. One of the things that I like to do to show him my appreciation for his sweet husbandliness, is I make him "Honey Love You Baskets." A friend of his was getting jerky of the month gifts from his wife, and we both thought that was pretty amazing, but I thought instead of doing something like that, I would come up with my own monthly treats just for him.
March 30th was the end of a pretty stressful work week. As I shopped around thinking about what would make him happy, I became inspired.
That inspiration led to the "My Week Was Murder Basket." Here's a pic:
I filled this basket with:
-Jumbo Bag of White Cheddar Popcorn from the Treat Center in the Courthouse Square
-Cinnamon Almonds from Trader Joe's
-Milk Chocolate Almond Clusters from Trader Joe's
-Mio Engery Drops -Perfect to add a little spring to your step when going through a rough day
-Moose Drool Brown Ale - Big Sky Brewing (three)
-Full Sail's LTD Lager Series #4 (three)
-Blu-Ray Double Feature of The Green Mile and Forrest Gump (okay Forrest not so murdery but the Green Mile was spot on)
-Season One of Dexter (nothing takes the edge off like Dexter)
The verdict? My husband loved it, and he was really surprised when on Easter, he had an Easter basket. He was doubly delighted to realize that the first basket was just a reminder of how much I love him.
Now I got to start thinking on the month of April. :)
Today's review is a movie with a message. The subject matter is probably not young child friendly. It is a film that I have wanted to watch for some time, but I was not sure if I was ready for the subject matter. I watched it via Netflix streaming (one of my favorite ways to watch faith-based films).
October Baby
Provident Films
Starring:
Brian Gall, Carl Maguire, Chris Sligh, Colleen Trusler, Corey Winston, Don Sandley, Jasmine Guy, Jason Burkey, Jennifer Price, John Schneider, Joy Brunson, Lance E. Nichols, Maria Atchison, Mary Tolley, Rachel Hendrix, Robert Amaya, Rodney Clark, Shari Wiedmann, Tracy Miller
About the film (from Christian Movie Database):
OCTOBER BABY is a coming of age story of a 19 year old freshman named
Hannah. Hannah has always felt like an outsider. Something is missing.
Although she is an incredible stage actor with a lovable naivety, She
has always had a deep seated feeling that she has no right to exist.
Because of escalating health and psychological problems her parents
reveal to her that she was adopted and was never told because of the
shocking and heartbreaking circumstances surrounding her birth.
With her identity and world thrown into turmoil she sets out on a
spring break road trip to New Orleans with her best friend Jason, his
girlfriend and a host of misfits piled into a decrepit VW minibus.
Everyone else is on the ride for good times, but Hannah is determined to
use the opportunity to return to the city of her birth and find the
answers she craves -
something her overprotective father has forbidden her to do…
My review:
All in all I liked this movie, but I really had to work at it. Now, I may be overly picky, but the first hour drove me nuts. I did not like Hannah. Hannah is pretty rocked when she finds out she is adopted. I imagine I would be as well, but considering the circumstances, it is no surprise that they kept it from her. It is not something easily told without an impact that could sway the most well-functioning individual, and Hannah is already going through issues (which are hard to understand when we see a clip of what looks like pretty fun times as a young child and we know she was raised by two loving parents). Why she feels she has no right to exist is kind of a lame label.
The solution to go on a road trip to get some answers made some sense to me, it was the cast of characters along for the very short ride that did not. It was something added into the story that really could have been omitted other than the fact that they probably didn't want us to see Hannah intentionally just take a road trip with her guy best friend. It just did not add to the story in any way that mattered, and really just took away from it for me. Like I said, I was struggling. I was waiting for it to get better.
Jasmine Guy's performance was incredible, John Schneider's was also awesome. I actually started to like the movie more once Jasmine Guy came into the film, but honestly it swept the good right back out quickly when Hannah continued with her bratty moments as well as a few from her friend Jason, as a parent, I wanted to smack him.
In the long run, the pay off was really nice. The finally half hour was great, well acted, and had really good moments. I think the film would have been much better if the beginning and middle were thought out better, and if people paid some attention to how other people really act and talk to one another. There were a lot of moments where I thought, "who has conversations like this?" There were points where it seemed they were trying too hard for comic relief. There were lines that just blew me out of the story like when Jason says to Hannah "Remember when we were like nine?" and she says "When you were nine I was 8 1/2." WHAT? That made no sense. Maybe if he talked about his 9th birthday which still would have not made sense. It was just an addition in the dialogue that bugged me and thus pulled me out of the film.
Anyway, I digress. I liked it, but that is to say, I liked what it was attempting and I liked the last half hour quite a bit. I held off watching it for a while, because a friend of mine who was adopted told me that after seeing it, she was glad she never met her birth mother. That gave me pause as to what I would get.
Lastly the music was wonderful! The soundtrack was extremely well done.
I would rate this three out of five smiles. I liked the message of forgiveness. I enjoyed the performances of several of the actors. Will I watch it again? No. I did not enjoy it enough for that.
Lastly, this is a film that has a Christian pro-life message. Some reviews I have read expressed issues with that. I think because of the very important message it had to convey, they should have worked out the kinks a little more. It is a film that I would share with my son, but I know he would be bored long before he heard the valuable message in this film and felt its impact.
