This is not your average date night, not your average summer pass, not your average summer camp! If you are looking to spice up your summer family fun in Utah, you’ve got to check out Topgolf in Midvale.

Coming clean, I am NOT a golfer. My friends have been raving about Topgolf since it opened in Utah in 2016. My husband went for a company party and loved it. Then there’s me – I have to be in pretty great company if I’m going to have a golf club in my hand!

When I was invited to check out Top Golf, I had to see what the hype was all about.  Little did I know that I’d be leaving a huge fan! I had SO MUCH FUN!

Topgolf is a sports entertainment complex featuring an inclusive, high-tech golf game that literally everyone can enjoy. Add in a mouthwatering menu and climate controlled bays and this mom is a happy camper.

Here’s 8 reasons why my family will be back at Topgolf this summer.

1. The high tech! Whether you are there to practice your swing or to play a game with your kids, their technology is pretty sweet.  The technology makes it so even a beginner can have a blast while keeping the pros on their toes. Our group enjoyed a competitive target game.

Photo Courtesy of Top Golf

2. The food! Let’s be honest, I was expecting hot dogs and nachos. And then these beauties arrived …

Are you drooling yet, because I was! The flavors were off the charts. From wings to a fancy cheese plate – they’ve got you covered. I also loved the donuts that you can infuse with yummy fillings like lemon, raspberry, and chocolate! Best part – $1 from each donut sale goes to Make a Wish! The food takes your typical date night up a notch or two.

3. The atmosphere. We were there at sunset and the view was breathtaking. There are even light shows on the green. Music is typically playing, but they also bring in live music and family-friendly DJs on Friday nights.

4. The special events. The individual bays are perfect for company parties, graduation parties, birthday parties, retirement parties … you name it! They even have a New Years Eve party. Food, fireworks, swag – the works! What a way to ring in the new year!

5. The kid-friendly atmosphere. Topgolf is fun for all ages! They have areas/services that cater to a variety of age groups. I’m thinking Topgolf is going to be perfect for some father/daughter and mother/son date nights this summer.

6. The Summer Fun Pass!  Buy a Summer Fun Pass and enjoy unlimited Topgolf game play for you and up to five guests – weekdays until 5 p.m. – from now until Labor Day. They also send you Pass Perks throughout the summer with exclusive deals on food, events, retail and more! What a perfect way to get out and enjoy the sunshine!

7. The Kid Zone Summer Academy.   There’s still time to sign up for Topgolf Summer Academy. Your kids are going to love this summer camp. It is five days of non-stop entertainment and learning. It includes all of the components that make up the great game of golf. From chipping, putting and full swing, to the rules and etiquette, kids will learn everything they need to know to improve their game.

Each Academy is designed and taught by golf professionals from Topgolf Coach in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Summer Academy is staffed with a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure each Junior Golfer receives in-depth, hands-on attention while he or she develops a winning golf swing. And it includes lunch!

8. Topgolf partners with Make a Wish. I was thrilled to learn that Topgolf helps grant two wishes perm month! In addition, $1 from every donut hole purchase goes to Make a Wish. My hat goes off to businesses in our community like Topgolf that give back!

I absolutely loved my evening at Topgolf – they made a believer out of me. I’m already planning a trip back with all of my siblings.

You are in luck because I am teaming up with Topgolf to give away a session at their Summer Academy! Enter below and make your kiddo’s summer camp dreams come true!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cherry Hill is a favorite family tradition that has lasted 40+ years. What’s the secret sauce to getting 100+ people together every year? Maybe it’s the delicious slices of pie on Saturday night, maybe it’s the races down Cardiac Canyon, or maybe it’s the campsite games and conversations. Whatever the reason, I am grateful to grandparents who have gathered us to together at Cherry Hill since I was a baby. And now I take my own babies!

This family-friendly place is nestled in Davis County. It’s grown from a campground with a pool to include a water park, rock wall, mini golf course, and more.

Seriously acres of activities to explore. I promise you will want to stay for more than a day. It seems to get better and better every year. I was content picking cherries there when I was a kiddo and playing tag on the playground.  Now there is so much to do, you may want a season pass to enjoy it all! 

Typically it’s tradition for us to close out our summer at Cherry Hill, but I’m thinking we need to sneak in another weekend in July! There’s brand new slides to check out and my kids are begging to go!

Cherry Hill is celebrating 50 years of being family owned and operated. To celebrate 50 years, they are giving away over $20,000 in prizes including Megaplex tickets, Lifetime products, ski passes, and much more every day of the 2017 summer season. Check out their website and follow them on Facebook for more information and to see a calendar of events.

Have you been to Cherry Hill?

What is your favorite part?

What are your favorite family traditions?

I’ve partnered with Cherry Hill and US Family Guide to let you know about their 50th Anniversary Celebration. All opinions are my own and I love sharing this fun, family tradition! 

The post Summer fun at Cherry Hill! appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

It’s no secret that our family are HUGE fans of The Leonardo (see blog posts here, here, here, and here . The Leonardo is one of our favorite things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah. We love it so much that our kids are getting a family membership from Santa for Christmas.

This year we are focusing more on EXPERIENCES than things. And The Leonardo is chock full of educational and fun experiences for everyone – from my preschooler up to my 4th grader.

Earlier this month we spent an entire Saturday afternoon exploring the new exhibits – Flight and Where Children Sleep. Engaging, interactive, and just plain fun are a few words I would use to describe the exhibits.

What makes The Leonardo so magical for this mama is that my kiddos are having so much fun that they don’t even realize they are learning. Math, perception, physics, empathy, geography, diversity … we touched on each of these topics during our last visit without even popping open a text book.

The Leonardo caters to all different learning styles. From hands-on and tactile to the book/fact lovers like me! The exhibits also change throughout the year so there’s always something new to discover.

Now here’s the fun part. If you are like me, you are scrambling for last-minute gifts for Christmas right now. A family membership to The Leonardo would be perfect – you can get a year long membership for six people for only $105! Plus use the gift code TP7650 and you get an extra month free. It’s easy to order online.  I am so excited for my kids to see their membership Christmas morning!

I received a family membership to The Leonardo as part of this post. We’ve been fans for years so I’m excited to share the museum more with you in 2017! 

The post Family Time at The Leonardo + Discount Code appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

Halloween time is here and our October has been jam packed with fun, fall things to do in Utah! Today I’m sharing a few of our family favorites so that you can join in on the fun!

Photo Courtesy of Living Planet Aquarium

Skeletons, Spiders, and Sea Life – Oh My! 

The Haunted Aquarium in Draper is SPOOKTACULAR! All your favorite aquarium attractions with the added fun and flair of Halloween – skeletons, tombstones, spider webs and more! From skeleton dives with the sharks to pirate alchemy to trick or treating, you don’t want to miss out. The fun starts on October 21st and continues through Halloween – be sure to check their web-site for the full schedule.  See more of our spooky favorites from our visit to the Haunted Aquarium on Facebook Live and Instagram, too.

Photo Courtesy of Springville Museum

Halloween Party at Springville Museum of Art

We are excited to be adding a new party to our list this year! This one is held at the Springville Museum of Art on Wednesday, October 26th from 5 pm to 8 pm. Believe me, I am jumping at the chance to combine Halloween fun with culture. The Museum of Art is a local treasure and I’ll take any chance I can get to expose my kiddos to it! There will be Halloween games, treats, scary stories, art projects and more for the kiddos to enjoy as they explore the haunted halls of art. Plus it’s another chance to wear fun costumes!

Little Haunts – This is the Place Heritage Park

Head to Salt Lake for some old-fashioned, non-scary Halloween fun with Little Haunts at This is the Place Heritage Park.  Trick or treat in the pioneer village, visit the Story Witch, make take-home crafts and have so much fun! Plus my kids can’t get enough of the pony rides, train rides, and panning for gold! Little Haunts is this weekend as well as October 29th.  Be sure to visit their site and print off a coloring page in advance so your kids can enter the contest as well!

Jakers Pumpkin Patch

Halloween isn’t complete without a visit to the pumpkin patch! Jakers in Springville is especially fun for the younger kiddos! Love that they open at 9 am – perfect for moms with preschoolers.  Jump in the corn pile, take a hay ride or get lost in a maze – lots to do! Plus pumpkins start at $2.

Witch Fest at Gardner Village

This one has been a family favorite for almost 10 years and it just keeps getting better. The witch scavenger hunt is a must for us and it always ends with cheese bread and hot chocolate at the bakery. It’s a fantastic mix of Halloween for adults and children. Mom gets to check out the gorgeous shops an the kids get to have fun, too! My kids love the play area and I love the atmosphere. Dressing up makes it even more fun! Check out the schedule of events here. 

Cornbelly’s at Thanksgiving Point

Cornbelly’s is another attraction that just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year.  There’s so much to do that I am not surprised that they added season passes.  Spooky shows, haunted mazes, fireworks and more! Their fun lasts all of October. You can check out their calendar of events here. 

Scarecrow Walk at Homestead Resort

If you want to experience a true October in Utah, you have to head up the canyon to Midway. I guarantee it will be the prettiest fall experience you have this year. We love the quaintness of the Scarecrow Walk at Homestead Resort and the stunning foliage everywhere you look. Stop by the Homestead gift shop for some fudge before you go out and hike one of the many gorgeous trails! Here are a few more for our Midway favorites.  Make a weekend of it and enjoy a relaxing stay at the Homestead, too! 

What are your favorite family friendly Halloween activities in Utah?

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Amidst a box office full of fanciful stories and fight scenes, it’s refreshing to be exposed to real-life stories. At first glance, The Last Descent is the story of young father and medical student, John Jones, and the tragic Nutty Putty Cave rescue attempt in Utah. That is what I expected. What I saw was so much more – a raw and real look at life, relationships, and our individual defining moments. The Last Descent is an equally heart wrenching and heartwarming introspective movie that will leave you pondering the power of your own relationships and life moments.

The movie primarily takes place 150 feet below the earth in a hole 18 inches wide – part of the popular Nutty Putty Cave in Utah County. During the Thanksgiving weekend of 2009, John explored a lesser-known area of the cave and slide down into a narrow impasse 10 inches high and 18 inches wide. Stuck upside down for over 28 hours, John called for help and his brother returned with a rescue crew. The unique topography and geological makeup of the Nutty Putty Cave created intense difficulties for the rescue team that risked everything to save John’s life. Over 150 feet below the surface and at the end of over a thousand feet of tunnels, a unique friendship is formed as John and his rescuers share their lives, loves, losses and dreams.

The Last Descent possesses an It’s a Wonderful Life-esque quality that causes you to look back on your own life and rediscover your own defining moments.

I was surprised at how nostalgic the movie made me feel. In the flashbacks as John recounts his college days and courtship, I was taken right back to my own collegiate experiences. From the first few bars, I recognized Utah-based singer Kalai’s On My Mind.  Suddenly, I found myself  reminiscing backyard concerts on summer nights where I first heard the song that I promise you will listen to on repeat at the end of a long day.

Similarly, the late night studying in the library and the creative fishing date were incredibly relatable. The movie doesn’t highlight BYU specifically, but anyone who attended there  will instantly have their BYU memories rekindled. After seeing the movie, I found myself giggling over the memory of the library playing the Mission Impossible theme song when it closed for the night.  And I couldn’t help but think of all the days I spent up Provo Canyon snowshoeing in the winter or hiking Timp and the Y during the summer.

As John flashes back through his own memories, you can’t help but take a peek back at your own. A quote that still resonates with me after seeing the movie is, “You have to be on the edge of losing everything to really see the beauty in the simple things.”

Perhaps The Last Descent gifts us the chance to reexamine the beautiful simple things in our own lives without facing losing everything. That is my biggest takeaway from the movie. Treasure your family. Treasure your memories. Learn from John’s story and move forward committed to living a better life.

Hats off to director, editor, and writer Isaac Halasima for bringing this inspiring story to the big screen. There is power in telling and sharing real stories and I hope that we will see more of it in Hollywood. And a heart-felt thank you to all of the Jones family and the rescuers for allowing this story to be hold.

While the nostalgia aspect of this movie clearly gripped my heart, the rescue attempts had me on the edge of my seat. Over 127 rescuers and local authorities worked tirelessly in challenging conditions during the 28 hours. I’m grateful that their story was shared as well!

Opening in theaters this weekend (September 16th), The Last Descent will be shown in theaters across Utah, Arizona, and Idaho with more theaters being added soon. You can stay up to date with the latest reviews and show times by clicking on this web-site as well as on Facebook. 

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We’re soaking up every last second of summer before the kids go back to school. This weekend we crossed off one item on our bucket list – a family date night for frozen yogurt! As an added bonus, we snapped an instagram picture so we could enter the #OREOSummerSweepstakes!

It was our first time trying Just the Creme and Just the Cookie frozen yogurt – and it did not disappoint! Our love of OREO cookies goes back generations. Oreo cookies are my Dad’s favorite treat – he gets them for every Father’s Day, birthday, and Christmas! So you better believe we swirled Just the Creme and Just the Cookie together to make a delicious frozen yogurt Oreo Cookie. For good measure we sprinkled more OREO cookie pieces on top.

Now for the fun part, you have two chances to win today! First, you can enter to win the #OREOSummerSweepstakes by sharing a picture of yourself enjoying an OREO treat at any restaurant. It can be a beverage, ice cream cake – you name it! Be sure to use the hashtag and tag it with @OREO. By doing this you will have a chance to win your choice of one of 7 Wonderfilled Adventures in the OREO Summer of Wonder promotion. Adventure choices include Grand Canyon Tour, New York City Landmarks, Rocky Mountain Ski Trip, California Redwood Tour, Iconic Food Festival, Cruise to Alaska, or Las Vegas Getaway.

The next chance to win is to guess where my family is enjoying our OREO frozen yogurt treats! Enter in the widget below so you can have a chance to win a $25 VISA gift card – think of the OREO treats you can buy with that!

OREO + Keep Moving Forward With Me

Which restaurant are you headed to for your OREO treat?

What is left on your summer bucket list?

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It’s the first week of summer and my children are busy creating their summer bucket lists. Lists are filling up with playgrounds, splash pads, and all our favorite Utah places to visit. What is on my list? The yummiest Utah restaurants!

Have you noticed all the dessert restaurants popping up across the Wasatch front? They are calling my name! One that I am excited to try is CrEATe. CrEATe is located in my hometown Sandy, Utah, at 9305 South Village Shop Drive, across from Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby and neighbors with Cafe Rio. 

Open for less than 6 months, they already have an average 5-star rating on Yelp! Starting in June, they are introducing their Organic Shaved Ice, different from ordinary shaved ice because all the syrups are organic with no chemical additives! I can’t wait to try them!

CrEATe is a design it yourself donut and dessert shop. After all, who knows your tasts more than you? They carry donuts, croissant donuts, crepes, brownies, cookies, cheesecake, gourmet drinking chocolate, pie, gelato, and sorbet. You choose your fresh base dessert and they will fill it, frost it, glaze it, mix it, or top it just the way you want it. If you can dream it, crEATe can build it. Are you drooling yet? 

Gelato and sorbet are made fresh in-house with organic sugar and imported Italian ingredients. They use real cream and fresh milk in their cream fillings, real organic maple in their maple glaze, and real raspberry in their raspberry glaze, and their drinking chocolate is made with real Belgium chocolate!

Are you ready to try it for yourself? I’m hooking you up with a MAJOR giveaway below and a special discount code to use on your next visit. 

Special Discount Code: Mention A GAL NEEDS… at check-out and receive a complimentary drink with your dessert purchase! (Soda, coffee, tea, milk, chocolate milk, or bottled water!)

Giveaway: This is a multi-winner giveaway. Prizes will be awarded in the form of vouchers, to be picked up by selected winners at CrEATe Donuts in Sandy, Utah. They are transferable, thereafter. Must be 18+ to participate. One entrant per household. US Only, and Utah specific.
Hosted by: A GAL NEEDS…
Co-Hosted by: My So-Called Chaos

1st Prize – Monthly Dessert for a family of 4 – ARV $240! Choice of Menu Items include: Design-it-yourself donut, donut sundae, croissant donut, Design-it-yourself cookie or cookie sundae, Design-it-yourself brownie or brownie sundae, topped cheesecake, Design-it-yourself cupcake or cupcake sundae, Design-it-yourself crepe, Organic Shaved Ice, & Hot Drinking Chocolate Float. Must present voucher at time of service.

2nd Prize –  Summer Organic Shaved Ice for a family of 4 – ARV $90! During the months of June, July, and August, a family of 4 will receive Organic Shaved Ice twice each month! Must present voucher at time of service!

3rd Prize – Date Night Vouchers (Dessert For 2) For 3 lucky winners – ARV $10 each! Choice of Menu Items include: Design-it-yourself donut, donut sundae, croissant donut, Design-it-yourself cookie or cookie sundae, Design-it-yourself brownie or brownie sundae, topped cheesecake, Design-it-yourself cupcake or cupcake sundae, Design-it-yourself crepe, Organic Shaved Ice, & Hot Drinking Chocolate Float. Must present voucher at time of service.

Enter to win one of these awesome prizes in the Rafflecopter below. Although all entries are optional, your chances of winning are increased by completing as many as you feel comfortable with!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per IP address. All entries will be verified. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be contacted by email; Please add info@agalneeds.com to your whitelist. Winners are responsible for pick-up of their prizes at CrEATe Donuts in Sandy, UT.  This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest, or any other
social media platform.

The post Summer Bucket List Giveaway – CrEATe dessert shop in Sandy appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

(Two chances to win family passes! Check it out on below and on my Instagram page! )

My kids are quite vocal about their love of animals. They get it from their Dad! Although I am kind to animals, my kids just can’t get enough of them. Spring is one of their favorite times of year because that means Baby Animal Days!  This year it is May 6th and 7th courtesy of Utah State University Botanical Center.

This will be our third your attending. We go – come rain or shine! My kids do not let me forget it.

Here’s a sneak peek from my friends at My Mommy Style into what is in store for you at Baby Animal Days! You can see just how excited Lily is to check out the baby animals at .24 seconds. She’s the in the red coat holding the baby chick.

This year there are TWICE the number of baby animals. Come meet baby pigs, goats, lambs, ponies, calves, baby chicks, rabbits, and maybe even a yak!

Don’t miss out on the other fun activities as well – horse rides and miniature train rides. Your first ride on both are covered with your ticket! We spent several hours at Baby Animal Days last year and my kids still talk about it.

Along with the baby animals, there will also be food vendors and craft activities for the children.  I know my children are excited for the train ride!

Here is a schedule of the events so you can make sure you don’t miss your child’s favorites!

When: Friday, May 6, 3-8 PM  &
Saturday, May 7, 10 AM-6 PM

Where: Utah State University Botanical Center
875 South 50 West, Kaysville, Utah 84037

Friday
3:00 PM Sheep Shearing Demo
3:30 PM Wild Wonders Show
4:30 PM Scales and Tales Show
5:30 PM Sheep Shearing Demo
6:30 PM Wild Wonders Show
7:30 PM Scales and Tales Show

Saturday
11:00 AM Sheep Shearing Demo
12:00 PM Scales and Tales Show
1:00 PM Wild Wonders Show
2:00 PM Sheep Shearing Demo
3:00 PM Scales and Tales Show
4:00 PM Wild Wonders Show

Here’s a link to directions from I-15 if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Avoid lines and buy tickets in advance. Use the code blog5 to get $5 off a family pass. Buy tickets here. 

See you there! Remember to enter to win below and on my instagram page! Two chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Family time at Baby Animal Days in Kaysville + Giveaway! appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

There’s something I love about shopping and supporting local. We’ve had our share of stops on Main Street this year from checking out the soap-making demo at Sego Lily soap to dropping off donations at Tabitha’s Way. This week I am excited to head over to My Sister’s Closet Boutique for a  Girls Night Out! 

There’s going to be yummy treats, giveaways, and amazing deals. We’re talking BOGO 50 percent off! Here’s a few of their darling pieces that I have had my eyes on:

Photo Courtesy of My Sister’s Closet Boutique

And if you love this floral hoodie, you are going to be excited about this next one, too …

Photo Courtesy of My Sister’s Closet

Can you tell I am loving all things floral for Spring? Such a cute hoodie.

Photo courtesy of My Sister’s CLoset

Loving this whole ensemble – especially those lace details on the tee!

With a blog conference coming up, I am so excited to be shopping for some new Spring pieces at My Sister’s Closet.  Supporting a local business and getting all dolled up – that’s a win/win in my book.

Be sure to follow My Sister’s Closet on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss out on all their stellar sales! See you at the Girl’s Night Out tomorrow (April 2 2016 from 4 pm to 8 pm, 266 Main Street in Spanish Fork!) If you can’t make it, be sure to check out the sale online! Use the code GNO2016 to get 25 percent off and a free gift. S

What are you favorite Spring trends?

The post Shopping Main Street – Girls Night Out at My Sister’s Closet Boutique appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

It’s baby animal season at This is the Place Heritage Park. With so many baby animals to snuggle, nuzzle and pet – my kids are so excited! Add in pony rides, train rides, take home crafts and I know we are going to have fun.

For the kickoff of baby animal season on March 24 and through the weekend, Skymasters Bird Show will delight guests with their hawks, falcons, owls and eagles.

This is The Place Heritage Park contains over 50 historic homes and structures to visit and countless fun activities to help visitors learn about history and step back in time to see how things used to be. I love that they are continually adding new activities. We can’t wait to try out the splash pad.

Activities include:

• Train rides (there are three)
• Pony rides
• 
• Petting farm animals
• Panning for gold
• 
• Playing in the splash pad
• Shopping in the gift shop
• and much more!

All the activities are included with your admission ticket so you can enjoy and entire day of fun without breaking the bank! Right now is baby animal season which makes it the perfect time to visit!

In addition to all the fun activities, you and your family can grab a bite to eat at the Huntsman Grill and you can also find other tasty treats like Brigham’s Donuts at the Social Hall and soft serve ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor.

With so much to do, there is no reason you won’t want to take the kids there several times with summer. Why not have a little bit of fun learning as a family, right?

Now you can get $2 off each admission at the park! Just click here to get your coupon.  You can check out the hours and all the fun details of the park here. 

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The Midway Ice Castles are back and my children are begging to go! It will be our third year visiting and it is a family tradition that we cannot miss. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for four tickets at the end of this post so you can surprise your children, too!

With over 25,000,000 pounds of beautifully sculpted ice making up the castle, we are always excited to see what the designers will come up with next.  This year features giant archways, tunnels, slot canyons, an ice slide, caverns, glacial waterfalls, and even a frozen throne!

I’m not the only one that LOVES them. Check out these kid reviews! My personal favorite line … “Make sure you visit it once in your life … or twice … or three times!” You got it kid! We’ll see you there.

Before you go to the ice castles – check out these tips!

• Dress your children in warm layers. Snow pants, gloves, and hats are a must for little buns sliding on the amazing ice slide!
• Wear snow boots with traction. We were all in boots and had no trouble with slipping.
• Bring hand warmers if your gloves aren’t water proof. You can get a value pack at Costco or on Amazon.com. We like these – HotHands Hand Warmers 10 Pair Value Pack.
• Make a day or a weekend of it! This year we are planning a trip to the Homestead Resort as part of our visit to the Ice Castles. Excited for our day time adventure in the ice and snow and then our relaxing evening in the Homestead hot tubs! Check out a few of our family’s favorite things to in Midway! 
• Come on a week day if you can, especially if you have small children. Weekends are popular in Utah! We went on a Thursday and my children were able to roam and explore to their hearts’ content!
• Visit soon! The ice castles are open weather permitting.
• Bring all ages – even my two year old loved it when we took him for the first time!
• Make sure to have your camera as it is a breathtaking place for pictures! When we visit on snowy days, I opt to take pics with my phone camera since it has a waterproof case. 
• Get tickets online in advance! They are available at a discounted rate and reserve your time. Times are already selling out so reserve yours soon!

Here are the details!

I am so excited to be giving away 4 tickets to the Ice Castles! Enter on the Rafflecopter below. Be sure to follow Midway Ice Castles on Facebook to keep up to date!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Visiting Our Favorite Winter Wonderland – the Midway Ice Castles + a Giveaway! appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

If you were enchanted by the Midway Ice Castles, you’ve got to check out Ryan Davis’ and Richard Holdman’s latest holiday masterpiece – the Christmas in Color drive thru in Kearns, Utah.

My family oohed and ahhed through the mile-long winding drive that showcases over 1 million LED lights synchronized to Christmas music.  From the decorated elf houses to the larger than life Christmas trees, this drive thru has made our list of yearly Christmas traditions. Located adjacent to the Olympic Oval, tickets to Christmas in Color are already selling out so make sure that you get it scheduled into your holiday fun next week!

Upon arrival, you set your radio to a specific channel and then the holiday magic begins! My four year old was wowed by the light tunnels. Be sure to slow down and give yourself time to enjoy the magic through the tunnels. My personal favorite were these jumping lights!

With the kids out of school this week, it’s the perfect time to get dressed in Christmas pjs and take a drive to see the lights. I’ve done this with my family since my childhood and it is just as magical as an adult! I love that there are new and exciting light shows like this one that I can share with my family.

Here are the details! You will get the BEST price buying your tickets in advance online.  Tickets are sold in slots of 30 minute increments, and are selling out fast. You can arrive anytime within the purchased 30 minute time period. Admission is not guaranteed if you arrive outside of your purchased time slot. Buy tickets here.

Where: Located on Ed Mayne Street in Kearns, UT next to the Olympic Oval:
When: 11/27/15 to 1/02/16Open from: 5:30pm – 11:00 pm
Closed Sunday
Ticket Prices:
Monday – Thursday $20 per car
Open from: 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Friday, Saturday, and Christmas week $25 per car

Christmas in Color and I would like to share holiday magic with five lucky families! I am giving away three gift codes for a car load each on the Rafflecopter below as well as two additional gift codes on my social media! Be sure to follow myself and Christmas in Color for these giveaways!

Christmas in Color of Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Holiday Lights get Magical with Christmas in Color + Giveaway! appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

Earlier this year, my husband and I were shopping at the outlets in St. George, Utah. We came across Del Sol Color Change accessories and tees and we knew that we had to have them for our next Disney vacation. Whether you are in Anaheim or Orlando – you know it is going to be sunny and hot! Take advantage of the heat and sun and make a little extra Disney magic for your kiddos. How does it work? Just take a look at this video!

This demo is in the store, but the same thing will happen when your kiddo steps into the sunlight. Imagine how fun that is going to be coming out of all the rides at Disneyland!

Here’s a another fun one for the Big Hero 6 fans!

And you can’t forget the accessories! Loving these hair ties!

I love that Del Sol is a based in Utah. Supporting local is important to me! Now on to the fun!

2 Lucky winners will each receive these 2 great prizes from Del Sol!

ARV $76

Color Changing Disney or Marvel Shirt (each winner chooses style & size – Men, Women or Kids)

(See Review)

Color Changing Nail Polish – (each winner chooses color, more than 20 colors to choose from)

(See Review)

Thank you to our wonderful Sponsor for these prizes!

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Open to residents of the US, 18 and older. Ends at 11:59PM HST on 12/30/2015. At the conclusion of the giveaway, the winner will be randomly selected by Giveaway Tools (entries will be validated) and notified via email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is NOT associated or endorsed by Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube,Twitter or any other social media. 1 Entrant per Household, if you have won a prize from this sponsor in the past 30 days you are not eligible to win.

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Staying at the Zermatt in Midway has been on my bucket list for ages! I’ve been through Midway and Heber dozens of times for the ice castles, Swiss Days, and on my way to Park City. Last fall we decided to staycation on a budget and found some incredible and inexpensive things to do in Midway, Utah. We even snuck in a stay at the Zermatt!

When I plan a vacation for my family, I like to pack as much fun and adventure into a weekend as I can. We love exploring the outdoors and Midway is the perfect place to do that. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Midway, Utah.

1. Family fun at the Zermatt Resort

We loved staying at the Zermatt Resort (and highly recommend it). The grounds and activities are open to visitors passing through as well. When you stay at the resort, a carousel ride for the children comes with your accommodations. If you are just visiting the grounds, you can purchase tokens for a small amount at the front desk. Be sure to pick up the goat food for only a $1 as well. My kids loved visiting and feeding the pygmy goats at Zermatt Resort. Stop at their gift shop and bakery for yummy pastries and the perfect little lunch packs for picnics and hikes!

2. The Fairy Forest on Mirror Lake Byway

The Fairy Forest was my daughter’s favorite part of our weekend trip to Midway. Every little girl’s dream! I was amazed at how much land it actually covered! The Fairy Forest is near a campground and is hundreds of little fairy vignettes made by individuals and families. From painted rocks to fairy birdhouses, it’s magical for little ones! Be sure to bring in art supplies for your little one to make their addition! Utah’s Adventure Family has great directions for how to get there. One piece of advice, wear shoes that can get wet. There is water in the creek bed that you have to cross to get there during certain times of the year.

3. Dairy Keen

Dairy Keen has to be one of the top recommended places to eat in Midway! You know, the train place! We eat at Dairy Keen anytime we are in Midway. Most peaceful meals my husband and I ever get because our kids love the train tables. During the warmer months, kids can eat outside on the train. Check out how much fun we had during our February visit!

4. Provo River Falls

This easy hike was about 23.5 miles outside of Kamas on Highway 150. Just look for the signs to Provo River Falls! I took my two oldest on the quick hike with me. The trail was less than a mile with various overlooks to the falls. Simply beautiful!

5. Midway Ice Castles

The Midway Ice Castles were easily our favorite winter activity of last year. My daughter went down the ice slide at least a dozen times and was enamored with meeting the Frozen princesses. You can check out my review here for our favorite tips of how to get the most from your ice castle experience. The ice castles will open in February, but advance tickets are on sale now for 45 percent off! Do yourself a favor and avoid the lines by buying online! These would be a great stocking stuffer.

6. Fall Foliage Drives

There are several beautiful drives in the Midway, Utah, area. Just remember to bring some cash for the National Forest fees. It was $6 for the weekend. There are dozens of picturesque pull offs on the side of the road just like this one. The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

From Midway, you can also access the Alpine Loop and Cascade Springs – two of our family’s favorites as well! You can see some of our hiking tips for Cascade Springs here.

7. The Crater

The Crater at Homestead Resort has been on my bucket list ever since I saw it on a television episode. It is a geothermal spring in a 55-foot limestone rock beehive-shaped enclosure. You can swim, scuba dive, and even do a paddle-board yoga class in the crater. Reservations are required for the activities, but you can peek in and do a tour of the crater every hour on the half hour for free. Keep small children by the hand. We all loved seeing such a unique natural phenomenon and I can’t wait to go back with my husband to swim!

Also free, is the hike to the top of the crater. The view of Midway is absolutely incredible! We hiked the stairs with the kids and were able to peek down in to the crater (it is safely covered, of course!)

8. Homestead Resort

After you check out the crater, be sure to stop in the gift shop at Homestead Resort for some homemade fudge. The resort has seasonal events all year round that are family friendly. My kids had fun checking out the scarecrows during our visit. In December, you can take a sleigh ride to visit Santa or do a breakfast with Santa – so much fun. Check out the web-site for more details!

We enjoyed walking the grounds and reading the historical markers – some of the buildings are beautiful! Like a step back in time.

I hope you get to visit some of these beautiful places near Midway, Utah! It truly is a beautiful area to visit! If you would like to follow more of my travel adventures (including some uber-helpful Disney tips!) please be sure to follow me on social media!

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Playing at the  EnergySolutions Arena from September 24th – 28th. Circus XTREME pushes the limits of excitement to features artists who redefine the word extreme in everything they do, The performers magnify beloved traditional elements of the circus and combine them with never-before-seen contemporary spectacles, original fast-paced performances and incredibly hilarious moments. Featuring an international assembly of over 100 performers spanning 13 countries around the world, the Ringling Bros. 145th Edition is highlighted by several unique acts including:

• Xtreme Sports display featuring BMX freestyle riders, energetic parkour performers, trampoline acrobats and slack line gymnastics tricks
• Caravan of Camels – the only act of it’s kind in the world featuring 6 twin-humped Bactrian camels
• Bungee Skydivers aerial acro-ballet
• World’s youngest human cannonball Gemma “The Jet” Kirby has been shot from the cannon nearly 500 times
• Mongolian Marvels strongmen create a human pyramid with a combined weight of over 880 pounds
• Additional circus elements highlighted in the show including Bengal tiger presenter Taba; daredevil whirling Pendulum of Steel performance; edge-of-your-seat high wire stunts, hilarious poodle tricks; of course no show would be complete without the Ringling Bros. Clown Alley and treasured performing pachyderms!

Be sure to arrive early to experience several fun-filled interactive elements before the show starts included with the ticket price – visit the Animal Open House to get up-close with the amazing animal stars and the All Access Pre-Show where families can step onto the arena floor to meet our performers, learn circus skills, try on costumes and much more!

New this year, ticketholders can purchase an upgrade experience at their show and go backstage with a VIP Behind The Scenes Tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. To take advantage of this incredible interactive experience, just log on to www.ringlingbros.expapp.com from your iPhone or Android smartphone, and provide your name, email and phone number to become a VIP Circus Insider.

WHEN: Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28

Thursday, September 24 7:00 PM

Friday, September 25 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 26 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, September 27 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM

Monday, September 28 7:00 PM

WHERE: EnergySolutions Arena – 301 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

TICKETS: Ticket prices range from $20, $35 (VIP) and $65-70 (Front Row)*

Kids (ages 2-12) tickets available for only $10 each for select seating on weekday shows
Save 50% on Opening Night discount tickets (select seating only; not valid on VIP/Front Row levels)
All seats are reserved; tickets available thru Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the Energy Solutions Arena Box Office.

Now for the fun part! I am giving away a family four pass of tickets! Enter in the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Win tickets to Circus XTREME in Salt Lake City, Utah! appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

Raise your hand if you are excited for Salt Lake Comic Con this year! It’s been amazing in years past and this year will be no exception.

Over the years Utah has proven to have one of the largest pop culture fan bases in the country. In just a few short years Salt Lake Comic Con has grown into a large event bringing in celebrities and people from all over the country. That is why this year you do not want to miss it!

September 24th – September 26th is when you can visit vendors showcasing everything geek, listen to panels, and even take photos with your favorite celebrities. Captain America himself (Chris Evans), Ian Somerhalder, Felicia Day, and many more are expected to attended. You can see the master guest list here. New guests will be added up until the event. I’m excited to see John Barrowman (Torchwood, Dr Who) on the guest list!

If you haven’t attended the event in previous years, you are missing out. Each year gets better and better with more stars then you can handle! So what are you waiting for? You can purchase your tickets here. Hurry because previous years have sold out!

You can connect with Salt Lake Comic Con on:

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Google+

Giveaway Time!

You know I couldn’t leave you all without having an awesome giveaway! So I am partnering with Salt Lake Comic Con to giveaway away (2) Multipasses valid for 3-day General Admission to 1 lucky winner! This is a $120 value!

Entering is simple. Just use the Rafflecopter widget below. The winner will be chosen September 19, 2015! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is sponsored by Salt Lake Comic Con.

The post Salt Lake Comic Con Giveaway appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

When I was a college student, a massage at an honest to goodness spa (scented candles, heated tables, the works!) was the ultimate luxury. As soon as we were married, I let John know that massage gift certificates were welcome on any occasion.

It wasn’t until I had our second baby that I had an epiphany. Massage was no longer simply a luxury, it was a necessity that I needed to work into our budget! Here are some of the real reasons that I try to get a massage several times a year even on a tight budget.

1. I’m a Mom and a blogger. I’ve nursed three babies for a combined total of five years. Sadly, my shoulders are stuck in the nursing hunch even though I am no longer nursing. Typing for hours a day on my lap top does not help that. Add in car pool and rush hour stop and go traffic – my neck and shoulders are a hot mess. The result – I’ve got problems with pinched nerves and subsequently problems with numbness in my hand. No good! Regular massage helps to work out those tight spots!
2. I’m exercising and weight-lifting. My trainer has been telling me for years that massage will help my weight loss. Massage directly impacts the circulatory system. Getting a monthly massage (I wish! I’m working towards it!) helps to rest and relax those hard-working muscles that are working over time.
3. I have a hard time sleeping. I’d attribute this to 8 years of waking up with children during the night, but I was a terrible sleeper before that anyway. There’s a reason you practically fall asleep on the massage table! Massage gives your mind and body permission to move into that meditative and restorative space.
4. It’s cold and flu season and I have two children in school. Did you know that massage can increase your disease-fighting white blood cells? Talk about an immune boost! Not to mention that it helps decrease stress, too!
5. I want to my body to last the next 70 years! I am turning 34 on Friday (gasp!) and my body sadly isn’t want it used to be. Three pregnancies and a busy mom lifestyle has taken its toll. I’m proud of what this ole’ body has accomplished and it’s time to say thanks by taking better care of it. That means treating it to the pampering AND restorative maintenance of a massage!                 

Do any of those reasons apply to you? If so, you need to come to the Mountainside Spa Grand Opening Event on September 10th.  They will spoil you silly with free mini facials as well as seated massages. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the brand new spa and experience the Mountainside Retreat – a massage with a facial. It was 75 minutes of pure heaven. My masseuse, Ezralea, had me in a state of complete relaxation. It was the perfect combination of firm and soft touch. I had been at the hospital all week helping my mom after surgery for her broken leg. Needless to say, I melted into that heated massage table. It was my first time on a heated massage table and I must say that I am hooked!

If you’ve never had a facial in combination with a massage, you need to treat yourself! My favorite part of the facial was the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant and the heated towels. My skin is still feeling silky smooth a week later! So important to me that they use an organic skincare line like Eminence.

One of the things that I love most about Mountainside Spa is that there is something for everyone in every price range. Whether you just need a 25 minute chair massage on your lunch break or if you would like to indulge in the 2.5 hour Nordic retreat, these ladies have just what your body needs. Their online booking system is easy to use and you’ll be set up with what you need in no time.

The location is perfect! Mountainside Spa is nestled in Old Mill in Cottonwood Heights (6556 South Big Cottonwood Canyon Road Suite 700) with some of my favorite restaurants – Happy Sumo, Thai Basil, and Cafe Zupas to name a few. Hello date night! Mountainside Spa has other locations up the canyon in Alta. I love that they’ve brought some of that spa on the slopes charm down to the valley for us to enjoy year round.

Be sure to spoil yourself at their grand opening on Thursday September 10th from 11-7 pm. Your body will thank you! More info about the grand opening here. Stay in touch with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so you don’t miss out on any pampering news!

Thrilled to be part of a blog campaign for this local Utah business. To facilitate this review, I received a spa package as well as product to use at home. All love of massages and opinions are my own. 

The post The Real Reason You Need a Massage + Grand Opening of Mountainside Spa appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

Confession, I am a little bit of a gamer. A tabletop board gamer, but a gamer none the less. My husband, on the other hand, has his favorite video games and totally dressed up like this for Halloween. Now picture him trying to keep track of our three little trick or treaters in that get up. It was a fun night!

Whether you are a traditional board gamer or a competitive video gamer, be sure to enter the giveaway for tickets to Salt Lake Gaming Con at the end of the post!

Tabletop games are a huge part of our Trost family gatherings. We’ve been playing Ticket to Ride for almost five years every Sunday night. I triple dog dare you to challenge me to a cross-country route race! The United States board with the expansion pack is my favorite, but the European version is growing on me. Before that it was Settlers of Cataan interspersed with games of Aquire.

Growing up it was Risk, Monopoly, and Life. I learned to NEVER trade with my older brother. His analytical game strategy far surpasses mine. We’ve started our own kids on Sequence and Phase 10. 

With all this gaming background, it was so fun to discover Salt Lake Gaming Con and I am excited to be giving away tickets! Here’s the 411 on what you can expect at the convention.

About Salt Lake Gaming Con:

Salt Lake Gaming Con is a 3 day convention that will focus on video games, tabletop games, and cosplay. The convention will feature top game developers from all over the country who will be demoing their games and running tournaments. They will be hosting tournaments for different skill levels so everyone has the chance to participate and have fun!

In addition to interacting with major game developers, fans will have the opportunity to meet some of the biggest celebrities in the gaming industry. They will also be hosting and promoting nightly parties and concerts as part of the SLGC weekend—access to these events will be free with purchase of a 3 day pass.

The main goals of SLGC are to provide as much fun as possible to convention goers and to eliminate the less pleasant aspects of a con. SLGC will provide constant entertainment throughout the weekend offering entertainment, attractions and activities for everyone and anyone interested in attending the con.

So when exactly is this amazing convention?

August 6th – 8th 2015 and will take place at the South Towne Expo Center 9575 S. State St. • Sandy, UT 84070.

Ticket Prices:

Tickets start at $20 (for a single day pass), $25 (3-day pass), and $75 (for a VIG pass).

So far, Steven Ogg (AKA Trevor Philips from Grand Theft Auto V), Amber Goldfarb, Elias Toufexis, Nicki Rapp and more special guests have been announced.

If you live and breathe for video games, this is your kind of convention! Make sure you get your tickets now and get ready for a fun-filled day of video games!

For the Latest Updates Connect with Salt Lake Gaming Con on:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Giveaway Time!

Don’t think for a second I wasn’t going to offer you all something totally AMAZING! Salt Lake Gaming Con is giving you the chance to win 1 of 5 prizes! 1 Lucky Winner will win 2 VIG Tickets to the convention. 4 Additional Winners will each win (2) General Admission Tickets to the convention! How awesome is that?

Entering is simple. Just use the Rafflecopter widget below. The winners will be announced August 3rd, 2015! Good Luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is sponsored by Salt Lake Gaming Con. This post contains affiliate links. 

The post Favorite family games + Salt Lake Gaming Con Giveaway! appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

We’ve hit the point during the summer where if the kids are home, they tend to gravitate toward electronics.  So I am always on the lookout for fun and educational activities that get us outside and moving. Here are just a few of the activities from the festival that my kids are excited about:

1. Monster bubbles and bubble play from Paddy’s Bubbles.

2. Coloring and hand-washing station from Mrs. Meyers. 

3. Painting and planting with terra cotta pots from Ecoscraps.

4, Small space gardening classes from Ecoscraps.

5. Soccer activities. 

6. Kids Yoga.

7. Police dog demonstrations and puppy adoptions from Fresh Pet. 

8. Face painting.

9. Bounce houses.

Fun, right? Pack up the kids and join me Saturday, July11th from 10 am to 4 pm at the Thanksgiving Point Electric Park. Each guest receives a Made to Matter gift bag with samples from some of my favorite brands – Annie’s Homegrown, Mrs. Meyer’s, Justin’s, Ella’s Kitchen, Hyland’s Homeopathy, Yes to Carrots, Kind, and more!

When you come, be sure to share your fun experiences on social media using #getmessygetclean and #madetomatter for a chance to win giveaway prizes from those fantastic brands. For the moms and dads, there will be a food truck round up. I’ll be on the lookout for some of my favorites! Hope to see you there!

Now for the fun part, the sponsors are giving away a $50 gift package full of Annie’s Homegrown products. My family personally loves Annie’s from the macaroni and cheese to the fruits snacks. Be sure to enter to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored post. 

The post #GetMessyGetClean Free Kids Festival at Electric Park at Thanksgiving Point appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

July is one of my favorite months. I love celebrating the 4th of July and pioneer day on the 24th. I’m a history geek so I try to expose my children to as much historical goodness as I can. From learning about our pioneer heritage to celebrating the freedom of our country, there is so much to do this month! I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite family-friendly activities in Utah to help celebrate the 4th of July and the 24th of July.

1. Freedom Festival in Provo, Utah. Provo is the place to be for the 4th of July. Stadium of Fire is always a favorite with the big-name entertainment as well as plenty of local talent. I’ve only been once, but it was the year Brad Paisely sang and it was fantastic! However, some of the lesser-known Freedom Festival activities are actually at the top of our list of family traditions in July.

2.  Colonial Heritage Festival in Provo, Utah. I came across this free four-day event at Scera park by accident one year and it has been a favorite ever since. My kids love traveling back in time with the interactive exhibits.

From attending Colonial School to spinning yarn, we easily spend at least half a day at the Colonial Fest. Be sure to take some cash for the homemade bread and cookies!

It’s always fun to see the kids doing the children’s chores, too!

3. Balloon Fest in Provo, Utah  was our very first new 4th of July tradition. It is a fun way to start your day early! We typically go on the 2nd or 3rd. Be sure to get there before 6:30 am so that you can see the balloons being filled up. The launch happens pretty quickly so you want to be on time. We take a picnic breakfast and chairs.

4. Fiesta Days in Spanish Fork.  The fireworks on the 24th of July are amazing! There is also a parade in the morning and a community play in the afternoon. This year my daughter is excited to be in Beauty and the Beast! The play runs all week – you can get tickets here

5. Days of 47 Float Preview Party – Sandy, Utah. Growing up, I loved getting up early and going to parades downtown with my family. As a mom of littles, that just doesn’t work out for us anymore. I was thrilled to discover a different way to experience the floats with my children – the float preview party! Each year we head to the South Towne Expo Center and get up close and personal with the floats. All the floats are on display and many of them have interactive elements to engage and entertain the children. This is when the public votes on their parade favorites, so the float owners pull out all the stops! We still watch the Days of 47 parade on TV, but from the comfort of home. The kids have fun trying to spot their favorite floats from the preview party.

Just typing up this post has me giddy for all the fireworks and excitement this month! If you are looking for things do in Utah this month with your family – be sure to add these events and activities to your calendar!

What are your favorite 4th of July traditions?

Do you celebrate the 24th of July?

The post Things to do in Utah for the 4th and 24th of July appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.