Even with having my baby girl earlier this month, I couldn’t miss out on Cirque du Soleil’s OVO coming to the Maverik Center February 22-27, 2017. A week before my due date I was able to attend a preview event for OVO at The Leonardo. We were treated to a sneak peek of the show as well as a live cold-blooded creatures demonstration. It’s hard to say who loved it more – myself or my kids!

These masks were a blast to create and made the kiddos excited to see the costumes in OVO. Aren’t the costume details fantastic?

In case you are new to OVO, here is what you can expect:

OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects’ home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.

When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It’s love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual.

OVO is overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day the vibrant cycle of insect life begins anew.

My sons are especially excited because of the insects. It will be fun to see how the insect movements are incorporated into the acrobatics and antics. At the OVO preview party, we were treated to close-up look of Kim’s Cold Blooded Creatures. My kids got much closer than I did!

And now for the fun part! I am giving away a family four pack to the Thursday, 7:30 pm, showing of OVO at the Maverik Center – enter below! Your family is going to love it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tickets are available via SmithTix. 

The post Win a Family Four Pack of Tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s OVO! 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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Day two of Kyler’s 5th birthday celebration! We spent the night at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus at the Vivint Smarthome Arena. My kids remembered how fun the preshow was last year so we were scrambling to get there before it started! We made it just in time.

When you go, be sure to take some instagram pics/do some tweets with the hashtags #RinglingBros and #OutofThisWorld. You could be featured on the big screen – so fun! Be sure to check out my instagram stories to see more of the fun!

This year’s intergalatic story line completely transforms the circus experience! Adding ice skaters to the traditional big top act was a huge hit. Especially when those ice skaters are on stilts and do tricks off of trampolines. Toss some fire into the mix and it is a show that you aren’t soon to forget. My family each choose some of our favorite acts to share with you.

Here are the 5 reasons you shouldn’t miss out on the circus this year:

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Lily’s Favorite:

Lily was entranced by the Simet Family Astronauts who launched the show! The one-of-its kind aerial “spacewalk” features three astronauts balancing zero gravity maneuvers on a spinning wheel. It definitely set the out of this world mood!

A close second for her was the act with the dogs, pigs, llamas, and goats. You can’t help but giggle when the giant pig goes down the slide!

Cort’s Favorite: 

Cort votes for the opening act as his favorite part of the show. It gives you a sneak peek into all the different performers and introduces the story line. The aerial artists in the bubbles are incredible! I held my breath more than a few times while watching them.

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Kyler’s Favorite:

Kyler’s favorite part gives away when I wasn’t paying attention. I was focusing on doing an instastory of the trapeze artists and hadn’t taken in all the details. One of the trapeze artists fell and I just about had a heart attack. I didn’t realize there was a net! Thank goodness for that net! I think the fall was a choreographed part of the show – it sure got me.

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Johnny’s Favorite:

My husband was happy to see a story line cleverly woven into all the circus acts. You get to know the characters a lot more during the show than in years past. The set and digital effects also change to go along with the story  line.

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Favorite for me:

I couldn’t get enough of the thrill skaters! This scene combined stilts, fire, trampoline acrobatics, and aerialists – all in one. I haven’t seen all those elements combined together. I almost didn’t know where to look there were so many fun things going on.

Can you see why we loved it? The circus will be in town through Monday evening! Don’t forget to use the special code – DADS – to get a discount Saturday evening!

Here’s all the details you need:

WHEN: Friday, September 23 – Monday, September 26
Friday, September 23 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 24 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, September 25 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

Monday, September 26 7:00 PM

WHERE: Vivint Smart Home Arena – 301 S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

TICKETS: Tickets start at just $20 for Adults; Kids (age 2-12) tickets available for only $10 for select seating*
Opening Night Special Discount tickets are just $15 for select seating*
*not valid on VIP/Front Row levels

All seats are reserved; tickets available thru Smithstix.com, charge by phone at 800-888-TIXX or visit the Vivint Smart Home Arena Box Office.

The post 5 Reasons to go to the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus + a Discount Code! appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

1. Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey circus is in town! You are in luck because I scored you a discount code for Saturday night. Use the code DADS. The circus will be at the Vivint Arena through this Monday night so don’t miss out. You can catch all the details here.  My kids are so excited to go early for all the fun before the show.

2. Chalk the Block at Riverwoods in Provo is another one of our favorite fall family traditions.  I’m crossing my fingers that the weather will be good enough! One of the years we went, Waffle Luv had their truck there. Hoping that is the case again because this preggo is craving waffles and biscotti! Saturday is the last day. My kids have a blast checking out all the chalk drawings and creating some of their own.

3. The STEM Expo at Utah Valley University will be a first for us.  It is Saturday 9/24 from 10 am to 1 pm. It doesn’t cost a penny and it is a fun way for kids to learn in an interactive environment. My kids love building and creating so this will be fun to check out.

4. Saturday is  a free day at The Leonardo thanks to the Smithsonian.  You can download tickets here. It’s hard to say who loves The Leonardo more – my husband and I or our kids! You can see some of the fun we’ve hard there here. We’re especially interested in the new flight exhibit. I promise you’ll have hours of creative fun! It’s a hands-on museum that is fun for the entire family.  This would be great to do in combination with the circus on Saturday!

5. I can’t wait for the Women’s Session of General Conference Saturday night as well! (You can totally send the boys to the circus and have a girls night!) Lily is 9 years old so we will be going together. It’s a great chance to get a new perspective and spend time together. I’m also excited to start prepping for General Conference next week. You can see some of our favorite family traditions here and here.

Can you see why I am excited for this weekend? Now to decide what to do! What are your plans for this weekend?

The post Things to do in Utah this weekend appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

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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The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus is coming to town and this year it is Out Of This World! Our family is going to kick of Kyler’s birthday weekend. What better way for our little dare devil to start of this fifth year, right?

I’m hooking one lucky reader up with a family four pass for opening night. Plus, this year there is a NEW DISCOUNT for Saturday night as it’s the Women’s session of General Conference for the LDS church. Perfect chance for Dad to take the kiddos out for some fun! Use the code DADS to get a special discount.

Here’s what you need to know and what you can expect!

Prepare to blast off on an intergalactic adventure for space-age family fun as the ultimate circus experience launches into the future with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Out Of This World. Audiences will take the helm to join the Circus Space Fleet on a heroic quest of good versus evil that will let imaginations run wild with unexpected surprises and thrills at every turn. This all-new, immersive production debuts on the West Coast for the first time in the 145-year history of Ringling Bros., arriving into Salt Lake City this summer playing Vivint Smart Home Arena from September 23-26.

Through the lens of a magic telescope, Out Of This World transports the entire family on an unforgettable outer space journey as Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson and “Circus Starseeker” Paulo battle evil forces, the Intergalactic Circus Queen Tatiana and her bumbling henchman Davis, to return the most talented circus performers in the universe back to Earth.

Families will be amazed by the cosmic voyage storyline exploring extraordinary new worlds and captivated by the twinkle in their child’s eyes as they visit far away planets of ice, fire, sand and water inhabited by gravity-defying acrobats, orbital aerialists, majestic animals and fearless daredevils that will ignite wonder with Children Of All Ages®. The newest edition of The Greatest Show On Earth® features several unique performances throughout the story including:
– Simet Family Astronauts – launching the show, this one-of-its-kind aerial “spacewalk” features three astronauts balancing zero gravity maneuvers on a spinning wheel

– Heilongjiang Provincial Acrobatic Troupe – original presentation for the first time in America showcasing the mastery of skilled Chinese acrobatics (such as an 11-person human pyramid and hoop diving) – all performed on ice!
– Thrill Skaters – introducing a new genre of ice skating, combining lyrical figure skating with energetic freestyle skaters performing tricks and stunts on ice
– Sway Pole – lead character clown Davis Vassallo climbs a 47-foot pole to complete a handstand five stories above the audience as he sways and tumbles around with a surprise ending; this daring performance can currently only be seen at Ringling Bros.!

Additional Out Of This World show performance highlights include tigers & lions presenter Alexander Lacey; edge-of-your-seat Cossack Riders equestrian stunts; Globe of Steel motorcycle daredevils; awe-inspiring trapeze artists (performing the Ringling Bros. exclusive dual triple somersault routine with two flyers attempting the trick at the same time); unicycle courtside comedy routines from the King Charles Troupe; the hilarious antics of the Ringling Bros. Clown Alley and more!

Free with every ticket purchase, be sure to arrive early for fun-filled interactive elements before the show starts with the Starseeker’s Early Access pre-show experience where families can enjoy sneak peek performances, unique mobile app interactions, clown appearances right in your seats leading up to an exciting dance party show countdown. This is a must! We arrived too late one year and the kids were devastated. Be sure to plan plenty of time!

Guests are encouraged to download the all-new interactive Ringling Bros. mobile app where families can become part of The Greatest Show On Earth like never before with exclusive content, games and more!

WHEN: Friday, September 23 – Monday, September 26
Friday, September 23 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 24 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, September 25 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

Monday, September 26 7:00 PM

WHERE: Vivint Smart Home Arena – 301 S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

TICKETS: Tickets start at just $20 for Adults; Kids (age 2-12) tickets available for only $10 for select seating*
Opening Night Special Discount tickets are just $15 for select seating*
*not valid on VIP/Front Row levels

All seats are reserved; tickets available thru Smithstix.com, charge by phone at 800-888-TIXX or visit the Vivint Smart Home Arena Box Office.

Enter to win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out these tips for your first time at the circus! 

Tips for taking your kids to the circus

The post Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus – Out of This World Giveaway! appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

Photo Courtesy of BYUTV

(Be sure to enter the Relative Race Giveaway for $500 to Delta Airlines, $300 to Marriott Hotels, and a $200 VISA gift card to spend as you wish!)

It’s Amazing Race meets Who Do You Think You Are with as many laughs, tears, and feel-good moments as you can possibly squeeze into one episode. ‪‎Relative Race instantly became my new must-watch show after previewing it at Roots Tech. The first episode officially debuts tonight on BYUTV at 6 pm MST. It’s a reality competition with a unique, family-history twist that the whole family can watch together.

The show has 11 fast-paced episodes as four couples race across the United States facing unique challenges and discovering family they never knew they had.  Relative Race is hosted by former ESPN anchor Dan J. Debenham and made possible by a partnership with Ancestry DNA (My own Ancestry DNA Kit is in the mail – so excited to try it!)

I sat down with Scott Swofford of BYU TV and Dan Debenham at Roots Tech to get the inside scoop into this fascinating new show.  Their excitement for this project is contagious and let’s just say that this is a show you do not want to miss.

What can you expect from the season premiere? This season’s couples are from Anchorage, Seattle, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. They start their journey in San Francisco where they must give up their smart phones and GPS to make a trek across the country using only maps and help from strangers. Each couple drives to a different city and are given a travel time limit. Whoever goes over that time limit is up for a strike and three strikes means you are out. One of my favorite elements of the show – each episode they spend the night at their newly-discovered relatives homes.

I’m not going to give away too many details, but let’s just say there are plenty of surprises and twists! From heart-warming family meet ups that made me tear up along with the contestants to classic squabbles about driving and directions that had me giggling, I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for the next episode. 

I am most excited about this show because it combines my love of reality competitions with the raw emotion of discovering family.  We can all relate to the powerful desire to discover who you are and where you come from. This show captures that masterfully while keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.

Tune in February 28 at 6 pm MST to catch the first episode on BYU TV on television or online.  Follow popular instagrammers Eric Rubens and Ian Andrew Nelson to get an inside look at some of the locations visited. Be sure to connect with Relative Race as well so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!

Twitter

Facebook 

Instagram

Photo Courtesy of BYUTV

Do you love to travel? And do you miss your family that lives far away? Enter for a chance to win gift cards for $500 to Delta Airlines, $300 to Marriott Hotels, and a $200 VISA gift card to spend as you wish! This link will take you to the giveaway! Who will you visit?

The post Relative Race – The Next Must-See Reality Show Debuts on BYU-TV. appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

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.

Less than a month until Star Wars: The Force Awakens! I know several friends (myself included) who would love to have a Stars Wars print like this hanging in their theater room. Wouldn’t it be darling in a little boys room, too? There are dozens of Star Wars presents that your biggest fan would love to see under the Christmas tree and I’ve pulled together some of my favorites. You’re in luck –  I’m giving away $100 worth of Star Wars prints, too, at the end of this post! But first, the trailer!

If that’s not enough to get you excited, these fun gift ideas will! Be sure to enter the giveaway for $100 in prints!

RoomMates RMK3077SCS Star Wars Classic The Force is Strong P&S Wall Decals, 35.25″ x 10″

Star Wars Upholstered Chair- Darth Vader

Star Wars Darth Vader Kids Folding Chair

Darth Vader Toaster

Vandor 54017 Star Wars Darth Vader and Stormtrooper Salt and Pepper Shakers, Black/White

Jollylife Star Wars Silicone Ice Tray Set of 6

Star Wars Yoda May The Force Be With You Poster

Now on to the giveaway! I recently came across a shop called Stanley Print House. This etsy shop is super cool and lots of amazing Star Wars decor. Don’t worry this shop has lots of other great home decor that isn’t Star Wars related so there is something for everyone!

About Jason Stanley, Owner

“I started my shop in late 2014, and have been keeping busy ever since. My passion for art and graphic design have led me to this point in life. I enjoy working with these vintage patents that we have all owned or came across in the past. They are digitally restored and made into modern art pieces. I hope you see something you like, and if you can’t find what you are looking for, then just ask and I can do a custom order.”

This shop has some great items that would make perfect holiday gifts. If you have a Star Wars fan to shop for (and I am sure we all do) make sure you check out his custom clocks and pillows. You can check out his full Etsy Shop Here.

Ready for the best part? We are teaming up to offer an awesome giveaway to you all!

Giveaway Time!

Stanley Print House is giving away $100 in Star Wars prints (or prints of the winner’s choice). How awesome is that? Entering is simple. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Winner must reside within the United States. Giveaway ends 11/30/15.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is sponsored by Stanely Print House.

This post contains affiliate links.

The post 8 Christmas Gifts for Star Wars Fans + $100 Star Wars Giveaway appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

“There’s something within each of the stories of Tangled, The Princess and the Frog,Cinderella, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs that speaks to women and girls and families around the world,” says Producer Nicole Feld. “Each of these princesses is searching for what truly makes them happy. And I think that’s very reflective of what audiences are like today.”

My daughter was completely taken with Rapunzel’s aerial routines as was I. Simply magical! During the finale, Lily oohed and ahhed over the princess’s ball gowns as they welcomed Rapunzel to the magical court. The cameo appearances of all the Disney princesses was a treat.

The costuming details won me over. From Cinderella’s sparkling skates to Snow White’s classic silhouette, I was in love with the costuming. Just the right amount of DIsney glitter and glamour.

Lest you think Dare to Dream catered only to the girls, my 6 and 4 year old boys loved it as well. My four year old is still giggling about the antics of the larger than life Maximus, the horse. My oldest boy surprised me by declaring the Snow White forest scene as is favorite. From the spooky trees to the creatures he insists were dragons, it captivated his six year old attention.

There’s still time to enjoy Disney on Ice if you are looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend!

WHEN:          Thursday, November 12 – Sunday, November 15, 2015

o   Saturday, Nov. 14          11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

o   Sunday, Nov. 15             1:00 PM & 4:30 PM

WHERE:          Vivint Arena – 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

TICKETS:          Kids tickets are $15 for all shows (not valid for VIP/ Front Row seating)

All seats are reserved and available at the venue Box Office, online at AXS.com or charge by phone at charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX.        

Use the discount code MOM to get $5 off a $20 or $25 ticket! Limit 8 per order and valid only online.                  

I received tickets for my family in order to facilitate my review of Disney on Ice.          

The post Disney’s Dare to Dream enchants at Vivint Arena appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

My children are counting down to Disney on Ice Dare to Dream at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City! Do you have your tickets yet? Be sure to grab the discount code below for $5 off!

Sometimes the wait for exciting events like Disney on Ice is tough for little ones! To help with their excitement, we are watching some of our favorite Disney movies that will be featured in Dare to Dream. From Rapunzel’s antics with Maximus and the gang to the enchanting and silly Seven Dwarves – my children are having fun catching up with their favorite Disney characters.

Here are the four movies that will get your kiddos ready for Disney on Ice:

Tangled

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Cinderella

Princess and the Frog

Don’t have your tickets yet? No time to waste! Here’s the info for the show this week:

WHAT:    Laugh at Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled, as Rapunzel; her unlikely companion, Flynn; and Maximus, the Captain of the Guard’s determined horse; embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths!  Travel to the enchanted forest withSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs as Snow White escapes from the Evil Queen in her search for her one true love.  Watch as fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true.  And boogie to the beat of the bayou in a magical, musical journey that celebrates the story of The Princess and the Frog with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.  Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit of the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime when Disney On Ice presents Dare to DreamPresented by Stonyfield YoKids skates into your hometown!

WHEN:          Thursday, November 12 – Sunday, November 15, 2015

o   Thursday, Nov. 12         7:00 PM

o   Friday, Nov. 13               7:00 PM

o   Saturday, Nov. 14          11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

o   Sunday, Nov. 15             1:00 PM & 4:30 PM

WHERE:          Vivint Arena – 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

TICKETS:          Kids tickets are $15 for all shows (not valid for VIP/ Front Row seating)

All seats are reserved and available at the venue Box Office, online at AXS.com or charge by phone at charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX.        

Use the discount code MOM to get $5 off a $20 or $25 ticket! Limit 8 per order and valid only online.                            

For more Disney on Ice tips, check out the posts below!

The post Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney on Ice + Discount Code! appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

Honest confession. My husband and I were fantastic about date night UNTIL we had kids. Date night began to feel like a luxury when we added in the babysitting bill. We cut corners in the date night department and, let’s face it, our relationship suffered. When we did finally get a night out – it fell into one of three categories – a wedding, a business event, or the classic dinner + movie.  Not exactly thrilling!

This year we’re trying something new. We’ve brainstormed ten different types of date nights that we feel are beneficial and darn right needed for our relationship.  As we approach the new year, we are calendaring all the different dates in so each part of our relationship receives the attention that it needs! So grab a calendar and start penciling your own date nights in – I promise it will be worth it!

The Just Because Date – These are mini dates not tied to any holiday or special case. Basically just short and sweet ways to say I Love You throughout the day. It may be a quick walk around the block holding hands or my personal favorite – a delivery of chocolate covered strawberries and pumpkin cheesecake squares! Don’t they look scrumptious! My child were swarming as I took pictures, but I was able to save (almost) all of them for a mid-day break for my husband and I.

I had these delivered to our doorstep from Shari’s Berries and it definitely made for a #SweetestDay! They came perfectly packaged and ready to eat with my sweetheart! I think we need to try their caramel apples next! Little surprises like this help to keep our relationship fun!

2. The Weekend Getaway Date – I just finished reading Balancing It All by Candace Cameron Bure (Full House) and the chapter on marriage really resonated me. Candace mentioned that she and her husband had different dating styles. He prefers weekends away while she’s fine with a night out together. They take the best of both worlds and make sure that they do both kinds!

In our ten years of marriage, we’ve only had a handful of weekend getaways, but they’ve been oh so worth it! The chance to reconnect uninterrupted is priceless!  The year that Lily was born and John and I were both in school/working full-time was especially stressful. My sister took Lily over night and we jetted to the Anniversary Inn in Salt Lake. After a full-night sleep and breakfast in bed, we felt much more like a couple and less like students/parents/employees!

3. The Couples Dates and Getaways – This next kind of date is similar to the last, but with an added element of fun! We love getting away with good groups of friends! We have a group of friends from college that travels together for a weekend every other year.  Each couple takes a turn hosting in their home town. We’ve been to Seattle, North Carolina, and Texas so far.

This year we headed down to St. George for some fun in the sun. We rented this home off of VRBO and it was perfect for us! It’s fantastic being able to visit our friends’ in their hometowns and getting tours/tips from a local!

We’ve also hosted several murder mystery dinner dates at our home that have been a blast!

4. At-Home Dates – Let’s face it – sometimes it is hard or nigh to impossible to get out of the house. As fantastic as the weekend getaways are, sometimes you have to make due at home! That’s when it is time to bring date night in! I’m not just talking Netflix after the kids are in bed! Years ago, I found a site that is chock-full of date ideas – The Dating Divas. Just what I need! They do so much of the work for you – including coming up with cute printables!

Can you keep a secret? This year I’m getting John the Year of Dates binder for Christmas  It is 12 digital date night kits for just $2.97. Now, I’ve done similar date kits before and we’ve had a blast! The kit is digital, you just print it off and put it in a 3 Ring Binder with Sheet Protectors and you are good to go!

On a budget? The Dating Divas have plenty of free ideas as well!

5. The Parenting Date – It’s important to me that we are on the same page as parents, but talking about the kids tends to overtake our dates. Our solution – plan a date that is all about the kids!

We choose a nice sit down restaurant and get cozy to discuss how our children are doing. We talk about each of them and how they are doing mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and overall. We bring up specific thing we need to work on with them as well as things that we have seen them doing well.

One of the biggest game changers for us is writing our observations/goals for them down in a notebook. That way we can revisit our prior conversations on our next parenting date. I first heard this fantastic idea at a Power of Moms Retreat and I’ve loved it ever since!

6. The Educational Date – Part of the excitement of dating is doing something or learning about something new together. My husband and I recently attended the Uplift Families Parenting Conference together with some of our couple friends. Dinner, dessert, parenting tips, and entertainment! We heard from Matt Townsend – he was absolutely hilarious!

Another educational date that I have on my agenda is a cooking class! Leave me a comment with your favorite cooking classes in Utah so I can check them out!

7. The Recharge Date – Whatever religion you belong to, it’s nice to be able to get out together as a couple and recharge spiritually. For some that’s a hike in the mountains or serving in a soup kitchen together. Whatever it takes for you to feel more connected!

We are LDS so it is important to us that we continue to grow together on a spiritual level as well. We love going to the newly built Payson Temple. 

8. The Active Date – Sometimes you just need to get out and DO SOMETHING! One of my favorite dates was back in 2010 when I surprised John with a 3-hour ropes course and canoe outing. From rock climbing to the ropes course, we had an absolute blast doing something that wasn’t our typical date! Living in Utah, there are so many hikes, trails, and outdoor activities to enjoy. Not to mention all of the fun, active indoor activities!

We bought a Pass of All Passes off of Groupon that has come in handy for date night as well! We are totally planning date nights for Seven Peaks next year. Plus a game of mini golf or a play at Scera Shell are fun, too! Some other fun Groupons we have gotten include discounts to Sweet Tooth Fairy, Get Air Hang TIme, and Penny’s Cafe.

9. The Cheap Date – This segways into an important date in our family! The cheap date! Sites like Groupon and The Dating Divas are lifesavers for us. We are on a budget, but we don’t want to cut all the fun out! Here’s a few places we have found good deals!

Funsavers is another fun site where we have found great date night and family night deals! From hotels to spas – always check Funsavers first to see if you can get a discount. Here are some of their current deals:

10. The Written Date. One of my favorite parts of our courtship was our e-mails back and forth to each other. I worked from 8 am to 12 pm and John worked from 2 pm to 10 pm.  Depending on the day we also both had classes. This left quick lunch dates and Saturday dates. In between, we sent each other e-mails. We talked about his mission, my time at BYU-Idaho, and everything in between. I am much more at ease writing so this was perfect for me. Then when we did get together, conversation flowed easily because we’d already expressed so much in e-mails.

Thinking back on how fun this was, I am recommitting to the written date! With texts and e-mails – this is much easier now days. With our busy schedules, long conversations aren’t always the norm. E-mails on lunch breaks can lead to much deeper conversations when there is more time!

11. The Special Occasion Date.  Birthdays, anniversaries, Valentines – all of these deserve a little extra attention. This year my husband surprised me by coming home from work early with flowers. He also made me the most delicious Missouri mudcake!

Our anniversary is in December so I am thinking it will be fun to do this Christmas Countdown by The Dating Divas! It’s included in a bundle with ways to spoil your spouse all year long.  I am so excited to all of it thought out for me so that I can quickly personalize it to make it special for us!

Just typing up this post has got me so excited for our upcoming date nights! Whether you organize a babysitting swap with friends or you are planning more date nights in – I hope that you can find more time to spend together as a couple, too!

What are your favorite dates?

How often do you date your spouse?

I received a fall gift package from Shari’s Berries to review for this post. This post contains affiliate links for products that I love and believe in! 

The post Ten Dates That Save My Marriage appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

My family just got home from our first visit to the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus Xtreme and it was fast-paced and magical! Jam packed with acts that will drop your jaw and have your children cheering, it is a fun-filled show for all ages.

Our favorite acts? Kyler and Lily were both wide-eyed and in love with the poodle act. Those darling dogs had so many fun tricks! Cort and Johnny gave a big thumbs up to the thrilling pendulum act. That act had me gasping a few times. The beautiful and coordinated aerialists were at the top of my list!

Have you been to the circus? I’ve put together a few helpful tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your first (or second or third) visit to the circus!

1.VERIFY DATE AND TICKET TIME 

This one seems so simple, but with multiple show times it is better safe than sorry! We accidently showed up at intermission to a show once and it was such a bummer!

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

2. GO EARLY FOR THE PRESHOW

The All Access Pre-Show is FREE with your ticket. It starts an hour before the show. Guests are invited to step right up and try on costumes, learn circus skills, and meet the performers. Lots of fun photo opps! You can also enter to win an original pacyderm painting. I recommend arriving early because it definitely gets more crowded the closer you get to show time.

3. ESTABLISH EXPECTATIONS

Be sure your children know what to expect as far as souvenirs and snacks before you go. Snacks and souvenir’s ranged from $7-$24 so be prepared. The Icies in commemorative cups were $15. My favorite booth at concessions was the face painting.

4. MAKE IT FUN FOR THE CHILDREN TO EARN

My husband and I are having our children earn their souvenirs/treats by working on their goals. We printed them each one of the dozens of adorable tracking charts from Kid Pointz. They are tracking their simple chores, reading time, music practice, etc.! My children appreciate things so much more when they earn them and I am sure that they will be so proud of them.

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

5.  BE AWARE OF YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS

The circus is LOUD and EXCITING! Loud noises and bright lights are pretty consistent. We had a lady sitting nearby who loudly whistled after most of the acts. If you have a child who is sensitive to noise be sure to bring noise canceling headphones. Added tip, Energy Solutions Arena has complimentary ear plugs at the guest services desk that you can ask about.

6. RESEARCH THE BEST PARKING

If you are coming to the circus in Utah, I will let you in on a little secret my Dad taught me. Local restaurants will often let you park at their establishment during an event if you put your receipt in the window. We grab a gyro at one of our favorite Salt Lake City restaurants and then it’s just a short walk to the Energy Solutions Arena. Check to see if restaurants in your area have similar policies!

TRAX may also be a good option for you – just make sure that you double check train times! If you are in a different state, be sure to check out the parking situation near your arena and see if you can find a good deal!

There are also plenty of lots along the road to the Delta Center that offer parking for $5 on up. Be sure to bring cash!

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

7. BUILD THE EXCITEMENT

You can check out Circus Xtreme Youtube videos here. My daughter LOVES surprises, but my son likes to know exactly what he is doing. We’ll be showing him the youtube videos in advance. Here is a video of one of our favorite acts – the human cannonball!

The glow in the dark aerialists were absolutely amazing as well! Check out the video on my instagram feed!

8.  LOCATE BATHROOMS

I recommend making a bathroom trip before you leave home, again at dinner, and again before the show starts – just in case! You can never be too careful with the under six crowd! Make note of the nearest bathroom to your seats just in case you have to sneak out with a little one during the show.

9. BRING BINOCULARS

This is my husband’s favorite tip. Even if you have great seats, children love looking through binoculars for a closer look!

10. DISCUSS PERFORMANCE ETIQUETTE

Before we even get out of the car, I like to go over a few simple rules with my children. They are pretty basic – stay by family, walk, and use nice voices. For arena events, I add keeping our feet to ourselves – no one likes the back of their seat kicked. This is a high energy performance so cheering and laughing is definitely welcomed, though!

I hope these 10 easy tips will help you enjoy your first Circus Xtreme performance! There is still plenty of time to get tickets for Saturdays and Mondays performances.

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: Energy Solutions 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.

The post Tips for your First Time at the Circus appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

What was it like being an extra on the set of Just Let Go?  (Read more about the movie and worldwide premiere on September 28 here)

Definitely a bucket list experience and I am thrilled that I was able to share it with my daughter. The best advice I can give to someone wanting to be an extra is this: be ready when they need you and be precise at following directions. Your time as an extra is repetitive, but  oh so worth it if you enjoy watching the film process. I was enthralled with everything that I got to see on the set of Just Let Go.

The night before the shoot, you will typically get a phone call/e-mail  telling you what time to arrive and what to wear. For Just Let Go, we brought darker colored church attire. It is a good idea to bring a back up outfit or two in case wardrobe needs you to change. As a general rule, avoid anything that has words or logos on it. My daughter, Lily, loved hair and makeup!

There is a lot of down time as an extra so bring a book to read. For my daughter, I brought a notebook full of activities to keep her busy. Do not rely on your cell phone to keep you entertained! You’ll want to keep your cell in airplane mode or even better – completely off. Nothing’s worse than a cell phone or sound from a social media post going off in the middle of a scene.

As a blogger, I was able to have my cell phone on set to take pictures of myself and my daughter. Definitely double check with the person in charge of extras about the photo policy for the set. Sometimes there are certain restrictions or a timeline of when photos can be released. As an extra, you are a silent observer and you want to make sure that you aren’t interfering with the process.

Sit back and enjoy the process! It was fascinating to watch the director, the camera man, the talent, and everyone else at work. There are so many details that go into making a movie! We spent the entire day filming the court room scene from various angles.

Get to know the other extras. I loved worked with my good blogger friends Lindsey and June (read her review here). So fun to meet Adam from Studio C as well! He is just as hilarious in real life and you’ll catch a peek of him as a lawyer in the court room scene.

Here are a few more pictures from my time on set.

My experience as an extra on Just Let Go is one that I will never forget. From meeting Chris Williams and Henry Ian Cusick to watching the movie magic happen, I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll have more opportunities with inspirational films like this in the future. These are the stories that need to be told and the heroes that we need to look up to. I hope you’ll join me at the world-wide premiere on September 28th! 

The world premiere of Just Let Go takes place September 29th at more than 400 theaters around the country. Along with the premiere, you’ll experience a live event with musical performances by Ryan Innes and Lincoln Brewster. The event will be hosted by Delilah and Henry Ian Cusick as well as Chris Williams will be in attendance. Get your tickets by clicking here before they sell out – this an event that you won’t want to miss!

The post Behind the Scenes as an Extra for #JustLetGoMovie appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

I signed on as an extra, but left the movie set as a renewed believer in the life-changing power of forgiveness.  Just Let Go is a real-life story brought to the big screen that will pull at your heart strings and make you think twice about what it truly means to forgive. This is the achingly real and inspirational story of Chris Williams and his family. These are his words:

“On Feb 9th, 2007 my family was hit by a drunk teenage driver killing my wife who was 6 months pregnant, my son Benjamin 11 and my daughter Anna 9. The Savior taught the importance of love, gratitude and forgiveness, and now in my moment of extreme trial as I grieved for my wife and children, I could only think to do that which he would have done and I completely and without reservation forgave whoever had struck our vehicle. I don’t think it is coincidence that as soon as I had made that decision in my mind, I heard my son Sam cry out from the back seat.”

The world premiere of Just Let Go takes place September 28th at more than 400 theaters around the country. Along with the premiere, you’ll experience a live event with musical performances by Ryan Innes and Lincoln Brewster. The event will be hosted by Delilah and Henry Ian Cusick as well as Chris Williams will be in attendance. Get your tickets by clicking here before they sell out – this an event that you won’t want to miss!

Here is a sneak peek at what you will see:

Words seem inadequate to describe how I feel about this movie. I’ve been an extra before for LDS film productions and the television series, Promised Land, so I was familiar with the film process before I arrived on set.  My daughter and I had the privilege of being in the church scenes and I returned the next day for the court room scenes.

Photo Courtesy of Propel Pictures

It was an absolute honor to see Henry Ian Cusick (Lost) at work. Cusick channeled the anguish, the humility, and raw emotion of this real-life story in a way that brought me to tears. Sitting as an extra in the congregation of the small American Fork chapel, there was no need to pretend to be overcome with emotion. It was only after filming, that I realized that the real Chris Williams and his family were in the congregation with us that day.

Meeting Chris Williams, I knew that I was shaking hands with an honest-to-goodness hero. In a world of where action figures and fighters are glorified on the big screen, his story deserves a standing ovation. The man I met was humble, yet happy. A man who had found joy and peace after and amidst sorrow and destruction. I knew that I couldn’t wait an entire year to see the film, I HAD TO KNOW his story. How does one forgive such a heart-wrenching act against them? How did Mr. Williams keep moving forward?

The answer is in the movie (get your tickets before it sells out!)   and do yourself a favor – read the book, too!  Let It Go: A True Story of Tragedy and Forgiveness is available on Amazon.com as well as at Barnes and Noble.

My experience as an extra on Just Let Go is one that I will never forget. (Read more about it and see more pictures here.) From meeting Chris Williams and Henry Ian Cusick to watching the movie magic happen, I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll have more opportunities with inspirational films like this in the future. These are the stories that need to be told and the heroes that we need to look up to. I hope you’ll join me at the world-wide premiere on September 28th! 

Stay up to date on all the latest with Just Let Go at these links!

Just Let Go Movie Site

Facebook

Instagram 

I am looking forward to hearing the soundtrack for Just Let Go as well!

It features the new song Rise & Fall by Ryan Innes.

Tickets available here: 

The post Behind the Scenes of Just Let Go #JustLetGoMovie appeared first on KeepMovingForwardWithMe.

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.

It was love at first sight when I saw the movie “Once I was a Beehive” announced on Facebook. I adore, cherish, and still laugh over my memories from Girls Camp as a teenager. Once I was a Beehive perfectly encapsulated all those nostalgic memories and more in a 119 minute family film. From nonsensical camp songs to camp crushes to tear-filled testimony nights, it was a delightful peek back into a classic right of passage for teenage girls.

While my daughter and I giggled through the camp skits (sneak peek here) and camp leader Carrie Carrington’s  (Lisa Valentine Clark’s) spot-on one liners, the core message of the film is what stole my heart. Specifically this quote:

Before I get any further into my review, here’s a sneak peek into the film that opens in theaters across Utah TODAY and a brief synopsis!

In ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE, Lane Speer is a 16 year old girl who spends her family vacations camping in the mountains. She takes the memories for granted until she loses her father to an unexpected bout with cancer. Only a year later, as Lane is still reeling from her father’s death, her mother remarries a guy that Lane hardly knows. To top it off, while they are on their honeymoon, they arrange to have her stay with her Mormon step-aunt who takes her away to a bible-themed girls camp with a bunch of young Mormon girls. Confronted with memories of camping with her family, she tries to find peace with her new surroundings and deal with the death of her father.

What did I love most about the film? It was beautifully and hilariously relatable. I saw a little bit of myself in each character in the film.

Take for example the typical Mormon mom Holly Valentine (Hailey Smith) and then note what I unknowingly wore to the prescreening in the picture above and in this typical day outfit below. Nailed it with the colored cardy and polka dots. From the Indiana Jones references to the girl who pushes the side of the tent when it starts to rain, I promise you will be laughing and thinking of your own camping experiences.

The over-the-top camp leader Carrie Carrington one-liners were definitely highlights for me. From the outburst on the trail with her daughter (Well, we say it in mine!) to the lack luster launch of Noah’s ark, I swear I’ve been there. Poured hours of prayer, preparation, and superglue/glitter into sharing times/activity days/etc. only to have the end product fall a little short. Love the message of doing your best and then it being worth it as long as it brings everyone together.

The entire cast captured my heart and I love how the characters developed throughout the movie. While the film had some of your typical stereotypes (the diva, the girl who is there because her parents made her, the boy-crazy girl, the wilderness survival leader, etc.) what stood out to me was the humanness and relatability of those characters. We all have our mean-girl moments. We all go over the top sometimes. We all know people like those depicted in the film.

The best part? We all NEED each of those people in our life and that was showcased perfectly in the film. The characters recognized their flaws and when push came to shove – they worked together to help each other. It’s just like life. None are perfect – we all throw a snowball or two – but so much good can be done when we come together.

For any who have lost a loved one, Once I was a Beehive will warm your heart. The scenes between Lane (Paris Warner) and Nedra (Barta Heiner) by the fire as well as the closing scene between Lane and Phoebe (newcomer Mila Smith – who is darling!) spoke of the hope and the subsequent joy that will come when we are reunited someday. The movie made me want to squeeze my little ones a little tighter and take one last camping trip before school starts.

Once I Was a Beehive is the perfect family activity for this weekend before school starts. Check out showtimes here and make sure to request it in your city! Opening week is so important for films like this – let’s fill the seats and show Hollywood that we need more family films like Once I was a Beehive! I, for one, would love to see more from producers Maclain Nelson, Lisa Valentine Clark, Hailey Smith, Jake Van Wagoner, and Claire Niederpruem.

Check out what other bloggers and Youtubers have had to say about Once I was a Beehive:

How Does She – Alison was at the prescreening with me in Logan. My daughter was over the moon excited that she won one of her darling penguin sleeping bags. Thanks Alison!

Behind the Scenes on LDSLiving

Good Things Utah

Top 10 Reasons to Watch Once I was a Beehive by Something to Shout About

Celestial Shine

Be sure to check out Once I was a Beehive on their social media for more behind the scenes and updates!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Youtube

What is your favorite camp memory?

What is your most hilarious camp memory?

What is your favorite film from this summer?

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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.