Race season is upon us people. I know, I know real runners it's never off season. For those of us who have to train for 5K or  maybe 10K while you are training for wonder woman gazillion mile-ers (or that is what it feels like to us) we need a little help. Or should I say motivation, not help. For me once I have paid the money for something I then feel obligated to get as much of my monies worth as possible. For example I meant to buy a year family zoo pass for the longest time. Once I finally did buy it I went as much and as often as I could. I feel the same way with races. If I say I'll train for one then buy it I'll push it off. If I pay for the race then I'll start training right away so that I am ready for it.

So where do I start? What should my first race be? I suggest a fun one, like the the color run. I love the color run.  I have done one by myself, and one with my whole family. This year I am looking forward to my first race with just my husband and I. The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality.
Now the single largest event series in the world. I am super excited that this year the color run has a new twist as well. A new shiny twist. 

Here is what they said about the shine tour:



How awesome is that? I also have 2 cool opportunities. 1 is a $5 off code just for you! Hurry quick because this code expires May 15th! The next is a giveaway. I also have a giveaway for 2 entries for the color run! Make sure you read the rules closely on this one though! Since it is for any of their race's across the US, there are a few more rules than usual on my giveaways.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am so excited for the race this weekend, I can't wait. I also can't wait to announce the winner for the race this weekend. I loved some of the ideas you shared for how you would color your world for the race. Using random.org the winner is...

I definitely think you should run with goggles for the race!"

Thanks Back to Blocks for the fabulous giveaway! Next time you want to purchase some blocks you'll know where to go. Blocks also make the best baby shower gift. Nothing like giving a child their first set of blocks. That's one gift you know will get plenty of use, and you don't have to worry about getting broken and thrown away. Plus they are made in the USA.
The lucky winner of the 24 piece block set is...

Congratulations. Please respond within 48 hours or I will have to pick a new winner. I hate doing that!

I am co-hosting a great giveaway for all those nail lovers out there. I personally am just trying to stick to the regular basics Jess talked about on her guest post during the summer.  I know a lot of you out there love to do your own nails. My friend at Lulu and Sweet Pea has a popular post on DIY Gel Nails for those of you talented enough to do that. She is also giving away the exact same set that she uses for her gel nails. Check it out:

This complete Gelish MINI set up includes:

• Gelish MINI Basix kit- Ph Bond, Foundation, Top It Off,  Nourish cuticle oil, Nail Surface Cleanser, Artificial Nail Remover, cuticle pusher, file, and orangewood stick.
• 2 Gelish MINI colors- Make You Blink Pink & I'm Brighter Than You.
• Gelish MINI pro LED curing lamp. 

This time of year is my favorite. I love Halloween. Not the spooky, scary side of it. I love the decorations, dressing up, and candy part of Halloween. Most years we try to be matchy, matchy. This year isn't any different. We are doing a repeat of 2009, only our family has doubled. We are doing Wizard of Oz! Here are a few pictures from the past.




Pictures for 2013 are soon to come!
This week has been madness, so I am posting the winner to the gift card late.

I decided to be brave and enter one of those Facebook contests. One that you try and see who can get the most votes. I was going to do a giveaway for each person that liked my photo then they would got entered into a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card, but I didn't think that was fair to the other contestants.

This Saturday is American Fork's Halloween 5K for Autism of Utah. I was lucky enough to giveaway an entry for it. The winner of this fun run is...

Congratulations. Please respond to my email within 24 hours, or I will have to pick a new winner.
If you want something fun to do this weekend it's still not to late to sign up for the fun run yourself. Visit AmericanForkChamber.org for more information or to register.

The American Fork Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 5K on October 26th. Besides it being a chance to get out and exercise its an opportunity to support a great charity, and dress up for some extra Halloween fun.

The AF Halloween fun run supports the Autism council of Utah.  "The Autism Council of Utah is an independent council working to foster collaboration, communication, and learning among families and agencies. Our aim is to promote access to resources and responsible information for individuals of all ages who have, or are affected by autism, or related conditions."

The fun part about this 5K is you get to get one more use out of your Halloween costume. They are having a costume contest with several different categories. Even if your not racing you can come participate. If you have a family or group with a fun theme come enter and show it off. Judging starts at 6:30 and all are welcome.

The race starts at 7 pm at the American Fork Recreation Center, 454 N Center American Fork. Check in is between 5 and 6:30 PM.



If you are registering 4 or more email Debby at chamber@afcity.net for 10% off.

AF Chamber is also giving away 1 entry to their 5K Halloween fun run. Use the rafflecopter below to enter. FOR UTAH RESIDENTS ONLY.  Ends 10/20/13 at 12:00 AM. Must respond within in 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I just got home from a quick visit to New York and the maxi skirt trend was hot! I loved walking away from "deals" that were twice as much as Silver Apple Boutique.

I love the maxi skirt trend so much right now, I can't get enough of them. Especially with winter around the corner I want to stock up. I love long skirts for "Forgot to shave my legs days," or days that are too cold. With the trend growing I feel like some places are SO overpriced! I just can't spend $50 on a skirt, that is outrageous! Luckily I know someone with better prices. My friend owns Silver Apple Boutique. She went to China last year to do some research and opened earlier this year. She has cute dresses, skirts, necklaces and shirts. The best part is that she has them for so much cheaper than anywhere else.