International Radio at Your Finger Tips

I've been using iHeart radio on my cell for the longest time.  It's great, don't get me wrong, but the TuneIn app is my new obsession!!!

They have SO MANY International stations that you can stream live.

So far I've been listening mainly to FM Senri and BAN-BAN Radio from Japan.  Oh my goodness, I love it.  Of course I don't understand everything that is being spoken, but that's okay.  Actually, I don't understand most of what is spoken.  It's a learning process.

For my brother Robbie, who lived in Mendoza Argentina for a couple years, I found him FM Jerusalen: una radio nacida en el corazon de dios.  We listened to it for about an hour, and I really enjoyed the songs that played.

I've favorited some French stations, but I haven't really listened to them yet, because I keep going back to the Japanese stations that are really fun, but I need to explore more.  So many stations from France, and I completely forgot about Montreal and Quebec!

Oh, the possibilities.

Heh, yeah, and my cell phone screen is cracked again.  It happened on Splash Mountain or Indiana Jones, probably getting hit with my cell phone charger during the bumping around, or splashing down . . . I don't want to remember how soaked I got.  (Tip, the very front of the log on Splash Mountain is for the truly daring, especially at night.  Hehhhhhh.)

May 2014 POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review with Spoilers

POPSUGAR is a monthly subscription lifestyle box for gals.  The cost is $39.95 a month, free shipping, but it's cheaper when you subscribe with a 3, 6, or 12 months subscription.  On any month you can receive goodies for home, a book, fitness, snack, makeup, pampering, fashion, etc.  You never know what you're going to get, only that it will be fun and worth around $100, give or take a little.

Coupon code REFER5 saves you $5! 

 Every box comes with a pamphlet detailing the items they choose and why they choose it.

 Zing Anything Citrus Zinger, value at $16.99.  On the MUT forums everyone has been asking for a water infuser for Months.  Since the beginning of the year.  See, Popsugar listens!  I actually like plain, good ol' water, but this will be fun to play with and try new flavors.  Apples and Strawberries?  That could be fun.

 Hi, I’m Skinny Sticks in Multi-Grain Sweet Onion, valued at $4.  I love this snack!  Super good, and the bag is large.  Tastes like a sweet Sun Chip with an onion flavor.

 

Tone It Up One Day Fat Blast, valued at $10.  I've been waiting for an exercise DVD!!  This looks like a good one, and the reviews on Amazon are promising :0)  I read they have a T.V. show or something.  I'll have to check it out.

 Smell Bent St. Tropez Dispenser, valued at $45.  This is the most expensive item in the box, which is risky considering it's a fragrance.  I was really nervous when I saw this spoiler, reading that it smells like sun tan lotion, coconut, and jasmine, but I love it!!  It smells like Summer.  I'll have to save some of it for Winter when we're getting buried in snow.  

  

Kerry Cassill Eye Mask, valued at $24.  I don't see how this is valued at $24, honestly, but I don't have a sleep mask, so this is nice to have.  This will come in handy when I travel to Iowa for the Odyssey of the Mind World competition!  Must not forget to pack.

 Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Pool Boy, valued at $10.  I haven't tried this yet, but I love the color, and everything I've read about the formula is super positive.  Can't wait to try.

BONUS ITEM!!

Lip Spread Anti-Age Tinting Lip Gloss, by vbeaute, valued at $19.  This is my most favorite item in the box!!  It's clear, and changes color depending on your PH, creating a unique color specific to the wearer.  This turns a pretty pink when I wear it, and the color stays, too.  The lip spread feels nice as well.  Everyone who got the PopSugar Resort box received this.  It was to make up for the shipping issues they had with that box.  Really nice gesture.

Overall, another great box!  I haven't been disappointed yet.

Odyssey of the Mind World Finals!

I'm in Iowa which is beautiful, green, and home of the 2014 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

I've heard so much about the competition. Dreamed of it!  And now I'm finally here.  Not competing, mind, but as an Official.  I'm a problem #5 judge, which is the performance category.

Can't wait!!

And tonight is the opening ceremonies, which can be viewed live at www.odysseyofthemind.com under the World finals tab.  It's at 7:30 Iowa time.

Much fun and creativity awaits!!!

The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville

 

In the quaint little ocean town of Oceano California you can find The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville.  I've been going for at least a decade, thanks to my Grandpa who's a loyal patron.  One year managing to see every show that season.  Quite a feat for someone who lives in Utah!

The shows are performed by professionals, and after every stage show is a vaudeville.  Don't think 1920's, the Vaudeville's are fresh and fun.  (Heh, well, this one time they did a vaudeville about a group of senior citizens who lived in an old folks home.  That was . . . interesting.)  But the last show I saw a couple weeks back had the vaudeville theme of "Technology 3.0."  It was great.

Talking about the show I saw a couple weeks back.  I'm always reviewing movies, but I don't talk about the stage shows I attend.  The show I saw at the Melodrama was so phenomenal I have to comment!  It's their best yet!!  Literally.

"Around the World in 80 Days!"

Based on the novel by Jules Verne, and taking place in the Victorian era.

From their website: "Stampeding elephants!  Runaway trains!  Unabashedly slapstick!  Hold on to your seats for the original amazing race!  Join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant as they race to circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days.  Danger, romance and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show as five actors portraying 39 characters traverse seven continents!  This wacky, 90 miles an hour adventure is a ton of fun for all ages!"

Amazing.  Fresh.  Fun.  Creative.

Their use of stage sets and transitions were brilliant.  The jokes fun.  The performances top notch.  Honestly.  My family is still talking about the show and how much we LOVED it.  We're hard to please and quick to critique.

So if you find yourself in the beautiful Central California coast from now until June 15, I highly recommend you stop by The Great American Melodrama.

Great time guaranteed :0)

If You Want to Change The World

 I just finished watching this 2014 University of Texas commencement given by Naval Admiral William H. McRaven.

Inspiring.

Truly inspiring.

He shares how his experience training as a Navy Seal influenced his entire life, and then shares each lesson with an, "If you want to change the World . . . "

"If you want to change the World, start off by making your bed."  One of the many pearls of wisdom you will glean by watching this inspired speech.  Simple, but true.

I hope everyone is able to spend this Memorial Day surrounded by family and lovingly remembering those who have blessed our lives and moved on.

Happy Memorial Day.

24 hour Day at Disneyland + New Price Increase

It's memorial weekend!  And thus starts the Summer festivities . . .

A couple weeks ago when I was at Disneyland, someone pointed out to me the hours for the 23rd, today.

6am on 05-23-2014 to 6am on 05-24-2014.

24 full hours.

According to the Disneyland website: "Whether you make your way to the Theme Parks of Disneyland Resort in California or find yourself at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, you're sure to enjoy a memory-making day and night that will go down in history as 'wicked fun for everyone.'  So come as a prince, princess or pirate; a monster, a mermaid or even a Mad Hatter—whatever rocks your Disney Side."

Adults will be able to dress up as a Disney character, provided they "may not pose for pictures or sign autographs."  This never happens.  Adults are typically prohibited from dressing up.

 There's swing dancing in Disneyland from 1:15 am to 1:55 am.  And there's going to be a World of Color presentation in California Adventure at 3:00 am tomorrow morning.

I wonder if anyone will actually try a full 24 hours at Disneyland.  A couple weeks ago I managed a full 16 1/2 hour day, 8:30 am to 1:00 am, and barely handled it!  It was fun but tiring, and my feet were swollen!  Makes me feel old :p

Oh, and prices, without warning, increased on May 18, 2014, in preparation for Memorial weekend.

I posted this picture on my Facebook page September 1st, 2008, about five years eight months ago.  The caption read "Proof that Disneyland is getting freaking expensive. We got the 1-day Park Hopper."  The park hopper was $94, $2 cheaper then the regular 1-Day 1-Park price is now.  A single-park single-day was only $69!!!!  That seems cheap now.

Now a single-day single-park ticket is $96.  And if you want a single-day park hopper ticket, that's going to cost you a whopping $150.

Pretty soon it's going to become impossible for families to enjoy the magic Kingdom.

If you purchase multiple day tickets the prices become more affordable, but it's still really expensive.

That aside.  A full 24 hours at Disneyland?  That's crazy.

I wonder if anyone will pull it off.

May 2014 Your Bijoux Box Review with Spoilers

 Your Bijoux Box is a Jewelry Subscription monthly box, costing $35 with free shipping.  Ships to the USA and Canada.

You can read my review of the April 2014 Your Bijoux Box here to see past contents.  

 

Another winning box!

 

As a note, these boxes were sent early this month, and arrived in good time before Mother's day.  I was unfortunately (well, heh, fortunately) visiting California so I didn't get this box when it arrived.

 

 Each box comes with an info card with styling suggestions.

 The XOXO Bracelet and Necklace Set: The reason I ordered two May boxes!  One was a gift. 

 This bracelet and necklace set is as beautiful in person as I had hoped, and sparkles beautifully.  My Mom wore it all day a couple days ago and declared, "You really shouldn't be afraid to sparkle!"  She loves it, as do I :0)

 Corsica Confetti Necklace:  I wasn't so sure about this necklace when I first saw it, but I've grown to love it.  Fun and casual. I've already worn it a couple times.

 I've never really shown this in the past, but each jewelry piece comes with a velvet bag for storing.

And the gift box I bought came with a bonus gift card!  A very nice touch.

I'm loving the May box.  June can't come soon enough!  Not that I want to wish away my Summer, mind.

Million Dollar Arm, Movie Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I've never felt so much emotion over a single baseball pitch!

I was crying over someone throwing a ball.  Literally!  No exaggeration.

In Million Dollar Arm, the latest feel good sports movie by Disney, J.B. Bernstein (Jon Hamm) is a struggling sports agent trying to get his business off the ground.  One evening, while strategizing with his business partner Ash, Ash laments over not having someone to watch Cricket with while they discuss all the tapped out global markets.  China's sports talent: tapped out.  South Korea's sports talent: tapped out.  Etc.  Naturally they don't think of India; that comes later.

While J.B. channel surfs, he bounces between Cricket and other channels.  Cricket, as he argued earlier, is a dumb sport.  Boring.  Illogical.  How can their still be people in the World who still play it?  Craziness.  Then he stumbles upon Susan Boyle's audition for Britain's Got Talent, the famous audition that went viral online where she sings "I Dreamed a Dream."  There's a short back and forth between Cricket and Susan Boyle, cheers of the audience resonate while light bulbs electrify J.B.'s brain.

Go to India, find Cricket players who can throw a ball, and train them in baseball.  Turn it into a large competition to get everyone in India excited.  Introduce them to the joys of an unfamiliar American sport.

This is how "Million Dollar Arm" is born, the name of said competition.

Some discussion and money begging later, and J.B. is on a plane to India.

Thus ends my spoiling and summery.

Overall Million Dollar Arm is a very enjoyable movie full of laughter, crying, and inspiration.  The scenes in India are beautiful, interesting, and fun to watch.

So far one of the best movies of the year, and a great addition to the Disney Sports Movie library.

MPAA: Rated PG for mild language and some suggestive content.  How many PG movies are there!!??  Not enough.  As a note, there is a party scene where drinking is involved, and talk at some point about "going all the way" when the main character sleeps with another character.  So for a PG film, some parents might not feel comfortable with these elements, other then that, and the mild language, this is a clean feel good movie that's perfect for the family.

In Which I Get Attacked by a Bird

Actually, I wasn't directly attacked by a bird, my food was, though there was a little do-si-do.

When: May 13, 2014, 3:30 PM-ish.

Location: Andria's Seafood at the Ventura California Harbor.  San Buenaventura for those who want to be fancy or technical.

Temperature: A scorching 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the minute.  In short HOT, especially for a sea town.

What: A prowling Seagull with an appetite.

I got the Andria's original fish and chips.  If I'm going to eat at a harbor, that just seems like a proper choice, nonconformist aside.

Because of the hot weather we (my Mom, Grandfather, and brother Steven) wanted to eat outside.  (Well, eating outside was mainly attributed to keeping my Grandpa's dog Ginger out of the hot van).  A perfect view of all the boats and sea life was simply a bonus, one in which I will not complain.

The sea life . . .

Sea Life!!

I'm used to seagulls and other sea fowl being somewhat respectful.  They know their place, waiting patiently for scraps of crumbs and fries, so when I was arranging the recently cooked fish and other sea offerings (aka clam chowder and scallops) around the table, I wasn't prepared for what was about to happen.

Out of no where a seagull swooped down and grabbed one of my fish!!

I clapped him away immediately, and he flew, only to return to his spot, on top the roof covering, staring me down as he paced back and forth, watching as I ate, undeterred.  Him without victory.  Single score point pour moi.

Another fish order later, to replace my first, and I thought he gave up the task, but the pesky bird tried again, swooping in, snatching unsuccessfully, as I stood up and chased.

Later he flew to the trash, and I threw a crumpled up napkin, which he gleefully snatched, taking the unattended decoy.

I thought that was the end, but alas, it wasn't.  In a moment of seagull reprieve, three black birds swooped in for the kill, equally unsuccessful.

And then the seagull was back on his canvas perch.

He flew down to land a top the trash, hopping around a bit as I hopped up to defend.  I clapped, he hopped to a railing, I rushed around, he hopped back to the trash, and so on.

By battles end I totally believe I won . . . with no loss of personal dignity . . .

Your Potential

I love this quote I found in Self Magazine.

"It's not who you are that holds you back.  It's who you think you're not."

So, so true.

Don't let faulty self perception hold you back. :0)

Happy Moms Day :0)

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." ~Tenneva Jordan

So, so true!!!  My Mom does this All-The-TIME.

"No language can express the power, and beauty, and heroism, and majesty of a mother’s love. It shrinks not where man cowers, and grows stronger where man faints, and over wastes of worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenchless fidelity like a star." ~Edwin Hubbell Chapin

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers, Aunts, Sisters, and Daughters in the World.

And because this video is amazing, here you go, proving how awesome Moms are. 

Video Games Live in Salt Lake City

This is happening!

Video Games Live!!

Of course it isn't until this September, so I can't wait.  I feel extremely lucky its coming to Salt Lake City at all.  Steven and I have been talking about Video Games Live for years, noticing what cities were getting it, and whether we should plan a trip.

We don't have to go anywhere!  Except a short trip into Salt Lake this September, the same weekend as the Salt Lake Comic Con, which was totally by design, I'm sure.  I'm not complaining at all. 

The Utah Symphony will be performing, and they're fabulous.

Now, until then, I'll be listening to the Kingdom Hearts medley I downloaded to my IPod years ago.

Don't want to wish my life away, but September can't come soon enough.

April 2014 POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review with Spoilers

 I love POPSUGAR Must Have!!  And April was an amazing month for this subscription box.

POPSUGAR is a monthly subscription lifestyle box for gals.  The cost is $39.95 a month, free shipping, but it's cheaper when you subscribe with a 3, 6, or 12 months subscription.

On any month you can receive goodies for home, a book, fitness, snack, makeup, pampering, fashion, etc.  You never know what you're going to get, only that it will be fun and worth around $100, give or take a little.

Coupon code REFER5 saves you $5! 

 Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette, valued at $36.  No joke, late March I was in a Sephora admiring the Too Faced eye palettes, thinking how wonderful it would be to get one in a Popsugar box.  Low and behold I got one!!  (I need to do this more ofter :0)  This was the spoiler Popsugar released early April, and I showed it to my Mom, super excited, and it made her want to get the box just for the eye shadow.  We both love it.  Beautiful in person.

 Run The World Graphic Image, valued $20.  This is a really nice, pocket size journal.  The pages are high quality, and it's bound nicely.  I love journals so I'm excited to get this.

 Fresh Pastry Stand Totally Awesome Tea Towel Set,  valued at $18.  I'm not so sure about these "Totally" "Awesome" tea towels.  But these towels are larger then I thought they were going to be, and the clothe itself is really nice.  These will get some good use.

 Blue Avocado Eco Shopper, valued at $25.  I love this!!!  A bag that zips up into a pouch for traveling.  Amazing.  And the print is cute, too.

 Caldrea Rosewater Driftwood Hand Soap,  valued at $10.50.  "With Caldrea Rosewater Driftwood Hand Soap, hands are soft, clean and fragrant as the bottle brightens kitchen or bath. Aloe Vera Gel, Olive Oil and essential oils cleanse and condition."  I love the smell of this hand soap, which I've been using a few days now.  Very nice.

Nature Box POPSUGAR Must Have Mix, valued $5.  This is a POPSUGAR must have exclusive mix.  When I saw the spoilers I wasn't so sure about this really healthy snack, but now that I've tried it I love it.

Another awesome month for Popsugar.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Movie Review

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars.

Pater Parker, aka Spider-Man, played by Andrew Garfield, is hitting his stride in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. He's graduating high school while rescuing civilians in the street, swinging through New York skyscrapers in between work and life.  Not a bad way to live.  He's comfortable in his role now, but burden and mystery remains.  Through wise-cracking silly humor hides the pain of losing his parents.  Through giving inspirational pat-on-the-backs after saving those in distress, he struggles with who and what he is.  And everywhere he goes he sees the father of Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), ex-police chef who perished in the last movie, watching, reminding Peter the promise he made and should keep.  Stay away from the girl he loves so her life can remain safe.  Out of all the burdens this is the greatest, and it echos throughout the film.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a nice mixture between humor and serious.  Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield have amazing chemistry together, which this movie uses to its full potential.  Their moments together are delightful, a nice balance between playful and drama.  I love the interactions between Tony Stark and Pepper Pots in the Iron Man/Avenger movies, but I love Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy more.

And talking about Peter Parker.  Andrew is the perfect Spider Man.  He's brilliant in his characterization and portrayal of the character.  Spidy was always meant to have a quirky sense of humor, which was completely lost in the Tobey Maguire version, but that might be the fault of the writers; his Spider Man was way too serious.

Where this movie falters is in its logic, and the use of too many villains.  Didn't anyone learn from Spider-Man 3??!!!  One villain is enough, unless the villains are well established and working as a team.  A villain version of the Avengers.  Honestly, that would be pretty cool.  But we get three villains in this film, and it felt too much by movies end.  Also, the logic of a couple plot points drove me crazy.  I can't say what without major spoilers!!!!  All I will say is that one plot point involves a message sent via plane (my real issue involves the carelessness behind it and how it was later discovered).  And the second issue deals with electricity.  I know we're supposed to suspend belief, but seriously.

Oh, heh, that underground train scene. I totally think the director was channeling TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the uninitiated).  Flashbacks to happy childhood memories.  

I know I rated this film a 3.75, mainly over logistics, but that doesn't take away the fact that I really enjoyed this movie experience, and that I'll want to see it many times over.  The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a fantastic popcorn movie.

P.S. I didn't like the X-Man teaser in the end credits.  Unlike studio Marvels end credit teasers, this interjection felt awkward and rushed, like it was a promotional after-thought.  It probably was.  I was more confused then excited.

MPAA: Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action/violence.

April 2014 Your Bijoux Box Review with Spoilers

 Your Bijoux Box is a Jewelry Subscription monthly box, costing $35 with free shipping.  Ships to the USA and Canada.

You can read my review of the March 2014 Your Bijoux Box here to see past contents.  This is my second box, and it's another winner!!

 This box came with a jewelry cleaning cloth with simple instructions, and every box comes with an info card detailing the pieces Shana and Dorota selected.

Quick note, this box got sent late, and Shana wrote a little note on the info card as an apology, and there were two bonus items in the box!  Complete surprise.  And I ordered a 2nd May box, because I LOVE the spoiler, and Dorota contacted me yesterday to ask if my order was right, if I really wanted that second box, or if I wanted a single May box and have my subscription resume in June.

Amazing costumer service and response.  These two ladies truly care about this subscription they've put together, and they go above and beyond to make sure the quality remains constant.  There's so many jewelry subscriptions out there, and I did a lot of research in choosing one, and I'm so, so happy I choose Your Bijoux Box.

 Posy Circles Necklace:  I love this necklace.  It's delicate and girly, and I like it better then a lot of the pieces I've seen in J.Crew.  This necklace goes nicely with one of my pink sweaters.

 En Contradiction Tassel: This was the spoiler for the April box, so I've known about it for a month.  At first I was disappointed, not understanding the idea behind a tasseled necklace, but then I went into an Anthropology and they had a huge selection of tasseled necklaces with string.  I don't understand the string.

This piece is really high quality, two toned, with rhinestones.  I love how the tasseled bit is gold chain, and the chain itself is double layered with good weight. 

 The Sweet Amelie Necklace:  I LOVE this necklace.  Didn't mean to yell, but it's true.  The jeweled flower is a about the size of a nickel, which seems small, but is honestly the perfect size.  This necklace is elegant and dainty.

My bonus pieces!!

 This triangle necklace has quickly become one of my favorites.  I would, honestly, never choose it for myself, but it's the perfect length and size, and it just looks cool.  And I love the color of the pearls.

And I got these earrings.  So beautiful.

This April box is a huge win, and now I can't wait for May :0)