Visit with Students going to India with YMAD - July 13, 2014

I had a wonderful opportunity to meet with several youth earlier this evening who are embarking on a life-changing experience.  They will be going on a trip to India this year with Youth Making a Difference (YMAD).

Their enthusiasm for their upcoming service opportunity is contagious! They know that they will be improving the lives and opportunities of the people they will meet in India.  They will also find - as does anyone who serves - that they leave India as changed individuals.  They will return to their homes after their trip with a deep love for the people they have served.  They will have gained appreciation for all the many luxuries and benefits of living in the United States and all the opportunities that they have in their lives.  They will also, most likely, return from their trip committed to providing service to others throughout their lives. 

I have found when I serve others - while those I serve benefit - I also benefit.  I then want to serve more!  That is truly the foundation of my platform of promoting youth service - instilling in youth the motivation and desire to provide volunteer service for the rest of their lives!

I really like the organization Youth Making a Difference.  In the past, for YMAD, I have been involved in making education kits for the YMAD groups to take, use and leave in India.  I have also been involved in putting together safe birthing kits to be taken with YMAD trips.  YMAD does a great job bringing resources and training to India.  I love traveling internationally and love providing service while doing so  - the perfect combination that YMAD offers.

Youth going on a YMAD trip also really prepare for the trip through leadership trainings.  Youth - if you are looking for a way to make a difference - check out YMAD!

For those youth (and adults) who cannot go on a YMAD trip - you can still help make a difference internationally!  YMAD needs help with creating and donating hygiene kits, education kits, skill kits, new born kits, safe delivery kits and lots of supplies.  Check out the projects that can be done at home on YMAD's website:  http://www.ymad.org/volunteer/projects-from-home/

Thank you, to Gretta Millett and Allison Ford for inviting me to talk to your outstanding YMAD group!  And good luck to the YMAD group on your upcoming service trip!  

Way to use your handz for good internationally!

July 4 - Join me in Expressing Gratitude to those who serve the USA!

Congratulations to our USA World Cup team for advancing to the next round!  They have represented our country well and I can't wait to see them play again on Tuesday, July 1st against Belgium!  I believe in our team!

Just as we congratulate our World Cup players - we need to honor and express gratitude to the numerous individuals who serve our country every day.  I am supporting Operation Gratitude  in helping ensure that our USA soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines know that their sacrifices are appreciated!  And, what better time to do this than on the Independence Day holiday - Friday, July 4.

I will be at the annual Sandy City 4th of July event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. this Friday, July 4th as part of the Youth Arts Festival.  This year, for the first time, as part of that festival, you can join me in writing a thank you card to members of our armed forces who sacrifice and serve our country. 

This is a fabulous opportunity for youth to serve and to use their handz for good to show gratitude!  If youth are too young to write a letter, they can simply color a patriotic picture and write their name to show their thanks.

Bring your neighbors, relatives and friends - I hope to see you all on Friday, July 4th in Sandy City!

Let's use our handz to express gratitude this holiday!

Utah Special Olympics - 6/6/2014

One of the greatest things about my platform of Youth Service is that youth can serve in so many places and so many capacities!

Utah Special Olympics Day 1 was today and I was thrilled to see so many volunteers there loving and supporting the athletes!  There were youth volunteers hosting games, face painting, painting finger nails, serving dinner, and helping athletes!  These youth are experiencing first-hand the joy of helping others!

Check out the Special Olympics Utah Summer page for more information:  http://www.sout.org/pages/summer

In addition to applauding the  youth volunteers, I also loved celebrating the successes with the Special Olympians!

So many caring, kind people all in one place - definitely the BEST place for anyone to be on a Friday afternoon!

Utah's Special Olympics continues tomorrow, Saturday, 6/7 - if you are looking for the best way to spend a portion of your day - check it out - go volunteer or just go cheer and celebrate!  Either way - it will be time well spent!

Keep using those Handz to make the world a better place!

Sponsor Highlight: Expressions Tanning! Come check it out on Saturday, 5/31!

I see friends every week who ask me where I've gone on vacation due to my great glow from Expressions Tanning! 

Expressions Tanning has MANY tanning solutions to fit every person's needs.  As a red-head, I burn easily and prefer the UV-free tanning options Expressions offers - both the Mystic (machine-sprayed tan) and the professionally airbrushed tan. Both have given me great color - I have NEVER looked 'orange'! 

I update my UV-Free tan weekly for a look of sun-kissed skin year-round!

Before a recent trip to Southern Utah, I spent a few short sessions in a non-burn ray tanning bed to build up a little color to avoid the painful, skin damaging 'first burn of the season' which really also helped me enjoy my Southern Utah trip.

Expressions Tanning is more than a tanning salon.  It truly is a spa experience.  I have the lotions from Expression Tanning that help my tan last longer and help the color fade evenly between weekly sessions.  I have utilized their teeth whitening service - which in 3 exposures leaves your teeth a beautiful white (which goes great with the sun-kissed skin)!  They also offer facials to keep your face and pores clean and gorgeous!

I highly recommend that you check out Expressions Tanning!  They have two locations which are conveniently located and you can get in and out and on your way quickly.

I will be at Expressions Tanning this Saturday, May 31st signing autographs and taking photos with anyone and everyone stopping in to check out Expressions Tanning!  If you come in to Expressions Tanning on Saturday - you get a FREE Level 1 or Level 2 Tan!  And there are many more specials that are only revealed when you stop in!

Come check out Expressions Tanning this Saturday!  You have nothing to lose and great color to gain!  I look forward to seeing you there!!

I will be at Expressions Tanning the following times on Saturday, 5/31:

- South Jordan Location - 10344 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan, UT  - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

- West Jordan Location - 3812 W. 7800 S., West Jordan, UT - 1:15-2:30 p.m.

check out their website:

http://www.expressionstanning.com/

Two great locations: South Jordan and West Jordan!

Expression's Manager - Anna and I!

 Mystic Spray Tan Booth....

Upcoming Event: Join me on June 14th to Support The Center for Grieving Children

I will be supporting a great event on June 14th at the Reign Boutique (1310 E. Hwy 193 #A-7 in Layton, UT) to benefit The Center for Grieving Children (familysummit.org).

Here's a link to more information about the event and to register to attend - there will be both a fashion show and parking lot Zumba! 

https://www.facebook.com/events/320517718098436/?source=3&source_newsfeed_story_type=regular&fref=nf

For those of you wondering, how does The Center for Grieving Children relate to my platform of Youth Service?

The Center for Grieving Children actually supports many youth who have lost family members to suicide.  I'm sure all of us know someone who has been impacted by a friend or family member who has chosen to take their own life.

I know ALL of us have times where we feel nothing we do is good enough.  When we compare ourselves to others - there is ALWAYS someone more talented, prettier, kinder, more popular, etc. 

While there are certainly situations of depression that need medical and professional counseling, I feel that we can make a difference in the lives of others by starting to serve others when we are young.  Reaching outside of yourself to give to others takes the focus away from ourselves and puts it on someone else.  When we aren't focused on the challenges in our own lives we are giving to others and can truly find the joy we seek in our own lives.

Am I saying that youth service will conquer all suicide?  Of course not.  What I am saying, however, is that youth service will make a difference!  Youth who serve become adults who serve.  I believe that if we instill the love of service in youth, it WILL matter and make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. 

So - use your handz for good!  Find someone and something you can do every day to make a difference in the life of someone else (or the environment or animals)!

Serving Brings Joy!

I hope to see you on June 14th!!

PS - It is important to take ANY hint or threat of suicide seriously.  This is also providing a great service by being a friend and a support system for others.  Don't ever think someone is joking when they talk about death.  You can help; you can serve them!  Here's a great link for information:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/suicide_prevention.htm

Days for Girls - Service Night

I had the great honor of being invited to join a large gathering of women earlier this evening in Lindon, Utah! 

(I did experience the challenges of the Orem-Lindon streets crossing and was late in arriving - but through a helpful voice navigating me there, I finally arrived!)

I really feel passionate about the Days for Girls organization and the feminine hygiene kits that make a huge difference in the lives of girls and women worldwide.  Check out their website for more information:

 http://www.daysforgirls.org/

I love their desire to help: Every Girl. Everywhere. Period.

I appreciated the opportunity to speak briefly to the group about my platform and focus for this year as Miss Utah International.  Everyone received a paper hand and the goal to use their 'handz' for good every day.  

I shared the story from WWII in France where due to a bombing the Christus lost His hands.  A local sculptor offered to add hands back and the leaders of the local church determined that it was better to leave Christ without His Hands as truly WE are His Hands.  I love the power of that great example and the good we must do for others!

I met so many wonderful girls and women this evening - they were truly using their 'handz' for good in serving and providing the kit contents to improve the lives of girls and women all over the world.

Thank you to those who were serving this evening!  You are a great example for girls and women everywhere. Period. 

Zumba For ALS

After the Race for the cure, I was able to stop in at the Zumba Charity Event: Together We Dance to Cure ALS!  It was held at the Central City Recreation Center just blocks away from the Race for the Cure!

What a great site to see all these Zumba Dancers staying fit and having fun for the great cause of finding a cure for ALS!

Here's a great site for understanding ALS:

https://www.alshopefoundation.org/understanding-als/

It was fun to see a lot of the same instructors teaching Zumba who had taught Aqua Zumba for the same great cause last month!  Wow - can these instructors dance! I think I really need to take up Zumba for all the great moves and music!

I loved to see some mothers and daughters also at the event providing service.  

Thanks to my friend and fabulous fit zumba instructor, Masuda, for inviting me to come and support this great cause!