Los Angeles, Red Carpet & Celebrities!!!

Dang girl... I should of dressed in skinny jeans, boots, a leather jacket and have actually done my hair. Out of all the travel days I did not get ready. I must of missed the whole, "we are going to LA, so we have to look good at the airport". I wore LuLu's, my hair on top of my head and a big sweater! hahaha I was lookin' good compared to the rest of my casemates who were dressed to impress. Anyways, not the point of this blog post. Just made me laugh. 
Living in Utah I have had a white Christmas for the majority of all my Christmas's, so when we arrived in LA, I knew this year was going to be different, very different. Different like... Taylor, Rachael and I had a yummy lunch on the balcony of a sushi restaurant outside the Kodak Theater Tuesday afternoon. Different like I took my jacket off. AND wore my sun glasses. Be jealous Utah!
We explored Hollywood Boulevard and Taylor tried taking a picture with Spiderman, but when he told her he takes pictures for tips, she put her hand in his face. He deserved it... I mean who wears a spiderman suite he borrowed from his little brother. Pathetic. 

We opened Wednesday this past week with a Celebrity Red Carpet Event, where some very familiar faces showed up to strut their stuff; including myself. We played the Staples Center and the event was held at the Nokia Plaza just outside the arena. The fun filled event was complete with a Red Carpet, Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Barbie, Ken, skater escorts (myself ect.), famous (rich) people and of course the pauperize. Oh and our very own security guard (Jackson Stevens). We were able to skate around with the celebrities and their children, along with special friends that the celebrities invited. It was such a cool event, especially to say that I was able to skate around with such amazing actors, actresses, athletes and socialites. 

Here are some of the headlines and tabloids that were printed after the event. 

Brooke Burke from Dancing with the Stars and her husband David Charvet.

Brothers and Sisters star Gilles Marini brought his family. 

Garcelle Beauvais 

Jennifer Love Hewitt 

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards attended the event with her three youngest daughters Alexia, Sophia and Portia.

Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian looked stylish as she attended a Disney on Ice event with her son Mason.

Ariel Winter from Modern Family. 

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott brought two of their children but left their newest addition to the family at home.

It's Sabrina! Melissa Joan Heart and her family were in the mood for some ice magic.

Here is some of the fun that we had. 

Evan Lysacek 

We continued our show week with some more Celebrity fun! Nicole Richie, Heidi Klum and family attended the show this past weekend. Heidi Klum sat front row where all of us could see her right up close. Heidi is a gorgeous lady with or without makeup. 

We also found out later that Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez attended our show opening night. 

Bieber Fever 

xo 

I wish you all a Merry Christmas! 

a limb has fallen.

A few weeks ago while I was in Canada my Mom and I were on skype when she shared some very sad news. Her best friend Julie Overholt was in the hospital awaiting a liver transplant. Julie has not only been a dear friend to my Mom, but she has been a close friend to the family. Our families grew up together only living three houses down in the neighborhood. We shared family parties, weddings, homecomings, and Jules never failed to not be in the stands at Kenny's baseball games or my skating shows. We became very close with Jules kids, Sean, Pat and Kate. Kate became the older sister I never had and I looked up to her very much.
Mom and Jules had a unique friendship. They managed to sneak away for Bunco nights or Book Club (which Mom never read the book) and fun trips to see the boys play baseball. Mom loved the company of Jules even if the dogs were running around like crazy and kids were coming and going.
The morning of December 4th while I was walking to the arena to begin shows that crisp Sunday morning, I returned a missed phone call from my Dad. He began to tell me that Jules has passed away. My heart broke when I heard the news and the pain starting to sink in. I knew where I needed to be and Spokane, Washington was not the place. I asked my company manager if I could have a leave of absence and they agreed under the circumstances.
Just the week before Jules passed, I surprised my family with a quick visit home. James helped me out and we were able to surprise Mom, Dad and Kenny as well (with the help of Heather keeping it a secret and a few white lies). During my three days home I was able to visit with Jules and spend a little time with her. We laughed about how crazy life is and talked a lot about tour. She couldn't wait to see me skate. I hugged her tight and told her to stay strong and pull through this. I had no idea that was going to be the last time I was going to hug that special lady, because I wouldn't of let go if I knew that it was.
My heart aces for the loss of this amazing person! She was too young. I look above me now and remember all the things Jules taught me in life. She was like a Mom to me and I will never forget her love.

Jules & Heather  

Kate & Jules

A LIMB HAS FALLEN 

A limb has fallen from the family tree, 

I keep hearing a voice that says "Grieve not for me."

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song,

The good life lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you,

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest,

Remembering all, now I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small,

Go on with your life, don't just stare at the wall.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin,

Until the day comes we're together again.

(Author Unknown)

Eat, Pray, Love.

This topic has been on my mind a lot this week. 

Judgement. 

As people it is in our nature to judge people on their actions, words and features. I will admit that I have judged people in a sense and I have looked back and asked myself, "why?" 

As a girl you feel pressured to be skinny and constantly looking amazing. For what... a boy, your friends. Yes, it is nice that we have the advantage or curling irons, make up and other sorts to make us transform our beauty. But we can't let that become who we are. 

I was talking to my boyfriend on skype this morning and I had no make up on and had just rolled out of bed, yikes, but you know what... I felt sexy. I was cooking dinner last night in my hotel room (which is a full kitchen, how awesome) and I felt sexy. I try to hit the gym every morning or night and damn do I feel sexy. I find it odd that I find my confidence when I just rolled out of bed, cooking in the kitchen and sweating my guts out at the gym. 

Yeah I am no size zero or a two, but I don't want to be that. I am thankful for the skater body that I have because I have worked so very hard to receive it. 

I challenge you to be thankful for yourself this month. Do things that make you happy and don't listen to the things that are a negative. People only judge because they are jealous. Its true, no matter what you think. 

You never know when life will come and take it all away. 

Anyways... back to the things that you actually read my blog about. Tour. Tour, tour tour. 

OH CANADA! 

We are back in British Columbia and it is gorgeous! Reminds me a lot of Utah, which means I have the most amazing home. Erika, Becca, Jackson and I rented a car yesterday and traveled 3 hours away from Abbotsford to Whistler, BC. Whistler held a few of the events from the Olympics. The snow just started to form on the mountains and the frost was starting to cover the cars. It was beautiful! We made a few stops along the way to catch the glorious views. Jackson has a professional camera and it quite good at what he does so most of the pictures are his, but he wont mind if I steal a few for my blog. 

Enjoy! 

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

xoxo 

Essential Oils 101

I have found a new fascination with the use of essential oils; thanks to someone I look up to dearly here on tour. I was having a small issue on my hand since Puerto Rico back in June. I caught athletes foot on my hand, what are the odds of me being infected on my hand. Well... Puerto Rico, so that explains it. I have tried everything to get rid of this itchy infection on my left hand and not only was it getting worse, but it was spreading along my other fingers. I went to the doctors 2 months ago and he just told me keep applying athletes foot cream on it and keep it dry. You try keeping your hand try when your constantly doing 8 shows per week. My biggest concern was that I was just causing the problem to keep occuring with the use of my costume gloves. I asked Kate from wardrobe to wash my gloves weekly, but that didn't seem to help either. I was very frustrated because not only does it itch and hurt, but it is gross and very noticeable. 
Mel Clysdale noticed my infection last week at company meal. I began to explain to her the problem and with no hesitation she recommend I try Tea Tree Oil. She suggested to use gauze to clean it then wrap the infection with the oil. 
I went out the next morning and bought Tea Tree Oil, hoping that this would finally be the answer to my problem. After just a few days of use the infection is starting to heal! I am shocked. After trying everything and even seeing 2 doctors, tea tree oil was my answer all along. It is a very powerful essential oil, but it manages to clear infections and even help with acne. So I decided to try it on my wonderful spots on my face and what do you know. gone. 
I have always enjoyed the smell of essential oils, but I have learned that oils are sometimes the best answer to most common illnesses. Mel let me borrow her essential oils book and I have found a few oils that I now continue to travel on tour. 
Since I write this blog for my family and friends I decided to share a few of my favorite essential oils and what I like to use them for. 


Tea Tree Oil
Like I mentioned above tea tree oil is excellent for fungal infections, but also really great for acne spotting treatments. It is very strong, so I can use a little on a q-tip and rub on infected area. With acne it helps clean the bacteria, reduce redness and swelling. Be careful with too much use because it can dry your skin out when it is abused. 


Peppermint Oil 
Peppermint oil is very good for indigestion, nausea, headache, stress and bad breath. When having digestive problems, I like to put a couple drops in some warm water and drink it down. It helps with motion sickness and removing gas. Peppermint oil has also helped with my ulcers I have noticed. I drink a little in the morning and have began to notice that my ulcers have not been inflamed as often. (Dr. Oz suggested using peppermint oil when stressed and having constipation problems) 


Lavender Oil
I really enjoy the small of lavender and after a long day at work and I return back to the hotel sore and stressed, I like to put a couple drops on my pillow. It helps me fall asleep a lot quicker and I wake up more refreshed in the morning.


Eucalyptus Oil
Feeling the common cold coming on? Well try some Eucalyptus oil on your pillow or drop some into a candle to burn at the office. Applying to the nose of chest to relieve congestion helps loosen phlegm, to help treat bronchitis, coughs and the flue. It also has been known to treat arthritis, boils, sores and wounds. This oil can be toxic if not diluted, so never apply directly without towel or cream based. 


p.s. I am not a doctor. So therefore you should always research before you begin using any types of oils, but I hope this information inspired you to consider trying some. 


xoxo 

Das glückliche Halloween!!!

So last week we arrived in Portland, Oregon. This city is gorgeous! The leaves are changing and our hotel was on the water front, so the views were incredible! My advice... take a road trip to Oregon! They have transportation all over the city which is mostly free. FREE! So I managed to stumble upon a college campus, local coffee shop, a LuLu Lemon and whole foods! AND I managed to find a friend from home. Nick McDaniel moved to Oregon for school, so we were able to get together for dinner after a show one night. It was so good to see him and catch up, no wonder he lives here (Utah you have some competition). 


We had our annual Halloween party in Portland and man did we have quite the time. Everyone was on their 'A' game with excellent costumes! Erika and I dressed up as German Beer Maids (hence the title). Our costumes were very cute and we had a lot of fun portraying German Girls all night. "Da" 

Jessica & Dan
Lion & his tamer 

Adam Loosley
Lexy from Ice Castles  

Matt as Kiss 

Colin as.. himself! 

JoJo
Princess Peach 

Taylor
White Swan  

Ray & Kyle
Rockin' Sockin' Robots 

Katie
Mario :)  

Riikki
Snookie 

Jess, Rose & Michelle
Tamer, Black Swan & Kitty 

oh yeah...
Reba made a special appearance 

We carved pumpkins... 

And I got my first black eye...

I didn't know warm up and Barbie lifts could be so hazardous! Well... I got a pretty nice shiner from Barbie herself! 


xoxo