#ChooseBeautiful

Every day we are faced with a choice. The choice of how we feel about ourselves. Do we feel beautiful? Or do we feel inadequate compared to everyone else? Are we good enough? What are others thinking? 

Dove has inspired us once again. Choose Beautiful. When faced with a decision we should always choose beautiful because that is what we are. A lot of the times we find ourselves choosing the average because we begin to really believe that that's all that we are, but we are much, much more than that. Sometimes messages like these are exactly what we need to come to a realization that we are truly beautiful and everyone should believe that as well.

Let us all make the decision today to Choose Beautiful and help others to Choose Beautiful as well.

#ChooseBeautiful

The Sounds of AHH

Who knew that a Coca-Cola commercial could bring so much happiness? Putting a little twist on the song "Little Talks", Kurt Schneider has created a little piece of happy for Coca-Cola to share with everyone.

People are always creating music in different ways and this has definitely been one of my favorites. It's amazing how little clips like this can instantly spread smiles across the country to others. People across the world are able to be connected with music like this and Coca-Cola is definitely thinking on their toes.

So here is a little bit of happiness to add to your day.

Lighthouse

Discovering new songs is probably one of my favorite things to do. Sometimes I'll just click a random video on YouTube and next thing you know, that song has become my new obsession.

Lighthouse by G.R.L. It was written in memory of Simone Battle who was a member of G.R.L who recently passed due to suicide. The group created this song in an effort to reach out to other people who might be struggling and giving them a chance to talk.

It's amazing how a song could possibly change your life and with one click of a button, it could reach out to someone in need. Give it a listen.

I Really Like You

This was definitely a different take on a Carly Rae Jepsen song. Who knew that you would find Tom Hanks dancing and singing to Carly Rae? I certainly didn't. Although, you have to admit it was an attention grabber. We've become so used to seeing certain actors, actresses, and singers in particular roles that it catches us off guard when we don't see them in the norm.

In a way this video was a realization that different celebrities do perform a variety of different things and can take on a variety of roles. It also shows just how broad a spectrum of talents one actor can have and Tom Hanks definitely has the part.

I'm a Pepper

Sometimes you try to picture yourself years from now and wonder where you'll be or what kind of person you'll be. I'll tell you what. I want to be as happy as this woman is with a Dr. Pepper. This 104-year old woman fell in love with the Dr.Pepper when she was 60 years old and has been drinking it every since. "3 Dr. Peppers a day keeps a doctor away." I loved how happy this woman was on her 104th birthday when Dr. Pepper delivered a cake and gift basket to this woman who has been so loyal to the one and only Dr. Pepper. This little video was able to spread a little laugh and a little happiness to everyone who saw it.

Dr. Pepper is my weakness and I hope that I can live this long and still proclaim my love for this Texas drink. #drpepperlove

Baby Elephant

Ever have one of those weeks that seem to be overwhelming and you feel like you might not get anything done? Well I've found that even when you feel like you're drowning in school work and you have time for nothing at all, there are little moments of happiness that get you through.

For me it was this short video of a baby elephant struggling with bath time. It's amazing how such a simple thing can bring a smile to your face. YouTube has definitely been a blessing at times, and this video was one of those blessings. Even though the baby elephant seems to be struggling, he also seems to be having the time of his life.

The Internet can lead you to exactly what you need sometimes. Now to get back to my paper....

Day One

Every so often I am reminded of the fact that I should be keeping a journal. Whether it's simply writing my thoughts throughout the day or certain things that I know I'm going to want to remember. Like that moment you think to yourself, I should write this down, you should write it down. 

I was recently introduced to this app for the iPhone, Day One. It records journal entries that allows you to include pictures and different hashtags in order for you to see related posts. It even creates these entries as PDF's so you can print them out later. I was in aww. I was introduced to a way that I could keep my journal on hand wherever I go, especially on the device that I use the most and am always on. 

Media is continuing to change the way that we look at certain things and even making things incredibly easy to use. Day One will now be one of my best friends and my new pen pal.

For good

Sometimes it's easy to ignore certain things because it's become a normal part of our lives. It's easy to just click "like" on Facebook and not really read or pay any mind to the article that was mentioned in the first place. Media has become such a blessing to so many people to raise awareness about certain issues that are arising in today's world, but is media and the forms in which we use it blinding us to what really matters. Blinding us to the point where we just endlessly scroll and never see the the issues are at hand.

I was almost guilty of just that before I clicked on a link to a video that was recently made by Sam Smith and John Legend to support Red Nose Day which is a Comic Relief group that raise funds in order to support projects that are created to change the lives of those at home, the UK, and across Africa. This is a great cause and I love seeing celebrities come together and are able to raise awareness on causes such as these.

We may not have the funds ourselves to be able to donate to certain organizations, but the least we can do is give some attention to the issues taking place and raise awareness of them, because believe it or not, some people don't realize the problems that other countries may be facing. I've seen how much of a role media plays in our lives and how much we can use it to spread the word and create a stance where people are sharing for good.

#AlexFromTarget

It's amazing how fast something can spread and how easy it is for someone to become an Internet sensation. A while ago there was this phenomenon #AlexFromTarget which is ridiculous, yet hilarious to me. A picture that was taken of Alex at the checkout line at Target. Little did they know that this picture would soon own it's own # and become the picture that everyone couldn't stop talking about.

So watch out for when your picture might be taken because one minute you'll just be shopping at Target, the next minute your scheduled for an appearance on the Ellen show. It's amazing how little things that don't seem to have much of a meaning can spread so fast and become this unexplainable phenomenon. So congratulations #AlexFromTarget for being the prime example as to how one simple picture can be spread within 24 hours and instantly make you the most talked about individual.

 

 

memory lane

Sometimes I wish I could go back to high school and relive the days where the Friday night football game was the place to be, spirit day outfits were always a dilemma, and halftime shows was your time to shine. Yes, I love marching band. To some it might be just another one of those nerdy things that people do, but to me, it's home. Growing up in Texas, marching band was huge and I would do anything just to go back and relive one more day of performing in that Texas heat believe it or not.

Fortunately, with the media and technology that we have today, I am able to go back to those moments with just a click of a button. I love being able to look back and remember some of the greatest times of my life. Nothing beats the smell of turf, a 100% uniform, and that sweet sound of the whistle that signals the start of the best 8 minutes.

Here is just a glimpse of marching band. My high school experience.

I've got the magic

Camp Kesem is something that I hold dear to my heart. Camp Kesem is where I found the magic that everyone searches for. Camp Kesem is family. Camp Kesem is home.

I became involved with Camp Kesem last year and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made while being here at BYU. Camp Kesem is a camp for kids who's parents have cancer. I've come to realize that these kids have to grow up so much faster than others, but they have a magic about them that never goes unnoticed. Having a week of camp where these kids have a chance to escape the responsibilities they have at home and are able to just be kids is incredible. With endless fundraising and trying our best to raise the money we need for these kids to get to camp, I've come to realize how important social media is throughout this process. With the social media that we have I am able to share my story with so many people at one time and so many people are able to read it with the click of a button. We are able to reach out to so many different people and people are able to witness the magic that Camp Kesem is. 

Here is just a little way in how we share our stories and the #cklove that we have for these kids that make Camp Kesem what it is. A place of love, family, and magic.

Photo from: facebook.com/campkesembyu

We would love if you are able to donate and help get these kids get to camp and contribute to the magic that they continue to spread everyday.

https://campkesem.givebig.org/c/CK13/a/campkesem-byu/p/CristinaTenney#_=_

FourFiveSeconds

You might have seen the latest performance by Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney at the 57th Grammy's where they performed a song entitled FourFiveSeconds. This song hooked me instantly just because the tune was catchy and it was an interesting mix of artists to put into one song. But, yet again it was one of those songs where the lyrics slipped my mind. Even when I was listening to the song, at some points I really couldn't tell what they were saying.

Maybe this was a sort of wake up call to pay closer attention as to what we are listening to or what song is the next to be added to our Spotify playlists. Not that this song is completely horrible, but it definitely has a different sort of message and is a different spin on things in the music industry. Congrats to Rihanna, Kanye, and Paul for being able to put a word yet catchy twist on things. Maybe listening to the song a few times will let you know exactly what I mean.

Oscars

Every year there is an award ceremony held for the films that have brought tears to our eyes and have allowed us to become part of one of Hollywood's main events. Whether it's realizing that the Sound of Music has just celebrated their 50th anniversary or that movies like Selma have created a new way of representing things that have been part of our history, the Oscars has a way of connecting you with actors and actresses and film's greatest creators in one magical night.

Having an award ceremony that is broadcast to everyone allows the public to give appreciation for their favorite stars and witness the movies they have come to adore get recognized. Although we may not be on the Red Carpet, we are still able to feel like we are part of an audience that has come together for the one night we celebrate all things movies.

From cameras, dresses, and the Red Carpet in Hollywood, California to sitting on your couch in Provo, Utah, I believe that witnessing this celebration of movies is still one of the best experiences to have and we are able to have it right in our homes.

The Hope of God's Light

Sometimes one video is all it takes to lift your spirits and give you a hope in something that you might have lost. This mormon message I ran into gave me a hope and explained things to me in a way that I could understand. Sometimes it's hard to read articles and read scriptures and you may feel like you aren't hearing what Heavenly Father wants you to hear. He may be wanting to tell you in a different ways and through different mediums.

"It is part of our condition as mortals to sometimes feel as though we are surrounded by darkness, that even though we may feel lost, that God promises to illuminate the way before us, no matter how long it takes."

These messages can be spread worldwide and help those around us and we can help people to have that hope that we have been able to feel. Spread the messages as you would your testimony. This is one way where media has given us the opportunity to do so.

Photos are timeless

One of my favorite things in the world? Black and white photography. I don't know what it is about it, but it gives me an appreciation for photography and how far it has come. Recently I have been planning a trip to San Francisco and I happened to come across a couple of black and white photos of old San Fran. They not only make me want to go back in time, but I want to be able to create something like that.

For a while I've developed my photography and it has become my escape. But, for a while I also lost that love. I felt like it wasn't really going to get me anywhere, but I realized it was something that I love and I wouldn't give it up for anything. Believe it or not, it's photos like these that spark my imagination and help me to remember why I love it so much.

"We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone." -Anonymous

     

Pin it

Pinterest. Whether it's finding a new do-it-yourself photo display for your home office or discovering 50 new ways to incorporate Oreos in your brownies, Pinterest has a way of making everything look picture perfect. Now don't get me wrong, I love Pinterest, but does it give us too many false expectations?

Pinterest is great for getting new ideas and trying different things but many people have told me that Pinterest is just really good photography. Maybe it is, but it helps people to stay inventive and spread their creativity. Personally, I like pinning different dress possibilities for my future wedding day and I like pinning ideas for my next photo project and let's not forget the endless scrolling through quotes that seem to fit your life perfectly. Pinterest can be a good thing to give you that drive to try something out of the ordinary or spruce up your home, but be aware that your Pinterest profile may not be a reality. But, your creativity can be and Pinterest can be just the thing to help.

Just a glimpse into a part of the Pinterest world.

Wedding Crashers

Bridal gown: $1000

Renting a venue: $2000

Wedding day photographer: $1200

Maroon 5 unannounced: priceless

Maroon 5 recently decided to go throughout L.A. and see how many weddings they could crash while simultaneously filming their new music video to their latest hit "Sugar". The reactions were priceless. This was definitely something new and became the song to listen to. Music videos have this way of tugging at your heartstrings and creating a whole new meaning to the song. Seeing a big name in Hollywood throw surprise performances for one of the most important days in people's lives gives you that feel good moment where you will gladly take a study break to witness. This was my feel good moment of the week.

Maroon 5 has definitely got the right idea.

#sharegoodness

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wanting to share my love for the gospel, social media has become one of the greatest blessings. I'm able to share the gospel with so many people everywhere. Last year I had started a Share Goodness photo project where I have taken members of the church and asked them to share their testimonies that I could post to Facebook. I wanted to contribute to this campaign that the members had created to be an outlet for people to discover the gospel.

This week for our ward family home evening I wanted to emphasize the importance of sharing the gospel through social media because of how accessible it is. I had everyone use posters reading, "I share the gospel by..." or "I love the gospel because..." and post pictures sharing their love for the gospel. Seeing the flood of pictures throughout my Facebook and Instagram feeds, I had the opportunity to see several people share the gospel with their friends and family. People see these things whether we realize it or not. People notice and you never know if this might be exactly what they needed.

Share Goodness Project
Returned missionary: Colin Bledsoe 
Washington D.C. North Mission 
"I find that I am truly happy when I am trying to live the teachings of Jesus Christ. Each day is an opportunity to be a little better. I know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves each of us. It takes time to build a foundation of faith, but I know that as I read the scriptures and strive to choose the right that I feel at peace and I know God loves me."
"Je ressens plus de bonheur quand j’essaie de mener une vie comme Jésus-Christ. Chaque jour est une occasion de m’améliorer. Je sais que nous avons tous un Père Céleste qui nous aime. Il faut du temps pour bâtir une fondation de foi, mais aussi, je sais que quand je lis les écritures et que j’essaie de faire le bien, je ressens la paix et l’amour que Dieu a pour moi." #sharegoodness

I love the gospel because my ward is a family.. #sharegoodness #iamamormon

Go To Song

Who knew that you could fall in love with a song that literally has two lines?

Nobody To Love by Alex Newell has been on repeat ever since I discovered it on the New Music Tuesday playlist on Spotify. The beat is catchy and even though there aren't many lyrics, I'm singing along every time. With the music lecture this past week, I never knew that music can have that much of an effect on one person. Music is an avenue that a lot of people take to escape things, to express feelings, and to just remember moments they could go back to. Whether it's hearing the words, "...every time I'm down you can make it right, and that makes you larger than life..." where you are instantly taken back, or listening to the latest hits, "....your lips are movin'", music can take you anywhere and be that one thing you need. Nobody To Love has definitely been my go to song recently and will have me jammin' every single time, without fail. 

So, next time you have your windows rolled down and your looking for a new song... try this one. 

Love Your Curls

Dove has done it once again.

Who knew that watching the next recommended YouTube video could lead you to having a completely different outlook. Whether it be through magazines announcing the next Bachelor wedding or the commercial that has you wondering why there is a necessity to have every color imaginable to apply to your lips, girls always find themselves wanting to look like the "perfect" girl on the cover of the next issue of Cosmopolitan. Through these different avenues, it's easy for girls and boys to develop a low self-esteem because of what they see. But, every once in a while you find a needle in the haystack.

Dove recently came out with a commercial where they took girls of all ages and asked them about their naturally curly hair. Many of them just wanted it gone. Out with the curly and in with the straight. Being someone with natural curl herself, I could relate. Trust me, it's not easy. But, Dove challenged family and friends to help the girls embrace their curl and #loveyourcurls. This commercial not only made me love the fact that I have my curls, but I realized that commercials can influence you in a positive way. A way that creates a better you.

#loveyourcurls

The next team to check in here...

A race around the world? Count me in.

This week the new contestants for this upcoming season of the Amazing Race were announced. Best. Day. Ever. This means that we are one step closer to witnessing unexpected U-turns and delayed flights that can get you from 1st place to last. Not only is watching the Amazing Race one of the best decisions you'll ever make, but it's a show that will keep you on your toes.

It's funny how you can become so attached to certain teams when you don't know them personally. That's what makes shows like these so interesting. Getting giddy because new teams were announced to jumping up and down because someone was the first team to arrive, the Amazing Race has a strange way of grabbing your attention. It's amazing how fast paced media can be. So fast that you can see new casts within seconds of them being announced. So fast that the show hasn't even started and you can already get an idea of who your new favorite team will be. Media is able to give you a first look into what could be the best season thus far. With a new twist this season with half of the teams dating and the other half on the most extreme blind date they've ever been on, this could get interesting.

Introducing the Amazing Race cast for season 26...

Got the Flow

We've all seen the adorable videos in which kids can be seen break dancing or singing along to the latest hits... but this one tops everything I've seen thus far. Watching this kid rap with his dad is probably something every 2 year old wishes they could do. I even wish I had the skill this kid does.

Even though this kid doesn't seem to know the words completely and it can sound like gibberish to some, to him it's the best song he's ever heard. As his dad sits there and raps alongside, the kid seems to be following his lead and becoming the best duo around. Even 2 year olds begin to follow the trend and begin to have the same taste in music as those around him. Picking up on a song like this requires some serious skill. Not only was this one of those videos that you happen to click on as you endlessly scroll through your Facebook feed, but it became one of those videos that you end up showing everyone you know and becomes the highlight of your Tuesday. These videos have a strange way of putting a smile on your face, even if you know there is a pile of homework waiting for you.

Watch out world. I think we have the next Lil' Wayne on our hands. Meet Khaliyl Iloyi. 

#ThatSongWhen

Spotify has become my latest addiction. The playlists are endless. Literally. Who would of thought you could have a playlist purely based on a rainy day or purely dedicated to songs that are guaranteed to have you singing in the shower? I can't get enough. From hearing new songs on Tuesdays to shamelessly dancing around in your living room because you just discovered, yet again, the new playlist that is going to get you through the next week, Spotify will never disappoint.

I've realized how quickly a perspective can change. One minute I'm trying to decide what two songs I should use the last of my gift card on iTunes for and the next, I can't decide which playlist to listen to because I've followed four different playlists within the last hour. Granted, to have no commercials there is a charge. But, depending on the type of person you are, you know what's worth it. Spotify Premium: worth it. Spotify has had me listen to songs that I never thought I would have listened to before and I begin to realize just what a playlist entitled "The Happy Hipster" might consist of. As I start my last semester of college, I realized I'm definitely going to need a playlist for this. #ThatSongWhen

                                   

Throwback...Way Back

"39 days, 18 castaways, ONE...SURVIVOR!" Yes, Survivor is still around. Yes, people still watch it. And yes, season 30 is right around the corner.

 A group of friends and I decided to go way back and dig out season 2, Survivor: Australian Outback. Who would of thought that putting a group of strangers on an island with nothing but a few canteens of water and a bag of rice and beans could be so entertaining? Even going back to where film equipment was still developing and Jeff Probst was still learning his lines, Survivor literally outlasted many other shows.

Sitting there watching people make several attempts to start a fire and form relationships early on based on first impressions, I realized that this show, without fail, would intrigue me. I also realized, sitting with a group of college kids, that this show has lasted. This show, amongst many other reality TV shows, has endured through an entertainment industry that has developed and changed over the years. Shows like Fear Factor and Endurance are sporadically brought up in conversation, whereas Survivor is still that groundbreaking show that brought Americans the idea of what it would be like to outwit, outplay, and outlast complete strangers to come out the soul survivor. 

Media can last. Shows can live on and people can still watch them. Even taking the idea of "#throwbackthursday" literally and going back to the start can help you see the changes in media and how far we've come. Hearing the words, "The tribe has spoken," will never get old.