Professional Photographer

Basically, I'm a professional photographer.

Okay, not really. But I can pretend right?

I've always loved pretty pictures, and especially portraits and wedding pictures. I think they're Beautiful. There's just something about capturing a moment and being able to cherish it forever. I think it's incredible.

BUT. I'm technology challenged. I mean really, I'm stupid.

So I asked my cute little sis, if I could do her makeup and take her pictures. I asked if she'd teach me to use the camera, because she's so good at capturing beautiful pictures. Her photographs of nature are always beautiful. To my luck, she said yes.

She came over, and I did her makeup. And we had to find somewhere to take pictures in Ogden. (not the easiest thing because none of the trees had bloomed yet, or had leaves on them, so all the good places were not so good yet.) But we found a place with a little pond and just went with it. She put the camera on Automatic, because she didn't think I could do Manual... and I took her pictures. I had so much fun, hopefully she did too, I think she was sick of me by the end of it haha. And then I told her I was going to edit the pictures and they were going to be magnificent. And she just laughed at me. So I did just that, I edited my pictures of my BEAUTIFUL little sis. And I don't think they turned out too bad. It was easy since my model is gorgeous! But now I have a dilemma, I want to learn more. So if anyone wants to teach me.. I'd be okay with that.

El Bandito

Jackson and I named our Jeep... El Bandito. 

Okay. Story Time.

Back story...

When Jackson and I bought our house, it came with this ugly, ancient stove. Like from the stone age stove. It was yellow-ish. and had coils for cooking, and if any of you know me... I ALWAYS spill over food and then it gets into the little silver things under the coils and those are a pain to clean and remove. And it didn't have a timer. And who the heck knew how to make the oven work. Basically. It was ancient. And a pain. And I HATED it. with a passion.

Present story time... (well a couple months ago story time.)

I'd been looking off and on since we got our house for a cheap new stove on KSL. Cause what newly wed can afford to pay 300-600 bucks for a new stove? No thanks. I'd never found anything that I actually liked or that was pretty cheap. Until one day, Jackson and I were driving around just for the heck of it. We'd gone to Lowe's to look at stuff for fun and I was like, well maybe I'll check KSL again. And. There. It. Was. The one. It was 80 bucks, white, and a flat top. Everything I wanted. (basically at least.) I hurried and texted the guy to see if it was still available. And it was. but somebody was coming to look at it in an hour and probably buy it. Jackson and I were NOT okay with that. We hurried and talked about it and texted the guy back... If we can be there in 20 minutes and give you 100 for it... can we have it? We felt like ninjas. I mean, who wouldn't really? He didn't text back, still not yet.. I'm getting antsy. And then FINALLY... sure, see you soon. WAHOO!!! Jackson and I hurried over to the address, looked at the stove, and said we'll take it. Loaded it up in the Jeep and took off, all before the other guy was even supposed to come look at the stove. We felt like we were the coolest people around. I mean really! We got it right underneath his feet. The guy who sold it to us said, "I guess I'll have to figure out what to say to the next guy! haha." 

And therefore, we named the Jeep, "El Bandito" or "The Bandit" because we felt like bandits getting the stove out from under those other people's nose. 

I'm Obsessed with dogs

So this post is a little late, like almost two months late, but... drum roll please..... WE GOT ANOTHER PUPPY! If you follow me on facebook or instagram, you've probably already seen a gillion pictures of them. I just can't handle how cute they are! Her name is Rylee (Jackson and I had the hardest time figuring out how we wanted to spell it! haha) and she's a German Shepherd/Red Heeler mix. She is seriously the most adorable thing ever. And she's the perfect sister for Oakley. Although Oakley didn't agree for about the first month that we had Rylee. Oak got super jealous and kept picking on Rylee. Not that she doesn't still pick on Rylee, but now it's more playful. And Rylee gets Oakley back just as much. They love tackling each other and stealing each others toys. And they love cuddling. Rylee will curl up in anybody's lap who's sitting on the ground. She's such an attention whore. They both love going to the dog park and meeting new dogs and just running around. Oakley is finally getting used to the idea that Rylee is staying and she's gotten back to her usual demeanor. She always has a smile on her face now, and we're grateful that we have Rylee to keep Oakley company. They're such a cute match.

Why I decided to join It Works

If you read my blog, then you know that on my last post I said how I've been super intrigued my companies like It Works and Mary Kay. The extra money sounds appealing. Of course it does! It's supposed to! And some of you may say that I'm a sucker and I fell for it and became a distributor, but the way I look at it, I'm a winner. I get the opportunity to try something new, to have goals and dreams and to work a business. I get to meet new friends and help other people live healthier lives. And worst case scenario? I don't sell anything or make any money, but I spent 99 bucks trying something that I've been interested in for a long time. So really, I don't see how that's a loss in any case. Would I love to make money? YES! Is that my goal? HECK YES! I'm going to do my dang best at trying to work this business. I know that some people won't support me, they'll think I'm stupid or annoying or whatever lovely adjective (that's what it's called right? adjective? i dunno... but we'll go with it!) they want to. But honestly, it's more about how I think of myself. Other people's opinions about me don't matter unless I allow them to. I haven't been able to get this business out of my head for over a week. Seriously, I think about it all the time. So I figured, why not put all that thinking to good use? Thinking about a business and not trying the products or trying to sell it isn't going to do anything for me. It's just me wasting my time. But if I put that thinking into working and doing and seeing how far I can go, then I figure it's time well spent. Even if I fail. Even if I don't sell a single dang wrap or any of the other products we have (which is a lot. WAY more than I thought there was to this business) then at least I can say I tried and cross it off my list. I don't have to wonder "What If" anymore. What if I tried it? What if I suck at it? What if I do well at it? My what if's will be answered and I can go on with my life, either with more money! (hopefully) or at least saying I tried. But as our friend Yoda says, "Do or do not, there is no try." So I'm gonna do my dang best and see how I do! I'm sorry if you think this is dumb, but I promise it probably won't be the last thing I do that you think is dumb! So please keep your negative comments to yourself. (thank you! I still love you!) 

And if you've ever been interested in this business like me, text me, call me, email me, knock on my door. Seriously! What have we got to lose? The products are amazing! If you want to try a wrap, text me. And we have a gillion other products too, like drink supplements that have fruits and vegetables, and creams to help you lose stretch marks and face washes and more! I can't say it enough, all we've got to lose is self doubt and fear. Wishing won't get you anywhere.

P.S. Being a loyal customer gets you the products at a WAY cheaper price. Being a loyal customer just means that you have an autoshipment of one product for three months in a row. You can change the product each month if you want. And you can pick the cheapest product! After three months if you don't want the autoshipment anymore, that's okay! You can still be a loyal customer for life without having the autoshipments after your three months is up.

These are some of the cheaper products in case you wanted to be a loyal customer for cheap!

Preventage only $25: Start the day fighting the signs of time with this moisturizing cream gel. PreventAge helps to lessen the look of fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants with its soothing blend of beautifying botanicals and vitamins.

Confianza only $25: Confianza is a naturally based supplement that increases your energy levels while reducing stress and fatigue. Its special blend of herbs was developed to provide a safe way to enhance your ability to cope with all forms of stress: physical, emotional, or environmental.

It's Vital Minerals only $23: 74 trace minerals, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K. Supports cardiovascular health, calcium, and strong bones and teeth.

Advanced Formula Fat Fighter only $23: Take up to an hour after eating and it will help absorb some of the carbohydrates and fat so that you're body doesn't! Helps reduce cravings and supports healthy blood glucose levels.

Ultimate Body Applicator only $59: (I had to include this one even though it's not the cheapest!) Includes four wraps that you can use anywhere to help tighten and tone. They minimize cellulite appearance. They're easy to use and mess free. You can see results in 45 minutes and they continue to progress for up to 72 hours. If you're wanting to tighten up your stomach, arms, legs, back, sides, you can use these there!

Defining gel only $45: (last one!) This is similar to the ultimate body applicator, but it's a gel that you can use everyday to help tighten, tone, and reduce the appearance of cellulite. It also softens and hydrates your skin!


These are just a few of the products that we have. If you have more questions or are interested in the business or trying some of the products let me know! And keep your fingers crossed that I can do well in this business, por favor!

http://melissawininger.itworks.com  8014584392 melissawiningerwraps@gmail.com

Grateful

Lately I've been thinking about who I want to be. Sometimes I get so consumed by looking at other people's facebook or instagram and wishing my life was as perfect as theirs seemed. Keyword: seemed. I think it's important to remember that people don't usually post their worst moments in life. They don't advertise their flaws or their times of self doubt, depression, weakness, etc. I know I certainly don't. So why do we get so consumed wishing our life was like somebody else's?

Technology is such a wonderful thing, but sometimes I think, especially in our culture, that it can also be extremely detrimental. We're able to keep in touch with friends and family from all over the world. We're able to stream the news, music, and just about anything else instantly. We can keep tabs on products that are just coming out or people that we idolize and movie stars. But with all that, I think we start to compare ourselves to other people. We start thinking, well they have this and that, why don't I? 

I was listening to pandora while writing a paper for school when Square Pegs by Kelsea Ballerini came on. I had never heard it before. I was kind of feeling sorry for myself cause we have to work full time and go to school full time. I see Jackson for maybe an hour or two a day, if we're lucky. And sometimes it feels like it's never going to end. And for some reason I've been looking at those people who do things like It works or Mary Kay and make a bunch of money in a couple years so that they don't have to work normal jobs. The get rich quick scheme is intriguing. Everyone wants to make a bunch of money and be able to spend time with their loved ones. Then this song came on and the line, "So who do you wanna be?" made me think. Do I want to be that person that wastes my life comparing myself to other people? I don't want to look back on my life in 50 years and only remember how much I compared myself to others and made myself feel bad. I want to remember how much fun I had, regardless of how much money we had. I want to make the most of the time that we do have together and create lasting memories. I want to laugh and adventure with my handsome husband. 

So who I want to be? I want to be proud of who I am and where I'm at in life. I'm proud that I'm working at and doing school and work full time. I'm proud that Jackson and I have been able to buy a house. I have the most amazing family who would do anything for me. We laugh, we're stupid, and I couldn't have gotten a better family. I grew up with the most amazing parents, who supported me with what I wanted to do. They taught me wrong from right and encouraged me to be the best that I could be. Comparing myself to others, isn't be the best me I could be. 
I have the best siblings. Sometimes I want to beat them up, but I wouldn't trade them for the world. I know that if I needed anything, they would come help me. We had a great life growing up together and I love the relationship that I have with them still. I'm grateful that they've found spouses that are good for them, minus Shannon (you know, cause she ain't married yet! <3) I'm grateful for the memories I have made with them and will continue to make with them. 
I have the most amazing husband, who would do anything for me. He is always supportive, loving, kind, patient, sweet, and he keeps me in line. He encourages me to be the best me and reminds me why our lives are so crazy right now. He reminds me that it will be worth it in the end. He encourages me to keep going when I get upset with school and studying. He is so patient with me. I couldn't have gotten a better husband. I'm constantly thanking Heavenly Father that Jackson chose me. And that he continues to choose me everyday. 
I'm proud to be in nursing school and working towards my dreams. I'm grateful that I was accepted and that I have the opportunity to achieve my dreams. And more importantly, I'm grateful to achieve my dreams with Jackson by my side. I couldn't imagine my life without him. 
I'm grateful that I have the cutest dog ever. I love that she keeps me company when Jackson is at work and that she has energy. I love taking her to the dog park and taking her on walks. I love how excited she gets when I come home. She sits by the window in the living room with her tail wagging when I walk up to the front door. I love how excited she gets to play tug of war and fetch. I love watching Jackson play with her. I love when she's in the cuddle mood and just lays with me. 
I'm grateful that I was able to be sealed to my sweetheart for time and all eternity. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I get to be with him forever. I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm grateful for the atonement and for the opportunity I have to be forgiven. I love when I'm able to take the sacrament, which unfortunately isn't every week due to having to work weekends. I'm grateful that my parents raised me in the gospel with this knowledge. 

I don't even know if this post makes any sense. But it helped me clear my head and remember what's important to me. It's helped me remember to be grateful for what I do have. I know that I've talked about how detrimental social media can be sometimes. But for some reason, it's something that I continue to struggle with. And I think it's something that a lot of people struggle with. So it's important to remember to be grateful for what we have. I think it puts things in perspective when we count our blessings and realize what we do have. 

Date Weekend

This weekend has probably been one of the better ones since school has started. It started Saturday night because I had to work Saturday day. I got all dressed up, and by dressed up, I mean I actually put on makeup and did my hair and put on decent looking clothes ha. We went to my brothers house and spend some time with my family and had dinner with them. (side note. I have the best family in the world. They're hilarious.) 

Then Jackson and I went down to Salt Lake and went to Nightmare on 13th with my old college roommates. I had so much fun. I miss seeing them and it was fun to all have our significant others there. (we all need to hang out more. Yeah? okay cool) Jackson, of course, had to scare the crap out of me throughout the haunted house (that is what it is.. right?) The little turd. Then we went and got some tasty In-N-Out. I got ice cream, because well, it's ice cream. It's basically like a food group to me. Correction. It IS a food group. Then some of my friends came back to our house and we talked and hung out. I can't tell you how much fun it was to see my friends and to spend time with other couples. I wish we lived closer so we could all hang out more. 

Sunday, we spent what time we could together before I had to work Sunday night. BUT, I did get to go to church. Which I haven't done since school started. So that was a major plus. 

Monday, Jackson and I decided that we would skip school for one day and spend the day together. (truthfully, I slept through my alarm, and then he decided he didn't want to go to school. So we skipped.) So we just enjoyed being together, we made breakfast together. And then we decided to go look at shotguns. Because apparently, I haven't noticed, but I've been talking about getting one for me a lot recently. I hadn't noticed, but Jackson said I had. (maybe he's just saying that because HE wanted one. haha just kidding) We always go and look at guns, because Jackson is obsessed. I found one a couple months back that I thought was super pretty. So we went back to see if the store still had it. We looked at it for a little bit, and decided to buy it. It's seriously such a pretty gun. It's wood and has stainless steel engravings. Of course we had to try it out since we just bought it and went up to the Bountiful "B". I love it. I had so much fun shooting and it was a much needed date. I hit the clay pigeon my first time shooting with my gun. And I hit a double shot, which was my goal before we packed up and headed home. Jackson took a video of the first time I hit my double and I sound like an idiot when I scream at the end. Don't judge me haha. 

It was a much needed break from the hussle and bussle of our schedules. And it was fun to spend time with family and friends. 

(I'll put up pictures when Jackson comes home from work with his phone that has all the pictures on it!)

School is sucking the life out of me

I knew this semester would be hard. Everyone told me that I'm crazy for going to nursing school and working full time. They told me that I shouldn't do it, that I won't do well, yada yada. Yes, working full time and going to school full time is hard. It's definitely not the funnest thing in the world. But the sense of accomplishment I feel after every week, that I've made it through another week, and that I'm doing okay, makes it worth it. Kind of. I keep telling myself it'll pay off in the end. It better....

The hardest part though, is not spending time with my sweet husband. I can't tell you how much I miss him when I go straight from school to work. Or how much I hate that I have to work every weekend. Literally, every weekend. I hate that we don't have time to go on fun dates and spend time with family. I hate that the time that we do have together, we're too tired from our schedules to do anything but go to bed. But I have the most amazing husband, who encourages me, uplifts me when I'm feeling down, and pushes me to keep going. I'm not going to say that I don't get upset, depressed, lonely, and mad about my schedule, Because I do. I'm jealous of those that don't have to work and can spend the weekend with their spouse or significant other. But Jackson reminds me that we're working these crazy schedules to benefit our future, and that while it sucks now, it'll be worth it in the end. He reminds me that if we can just get through these next few years, we will be able to better provide for our future family. He tells me that I can do it, and is so patient with my weekly meltdowns. He listens to me rant about the same thing every week, about how tired I am, about how much I miss seeing him, seeing our families, going on dates, and whatever else I'm feeling down about. He calmly tells me that it'll be okay and that we will make it through it. Then he kisses me on the forehead, tells me he loves me, and holds me. I couldn't have asked for a more sweet, understanding, and amazing husband.