Book

Life Lessons from the Internet

9:00:00 AM


It's no secret that the internet makes it extremely easy to connect to people all over the world. With our parents' warnings of "stranger danger" and "don't talk to people on the internet!" we've come to our own little corners of the internet, following links to other blogs and various YouTube channels. So what's the life lesson, and where is it coming from?
Right now. The one I'm going to talk about, comes from YouTube, from a guy, making videos all the way over in the state of Idaho. Almost 16,000 miles away from Wisconsin. 
His name is Shay Butler. 
And he wrote a book. 
Happiness
Reminder: Happiness is a choice. 
A diet book.
Except it's not really a diet book, it's more of a "how to be positive in life" book. I know what you're probably thinking, "Oh boy, another youtuber making another book.". True there are tons of books that have been written by youtubers. But I'm telling you, this one is different. 
Fit Dad Fit Kid

This one is for everyone. With over 4 million subscribers, Shay and his family are constantly graced with the label "YouTube's first family", but I'm not here to write a biography on Shay and his life, that's what the book is for. I'm here to tell you why I loved reading it. And why I'll probably read it again!
  1. It's insightful. Because the book is written in two different perspectives. Shay's, as a father and Gavin as a son. They both share the struggles of keeping up with the goal of eating clean for 30 days, and also drinking 1 gallon of water a day. 1 gallon. 
  2. It's heartwarming. The way Shay just talks about how much he loves each member of his family and how much they all mean to him is one of the best parts. 
  3. It's inspiring. I have never marked a book before in my entire life. Not even for school, but I found myself underlining important lines that felt motivating to me and I could come back to when I needed some friendly advice or a simple "you can do it!" 
  4. It's real. Sometimes you can read a book and think "is this person being real?" While it's not all about weight loss, and Shay doesn't only write inspiring things and what will help. He also writes about the troubles he's had with it, as many of us do when we're trying to eat healthy but don't want to slip back and he's the first to admit that it's hard.
  5. It proves that you can do anything. You've always known that. One of my favorite quotes (among many underlined and highlighted words) is "You're in charge, it's your life." And it is. You can do anything because you say you can. How do you know you can't do a thing (a legal, good thing) if someone says you can't do it. Just do it
  6. The way it's written. I loved reading this book because it felt like I was being pep-talked by a really good friend with his words about life and what has helped him get to where he is now and what could help other people as well. Shay talks to everyone, because we're one big internet family. We're all connected and in this together.
Everyone who picks up this book is in it to better themselves. And that's why you should read it. It's never too late to start. 
Along with the book, there are a few exercises anyone can try out over on ShayLoss.  

Honestly, I could probably write 5 more blog posts about how much I loved reading this book and how much I recommend it because it's not just another weight loss book, it's about bettering yourself.
See? All of that came from some guy from the internet, who wrote a book. It's not so bad mom and dad!
I hope you pick it up at your local store! 
Butler Family

Q.Have you read this book before? Do you watch the Shaytards on YouTube? 

Also if Shay ever reads this (hey I really liked your book!) 

Amanda

The Best of Me: Movie Review

10:51:00 AM




I love when new movies come out. Seeing the commercials on tv weeks or months before they actually comes out makes me so excited to see them when they hit theaters. 
Recently, the movie "The Best of Me" was being presented at my local movie theater, they were offering members two free tickets each to see the film a couple days in advance. 



The synopsis of the film goes like this;
"The story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of the beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances."

I was quite excited to see the film, it was a rainy night so the perfect time to see the film. 
In my theater, there are only a few viewing rooms with stadium seating. So i was even more thrilled to be sat in that room. The movie itself, did not disappoint. 



It's also a book. If you didn't know, by Nicholas Sparks, which I haven't read but I'm sure, having read Sparks' work before it's great. 
The story line goes between flashbacks and present time.
The present time, main characters; Dawson and Amanda, are played by James Marsden (you may recognize him from Enchanted with Amy Adams) and Michelle Monaghan (she's been in Mission Impossible). Their younger flashback counter parts are played by Liana Liberato and Luke Bracey,





The story is both exciting, dramatic and captivating. 
I really enjoyed the film, as it made me root for the underdog and physically want to jump into the screen and grab the villain by the throat. The acting was extremely great as well. 
I do hope you take the chance to go and check it out, or definitely put it on your list of movies to rent on DVD. 
 I know I will!

What movies are you excited to see soon? Have you been to see this one yet? Have you read the book?
I hope you all are having a great week! 
xx
Kenzie

Instagram