Unbroken (Demi Lovato Concert)

I am girl who gets really obsessed with things and people. When I love something, then I really love it :) So when I found out Demi Lovato was doing a summer tour and one of those dates would be in Boston, I got so excited, because I love Demi! I have always loved her music, but I think she is an amazing person for everything she's gone through and how open she is about so she can help others. Most celebrities aren't like that, and you can tell she's not all about the fame and everything. I bought two tickets (they were a little pricey, especially for a college student like myself, but I knew I would regret it if I didn't get them) and took my cousin Brianna with me. She loves Demi Lovato too and it was her first concert, so it was perfect!

It was at the Bank of America pavilion which is a huge outdoor covered venue. Its really cool. We got there a little early so we walked around the area, bought an Italian ice, and just talked about girly stuff. There were plenty of "lovatics" walking around, several of them with matching decorated shirts with their friends.

We got inside the venue and bought some shirts--it has the same pattern, but I got a blue one and Brianna got a purple one (I know, I didn't get purple! But blue was more of a big t-shirt, which is what I wanted, and it was cheaper haha).

Our seats were probably closer to the back than the front but really, when you're at a concert, you kind of forget all of that once you're in the atmosphere and just having fun. The opening act was Hot Chelle Rae, who did great! Some of their popular songs from the radio are "Tonight Tonight" and "I Like It Like That."

 I got a few videos of them, here they are singing "Tonight, Tonight."

Once they were done, everyone was SO anxious to see Demi! It was crazy to see how many big fans there were in the audience. It was fun because they were playing music in between acts, like "Firework" and everyone in the whole venue would be singing. You could tell we were ready for her to come out.

The crowd went insane when she was out there, and we stood the entire concert because everyone else was too. It was an audience full of energetic girls so it was incredibly wild. And Demi was amazing! That girl has SUCH a good voice. I'm posting some videos below and you should listen because her voice is mind blowing.

I loved every minute of that concert. There's something about Demi Lovato, because that every girl knows so much about her, we all feel like she's our friend. Which is an awesome thing to feel from a celebrity. She sang all of her popular songs, and songs from all her albums, though most were from her new album, Unbroken.

My favorite song she sang by far, was Skyscraper. Can I get real with you and just say that this song means so much to me. Whenever stuff is hard, I can turn on this song and it gives me strength to keep fighting and keep working through. And it means even more knowing that Demi really relates to this song as well, with her history of struggling with bullying and eating disorders. It's such an inspiring song. She talked a little bit before she started singing it, and if you have a minute, you should really watch the video to hear her say it and hear her sing it, because she gives it such soul, but this is what she said (almost word for word):

"There are so many issues..things like bullying, things like self-harm, eating disorders, addiction. There's so many things out there that no one's really talking about. And right now, I know for a fact that some of my fans out there are going through them. It's such a scary thing to tell someone that you need help, but trust me, it changes your life. So I want to really encourage you, if you're struggling with something, or if you're just being bullied, tell someone, so you can stop it from happening to someone else. I also just want to say to those of you that struggle to just stay strong, and I want you guys to know that the only reason why I did stay strong when I went to treatment was because of you guys. I want to play you this song."

I got chills when I heard her singing that and it made me want to cry. And some girls were crying. Brianna pointed out to me a girl who I'd seen in the row in front of us, who earlier I'd just had a small thought of how I was jealous that she was skinny, that was crying and hugging her friend. I felt guilty for what I'd thought earlier, and I wanted to just go up to her and give her a hug too.

I guess it really made me realize that you can't judge people. Ever. That girl was probably going through something Demi mentioned above, maybe an eating disorder, and most people probably don't know. Just like Demi, who no one ever knew she was struggling so bad until she went to treatment and started talking about it. I think it's really important to remember that whoever we meet could very easily be struggling with something super hard.

The second thing I realized from hearing that song is that it's important to be open. This is kinda personal, but I remember so many nights when I was really struggling in life, just praying to God to give me someone to talk to, someone to listen to me, and I realize now that I should have just been praying to be able to open up to someone, because all around me I had so many people who cared and loved me, but I wouldn't let any of them in. So if you're struggling, it's okay. You're not the only one, and like Demi said, be brave enough to tell someone. Look at how many people she's told about what's she gone through--it has only made her more loved for who she really is. People really don't talk about that stuff enough, and they should. And if you ever need someone to talk to, just email me, seriously. :) (kikicbrownee-at-gmail-dot-com)

Anyways, I just wanted to share that little bit. The rest of the concert was just as good, the last song being "Give Your Heart a Break."

I'm so so glad I had the opportunity to go to the concert, because it was definitely one of the best nights of my life. And I'm also so so glad I got to go with Brianna. She and I have gotten so close this summer and I really just love this girl so much! I wouldn't have wanted to go with anyone else so I'm happy she came with me. Haha she had fun too...according to her it was the best day of the summer :)

I am behind on some stuff but I figured I should just blog about this week to not get super behind. I will try and update as much as I can! Until next time...

 xoxo Kailee :)

It Has to Stop

Cyber bullying is getting way too out of hand and its making me so sad and angry. It's not a joke. Two eighth grade girls made a suicide pact and killed themselves together (read and watch here). Demi Lovato developed an eating disorder and cut herself because kids would bully her and call her fat (video here). Rebecca Black (as ridiculously cheesy as her video may be) has been way cyber bullied and people have given her death threats and telling her that they hope she dies.

Whoever you people are, I am so ashamed in you and ashamed to call you a human being.

We are better than this. I don't care what you have been through or what you are going through. It doesn't matter. Bullying is NOT okay. It's not okay to make fun of other people to make yourself feel better. It's definitely not okay to tell people you want them dead. If you really feel that way, then keep it inside of you or go talk to a counselor. I'm serious. Eighth grade girls. Demi started cutting herself at age 11. Rebecca Black is 13. These are kids we are talking about. I don't know what else to say, except that it needs to stop now. When you see people being mean or bullying someone else, speak up. Take a stand. You might be saving someone's life. It seriously makes me cry to think about this. I'm going to work so hard to make sure I always am being nice and making others feel included and also to speak up when someone is bullying, in person or online. You can make fun of Rebecca Black's video all you want, I don't care. I'll still make fun of it. But don't make fun of her and tell her mean things. She's just a little girl, and deserves to be treated kindly no matter what video she makes.

Sometimes, this world makes me so sick. We cannot keep letting things like this go on. But we can make a change.

Easter Sunday is a Happy Day!

Happy Easter, friends! This is is such a happy holiday. I love being able to celebrate Christ's resurrection as well as the coming of spring! :) I bought a super cute Easter dress (that you'll see in pictures tomorrow!) to wear and my parents also set up an Easter egg hunt for us kids ha. We went to a neighborhood Easter egg hunt yesterday for my sister, but I forgot to take my camera. :/

What kind of traditions do you have for Easter?

So have you guys heard about Demi Lovato? (Random topic for today, I know, but this has been on my mind a ton) Lemme give you the low down...a few months ago she left her tour with the Jonas Brothers to check herself into rehab for an eating disorder, cutting, and bipolar disorder (she just found out in rehab that she was bipolar). And now she's been out of treatment and doing great. She left her show, "Sonny With a Chance," because she didn't think it would be good for her recovery to be in front of the camera all the time, and I totally support that! And she also did an interview on 20/20 (you can watch it here) talking about everything that happened with her in detail and being totally and completely honest. She's really speaking up about everything that's she's gone through and is still going through and is being an amazing role model for girls everywhere. I love how she's really becoming an advocate for awareness of eating disorders, cutting, and bipolar. I've always loved her music, but I really admire her even more now, because it's got to be hard to admit to the world that you've been struggling with so much stuff, but seeing how many people she's helping makes it sooo worth it. I don't know, I've been thinking about that a lot and I really admire her so much! The cool thing is that she's only 18, but she's dealing with this all really maturely. Which has got to be hard knowing that her recovery is probably still very difficult right now. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, Go Demi!! :D

Are there any people or celebrities that have stood out to you lately or that you admire? Or how about people that you don't admire AT ALL? (like Chris Brown...)

An Outfit A Day...
White Cardigan? F21
Pink and white striped blouse? Borrowed from my sister, Carina
Belt? Thrifted
Jeans? Ross
Necklace? F21
Shoes? Forever Young

...Keeps the Fashion Police Away
Comfort? 8
Original? 7
Did I like it? 8
Overall? 8

Recapturing Beauty Day 10: Now What?

Day 10:

Reflect in your journal about where the 10 day challenge has taken you, and where you want to go from here. What can you continue to do to improve your body image?

WHY: Body acceptance is a lifelong process. Some days, we will do better than others. Every day, we have to wake up and make a decision to love and accept ourselves, inside and out. As you continue to be mindful of this journey, you will find more and more freedom from comparing, negative self-talk, and more lasting self confidence, based on the things that really matter: your relationships, your personality, your talents, and your relationship with God.

Wow, I think this challenge was amazing. Seriously, every girl in the world needs to do this challenge. :) This challenge has helped me realize the different things my body can do and helped me to more realize it's importance. And it's improved my image of me. I truly do feel like I've recaptured my beauty.. It's true that body acceptance is a lifelong process. It's definitely something I struggle with and may always struggle with. I'm a girl and it can be so hard to love my body and appreciate it the way it is. But I know I'm improving every single day, even if it's just a little bit. Deep down, I know how important my body is. It helps me walk, dance, and run. It takes care of and fixes itself when it gets sick or injured. And someday, I'll be able to carry children in this body, I hope. That's the most amazing thing of all. Knowing that makes me want to make sure I take care of my body. Because if I can't take care of my own body, there's now way it will let me take care of another one too.

It's so sad how much body image affects so many people in this world. It's estimated that about 8 million Americans struggle with eating disorders...7 million women and 1 million men. 1 in every 100 girls have anorexia and 2-3 in every 100 girls have bulimia. And those are just the stats on eating disorders...think of how many girls just struggle with body image in general every single day. Wow.

One of my role models and favorite singers, Demi Lovato (she's in both Camp Rock movies and has a role in the Disney Channel series "Sonny With a Chance"), recently checked into rehab for "emotional and physical issues" which have now been verified as an eating disorder and cutting problems.

I feel for Demi SO much. She had to cancel her international tour with the Jonas brothers to do this. How hard would that be? Obviously, I don't personally know her, but she seems like such a happy person, she's gorgeous, and she is super talented. She's one of the few celebrities that come from Disney that really has what it takes to become a star. And as hard as it may be to be struggling with what she is right now, I completely commend her. I think it's amazing that she realized she had a problem and decided to do something about it. If she was my role model before, she's my hero now, for doing what she needs to do to get better even if it means making huge sacrifices. So thank you so much, Demi :)

Body image issues are taking over the world. But at the same time, pro-body image stuff is counteracting it. There are so many organizations and people everywhere trying to make a difference. Dove does a Campaign for Real Beauty where they have some great videos to watch and things for you to do to make a difference. The National Eating Disorders Association has so many events going on to make people aware of eating disorders and give people more information about them. Seventeen magazine has a Body Peace Treaty you can sign to show your support and involvement in loving your body. This Recapturing Beauty campaign helped students across BYU campus to become aware of the body image problems and to do something about it. Demi Lovato became a role model for millions of American girls when she realized she had a problem and decided to do something about it by going into treatment and getting help. By doing this, she helped girls realize that stuff like this does happen in the world and that it's okay to get help. And every day, individuals are making a difference. Stand up and don't do "fat talk" with your friends and get them to stop. When you get a negative comment about your body in your head, replace it with a positive one right away. Participate in these campaigns and spread the word. If anything...DON'T GIVE IN. Every day, I will try a little harder to work on my body image. It's definitely something I can work on. And if all of us work on it a little bit, one day at a time, the world will be a better place each and every day.

I'm Kiki. I love fashion, dancing, Carrie Underwood, the color purple, and reading like crazy. I'm not perfect. My nose is big, I'm short, and I can't cook to save my life. But I know one thing, and that's the fact that...

I AM BEAUTIFUL!

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.”
-Matthew 5:14,16