Kristen M. Jensen

Rings of the Tree

2012-02-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

There has been A LOT going on this month! The greatest news in the world is that my husband and I will be adopting twin girls by the end of next month. We are SOOO EXCITED!! We have a family blog so I try to keep this blog more focused on creative projects rather than personal matters. Here's my latest project: A music video promoting a multi-media play I was in (but had to drop out of because of the timing of the adoption) called "Rings of the Tree" which opens this weekend. It's going to be a phenomenal show. You can purchase tickets at www.ziontheatrecompany.com

Marriott School of Business Commercial

2011-12-20T23:20:00.000-08:00

I was in a commercial this summer that I realized I never posted on here. I plan on updating my commercial/industrial reel soon.

Vault Denim Shoot

2011-12-20T23:03:00.000-08:00

I was excited to book an industrial job at the beginning of this month for a company called Vault. It was a really fun shoot that I learned a lot on. I got to work with a green screen as well as a teleprompter in addition to acting out different scenes. A little variety is always a good thing in my book! Here are a few teasers that were made. I'll make sure to post the final product once it's done! :)

My music is now on iTunes!!

2011-12-20T23:01:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE to check it out! All proceeds from sales will go directly to making more music this coming year!

Love My Lashes

2011-10-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

My beautiful sister is the new eyelash model for my business "Love My Lashes".

Click on the link below and "like" the page to receive a $20 discount on a new set of gorgeous eyelash extensions!

Love My Lashes

My Favorite Actor

2011-10-23T22:18:00.001-07:00

doTERRA= Gift of the earth

2011-10-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

I'm really into essential oils right now and doTERRA are the most pure therapeutic grade oils in the world. I love them!

Count on Me

2011-10-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

I recorded this video at the beginning of the year. Hope you like it.

Just some updates

2011-10-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

So earlier you may remember me posting about entering a family fitness contest and holding myself accountable by updating weekly on here... ahem... hasn't happened. And the reason it hasn't happened is because I am royally failing! I LOVE pizza, french fries, burgers, and milkshakes too much! I even got a personal trainer to help motivate me and when he told me I could only have 1,240 calories per day for the next month I went out and bought a big greasy burrito at Rancheritos that same day just because I don't like people telling me what to do! Even though I PAID the guy to tell me what to do! haha. Oh Kristen, you are a stubborn girl, who apparently talks to herself... yikes. :)

I've come to the same conclusion that I come to over and over again about life in general and that is the concept of "moderation in all things."

Anytime someone becomes fanatical in anything they become, well, weird. This applies to dieting, politics, religion, social networking, you name it. And the reason is because it throws people out of BALANCE. Life is all about creating and sustaining balance. It's the impossible task we all strive for and the closer we get to it the happier we are, at least the happier I am. And that's why instead of getting down on myself for not being 'perfect' I remind myself that it's okay to be imperfect and to just keep trying my best.

On another subject, I also mentioned I was going to cut my hair super short again. Well, I changed my mind about that too. My hair is about this length and the next time I get a trim it will look like this:

You like???

I do! I think it's sassy AND feminine. Super cute. And if I've suffered through so many ugly hair stages for months then why give up now? AND I'm wanting to grow my hair out for a period piece I want to produce next summer.

Why do girls care so much about their hair?

Because hair is the #1 indicator of a person's personality! Clothes are a close second, just my opinion.

My husband and I have been working hard at getting things prepared to adopt our first baby. We have an adoption blog that I'm trying to figure out how to make a button for so we can pass it around for other's to hopefully post on their blogs and pass along too. Until then, the link is www.weheartadoption.blogspot.com We would be ever so grateful if you helped us spread the word so that we can have the opportunity to bring a child into our home to love and care for. I will DEFINITELY be blogging more about this later. But for now I continue to rant on about trivial things because that is what this particular blog was made for. So, thanks for listening. :)

Wait, where did my ranting go to? Oh yes, I remember. I posted some of my music to reverberation awhile ago and I wanted to share it on here for anyone who would like to hear some of it. I recorded these songs years ago and would really love to record more in the future, but for now here it is. Hope you enjoy!

"Oh an actors life for me!"

2011-10-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious!

Sisters!

2011-10-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

My sister and I wanted to make a video together. We were just goofing around and having fun. Hope you enjoy!

Juni- That Perfect Touch

2011-09-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is the Xango commercial I shot a few weeks ago. There were several different commercials for the campaign that I thought were fun, so I'll post them here as well.

Dala- Horses

2011-09-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know how I found these girls, but I'm glad I did. Absolutely exquisite!

Zumba!

2011-09-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

Zumba is one of my favorite ways to work out! My favorite Zumba class is on Mondays. I always work it so hard in that class.

My goal is to get abs like this!

But it's going to take more than exercise. Today I had scrambled eggs with melted cheddar and a peanut butter bar for breakfast, a whitestone bridge sub from Gondolfo's with extra avocado on it for lunch, and Little Caesars Pepperoni Pizza for dinner. Oh discipline, where art thou?

Family Weight Loss Contest

2011-09-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

My husband just won a contest at work for losing the most body fat. Everyone put money down to join the contest and competed to win the jackpot. I was inspired by this because I've always wanted something to motivate me to get super toned. I decided to do a family version of the contest so we each put in $25. The contest started on Sept. 12 and goes to Nov. 12. So far I still haven't been very motivated so I decided to blog about it to hold myself accountable.

I've set 5 specific goals that I'll report on each week until the contest is over. The goals are:

Exercise (cardio or lift) for 30 min. - 2 hrs. 5-6 days a week
Eliminate fried foods with the exception of once per week if I absolutely HAVE to have something fried. (I had to put this in because I literally have french fries at least 3 times a week and know that stopping cold turkey could be as deadly as suddenly stopping a drug. haha)
Do 50 crunches, leg lifts, and pushups 3-7 days a week
Record what I eat every day
Prepare a fresh homemade meal 1-3 times a week. (My husband LOVES to cook and he's GREAT at it so naturally I've let him be the chef in our family. I figured I'd change once I become a mom but I think I'll start gradually changing- now!)

If I Die Young

2011-09-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

There's this really difficult chord for me to play on the guitar, it's called the Bm chord. This song uses it a lot. I learned a long time ago that if I don't do something because it's not perfect enough, then I never do it. So, here it is. Hope you enjoy :)

Wiggin Out

2011-09-14T17:38:00.001-07:00

Before I cut my hair super short I need to make sure I find a wig that I really love and looks natural enough to wear to auditions for the times they want to see a girl with long hair. I've been looking around for several weeks and finally found one that I think I like. What do you think? I need honest feedback before I purchase it!

i LOVE short hair!

2011-09-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

I've always been a short hair girl but after awhile I get restless and want a change, so I've been growing it out. I've suffered through about 2 months of weird stages and feel like if I only suffer through maybe one more month I'll actually be about to the next stage that actually looks somewhat good. Long hair is 'pretty' but 'pretty' just isn't my style. I'm all about sassy, earthy, bold, artsy, gutsy, carefree, and cute. Hair is so emotional, right?

Which of these short hairstyles do you think is the cutest?

Larry H. Miller Commercial

2011-09-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

I have a goal to be better at blogging and archiving the different projects I work on no matter how big or small they are. This is after all, "a place to share my creative outlets" :) A lot of people have been telling me they've seen this airing right now:

There's a funny/ironic story behind this. The pictures of me that you see were actually taken from a different commercial that I shot at the beginning of the year, Getting an extra check without doing an extra shoot is always nice! Things like this are payoff for all the countless hours spent on going to auditions and money spent on attending classes.

Foreign Exchange

2011-09-12T19:32:00.001-07:00

This is a short film I did last year that I never shared on here. Hope you enjoy! :)

The Creative Mind

2011-09-11T21:48:00.001-07:00

It's 10:48pm. I told myself I would NOT start blogging or do anything on the computer to distract (or feed for that matter) my insomnia that usually starts about this time. Epic fail, right?

Tonight I'm thinking it's not as big of a fail as it seems. You see, usually when I revert to blogging it's because I'm impulsively saying something that 99% of the time I regret saying later. And that's why I told myself I wouldn't do it. But tonight, I've actually given a little thought about what it is I want to express. I've learned that thinking through things before doing them is usually a good idea, it just takes more work and that's why it's so easy not to do.

Ever since I was twelve years old, journal writing became my outlet. Some people turn to alcohol and become alcoholics, others turn to exercise or work and become exercise or workaholics. I guess I became a journal aholic.

The thing about my journals is they are uncensored and unedited. Sometimes I wonder if having an uncensored journal is any healthier for ones posterity than being an alcoholic is.

Either way, people need outlets, and they always find them, whether they are healthy outlets or not. I've found it particularly interesting that creative people are most prone to needing outlets or they become depressed and anxious. Furthermore, I find it most interesting that a very common link amongst many creative people is insomnia.

I'm not saying that I suffer from insomnia because I have a creative mind, I'm saying that I suffer with insomnia because I have a mind that's creative...

That's my attempt at making a joke. I know I'm creative because I create. My problem is I haven't learned how to effectively channel that creativity.

The truth is everyone is creative, some people just literally can't turn the creativity off. They are always creating. They can become so desperate to quiet their minds that they are more prone to mental illnesses and destructive behavior if they let it get the better of them.

For me, I feel that the only thing that has kept me from losing control of my life is my faith in God and the support of my close friends and family.

I've realized that I need to stop holding myself back and really allow myself to create. I have a responsibility just like everyone else to make the most of my life with the talents that I've been given and choose how I will use them as well as choosing the kind of person I want to be and character I want to have.

Just to prove to myself that I'm trying to improve my character, I'm going to wait to post this entry until tomorrow to make sure it is still something I want to do after the 'jekyll and hyde' phase is over.

In short, a creative mind must become disciplined, or it becomes a curse rather than a blessing.

Commercials

2011-09-03T22:39:00.001-07:00

You know it's been too long since you've posted to your blog when you can't remember the password to sign in to your account! This past week was a fun one.

Acting jobs have been coming really well this year. I've filmed 8 commercials and industrials with two of them being just this last week! On Monday I shot a commercial that I'm under contract not to disclose the product until it's been released, but the sets were darling. It's probably the most fun I've had on a commercial shoot.

On Friday I had a commercial shoot for a business college where I played a supportive wife. Check out how cool the waiting trailer was!

"Only Exception"

2011-07-21T12:47:00.001-07:00

I was really motivated to practice the guitar at the beginning of the year but got busy going through the adoption process and other things. This video reminded me that I need to practice again. I'll hopefully be posting more soon. Hope you enjoy. :)

Writing songs

2011-04-05T23:05:00.000-07:00

Hey bloggy blog, it's been awhile, how ya doin? :)

Here is a song that I wrote back in 2003 that I can finally play on the guitar. I hope you enjoy! :)

Elaine of Astolat

2011-01-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

I wrote and produced this short film in 2008 with some friends. It was a lot of fun! :)

It's a New Year!

2011-01-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! My New Year Resolution is to sing again. I'm also learning how to play the piano and guitar. Hope you enjoy :)

Updated Acting Reel

2010-10-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

Learning the guitar

2010-09-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

This is the first song I've memorized on the guitar. I can't wait to learn more!

Today's quote

2009-10-12T11:43:00.002-07:00

“God doesn’t give you the people you want, he gives you the people you need. To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.”

Today's quote

2009-10-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"

Still Alive

2009-08-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hi peeps. I missed my little blog.

Just wanted to let you know I still exist and have been loving giving eyelash extensions. Who knew this would have turned into such a passion?

My new website

2009-03-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to finally have a place to house what I do, as well as link you to my social networks.

www.kristenmariejensen.com

My actors reel gets updated next month, so make sure to check back. :)

Proof

2009-02-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

Last night in my acting class with Rick Macy we did scenes from the Pulitzer Prize winning play "Proof".

Something just rang so true with me about Catherine's character and I could relate to her on so many levels, even though I am no mathematician! This is definitely a dream role of mine that I would like to play on the stage someday.

Set Stills from the film "Melted Hearts"

2009-02-23T10:47:00.001-08:00

I was able to do this independent film with one of my best friends Monique Loumeau in January 2009. We had a lot of fun!

Set Stills from the film "Melted Hearts

2009-02-23T10:47:00.000-08:00

I'm back... and pregnant.

2009-02-06T17:24:00.001-08:00

Just Kidding! This is from my latest film "Walking by Life" starring Paul Hunt as my husband Jason and me as his prego wife Amy. My real husband and "child" are right here:
and I wouldn't trade for anything!

(pictures from my new movies to come soon!)

Work Party for Extend Your Lashes

2008-12-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

I love giving eyelash extensions. Not only is it a great home business, but I also work out of two salons run by "Extend Your Lashes". Our Christmas party this year was at Tucano's brazillian grill. I have the greatest boss and co-workers, it was so fun.

My favorite childhood story-and a lesson as an adult

2008-11-10T22:14:00.000-08:00

It's easy to get caught up in what WE want, isn't it? We run from one thing to the next, thinking we will "finally" be happy once we grasp "the next big thing."

When I was a little girl I loved the "Standin Tall" series. My favorite was about a little princess who found the secret to happiness. Remembering this book helped me to remember what the answer is. To find the answer, you should read it too. :0)

The Inside Out- Web Series

2008-11-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

Creepy

2008-11-04T09:50:00.001-08:00

The Inside Out

2008-11-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

A little peek into my acting world as of late.

This is for that web series I talked about forever ago. I'm still not allowed to disclose any of the story line. But, from the logo you can get kind of an idea of the genre.

ELIZA MAGAZINE

2008-10-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Tatum Hawkins writes for this magazine and I must say it's refreshing to see a fashion magazine out there with a slogan that says "The Best of Fashion without the trash."
Modest. Modern. Check it out!

Eyelash Extensions!

2008-10-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

After 4 weeks of training, I officially became certified to give eyelash extensions on October 1st!

#1. There is no damage to your natural eyelashes
#2. They look and feel natural
#3. You don't have to use any mascara or an eyelash curler
#4. You can get them wet without damage
#5. Save yourself a lot of time getting ready for the day

Here is my OCTOBER SPECIAL:

Regular Prices:
Luscious (full) Set: $200
Sassy (half) Set: $100
Touch ups/fills: $50

OCTOBER SPECIAL
Luscious Set: $150
Sassy Set: $70
Touch ups/fills: $30

Go ahead and search around on the internet, you won't find a better deal ANYWHERE with a certified technician and the high quality products I get from "Extend Your Lashes" this is a killer deal!

All in the name of fame...

2008-09-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to fly to California for a final call-back as the lead in a new film that could have "made my career".

I was uncomfortable with the content of the film and turned down the opportunity. I felt fine about my decision at first because I had promised myself a long time ago what I would and wouldn't do in films and had no desire to participate in anything that crossed those personal codes of conduct.

Well, it's amazing to me how easy it is to second guess yourself when you are faced with something that links so closely to something else you want. I couldn't believe how I started second guessing myself when people told me things like "how do you expect to ever have an acting career when your standards are so high?" or when I watch other people who don't seem to share the same standards I do give it away so easily and seem to gain the glory for it.

After talking to my husband about this I came to my conclusion that continues to give me peace about my decision. It would be so easy to just let go of everything I believe in and not stand for anything and perhaps have a flourishing career because of it, but after the "flourishing career" then what? Hollywood will always spit you out and all you are left with is nothing but your "glory days".

No thank you.

I want to build my life on things that will last.

heeheehee

2008-09-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

My friend Tatum had this on her blog and I had to try it! You should try it too!

What really matters?

2008-08-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

My brother is serving an LDS mission in Japan and for his birthday he wanted us to send him our testimonies. As I wrote mine out I realized that it's so easy to hide our testimonies, but when we share them we can be a strength to others. I have DEFINITELY felt strength through the testimonies of my friends and family, so I wanted to share mine for the sake of letting my friends and family know what I feel and believe.

I have felt God's love. I have felt a witness that Jesus is the Christ. I have felt God close in some of my darkest moments, and even in some random moments where I did not expect to feel his warmth or presence. I have seen goodness in people. I have felt a love for people that isn't earthly when I see them through spiritual eyes. I have been humbled by my own nothingness and yet have felt Gods love for me so strong that I know he cares about me and that there is so much more to every single human soul than we can even comprehend. I have seen pictures of the first presidency and felt a witness that they were men of God. I have felt peace when reading the book of mormon. I have heard the voice of God in some of my darkest moments. I have received answers to my prayers. I have been enlightened beyond my own capacity and know that it is the spirit when I feel such peace, truth, light, knowledge, contentment and understanding. I have been lead by spiritual promptings to things that I could not have known otherwise. I have seen the spirit change the very hearts of people, including mine.

Welcome Home Chelsie Hightower!

2008-08-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

This girl rocks! I respect her developing her talents, taking a risk to share them with others, and upholding her standards along the way. That's not easy for any 18 year old girl in the spotlight to do. I wish her all the best and continued success.

Also, I have to say that Chelsie's mom is an amazing lady. You can see where Chelsie got her good looks from, but she has also received an amazing example of someone who is strong in the gospel. Part of me wants to crop myself out of this picture because Laurie is so beautiful!

My latest little project

2008-08-18T21:56:00.001-07:00

While I was working on "Diantha's Crossing" in May I met one of the production assistants who wanted me to be in her short film based on a poem she had written as a teenager. The poem was really deep, and I was drawn to her passion she had for the project. It's only a 3 min. short where I am running through the forest searching for something. I come to a bridge that I have to cross and as it is falling from underneath me I have to decide if I'm going to trust that someone is on the other side of the bridge to catch me when I jump. It is symbolic of searching for truth in your life and coming to a crossroads and deciding what you really believe and what you will put your faith in. The ending can be interpreted many different ways, and I like that.

As you will be able to see in these pictures, the bridge scene was shot at a park with a green screen underneath it. In post production they will be making it look like a huge scary river is underneath me. The whole scene will look like it's night time as well. That's the magic of film. In post production you can make it look like almost anything. I'm really excited to see what she does with it.

Presenting Karissa Nash. This is her baby.

I have been cast!

2008-08-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

As a lead in a new web series. I am under verbal contract not to tell anyone about the story so I am sorry that I can't give any details as of yet, but, as a web series, you will be able to watch it right here on the good ol' web, for free! We begin filming sometime in the fall.
I will never be able to give the story away, but when I am allowed to give more details of what it is and where you can see it, I will post it here.

So Kristen, what do you DO?...

2008-08-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

This is always kind of an awkward question for me because I have found that as an artist of any kind, people don't really give merit to what you do as being "real work" unless of course you're famous, and even then, a lot of people still don't give art merit as being real work.
My friend Tatum explained it well by calling actors and "artsy people" the "slashes". Example: "I am an actress/waitress, or I am a singer/teacher" etc.
Very rarely can you just live off of your craft in art, yet if you really want to succeed at it and be good at it, you have got to devote your whole heart to it. It's kind of a catch-22.

Well, I fall nicely into this "category" as I do many odds and end things all the time. It can be nice as I am someone who HATES routine and get very bored if I don't experience new things in my life, but sometimes it can be hard not to have consistency. That is something I truly do appreciate about my husband, that he is consistent and enjoys routine, bringing balance to our relationship.
Anyways, here is my "slash" job for the month of August...

I am a promotional model for "cosmetic promotions" and get to put makeup on people etc. sigh, I wonder what the next month holds.

Which by the way, if any of you know of any part time job opportunities that you think I would enjoy let me know because I am trying really hard to save up enough money to go back to school, and if I don't get the acting job that I'm really hoping I get then I will definitely need to get a job doing something else! Thanks!

My Childhood

2008-08-07T12:55:00.001-07:00

While most little girls loved to play "house" growing up, I loved to act out scenes from my favorite movies. A lot of people are creeped out by the movies I liked, such as "Return to Oz" or "The Labyrinth" or "Never Ending Story". I was intrigued by the weird creatures, romance, and mystic nature of these films, at a very young age! I was also captivated by the soundtracks to films like these and I think that's where I developed my love for newage and celtic music. Here are some pictures to give you a glimpse into my twisted childhood fantasies.

Tribute to Chelsie Hightower

2008-08-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Chelsie, we (the neighborhood) are so proud of you for reaching so high in your dreams and providing us with such incredible entertainment. Here is my favorite dance.

American Idol Auditions

2008-08-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I just barely got back into town. A lot of you have asked how Idol auditions went and I'm sorry I couldn't update you sooner. Ryan and I left town right after auditions so I wasn't able to call anyone to let you know...

I'M GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!

Psych! I wish. There were thousands of people there and before you can even audition for Simon, Paula, and Randy you have to make it through the producers around 3 times. In the whole 6 hours I watched people audition I think only about 4-5 made it through every hour and hundreds were turned away by the hour.

So what happens in this round is you are set up in groups of four and step up in a line at the booths you see in the middle of the arena. You step up and get to sing for about 10-15 sec and they raise their hand and tell you to stop. There were definitely some great singers that got through, but there were also some just average, and really weird ones, showing you that they are just trying to make a show. Infact, we had to do so many takes of us cheering that I truly felt like I was on a movie set as an extra, but without getting paid, wait a minute, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS! ;)
Here I am with my mom and sister. We still had a lot of fun and made some new friends while waiting in line.

I have to say I am so proud of my little sis. She did an awesome job and I hope that she will try again in the future. She has really been so inspiring to me, and helped me to remember why I loved music in the first place. My mom is also a sweetheart. She's the kind of mom that encourages her children to reach for their dreams and supports them 100% in whatever they want to do. I really look up to and appreciate her for that.

For the record, I felt good about my audition. I walked out knowing that I gave it my best and was very grateful for all the good advice given to me by friends and family, especially my father in-law Randy.

Some people are very discouraged because they feel "entitled" to win certain things. I knew it was a long shot in the dark for me but I was honestly very proud of myself for trying because it scared the crap out of me just thinking about it at first. But you know what? After I got there, I realized it was not that bad at all and I had a lot of fun being around so many other singers. It seemed like everyone was very kind and supportive of each other because we were all in the same boat. It's not often you get in such a huge group of people and feel so much warmth and support.

I definitely saw some friends who I think without a doubt should have made it through, but, what do I know? Check out my friend Joslyn, she rocks!

www.joslynmusic.com

Now tell me how she didn't make it through? I don't know. Anyways, I'm so glad that I can look back on my life and say "been there, done that" instead of "if only I had tried..."

I've been BRANDED

2008-07-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

It's official. I have my wrist band and I'm doing it! WHOO HOO! I'm actually really EXCITED now because I've had a huge paradigm shift and I see this as a game instead of something I have to take too seriously. Wish me luck! ;)

As fate would have it...

2008-07-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

This coming week is my third wedding anniversary and my husband and I were going to go camping up the Uintah Mountains, but, Ryan's work really needs him to be there that day so we will be home, and our anniversary happens to be on the same day as American Idol tryouts...

I kept telling everyone that I refused to tryout for a show that has the potential to slaughter you on national television, but after talking to my sis, I realized it's so close to home that it would be silly not to try it this year if I plan on doing it in future years.

So yes, I will be auditioning.

haha, I really don't plan on anything coming of it but I get a rush just thinking about how I once refused to ever try and now I view it as a game, a dare to myself if you will...

I'm going to the slaughter.

Tribute to my Sister

2008-07-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

This girl is awesome. She has always thought of others more than herself and I really respect her. Great job for placing in the teen talent quest contest Natalie!

Down Syndrome Awareness

2008-07-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

This is my 3 year old niece Emma. She was born with Down syndrome and within a year developed juvenile diabetes. Her days are filled with endless monitoring and continual struggles. On July 19th, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. we will be having a benefit fair at Wines Park (500 N. Center, Lehi) in behalf of Emma to help her family cope with the medical costs of major surgeries, medication, and doctor appointments that have buried the young family and will for years to come.

If you are interested in coming to hear one of my shows, I will be part of the various entertainment that day. Tickets are only $5 per person or $10 for an entire family if you get them through me. Along with entertainment will be food, boutiques, esthetician services, huge blow up toys and games for the kids, etc.

A non-profit organization called Endless Hope Foundation has been started on behalf of Emma and donations are accepted at any Zions Bank. Any donation would be appreciated. EVERY PENNY HELPS. Thank you for making a difference!

Getting back into the "sing" of things...

2008-07-04T00:27:00.001-07:00

Busy!

2008-06-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

Wow, this past week has been crazy! We have been shooting "The Lady of Shallot" which is a 10-15 min. short that will be sent in to film festivals. It's my small businesses first production and I'm so excited to be learning about producing so that Starlight Studios can grow and continue to produce more films in the future!

I also made a callback for "Father in Israel" which will come to theaters early next year, so cross your fingers for me on that one!

It's so funny how life is full of pleasant surprises as well as bitter disappointments. The older I get the more I learn how to take the disappointments with a grain of salt, let it roll off my back, and focus on the positive. I'm truly learning that whatever we put our minds to, we can achieve.

One of the disappointments I've had recently was finding that a lot had been cut out of a film I was in with Jessica Lange, including my speaking part. You never know if you will end up "on the cutting room floor" in post production when they slim things down for theatrical release. Oh well. Here are some pictures of my scene. Can you believe how SHORT my hair was??? That was only 2 1/2 years ago!

The Lady of Shallot

2008-06-26T20:28:00.001-07:00

I made it to Regionals

2008-06-18T00:32:00.001-07:00

Here I am with my cute husband at club DJ's. I was in the top three and will be competing at the Regional Level in August. Wish me luck!

Talent Quest Utah

2008-06-14T01:06:00.001-07:00

For the last week I have been competing in a talent contest that will move on to a regional and then a national level. Along the way different prizes such as cruises, shopping spree's, recording studio sessions, and more can be won. My main concern for doing this was to get back out in front of audiences, whether I win or not doesn't matter to me. I just wanted to feel myself have the courage to do something that I haven't done in awhile, and enjoy doing it. Sorry the picture is so blurry, I'll try to get some better ones on Tuesday at the finals. We have to go through 3 rounds. First round I sang Kelly Clarkson's "Because of you", second round Natasha Beddingfeilds "Unwritten" and on Tuesday I'll be singing Leona Lewis's "Bleedin Love".

"Father in Israel"

2008-06-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

My sister and I auditioned for a new movie today called "Father in Israel". It will most likely be distributed by excel entertainment early next year. Auditions like today are freaking cattle calls I tell ya! SO MANY PEOPLE! Anyways, it would be so fun to land this one with my sis because we auditioned the role of sisters. I would love getting to work with her on a movie set! Cross your fingers for us! We'll keep you posted. ;)

Disappointment

2008-06-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

I auditioned for a hosting job for a "how to" series last week and thought I nailed it. The director told me I was the first person he had seen all day to do what he had asked and that I was a breath of fresh air. I walked out of the audition feeling pretty confident I got the job with a compliment like that. A week later and I still haven't heard anything, making me realize that if I haven't heard by now, it means I didn't get the job. I can live with not getting jobs, it happens. But why do people have to give such nice compliments and get your hopes up like that? Ugh. That's what I don't like!

Interactive Web-Video

2008-05-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well, just got back from my commercial today and I was there for a whopping 10 min. said my line, got paid $75 and left. I knew I loved my job! :) I think the hardest part about breaking into acting is the actual "breaking in" part, but once you have started networking and created a name for yourself, the jobs start rolling in a lot easier. Im not saying the jobs are flowing like milk and honey, but they come a lot easier than they did 5 years ago. And for that I am VERY GRATEFUL!
The company for this commercial was PRO-CREATIVE and they were advertising how to make a web page through VAIASOFT. If I ever find out what the link is and you want to watch my whopping one liner then I will post it here. ;)

I've been cast in a new web commercial

2008-05-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

I will be filming tomorrow and don't yet have the script! Isn't this a crazy business? I will be playing a real-estate agent. I will give more details once I get them. :)

Go David!

2008-05-10T09:50:00.001-07:00

Diantha's Crossing Photos by Samuel Bilodeau

2008-05-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Premiere of "Rescued"

2008-04-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the premiere for a movie I was in called Rescued, starring two friends of mine, Jaci Twiss, and Shea Potter. They did good jobs and the movie turned out to be CandleLight Media's best film so far. I played the secretary who turns out to be a homewrecker to the main character. I had a lot of fun on set.

Here's a picture of the cast (minus Bill who wasn't there)

The premiere was at Jordon Commons and this is Ryan freezing in his shorts and t-shirt

My favorite part of jordon commons is taking in food. I love the cookie dough shakes at this place. Thanks mom!

Here's the cast signing posters.

The cast again

And this is my acting agent, Liz Knight.

One of my favorite actresses

2008-04-24T04:44:00.000-07:00

I really love Rachel McAdams. She kind of boomed for awhile and then died down and hasn't been in the spotlight so much lately, which makes me sad. I like this interview because her attitude about auditioning is very inspiring. So many actors will walk into an audition freaked out and it really affects their performance. I agree with Rachel that it's just fun to go in and act in an audition, whether you get the role or not. I guess that's why I've been able to do this for 6 years without getting discouraged. I love it and feel like a child playing make believe every time I go into an audition.

New Acting Headshots

2008-04-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

Starlight Studios

2008-04-09T21:59:00.001-07:00

I got my D.B.A (doing business as) Starlight Studios about a year ago with the intention to evolve into a production company/performing arts school. My dream is well on it's way as I currently teach voice lessons and am producing my first film this spring.
Pre-production has been a long process and is a lot harder work than I could have imagined. I am making this short 15 min. film with the intention to send it into film festivals and gather investment for an upcoming feature length film I want to make. A couple days days ago I scouted out locations with the films director Jeshua Dehorta. The sets are still being built, but this will give you an idea of what it looks like.

We will be telling the story of Elaine of Astolat. Here is a music video to give you an idea of what the story is about.

CHICAGO TRIP

2008-04-04T12:06:00.001-07:00

I have wanted to blog about my trip for over a month! I haven't been able to upload my photos so I'm just going to use Tatum's pictures. I'm sick of waiting!
Okay, a little history. Tatum and I grew up in the same ward (church) and have a lot of fun memories from Young Women's (a church program). We hadn't seen each other in about 6 years, and found each other online.

Tatum, can you believe I found a pic of us together so young? Gotta love those birthday parties! I'm the one with the birthday cake and Tatum is on the back row on the left hand side with black hair.

This next one is of us at girls camp (another church program) writing in our journals. Tatum and I both LOVE writing. That camp was so fun! I had some embarrassing pictures from that year that I can't find, dangit!

Okay, so here are the Chicago pix. The first night I arrived, Tatum took me to the cutest little chocolate shop called Ethel's. It was so fun just to sit on the couches and catch up on life while we drank the yummiest hot chocolate I've ever tasted!

The next day Tatum took me to get sushi for lunch.

It was snowing and very cold that day.

After lunch we looked in some shops and then saw "The Other Boleyn Girl". It was very scandalous and tragic, we LOVED it! We couldn't stop talking about it the whole weekend and I ended up buying the book for the plane ride home!

Next, we rode into town and took taxi's all over the place.

If you think Utah is cold, try Chicago!

Here's the city!

We went to Tatum's office and this is the view she has! AMAZING!

Okay, guilty confession, I STUFFED MY FACE THE WHOLE TRIP! This picture is funny because it shows how glutenously happy I am to be eating my icecream cookie right after I had an icecream bar. I think I came back at least 5 lbs heavier!

Don't believe me? This is us getting Chicago pizza right after the icecream.

And can I forget to tell you how wonderful the calamari was?!

Here's a picture of us after dinner. I look like a whale next to teeny tiny Tatum!

After dinner we met up with Tatum's husband Sam and went to see Wicked!

Can you tell I'm excited?! :)

Next day was Sunday and Tatum teaches in the Nursery at church.

We went for a walk around the Lake after that.

Sam walked over an ice bridge and almost fell in the Lake!

Tatum and Sam. What a cute couple!

That night I helped Tatum make dinner and I made Sam take a picture of us so that Ryan would believe it. (Ryan is definitely the cook in our family, not me!)

That night we just watched movie after movie, after movie! My favorite one was "Skeleton Key"!

The next day we went to the spa and got pedicures!

We had to walk home in the little foam shoes so we wouldn't smudge our toes. Talk about cold! By the way Tatum, I still have blue on one of my big toes and both pinky toes! I haven't taken it off yet!

Then we went on a mad hunt for Indian Curry before I had to go back to the airport. Every place was closed but luckily we finally found a place that let us get take out.

I was sad to leave.

We had so much fun together. I learned that it's really important to just take some time with your girlfriends and rejuvenate. Love and miss you! xoxoxoxo

Stage Fright

2008-03-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Every single year people ask me if I'm going to try out for American Idol, and every year I tell them "no way". I have put singing on the back burner for so long that I feel extremely self concious. I realize I probably left singing for acting because I get to hide behind a character. I'm sick of hiding. I admire people who have the courage to do things other people would never dare to do. People who dare to be criticized on National Television are my heroes!

I have the same vocal coach as David Archuleta and Carmen Rasmusen of American Idol and every time I go in for a lesson I am given good feedback from someone who knows what he's talking about, but for some reason when I get infront of an audience I freeze up and my voice just doesn't do what it does when I'm practicing. It's VERY frusterating and something I DESPERATELY want to overcome. It's hard for me to believe I have a good voice even if people tell me I do. I love to sing, but it breaks my heart when I'm criticized. When somebody rejects your voice it's like they are rejecting the deepest part of who you are.

Carmen was terribly criticized and has to endure people mocking her privately and publicly all the time. I don't know how she does it. People can be so cruel and forget that we all have dreams, we all have insecurities, we all make mistakes, and none of us are perfect. It's not about having the best voice that I respect, it's about having the courage to pursue your dreams, to do what you love even if you will be criticized for it. I think part of my problem is that I've been in WAY too many competitions through out my life so I always feel like I'm being judged rather than people just enjoying the music. If any of my children like to sing I'll help them develop their talent, but I won't push them to be in competitions unless they ask for it themselves. It's going to take a lot for me to get over this!

I've just been cast in a new movie!!!

2008-03-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

"Diantha's Crossing" is an independent film that will play on KBYU and BYU TV. I will be playing one of the lead roles as a 15-20 year old version of the main character, Diantha. I'm most excited that this will be a period piece set in the 1800's, something I have ALWAYS wanted to do!
I don't know if I am allowed to disclose the whole storyline so I better not until I ask permission, but it's basically a drama about one woman's life as a mormon during the times of the Hauns Mill Massacre and many other historic events. I am absolutely thrilled about this project!

Music Video

2008-03-14T23:32:00.000-07:00

Again, here is something that I originally posted on our family blog but decided to move to my personal blog instead.

Kaplan College Commercial

2008-03-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry I'm reposting things to this page instead of our family page. I decided to keep my couples blog related to us as a couple rather than to things I do on my own. Anyways, this is a cheesy commercial I did last summer. :)

"Bonneville"

2008-03-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

I had a speaking part in this movie but unfortunately when I went to see it they had cut it, and many other parts out. :( I'm hoping that if I get the DVD my part will be in the deleted scenes because I'm talking directly to Jessica Lange. I would like to have it for my acting reel. Here is the trailer.

What I do for fun...

2008-02-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

This is a short little independent film I did last summer. Making movies is so much fun!
Part One

Part Two

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

2008-02-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in knowing more about the "mormon" church then just ask. For now, here are thirteen articles of faith to help give you an idea of what we believe.

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that exised in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

A Link to my music

2008-02-19T11:34:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in hearing some of my music then you can check out my myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/kristenmarietunes

A little history...

2008-02-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

The World's Fastest Indian

2008-02-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

This is a clip of the very first movie I was ever in, working alongside Anthony Hopkins. Tony was great, he treated everyone like they were important no matter how small their job was, he even kissed my cheek afterwards. I was very impressed with him. The man playing Tina the transvestite is Chris Williams, brother of Vanessa Williams. He was also a very nice man, we got to talk while sharing the same hair and make up trailer.