***Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for American Express. I received concert tickets and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.***
You may recall that last week, I got some pretty exciting news. We were chosen to be a guest of American Express and Influence Central at Taylor Swift's 1989 World Tour Cleveland show. How cool is that?! I am STILL pinching myself, and the show is already over! This opportunity really meant a lot to me. This literally made 2 of my kids' dreams come true.
My 5 year old daughter is obsessed with music, and she really looks up to Taylor Swift. Isn't Sophie cute with her Cinderella dress and acoustic guitar? She got to wear the dress to the show, but was sad that I made her leave the guitar at home. And her logic for wanting to wear a princess dress to her first concert was priceless. She said that Taylor Swift is pretty like a princess, so she had to be one, too. Aww!
But I was most excited for my 15 year old son, Kyle. Kyle is 15, and is going to be a Sophomore in the fall. He's a wonderful kid. He's kind, creative, compassionate, and has very strong morals. Kyle is also gay, and comfortable in his own skin. Unfortunately, this opens him up to teasing, bullying, and even hate crimes. (Yes, we have even had to call the police recently.)
Despite all of the challenges he faces every single day, Kyle has maintained honor roll grades and a positive attitude. It would be so easy for him to get discouraged or be ashamed of who he is.....That hasn't happened. Instead of letting the hate get to him, he decides to "Shake It Off" since "Haters gonna hate, hate, hate hate...." Okay. I'm a nerd.
My 5 year old daughter is obsessed with music, and she really looks up to Taylor Swift. Isn't Sophie cute with her Cinderella dress and acoustic guitar? She got to wear the dress to the show, but was sad that I made her leave the guitar at home. And her logic for wanting to wear a princess dress to her first concert was priceless. She said that Taylor Swift is pretty like a princess, so she had to be one, too. Aww!
But I was most excited for my 15 year old son, Kyle. Kyle is 15, and is going to be a Sophomore in the fall. He's a wonderful kid. He's kind, creative, compassionate, and has very strong morals. Kyle is also gay, and comfortable in his own skin. Unfortunately, this opens him up to teasing, bullying, and even hate crimes. (Yes, we have even had to call the police recently.)
Despite all of the challenges he faces every single day, Kyle has maintained honor roll grades and a positive attitude. It would be so easy for him to get discouraged or be ashamed of who he is.....That hasn't happened. Instead of letting the hate get to him, he decides to "Shake It Off" since "Haters gonna hate, hate, hate hate...." Okay. I'm a nerd.
When Kyle found out he would be seeing Taylor Swift on the last day of school, he freaked out. Completely. I mean, this kid was hooting and hollering and doing a little dance. I told him it was a reward for keeping his grades up and working hard to be the best person he could be. He deserved it.
We headed up to Cleveland, Ohio, with our speakers blasting our favorite Taylor Swift tunes. It was such a beautiful day for a concert, and we had fun singing along with the wind in our hair.
There's something extra special about the music scene here in Cleveland. It is, after all, the birthplace of Rock & Roll. We have the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, and of course, Quicken Loans Arena. We Ohio peeps affectionately call this venue "The Q". It's where all the biggest acts come to grace the stage.
There's something extra special about the music scene here in Cleveland. It is, after all, the birthplace of Rock & Roll. We have the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, and of course, Quicken Loans Arena. We Ohio peeps affectionately call this venue "The Q". It's where all the biggest acts come to grace the stage.
The Q seats a whopping 15,000 people, and this was a SOLD OUT show. Not too terribly surprised, though. I mean, who doesn't love Taylor Swift? And yes, Cleveland has a lot of hometown pride and The Q was decked out in Cavs murals. You know....Because we're kind of a big deal...All hail King James!
After we found parking, we headed off to the arena. I had to stop and grab a quick photo of Sophie and Kyle. It's not often enough that I get the chance to get pictures of my teen with his younger siblings.
When we found our seats, we were absolutely delighted. We had killer seats, very, very close to the stage and runway. What? Did you not expect that someone as fabulous as Taylor Swift would have her own runway? Well, she does, and on it, absolute magic happens. More about that in a bit, though.
Of course I had to get yet another photo of the kiddos. Like I said, I don't get this chance very often. Plus, Sophie was absolutely adorable in her Princess dress.
Before Taylor Swift hit the stage, we got to enjoy the musical stylings of Vance Joy. He's a very soulful, almost folksy artist who showed a ton of emotion in his songs. We really enjoyed seeing him, and he was a great opening act to get the crowd riled up for Taylor Swift.
Before Taylor Swift hit the stage, we got to enjoy the musical stylings of Vance Joy. He's a very soulful, almost folksy artist who showed a ton of emotion in his songs. We really enjoyed seeing him, and he was a great opening act to get the crowd riled up for Taylor Swift.
And then, after some rearranging on stage, it was time for Taylor. She opened with the song "New York" off of her best-selling "1989" album. This album is a lot different than the Taylor Swift that many recall from years past. This once Country Cutie has turned into a Princess of Pop. She has a new look, new sound, and definitely en edgier attitude. At first I thought this might be an unnatural transition for her, but I was mistaken. Her new style seems so authentic and raw.....Why did it take her so long to make this leap? I like the new and improved Taylor Swift!
There was an incredible energy in the Q that night. Rather than being a bunch of strangers coming to see a show, Taylor has a knack for bringing everyone together as friends with her words and music. It felt like one big family. Unless you've been to a Taylor Swift show, you might not understand. It was just magical.
The show itself was very fast-paced and lively. I don't know how that gal changes clothing so quickly! There were SO many wardrobe changes, with each costume more gorgeous than the last. Taylor was dancing, singing, laughing, and smiling. You could truly tell that she enjoys sharing her life through song and being someone that others can relate to.
She even had some kind words for anyone who knows what it's like to feel different....Like an outcast....Unloved. While she gave this mini-speech, she was literally right above us on her runway that was in the air and over the audience. Like, she was right above us.
My son, Kyle, held back tears as she spoke about strength, love, and being proud of every experience that makes you who you are, even if it is painful. She even made eye contact with us as she glanced through the crowd. It was almost surreal.
Now of course I know Taylor Swift wasn't talking directly to my son. She has no idea who he is or what he has been through. But she might as well have been speaking directly to his soul. My 15 year old had tears in his eyes and a renewed sense of pride listening to Taylor's words of wisdom. For that, this mama is grateful.
My son, Kyle, held back tears as she spoke about strength, love, and being proud of every experience that makes you who you are, even if it is painful. She even made eye contact with us as she glanced through the crowd. It was almost surreal.
Now of course I know Taylor Swift wasn't talking directly to my son. She has no idea who he is or what he has been through. But she might as well have been speaking directly to his soul. My 15 year old had tears in his eyes and a renewed sense of pride listening to Taylor's words of wisdom. For that, this mama is grateful.
Overall, we had an amazing time seeing Taylor Swift live and in person during her Cleveland 1989 World Tour stop. Not only did we dance, scream, and sing along with our favorite Taylor Swift songs, my bullied teen experienced something more than that. He felt like Taylor really understood him, and found great strength in both her kind words and her soulful music.
Thanks again to American Express and Influence Central for giving my family such a fun way to kick off our summer!
How do YOU celebrate your #EveryDayMoments?
American Express has launched the Amex EveryDay Credit Card to help families everywhere make the most of the many special moments in our lives. With the Amex EveryDay Card, multitaskers (like Moms) are rewarded for everyday purchases—. For every 20 transactions a month, they'’ll receive 20% rewards with NO annoying annual fees. (Don't you just hate those?!)
Yep! That means that by choosing the Amex EveryDay Credit Card, you will be rewarded every time you shop. This adds up, and can help you to earn some rewards to use in creating your own special, everyday moments!
Thanks again to American Express and Influence Central for giving my family such a fun way to kick off our summer!
How do YOU celebrate your #EveryDayMoments?
American Express has launched the Amex EveryDay Credit Card to help families everywhere make the most of the many special moments in our lives. With the Amex EveryDay Card, multitaskers (like Moms) are rewarded for everyday purchases—. For every 20 transactions a month, they'’ll receive 20% rewards with NO annoying annual fees. (Don't you just hate those?!)
Yep! That means that by choosing the Amex EveryDay Credit Card, you will be rewarded every time you shop. This adds up, and can help you to earn some rewards to use in creating your own special, everyday moments!
win tickets to see taylor swift :
(Valid for select 1989 World Tour shows in various US cities. Keep reading for more details and to see if there's a show near you!)
Influence Central, on behalf of American Express, is giving away two tickets to 7-8 lucky winners to Taylor Swift concerts in various locations throughout the summer!”! How cool is that?!
Just click the image above to be taken to the Official Entry Form, or CLICK HERE.
EveryDay Summer Concert Giveaway Dates and locations:
·Taylor Swift and Vance Joy at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, NC on June 8, 2015
·Taylor Swift, Vance Joy, Haim, and Shawn Mendes at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on July 11, 2015
·Taylor Swift, Vance Joy, Haim, and Shawn Mendes at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL on July 18, 2015
·Taylor Swift, Vance Joy, and Haim at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on August 22, 2015
Good luck!
You can learn more about the AMEX EveryDay Card on their website.
You can also connect with American Express on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest offers, news, and promotions!
Just click the image above to be taken to the Official Entry Form, or CLICK HERE.
EveryDay Summer Concert Giveaway Dates and locations:
·Taylor Swift and Vance Joy at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, NC on June 8, 2015
·Taylor Swift, Vance Joy, Haim, and Shawn Mendes at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on July 11, 2015
·Taylor Swift, Vance Joy, Haim, and Shawn Mendes at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL on July 18, 2015
·Taylor Swift, Vance Joy, and Haim at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on August 22, 2015
Good luck!
You can learn more about the AMEX EveryDay Card on their website.
You can also connect with American Express on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest offers, news, and promotions!
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