Oh Christmas Tree

By Beth Davis

photo via

Oh, Christmas tree!
I can not believe what a dilemma the choice of trees can be. Cost, beauty, trends and the environment all play a part in the decision.

Fresh Cut Trees
By now, we all know that most fresh cut trees are grown on farms and no one is ravaging forests to sell them to us. If handled properly, a tree, once used goes off to the right part of the dump and ends up being recycled into mulch. Pretty “green” really. And really, what is prettier than a fresh tree? Oh, and the scent!
 
We do live in a desert though and we heat our homes in the winter, so those Northwest grown trees dry out quickly in our climate. To help keep your tree longer, get a fresh cut on the trunk, and keep it watered. There are products in nurseries that can be sprayed on evergreens to lock in moisture. Wilt Pruf works well. The dreamy alternative to this, of course, is to cut your own tree. Make an adventure of this experience with a picnic and a day in the woods. Don’t forget the permit though. Check out the forest service website for info.


Live Trees
I love the idea of a live tree, and for years it was the answer for our family. Though the time you can enjoy it indoors is limited (you don’t want your tree to think Spring has arrived). You can be very creative. Decorate in stages. Put the lights on while it is still outdoors and display it that way for a few weeks. Then haul it in (no more than a week) before Christmas, and add the ornaments. If you plan ahead, the hole where it will be planted is dug in the autumn. The tree can go right into it and keeping it damp, is not a wintertime issue.
 
How fun for the kids to have their trees grow up with them! One year my youngest picked a funky Blue Atlas Spruce. It has grown into a wonderful contorted ornamental that graces the garden. Noles Nursery on 6400 South has great home grown stock. If you wander in and don’t see someone right away, Nolan’s number is 801-505-1753. He’s the old duffer who owns the place and he’ll take care of you.

Artificial trees
The fake tree, or call it faux if it makes you feel better, has a lot going for it. Pre-lit and paying for itself over time are some of the best characteristics. But don’t be fooled into thinking they are the “green” choice. It takes about a gazillion years for the poly stuff they are made out of to biodegrade in the landfill.  You can have them up forever, and they are always a perfect shape. Convenience is no small thing, and for all these reasons, they seem to be the tree of choice. Price varies according to quality and the range is huge. Don’t pay full price, every craft store in town has a weekly coupon in the paper.

The choice is no small thing, but there is nothing like the magic a Christmas Tree brings to a home.

Bjorn's Brew Gourmet Coffee

By Dianna Davis

 

 Bjorn's Brew

 Drive-thru coffee 2358 S. Foothill Dr

(801) 915-6438

Bjorn's Brew is the new drive-thru coffee shop located right off the belt route on Foothill Blvd.
Bjorn's specializes in delicious hot drinks. If you don't drink coffee don't worry, they make a mean hot chocolate and have a variety of smoothies.

  

Warm up with a Utes latte or hot cocoa (white chocolate and raspberry) or better yet, try one of their yummy seasonal drinks.

• Pumpkin Pie Latte
• Mistletoe Mocha (peppermint, Irish creme, chocolate)
• Eggnog Latte
• Almond Roca mocha
• Pumpkin Chai

Drinks are made to order and can be made into a latte, steamer or hot chocolate.

They also carry bagels fresh from Rich's Bagels, muffins, hot ham and cheese croissants, pumpkin bread, assortment of granola bars and more.
Make sure to try some of Bjorn's infamous gingerbread cookies, baked daily at House of Bread.

Bjorn's Brew drive thru coffee shop isn't your typical coffee shop. Besides tasty hot drinks, Bjorn's cares about animals and donates regularly to No More Homeless Pets.

Each week Bjorn's Brew features a pet of the week (submitted by customers).  The winner's owner then receives a free drink each day for a week. Submit your pet here.

Giveaway is closed.

Bjorn's Brew is giving away a $50 gift card and a re-usable mug to one lucky winner!


To enter leave a comment below.

Bonus entries

Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect
Follow I Heart Salt Lake on Twitter
Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook
Post on Facebook or tweet about this giveaway including a link to the giveaway
Follow Bjorn's Brew on on Twitter
Follow Bjorn's Brew on Facebook

Leave a comment for each entry.

Giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, December 5th
Winner will be announced Monday, December 6th
Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Winner

The winner of the Designs by Suki giveaway is

Val

Congratulations!
Let us know if you want the necklace or the $25 credit.

Cowboy Grub

By Julie Knaphus

With over 33 years in service, The Cowboy Grub is still as good as ever.  If you've never been to Cowboy Grub you'll enjoy their old-fashioned cowboy grub.  It's good old down home cookin, just like you wish your mom made.

Cowboy Grub has the original salad bar in town. With their fresh made salad dressings and freshest vegetables you can't go wrong with the soup and salad bar combo.  They feature 4 different fresh made soups daily.  Each one so good you'll have a hard time deciding on just one.  Cowboy Grub also has delicious mexican food, sandwiches and hearty dinners.


The Cowboy Grub has a full bakery in their kitchen.  You can enjoy their fresh baked breads, cookies, cakes and pies.  Their sourdough start is over 100 years old.  Save yourself some time during the holidays, or anytime, and order your pies, breads and cookies from them.

For groups up to 65, Cowboy Grub has a banquet room.  They also have a room where the kids can ride horses for free.  Their kids menu is great too.

Try Cowboy Grub soon.  We think you'll heart it!

Cowboy Grub
2350 South Foothill Drive
(801) 466-8334
www.cowboygrub.net
www.facebook.com/CowboyGrub

Thanksgiving

We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Make sure to subscribe to the I Heart Salt Lake feed, follow on twitter or like on Facebook to stay up to date on everything around here. 

Lights On Downtown

By Dianna Davis

Get into the holiday spirit this weekend by heading downtown to the annual Lights On event.

While you are downtown stop by Desert Book's flagship store to see their Christmas window display.

Join us for Lights On!, an annual celebration of the illumination of the downtown holiday lights, a spectacular showcase of the downtown holiday season!

Don't miss the excitement as we Jazz up the holidays with a special appearances by the Jazz Bear, Jazz Dancers, Santa Claus and One Voice Children's Choir.

Enjoy shopping and activities throughout the day and then join us at 5 pm as we get ready light up the night.  Be among the first to see the brilliant lights downtown and on Temple Square.

FREE PARKING:

Thanks to Salt Lake City, FREE 2 hour parking is available at all Salt Lake City parking meters starting the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas. Come down and be a part of the festivities and see all that downtown has to offer.

Consigning with Beth

 By Beth Davis

I really wouldn’t call it shopping. The kind of browsing one does in a second hand store is really more of a left over thing from our ancestors who spent their days hunting and gathering. It’s a hunt for something really unique or you may be gathering collectibles you have a hankering for. There is nothing like wandering through the clutter of other peoples junk to find the thing that is just perfect for you.

Unlike a modern box store where multiples line the shelves, the second hand shop is filled with "one of a kind items". There is no trend involved. Treasures from an entire century are crammed into the space and you find what appeals to you, rather than what the latest catalog has picked out.

There are antique establishments and endless thrift stores but nothing comes close to a consignment shop for a great find. Consignors know their cast offs are worth something, something more than just a tax write off. A great consignee has a pretty good idea what will sell. They pass over the junk and the interminable sifting is done for the shopper. Your treasure is there for the taking. Everyone’s a winner.

There is a snag and I warn you now, consignment shopping is not for the indecisive. If you find something you really love and you can afford it. Buy it, because it won’t be there when you come back. Hesitate if you must.  But if you do, walk away and don’t look back. “Easy come, easy go” is an attitude you must acquire for consignment shopping.  If you come across an item and you think; “I can’t live without this” ask yourself where on earth it will go. If you don’t have a spot, don’t bother. If the item is going to replace another piece you simply couldn’t live without before, well, you’re already in pretty deep.

If you want to sell your own cast offs, be picky about which shop you use. Consignment stores seem to be popping up all over.  Some come and many go, but my favorites have been around a while and have established reputations for themselves.  Walk in one and if you like what you see. It’s probably the right one for you.  

A good shop proprietor will have a grasp on their market and have a good idea if an item will sell. I always let them help decide the price. Remember though that your take is a percentage of the total. The shop will have a copy of their policy available and really read through it so you know just what will happen. Shops may have a limited time to display your items (90 days is typical). They are running a business, so it is in their best interest to rotate merchandise.
 
Make sure your pieces are in the best shape possible, clean and polished, ready for display. Fickle as we may be about our possessions, their next admirer will want to know it was well taken care of.

Who say’s a gift must be new? Put the consignment shops on your route for the upcoming shopping season!

Look for more Consigning with Beth as she will be sharing some of her favorite consignments stores on I Heart Salt Lake.

Cafe Rio Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Cafe Rio $25 gift card is

Gourmified

Please email us your address

Designs by Suki and a giveaway

By Julie Knaphus

Designs by Suki Jewelry are a mother daughter team working together to design jewelry.  They have an amazing source in China named Suki that they loved so much they named their business after her. After teaming up with Suki they have been able to offer amazing wholesale prices.

Designs by Suki have many beautiful and unique designs with amazing natural stones, fresh water pearls and so much more. Plus, you won't believe their prices!

 

Designs by Suki is having a Christmas Open House

December 3rd

10:00 am-8:00p.m.

2074 East Sahara Drive (4270 South)

For Designs by Suki's Christmas show there will be many new designs.  They will also have a lot of pieces marked at 50% off.  Stop by and see their beautiful jewelry.  We know you'll find something for yourself or a few pieces to give as gifts.

Designs by Suki is offering one I Heart Salt Lake reader this free necklace or $25.00 to use at their Christmas Open House (winners choice). This necklace has fresh water pearl clusters and amethyst stones.
Just to let you know how good their prices are, this necklace is valued at $50.00 but they sell it for $28.00.

To enter leave a comment below.

Bonus entries

Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect
Follow I Heart Salt Lake on Twitter
Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook
Post on Facebook or tweet about this giveaway including a link to the giveaway

Leave a comment for each entry.

Giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, November 28th
Winner will be announced Monday, November 29th
Winner will be chosen by Random.org

* You can check Designs by Suki out on facebook or their blog for a sneak peak of more great pieces that will be for sale or keep up to date with upcoming shows.

Upcoming Events

By Dianna Davis

The Frog Prince
Nov 5^th-27th
The Children’s Theater

The Color Purple
Nov 16^th-21st
Capitol Theater

Shabby Apple Winter Trunk Show
Nov 19th 1:00- 6:00 pm
Nov 20th 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
3689 Highland Drive in the old Jaylynn Studio

Greek Orthodox Church  Holiday Boutique
Nov 20th
Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church
5335 South Highland Dr.

University of Utah Football
Nov 20th
Utah @ San Diego State
7:00 pm

Utah Jazz
Nov 22nd
Jazz vs Sacramento
7:00 pm
Energy Solutions Arena

Lights On
The annual celebration of the illumination of downtown holiday lights. 
Be among the first to see the brilliant lights downtown and on Temple Square.
Nov 26^th
5:00-6:00 pm
Energy Solutions Arena outdoor plaza

Gallivan Center ice rink opens
Nov 26th
More information here 

Old World Christmas Market
Nov 26^th- Dec 4^th
The Gateway Mall
Hours 11 am- 10 pm
Closed Sundays

University of Utah Football
Nov 27th
Utah vs BYU
1:30 pm
Rice Eccles Stadium


Utah Jazz
Nov 29th
Jazz vs Milwaukee
7:00 pm
Energy Solutions Arena

The Big Brass Show
Nov 30^th
Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center

Utah Museum of Fine Arts Trunk Sale
Listen to holiday music, enjoy tasty treats, and stock up on unique, hand-crafted gifts from Salt Lake City’s finest consignment artists.
Dec 1st
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
410 Campus Center Drive

Utah Jazz
Dec 1st
Jazz vs Indiana
7:00 pm
Energy Solutions Arena


Watch out for upcoming events.
If you know of any event you would like us to mention send us an email.

Grand America Hotel's Afternoon Tea

 By Julie Knaphus

Tucked inside The Grand America Hotel's Lobby Lounge a delightful experience awaits you with their afternoon tea service.  The Grand America serves a traditional English afternoon tea.  If you have never experienced an afternoon tea you should plan to at The Grand America Hotel.

You can enjoy the lavish Grand Traditions Tea, the Afternoon Tea or just a simple tea or hot chocolate.  The Grand America Hotel offers over 25 teas and 4 hot chocolates.  The Afternoon Tea includes a selection of beverage, finger sandwiches, a scone with clotted cream and lemon curd butter, followed by a selection of desserts or french pastries with strawberries and cream.  The Grand Traditions Tea also adds champagne and a selection of cheese and fruit.

The sandwich selection varies daily.  

  

a few french pastries with strawberries and cream

Plan on plenty of time.  We suggest 1-2 hours.  You'll want to sit back, relax, enjoy the live harp or piano music and make the most of your afternoon tea.

The Grand America Hotel

555 South Main Street 

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Afternoon Tea :

• Monday- Thursday: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Friday- Sunday: Seatings at 1:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
• Reservations highly recommended: 801-258-6707 

Este Pizzeria

By Dianna Davis

You can find Este Pizzeria nestled inside a small building in the heart of Sugar House, though Este's pizza is far from small. Their large slices will leave you full and satisfied.
Este Pizzeria has some of the best New York style pizza around.

Order a whole pizza or by the slice. 

You can make your own pizza or try one of Este's many house specialties.

Word to the wise, don't order pineapple on your pizza unless you plan to pay a fortune.
Este carries a selection of Coke products, beer, wine and a local favorite Apple Beer.

Don't forget to try their homemade garlic knots.  

Packed with lots of flavor, you won't want to share.

If you still have room for dessert make sure to try the Zeppoles, a traditional Italian doughnut dusted with cinnamon and sugar.

Este Pizzeria

www.estepizzaco.com 

2021 Windsor Street

(801)485-3699

and

150 East 200 South

(801) 363.-2366

Paper Creations

By Julie Knaphus

Paper Creations in The Brickyard is one of the best scrapbooking and custom printing stores in the valley.  January marks 13 years in business for the mother-daughter team.  We hope they are around for many years to come.

Inside you'll find over 6000 square feet of space. They have one of the largest die cut rooms around with over 3000 dies.   They have letters from 3/4 inch to 6 inches.  Use of the die cut room is free, you only need to buy the paper from them.  Paper Creations has one of the largest paper selections in the valley.  They sell just about every name possible in the scrapbooking field.

Paper Creations also specializes in custom printing.  They have a huge selection of imprintables and you can buy whatever amount you need. No need to purchase in 10's any more.  No order is too small or too big.  Most orders have a turn around time of 1-2 days.  Check with them for party invitations, baby announcements, wedding invitations and much, much more.

 

Paper Creations also has a huge workroom.  All you need to do is schedule it with them and you can work to your hearts content.  There's no charge, just give them a call.  Between the work room and the die cut room it's a great place to scrapbook or make posters or other projects. No need to make a mess at home. 

 

The ladies at Paper Creations are so friendly and helpful.  One of the owners is always on hand.  The knowledgeable and creative staff can offer suggestions with any scrapbooking or printing dilemma. Or you can sign up for one of their many classes.  

Come in to sign up for their email list with coupons and specials.  Watch for the big Anniversary sale in January too.

Paper Creations
1140 E Brickyard Rd, Suite 30
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
Phone (801) 463-9999

Hours:
Monday - Friday 10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Closed Sunday

Cafe Rio Giveaway

 To welcome everyone to I Heart Salt Lake we are giving away a $25 gift card to a local favorite restaurant, Cafe Rio.


Cafe Rio is a local favorite to many people, with their over-sized portions and delicious salad dressing what's not to love? Make sure to try their burritos enchilada style.

To enter leave a comment on this post telling us one thing you heart about Salt Lake.
Bonus entries
Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect
Follow I Heart Salt Lake on Twitter
Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook
Post on Facebook or tweet about this giveaway including a link to the giveaway

Leave a comment for each entry.
Giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, November 21st
Winner will be announced Monday, November 22nd
Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Welcome!

Welcome to I Heart Salt Lake!

I heart Salt Lake is a local Utah website focused on sharing the things we love about Salt Lake. Local restaurants, where to shop, community events and the arts are just a few of the things you will find here. 

Whether you’re from Salt Lake or just visiting you will find something you heart about Salt Lake too. 

 We are excited to share our love for the Salt Lake Valley with you! 

Make sure to subscribe to the I heart Salt Lake feed or follow us on twitter and  Facebook to stay up to date with us.