Summer Reading Program

 By Victoria Saley from obSEUSSed

Salt Lake City has six libraries we heart! On Saturday, June 4, The City Library will kick off its annual Summer Reading Program with a variety of fun activities scheduled at each library. This year kids get to pick up a reading passport at their local library to track their reading adventures over the summer.

The City Library's One World, Many Stories Kids' Summer Reading Program runs through August with plenty of events to get kids excited about reading. Make sure to check out their puppet shows, science experiments, magicians, movies, crafts, Zoo Mania, stuffed animal sleepover, reptile exhibits and more.

We are so lucky to live in Salt Lake City with so many free activities to encourage literacy and learning.

Anderson Foothill Library, Pirate outside Sprague Library

We were recently able to see author Marc Brown, of the popular Arthur Adventure Series children's books, at the Anderson-Foothill library.  The library did not heavily promote it due to limited space so I'm glad that we heard about the event on one of our frequent stops at the library.  Our family visits the library at least once a week.  Here are a few of our favorite tips for visiting the library with kids.

Every week throughout the year, The City Library hosts events for kids and families, including Book Baby, Preschool Storytimes, Family Storytimes, Bilingual Storytimes, Wednesday Crafts, and Friday Afternoon Movies. Click here for the schedule of recurring kids' events.

Pirate Story Time with the Children's Librarians from the Main Library at Sprague Library.

Remember to stop by your local library to pick up your summer reading passport.

Winner!

The winner of the Jamberry Nails giveaway is

Andrea

Congratulations!

Memorial Day

I Spy

Where in the Salt Lake Valley is this?

Normandie Cafe and Bakery

In the heart of Holladay sits Normandie Cafe and Bakery.  It is a delightful place to eat.  They feature fresh made soups, salads, sandwiches, quiche and more.  They also have some of the best desserts and french pastries around. 

Normandie is a great lunch place but they also serve dinner.  We suggest you try their fresh made sweet potato fries with your sandwich.  But definitely don't skip a treat for dessert.  Their dessert counter is always full of cookies, pastries and cakes to tempt you.  Give into the temptation.  You won't regret it.

Normandie Cafe

1984 Murray Holladay Road 

(801) 277-5244

Real Deals

Do you have an area in your home that needs sprucing up?  Do you hate to spend a small fortune on home decorating?  We sometimes fit this mold.  You should check out Real Deals Holladay.  We did and our homes and wallets couldn't be happier. 

Real Deals is a Home Decor store specializing in classic, fresh, super cute and hip decor at prices too good to be true.  Real Deals is open only 2 days a week;  Thursdays from 10-6 and Saturdays 10-3. 

 In fact Real Deals motto is 2 days a week, too good to be true.  We suggest you get there and see for yourself. 

  

Real Deals Holladay

4048 S. 2700 East, Holladay

(801) 272-8899

Other Real Deals Locations

Fun Summer Day Camps for Kids

With Summer just around the corner, you may be wondering what you are going to do to keep your kids occupied. Wonder no more. We have searched for some fun kids camps through out the Salt Lake Valley to share with you.

School of Rock

The camp is designed for musicians of all skill levels. Through workshops, clinics and private instruction the camp is designed to hone music performance and ensemble skills in a creative and fun environment.

Includes: performance, song writing and recording.

Ages: 9-18

The Front Climbing Club
Keep your kids physically active this summer with The Front Climbing Club's Summer camps.
Little climbers will learn the basics of rock climbing safety, equipment, problem solving, projecting and rock/hold types.
Includes: equipment, meal/snack, t shirt and instruction.
Ages: 6-13

Utah Olympic Park Fundamentals Multi Sport Camp
Kids will be introduced to sports like tennis, swimming, gymnastics, golf, skateboarding and karate.
Kids will also have the opportunity to try Olympic sports like freestyle ski jumping into the Olympic pool, Nordic jumping and luge.
Includes: a focus on healthy lifestyles and nutrition.

Ages: 8-11

Red Butte Garden Summer Kids Camp
An outdoor adventure await your child at Red Butte Garden. The educational kids camps are a week long each and cover topics inspired by the natural world and combine art, science and exploration.
Ages: Kindergarten to 6th grade

Junior Golf Camps
Various Salt Lake County golf courses offer junior golf camps and instruction. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of golf while those with more experience will be exposed to instruction to help advance their game.
Ages: 6-17

Jamberry Nails giveaway

With sandals season here, we want to share a secret with you. You don't have to spend your time painting your toes or money paying for that pedicure. Jamberry nails nail shields will save you time and money and will leave your toes (and finger nails) looking good.

What is Jamberry Nails? They are the newest way to accessorize your nails. They are designer nail shields that are applied in just a few short minutes, with no drying time.
The nail shields are a film covering that is applied to the nail and is heat activated.
They will last up to two weeks on your finger nails and up to four weeks on your toes.

Jamberry Nails is giving away one set of houndstooth 
nail shields to one lucky winner!

To Enter leave a comment on this post or email your entries to info@iheartsaltlake.com 
No anonymous entries.
Include your name and email.

Bonus entries
Sign up for our mailing list. Sign up here.
Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook.
Like Jamberry Nails on Facebook.
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, May29th
Winner will be announced Monday, May 30th
Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Make sure to stay  up to date with all the giveaways at I Heart Salt Lake by

Following the I Heart Salt Lake feed 
Sign up for the I Heart Salt Lake mailing list

Follow I Heart Salt Lake on Twitter 

Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook

Winner!

The winner of the Shirley J giveaway is

Chris 

Don't forget Shirley J is also offering a 10% off discount code for all I Heart Salt Lake Readers.  Just enter the discount code iheartslc in the discount code box at checkout.

Parks in the Salt Lake Valley

Every Spring I get antsy for the weather to turn warm so I can head to the park. Salt Lake has some great parks too. Did you know there are over 135 parks in the Salt Lake Valley?
We have compiled a big list of parks in the Salt Lake Valley for you.
You can download your free copy here.

Now once this rain stops you can pack up the family and head to the park.

 What are your favorite parks?

Winner!

The winner of the Amy Bennion Photography giveaway is
Nisha @ Healthy Mom's Kitchen
Congratulations!

Remember Amy Bennion Photography is also offering a 

10% discount off one session and a free 8 x 10 print for becoming a Facebook fan and mentioning I Heart Salt Lake.

Amy Bennion Photography Website. Blog. Facebook

Mountain West Ballet's The Sleeping Beauty

 Mountain West Ballet is performing their spring ballet, The Sleeping Beauty this weekend.

This fairytale classic will be performed under the stars at the Sandy Amphitheater (1245 East 9400 South) May 20, 21 and 23, 2011. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00 p.m., with a Saturday matinee beginning at 2:00 p.m. A final performance is scheduled for Monday night at 6:30 p.m. 

Mountain West Ballet is a community based non-profit organization that preserves, advances and shares the beauty of ballet by providing performing opportunities for aspiring dancers.  They also provide the community an affordable, quality production for entertainment and educational purposes.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office one hour prior to performances,  at Sandy City Hall: in person or by phone,10000 S Centennial Pkwy, Room 310,  801.568.ARTS (801.568.2787)-Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm or at Smithtix.

Shirley J and a Giveaway

Do you ever wonder what to fix for dinner?  Do you want something that's quick but not expensive or full of fat? Then Shirley J products are just what you need.  Shirley J specializes in just-add-water soup, sauces, seasoning and bakery mixes.

Shirley J was founded in 1978 and exclusively sold their products to professional commercial kitchens. Since 2009, with new ownership, Shirley J products became available to any home cook and can now be found online, at retail kitchen stores throughout Utah and through registered resellers.

Shirley J's signature product is the Universal Sauce.  It is a quick, just add water cream sauce.  It is lower in calories than traditional cream sauces and it tastes great.  Not to mention how universal it is.  With Universal Sauce you can make soups, enchiladas and casseroles, alfredo sauce, gravies, dips and so much more.  It never curdles, separates or lumps. 

Shirley J Universal Sauce is:
1. Universal
2. Simple & Foolproof
3. Economical
4. Healthy and most importantly,
5. Delicious

Over here at I Heart Salt Lake, we LOVE Shirley J and their products!

Shirley J has a blog, and you can follow them on facebook or twitter too. 

Shirley J is giving away 4 great products to one lucky I Heart Salt Lake Reader.  They will be giving away 1 Universal Sauce, 1 Chicken Bouillon, 1 Cookie Mix and 1 product of your choice. This is a combined value of over $50.00.  Check out the Shirley J product page to let us know what extra product you want to try.

Shirley J is also offering a 10% off discount code for all I Heart Salt Lake Readers.  Just enter the discount code iheartslc in the discount code box at checkout.

To Enter leave a comment on this post telling us what additional product you would want to win.
No anonymous entries.
Include your name and email.

Bonus entries
Sign up for our mailing list. Sign up here.
Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook.
Like Shirley J on Facebook.
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, May22nd
Winner will be announced Monday, May 23rd
Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Make sure to stay  up to date with all the giveaways at I Heart Salt Lake by

Following the I Heart Salt Lake feed 
Sign up for the I Heart Salt Lake mailing list

Follow I Heart Salt Lake on Twitter 

Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook

We Heart Locals- Jo Zumbrunnen

By Carly Kerby of Living the Scream

I wanted to tell all of the I Heart Salt lake readers about a fabulous Salt Lake City native Children's author, Jo Zumbrunnen who has just published her 2nd children's book. She also just happens to be my Mom which could make me a little bias but I don't think so.

Introducing Hairietta Hairison The One, The Only Me

It's an adorable Children's book with a great moral. It's about a little girl who loses her hair but does not care. There are too many other important things going on in her life.

Here is more about the book in the author's words.

"Introducing Hairietta Hairison, a modern day Pollyanna with the locks of Rapunzel. I wrote this story for my granddaughter who has Alopecia. (simply put the hair follicles are attacked and baldness can occur)  I have seven granddaughters and I want all of them to have a Hairietta attitude. While getting this book ready I had three friends diagnosed with breast cancer.  They all went through their own hair-oic challenges. We all have a hair story and for sure a bad hair day. This book appeals to the ages of 3-101. It’s a little girlie but when my grandsons read it they laughed their hair off..(just kidding). This is my second children's story that has made it to publication. The Journey to get this far isn’t always easy but Hairietta's message made it well worth it."

The illustrations and graphic design are done by my brother and his wife who also live in Utah, which truly makes this book a family affair.

Introducing Hairietta Hairison The One, The Only Me is sold at Salt lake City book store The King's English.
You can also purchase it on her website www.jozybooks.com. I Heart Salt Lake readers will receive 30% off. Use code iheartsaltlake.

Jozy Books. Facebook. Twitter

The Basket Loft

The Basket Loft is my go-to place for home and holiday decor and great gifts too. They carry table lines, wall art, candles and potpourri.  The Basket Loft carries collectible gift lines including Willow Tree, Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore and Dept. 56 Villages.

Each holiday the Basket Loft is stocked with new holiday decorations ready for you to take home and decorate for the holiday.   But get there early, the seasonal items can go quickly.

Are you in need of a gift for that friend that's hard to buy for? Or sister? Or does your mother have "everything"?  We think you can find something for them at The Basket Loft.

The Basket Loft carries dishes by Portmeirion and Waechtersbach and more.  We love their selection of fun unique serving pieces as well.  They also have a wedding registry.

Don't Forget--The Basket Loft has complimentary gift wrap service with a $10 purchase.  You can also receive other discounts and sale notices by signing up for their mailing list.

The Basket Loft

1941 Murray Holladay Road

Holladay

(801) 278-4370

1400 Foothill Drive #110

Salt Lake City

(801) 582-2233

Giveaway: Amy Bennion Photography

When was the last time you had a family picture taken? If you are anything like me, it has been far too long. Perhaps your child wants some fun senior portraits or you are planning a wedding and need engagement pictures and a wedding photographer.  Maybe you want your newborn photographed.
Whatever the reason, Amy Bennion Photography is here to help you capture these special moments.

 Amy Bennion developed her love of photography at an early age and has been taking photos ever since.
Amy continued developing her talent throughout high school and even interned with Disney. She graduated with a degree in Visual Art and Design with an emphasis on Photography. Though she had great experiences with many experienced photogrpahers she decided to make her dream come true and open her own business.

Amy specializes in wedding, family, children and commercial photography. Her style is a mix of traditional and contemporary candid photography.

 Sessions are available in Amy's studio, on location, in your home or even in the hospital. Amy will travel to the hospital to capture your baby's first moments.

Amy Bennion Photography Website. Blog. Facebook

Amy Bennion Photography is giving away one free session (includes a CD of 10 favorite shots) to one lucky winner!

Travel restrictions may apply.

Must be used with in 6 months.

Amy is also offering 10 % off one session and a free 8 x 10 print for becoming a Facebook fan and mentioning I Heart Salt Lake.

To Enter leave a comment on this post.
No anonymous entries.
Include your name and email.

Bonus entries
Sign up for our mailing list. Sign up here.
Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook.
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway ends at midnight on Tuesday, May 17th
Winner will be announced Wednesday, May 18th
Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Make sure to stay  up to date with all the giveaways at I Heart Salt Lake by

Following the I Heart Salt Lake feed 
Sign up for the I Heart Salt Lake mailing list

Follow I Heart Salt Lake on Twitter 

Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook

Winner!

The winner of the dozen personalized cupcakes from Salt Cake City is
Audrey @ Tight Wad in Utah Congratulation!

Email us by May 13th to claim your prize.

Winner!

Congratulations to Kate Paulsen! 
You are the winner of our Mother's Day Spa Promo sponsored by Blush Hair Studio & Spa.

We hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Dining in Salt Lake City

One of our favorite things about Mother's Day is the opportunity it gives us to recognize all the great things about our moms. It gives us the chance to spend time with our mom and what better way to spend time then chatting over a delicious meal.

Here is a list of places we think you and your mom will enjoy for a little Mother's Day celebration.

Faustina
454 East 300 South, Salt Lake City.
(801) 746-4441
Complimentary rose and select dessert for all moms.

Caffe Niche
779 East 300 South, Salt Lake City.
(801) 433-3380
Serving Sunday brunch 9 am to 2 pm. The patio is now open.

Little America 
500 South Main Street, Salt Lake City.
Mother's Day brunch 1 am to 2 pm.

Tuscany
2832 East 6200 South, Salt Lake City.
(801) 277-9919
Mother's Day brunch 10 am to 4 pm.

We hope you all have a great Mother's Day!

May Events

May 1-14
Pioneer Theater Company presents
Sunset Boulevard
For More information and tickets check here

May 5-7
National Home Machine Quilting show
South Towne Expo Center
More information here

May 6-7-8-9
Salt Lake Bees vs. Reno Aces
Spring Mobile Ballpark
More information and tickets here

May 7
Lagoon Open on Weekends
More information and hours here

May 19-20-21-22
Salt Lake Bees vs. Nashville Sounds
Spring Mobile Ballpark
More information and tickets here

May 20-21-23
Mountain West Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty
Sandy Amphitheather
More information here
Check here for tickets

May 24
Utah Symphony presents All-Star Evening
Abravanel Hall
7:00 pm
More information Here

May 23-24-25-26
Salt Lake Bees vs. Memphis Redbirds
Spring Mobile Ballpark
More information and tickets here

May 25-June 5th 
Les Miserables
Capital Theater
More information here

May 28
Seven Peaks Salt Lake opens for the season
More information here

Tasting Party with RubySnap

Last week we had the chance to team up with RubySnap for a little tasting party.
We invited some local bloggers to join in the fun.

RubySnap has the most unique cookies around and we couldn't wait to taste them.
Owner, Tami always uses the freshest of ingredients and is constantly coming up with new flavors.
You will find delicious cookies like the Margo, a chocolate cinnamon dough with a molten milk chocolate and mint center. Or the Lilly (a personal favorite) a lemon sugar cookie mixed with real lemonheads and topped with a sweet lemon glaze.Check out the menu here.
You can either buy freshly baked cookies or you can buy the dough and bake them yourself.

We had the chance to step into the RubySnap kitchen to make some creations of our own.

RubySnap even had some fun giveaways for us. Giveaways included a certificate for a dozen cookies, an apron, sassy gloves, plus we got to take some cookies home with us.

Here is a list of the bloggers who attended the RubySnap tasting party.

Dianna from I Heart Salt Lake and Whatever DeeDee Wants

Julie from I Heart Salt Lake and Julie's Food Love

Beth contributing writer for I Heart Salt Lake

Melissa from I Still Love You

Ashlee from I'm Topsy Turvy

Brittany from One Charming Party

Josh and Maria from Two Peas and Their Pod

Heather from The Coterie Blog

Carly from Living the Scream

Becky from Project Domestication

Susan from Freshly Picked

Nicole from Cute Culture Chick

Victoria from obSEUSSed

Lisa from Gourmified
Rosie (Nicole's cute daughter) from Rockin' Rosie

Read more about the event from Melissa here.
Read more about the event from Heather here.
Read more about the event from Carly here.

A big thanks to RubySnap for the fun night!

RubySnap website. Facebook. Twitter

Read more about RubySnap here.