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Friday, December 30, 2011


I Heart Salt Lake wishes you and yours
a safe and 


Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Backyard Birds and Gardens

Photos by Tavia McGrath



Backyard Birds and Gardens in Sugarhouse is your go to shop for all things birds. They carry bird houses, bird feed, bird baths and much more. They also offer tips and education to help you.


Backyard Birds  also sell nature and garden gifts. It is the perfect place to find a unique gift for the garden and bird lover in your life.


Backyard Birds carries a large selection of  decor for the garden.  They sell wind chimes, clocks, thermometers, windsocks, gnomes, unique bird feeders, bird baths, and much, much more.


Check out Backyard Birds website. Many of the items for sale in their store can be purchased online too.


2698 South Highland Drive
Monday- Saturday 10 am to 6 pm

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Purse Dreams


On 9th South and near 9th East is a somewhat new store called Purse Dreams.  It's an up-scale boutique featuring one-of-a-kind purses, clutches, wallets and more.


When you want a handbag that you won't see anyone else carrying all over town, this is the place for you.  The purses have been hand selected by the owner, Jennifer, who is in the shop almost every day of the week.



Most of the bags Purse Dreams carry are genuine leather while 90% are Italian leather.  Purse Dreams specializes in top quality products.


Purse Dreams also has a good selection of messenger bags and briefcases for both men and women.




Purse Dreams is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Stop in and check out Purse Dreams for your self.




1065 East 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 355-3550

Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas!


We hope you have a wonderful Christmas!


Thursday, December 22, 2011

Last Minute Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Below are a few ideas for stuffing those stockings.  They are a few things our families love. Most are available at your local grocery or drug store.  So while you're out picking up the last few things for your Christmas dinner.  Grab a few items to add to or fill your stockings.

 Body Wash, Razors, Puff

Pretzel M & M's, Pez of any kind, cutie oranges



 Coloring book and crayons, toothbrush, Lypsyl (best lip stuff ever) Altoid mints

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Last Minute Gifts for Kids


Here are some fun gifts for kids all found here, in the Salt Lake valley.


6) Rockabye Baby lullaby renditions of Kanye West



Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Gifts for the Ute Fan


Christmas is almost here, have you finished buying all your gifts? Don't worry we are sharing some gift ideas that you can find locally, just in case you need a little last minute help.

Here are our picks for the University of Utah fan.



All items can be found at your local Utah Red Zone Store or Fanzz.


Come back tomorrow for more last minute local gift ideas.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Zoo Lights at Utah's Hogle Zoo

By Kristie Bringhurst from The Resolution 


Are we all excited for Christmas? I know I am! Over here at la Casa de Bringhurst, my husband and I are trying to fit in what we like to call "The 12 Dates of Christmas." There are all sorts of fun things to do in Salt Lake for the holidays, but we wanted to do something we have never experienced before. After some deliberation, we opted to go to Zoo Lights at The Hogle Zoo for one of our dates.

During this one time of year, the zoo is decorated to the hilt with incredible displays of Christmas lights. You can walk around and enjoy the sights while also seeing all of the incredibly cute animals the zoo has to offer who are a little more active at night. The animals prancing about include various miniature cats, reindeer, tigers, leopards, reptiles, and adorable cuddling monkeys.






If you're concerned about the cold getting to you and/or your kids, there are plenty of opportunities to warm up indoors including animal exhibits and concession stands. You'll have to try some of The Hogle Zoo's deep fried s'mores and tasty hot chocolate.

Hurry up and get your tickets! Zoo Lights only runs until December 31st (closed on Christmas)! Tickets are affordable at $6 for adults and $4 for children.



Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo
2600 East Sunnyside Avenue 
Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
(801) 582-1631
Visit the website here.
Hours:
Sunday - Wednesday... 5:30 to 8 pm (grounds close at 9)
Thursday - Saturday....... 5:30 to 9 pm (grounds close at 10)
Christmas Eve ............. 5:30 to 8 pm (grounds close at 9)
Christmas Day ............. Closed

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Cactus and Tropicals

By Beth Davis
Photos by Tavia McGrath


This holiday season step inside the temperate greenhouse that is Cactus & Tropicals and take in the fresh air. This exquisite plant and gift shop is lovely at any time of the year, but do yourself a favor and see it all decked out for Christmas. The seasonal fare takes on a new flare with the many varieties of poinsettias on display. Amaryllis bulbs and Paper whites are cleverly gift wrapped and ready for giving.



There is no place in the valley with the variety of growing wonders that you will find here. Every blooming plant you can imagine and some you never knew existed, are all available. If it’s a gift you are after, the collection of containers is also complete. Contemporary or traditional, large or small, there is one for every style and budget.


The designers on hand can plant you up an indoor garden or you may choose from the lovely creations on display. They know their business and can guide you in a choice for any occasion.


 You will find elegant Orchids, artistically presented, whose long lasting blooms will delight anyone lucky enough to receive one. And for the ultimate living work of art, there is also an assortment of Bonsai.

Come spring, the blooms spill outside and the shop becomes a nursery and garden center, with perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs. The artistry is evident in the many fountains, containers and statuary. The varieties are both exciting as well as numerous and the latest trends will undoubtedly be available.


A gift shop of gardening, botanical and artistic treasures adds to the experience. But heed this warning; there is something you will want for yourself.


As their name implies; Cactus and Tropical foliage fill the light and open space. It’s lovely, warm and you should find your way to 20th East & 27th South. Salt Lake’s corner of Paradise.



Salt Lake Store
2735 South 2000 East
(801) 485-2542

Draper Store
12252 South Draper Gate Drive
(801) 676-0935

Monday, December 12, 2011

Carlucci's Bakery

By Kristie Bringhurst from The Resolution 



Okay, so we all know it's the holiday season, which mean there will be lots of baking involved which means lots of extra dirty dishes and lots of stress. What if this year, instead of worrying about all that, you just order some amazing pastries from Carlucci's Bakery? I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I know a good pastry and Carlucci's is full of them. They have fresh croissants, out-of-this-world cheesecake, and everything in between. Located in the bustling hub of downtown Salt Lake, Carlucci's Bakery received the "Best Bakery in Salt Lake 2009 Award" from City Weekly and continues to impress foodies and the general public alike. Not only is the food to die for, the staff is incredibly friendly and the calming interior will have you mingling over your delicious sandwich or fresh baked focaccia for quite a while. 




If you're planning on ordering some of Carlucci's delectable confections, get your order in as soon as possible. You won't want to miss out on these tasty treats. Have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!



Carlucci's Bakery
314 W 300 S
Salt Lake City
(801) 366-4484
Hours: Monday - Friday 7AM to 7PM
Saturday - 8AM t0 5PM
Closed Sunday

Carlucci's Bakery on Urbanspoon

Friday, December 9, 2011

Holiday Events in Salt Lake


Via Sweet Clip Art


Are you looking for something fun to do with your family or friends this holiday season? There are quite a few things to do. We are sharing some of our favorite holiday events with you.

Zoo Lights
Utah's Hogle Zoo
Now-31st
Bundle up the kids and head to Utah's Hogle Zoo for a fun night of lights and zoo animals.

Candlelight Christmas
This is the Place Heritage Park
Now-27th
Enjoy a live nativity, village carolers, live reindeer, Father Christmas and much more.

Temple Square Lights
See hundreds of thousands of lights at Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake.
50 W. between North and South Temple Streets
Now through New Years Eve

The Nutcracker
Our favorites are Ballet West and Mountain West Ballet.

Winter Solstice festival
Red Butte Garden
December 20th
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Red Butte Garden. There will be fortune tellers, henna art, hot drinks, live music and more.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Orson H Gygi Company


One step inside Orson H Gygi Company on 300 west in Salt Lake City, is like a dream come true for those who love to cook or even just love to eat.


Originally a restaurant wholesale and kitchen store, Orson H Gygi company is open to the public.  They have most everything the home cook, cake decorator, candy maker and hostess would ever need or want.


We especially love their selection of chocolate for dipping and candy making.  They carry Callebaut, Guittard, Merckens and Peters brands in dark, milk and white chocolate.  These are some of the very chocolates around.


Currently Gygi's has a great supply of Christmas plates, napkins, cellophane bags, disposable baking dishes, sprinkles for cupcakes or cookies, cupcake liners, flavorings, candy or just about anything you would want for a Christmas food gift.


Orson Gygi Company carries a full line of small appliances as well as fun machines like popcorn machines, snow cone machines, cotton candy machines and more. 


Gygi"s has a blog too.  On their blog they have a lot of recipes and directions for making all sorts of things. They will answer your questions too.  Just ask and they will respond.



3500 South 300 West
Salt Lake City
(801)268-3316
Hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Sat

Monday, December 5, 2011

Poinsettias

By Beth Davis


Nothing speaks of Christmas like a Poinsettia. Unique to the season, these live plants add a fresh and bright touch to any space. With all the varieties on the market, Poinsettia plants have a new look. They can be found in all sizes and styles including variegated bracts and curled petals. The colors are the most remarkable option of the newfangled specimens now available. White, Green, Coral, Pink, Burgundy and even combination hybrids make decorating with Poinsettias a lot less traditional.

With good care, these plants can thrive throughout the season, making them a long lasting alternative to fresh flowers. Over watering is the most common mistake that is made. They simply cannot sit in a container of water. So the first thing to do is get rid of the plastic or foil wrapping. Find a fun container to fit the plastic pot it was grown in. Moss is a perfect way to hide the plastic with.

A great way to water a Poinsettia is to remove the plant’s plastic pot from the decorative container. Set this in the sink, then water. It will drain easily, and you can place it back in the container.

Keep Poinsettias in natural light, but away from any heat source.

A small tabletop garden makes a pretty display and can be created using a 4” Poinsettia along with indoor foliage and cluster of Narcissus bulbs. Twigs will add interest and texture.Your container is the key to design when it comes to plants, keep this in mind when choosing one to suit  the look you are after.

If you would like a dose of bright eye candy, find your way to Quality Flowers & Plants at 1046 East and 3300 South early in the season. There is nothing quite like a sea of colorful Poinsettias to kick off the Holidays.

Poinsettias are made for Christmas, and no matter how much I have enjoyed them and cared for them throughout December, after the New Year, they belong in the trash with the leftovers, and crumpled wrappings.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Gossip Tapioca and Vietnamese Food


My husband introduced me to a place he frequents for lunch with his co-workers. Gossip has amazing Vietnamese food and a tapioca drink bar. Gossip Food
The restaurant is split inside. One side is a quick order drink bar for the tapioca and take-out food. The other side has tables and booths with Vietnamese decor for a nice sit down lunch or dinner.

Tapioca Drink Bar
If you’ve never tried a tapioca drink, you have to stop by Gossip, you’ll be hooked. They have so many flavors. I had a white chocolate, coconut, banana tapioca drink that almost tasted like a smooth shake. Most have the consistency of a smoothie with large jelly-like tapioca pearls (the size of an M&M) in the bottom. The straw is large enough to suck them up.  We got a large size and shared it.

Vietnamese Food
Gossip also has a large variety of Vietnamese food. Freshly prepared, large helpings of rice, vegetables and noodle dishes, like Pho, fill the bowls and plates. Enough for left-overs which I enjoyed the next day.

Spread some Gossip, try it out:

Gossip Tapioca and Vietnamese
1629 West 3500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84119, 801-886-2868

Gossip Tapioca Pudding on Urbanspoon