Happy Birthday Mom!

To one of the most energetic, giving, hard working person I have known, and the best example I have had in my life. I love you mom!!!

Photos by LeoPatrone

Free IKEA Flooring Workshop...

This Saturday, June 27, for a 1/2 hour workshop. Workshops will be held every 45 minutes starting at 10:00am and running until 12:00pm at IKEA Draper 67 West IKEA Way, Draper, UT 84020.

A little black dress...makes a great summer dress...

From top to bottom:

NW Jeans, Kenley Shift Dress $64.99

Puff Sleeve Knit dress from My Tribe $78.00

AnnTaylor, Petite Ruffle Sleeve Sheath Dress $29.88

Banana Republic, Silk ruffle dress $49.99

Bedroom Inspirations...

Images via TheNest. Click here for more ideas. From top to bottom:

Seaside Getaway

An All-Natural Haven

Hollywood Glamour

Head of the Class

Seeking Hotel Chic

Java and Jute

Utah Arts Festival...

Go enjoy one of the best Arts Festivals in the state this Thursday June 25 through the 28. For more info click here

Banana chocolate smoothie...

This is an wonderful energizing healthy drink. Perfect for this season! It is not only very filling but a good way to use those almost overly ripe dark bananas.

Once you see them getting mostly dark, just through them in your freezer. Once you are ready to use them, just thaw them by dipping them in hot water for a few seconds. You will notice that the peel starts getting soft. Remove the peel with a knife. It will come off really easily. For those who are not too fond of the raw/vegan diet, try the options in parenthesis. You can find all these ingredients at you local health food store. OK, here we go:

1 large frozen banana, peeled
1 cup almond milk (or soy milk)
1 tablespoon agave nectar (or honey)
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
About 10-12 ice cubes

Blend all of the above. Use the ice crush feature if using a regular blender. A Blendtec or Vita-Mix blenders are highly recommended to retain flavor and nutrition. Enjoy!

Free smoothie tomorrow...

Don't forget to get your free smoothie Friday, June 19 at your local Orange Julius. Click here to get your coupon

For IKEA lovers only...

IKEA is having a Summer Sale starting today June 17, 2009 through July 5, 2009. These are some of my favorite picks from top to bottom:

LIDEN coffee table $29.99
SVENNING swivel chair $14.99
NORDANÖ bench $69.00

For a list of deals click here

Growing your own organic veggies...

I have been so excited about my little organic garden that I started recently! You actually don't have to have a large area to start your own. I am actually growing mine in pots in my back porch. I found out that the easiest to grow are: tomatoes, peppers, and some herbs such as basil. Imagine how much money you can actually save from growing your own vegetables! I found all these plants at my local famers market. I know from experience that organic produce can cost a lot more, but it tastes sooo much better.

Here are some simple tips that I have learned that help keep the bugs away naturally:

• Plant marigolds or basil near your plats. This works great for tomatoes because basil will also flavor them. Sage, thyme, or rosemary also work great.



• Plant garlic or mix dry granulated garlic into the soil around the plants. Good to keep japanese beatles away.



• Plant Spearmint or Peppermint to keep ants away. It can be planted near your house to naturally deter ants from your house.



• Bugs that eat other bugs are a fantastic organic gardening pest control. Ladybugs, praying mantises, and lacewings are all beneficial insects. You can buy them at the garden store and release them into your garden.

There are some awesome site that teach you how to grown your own organic garden. There is some here. There is also some great information from local backyarfarming

Local Farmers Markets...

Two wonderful choices for fresch local produce and a display of cute crafts! Something refreshing to do Saturday mornings!

TOP: Provo's farmers market at the corner of 500 W and 100 S. Every Saturday from May through October from 9-2pm. It has improved a lot since last year. They now offer a greater variety of vendors. I love riding my bike ther every Saturday. Click here for more info here

BOTTOM: Downtown Salt Lake Farmers Market at Historic Pioneer Park 300 South & 300 West. Starts this Saturday June 13 through October 17. Several booths offering great food and crafts. One of my personal favorites! If you have a pet, take it there for a walk. They love pets there! For more info, click here

Free download - thank you tags

I found this cute gift tags through whiskergraphics . To download yours just click here and print as many as you want!

Real Foods!!!

I am a huge supporter of a raw/vegan, real food diet. Since I incorporated these changes into my daily diet I have experienced major improvement in my overall health and energy level. Here are some great suggestions on how to incorporate some tips for a healthier lifestyle that have worked for me. (By Dr. Neish Joshi)

Returning to a more natural way of eating is the best way to avoid disease and premature aging. It also keeps the weight off. Buy organic foods, shop in your local farmer’s markets. Increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, seeds, grains and legumes. More raw foods are better for health (enzymes remain intact), the environment (smaller carbon footprint) and the pocket (lower utility bills).

Avoiding all refined carbohydrates including white flour and sugar

Avoiding all foods with chemical preservatives and flavorings including foods that contain toxic elements (such as heavy metals, e.g. tuna)

Drinking at least one to two liters of pure water daily to help the body clean and detoxify itself

Eating fruit and vegetables that are ripe, fresh and as free of chemical fertilizers as possible

Minimizing tea, coffee or caffeine, dairy products, and alcohol

Boosting your health and vitality with a diet rich in organic, ripe fruits and vegetables.

Sleeping at least eight hours a night and practicing some gentle exercise, yoga or meditation every day to reduce the effects of stress on the body

For more info I suggest you go to goop's newsletter by clicking here

My new bike!

I am so happy with my new bike. It is a Fuji 2009 Nevada 4.0 mountain bike. My belated anniversary present, and I absolutely love it! Thanks husband!!!

Spark Restaurant & Lounge!

Defenitely one of my favorite places in Provo. If you try it you will love it too! Here is a special they are having only through Thrusday JUNE 18, 2009 so hurry and go! Pass this along!

Photos via yourheartout. Click here to get your coupon!

Free Smoothie!!!

Get a free smothie at your local Orange Julius on JUNE 19, 2009. Click here to get your coupon. Pass this along along to your family and friends!

Bargain Fashion Finds - Target

I am all about fashion at affordable prices. I found this amazing bargains at Target.com. At this prices they will not last too long. Check out this white cowl top for only $6.28. Yes, you heard right. Click here to find it!

For a dressier look check this Mesh sweater dress for only $11.24 by clicking here

Free Printable Snail Stationery...

I came across this cute and free snail stationery via http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/. Download the Free Snail Stationery Set (download will begin immediately).

The Printable PDF includes:

1st Sheet: 1 foldable note card 2 note flats (same design)
2nd Sheet: Mailing Labels stickers/labels/tags

Enjoy!