Local Community Hotspots

Out and About in November - Studio 5

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Do you feel like November kind of gets smooshed in between Halloween and Christmas and never gets any glory of it's own? Don't count November out just yet! Watch the latest installment of "Out and About" where Veronica shares some fun things for Utah families in November!

Dessert Your Diet with Banana Cream Pie

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:29:00 +0000

In this episode of Dessert Your Diet, Mindy reveals a delicious, impress-your-friends-amazing Banana Cream Pie.
Check out the video to get the recipe!

Your Thanksgiving won't be complete without it. If you don't want to make it yourself, you can simply head to Harmon's at Station Park and let Chef Bob do it for you!

Thanks Mindy! For another great way to Dessert Our Diets!

Mrs. Cavanaugh's and Dessert Your Diet

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Mrs. Cavanaugh's candy has the best chocolate, caramel apples and candy in the top of Utah! They even have a not-so-secret code on each of their individual chocolates so you know exactly what you are getting. They make fresh caramel corn each day, chocolate dipped strawberries and lots of other delicious things that will tempt you to "Dessert Your Diet" ! Thanks Mindy!

Dessert Your Diet with Lucy's Giant Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Lucy's uses only the freshest ingredients in their 500+ daily cupcakes. Made from scratch in a little house-turned-bakery on 17th street in Ogden, Lucy's jumbo cupcakes are a sight to behold!

Watch Mindy as she conquers one of Lucy's creations!

Dessert Your Diet conquers Angie's Kitchen Sink

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:58:00 +0000

We are always looking for the best places to eat in Utah. That goes DOUBLE where dessert is involved!

Have you been to Angie's?

Out and About Planner: Fun for Families

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 20:41:00 +0000

Here is Veronica's LIVE Television debut! She will be doing a monthly segment on Studio 5 about fun activities for families.

Simple Treasures Fall Boutique 2012

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:34:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for fall! Here in Utah we have really hot summers and really cold winters. That automatically makes spring and fall my favorite seasons. If you live here, you know what I mean!

AND if you live here.... I've got good news! Simple Treasures Boutique is coming in September.

September 19-20-21-22

Legacy Events Center

Farmington, UT

Don't miss the Grand Opening Wed, Sept 19th from 10am-12pm where there will be treats and a fun treasure hunt!

If you've never been to a boutique before, this is the one to hit! Now in it's 12th year, Simple Treasures is not only a boutique, it is the Ultimate Shopping Experience! With over 100 of Utah's premier handmade crafters involved, the selection is phenomenal. If you want to find the perfect gift or that "just right" item for your home, Simple Treasures is the place. It makes a great Girls Night Out, Mother-Daughter Outing, or it's just a good date night event.

Don't miss Simple Treasures HUGE Fall Boutique at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington! And watch for special giveaways on their Facebook page!

Exciting Details:

Enter to WIN a $50 Gift Card by texting the word "treasure" to 24587
W-F 10am to 8pm and Sat 10am to 6pm
Admission is only $1
Central Checkout means you shop all vendors but just pay once!
All major credit cards accepted.

Simple Treasures website: http://simpletreasuresboutique.biz/

Simple Treasures on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpletreasuresboutique

Simple Treasures on Twitter: https://twitter.com/STTreasures

{This is a sponsored post for Simple Treasures Boutique}

Family Business Cards and a Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

{Giveaway Closed}

This is my boy, Z. He and the other boys in our neighborhood pretty much run the place. No really. They R-U-N. All the time. They are constantly going from one house or backyard to the next.

He is usually pretty good about telling me where he is going. He even gives me not one, but TWO kisses before he heads out the door! (I'm enjoying it while it lasts.) When its time for him to come home, I just start going down the list of the kids he plays with and I eventually find him.

Like any mom, I like having the kids within a certain radius of home. But Z has one little friend that lives down a few houses and around the corner. For the first little while, when this little boy would come to our house to play, he always brought his moms business card with him. She owns a salon, so I figured it was just good advertising. :) He would use my phone to check in with his mom and head off to play with the boys. It wasn't until later I realized that his mom was just making sure I knew how to get ahold of her if needed. What a smart lady! I have blogger business cards and company business cards, but how had I never thought of family business cards?

Something like these, maybe?

From there I began thinking of all the other great uses for these handy little cards!
Moving Cards
Emergency Contact Info
Slip one into your Christmas Cards
Allergy Alerts
Graduation Gift (help family & friends keep in touch when the grad heads off to college).

The list could go on and on! I searched for places to print "family cards" and found that UPrinting has a super easy way to upload a photo or design into one of their templates so you'll end up with exactly what you want for your family!

GUESS WHAT?

We are giving away 250 Customizable

Die-Cut Business Cards from UPrinting!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this post telling us what you'd use the cards for. (business, blogging, personal, family, etc)

EXTRA entries:

Like UPrinting on Facebook
Follow UPrinting on Twitter
Add UPrinting to your Google+ Circle

That gives you 4 chances to win!**

We can't wait to hear what you'd do with the cards!

Giveaway ends Wed., April 25 at midnight.

**Restrictions:

1. This giveaway is open to US residents only, 18 years old and above.

2. No prize substitutions allowed.

3. Winners are allowed to win once over a six-month period.

4. Only email addresses used for the giveaway will be eligible to claim the prize.

5. For any other questions please contact the owner of this blog or UPrinting.

Disclaimer: You should assume that the owner of this blog will receive free print products in exchange for the post. Any and all reviews posted are based solely on my own experience and may be atypical. Please practice due diligence in making any related purchase decisions.

In a Pikle: Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 02:10:00 +0000

I'm so excited to share today's giveaway with you!!!
These cute bags are stylish AND useful! They have everything you need to get you out of nearly any kind of pickle.

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I wish I had.... scissors, tweezers, bobby pins, safety pins, needle and thread, hand sanitizer, bandaids..." The list could go on and on.
And In A Pikle has you covered!

Each Pikle comes packed with:

1 hand sanitizer pen
1 spot remover pen
3 individually wrapped antibacterial wipes
1 credit card size mirror and floss combo
1 pair of tweezers
1 pair of fingernail clippers
2 emery boards
1 travel size sewing kit
1 retractable mini scissors
1 24" tailor tape
3 hair bands
5 rubber bands
5 bobby pins
5 safety pins
5 paper clips
1 philips mini screw driver
1 straight mini screw driver
1 mini pen
1 "In A Pikle" sticky notebook
10 adhesive bandages
1 package travel tissues
1 pill box

And it's all wrapped up in a stylish clutch!

I sure could have used a Pikle bag the day I attended a conference {where we were doing lots of video interviews and photo taking} and halfway through the day I discovered a HOLE in my pants! The seam had been sewn wrong and had split open just below the zipper. *awkward* I didn't even have a jacket to cover myself. I wanted to cry.
I thought through all of the places I'd been that day. All of the people I'd met.... All of the interviews... All of the photos.... Gaaaah! The videos too!
Realizing that I had nothing with which to fix, cover, or disguise the gaping view of my unmentionables, I walked (carefully) to the nearest mall and purchased new pair of pants.

Seriously! If I'd had my In a Pikle bag with me, I could have pinned or sewn the hole shut and saved myself some serious cash. Lesson learned! I now have my Pikle within arms reach at all times.

The kind folks at In A Pikle don't want this sort of thing to happen to you so they are giving one of my readers their very own Pikle!

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post telling me which of the Pikle items you would use most often.
For an extra entry, tell me what you would add to customize your Pikle.

GIVEAWAY ENDS MARCH 23, 2012

@12:00 midnight MST

Can't wait to get your hands on a Pikle?

Get 10% off your order!

Enter the code CASUAL10 at checkout.

This giveaway is open until March 23, 2012 at 12:00 midnight. The winner will be chosen by random.org. If you leave your email address we will contact you if you win. If you don't leave your email address please check back to see if you are the winner. You will have 48 hours to email us and claim your prize. If you do not claim your prize within the allotted time, we will take your Pikle and re-gift it to one of our closest friends. Or I guess we'll choose another winner through random.org. No purchase necessary. Thanks and good luck!

Disclaimer: In A Pikle provided me with my own Pikle for review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own.

Guest Post over at Mormon Mommy Blogs

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Since we are headed to the RootsTech Conference in SLC, I had the opportunity to guest post on Mormon Mommy Blogs.

Who Do You Think You Are? -- RootsTech 2012

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:04:00 +0000

Have you ever watched an episode of NBC's "Who Do You Think You Are"? On each episode, they choose a celebrity (like the handsome Tim McGraw up there) and basically do their family history for them. The celebrity often travels to far-off lands in search of their ancestors, when really, nearly everything they are researching can be done with a computer and an internet connection. Granted, there are times when it's necessary to travel in search of a certain record, but you'd be surprised at what you can accomplish in the comfort of your own home.
This week I will be attending a local Genealogy Conference to learn more about genealogy and what it takes to find out "who I are".

RootsTech is an annual conference on Family History & Technology that is held in Salt Lake City. Utah is unarguably the genealogy capitol of the world. With the FamilySearch Center located in downtown SLC, visitors and genealogists alike come here to find out more about their heritage. I attended the conference last year, but spent much of my time helping in the vendor area so I wasn't able to attend the classes. This year will be different and I can't wait! I've already gone through the schedule and loaded my preferences into the RootsTech app on my phone and iPad. The app is new for this year, and it is awesome!

"RootsTech is a leading edge conference designed to bring technologists together with genealogists, so they can learn from each other and find solutions to the challenges they face in family history research today."

As a RootsTech official blogger I will be able to attend the classes and also interview some of the executives from findmypast.com , archives.com as well as the main sponsor FamilySearch.org. I'm excited to share what I learn and hope that you will check out their sites.

Also, the expo hall and vendor area is free and open to the public. Stop by and check out the booths and the cool new technology. Maybe I'll see you there!

**As an official RootsTech Blogger I was given a full conference pass and access to exclusive interviews. All opinions are my own.**

I Like Ike's Icecream

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been to Texas? While there, did you get to taste Premium Blue Bell IceCream? If you have....and you did, then I'll bet you've been missing it! Hold on to your boots, because we know the ONLY place in Utah where you can get your hands on Blue Bell Ice Cream. The next time you visit The Shops at Riverwoods in Provo, you can treat yourself to this delicious Texas made treat!

Ike's Ice Cream is located just inside Provo Beach Resort and everything you've heard is true. Sundaes, Banana Splits, Frosted Mug Rootbeer Floats, Delicious Malts and Shakes are waiting just for you at Ike's Ice Cream.

Be sure to "like" Ike's facebook page. They give away ice cream all the time!! {seriously.GO.}

Ike's kindly provided me a scoop of yummy Praline and Caramel icecream in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and calories are mine alone.

Blickenstaff's Fun for Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Our November 12th blogger tour of The Shops at Riverwoods began at the toyland more commonly known as Blickenstaff's. This place is magical! It's full of vintage toys and candy! A stroll through the aisles of Blickenstaff's takes me back 20-ish years into my childhood. Toys and games that I didn't know still existed are right there on the shelves. Memorable candies that were long forgotten await grown-up me, inviting me to peek back through the decades to the joyful, carefree days of youth.
I discover something new every time I step through the doors of this magical shop!

One of my favorite things about Blickenstaff's is the employees. They know that place inside and out. They are happy to demonstrate toys, answer questions and give recommendations. I happened to purchase a game during my visit last weekend and the cashier actually cheered for me and my choice of game. (By the way, the game I bought was "Rollick" and I highly recommend it!)

Blickenstaff's also has a great Facebook page where there's always something fun going on! Check out Blickenstaff's for your holiday gift giving. You'll find vintage candy and toys as well as the latest games and .....did I mention the bulk candy?

Be still my sugar loving heart, they have it all!

The Shops at Riverwoods

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Last weekend we hosted another fantastic blogger event at The Shops at Riverwoods. If you remember, we visited Riverwoods back in April and we had such a great time! We were excited to come back, because of all the fun stuff they have planned for the holidays!
Here are a few highlights:

Lighting the Riverwoods Nov 18th
Carriage Rides - Every Friday, Saturday & Monday thru Dec 24th
Winter Art Gallery - Nov 29-30
Gingerbread House contest deadline - Dec 1st
Festival of Giving Dec 3 10am-2pm
Blickenstaff's 12 Days of Christmas begins Dec 12th
Week of Christmas - Live music every day!
Dec 31st "Noon Years Eve" 11am-1pm

If you are looking for some fun holiday activities to do with your family, be sure to visit the Shops at Riverwoods. You'll be glad you did!

So Many Photos, So Little Time

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:20:00 +0000

We are only half way through the summer here and I have already taken ~~1,347~~ I don’t know how many pictures! It could get a bit overwhelming to think about scrapbooking all (or even some) of these photos… but I’m not scared. As I’ve mentioned before , I have scrapbooked since the beginning of time. Five years ago, I discovered the gloriousness that is digital scrapbooking. It changed my life, and de-cluttered my craft room. Can I get a hallelujah from the choir? Amen. Where was I, oh yes, digital scrapbooking…. I recently partnered with a fantastic company called My Memories. Frankly, even if they weren’t sponsoring my posts, I would still use their software. It rocks. It was easy to use from the day I installed it, and it never ceases to amaze me when I look through their online store for papers or embellishments. When I’m in a hurry I can whip out a page in 2.3 seconds using a predesigned Quick Page where all I need to do is drop in my photos. It is that simple.
All 5 of my kids played baseball or t-ball this year and that means mom was there, camera in hand. I have my work cut out for me . . . but I found a kit for that!

Not to mention the fact that now the weather finally feels like summer my kids want to play in the water every single day. Swimming photos? There’s a kit for that!

And yes, with 4 boys, we keep the doctors busy. Bumps and bruises? There’s a kit for that too. (I’m seriously considering buying this kit for my sister too. I’ve met her kids and she’s going to need it!)

Did someone say fireworks? I have been trying to perfect the art of the firework photo. I’m getting there. Here in Utah we get to celebrate twice in July. Independence Day on the 4th and Pioneer Day on the 24th. There are big celebrations all over the state on both days as well as every weekend in between. Fireworks, parades and carnivals. Gotcha covered!

I seem to have my camera with me about 95% of the time during the summer because I never know when my kids will do something crazy or hilarious or just plain cute. There are oodles of other fun kits in the My Memories store that are generic enough to be used for just about any summertime activity you can dream up.

My digital scrapping arsenal is filled and I’m ready to attack those summertime photos!
Need some inspiration or motivation? Check out the all new My Memories Blog for tutorials, contests, giveaways and lots of other creativeness!
Remember, if you don’t already have it, you can purchase My Memories Suite software here. And be sure to use the discount code: SAVEMOM50 for 50% off.

If you have questions about the My Memories software or digital scrapbooking in general, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. In the meantime, I hope you’ll click on some of the kits above and check out some of the awesome things that My Memories has to offer.

This post was sponsored by My Memories and the My Memories Blog. All photos courtesy of the My Memories Store. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

GriDeli’s : You Won’t Leave Hungry

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:02:00 +0000

What do you get when you cross a grill with a deli? GriDeli’s Gourmet Burgers & Subs, of course! This delightful eatery is worst kept secret in South Ogden. We were given a heads up not by the owner of this awesome place, but by one of it’s favorite customers. (Thanks Stephanie) She called and told us we HAVE to stop in for some made to order goodness. Once we got there, we realized that we had already partaken of GriDeli’s gloriousness when they catered an event that we recently attended! Yep, they cater too! Now we were REALLY excited! What did I tell you…worst kept secret! So in we went….

*Queue mouthwatering upon entering*

Delicious food, a fun atmosphere and friendly staff are three very important things to us here at HotSpots. Right away we were impressed! The owner/head burger aficionado was there to greet us and give us tips on some of his favorite menu items.

I couldn’t choose between the Big Nasty (bacon, onion rings and barbeque sauce) and the Fat Head (loaded with bacon, mushrooms and melty Swiss cheese). Dennis, the owner, and I are both mushroom lovers so I knew the Fat Head would be amazing.

It did NOT disappoint!

But we didn’t stop there. Oh, no! GriDeli’s hooked us up with several of their best menu items including these babies…

For the LOVE of spuds are you drooling yet?!!? And how about their delectable Fish Tacos?

The light, flaky tilapia surrounded by crunchy shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes and onion and topped off with a creamy cilantro sauce. Hold me back!!

We ate and ate until we thought we might pop. Then we ate a little more just for good measure. (That’s measure—as in my waistline.) Yowza! By the end of the night we were filled with good food and had enjoyed great company. We didn’t go home empty handed though. GriDeli’s does take out so they ~~rolled us out the door~~ sent us on our merry way with one of their signature salads.

The Pear Gorgonzola Salad:

This salad is a little bit of heaven. It is highly endorsed by the frequent diners at GriDeli’s. We are considering starting a petition to have it renamed “Saucie’s Salad” in honor of the patron who begged, pleaded and bartered to get it on the menu. You can thank her later.

Here’s where it gets REALLY good:

We want YOU to try GriDeli’s so much that we’re offering lunch for two** to one of our readers!!!

To enter to win lunch for two** head on over to GriDeli’s Facebook page and show them some “like” love.

For an extra entry into the drawing, “like” Local Community HotSpots on Facebook as well (or let us know that you already do).

Be sure to come back and leave a comment here on the blog for each entry you complete. (Maximum of 2 entries per person.)

Contest closes July 24 at midnight MST.

**Winner receives GriDeli’s gift certificates totaling $15.

GriDeli’s graciously provided our meal, as much diet coke as we could drink and $15 in gift certificates for our winner. All opinions, photos and mustard stains are mine, and mine alone. ~v~

Everything In Order: Tickets available now!

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:50:00 +0000

This is THE premiere event focused on Creating Order, Efficiency, Peace and Joy in the Lives of Women.

Join us Saturday, June 25, 2011

from 9am to 6pm at the SLCC Miller Campus in Sandy, UT

as we learn and grow with women just like you

who strive for balance and efficiency in this crazy world we live in.

Keynote speaker Amanda Dickson of KSL radio will present the topic Love your Work - Love your Life. She will also discuss embracing change, even change that rocks your world. In a recent interview, Amanda gave us a sneak peek into what she will share at the event.

“The work we do as women is so important, caring for our families, working at a job, taking care of our communities. Well, for one day, we’re going to focus on YOU – you and your happiness. It’s like the flight attendant suggests, “Please put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting the child.” Today we put on your oxygen mask.”

5 Interactive Workshops will be held throughout the day on a range of interesting topics.

Joyce Mathie of Sargent Steam, who is often a guest on Good Things Utah, will share tips on Green Cleaning in the home. Without using any chemicals or harsh cleaners, Joyce can tackle even the toughest of cleaning jobs. A tidy home is a source of peace. Knowing that you’ve made it that way without using chemicals that can harm your family is tremendous.
Author and Power Zone Coach, Rene’ Johnson understands the feelings of fatigue and dissatisfaction women often feel at the end of a busy day. Unleash Your Assertiveness & Take Control of Your Life will help you reclaim your personal power and get out of your comfort zone.
Nadine Cooper, Founder of Change Point, will teach you how to DeClutter your mind and Your World. “Stuff” is everywhere around us taking up physical space as well as mental space. This leads to feelings of anxiousness and stress. Come explore this topic with Nadine and learn her Top 10 Secrets to getting your thoughts and your things in order.
The Energy Fix with Author and Nutritional Counselor Connie Hayes will have useful information on raising your “energy frequency” and turning your emotions into powerful forces that will breathe prosperity and abundance into your life.
Transcend Events very own Christi Richards will share tried and true financial concepts that if followed will lead to wealth and financial independence. Learn the difference between how you currently think, and how you should think when it comes to financial prosperity.

From your water-spotted faucets to your fairly faulty finances and everything in-between, these experts have it covered. Everything In Order is a day of learning and fun. Please join us and we will learn and grow together. Be sure to stop by and say hello! We are excited to see you and we know a little secret…….a fabulous swag bag and delicious catered lunch are included in the price of your ticket. As if you needed any more reason to reserve your seat today!

Get your Tickets to Everything In Order Today!

Ticket Price -

$39.95 pre-registration!

Bring a friend & SAVE-

Buy 2 tickets for $71.90 and save 11%

Vintage Dresses at Vintage Cupcake

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:38:00 +0000

If you love Vintage Dresses or love Cup Cakes, and especially if you love them both, you won't want to miss this Ogden area event.

Vintage Cupcake Company on 24th street has teamed up with Bettie Page for a day of cupcakes and dresses of vintage style. Stop by tomorrow to view the Bettie Page dress line and enjoy delicious, mouthwatering cupcakes.

Weekly Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Fri, 13 May 2011 23:17:00 +0000

Another edition of the Weekly Spotlight, where we shine the spotlight on things we’ve found around the inter-webs.

For sure the most exciting thing we

found last week was Broadcast Bloggers.

Learn to make money with your blog with

a FREE blogger account.

Looking for a healthier way

to have microwave popcorn?

This fun idea from 5 Dollar Dinners

is an activity and a treat all in one!

8 Annoying phrases in PR Pitches

from PR Daily.

Are you guilty of any of these?

LeeLou has new scrapbook kits on My Memories.

She always has the cutest stuff! You can use

the kits with or without the awesome software

that My Memories has on SALE for 50% OFF!

Just use code SAVEMOM50 when you checkout.

Here’s another gem from PR Daily.

It’s kinda like the “Everything I ever needed to know”

quotes, only it’s Social Media Advice from Mom.

Take a wild guess at

How many Billionaires Facebook has created.

This article will give you the answer.

Are you treading water?

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Tue, 10 May 2011 04:52:00 +0000

I read something the other day that described the economy as “treading water”. That’s an interesting way to describe it. I don’t know about you, but treading water makes me tired. I’m not a great swimmer, so if I am in the middle of the ocean, treading water won’t do me much good. It doesn’t accomplish much and doesn’t get me any nearer to the shore. News outlets everywhere are sharing the latest information on the national economy. We are all concerned about the state of the nation, but let’s face it, we are mostly concerned with how it affects us directly. So, what’s the status of YOUR economy? Are you moving forward or just treading water? Does it cost you more to fill your car with gas than you make in a week? Need a second job? Are you just ready for a change?

I was asked by a job search company to check out what they offered and share it with my readers. I clicked over to USJobResources.com and simply typed in my location. I got 14 pages of available positions at reputable companies. The job descriptions are detailed and descriptive. I was amazed at the opportunities available right in my own community.

The more information you enter into the form, the more customized your search will be. If you want to do just a general search that option is available as well. I found jobs in retail, accounting, aesthetics, marketing, customer service and medical fields. Without naming names, I will tell you that I found many large local companies had listed several great job opportunities. Even some with the option to work from home. Once you find the listing you are interested in, you can even click on a “research salary” link.

As their website says, “finding a new job is incredibly exhausting and time consuming” let this site do some of the research for you.

USJobResource is also a great place to find Interviewing Tips and information on Building Your Resume. These articles would be helpful to those looking to update their resume as well as someone seeking a new career.

If you aren’t looking for a career change, this resource still might be useful to you, but you just might be the messenger who helps a friend or family find the employment they need.

Its time to stop treading water and start moving forward.

This post and all text links have been sponsored by www.usjobresource.com

Digital Scrapbooking–National Scrapbook day

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Sat, 07 May 2011 05:58:00 +0000

I started scrapbooking in 1989. No, really! My sisters and I would buy colored cardstock from a local office supply store and we would cut our photos into cool shapes and glue them to a marker-decorated page with good old Elmer’s glue. I can honestly say, I was a scrapbooker before scrapbooking was cool. I still have those albums and although acid free wasn’t invented yet, they are holding up pretty well.

My how times have changed! I continued to scrapbook when my kids were young. It was kind of a pain. It took quite a while for me to drag everything out in order to scrap even a few pages. I often spent more time sorting, searching and organizing my supplies than I ever spent making a page. I was constantly trying to keep the kids from eating my stickers or cutting the carpet with my fancy scissors. I spent a pretty penny on it too. Shhhhh…I’ll never tell just how much. I would buy a sticker or doo-dad with the intention of using it in “just the right spot” on “just the right page”. I didn’t want to waste it on just any old page or card and it would never get used because it got lost in the shuffle. One and done. That was it with purchased bling.

About 5 years ago I discovered digital scrapbooking. (“La-la-la-laaaaaa” those are heavenly choirs singing.) I can now scrapbook with absolutely NO MESS! It is quick. It’s easy. And I can use my papers, elements and designs over and over if I choose!

In honor of National Scrapbook Day I want to share my very favorite Digital Scrapbooking software with you!

My Memories is a Utah product and you know we LOVE local! MyMemories.com is not only the home of award-winning MyMemories Suite software, but is also a great place to download some fun graphics. Whether you are putting together a digital scrapbook, making greeting cards, or putting together a newsletter, MyMemories.com has plenty of digital designs that you can download—including many free items. Even if you don’t own their scrapbooking software, you can still download their designs using the general use installer. But there is absolutely NO reason for you not to own a copy of the software because I have a 50% of coupon code for you!

Simply use the coupon code SAVEMOM50 at checkout.

I know you will love all the fun things you can do with My Memories Suite. In later posts I will share some of the projects I have done in the past and some I am currently working on.

Disclaimer: My Memories is a sponsor of this blog, but this in no way affects my feelings about this product. All opinions are genuinely my own.

Farr's Icecream in Ogden

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:14:00 +0000

Farr's Icecream is an Ogden landmark. It began back in 1895 when Lorin Farr and his son Asael began harvesting ice, during winter, from ponds throughout northern Utah. The ice blocks were cut by hand and transported by horse-drawn sleigh to a large warehouse in downtown Ogden. Kept insulated by sawdust, they were then peddled up and down the streets of Ogden for use in ice chests to keep foods from spoiling in the Utah heat.
In 1927 General Electric invented the refrigerator which left ice plant owners scrambling for a way to save their businesses. In 1929 the Farr's made the switch to commercial icecream production. The very first business of it's kind in Utah.
274 21st Street in downtown Ogden is where you can find the original Farr's Ice Cream Parlor. Stop in for a delicious treat next time you visit Ogden.

As for me, I'll have a single scoop of Prailines and Cream on a sugar cone please!

*photo source here & here

Ogden LDS Temple to be Remodeled

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0000

(photo credit)

Have you heard the news? The Ogden LDS Temple is getting a facelift. We here at HotSpots think that such a big change in the downtown Ogden area deserves a bit of a highlight here on our site.
Here’s a little history:
A landmark in the center of Ogden for nearly 40 years, the temple was dedicated in 1972 by Joseph Fielding Smith. The original design for the temple included a statue of Moroni atop the gold colored spire but the statue was eventually eliminated from the design. Thirty years after its dedication, the Ogden temple finally received a fiberglass statue of the Angel Moroni covered in gold leaf to adorn the spire that was now painted white. While this made the temple look a little more like other temples the LDS church has built, the Ogden (and Provo) temple are still very unique in their overall design. The exterior design of the temple has its roots in Old Testament historical imagery. The broad base and narrow spire represent the cloudy pillar and the fiery pillar that the Lord used to guide the Israelites through the wilderness under Moses direction. (Exodus 13:21-22)
The temple closed April 2, 2011 for this extensive renovation. Although no exact date was given for completion it is estimated that the remodel will take nearly 2 years. When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints builds a new temple or renovates an old one, they allow the public to come inside once it is completed for a tour and information on the project. After an open house the temple will be dedicated and no longer open to the public. However, the temple grounds and the Tabernacle are always open for visitors of any faith. When the date for the public open house is announced, we will be sure to let you know. In the meantime here is a before photo and an artists rendering of the temple after the renovations are complete.
Before:

Photo courtesy of LDS Church

After:

Photo courtesy of LDS Church

We feel that temples of any faith serve to beautify the communities they are part of as well as surrounding areas, and look forward to watching the progress of the Ogden LDS Temple renovation.

Ogden Dinosaur Park

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:20:00 +0000

There are so many fun things to do in Ogden. We are starting off with an adventure that is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family!

“Only boredom is extinct here!”

One of the highlights of summer at our house is a trip to the Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park. There’s never a shortage of entertainment and excitement when we visit. The park has a wide variety of exhibits indoors and out and they’re open year round. Kids and adults can experience exploration activities, science laboratories and of course, a museum that is home to some of the latest dinosaur finds in Utah and around the world. One our favorite things to do is the Stegosaurus skeleton dig!

Education is the primary goal so they have everything from full-sized dinosaur skeletons to robotic dinosaurs. At the education center kids can learn more about dinosaurs through exhibits, books and art projects. It’s not uncommon to see a school class visiting the Museum or eating lunch at the covered bowery near the playground. You can also schedule a birthday adventure party for your budding paleontologist.

They have lots of fun activities such as Rockin’ Rocket Science class, Dino Day Camp, Carnivorous Carnival, Walloping Weather class, Adventures in art and Reptile Rescue. Admission is $7 adults, $5 for kids (12 and under) and little ones (1 and under) are free. They offer group discounts and very affordable family membership packages.

The Ogden Dinosaur Park is located at 1544 East Park Boulevard near the mouth of beautiful Ogden Canyon.

Their website proudly boasts, “We’ve got adventure down to a science!” And HotSpots agrees!

HotSpots Loves Ogden!

noreply@blogger.com (veronica) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:51:00 +0000

This week we bring you a series on Ogden, UT. Many of our readers live South of Salt Lake City and have yet to experience the gem that lies up North. Because we LOVE to shop local and support small business we will focus on one or two businesses per day. Today, however, we’d like to highlight a little bit of Ogden history.

(photo credit)

Ogden was settled in 1845 by the building of Fort Buenaventura on the Weber River. The fort was but a small picket enclosure built by mountain man Miles Goodyear. He sold the fort and his claim for $1,950 in 1847 to Mormon Pioneers sent by Brigham Young to settle the area. The fort was later renamed as Brown’s Fort, but in 1851 the area became known as Ogden in honor of trapper Peter Skene Ogden.

(photo credit)

From 1870 on, Ogden was a major railroad town operating as both a north-south and east-west hub. It became known as the crossroads of the intermountain west. Ogden City was also known as Junction City because of its century old role as the junction of the transcontinental railroad. At one time Ogden boasted: “You can’t get anywhere without coming to Ogden!”

(photo: Ogdencity.com)

If you were to walk out the east doors of Union Station, you would soon find yourself strolling along Historic 25th Street. Over the years it has earned it’s share of notable nicknames; not the least of which was Two-Bit Street. In the documentary Ogden Junction City of the West, film maker Isaac Goeckeritz hints at a notorious “hidden world”. Stories about 25th street and it’s dubious past stem from the Prohibition years when the street was filled with gambling, bars, prostitutes and Chinese opium dens. The reputation was so bad that, in the 1930’s, notorious gangster Al Capone said 25th Street was too dangerous even for him to visit. There are still rumors about tunnels under 25th Street that were reportedly used for illegal operations and underground businesses.

(photo credit)

Today, you can walk along Historic 25th Street without worrying about ghosts of the past and shady reputations. Quaint and tree-lined, it boasts an eclectic row of restaurants and bakeries, antiques stores, art galleries, hair salons and old-fashioned barbershops as well as a comedy club and a variety of other small businesses. (To keep the integrity of 25th Street’s historic nature, national restaurant chains and businesses are not permitted.)

What about other great places in downtown Ogden? In recent years a phoenix has risen from the dust that once was the site of the Ogden City Mall. Known as The Junction, it is a centerpiece of activity, culture and entertainment. The Junction might well deserve a week long series of it’s own, but this week we will give you just a glimpse of what The Junction holds in store for you!

(photo from vrbo.com)

There are so many wonderful things about Ogden it was difficult to decide what to highlight. We’ve chosen some of our favorites and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Have you been to Ogden lately? What places did you visit?