Tai Pan Trading Art Gallery Closing

Tai Pan Trading is the premier spot to go for design in Utah.  Crafts, art, woodwork, and holiday design fills the warehouse, and it's a delight to wander, especially at Christmas.  We'll likely revisit that soon.  What caught my idea today on my lunch break, though, was the Twiggs and Moore Art Gallery, located near the back and toward the middle of the store.  It's partitioned off from the rest of the store, and features mostly religious artwork in limited edition ciglee prints.  Twiggs and Moore at Tai Pan's 90th South location in Sandy is currently selling off much of their artwork, as the gallery will be closing at the end of December.
Here's the part where it gets really good:  world renowned painter James C Christensen, a Utah native, is my favorite living artist.  Many of his works, signed and numbered, are offered at steep discounts in the gallery.  And, I just couldn't resist.  I purchased a framed, numbered, and signed ciglee entitled "Angel With Epaulet."  This beautiful but intricate old-world style print with high-end framing was normally priced at 495.00.  I took it home for 199.00.  For art lovers, and Christensen lovers, truly, this is a steal.   Stop in while you still have a chance.  The gallery location at this Tai Pan closes at the end of the month.

The Secret Garden

I had my only daughter nearly thirteen years ago. And I have only, in the last year or two, been able to keep myself from repeatedly committing retail suicide at the lovely and sophisticated children's wear store, The Secret Garden. It's located inside Trolley Square, which on it's own has a great atmosphere. But the Secret Garden has remained my hands-down favorite corner of the mall. It's upscale appeal is completely irresistible. Who doesn't want to clothe their baby princess, head to foot, in lush velvets or pastel satins, or tiny, victorian-style buttoned shoes? Who doesn't want their little guy decked out in an old-fashioned sailor outfit? Before he gets too old to tolerate such motherly silliness? Who doesn't want their child to look like divine infant royalty--at least every once in a while.
I've indulged at The Secret Garden for occasions including weddings, religious ceremonies, Easters, and portraiture. And even though my children have grown out of the clothing much too quickly, I've never been sorry for a moment. You just aren't going to find the selection of fine children's clothing carried at the Secret Garden at any other Salt Lake location.
In addition to the clothing, they carry some enchanting furniture and gift items. Guilded pirate chest for your little man, anyone? Hand-painted potty chairs? Detailed ceramic baby tooth boxes? They've been seen at The Secret Garden.
If you have a little one, don't let the years pass too quickly without splurging at least once on a tiny piece of retail heaven. It's worth it.

North Pole Express--Departing for Christmas Fun!

The historic Heber Valley Railroad is a rare commodity.  There just aren't many left in the U.S.  But Heber Valley Railroad thrives.  And they have a whimsical tradition that children and adults of all ages just can't resist.  The North Pole Express consists of a ride through the snow-covered Heber Valley, hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas music, and beautiful decorations.  When the train reaches the "North Pole," Santa Clause boards the train to visit the children onboard.  The best part:  Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for this fun event.
My little boy absolutely adores trains.  We will be taking our little family this year, next year, and many years to come.
The North Pole Express departs starting November 25th, and runs through the 23rd of December.  There are first class tickets and regular tickets.  First class passengers receive a souvenir ticket, hot cocoa with whipped cream in a souvenir mug, and a special gift from Santa Clause.  Prices and more specific times can be found at the link below.
http://www.hebervalleyrr.org/excursions/north-pole-christmas-train/

Give Back This Thanksgiving

The Rescue Mission of Salt Lake City feeds countless homeless and underprivileged individuals and families each year, and provides them with basic necessities, including razors, socks, and coats.  This year, the Salt Lake Rescue Mission served more meals than ever before.  Demand was so high in the summer, that their shelves are bare for the holidays.  Which makes it difficult for the organization to provide a good Thanksgiving meal to the less fortunate of Salt Lake.
For just 97 cents, locals can help feed one underprivileged soul in Utah on Thanksgiving day.  The Rescue Mission believes that sometimes, a good meal given to a hungry person can help start them on the road to recovery.  Click on the link below to donate to the Rescue Mission.

http://rescuesaltlake.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30&Itemid=115

Turkey Vouchers--A Great Way to Save on Your Celebration

Starting in the autumn, Macey's grocery stores across the state give out 50 cent turkey vouchers for every $25.00 spent at the store.  This can add up big savings on your big bird for the upcoming family gatherings.  Each year, simply collect them in your wallet as you check out with your groceries.  By the time you're ready for the big day, you can cash in on the savings.  If you choose not to use your turkey vouchers, they will just be wasted--so consider donating them to one of several groups that collect them for needy families, thus providing them with a Thanksgiving turkey as well.  
As you are preparing your turkey, consider the possibility of frying it outdoors.  This CAN be dangerous, but if the proper safety precautions are taken, it makes an exceptionally delicious way to cook the bird, trapping in the juices and crisping the shell to a golden brown.  And the top benefit, in my mind, is how quickly you can cook it.  
Lifehacker.com has an excellent video and accompanying article on safely frying a turkey.  Check it out:  
http://lifehacker.com/5412069/how-to-safely-fry-a-turkey-avoid-a-trip-to-the-emergency-room

Don't Wait Around at the Dealer

At our business, we live by the saying, "It's easy to get into things, and it's hard to get out of things."

When it comes time to negotiate with an auto dealer you'll find that the sales person inexplicably disappears at a critical point in the discussion, often to "check in" with their sales manager. Then you'll find yourself sitting around for 20 minutes wondering what happened. This is an old tactic employing the "sunk cost" philosophy that the more time you spend at the dealership the more likely you'll be to go ahead with the deal. If my sales person isn't back in 2 minutes I just walk out. Also, never let them take your car keys, even if it's to check out your car for trade-in purposes. And never, never sign anything until you've agreed upon a price and gone over the contract with a fine-toothed comb. Of course there are plenty of good, ethical car dealers, but the industry still tends to employ high-pressure sales tactics.

You'd be surprised how many people buy things that aren't a good deal because they don't want to offend a sales person or just want to get the whole thing over with.

Remember, you are not under any obligation to purchase anything, even if someone has spent a lot of time with you. Do your homework and negotiate hard for a fair price. These are good tips for dealing with any type of sales situation.

Get Rid of Dishwasher Spots

Kathy and I stumbled across an easy way to get rid of hard water spots on dishes in the dishwasher. We add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the dishwasher when we add the soap and start the dishwasher. Just put it in the bottom of the dishwasher - don't mix with the soap.

We've heard of people running an empty dishwasher through a whole cycle with a cup of vinegar and other variations like adding vinegar to the rinse cycle as a way of removing soap residue in the dishwasher itself. But this is convenient and works great all the time.

We discovered this after Cascade quit working as well. We had heard that by law dishwasher soap formulas were changed (not sure if that's true). Now we use the cheap detergent (Sun) and get the cleanest, clearest dishes ever.

Pirate O's, Draper's Secret Treasure

www.pirate-O.com

There aren't very many off-the-beaten path stores in the Salt Lake Valley.  Even fewer that offer specialty, gourmet, and foreign foods.  Pirate-O's, a great little shop with a front porch, says they are "where food memories begin."  This is where you are going to find celebratory foods you can't find anywhere else--marzipan pigs, German christmas cookies, caviar, cheeses, foie gras, etc.
They make beautiful gift baskets for the holidays, full of fresh sauces, salsas, dips, chocolates, crackers, cheeses, etc.  They have a deli where you can get delicious hot and cold sandwiches during the day.  And their holiday spread of international chocolates, nuts, and other goodies is always to-die-for.
I always take time to hit the refrigerated room set aside just for gourmet sodas and cheeses.
Check their website, but don't stop there--it just doesn't do justice to the store.  Visit before Thanksgiving.

Pirate O's Gourmet Market
11901 S. 700 E.
Draper, UT 84020
801-572-0956
pirate@xmission.com

Escape Options for the holidays

Even the best of families grow weary of spending an entire day preparing, cooking, and cleaning up after appetizers, dinners, and desserts on Thanksgiving.  But you still have time to escape, at least for one year--
Little America Hotel is known for it's sumptuous Thanksgiving Day Buffet in the Grand Ballroom.  It's served from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Salt Lake City location.  The menu includes everything on the traditional Thanksgiving menu, plus exquisite extras:  steamed crab legs, poached salmon, stuffed port legs, and prime rib.  The entire Brunch menu for 2011 can be found here:  http://saltlake.littleamerica.com/public/files/LATHanks2012.pdf
The charge is 39.00 for adults, 18.00 for children, and ages four and under dine free.
Traditional thanksgiving foods will also be served in the Little America Dining room and Coffee Shop.
If you want to make it a weekend, Little America also offers reasonable per-room rates, so you can spend the holiday enjoying downtown Salt Lake City.
For more information about holiday fun at the Little America, including Christmas celebration events, check http://saltlake.littleamerica.com/dining/holiday-offerings-2011.

Lolabella Boutique

Watch it, fellas.  We're treading into dark territory for some of you, here.  Lolabella (located in Fashion Place Mall in Murray and the Gateway in Salt Lake City) is the kind of small, high-end boho-chic boutique that you can spend a lot of money at on a casual Saturday date.  Because everything is just so unique, so hip, and so flattering.
What I'm trying to say, ever so awkwardly, is that this is the kind of place you probably want to save up for on special occasions.  While Lolabella does have great sales, and fairly often, the inventory is definitely upscale.  I'll be the first to admit loving a pair of really great jeans, though.  You pay significantly more up front, but they last longer, look better, and fit more comfortably.
In the past, I've bought denim brands here including Deisel, True Religion, and Seven For All Mankind.  And my three absolutely favorite fitted collar shirts by designer James Perse also came from Lolabella.  Keep your eye on the jewelry selection.  Some of it is hippie-style, some more glamorous.  But even when I don't buy, I love poring over the cuff-style bracelets, exposed clock necklaces, fat rings, and eclectic hats.  I don't mind pointing out that I am currently the "mayor" of Lolabella boutique at Fashion Place mall on Foursquare.  Because even when I'm not in a position to buy, I still stop in religiously.  And with the holidays around the corner, and beautiful, whimsical women in your life, you should, too :)
 

Eating Out, and Making it Worthwhile

Saltlakerestaurant.com is our latest and greatest find for restaurant discounts in the valley.  Click on the link  for free gelato at Dolcetti, two for one offers at Marble Slab Creamery, discounts on steak at Madeline's (one of my own favorites--try the best creme brulee in town while you're there); discounts to Braza Brazilian Steakhouse; and coupons from Mountain Mike's Pizza.
Saltlakerestaurant.com has already proven to be a great find.  We will be visiting them regularly for discounts at some of the valley's nicest and varied places to dine.

http://www.saltlakerestaurant.com/hot-deals-coupons/

Beginning of the Week--Time for Groceries

It's the beginning of a chilly winter week, and time for you to stock up on groceries for the family.  Harmons has some great deals on groceries, and you can find the up-to-date list of them at grocerysmarts.com.  See below for up to 40% off items at Harmons for the week of November 14th, including organic apples, convenient bagged salads, sausage, chocolate milk, and Da Vinci pastas.  Looking forward to the holiday, they have Thanksgiving items like cranberries, spiral sliced ham,  yams, turkey, and 7-Up products on steep discounts as well.

Harmons is one of my favorite local grocery chains.  They have an exceptional selection of steaming hot homestyle dinner foods for those days that you don't feel like cooking, but don't want to feed the kids cheeseburgers.  And their deli is second to none.  A smorgasbord of international cheeses and meats can make your holiday get-togethers really fun to plan and lay out.

http://www.grocerysmarts.com/utah/lists/indexg84csg.php?h84ar2

...And this is JUST the blue cheese section.  Yum! 

Flashback to Blockbuster

In a market now dominated by instant gratification, it's hard not to think nostalgically back to the simple pleasure of browsing the video store on a weekend night.  Netflix and Redbox have their appeal, to be sure.  Still, I'm glad Blockbuster is still around, and I can still walk in and peruse the aisles lazily to see what might be interesting.
The Wasatch Front still has several locations available.  They can be found at www.blockbuster.com/stores.  They also have a great deal that allows you to  have the best of both worlds.  The Blockbuster Combo Pass allows unlimited in-store movie and game rentals.  You get one disc out at a time, 1 by-mail rental per month, and no due dates.  It's just 7.49 for the first month, and 14.99/month after that.  Whether or not you take advantage of the Combo Pass, make sure you stop in and browse the DVD and Blu-Ray selection at Blockbuster this weekend.

Sink Into a Couch At Bakery and Brews

Nothing is more comforting than a quiet coffee shop on a November evening.  I discovered Bakery and Brews just as dusk was falling after my harp lesson.  I had stopped at Smith's on about 5300 South and 600 West for some oil for my car (another, considerably more pathetic, story), and as I was heading to my car, I noticed the warm glow emanating from Bakery and Brews.
Mmmm, a sandwich and Chai tea, I think.  Perfect.  I am immediately taken with Bakery and Brews, based simply on the atmosphere.  Beautifully decorated, neat, and exceptionally cozy.
The place is pretty much empty, and it looks like Les, the owner, and his wife and cook, Jackie, are getting ready to pack up.  Still, I am invited in warmly and enthusiastically, and as I peruse the menu, I notice their beautiful, wide-eyed 4-year-old daughter contentedly playing a video game behind the counter.  Les explains that they are just getting ready to deliver an elaborate cake for an anniversary celebration.  Layer upon layer, it is--but what stands out to me is the part where there is a tier of Bavarian cream.  He has my full and complete attention at Bavarian Cream.  He explains the menu to me, and as he does so, the subtle but proud South American decor starts to sink in. Soccer teams, flags, international "welcome" signs.  All this is blended perfectly with a Parisian coffee shop/American hangout vibe.  Ridiculously inviting couches line the north wall, with a big screen tv, stacks of South American books, and a fireplace.  I am already a loyal customer, though I try to remain ambiguous as Les explains that most people go for the "gringo" sandwiches and bakery goods, but the South American food is excellent and varied.  So I settle on a Uruguay beef empanada, a hot cup of chicken and vegetable soup (big chunks of fresh vegetables and chicken), a half a Milanesa steak sandwich, and a piping hot Chai tea.  I settle into the couch and put my stoneware dishes on the coffee table while Les sends his little girl over, who very carefully and congenially places the empanada on the table as well.   Les turns on the fireplace and entertains me with tales of crowded "open mic" nights, unbelievable homestyle South American dishes his wife prepares daily, and the struggles of keeping a beautiful, quality business like his afloat. As I sample the food, and become pleasantly stuffed, I assure Les that I am already a loyal customer, and inwardly look forward to cold winter evenings at Bakery and Brews with a book and some perfect new menu choice.  
Les and Jackie are there from early morning, for breakfast and coffee, to evening, for dinners and dessert pastries.  Visit their sites below for more information, dates of musical performances, and menu selections.  Very few local business deserve customers more than Bakery and Brews--for their quality of service, their warmth, their homestyle food, their unique concept, and their perfect location, just off the freeway at 53rd south.  I'll be back soon.
Bakery and Brews 
625 w. 5300 so.  Murray, UT 84123
(801) 290-2958
http://www.bakeryandbrews.com
http://bakeryandbrews.blogspot.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bakery-and-brews-murray
http://www.facebook.com/bakeryandbrews

Groupon Deal: Portraiture at JCPenny for a Killer Price

I have to hand it to groupon.com.  I can't believe it's taken me this long to figure it out.  Their latest deal is something I won't be turning down:  $40.00 for enhanced portrait package at Salt Lake JCPenney Portraits locations.  For the nominal fee of 40 bucks, you get:

• Six single-image enhanced portrait sheets, 10”x13” or smaller
• One Be Squared portrait, 10”x10” or smaller
• One single-image CD
• Standard sitting fees for all subjects in the photoshoot are waived
• 40% off additional purchases of portrait sheets, greeting cards, collages, posters, or enlargements made that day

That's a $209.89 value, families of Utah.  So if you have beautiful kids (and we all know you do,) this is something you really don't want to miss out on.
Here's the catch:  You need to login to groupon with an email address and location (can't get any easier than that).  Catch #2:  you can only buy it for two for days, and the quantity available is limited.  So move! move! move! move! move!  I'm buying one myself.  Don't make me leave you in the cold on this one :)

The Premier Sports Medicine Clinic in Utah is Accepting Patients!

If you're suffering from a sports-related injury, there is one doctor in the valley who stands head and shoulders above others in his field.  Dr. Joseph Albano of Salt Lake Regional Regenerative and Sports Medicine specializes in regenerative and sports medicine.  Regenerative medicine is revolutionary and is on the cutting edge of research and medical solutions for sports related injuries.  Because it focuses more on the bodies innate ability to heal itself, it gravitates away from the idea that surgery and medications are always the answer.  Regenerative medicine is the process of creative living, functional tissue to repair damaged and injured parts of the body (joints, for example, like a basketball injury in your knee or a tennis injury in your elbow or shoulder).  Because regenerative medicine uses a person's own cells to generate the new tissue, the healing process is much more "organic," more natural, and can often help the patient avoid more traumatic steps like surgery to correct the problem.  Dr. Albano treats musculoskeletal problems ranging from sports injuries to other orthopedic issues, and from minor to long-term problems.  He is also well-known for his work with professional athletes in Utah, including professional dancers, professional skiers, and pro soccer players.  If you are suffering from any of these types of pain, call Dr. Albano and make an appointment at 801-424-5067.

Zahra Charity

Yes, this is a consumer site.  But we at Cohezion have causes we believe in, too.  Utah-based non-profit Zahra Charity (ZC) is one of them.  The primary purpose of the organization is to build a specialized Neuro-rehabilitation center (called the Moulay Ali Institute for Rehabilitation, or MAIR), in Marrakech City, Morocco.  It's goal is to repair the severe lack of Neuro-rehabilitation care in Morocco.  Both children and adults with neurological disabilities caused by traumatic brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injuries in Morocco need care, and ZC's goal is to build up a medical base and facilities that will care for them.
Through charity events and other means, Zahra charity aims to make the world, and Morocco, a much kinder place for people who suffer from neurological problems and/or disabilities.
Please visit them at www.zahracharity.org, and watch our blog for more updates on some spectacular events that will take place in the near future.
For direct donations, you can also visit them at http://www.zahracharity.org/ZahraLC/?page=donations.

Dreaming of Home-Cooked Dinners....

There is no time to cook in my life.  I have a full time job.  I have harp lessons, I have screenplay readings, I have doctor appointments, my kids have extracurricular lessons, and I have a vibrant social life.   I cannot cook, I cannot plan, I have two ravenously hungry little ones and a lonely chihuahua at home.  Enter DREAM DINNERS.  The caps are not a typo.  It is me shouting:  DREAM DINNERS!!!  
Here's how it works:  Sign up for a 2-hour session, in which you will assemble everything you need for 12 home-cooked meals.  Read that again:  h-o-m-e--c-o-o-k-e-d.  No franken-nuggets, no cheap toys clacking around in the back seat as you bus children around, no orange tongues stained from whatever horrible punch they give your kids in those oh-so-convenient fast food kid meals.  Sorry, got off-track there for a minute.  So you get a two hour session, everything you need for 12 meals, to be kept in the freezer for later convenience.  No prep, no clean-up.  Leave the mess there.  It.  Is.  AWESOME.
Jean and Danielle are the owners of the Orem Dream Dinner location.  They also have a cooking website called What's Cooking Orem (www.whatscookingorem.com).
And, if you're not convinced yet, here's a video of them explaining what this silliness is all about:  http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=5763803&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=aab300&fullscreen=1
They're adorable, no?  So, if you have a life, kids, appointments, something resembling a schedule--this will be your salvation.
http://www.dreamdinners.com/main.php?page=locations&store_id=99&state=Utah
P.S.  If anybody wants to make the pilgrimage to Orem anytime soon to do this, call me.  I'm serious.

Chicago Dogs in Salt Lake City--Yum!

One of Salt Lake's best little eateries makes it's home at a Texaco station. You heard right. A Texaco station. And if I need gas at lunchtime and there are ten nearby gas stations, guess which one I'm going to head for? The one with the KILLER hot dog restaurant. Johnnie Beef's is one of Utah unique small businesses that has gained both traction and local fame for it's authentic pure beef Chicago dogs, Italian beef, bratwurst, and shakes. The food is so good, in fact, that it's transcended it's status as an appendage of Texaco and pretty much overshadowed everything around it. Who wants a couple of dry powdered donuts or a Monster drink, for example, when you can have a "Chicah-gee dawg," as Johnnie himself would loudly call it as he fixes it for you.
The part we'd really like to call attention to on Johnnie Beef's doesn't have anything to do with deals or discounts. Johnnie Beef's is just good. That's all. It's notable because of the high quality of a product that is generally considered to be painfully pedestrian.
It's 10 AM and I'd like one now. Is that gross? I don't know, and I don't care. We heart you, Johnnie Beef's!

7360 S. Union Park
Midvale, Utah 84047
(801) 352-0372
(Inside the Texaco Station at the In & Out Market)

Miss the Newspaper Days?

As a former journalist, I truly and sincerely mourn the steady decline of newspaper sales in Utah.  Journalism is a hallmark of the American tradition of free speech and a traditional forum for the sharing of opinions, ideas, and local events.  In short, it's an institution.  And in spite of the internet's all-powerful reach, I believe print media still deserves a strong position in our world.  Think about it:  subscribing to a tangible newspaper says something about you, your lifestyle, what's important to you.  It can mean a daily routine that helps you keep abreast of what's happening, stimulate your mind, and help you form ideas.  And it tells your children, neighbors, friends--anyone who spends time in your home--that you care about what's happening in the world, and that you support the idea of serious journalism, as opposed to the "white noise" of the amateur blogosphere online.
Utah's two largest newspapers, The Deseret News and the Salt Lake Tribune, are both morning papers.  You can subscribe for a daily edition or a weekend package, which includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday papers.  The link to subscribe to either of the Media One papers is http://subscribe.mediaoneutah.com/
There are several other papers to consider, as well.  The Ogden Standard-Examiner, The Provo Daily Herald, and the Tooele Transcript-Bulletin are all options that might make sense, depending on the location of your residence or workplace.
Whatever your situation, please consider making the newspaper a regular part of your life again.  It's a good thing :)

Macey's does Food Storage

You have your pick of grocery stores along the valley. But only one specializes in food storage. Macey's, which has locations in Clearfield, Lehi, Ogden, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Providence, Provo, Sandy, Spanish Fork, Tooele and West Jordan, has an entire section devoted specifically to food storage and disaster/financial hardship preparedness. It's unique to Macey's, and it's a great way to put your mind at ease a little bit at a time. Watch for their regular "Gigantic Case Lot Sales". It can save you a lot of money and a lot of worry.