Get High End Makeup Gifts with Purchase!

I usually don't buy high end department store makeup--except when there is a "free gift with purchase."  Usually these consist of a pretty little makeup carrying case, and a colorful array of cosmetics--sometimes in sample size, often in full-size.  Usually, if you spend around 30.00 or more, you'll receive the free gift.  These come along from time to time with makeup brands including Lancome, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, and Clinique. Between those that do offer free gifts, it's fairly often that you can get one.  I watch out for them constantly.  And I just discovered a website that helps me keep updated:  www.yourgiftwithpurchase.com.  This handy blog keeps an updated log of exactly which department stores, and which makeup brands, are currently offering "gifts with purchase."  And it consistently marks out of date deals as no longer valid, so you know when you've missed your chance and need to look for the next deal.  If you like department store makeup and the fun gifts with purchase, definitely add this link to your Bookmarks bar!

Great Birthday Party Deal

You've just made it through the holidays, there's a million things to clean up and put away, you're back to work, and to top things off, you've got to plan a winter birthday party.  It would be tragic if it weren't for today's awesome Living Social deal.  Black Diamond Sports Center in South Jordan is now offering a 90-minute birthday party for up to 10 kids for only $63.00.  That means everything is taken care of, and you don't have to worry about anything.  Kids will have a choice between gymnastics, cheerleading, martial arts, big air, or dance.  Then they'll get a half hour in the party room, already decked out with utensils, napkins, and plates (bring your own food and cake).  Balloons and a t-shirt for the birthday child are provided.  Move on this deal now.  It's available for 6 days on Living Social.
11274 Kestrel Rise Road
South Jordan, UT 84095
801-790-1800

Funeral Potatoes: A Utah Classic

We know it's cliche, and even a little bit ridiculous.  But especially in this cold weather, those creamy, cheesy, fatty funeral potatoes are just SO GOOD!  So we borrowed a link and a recipe from about.com.  Make these, and your family will love you forever!  

http://saltlakecity.about.com/od/diningnightlife/r/Funeral-Potatoes-Best-Recipe.htm

Funeral potatoes are cheesy au gratin potatoes that LDS Relief Societies frequently serve as part of a dinner prepared for the grieving family to eat after a loved one's funeral. The funeral potatoes are generally served with ham, rolls, salad, cake, and of course, Jell-O. I'm not sure how the tradition evolved, but funeral potatoes are definitely "comfort food."

In my family, we don't eat funeral potatoes just at funerals. We also eat them at parties, especially on Christmas Eve. There are as many versions of funeral potatoes as there are cooks, but of course the best funeral potatoes are the ones my mother makes. Here's her recipe:

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Advance prep: bake/thaw potatoes: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: About 8 cups

Ingredients:

• 6 c. diced potatoes
• 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 c. sour cream
• 2 c. cheddar cheese, grated, divided
• 1/4 c. grated onion (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 c. crushed cornflakes (optional for crumb topping)
• Additional 3 T. butter (optional for crumb topping)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the potatoes: Scrub 6-8 medium russet potatoes and wrap in foil. Bake the potatoes in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are easily pierced with a fork but not too tender. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and dice them. If you want, you can substitute plain frozen diced (not shredded) potatoes. Let the potatoes thaw before using them in the recipe.
2. Combine soup, butter, sour cream, cheese, onion, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix well. Add the diced potatoes and stir gently until combined.
3. Place potato mixture in a 2-3 quart casserole dish or 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
4. Optional: Mix 3 tablespoons butter with crushed corn flakes and sprinkle over the potato mixture.
5. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Note: To make reduced fat funeral potatoes, replace the melted butter with 1/2 soup can milk. Use reduced fat sour cream, or replace the sour cream with nonfat, plain Greek yogurt. Reduced fat cheddar cheese also works well.

Bakery and Brews Offers Tango Lessons

So I know this is my second post on Bakery and Brews in Murray.  But, gosh dang it--they're just so adorable!  I went in to visit them again on Saturday for lunch.  The tables and chairs in the center were pushed over to the windows, old time Argentine tango music was playing, and--bless my soul, there was a tango instructor teaching adorable couples how to dance, sultry South American style.  The cost for participation is 10.00/couple.  And it's something you can't find just anywhere.
My little boy was delighted as well.  We sank into one of their poofy couches and watched the dancing while enjoying a delicious lunch.  So again, I encourage you to visit Bakery and Brews for South American food, atmosphere, and comfort.

625 W 5300 S
Murray, UT 84123
(801) 290-2958

Hours:

Mon-Thu 6 am - 6 pm

Fri 8 am - 9 pm

Sat 7:30 am - 10 pm

Sun 8 am - 4 pm

A New Era For Sam Weller's Bookstore

Sam Weller's, a beloved fixture on Main Street in Salt Lake City for decades, has officially moved.  Now located in Trolley Square, where the old movie theaters used to be housed, and re-named Weller Book Works, it aims to be the crown jewel of bookstores in Salt Lake.  With it's rare books section, and seemingly endless supplies of new and used books, it's a literature lovers dream come true.  Sam Wellers was established in 1929, and it's been luring readers ever since.  Their grand opening at the new location (665 E. 600 S.) is now in progress.  Stop by and see what the future holds for a long-established, landmark Utah business.

www.samwellers.com
801-328-2586
Mon-Sat 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Sunday 12:00-5:00 PM

Repertory Dance Theatre's Ring Around the Rose

For January's "Ring Around the Rose", the educational and fun arts series for children, Ballet West teaches families and kids about ballet.  What is it really like to be a ballet dancer? Ballet West shows you in one
of of their biggest shows of the year! It's all about the little ones, and it's only $5.00 per ticket.  It's also accessible to those with disabilities.  

Ring Around the Rose is Repertory Dance Theatre's wiggle-friendly series of performances for children and families that explores the magical world of the arts, including dance, theatre, music and storytelling. It's a monthly event--February introduces children to Brazilian dance, and March teaches them about the fun of fiddling.  Ring Around the Rose is made possible in part by grants from the Utah Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Salt Lake City Arts Council, and the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks program.

Contact: Stephanie Perkins

Phone: 801-534-1000


Event Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Admission: $5 (ages 2 and under free)

Location: Jeann Wagner Theater Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center

Address: 138 West 300 South, Salt Lake City

Web Site: rdtutah.org/forkids.html

Accessible to those with disabilities

Twenty Dollar Comforter Sets at Sears

Need something to snuggle down into during the cold January nights?  Right now Sears has a collection of 3-piece comforter sets, in several different styles, on sale for 19.99 each.  It's a 33% savings, and the price is only valid until Saturday, January 14th.  From classic flower prints to modern black and white, to bold stripes, there's something there to make every bedroom a little more cozy this winter, for an incredible limited sale price.  This is available in-store.  Visit the direct link to Sears below for more information:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Bed+%26+Bath_Decorative+Bedding_Comforters+%26+Sets?filter=Price%7C0-25%5EBrand%7CColormate&viewItems=25&keyword=colormate+3+pc+comforter+set&sid=I0084400010000100383&aff=Y