Sweet Life in the Valley Blog -Utah Valley Provo Orem

Sweet Family Life * Airlines for Families * Holiday Travel

2009-12-10T13:05:00.000-05:00

While I was at Disneyland I met Stephanie from Metropolitan Mama. A little while back she tweeted something about family friendly airlines-did anyone know of one. I gave a shout out to my favorite so far Jet Blue but are there any real "family friendly" airlines out there? Not really. Why hasn't the airlines caught on to this yet? Why don't they offer kid friendly snacks? Why not have a section for those traveling with kids so those who don't want to travel next to kids have their own space and the parents who do have kids don't have to feel like they are on pin and needles making sure their kids aren't annoying those near them. Check out Stephanie's post Which Airline is the Most Family Friendly? Airlines if you happen to read this- ask us moms for some ideas. We have a ton that would make your airlines "Family Friendly" and all those traveling your airline happy too. Just a thought.

Christmas Gift Idea 2009 * Chic Buds Earbuds

2009-12-09T13:43:00.000-05:00

Those of you who have a teen or tween know that ear buds are a must in their lives. ChicBuds has these cute ear buds with pretty designs detailed with Swarovski Crystals. I love the retractable feature so the cords don't get all tangled up. They are a great stocking stuffer.

Given sample by vendor/agency/brand to review

Happy Holidays Giveaway * Thanksgiving Point Family Membership

2009-12-08T13:56:00.000-05:00

The new year is just around the corner filled with all sorts of possibilities. Making sure we have good quality time as a family is one of our goals for the year. We got a family pass to Thanksgiving Point so we can wander the beautiful gardens, check out their cool exhibits at the Museum of Ancient Life, watch the baby animals grow in Farm Country and more. A few things I love about the Thanksgiving Point membership is that you get discounts to the stores and restaurants. The movies are only $5 at the theater. Plus, your guest get 50% off their admissions to Thanksgiving Point venues too. Thanksgiving Point has graciously offered a full family membership worth $175 for us to giveaway to one of you!

The membership includes:
- Free Admission to Thanksgiving Point Gardens, Museum of Ancient Life and Farm Country
- 10% Discount on Retail & Food Property Wide
- Personalized Membership Card
- 50% off Admissions for accompanied guests
- Early Admission to Thanksgiving Point Gardens
- XanGo Screen Movies $5 per person/per movie

Happy Holidays Giveaway Enter to Win:
- fill out this form Thanksgiving Point Family Membership Entry
-get extra entries by tweeting, posting Facebook update with link to this post, posting on your blog about this giveaway with link to this post -be sure to include a link to our giveaway in your posts!
-giveaway ends Monday December 14th at midnight

Given sample by vendor/agency/brand to review

Happy Holiday Giveaway * Week of Giving Giveaways on Crazi Beautiful

2009-12-07T01:12:00.000-05:00

This week on Crazi Beautiful we are having a Week of Giving. There will be a new giveaway every day starting with the World Wide Ward Christmas Cookbook by Deanna Buxton. Be sure to check in everyday this week for great prizes.
Happy Holidays,

Christmas Gift Idea 2009 * Shabby Appple Dresses Faryl Robin and Shade Clothing

2009-12-07T00:07:00.005-05:00

Many gals out there have at least one Shabby Apple Dress on their wish list this Christmas. I love the ruffle layers Red Delicious Dress. The skirt of the dress is just like a Christmas rose. This is something you can give a friend sister daughter mother or wife a little early and she can wear it throughout the holidays season. Here are a few of my other favorite dresses for the holidays at Shabby Apple- Amethyst Aristocrat Moss and Ivy Rockefeller and Tuxedo IV.

Layer this pewter gray 3/4 Sleeve v-neck cardigan sweater from Shade Clothing over the Shabby Apple dress. You can't see it very well in the image but the sweater has a cute slight puff gather on the sleeves.

Pair it with some Faryl Robin black Ursula boots or one of Faryl Robins other lovely shoes for the perfect holiday party wear. You may have seen Faryl Robin stylish shoes or boots at places like Nordstoms. The Ursula boot is the perfect staple in any woman's winter wardrobe. I love the buckle detailing that adds a little bit to the boot without going over the top.

Add some pretty jewels. I love love love Caroline's Armelle Jewelry line. Her Madison earrings and Ella necklace are the perfect match for our outfit. I get complements every time I wear my Armelle necklaces.

For the finishing touch add an Academy J Eve headband. Use the code AJSHP for free shipping. Academy J is one of our wonderful Sweet Life Market vendors.

What lady wouldn't love this pretty ensemble for the holidays

Given some samples by vendor/agency/brand to review

Happy Holidays Giveaway * Gummy Lumps * Nesting Stacking Blocks

2009-12-05T01:13:00.000-05:00

How would you like to win one of the great toys on our Christmas Gift Idea Guide 2009? Gummy Lumps has offered a Doug & Melissa Nesting Stacking Blocks to one of you! They also have some great toys on special right now here- Special Offers

Happy Holidays Giveaway:

- fill out this form Gummy Lumps Giveaway Entry
-get extra entries by tweeting include @sweetlifeinthe in tweet, Facebook update with link to this post, posting on your blog about this giveaway with link to this post
-giveaway ends Thursday December 10th at midnight

Thanks to Gummy Lumps for sponsoring this giveaway

Happenin inThe Valley * Art Teddy Bears and more

2009-12-04T13:08:00.000-05:00

Here are a few things going on around The Valley this weekend...

{photo by Justin Hackworth}

{Downtown Gallery Stroll in Provo}
December 5th 2009-tonight!
Free!
6:00-9:00 p.m.

Anderson Gallery at the Provo City Library 550 N University Ave (801) 852.6657
Terra Nova Gallery- 41 W 300 N (801) 374.0016
Coleman Studios- 117 N University Ave (801) 225.5766
Utah County Gallery- 151 S University Ave (801) 785.2059
Storefront Galleries- (801) 377.5700
Gallery OneTen- 110 S 300 W (801) 592.5901
Metropolitan- 230 N University Ave

{Sleigh-carriage Rides}
around the Riverwoods Mall
Provo Utah
Monday night's in December 2009
Free!

{Nuncrackers}: The Nunsense Christmas Musical a fun Christmas comedy
Scera Theater
Orem Utah
Fri November 27, 2009 -Mon December 21, 2009
Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
All Seats Reserved:
$12 Adult $10 Child $10 Senior $10 Student

{American Crafts Warehouse Sale}
December 7th-24th
476 N. 1500 W.
Orem Utah

{Project Teddy Bear}
Bank of American Fork
"Donate a new or gently used stuffed animal for at-risk children to use at the Orem's Family Support & Treatment Center and Midvales' Family Supposrt Center. These stuffed animal will be used to play therapy to aid children in the healing process."
This would be a great way for your kids and classrooms to get involved in the spirit of giving during the holidays.

Happy Holidays during our first weekend of December!

Given some samples by vendor/agency/brand to review

Sweet Family Life * Disneyland at Christmas Time

2009-12-03T18:51:00.002-05:00

{at the Reindeer Round up with Mrs. Clause}

We had so much fun with our special guest Stephanie and her family at Disneyland. All the Christmas lights and decorations are up. The "It's a Small World" ride is now a holiday wonderland complete with Christmas music. The letters of California on the California Adventure Park are candycane striped. Sleeping Beauty's castle is covered in lights and icicles. You can even visit Santa with his real reindeer at the Santa's Reindeer Round Up. One of my favorites is the Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks. At the end of the fireworks it "snows" in various places around Disneyland. See more photos from our trip on our Whrrl Story. I think I love Disneyland more each time we go. Thanks Disneyland for spoiling our families for a fun filled Christmas at Disneyland weekend!

{Our Favorites}

Favorite Rides:
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

- Space Mountain
- Riding in the Front (or back) of the Monorail at night

- Grizzly River Rafting
- Disneyland Railroad (for getting around the park)
- Mr Toads Wild Ride
- It's a Small World at Christmas ( perfect for getting in the holiday mood)

Favorite Souvenirs:
- Classic Mickey Mouse ears with your name on it (of course)
- Christmas time Santa hat with Mickey Mouse ears
- Giant Lollipops
- Build your own Mr. Potato Head with Mickey Mouse Ears hat, Mickey Mouse Balloon, Donald Duck hat and more
- Disneyland Snow Globe for our collection
- Disneyland Christmas tree ornament (we had to get a mickey & the gang for our 2009 ornament)

Favorite Eats:
- Village Haas Burgers and Fries
- Dole Floats
- House of Blues at Downtown Disney
- Chocolate covered caramel nut Mickeys at the shop on Main Street
- Jazz Kitchen Beignets these are soooo good! I am going to try the recipe for Christmas.
- Did you know that Coke taste better at Disneyland? Yes, it really does!

I must also mention how much I LOVE the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. We stayed here this time. The rooms are beautiful. You walk right into the Disney's California Adventure park from the hotel on one side and Down Town Disney on the other. Everything is in the Arts and Crafts grand lodge style.I would highly recommend staying there on your trips to Disneyland.

One last favorite from our trip. We had the chance to try out the new official app for Disneyland Mobile Magic for Verizon wireless phones. It was such a great tool throughout the day. We could check the line wait times. Play Disney trivia games with other guest while waiting in line and check out what was in each land. It is also GPS enabled so you can see right where you are in the park too. The next day when we didn't have it we did miss it. I would recommend getting this app if you possibly could. It really enhanced our day at the parks.
Happy Holidays,

Given a sample by vendor/agency/brand to review

Sweet Baby * Huga Monkey Going Live

2009-12-02T02:14:00.000-05:00

{Huga Monkey Baby Slings}

One of our Sweet Life advertisers is now doing a monthly live Q & A to answer your questions about baby wearing and give some great info for you. See more details here Huga Monkey Live. You can also check out their November live session that was recorded too.

post sponsored by HugaMonkey.com Baby Slings starting at $25

Holidays * Sweet Paul Countdown

2009-12-02T01:49:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers/ blogs Sweet Paul is having a Holiday Countdown which yes, happens to end tomorrow but it is worth looking at the past posts and the last post tomorrow. You can also see Paul in this months Country Living Magazine.
Happy Holidays,

Welcome * Patina Handmade Market

2009-12-02T01:11:00.000-05:00

We have a new advertiser on Sweet Life in The Valley- Patina. Welcome! Patina is like one of your favorite boutiques that is open all the time.
"Patina offers a variety of unique, stylish handmade items all in one place and because the selection changes weekly, there’s always a reason to come back. Everyone who visits Patina can learn about the world of art – artists and not-yet-artists alike. Local artists/crafters/creators can gather to sell their creations AND learn from each other.
Patina has a great easy-to-find location on Main Street {212 South} in Pleasant Grove, Utah."

Patina website
Patina on Facebook
Patina on Twitter

If you would like to advertise on Sweet Life in The Valley please contact me for more details and please read our Sweet Advertising page.

Christmas Gift Idea 2009 * Gummy Lump * ABC Alphabet Nesting Stacking Blocks

2009-11-30T18:35:00.001-05:00

Gummy Lump's online store is full of wonderful toys for kids. These ABC nesting stacking blocks by Melissa & Doug are one of my favorites. Kids love to stack. Your little one will love looking at the colorful illustrations and letters while playing. My favorite thing about them is that they also create a learning opportunity. Bonus: this great gift is under $12!

Happy Holidays Giveaway * Scera Theater and Christmas

2009-11-27T18:17:00.003-05:00

{photo by Sam Scholes}

Christmas is in the air. Lights and decorations are popping up all over town. Every year one of our family traditions is to go to at least one play and musical performance. Scera Theater in Orem, Utah has a couple of shows coming up that are great ways to celebrate this holiday season.

First is the Ring in the Holidays with Christmas concert by Utah Valley Handbell Ringers.

Details:

Wednesday Dec. 2 at 7:30 pm
SCERA Center for the Arts
745 S. State Orem
tickets are $5 general admission
801- 225-ARTS
www.scera.org

Next is the NUNCRACKERS: The Nunsense Christmas Musical a fun Christmas comedy musical.
Details:
Fri November 27, 2009 -Mon December 21, 2009
Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
All Seats Reserved:
$12 Adult, $10 Child (age 3-11), $10 Senior (age 65+), $10 Student

To start of the holidays we are giving away a family pack of tickets to both Nuncrackers and Ring in the Holidays with Christmas concert!

Happy Holidays Giveaway:
- fill out this form Scera Holiday Giveaway Entry This giveaway is now close
- get extra entries by tweeting include @sweetlifeinthe in tweet, Facebook update with link, posting on your blog about this giveaway with link
- giveaway ends Tuesday December 1st at midnight

Sweet Crafty Creations * Thanksgiving Pinecone Turkey Craft

2009-11-25T17:36:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving- the pies are in the oven, the bird is ready to defrost and everyone is planning their trips to visit the relatives. We have a simple Sweet Crafty Creation for the kids on Thanksgiving day. It is made from items you most likely already have around the house.

{Thanksgiving Pine Cone Turkeys}

Gather some pine cones, colorful scraps of paper, craft glue and scissors.

Cut paper into small feather shaped pieces. For older kids fringe the feathers by making tiny cuts around the edges of each feather. Cut out a beak by folding a small piece of paper in half. Cut a small triangle on the fold. Cut out a red wattle (the little red giggly part below the beak on a turkey).

Set your pine cone on it's side where it will settle without rolling. Glue feathers about 3/4 of the way back. Then glue your beak and wattle on the front end of the pinecone. Easy fun and cute! You can also make these for name card for your dinner by writing the name on a small card and placing right in front of the feathers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sweet Business Life * Hands on Small Business with Kirtsy

2009-11-23T13:25:00.002-05:00

{vaNIElla & chocolate cupcakes from last week's class from Sweet Tooth Fairy yum! photo by me}

Guess what?! Did you want to come to one of the Kirtsy classes this past few weeks and couldn't make it well...We added one more Kirtsy Hands on Small Business sponsored by Microsoft to the Salt Lake City area. Woohoo! Tuesday November 24th at 7PM you can come and learn about how to use:

-twitter

-Kirtsy

-Office Lives file sharing workspaces and how to build a FREE website

We will be having some great treats and some great learning. YES you can attend even if you do not have a business. All of these applications can be used for managing your home too.

Where:

Tuesday, November 24th, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Western Community Bank
1376 N. State Street Orem, Utah 84057
(801) 222-9006
Click here to Register for this Event

Time:
7pm-9pm

Bring:
Laptop iPhone, Blackberry, Google phone etc if you have one. This will be hands on learning.

Who:
Everyone men and women business owners or stay at home moms and dads college students etc... everyone welcome.

Oh & be sure to bring a friend!

Christmas Gift Idea 2009 * blabla Giselle Ballerina Doll

2009-11-23T02:27:00.002-05:00

I absolutely love this soft pretty knit doll for girls. The Giselle Ballerina Doll by blabla is one of my favorite choices for girls for Christmas. The pictures really do not show how pretty she really is. It's great for little girl as well as older girls. Her details such as the cute braided buns and her ballet skirt and slippers are all sewn in to her body. Blabla also makes a whole bunch of soft dolls from dressable to kitty cats to finger puppets.

Sweet Family Life * Disneyland Christmas Time

2009-11-21T11:44:00.001-05:00

Today we are at Disneyland with our Guest Winners enjoying the Christmas Time rides and fun. I will be posting next week about our Disneyland Christmas trip. Until then check out the great coloring pages, wish list, the build a snowman game, plus more on the Disneyland Holidays Site. Have a great weekend! You can check out our Whrrl story here http://whrrl.com/e/gMPyt we will be adding to it throughout the weekend.

Sweet Crafty Creations * Thanksgiving Turkey Marker Holder Center Piece

2009-11-19T07:37:00.004-05:00

This is such a cute crafty way to entertain the kids at your Thanksgiving day dinner. Make this cute Turkey Maker or Crayon Center Piece, cover your table with butcher paper and let them color away. See the complete instructions plus more great Thanksgiving crafts for kids on Family Fun.

Happenin in The Valley * FYI The Provo Posh and Chic Boutique Expo

2009-11-18T19:35:00.000-05:00

The Provo Posh and Chic Boutiqe Expo still has a few vendor openings available for their fun Black Friday Boutique Expo which will take place Friday November 27th 2009.
You can contact Emily Page mybowdaciousbows@gmail.com or 801.979.2165 for more details.

Christmas Gift Idea Guide 2009 * Jessie Steele Audrey Houndstooth Apron

2009-11-18T18:34:00.002-05:00

A lovely hostess gift for those ladies or for yourself who love to host the Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas parties and Christmas dinner. Jessie Steele has this nice Audrey Houndstooth Apron to wear over your holiday frocks keeping you clean yet still stylish while preparing the treats, snacks and meals during the holiday season. The Audrey apron is as nice as the clothes you will be wearing to your party or dinner. Love the button detailing, quality fabric, nice cut as well as the handy pockets.

Given a sample by vendor/agency/brand to review

Midweek Giveaway * Oh Sweet Sadie Art and Gift Show

2009-11-18T00:54:00.001-05:00

The Oh Sweet Sadie Show is here again. They have over 80 local handmade artisans with things from lovely jewelry to toys to handmade quilts.
We are giving away a wonderful gift basket with a personalized single tag necklace with birthstone charm from KellyAnnie, a copy of Family Comfort Favorites CookBook By Kim Warren, a magnet board and 5 new bottle cap magnets of their choice from Tika Kids, a sash and flower clip of your choice from Demi Do’s and $20.00 worth of notepads from Jot It Down.

Midweek Giveaway:
- fill out this form Oh Sweet Sadie Giveaway Entry This Giveaway is now Closed
-get extra entries by tweeting include @sweetlifeinthe in tweet, Facebook update with link, posting on your blog about this giveaway with link
-giveaway ends Friday November 19th at midnight

{Oh Sweet Sadie Art & Gift Show}
Show Schedule:
Wednesday, November 18th through Saturday, November 21st from 9:30 am until 8:00 pm. Live music Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
Where?
SoDa Row, Daybreak's New Retail Shopping District, in South Jordan(map)

Find of The Week * 100% Pure Makeup and Skincare

2009-11-16T22:44:00.000-05:00

You all know how I love pure natural skin care and make-up. I found 100% Pure products a while back and loved their lip glosses. I recently tried their eye shadow, body lotion and eye cream. Love love love the all natural scents that are used in the organic body lotions. My favorite thing about the eye shadows is that they are all natural and they use fruit pigment to color them. 100% Natural products are a great addition to our Sweet Home Spas.

Given a sample by vendor/agency/brand to review

Crazi Beautiful Giveaway * doTerra Dr Mom Kit

2009-11-16T11:26:00.000-05:00

Over at my other site Crazi Beautiful we are giving away a full Dr. Mom kit from doTerra. This is the prefect set of pure essential oils to have on had during the cold and flu season. I use the Breathe oil to make an all natural vapo rub. It's so much better that the other petrochemical filled store brand. The Dr. Mom kit is worth about $150.00 It includes Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Melaleuca, Oregano, Deep Blue, Breathe, DigestZen, and On Guard.

In This Season of Giving

2009-11-15T18:03:00.000-05:00

This past week two of my kid's cousins passed away. Joanna, mom and Kayla, daughter were in a fatal car accident. In this Season of Giving if you happen to have a few extra dollars to help out a hard working loving father pay for the funeral for his wife and daughter as well as the hospital bills there is a trust fund set- up at Wells Fargo for the Russel Anderson Family.

Out and About * California Travel Itinerary

2009-11-13T14:28:00.004-05:00

Are you heading Out & About with the Family to southern California for the holidays? Our wonderful Field Editor on Out and About with the Family Lauren Horsley put together a the perfect Southern California Travel Itinerary for young families. She has some great suggestions from experience for a fun family trip.