Do's and Don'ts

I just have a little ornery demon that has been dying to get out and today I just have to release it.

Please when Driving DO NOT:

-talk on your cell phone (please, feel free to use a hands-free set; this is okay)

-drive with your skull candy earbuds in. (you can't hear emergency vehicles)

-drive more than 5-10 mph in a parking lot. (you will hit someone)

-drive in a snow storm without your lights on. You cannot be seen no matter what time of day it is. (I know, I drive up Parley's Canyon every day)

-drive with poor tread on your tires. You do not have to buy "winter" tires, but a good set of all-weather are wonderful for around the town driving. (your poor tread can cause accidents)

-drive on a day that you feel inadequate to operate your vehicle. If you feel the need to drive 5 mph on a day that the weather scares you, but does not necessarily require you to slow to this speed, PLEASE find someone to be your driver for the day or take public transportation. It is not worth the headache for you or anyone else on the road.

When Driving PLEASE:

-use your blinker. (in a parking lot, turning a corner, changing lanes, etc.)

-go the speed limit (unless weather/ice doesn't permit you)

-keep good wipers on your vehicle

-wipe all the snow off your ENTIRE vehicle. (this means your hood and roof and trunk. wiping off the hood means your windshield will not fog. wiping off the roof and trunk means that my windshield will not fog from the snow on your car flying onto mine.)


Okay. Demon ran away. Hopefully He won't be back for a while.

It has come and gone

I can't believe that Christmas time has come and gone. It's a good thing that Vacation is still here. My hubby and I spent Christmas Eve and Day splitting our time between families. (for anyone soon getting married please take this ONE piece of advice: don't marry anyone from your same state or province. It's a headache to go see EVERYONE. rant finished) It was a good Christmas though. We played games, ate food, read from Luke 2, and opened gifts. It was a fun two days.

I am extremely exhausted though. I took two naps yesterday AND slept 8 hours last night. I just don't know what the deal is. Oh wait! There is an organism stripping me of any extra energy my body can produce. Right. I remember.

My hubby and I got a nice surprise Christmas Morning. Santa had brought us a car seat and pack 'n play. It was wonderful and will be VERY helpful.

Thanks Santa!

As adults we don't get to be surprised very often at Christmas, but was there something this year that you weren't expecting that you received or took part in?

Christmas Can Cure

This was our contribution for the season. (and by "contribution" I mean, we spent the day helping out)

My hubby and I spent the day in the Park City area. There is a non-profit organization called Christmas Can Cure that brings a special Christmas Holiday to wounded veterans and their families every year. This year was the first one in Utah. The families get to stay at a resort in the area, go skiing, tubing, horseback riding, play sled hockey, and have an early Christmas Eve and Day. The community gets involved in any way they can. The Boy and Girl Scouts did a flag raising ceremony for to honor the two veterans and their families. And there were schools in the area that made Christmas cards thanking the soldiers for their service.


The flag ceremony.


The Chidester Family


The Perez Family

It was a lot of fun getting to know the families and their father's stories. I think they did more for me than I did for them.


You can find out more about Christmas Can Cure HERE.

The Candy Cane

We give to you
A simple shepherd’s crook
To remind you of the shepherd
Who walked the hills of Galilee.

To remind you that you too are called
To follow the Shepherd’s way
To care for the lambs of our Father
So that none will go astray.

For each lamb of our Fathers
Is precious to behold
And we must teach them by his spirit
To bring them safely to his fold.

So as you view the shepherd’s crook
As it hangs on your Christmas tree
Remember you walk in the footsteps
Of the Shepherd from Galilee.


By Linda Maizer

**********************************************

I have always loved this poem. There are all sorts of wonderful analogies for the Candy Cane. I haven't found one I didn't like. Today this one reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas. The love, support, and silent help we give to each other. Everyone seems a bit more giving during this time. Those in need receive help more readily and we spend our hours determined to find the perfect gifts for our family, friends, and even strangers.

It's hard to be young, just out of college, new family and want to help others out when you have little or nothing to give. We just can't do everything. It's hard to pick and choose who you will help and how. My hubby and I have spent the whole month trying to figure out what we can do to help out. Realistically, we don't have much. But we want to. Our busy lives keep getting in the way. We will find something before the end of the year. And I'll tell you about it.

What do you do at Christmas?

I just Can't believe it!

6 WEEKS! There are 6 weeks left. It's excitement, nervousness, and panic all rolled into one overwhelming emotion.

How did you handle the last few weeks of pregnancy?

When it was your first what were the last few things you wanted to get in before you wouldn't be able to enjoy them as well after baby changed life? (you know the things that you will never have time for until your 50 and have no more kids at home)

I Found Them!

Last year we spent a whole evening driving around the Sugarhouse area looking for Christmas Street and Bible Street. Last night, we found them. It was a fun Family Home Evening Activity.

Christmas Street. (1500 East 1735 South SLC)

The cul-de-sac is lit up with lights. Here is the beginning. It's just a small street. It took us only ten or fifteen minutes to walk it.


These people have true spirit. Just one of the houses on Christmas Street.

BIBLE STREET (1400 East 1735 South SLC)


This is the start of the street. Each house has at least one scripture and a picture to accompany it about the birth of Jesus Christ.





This was a fun street to travel down. The signs alternate sides of the road so you don't necessarily want to get out of the car. The street is shaped like a "U." Don't be deceived when you get to the bottom of the "U", keep going. There is more.

Go see these fun displays. It's worth it.

Festival of Trees

I love to decorate for Christmas. I was always the one growing up to pull out all the boxes and get everyone else involved. (if I let them, and if they could handle my orders)

I still love to decorate. My own assortment of decorations looks a little sad, but grows every year. (I'm really glad that we don't have too many decorations because we wouldn't be able to put them anywhere in our little apartment now or during the storing season) So, the last couple of years we have spent an evening wandering up and down the isles at the South Towne Expo Center looking at the beautifully decorated trees. There are big trees, small trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and many hand-crafted items donated to raise money for the Primary Children's Hospital. I love looking at the amazing talent that so many have. If you have time, each donation has a story to go along with it. A story about someone who has battled some sort of disease. The donation is in memory of them.

Here are a couple of the things that I saw:


This Castle is AMAZING!


The UP House was wonderful as well.


It was hard to believe that this train was made of gingerbread.


"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" Tree.


A "John Deer" Tree



"Star Wars" Trees. This had multiple trees with fliers traveling between trees. Battles being fought below. A whole bunch of action figures. This was cool.


"The Wizard of Oz" Tree

And, of course, My FAVORITE TREE:

The CANADA Tree. "Christmas EH?"

There is always a couple of BYU trees, UTAH trees, and Jazz trees. I just can't believe I didn't get any pics of them. They were wonderful as well. If you have never gone to the Festival of tree you should go next year. It's beautiful fun. There are crafts for the kids, live performances, and Santa is there. Your family will love it.

Christmas Giving

At Christmas time growing up we spent a whole ton of time mixing, baking, and heating up the kitchen. (not to mention the house from the oven) And as time goes by, like in most families I think that some of the loved traditions when you were little get left behind or forgotten or changed. This happened in my house.

My mom is a great cook. At Christmas time it was Chocolates, Pies, Slush, Nuts and Bolts, Cookies, Caramels, and Crisps. We would eat plenty and give plenty away as well. But over the years my mom has stopped cooking these things. Busy lives.

Well, this year, being pregnant has really made me want to make all of the goodies I enjoyed as a little girl. (not to mention I don't have to feel too bad about eating them right now)

Here are the cookies that have been made:



I am very proud of this face. My artistic prowess astounds you doesn't it?


These sugar cookies were made with my Hubby's nephews(6, 4, and 2 yrs old). They were so cute and surprisingly careful not to mix up the colors. It was a lot of fun.



These are my shortbread cookies. Don't ask what's in them just eat the beautiful goodness.

I also made Caramels. They didn't make it long enough to get a pic. They disappeared.

WHAT DO YOU BAKE AT CHRISTMAS TIME?

First Presidency Christmas Devotional

The Christmas Devotional is a tradition in my house. We go every year. Everyone in my family tries to get tickets and every year someone gets some. We plan our month around this and many other activities.

This year the devotional came upon a time when my family had sickness and surgeries. They just couldn't go. So, we took my Hubby's brother and sister-in-law. It was a nice evening. Lights. Inspirational reminders to not overwhelm myself at Christmas time. Calls to spread the true spirit of Christmas. Wonderful Music. I LOVE Christmas Carols. It was a perfect beginning to the Month of December.

I haven't Forgotten You

I have just been having a fight with the internet gods all week.

I spent Monday decorating my house. (which really means putting up the tree in a little apartment) Then I had a bad cold all week. Fighting that monster too. I went to the festival of trees on Thursday. It was awesome. (pics coming) And tomorrow I am going to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. I will let you know all about it.

I'm so excited to not be sick and start my Christmas Baking. Joyous. I will post all of those too.

All Pending the Internet not Fighting with me Again.

What am I dreaming about? Part 1

"There is no substitute under the heavens for productive labor. It is the process by which dreams become realities. It is the process by which idle visions become dynamic achievements."

~President Gordon B. Hinckley, "I Believe," Ensign, Aug 1992, 4.

*********************************************

My Dreams? What are those? I live so often in reality that I forget this little addition to my life. There are many things that I want to accomplish. Many thoughts that are still in the vision stage.

Just what am I going to do with them?

Will they stay idle visions or become dynamic achievements?

Blind Side

I went this afternoon to see Blind Side. The new football movie. I HIGHLY recommend the movie. It was Wonderful.

Go see it.

Take a box of tissues. I cried for the first 45 minutes. You will need the tissues.

Sandra Bullock was an awesome mom. Tim McGraw was the best husband. He had the best comments. He made me chuckle many times. The little boy was great.

Go see it. I don't pay full price for movies ever and I would pay multiple times to see this one.

It was great.

I am Grateful For:

. . . my hubby,

. . . bowling,

. . . cute nephews that think I will eat a baby to get it in my tummy (so adorable),

. . . food,

. . . sunshine,

. . . Football,

. . . exercising,

. . . hiking,

. . . apple pie,

. . . sleeping,

. . . snuggled up with my hubby watching a movie,

. . . and vacations.


What are you thankful for?

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

URGGG!!

So, I go through major withdrawals when my internet is down. And it always seems to act up when I want it the most. I had so much to share last week. FOody Friday. My thought on Sunday.

I just get so frustrated. Not to mention I can't read what you are all up to. URGGGG!

My Catch up:

********************************************
I went to see my younger brothers in their High School play. It was really good. Guys and Dolls. It was very well done. The girl who plays Adelaide is wonderful. Anyone who is in the Orem area should go see it tonight. It's closing night and I am pretty sure they still have tickets.

They are $5 a person. (I don't really know if kids are cheaper since I'm pouching mine at the moment and we get a two for one deal when they cant see her)

Located at Mountain View High School. On Center Street in Orem. If you get off I-15 at Center Street in Orem and go East (left) it will be on your south side (right hand).

Starts at 7pm

It was well worth the $5. Mountain View has been putting on some spectacular shows in the last few years. Wonderful. Better than most High School productions I've seen.
*******************************************

Recipe will come Friday, UNLESS anyone wants one sooner.

**************************************

Whose Job Is It?

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.


which body are you?

Baby Registry Question

I was just checking up on my baby registry and was wondering if any of you had some suggestions of things that are "ABSOLUTE MUSTS" for a new baby?

Anything that I should make sure is on my registry or make sure that I don't go without?

What do you like to use?

Favorites?

What am I Really Looking For?

A young man came to Socrates and inquired as to how he could obtain the knowledge Socrates possessed. The young man was invited by the great philosopher to follow him, and they walked until they came to a river. Without pausing, Socrates walked out where the water was chest high, and the young man followed. Socrates grabbed the inquirer, plunged him under the water and held him there until he passed out. He then dragged him to the shore and let him lie.

When the young man came to and his strength returned he sought Socrates again and asked, "Why did you do that? I almost lost my life!" Socrates replied, "While you were under the water, what did you want more than anything else?" The young man answered, "Air." Socrates said, "As soon as you want knowledge as much as you wanted air, nothing on the face of the earth can keep you from getting it."


**************************************************

Just questions I asked myself after reading this story:


What do I want? REALLY.

How important is it to me?

How much am I willing to sacrifice for it?

Am I headed in the direction of obtaining it?

What are the next steps?

************************************************


What did you think about after reading this story?

Hamburger Pie

This recipe was so good. The best Shepherds Pie I have ever had. I got it out of a novel I read this week, A Star In Winter. After every chapter there was a recipe for whatever was made in that particular part of the story. I was short on food (hadn't done the grocery shopping yet this week) and I thought I would give it a try.

Here it is:

Brown 1 lb. of ground beef and add the following to taste:

Salt and pepper
Minced onion (I used dried onion flakes. They worked well)
Garlic powder
Dried Parsley
Worcestershire sauce (this really made the flavor)

Then add:

One can of green beans, drained
Two 8-oz cans of tomato sauce.



Spread in casserole dish.



Spread hot mashed potatoes on top.



Sprinkle with shredded cheese and put in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted.



Yum, YUM! It was so good. I might try more veggies in it next time. I love my veggies.

***recipe from A Star in Winter by Anita Stansfield, pg 23***

Gathering Christmas

Gathering Christmas by Larry R. Laycock



My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I liked this book so much, I thought I would share it with you. This was a wonderful way for me to start my Christmas season. This book has drifted around my house since I was a little girl, but I never read it. The spirit that flows through the book will touch your heart. It makes me want to be the older couple when I've been married 40 years.

I would recommend reading it aloud with your spouse and/or children. But be prepared to explain why the old man is dressed up as Santa to your younger ones. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

View all my reviews >>

Remembrance Day

In Flanders Fields

by Lieutenant Colonel John MrCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

********************************************************

This is one of my favorite poems. It won it's way into my heart when I was a little girl. Every year in school, for our Remembrance Day Assembly, we would recite this poem together. I still have the first two stanzas memorized. (I surprised myself today) I remember the poppies that were sold in the schools to make money for the veterans. It was a holiday that I loved to be a part of.

I am truly grateful for the freedoms that I enjoy because of what others have sacrificed.

I hope you have a wonderful Remembrance Day.

You Know you are pregnant when. . .

...you sneeze and you pee at the same time.

...your stomach shifts in the car when you turn the corner.

...you wake up deathly thirsty at 3 am in the morning.

...you have to pee even though your are desperately thirsty.

...you want rice with ketchup and mayonnaise on it.

...you clean EVERYTHING in sight (multiple times) and you can't handle watching the inadequate cleaning skills of anyone else.

...you eat everything in sight.

...you can't find that perfect position to sleep in.

...you have butterflies swarming the inside of your abdomen.

...you take a sandwich to church because your meetings run over lunch time.

...you spontaneously fall asleep in the middle of the day, interrupting your activity.

...you cry when you see a movie trailer.

Our Deepest Fear. . .

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

You were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within you.
It is not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear. Our presence automatically liberates others.

**Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech**

FOODY FRIDAY: a day late.. . . . what can ya do?

BANANA BREAD




This is one of my favorite recipes from when I was little. It was an easy one for me to help mom out with.

Enjoy.

Ingredients:

2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 C. mushed banana
1/2 C. butter (softened)
1 C. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl cream butter, sugar and vanilla together.

In a separate, small bowl mash banana with a fork.

Add the banana to creamed ingredients.
Add the remaining ingredients to the large bowl.

Pour into two greased bread pans.

Cook for at least 45 minutes. Until the toothpick comes out clean.

OREM, UT Haunted House

This house was amazingly decorated. The gentleman who lives here apparently spends all year long planning for Halloween. He loves it. His lawn is more of dirt all year long just to give his Halloween decor that special effect.

This house is on the corner of 300 East 260 South. I'm not sure how long after Halloween he leaves the decorations up, but I would highly recommend visiting next year. There is a donation box to help with the cost of electricity and maintenance. Feel free to donate to the box if you like the display.

Here are just a few pics that I got with my phone. (it was really dark. I did my best)

Seasonal Traditions???

Monday, Monday. Na na na na na na


So, it's another week after a really good weekend. My hubby and I went down to Utah County to visit family and celebrate Halloween. It was a whole lot of fun. We visited the most elaborately decorated house in Orem. It was awesome. (I will download pics tomorrow I think) You can't miss seeing it next year. AH-MA-ZING!

It's November already. Can anyone believe it? Fall has been upon us for four weeks (last week it felt like winter). Christmas is coming. Are you ready? I know I'm not. Not yet, anyway.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day in the next few months. Exciting. I love the fall season. There are so many traditions and fun things I can't wait to share with you.

What are your traditions?

What activities do you never miss?

Chicken Parmesan

Oh, it's so GOOD!

If you are anything like me, you love Chicken Parmesan. But I always feel so bad about eating it. It's so not good for you. BUT here is a recipe that is low in fat and high in flavor.

Ingredients:

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 C. hot-pepper sauce (this does not mean tabasco)
1 egg white
1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 C. breadcrumbs (I use the Italian flavored ones)
1/4 C. minced fresh cilantro
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves, 4 oz. each

Step #1:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Step #2:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the oil, garlic, hot-pepper sauce, egg white, salt, and 2 tsp. of water.



Step #3:
In another shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan, breadcrums, and cilantro.

Step #4:
Dip a chicken breast half in the egg white mixture to coat. Then dredge in the Parmesan mixture to coat completely and place on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken. Lightly coat the chicken with cooking spray and bake 35 minutes.



The finished chicken.



This recipe yields 4 servings.

For a different taste, substitute 1/4 C. Worcestershire sauce for the hot sauce and shopped, fresh, flat-leaf parsley for the cilantro.

Per Serving:
Calories 200, Carbohydrates 11 g., Fat 6 g., Protein 24 g., Fiber 1 g.

It was a great hit. Even with my mom who doesn't like things too spicy. My brothers and dad loved it. My hubby asks when we will have it again. YUMMY!



*****This recipe came from The Volumetrics Eating Plan by Barbara Rolls, Ph. D., pg 205*****

Little things to Match

Do you remember that blanket that I made last week? Well This week was the week of crocheting hats to match. Here they are. Just as soft and wonderful.

Hush Hush Fireside last Sunday

On Sunday, I was privileged enough to attend a fireside held at the Conference Center Theatre. This was a hush, hush concert. (Held for those who were attending a work conference in SLC last week) There were many different musicians there to perform their favorite hymns and church songs. (at this moment I can't find the program, so I will just tell you the names I remember)

There was a girl from Finland (I think) that played the violin. She was amazing! There was a couple that were both opera singers who were dazzling. I really liked the little birdie song they sang. A local youth choir was there. (my brothers were in it. why I was invited) They sang the medley of As Sisters In Zion and Army of Helaman. I know that song is ridiculously over sung especially in this area; however, this was the best performance of it I have heard in a LONG time.

Also there was Sam Cardon who accompanied a young couple. Kalai was there. He sang Be Still My Soul, Kalai style. Interesting version. I liked it. He sang a couple of other songs, but I don't remember at the moment. There was a 12 year old girl there who rocked the house. She was great. She flew out from New Jersey to participate.

And, of course, the reason for the hush, hush. . . . . .

David Archuleta was there to finish off the night. Now, I'm not really an American Idol fan, but he really is good. Really shy, but boy does he have a set of pipes on his body. It was beautiful.

The night was wonderful. I got to listen to some amazing people sing/play some amazing songs. It was a good night.

Catch Up

So sorry. My internet has been non-existent this week. And it just happened on a week that I really wanted to share.

Anyway.



Last Friday I went with some friends on the Halloween Haunted Cruise at the Clas Ropes Course in Provo. As you walk out to your raft you might see some things like these:





When you get to the dock, you board your boat that takes you for a ride along the river. Lining the river there are pumpkins carved and lit. Some of them are really good.

The pirate steering the boat tells ghost stories. You get over taken by another Pirate who leaves candy for everyone. (although we didn't let him on our boat, we dunked him. It was pretty funny. Probably cold for him though) The boat ride lasts about 25 minutes. Adults were $5. And I honestly don't remember how much the kids were. But it was a cute little adventure for the family to go on.

Your Constant Companion

I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the tasks you do you might just as well turn over to me and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed. you must merely be firm with me. Show me how you want something done, and after a few lessons, I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great people and, alas, of all failures as well. Those who are great, I have made great. those who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine, but I work with all the precision of a machine, plus the intelligence of a man. you may run me for profit or run me for ruin. It makes no difference to me.

Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will put the world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I? I am HABIT.

--Author Unknown

*********************************************************************

I hope you can look at your habits and know they are benefiting your life and not pulling you down. If they are undesirable habits I hope you have the strength to over come them and develop a new, replacement habit.

Have a wonderful Sabbath.

Corn and Tomato Chowder

This soup was really good and super filling. My hubby loved it and it's good for him. (don't tell) It was wonderful for a cold, rainy day. I hope you like it.

Ingredients:

1 tsp unsalted butter
1 C. chopped onions
1 C. chopped celery
3 C. peeled, diced, boiling potatoes
1 bay leaf
2 C. nonfat, reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 C. canned diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 1/2 C. frozen corn, thawed (you can use fresh corn kernels)
1 1/2 C. nonfat milk
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 C. chopped, fresh flat-leaf parsley


Lightly spray a 4-5 quart nonstick pot with cooking spray. Ad the butter and place over medium heat. Add the onions. and cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add the celery and potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

Add the bay leaf and broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Remove the bay leaf, puree 2 cups of soup in a blender or food processor, and return to the pot.

Stir in the tomatoes, corn, and milk. Return the soup to a simmer, stirring and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in a few grindings of the black pepper, ladle the soup into 8 soup bowls, and serve, garnished with parsley.

Yields: 8 servings of 1 cup each

This soup can be frozen.

Per serving:
105 Calories; 19 g. Carbohydrates; 2 g. Fat; 5 g. Protein; 2 g. Fiber

*****This recipe came from The Volumetrics Eating Plan by Barbara Rolls, Ph. D., pg. 95*****

The WinCo Excusion is Complete

While going to school at BYU-Idaho, I had heard of the store that students would drive twenty minutes to just to get a good deal, but never made the trek myself. So, when one popped up here in Utah, I decided I better go check it out. (I have mixed feelings because I like to buy local)

I found a large store set up as a mix between a Macey's and a Costco look. I was interested in seeing just if the prices were less, and for a lot of things they are. I thought their produce (for the most part) was close to Sunflower Farmers Market. WinCo had cereal and canned goods that were way less than anywhere else. They also carry the largest and cheapest variety of bulk foods I have seen in the area. Their meat and fish looked to be really good prices as well.

Their prices are listed in two different colors. Yellow for their everyday prices and green for their sale prices (the ones that will change). I asked a worker how long their green price tags usually stayed on and she said that she was told 30 days. I thought that was pretty good. Most stores I know of have sales for only about a week.

I didn't really get a feel for their customer service or the ambiance of the store because their were so many people. I will have to find that out another day when the excitement about a new store has lessened. Everyone seemed nice enough, especially since they have probably already encountered so many ornery people by noon on a REALLY busy day.

There are no express lanes at WinCo. They just don't exist. However, if you have only 3-4 items you are welcome to go to the Customer Service desk and they can check you out there. You must be prepared to pay in cash, check or debit. They do NOT accept credit cards.

If you plan on going to WinCo in the next little bit, plan for at least 1.5 hours. (I was there for 2, but I walk really preggie slow) You will want to get a good look at everything and it's just so busy. You will wait in line to check out for about a half hour. Oh, while you're walking in ask someone who is walking out it you can follow them to their car and have their cart when they are finished or you just wont get one.

It was a pretty good experience and I will go back a few times more to really figure out if their prices are wonderful. There just wasn't time or space today.

How do you like or not like about WinCo?

Baby Boy Blankie

Just a little something I finished this morning. It's blue, zig-zag, and extremely soft. What's not to like?



OH, this is a crocheted blanket. Just in case you wanted to know. (Although I can knit, I don't know how to knit a blanket, just scarfs.)

Witches Night Out

This past weekend I was able to attend the Witches Night Out at Gardner Village. It was a blast. They have lots of activities, food, and of course, SALES! Everyone comes dressed as a witch. I saw some wonderful costumes.


Here are just a few. People went all out. They have elaborate costumes and lots decorated their own hats. I saw some with skulls on them. It was great.



There were lots of Witches throughout the Village that were fun to take pictures with.



"Witchy Poo" in the Outhouse.


Lookin Good Witch


Flying Witch


A Witch with a cat chasing a mouse under her dress.


Fishing Witch


This is us. We had a great time, but forgot to take a pic while there. So, here's one after the whole night. I can't wait 'til next year.

Did anyone else go this year? Do you go every year? What kinds of things do you do to get ready?