Sorry for the lack of posts. I’ve been busy learning how to scuba dive. Why? Because I’m going to Puerto Rico next week. I’m excited for some relaxin’! But until then I’m going to be busy getting ready for the trip. I’ll try to post as much as I can…but there are no guarantees.

I do want to let you know about the Utah Valley Home and Remodeling Expo coming up this Friday and Saturday. It is the best place to comparison shop for things you may need to do to your house. For example, Seth and I went to an expo right when we were looking for some hardwood floors for our entryway and kitchen. We didn’t want to spend all the time (and stinkin’ gas money) on going to a bunch of different places. We found a couple different places at the expo that had great deals on floors, got samples, took them home and stewed over them, made a decision and called the store to buy our floors. It was great.

These home expos are also great places to get new ideas or to get coupons to places you may need to go to anyway. (Last time we got 20% off at Diamond Rental…not bad!)

You can get free tickets in the latest Utah Valley Magazine and I think they may be giving them out at a few other places too, but I’m not sure where…if you know please let me know. I think I’m going to go on Friday, so I’ll see you there!

Tags: To Do by Tricia
1 Comment »

I just went in to Roberts today to buy something I saw advertised in their mailer. (An embossing envelope for my Cuttlebug , if you must know.) I was excited because they were 30% off and they always have the 40% off one item coupons hanging around the store. I never hold on to the coupons I get in the mail because I always know I can get them in the store, too. Well, they have just changed their policy! You need to bring your coupon in to the store now. They were nice to me and still gave me 40% off, but said they are going to be sticking to their policy from now on. Just wanted to pass on the info so you can make sure to take your coupons in to the store. I know I would be mad if I didn’t get as fabulous a deal as I was expecting.

Maybe I’ll show you the cricut cards I plan on making with my new scrapbooking tool.

Tags: Uncategorized by Tricia
No Comments »

Sorry about the lack of posts so far this week. I just went on a last minute trip to a conference about festivals and events. It was the perfect thing for me to get excited about Lavender Days for next year. Over the next little while we are going to step back and look at the event to make sure it is the best festival we can possibly put on…and that doesn’t mean the most jam packed crazy festival out there. We need to be good at what is most important to us. Isn’t it nice to step back every now and then and take a look at something from a different perspective? It is so refreshing and it makes me excited and happy.

Sometimes I feel like I need to attend a conference like this just for regular life. Don’t you?

Tags: Uncategorized by Tricia
No Comments »

I just heard of a great little fabric shop in Lehi. It’s been around for 126 years…I almost feel ashamed I haven’t heard of it before. I was planning on visiting this coming week, so I was super excited to get a $5 coupon in the mail today. Wahoo! Look in your Home Town Values magazine and you might have one, too. I’ll let you know what I think of the store.

A cute little blogger and jewlery designer named Caroline Armelle wrote about the store last year. Click here to read her review.

Broadbent: 128 N. 100 E., Lehi Utah; open from 9-5

Tags: Utah Home Decor Stores by Tricia
No Comments »

I’ve always been taught to keep the Sabath Day holy. You would think that this would have been hardest when I was a teenager and wanting to be off doing who knows what with friends. But it is actually hardest now. I just have so much to do around my house and there never seems to be enough time to do it. (If you don’t feel this way please tell me your secret!) But I really do realize how wonderful it is to have a day set aside to rest and not worry about how messy my front room is, and all the erands I need to run, and the yard that needs to be kept up, etc. Sundays help me focus on the things that are most important–and in my opinion those things aren’t really things at all.

As I was reading through some blogs today I found a great post on decor8 . I love her new perspective on the Sabath. She just moved to Germany and is experiencing the culture there for the first time. This is what she has to say about Sundays:

Another interesting cultural difference is that on Sunday everything is closed with the exception of a few kiosks and select drug stores. A few (very few) bakeries are open in the early morning, and the cafe in the nearby forest is open (we have cappuccino there after our Sunday morning walk each week), but none of the shops are open, grocery stores are closed, even IKEA is closed. Instead of shopping, Germans play with their children, go to the many parks and gardens here, visit museums, emerge themselves in cultural and sporting activities. At first it was weird for me to adjust to this. No shopping on Sunday? Are these people insane?

Then I thought about it. It’s starting to grow on me.

I thought about how back in America my husband and I do our “Target Run” on Sunday. Then I thought about how sad it is that we never slow down at home and always have our minds on running errands. Why? Because we CAN. When you cannot shop, you are forced to do something with your time, something more meaningful. On Sundays here in Germany, we go hiking, visit family, and usually go for dinner at our favorite Greek restaurant or we stay in and cook a special Sunday dinner. I know the U.S. economy depends heavily on commerce, but if Americans vowed to take Sunday off and stay out of stores and just spend time with their families and friends outdoors or pursuing something more cultural I think it would greatly increase joy and the quality of life. In just 3.5 weeks here, I’m already more joyous. I feel less stressed, have more patience, and feel very connected again with nature and more in touch with my own feelings and goals. I feel more creative than ever.

Tags: Very Interesting by Tricia
No Comments »

My brother signed the contract on Sunday and moved in yesterday! Eek! This is the first time in four years that Seth and I have lived with anyone else. So far it is going great. Daniel was able to go with us to Lowes tonight to pick up some shelving for a few cabinets. Yes, we just got new cabinets and the four pantry cabinets didn’t come with any shelves. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Once we get those in my kitchen will be fully functional! It has been a long time in coming. I feel like getting on my roof and shouting, "Hall-le-freakin’-luja!"

In other, random news:

I’m inheriting chairs and a table from my grandma. I’m excited because they are old and beautiful. The table is a bit rough so I’ll probably use it in my craft room until I decide to refinish it.

I got my August Fields fabric samples in the mail today. I’m in love, but I have to see what my husband thinks of them before I actually buy anything.

I also got a $35 rebate in the form of a gift card from Lowes today. I’m hoping to spend it on some sort of light fixture for my dining room.

Tags: Uncategorized by Tricia
1 Comment »