So what did the Sassies think of Zion’s Mercantile at The Shops at Riverwoods? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION
What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP
Jenny: This place is like Deseret Book . . . on crack.
Kim: The store is very bright, open and clean. I like that it isn’t SO stuffed full of merchandise that one begins to feel overwhelmed and claustrophobic. I think an open store is more apt to draw me in, keep me looking, this place is no exception.
Lindsey: {coming soon}
Stephanie: I really liked the open feel of the store. It is nice to know you have room to walk by displays and not worry about your purse knocking everything off.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Jenny: The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the products in the store as well as the history of the artifacts (and their replicas) and Nauvoo in general. The way they answer questions with such passion, and without having to reference any manuals (or a computer) for accuracy, was amazing and made me want to listen to more of the stories they have to tell.
Kim: I loved the artwork and the blue glass jars. Those were definitely my two favorite things about the store. I also really liked the knowledgeable staff and the fun stories they could tell about almost every item in the store. I also enjoyed the yummy, yummy slice of bread.
Lindsey: {coming soon}
Stephanie: I adored how knowledgeable the staff and manger Sheri were about the items in the store. It is obvious they love what they do and believe in the products in their store. They really are amazing.
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QUESTION
What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP
Jenny: The merchandise, in general, simply isn’t my style. And I don’t get the fascination with the vintage guns.
Kim: While the majority of the items in Zion’s Mercantile are not necessarily my ‘style’ or things I would purchase for my own home, I was so happy to see that there are so many different things and such a variety that it would be easy to find gift ideas for anyone. I adored the handmade quilts that were a fantastic price. (Cheaper than I could make them myself.) I also adored all of the items for children, from ‘coon skin caps and canteens to pioneer bonnets and small dolls. There is definitely something for everyone.
Lindsey: {coming soon}
Stephanie: I am not really “in to” most of the items in the store. Granted, the store carries wonderful items at a great price…They just aren’t things I would typically buy for myself.
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QUESTION
Would you refer Zion’s Mercantile to a friend?

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THE SCOOP
Jenny: Yes, particularly someone who is interested in LDS church history or is looking for a unique gift with an LDS or Utah theme.
Kim: I would most definitely. The store is just so beautiful. The decor and the lighting are so inviting and warm. It is worth a stop in. I would recommend the beautiful stained glass replicas to hang on your kitchen window. That may be one of my favorite items.
Lindsey: {coming soon}
Stephanie: Yes. I know so many people who would just fall in love with Zion’s Mercantile.
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QUESTION
If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP
Jenny: For the most unique #LDS merchandise around, specializing in Nauvoo history, check out @ZionsMercantile at the Shops at Riverwoods in Provo.
Kim: @ZionsMercantile, for authentic LDS Artwork and old time replicas of Books of Mormon, and other LDS items of the Nauvoo Era and beyond.
Lindsey: {coming soon}
Stephanie: @zionsmercantile is a one of kind shop nestled in The Shops at Riverwoods.
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for Zion’s Mercantile in Provo, Utah.
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on Zion’s Mercantile!

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Nestled within The Shops at Riverwoods is a one of kind shop in Provo, Utah: Zion’s Mercantile Co. No, this isn’t ZCMI. It isn’t even a department store. It is a place where you can get unique gifts, art and home décor…all with a historical LDS twist.

The Sassies recently had the chance to visit Utah County and take a tour of the beautiful Zion’s Mercantile. And we were treated to more than what we expected. The manager Sheri—in fact all the employees—are so knowledgeable about the store history and items. Ask them a question about the artist of a painting or the replica rifles and they will know the answer. You can’t find that at a big box store.

Sheri and her sons actually became familiar with Zion’s Mercantile when they ran the store located in Nauvoo, IL. When they returned home to Utah they were asked several times to help start and manage a store here. And thankfully she agreed or we wouldn’t have our own Zion’s Mercantile here in Provo.

Zion’s Mercantile IS the place to buy gifts for anyone who is interested in early Utah history, Nauvoo, or who just wants something a little different. There is gorgeous artwork, historical replicas, cookbooks, toys, dishes and much, much more—all things you won’t find in other local stores.
Check back on Wednesday and Friday to see the scoop on Zion’s Mercantile and find out if Kim decided to stay in touch with her inner pioneer…forever.

But if you are like me and just can’t wait, feel free to visit:

Zion’s Mercantile
4801 N University Ave. #350
Provo, UT 84604
801.802.6064

Blog & site: zionsmercantile.wordpress.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/zionsmercantile

So what did the Sassies and guest Sassy Evonne think of The Pie Pizzeria in South Jordan? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION
What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Char: It is HOT in here.
Emily: A Coca-Cola Freestyle machine? Nice! Wait, is that a wood-burning stove? Cool…but holy crap, it’s hot in here!
Evonne: Cool atmosphere. Trendy. Great location…because it is close to my house. :)
Jenny: There’s a location of The Pie in South Jordan?
Stephanie: It seemed a little small when I walked in. I wondered where we were going to sit. I was pleased to see they had a large upstairs eating area. Oh… and they have a freestyle drink machine. Raspberry Diet Coke anyone?
Vanessa: It’s hot! It’s in the middle of winter and upstairs it was just uncomfortably hot. But you know…sometimes you ignore things like that for good pizza.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Char: I love the pizza. We’re The Pie regulars. I also love the cheese pull aparts and a chef salad.
Emily: I’ve been a Pie fan ever since my college days. My fave is still their pepperoni pizza and cheese pull-apart bread, both with a side of ranch.
Evonne: I loved that they didn’t skimp on the cheese, but I am lover of cheese.
Jenny: Have you seen this drink machine? You can get, like, over 100 different flavors of pop. From one machine. I liked the veggie pizza (no olives!).
Stephanie: I really liked the barbecue chicken pizza. It didn’t have has much cheese as the other pizzas which I really like. Plus… did I mention the freestyle machine?
Vanessa: The pizza! My favorite is BBQ Cilantro Chicken, Chicken Ranch and regular pepperoni. How relaxed the feel is of the resturant; lots of times I feel like going to a place like that rather than a fancy smanchy place.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Char: As much as I love The Pie and I love Coke Freestyle machines, I have to say that the combination of the two is disastrous. The line was 8-9 people long most of the night and if you’re sitting upstairs and need to head down for a refill, you feel like you’re missing most of the meal.
Emily: I wasn’t impressed with their cheese garlic bread or the sweltering heat upstairs. It’s kind of ridiculous to have upstairs seating without waiter/waitress service I think. I had to keep getting up and down and there was serious foot traffic back and forth. But THE WORST part of it all had to be the single Coca-Cola Freestyle machine. YES, one machine for the ENTIRE restaurant and no other way to refill your drinks! I waited a good 10 minutes to refill mine. It was ridiculous! In fact, it was so bad it will keep me from going back to that location.
Evonne: I didn’t like that they only had one drink machine and it was downstairs. The line was huge and made it hard to want a refill and miss out on good company. Oh, and it was soo hot upstairs too. Just as bad, though, is when I took Savannah back and she started reading what was on the walls. Like on the back of her plate was written something about sucking d**k. :(
Jenny: That pop machine? Only one, which meant a perpetual long line. Also, when I get garlic bread and it just looks like a slice of bread from a bag, I feel disappointed.
Stephanie: I really don’t care for the amount of cheese on some of the pizzas. It is like cheese overkill. Also, there is only one drink machine and it is on the bottom level. Most of the seating is upstairs so it is inconvenient.
Vanessa: The subs & appetizers we tried. The vegetable sub tasted like a bunch of canned, mushy, un-fresh vegetables. Also there was only ONE fountain drink machine (the kind with the touchscreen that has all the different drinks come out of the spout) for the packed restaurant, which led to a long line. And it was really in the wrong place of the resturant.
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QUESTION

Would you refer The Pie Pizzeria to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Yes.
Emily: Not this location. I always tell people it’s worth the drive downtown if you want some of The Pie.
Evonne: Yes, I would. I would recommend they sit downstairs…hopefully it would resolve some of my complaints.
Jenny: Sure, if they live in South Jordan.
Stephanie: Yes. Everyone should experience The Pie at least once. It’s a Utah tradition.
Vanessa: YES! BUT…I don’t think it’s the best pizza in Utah like others do. Estes is by far the best and The Pie is trailing right behind it. And the pizza is heavy; you have to be in the mood for heavy pizza.
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Want to watch me eat an entire cheese pull apart? The Pie is the place it happens.
Emily: Love a pound of cheese on your pizza and a unique, original atmosphere? Check out The Pie’s original location. #utah
Evonne: Have you been to The Pie downtown? I had no idea they have other locations that are just as fab.
Jenny: Did you know that there’s a location of The Pie in South Jordan? With a cool pop machine? Don’t bother bringing your coat, it’s hot in there.
Steph: If your tastebuds delight at layers of cheese you should visit The Pie.
Vanessa: Feel like a heavy pizza in a relaxed atmosphere? Head on over to the pie & order a BBQ Cilantro Chicken or Chicken Ranch. Mmmm Mmmm.
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for The Pie Pizzeria in South Jordan, Utah.
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on The Pie Pizzeria!

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Who doesn’t love a good storyteller? I can sit entranced for hours thanks to the storytellers behind books like The Poisonwood Bible, The Book Thief and yes, even Can You Keep a Secret? I can also sit and listen to my husband for hours as he tells stories from his childhood or even better, the rated R movie I was too scared to see myself. He is a great storyteller.

My mom reading books to Madison (now 14) and Lauren (now 12).

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Me? Not so much. Once in a while I can bust out a good story like the one about how we went from non-pet people to dog people almost overnight. But for the most part, my storytelling could use some help. My kids ask me to tell stories all the time and I always defer to their father (due in part to my very “normal” childhood) or their older sister who can weave stories like they’re going out of style.

That’s why I’m super excited to attend the Story@Home conference sponsored by CherishBound and FamilySearch. The conference has three tracks: Blogging, Storytelling and FamilySearch (family history). Though I’d love to attend the Blogging track, I’m actually thinking the Storytelling track would be a great way to exercise my creative side…and maybe lead to better writing on my site.

No matter how you tell your stories – through your family history, at your child’s bedside, on your blog, or from a stage – your stories matter. Join us for a conference that will change the way you see your stories and the world, and help you connect in new ways with those you cherish most.

Workshops and performances by award-winning storytellers, performers and speakers, will help you explore ways to use the power of story in your home. You’ll be able to record your own story, start on some research to learn more about your family’s history, get started on a blog and learn how to tell your story through social media.

I’ve seen the agenda and it is full of phenomenal speakers and workshop presenters. We’re talking C Jane Kendrick, Rustin Banks of BlogFrog, Rachael Herrscher of Today’s Mama, Heather Madder and even our very own Tauni Everett. And I’ve heard from a pretty good source (that would be me) that our very own Sassies Kim and Lindsey will be hosting a special box lunch keynote during the Blogging track. (You better believe I’ll be hopping over from Storytelling to be there for that!)

I have my ticket already, how about you? At $79 (meals not included but coupons/discount cards will be in attendee goody bags) for the two-day conference, it’s a total steal. And it’s in downtown Salt Lake City—that’s right in your own backyard! If you’d like to make it an overnight getaway, the conference has secured a special room rate at The Plaza Hotel downtown; rooms are only $79 a night! SLUMBER PARTY!

I’d hurry and register. Seating is limited and the conference may sell out before a winner of the giveaway is announced. If you purchase a ticket and then win, you will be issued a refund for your ticket price.

SassyScoops is giving away one (1) full-conference pass to Story@Home!

To enter, leave a comment telling us which track you’d most like to attend.

For extra entries, do any of the following. Each counts as an additional entry. Please leave a separate comment for each one you do.

~ “Like” Story@Home on Facebook.
~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook.
~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter.
~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops in your tweet.
~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway.

Giveaway ends Monday, January 30th at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

P.S. For another chance to win, head over to Not Just a Housewife where our friend Stacy is giving away a full-conference pass as well!
P.S. Story@Home is offering a Sweetheart Special. Everyone who registers by February 14th will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive 2 tickets (one refund for her and a ticket for someone she loves). LOVE that!

So what did the Sassies and guest Sassy Evonne think of One Sweet Slice in South Jordan? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Char: SO CUTE! Why have I never crossed the street from Material Girls to check this place out???
Emily: Oh my gosh! Look how cute the decor is! And the cupcakes? Beautiful. Wait, what?!?! You have Italian sodas and frozen lemonade? SOLD!
Evonne: To-die-for decor and a perfect spot to take my little lady.
Jenny: I’m really impressed with the location of the store, and I’m surprised at how big the space is.
Kristina: The shop is really fun and adorable. It would be a great place for a shower or party.
Stephanie: I loved the high ceilings and whimsical decor. It has the feeling of an upscale boutique filled with the most lovely goodies. I would say it is a little on the side of fairytale like.
Vanessa: So excited to have the Sassies come try this place—I want to show it off to them! Love all the places to sit, cute decor, birthday table in the back and friendly smiles at the counter.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Char: I loved the atmosphere and the decor. I also enjoy the denseness of my raspberry chocolate cupcake.
Emily: The cake part of the cupcakes was my favorite thing ever. Super dense and super moist. The peanut butter one was delicious (I had to try this later because Steph wouldn’t share), as was the Almond Joy cupcake. The frozen lemonade was delicious too! Another favorite: hosting a birthday party there. My girls would love it!
Evonne: I loved that there was a spot all the girls could sit around and talk over a sweet treat.
Jenny: The drink options. I had the hot chocolate, and though I couldn’t finish it, I liked the idea of getting cocoa, or an Italian Soda, or lemonade. The chocolate raspberry cupcake was tasty.
Kristina: I loved the Snickerdoodle cupcake, and their French macaroons. I don’t normally like coconut, but their coconut tasted like a unicorn in my mouth.
Stephanie: I had a peanut butter cup cupcake. It was actually like eating a peanut butter cup. AMAZING. And the cake itself was truly the best cupcake I have ever eaten. I typically do not enjoy cupcakes. That cupcake changed my mind.
Vanessa: The Raspberry Chocolate cupcake; the flavors and choices of chocolate makes it a masterpiece. The brownies are yummy, the hot chocolate has ganache in it and the selection of flavors with the cupcakes is great.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Char: I was not a fan of the cake bites, but that’s a personal (bizarre texture-related) problem.
Emily: Her version of the cake bite wasn’t my favorite. The taste and texture was just a little bit off for me.
Evonne: I personally wish I could have stayed longer to try more stuff. :)
Jenny: I had a tiny bite of a . . . what was it? Like, a cakepop without a stick . . . it was super dry.
Kristina: I really wish they sold milk. Their cupcakes were quite rich, and a nice glass of milk would have made everything better.
Stephanie: The coconut cookie thing I ate. Mostly because I don’t like coconut. It gets stuck in the back of my throat. Not my favorite.
Vanessa: The cake bites. Sweet Tooth Fairy perfected them and I don’t think any other nearby bakery should even try. The consistency was off for me with these cake bites. Also their carrot cake cupcake needs to be re-done I think.
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QUESTION

Would you refer One Sweet Slice to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Absolutely. The options for fancy and fab cupcakes in this neck of the woods are slim.
Emily: Already did. And that friend left a half dozen One Sweet Slice cupcakes on our doorstep a few days later. It was awesome.
Evonne: The cupcakes I tried, I loved…and I would most definitely send someone their way for a special occasion cake. Those cakes are off-the-chart amazing.
Jenny: Sure.
Kristina: Yes! I think their cupcakes were delicious, and they were reasonably priced. The shop is also really cute.
Stephanie: YES! I have convinced my sister-in-law that we need to take her little girls there for fun. They would love it.
Vanessa: Yes, I have many times! For cupcakes, personalized birthday cakes, to just hang out with friends and for wedding cakes. Owner is wonderful, cupcakes are moist and delectable and customer service is always perfect.
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Need cake in the south end of the valley? Check out @OneSweetSliceUT
Emily: Looking for a fabulous cupcakery in the south valley? @OneSweetSliceUT is the way to go, promise! #cupcake
Evonne: Planning a little girls party? Check out @OneSweetSliceUT…it is a dream.
Jenny: Have you been to @OneSweetSliceUT in South Jordan? Check out the beautiful cake decorating skills!
Steph: @OneSweetSliceUT… don’t let the name deceive you. It’s about the cupcakes.
Vanessa: @OneSweetSliceUT *IS* another cupcake shop in Utah. But guess what? THEY REALLY KNOW HOW TO MAKE THEIR CUPCAKES.
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for One Sweet Slice in South Jordan, Utah.
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on One Sweet Slice!

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Because we took a little vacay during the holidays, our recap of our Halloween girls’ night out is a bit overdue, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a super fun evening full of good food, games, prizes, new friends and a tour of Jordan Valley Medical Center’s new Breast Care Center.

We loved hosting a Halloween party and seeing everyone arrive in costume. I don’t think we saw any repetitive outfits in the entire group!

And of course there was plenty of partying to go around. (We like it that way!)

We were all exhausted by night’s end (some of us more than others).

We have lots of fun photos from that evening, including shots of the great appetizers the Breast Care Center provided for our little shindig. You can view them all and get some costume ideas for 2012 here.

As for the Breast Care Center, I don’t know that our guests knew what to expect when it came to the short presentation by Dr. Jane Porretta, medical director at the center, but her presentation was awesome. She spent just a few minutes helping all of us “think pink” (October is Breast Cancer Awareness month) and talked about the signs of breast cancer in thirty-something year-old women and the importance of early detection.

Believe you me, that early detection is super important.

Many of the ladies went on a tour of the new Breast Care Center at Jordan Valley, which truly is amazing.

I was able to tour it in June and wrote a post about my experience including photos to try and show off its spa-like atmosphere (an important aspect of the center). My favorite part of it all? Having a nurse advocate who works with you and the doctors. It sort of streamlines everything. And that’s another awesome thing about the center: seriously reduced wait time on tests.

You can get a behind-the-scenes look at the center and read more info about it in my original post on isthisREALLYmylife.com.

Can you tell we had a really, really good time. It didn’t hurt we had some fabulous prizes: Sweet Tooth Fairy cupcakes and cake bites, Utah Truffles gift baskets, jars of delicious candy and even a gift card from Fotofly for one of their new outdoor sessions.

Oh, how we love to party!

Now the Sassies are back from their holiday break and already have some great local business reviews for SassyScoops.com. Next week we’ll feature One Sweet Slice, a new bakery in South Jordan. It was divine. DIVINE.

Wishing you a wonderful 2012!

So what did the Sassies and guest Sassy Evonne think of Spotted Owl Soap & Body Products? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Char: SO CUTE! Also? Smells delightful!
Emily: The packaging, logo, gift sets—pretty much everything—is ADORABLE! And everything smells so yummy!
Evonne: Everything smelled lovely, and her packaging was “spot” on. :)
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: I loved all of Spotted Owl’s adorable owl labels, packaging and logos. Right down to Holly’s cute owl apron! The smell was also wonderful, fresh and clean and not overpowering.
Stephanie: I adored the cute packaging. Plus, Holly is so knowledgeable about soap. Who knew there was such a giant science behind our favorite method to get clean?
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Char: My favorite was how adorably nerdy and knowledgeable Holly was about her products. She knew her stuff about soaps and lotions and chemistry.
Emily: As much as I loved getting pampered with decadent shea butter and goodie bags, what I loved most was Holly’s serious knowledge about everything that went into not only her products but those commercial ones you find off the shelves. I was surprised to learn even those brands professing to be all natural and fabulous can be full of crap (not literally, of course).
Evonne: I loved the whip shea butter. My heels were in desperate need and after one use feel amazing.
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: The almost completely natural ingredients and the simplicity of the ingredients that they use in their products. When you are purchasing body butter, you are getting real shea. When you purchase lotions, you really are getting the proper ingredients to nourish your skin instead of most national brands which give you wax. It was interesting to note that many of Spotted Owl’s products are vegan and most are vegetarian. Really cool.
Stephanie: The shea butter. If something can penetrate the haggard mess that I call feet, it must be good. My feet felt as soft as they would after an amazing pedicure.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Char: I liked it all. And I want more of it.
Emily: Except for forgetting to bring an extra pair of socks, I can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like! The lip balm rocked my world!
Evonne: That I haven’t had time to try everything.
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: I can honestly say that there is nothing that I don’t like about Spotted Owl and their products. I love that they come in a natural and non-scented line for people like me who are sensitive to scents. It doesn’t get better than that.
Stephanie: That Holly doesn’t have a store front. I would love to be able to go in and grab some of my favorite items.

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QUESTION

Would you refer Spotted Owl Soaps to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Absolutely, especially for Christmas gift giving (for me).
Emily: Totally! I think her holiday gift sets make the perfect friend/favorite neighbor gift.
Evonne: Already have. UH.mazing.
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: Oh my goodness YES! Spotted Owl is looking into doing home shows so that you can try out the products before you buy them, and with affordable holiday gift packages available, it is easy to give a gift to everyone on your list this season.
Stephanie: Yes. They provide great, handmade, local products. Sounds perfect to me.
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? Try @SpottedOwlSoap…Holly licks every batch!
Emily: Want to give the perfect holiday gift to your girlfriends? @SpottedOwlSoap has it. Local, handmade, decadent soaps & body products.
Evonne: Looking for a gift? Everyone needs a little more @SpottedOwlSoap in their lives.
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: Looking for the best neighbor gifts this holiday season? Look no further than @SpottedOwlSoap #naturalbodyproducts
Steph: You don’t have to me a night owl to love @spottedowlsoap
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for Spotted Owl Soap & Body Products in Utah.
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Atmosphere n/a	Family friendly	Location n/a
Prices	Quality	Service

…

Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on Spotted Owl Soap!

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We all know that all-natural is best when it comes to products we put on our bodies. Whether we’re slathering on lotion, soaking in an oatmeal bath or simply washing our hands, the ingredients in your bath and body products really do matter. And just because the ingredients list includes aloe or shea butter or coconut oil, that doesn’t mean you’ll find much of that natural ingredient inside.

We learned all about ingredients lists and skin care products (the good, the bad and even the ugly) from the gal behind Spotted Owl Soap and Body Products.  (It was awesome, that’s all I’m saying.) She is a serious study when it comes to what goes into her natural bath and body products, and I love it because someone should be looking out for my skin!

Natural skin care isn’t complicated, it’s really simple. Instead of formulating for maximum shelf life or using cheap fillers, we developed our soaps and lotions for maximum benefit. We use only the best quality ingredients and every ingredient is there for a purpose. We use only natural oils derived from plants – no animal fats or petrolatum. We feel our natural skin care products strike the perfect balance of what nature and science have to offer your skin.

Doesn’t that make you want to pamper yourself—and your skin—with her products?

Spotted Owl Soap and Body Products offers a collection of soaps, lotions and butters, bath salts, scrubs, lip balms and fabulous gift sets. In fact, they’ll have some really awesome gift sets for the holidays—perfect for gifting to friends!

During our review we tried a sampling of products…and we may have even made our own scrubs. What did we think of Spotted Owl’s decadent shea butter or her fabulously silky lip balm? (Wait, did I just give it away?…) Return to SassyScoops.com on Wednesday to find out!

Spotted Owl Soap online: http://www.spottedowlsoap.com/

Spotted Owl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spotted-Owl-Soap-and-Body-Products/109146739152147

Spotted Owl on Twitter: http://twitter.com/spottedowlsoap

So what did the Sassies and guest Sassy Evonne think of Sharon Johnson Photography? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Pretty, pretty pictures and the paper they’re printed on is delightful!
Emily: Wow! What amazing, gorgeous photos! And the photo books? To die for!
Evonne: Sharon is friendly and easy to warm up to.
Jenny: Another photographer. It seems to be difficult to stand out in a nearly saturated market, I wonder what is different about Sharon’s work?
Kim: Sharon has a very energetic and bubbly personality. She has a way of making you feel at ease and comfortable in front of a camera lens, it almost feels like there isn’t one at all.
Stephanie: Sharon was so friendly and put me at ease. The photography she displayed was gorgeous. You wanted to jump in the pictures and squish some of those cute babies.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Char: I liked the “lifestyle” feel as opposed to “posed” studio prints and I loved the fact that she shoots with film.
Emily: Loved that she uses film instead of digital and LOVE the paper on which she prints the photos. Plus her options for displaying photos are awesome! The accordion-folded book rocked my world!
Evonne: That she showed a variety of different work…something for everyone.
Jenny: The Birth Stories. What a treasure to have that sort of record of the birth of your child. Really beautiful work there. I also like the little photo memory books. And, I appreciate her efforts in the customer service arena, her commitment to getting to know her clients personally before she works with them; this might not be anything big to some people, but to me it’s really important.
Kim: LOVED the beautiful linen texture prints and the boxes that the prints come in are divine. I want to buy one just to get a pretty box. I also love that Sharon shoots film, as a fellow film shooter, it always makes my heart happy to see that film is not dead.
Stephanie: I loved the photo paper Sharon prints on. I believe she said it was linen? It has a similar look to canvas. It’s just really pretty. I also liked the fact her session fees are so reasonable.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Char: The fact that I’m never having another baby so I won’t ever get to have a birth story session.
Emily: That she didn’t have her birth stories package 4 years ago when I had my last child. Or rather, 14 years ago when I first started giving birth. Other than that, though her session fee is great and her sheet prices comparable, the photo package prices and price for a copyright-release CD seem high, but maybe that’s just me and my cheap side talking?
Evonne: I only have regrets that I didn’t hire her to do a birth story of my baby.
Jenny: I didn’t like that Sharon can’t go back in time and create Birth Stories for when my own kids were born.
Kim: I hate when this question is so hard to answer. Hmmm, can’t think of anything that I don’t like about Sharon Johnson Photography.
Stephanie: That I still haven’t seen my headshot. I guess I’m used to the instant gratification of digital and film takes time.
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QUESTION

Would you refer Sharon Johnson Photography to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Absolutely.
Emily: Definitely, especially if they’re looking for a unique way to document the birth of a child.
Evonne: Oh yes I would.
Jenny: Yes, particularly for the Birth Stories Sharon does.
Kim: I would definitely refer Sharon to those looking to book birth stories and family sessions, especially if you are living in northern Utah.
Stephanie: Yes. Who doesn’t need a beautiful portrait?
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Char: When was the last time you had your picture taken on film? Try it again at Sharon Johnson Photography.
Emily: Best. Way. EVER to capture the birth of your little one: Sharon Johnson Photography’s Birth Stories. DO IT.
Evonne: {coming soon}
Jenny: Check out Sharon Johnson’s Birth Stories-AMAZING! #Utah
Kim: Sharon Johnson Photography for birth story photography to remember the day you never want to forget.
Steph: Capture those special moments with Sharon Johnson Photography.
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for Sharon Johnson Photography in Utah.
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on Sharon Johnson Photography!

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So what did the Sassies and guest Sassy Evonne think of Birth Mother Baskets? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Great idea, too much zebra. (I have an irrational fear of animal prints…just putting that out there!)
Emily: What a super fabulous idea and what a super fabulous woman behind it.
Evonne: In LOVE with the idea.
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: Gina is very knowledgeable and her heart is tremendous. Her ability to share her story with others in order to help those who find themselves in a similar situation to one she was in is incredible.
Stephanie: What a unique and amazing idea for an organization. Giving a small token to someone who just gave one of the most precious gifts in life. It made me a little teary eyed thinking about it. Gina was so giving and inspiring telling about her own birth story.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Char: That they provide all of this FREE to anyone who is in need.
Emily: I loved the stories Gina had us read about birth mothers who have received the baskets, but my most favorite thing was the idea that these baskets make it so birth moms don’t leave the hospital empty handed.
Evonne: That someone is trying to make a difference, one basket at a time.
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: I liked that Gina shared with us who and where her baskets for birth mothers go to. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. I enjoyed being able to learn more about this non-profit organization and ways that I can donate money, or products to them in order to keep their organization running top notch.
Stephanie: I love that Gina operates the BMB as a non-profit and puts every cent back into the organization. She truly believes in what she is doing and wants to bring a small amount of peace into the lives of birth moms.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Just the zebra.
Emily: Only that the PayPal button didn’t work on her site when I went to make a donation, but I am bound and determined to make one anyway!
Evonne: That more people don’t donate.
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: I didn’t like that I am not as cute and adorable as Gina.
Stephanie: Nothing… I can’t imagine anyone not liking and being inspired by Birth Mother Baskets.
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QUESTION

Would you refer Birth Mother Baskets to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Absolutely.
Emily: In a heartbeat.
Evonne: Of course.
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: Certainly. Birth Mother Baskets is a perfect thing to keep in mind for fundraisers, Eagle Scout projects, service projects, etc. I think in the hustle and bustle of this world we need to reach out to others and give our time and energy into serving others. It makes the world a better place and us better people.
Stephanie: YES YES 100 times YES! They need all kinds of donations from warm blankets to nail polish. Who doesn’t have some of these items laying around the house? Not to mention they also can use funds to keep the organization moving along.
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Char: Have you been touched by adoption? Consider donating to @BirthMotherBaskets…they do good stuff!
Emily: Want to support a super awesome cause? Donate to @BirthMotherBaskets. Best cause ever.
Evonne: Know of a Birthmother that needs a little love after making the ultimate sacrifice? BMB not only can send a basket but is always looking for donations as well! :)
Jenny: {coming soon}
Kim: @BirthMotherBaskets the perfect service project for the upcoming holidays. Remember others by serving them, your heart will grow 5x’s just like the Grinch.
Steph: @BirthMotherBaskets (BMB) gives a little something to those who have given so much.
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for Birth Mother Baskets in Utah.
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Atmosphere n/a	Family friendly n/a	Location n/a
Prices n/a	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on {bmb}!

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