SassyScoops.com » Follow-up Friday

Zion’s Mercantile–warm, pretty, unique

Lindsey — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:10:39 +0000

Walking into Zion’s Mercantile feels like walking into a really warm museum with the best gift shop you have ever seen.

The team that operates Zion’s Mercantile is so knowledgeable. They told us the neat facts, symbolism and history behind a handful of paintings, photographs, replicas and even candy! It would be a blast to schedule a time to bring your visiting teachees or Young Women’s group and learn about some pioneer history.

But, it’s not just LDS history that Zion’s Mercantile offers. There were very unique and affordable gifts!

Kim and I fell in the love with the jars rights away. Okay, and the bonnets too.

Okay, and the coon skin hats.

But back to the jars! I have one in my home office that I keep ticket stubs in from family events. It’s adorable! It is nestled in among our family photos.

Or what about their Utah-shaped cookie cutters? The perfect gift for people like my parents–born and raised in Utah but living on the other side of the country.

I also loved their beehive-inspired dish sets. I have been on the hunt for a honey pot …and wouldn’t you know it, Zion’s Mercantile will be getting this little beauty in around April. It can also be used as a gravy boat or a water pitcher.

Basically what I am saying is this: Zion’s Mercantile is warm and friendly with a great staff. The shop itself is so pretty it is like being in a museum. And the unique gift options are endless!

Head on over, throw on one of their bonnets and check out what the buzz is all about.

South Jordan gets a slice of The Pie

Jenny — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:10:24 +0000

When I heard we would be reviewing The Pie I got excited and nostalgic for memories of driving to the underground pizzeria near the U. I had no idea that there were other locations, and we met in South Jordan.

Walking in it seemed that great care was taken to replicate (or at least resemble) the ‘underground’ look of the downtown location, with the graffiti-esque décor. The other thing I noticed was that it was HOT in there. Add the fact that we sat in the area upstairs, and it made for a really warm evening. I really like the long booths; plenty of space with no crowding, even for a bigger party.

Sitting upstairs made a few things inconvenient, like having to go downstairs to pick up the food, and to refill the drinks. Speaking of drinks: this was my first experience with a Coke Freestyle machine, which is essentially a soft drink fountain with a touch screen, giving you the ability to not only choose your drink, but also add flavor, equaling over 100 flavor possibilities. Pretty great, except that The Pie only had one machine, so the wait to refill your drink was always long.

The food itself was good. I’m pretty sure The Pie is a classic and traditional favorite among many locals, but I thought the pizza was just okay. We didn’t get a cheese pull-apart, which is what everyone said is their favorite thing, so I’d like to try that sometime. Instead we had garlic/cheese bread.

Overall, I think The Pie in South Jordan is an enjoyable place for a social night out. Go with your friends, or for a family night out, and have a slice!

One Sweet Slice Giveaway & Coupon

Vanessa — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:09 +0000

Before the giveaway and coupon we have to show you our video review of One Sweet Slice. Each of us tell you in the video whether or not we enjoyed our visit (and our cupcakes):

One Sweet Slice is offering our readers a coupon for $5 off a HALF dozen cupcakes OR $10 off a pre-ordered Valentines Day Cake.

But…

One Sweet Slice asks that you:

#1 Like them on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/onesweetslice

#2 Leave a comment below saying you did so and the coupon will be emailed to you by next week.

Want to enter yourself for a chance to win a $15 Gift Certificate to One Sweet Slice?

Then…

Like them on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/onesweetslice

Shake, shake, shake, your cupshake & GIVEAWAY!

Stephanie — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:00:19 +0000

The Sassies recently visited Sammy’s Cafe in Pleasant Grove. And after reading about our visit I am sure you are already DROOLING over the thought of fry sauce and cupshakes.

We visit a lot of local businesses because we truly LOVE local. It is always wonderful to hear about how the owners support local too. Sammy actually uses local cupcake shops at all 3 locations for his cupshakes. How awesome is that? Local supporting local? It’s like the circle of life… business life. (I wonder if you say local too many times in one paragraph if you won’t go to heaven. Just like AIN’T.)

The Sassies discovered how to make sweet potato fries dinner and DESSERT all at once. Sammy’s will give you a side of caramel sauce that makes your dinner a sweet treat. I am pretty sure Lindsey smuggled some out under her shirt. (This may be her casual “I have caramel sauce dripping down my shirt” face)

So… what are you waiting for? Get hungry… grab the family… go to Sammy’s Cafe. They have locations in Rexburg, ID, Provo, UT, and Pleasant Grove, UT for your pie shake eating pleasure.

Sammy’s is all about getting locals to try local so they’re giving away two prize packs!

Prize pack #1: $30 in Sammy’s Cafe gift certificates; 3 “free shake” cards; 1 Sammy’s trucker hat

Prize pack #2: $20 in Sammy’s Cafe gift certificates; 2 “free shake” cards

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us which which shake you’d most like to try. You can view the menu here.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” Sammy’s Cafe Pleasant Grove on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, October 21st.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

No bacon, no butter, no problem?

Stephanie — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:00:46 +0000

By now you have read about our secret adventures reviewing City Cakes & Café in Salt Lake City, Utah. What you may not have realized, which many of us didn’t, is that the baked goods are served up entirely vegan and/or gluten free. I know what you are thinking, “How is it even possible to bake without butter?” Trust me, I’m still wondering…you know, since butter makes the world go round. Well, everywhere besides at City Cakes.

While the Sassies had mixed reviews about the overall look, feel, and taste of the Café and products, I think we all agreed it is a great concept for those who don’t worship bacon on a regular basis. I mean, unless they make vegan bacon… (Do they? Well if they do I am sure it is minus the pig and therefore not as piggy or delicious.)

But one thing we all agreed upon is the use of the word “moist” in our video review. And even though Webster (the dictionary guy, not the 80’s TV guy) is probably rolling over in his grave at our possible overuse and giggle fest over the wor We are sure you will LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

The Copper Onion in under 30 seconds

Vanessa — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 21:16:40 +0000

Two Sassies tell you in under 30 seconds if they would tell you to check out The Copper Onion or not:

Who are you going to listen to? Have you already been? What did you think? We want to hear!

A little R&R at REMEDEZ HairSpa & GIVEAWAY!

Lindsey — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:00:05 +0000

As part of our review experience at Aveda’s REMEDEZ HairSpa in Utah, each Sassy got to experience a rejuvenating treatment. Some had pedicures, others facials and I received a full-body deep tissue massage.

I have had plenty of massages before, but I appreciated the extras that REMEDEZ offered, from closing my eyes and choosing an oil scent that I liked the most to the heated table to the therapist answering my questions during the treatment.

We all have busy and stressful lives and deserve to treat our bodies well every once in a while. Towards the end of my session, I asked my therapist, who had been working on my muscles for the hour, which muscle groups were in the worst shape and what kind of maintenance I could do on them outside of massage. She told me the two areas that needed the most attention: the muscles on the side of my neck (probably due to working on the computer) and muscles in my hips/glutes (from not stretching enough after I run.)

After the treatment, she met me in the hallway with a glass of cold water and showed me a series of stretches to do everyday (morning and night!) to benefit my problem areas. She also gave me a great tip: Every time you walk through a doorway, readjust your back posture. Brilliant!

I love the extra time and interest she took in helping me become a more healthy person, but that is the Aveda mission that REMEDEZ feels so strongly about.

From their website:

At REMEDEZ, our mission is to create the ultimate beauty and wellness experience. The balance you desire and the tranquility you deserve awaits you at REMEDEZ HairSpa. Imagine your perfect day, today!

REMEDEZ feels so strongly about their mission that they are offering the following treatments to TWO SassyScoops.com readers:

1 Gift Card for the Nurturing Relief Spa Package (Focus Facial, 30 minute massage, and a pedicure) ($95 value)

1 Gift Card for the All About You Spa Package (One hour massage & Foot Relieving Pedicure OR Signature Facial & Foot Relieving Pedicure)

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us which spa treatment your body needs more right now. Check out a menu of their treatments if you are not sure.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” REMEDEZ HairSpa on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, September 16th.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

Station 22 Cafe & Giveaway!

Kim — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:00:38 +0000

Nestled in the heart of downtown Provo is one of the most amazing eateries I have had the pleasure of experiencing both mind, body, soul and stomach. Since joining the SassyScoops last spring, I have become a foodie snob of sorts, and Station 22 Cafe exceeded every and all expectation on what a good food experience should be. I say “experience” because that is exactly what a meal at Station 22 Cafe is. A delightful experience.

From the moment you walk in the door, all of your senses are hit softly with what I call “a helping of yum.” The ambiance of this place is incredible. From the quaint New York City sidewalk eatery feel (except, get this, you are indoors) to the live music, to the soft-yet-bright lighting, and finally, let us not forget the delicious smells, this place has it all. Station 22 Cafe has gone to a lot of work to make sure all of your senses are satisfied, not just your taste buds. One of my favorite things about walking in is the sign that reads “Welcome Friends!” I love that I am their friend already.

Meeting Richard Gregory was also refreshing. He is passionate about the food he serves to his clients and believes strongly in providing what he calls “luxury foods for the middle class.” And then he takes those luxury foods and proceeds to “elevate [them] to the highest form that [they] possibly can.” I don’t think I could say it better myself. I loved listening to their passion, and experiencing his passion for his restaurant only helped me to appreciate it more fully as well.

Now, let me take a moment to share my love of the food. Firstly, I am not a huge fry lover, however Station 22 Cafe fries are honestly -the- best fries I have ever eaten, ever. If you know me at all, you know I do not, repeat, do not eat ketchup. However, I did try the Truffle Ketchup and it was delicious, as was the secret seasoned blend of fry sauce. Secondly, every sandwich I tried was SO good. When I go to a place I usually find one item and then order it every time. Station 22 Cafe is not that kind of place, and a different sandwich should be experienced each time you go. My favorite? The Memphis Chicken Sandwich. As Kristina and I agreed, the sandwich melts in your mouth, if you can believe chicken can melt, well, I assure you, it can. A close second favorite was the Mighty Meatloaf Sandwich with bacon wrapped meatloaf. Need I say more?

So, if you are lucky enough to live in Utah County, make Station 22 Cafe your next date night restaurant, and if you are not? Plead with them, like I am, to build one in Salt Lake County. Until then? I’ll make the trek for delicious melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches and salads.

Station 22 Cafe online: http://station22cafe.com/

Station 22 Cafe on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Station-22-Cafe/181945971847102

Station 22 Cafe on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Station22Cafe

Station 22 Cafe is giving one lucky SassyScoops.com reader Dinner for Two!

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us if you’re already a Station 22 Cafe fan. If so, what’s your favorite menu item? If you haven’t visited yet, tell us what you’d most like to try on their menu!

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ Follow @Station22Cafe on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, September 9th.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

Poles, silks and a flying trapeze–oh my! & GIVEAWAY

Emily — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 07:00:10 +0000

I will admit, pole fitness classes have a certain stigma attached to them, but after trying out a beginner pole fitness class at PEARL by Adult Dance and Fitness in Midvale, I say throw all stigmas out the window. (And you could easily do just that with the upper body strength those classes require!)

Of course some of the apparel might lead you to believe there’s quite a bit of sexy involved, but I’m okay with that—I think a little (tasteful) sexy makes for a big boost in self-confidence!

I’m a huge fan of a good, sweat-inducing workout and PEARL’s class did not disappoint. How can you not break a sweat when you try a new spin over and over again and still can’t get it right? (I apologize if the thumbnail image on the video is the original, totally unattractive one. I did change it but it takes a while for YouTube to update. Just hurry and click “play”!)

…
I have a very serious lack of coordination, believe you me.

Aly was a super fabulous instructor and extremely patient. I loved the guided stretching at the beginning and end and the one-on-one instruction whenever we needed it (and I needed it A LOT).

When asked why women were interested in pole fitness classes, Aly told us there were two main reasons: one, they wanted to shake up their fitness routine, get in better shape and/or lose weight; and two, it was a fabulous confidence booster. After one hour with Aly, I could see how both of those would be true. I was SO sore the next day, bruises and all (of course, I wore them with pride) and teaching your body to move in a different way was rather liberating. (Not a lot of sexy in spin class…)

Check out a tandem try at one of our favorite spins from the evening:

…
Yeah, I won’t be quitting my day job any time soon. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the pole fitness workout, even better was watching some of the gals working out on the aerial silks. I would have loved to have seen this gal in action!

…
Here’s a snapshot of Aly and Shae, the owners of PEARL, on the aerial hoop. I’m pretty sure they’ve practiced this a few times:

And I couldn’t resist sharing this photo of Aly, our patient (and beautiful) instructor. Holy crap, that girl has some serious core strength!

…
I’ve always wanted to strengthen my core and improve my flexibility, and while our local rec center’s yoga and pilates classes are helping, I’d kinda like to throw in a few of these aerial fitness classes, bruises and all. By the end of class, I did discover I can pull off a “bow and arrow” headstand, so I’m not totally inept! (I’m sure it looks a lot more fluid when Aly does it, but it was my first, you know.)

…
PEARL also does private parties—birthday parties, bachelorette parties, bridal showers and girls’ nights out. I think an aerial silks party (a la Cirque du Soleil) would be so much fun for a girls’ night out! Bring in your own food and drink and take to the sky on those aerial silks!

Now it’s time for you to get your aerial (or pole) fitness on!

PEARL is giving away a one-week pass to their studio (classes included)
to one lucky SassyScoops reader!

Honestly, you must give it a try. The intro class is free to first-time students, so you could bring a girlfriend along and have her try it too! (For more on pricing, click here. I will tell you now, it’s not as budget-friendly as your local Gold’s or 24 hours, but does your local gym have sky-high silks, an aerial hoop or trapeze dangling from the ceiling? I thought not!)

To be eligible for this giveaway, leave a comment telling us what workout you’d most like to try.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” PEARL on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did. (Check out the awesome photos while you’re at it!)

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, July 15th, at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

It’s a pizzeria, bakery, deli, produce stand… it’s a Harmons!

Stephanie — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:00:05 +0000

This week the Sassies have taken you into one of our favorite local grocery stores, Harmons. It is easy to see why the Sassies raved about it on Wednesday. And why Harmons inspired the recipes Vanessa and I posted on Tuesday and Thursday. We learned so much visiting their newest Super location in Farmington, Utah. Did you know Harmons is so much MORE than your average grocery store?

It’s Bob and Randy Harmon treating their employees and shoppers like family.

It’s a cooking school to help the culinarily gifted and challenged alike.

It’s your specialty cheese store… with an expert on hand to help you make the right decision

Harmons is your local fish market with FRESH fish flown in from around the world. And crab legs that would make even Sebastian jealous. (I had to throw in a random Little Mermaid reference)

It’s your local butcher, baker, and candlestick maker. Okay… so they don’t actually make candlesticks there but maybe I just gave them their next big idea.

The Sassies learned that when it comes to quality service, selection, and products, Harmons is top notch! (We also learned that making Vanessa’s baby into a spokesperson for Diet Coke is FUN and adorable.) Now what are you waiting for? You have some learning to do.