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.

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!

…

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

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.

Who doesn’t like a good grilled cheese?  It’s comfort food on a cold winter’s day with a bowl of hot soup.  It is a quick, cheesy lunch the kids will adore.  With the help of one of my favorite grocery stores, Harmons, I have created a grilled cheese recipe everyone will adore.  In fact, I like to think of it as a “grown up” grilled cheese.

Thankfully Harmons has all the specialty ingredients on hand so I don’t have to run all over town.  Most grocery stores don’t carry gourmet sliced cheeses and meats but thankfully, Harmons isn’t most grocery stores.  Plus, their artisan breads made with local organic flour are some of the best bakery breads around.

Prosciutto Grilled Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

• Horseradish cheddar
• Thinly sliced prosciutto
• Medium sliced sourdough bread
• Olive oil

Directions:

Heat up barbecue or frying pan (cast iron skillets work best) to a medium heat.  Between two slices of sour dough bread arrange 2-3 pieces of prosciutto and 2 slices of cheese.  Lightly brush olive oil on the outside of the bread.

Harmon’s supplied me with a gift card in which I purchased items to make this recipe.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I first saw Ashley Mae’s artwork at Tom & Lucy’s Art Shoppe during our SassyScoops girls’ night out. I loved the abstract look and feel of her watercolor LDS temple renditions, not to mention the poetic name of her business, Birds of Ashmae. (Kind of rolls of the tongue, doesn’t it?)  My favorite is of course the Salt Lake temple, due to getting married there 15 years ago this June.

But I must say, her Timpanogos temple watercolor is gorgeous as well.

I visited Birds of Ashmae on Etsy and found Ashley Mae’s other beautiful watercolors, from animals to flowers and even portraits. I love her Peony and Old fashioned bride paintings! Of course, George would love the Dinosaur with Friend watercolor (pictured below).

Right now Ashley Mae’s Etsy shop offers six different temples: Salt Lake, Provo, Timpanogos, Mesa, Boise and Manti. Plus, 10% of all temple sales go to the LDS Temple Fund. Super cool! And like a mentioned before, she also does custom watercolor portraits. (For examples, visit her Etsy shop.)

If you want to know when Birds of Ashmae has a new temple in its collection, follow @birdsofashmae on Twitter.

Ashley Mae graduated from BYU with a BFA in painting and an MFA in poetry. She grew up in Provo, Utah and is currently married with a two-month-old little boy named Remy. You can catch some of her beautiful poetry on her blog, birds of ashmae.

Ashley Mae is giving away one of her gorgeous 8×10 LDS temple watercolors, winner’s choice!

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us your favorite work of art.

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 ~ 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 Saturday, June 25th, at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

Disclaimer: Ashley Mae (Birds of Ashmae) provided us with the giveaway for this post.

The Sassies loved spending a Saturday afternoon with Da HotDog King (aka Troy) and his hot dog cart. And because the Sassies are classy ladies, I am going to refrain from making any jokes about wieners.

I like to think of myself as a hot dog connoisseur. I love a good hot dog, and I can honestly say that these hot dogs are some of the best hot dogs I have tasted in a very long time. He also knows how to keep the Sassies happy by making sure there was plenty of Diet Coke to go around.

Troy loves trying unusual combinations, and it shows. His Kilby dog was an idea by several of the kids at the music venue Kilby Court. And I have to say it takes a lot of guts to create a dessert hot dog, even if I was too chicken to try it. Speaking of chicken, Troy only uses all beef hot dogs and the best ingredients around.

Troy owns several other carts back east but decided to make the trek to Utah to be closer to family. He said he wasn’t sure what to expect here in Utah, but he has been pleasantly surprised with the diversity and passion for food people have here in Salt Lake City. Troy is also looking to expand his cart business into chicken wings and other delicious food creations.

You wouldn’t think someone who owns a hot dog cart would necessarily be a foodie, but Troy is very passionate about food and is even planning to put together a large street vendor fair this summer, which would bring several local restaurants and street vendors together.

Troy and his daughter are also very talented artists and will be featured in a collaborative art show, Art Show: Conversations of a Father & Daughter, at Bar Deluxe on May 27th. There will be excellent food, giveaways and a fun atmosphere. You can find more information on the Facebook event page, so go and check them out!

Troy is also doing an awesome promotion for SassyScoops readers. Visit his hot dog cart, which you can usually find at 4th South and Main Street, and mention “SassyScoops” to him and he will give you a FREE HOT DOG of your choice!

And if Downtown Salt Lake is a little out of your way, Troy and his hot dogs will be making an appearance at our upcoming Girls’ Night Out on May 19th in Lehi, so be sure and stop by for a Utah dog, Thai dog, or if you’re brave enough, a Dessert dog!

I don’t make the trek to Utah County very often. We mainly head down on Sunday evenings for dinner with the in-laws, and Sundays means no stepping into any boutiques no matter how delicious the offerings. Good thing the Sassies had a Utah County night on the calendar or we might never have discovered ShayBee’s Chocolate, Fashion & Gift Boutique.

Tucked away on Springville’s Main Street, you could almost miss ShayBee’s if you weren’t looking for it. And then you’d be sad. Very, very sad. Because this little boutique is chock full of goodies, both the edible and inedible kind. Trust me, I know. I entered with my Flip camera in hand and left with the cutest top, skinny jeans, headband and “You Are My Sunshine” decor piece currently sitting atop my office bookshelf. (This Sassy gig can get expensive but it’s so worth it!)

The owners, Lisa and Clint, are THE CUTEST couple and have such a passion for what they do—and what they do is make delicious fudge, chocolate-dipped strawberries and caramel apples; stock the cutest handmade “treats” from local vendors (good luck choosing just one pair of earrings); offer customers stylin’ clothing; and give us women a much needed girls’ make-and-takes-style night out every Thursday. Oh, and they’ve designed ShayBee’s so its chic yet cozy and shows off its truly awesome original brick wall and exposed beams. I seriously want a room like that in my home!

Did we already mention they offer wedding planning services? What don’t these two do? Oh, I know. They don’t leave their girls out of the mix. Their two little ones join them at the store now and then, helping Mom and Dad make ShayBee’s the sweetest little boutique around!

I’m actually kinda glad the jeans I purchased didn’t quite fit right because it gives me an excuse to return to ShayBee’s on a non-Sunday day. I’m sure I missed something I didn’t know I needed last time I was there. The only thing I didn’t love was the lack of a real dressing room. They do have a nice little bathroom where you can try on clothes, but it lacks some coat hooks for hanging things and a chair or ottoman for placing your clothes. I sort of had to balance my things on the back of the toilet or atop the closed toilet seat. Not the ideal dressing room, but it didn’t stop me from buying an outfit!

Now YOU have the chance to visit Springville’s hidden treasure!

GIVEAWAY!!!

One (1) lucky SassyScoops.com reader is going to win a CHOCOLATE OVERLOAD gift basket valued at $50 AND a $50 gift card!

THE BEST giveaway…I know!

Entering is super easy. Just leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite fudge flavor! (If you don’t like fudge, tell us your favorite sweet treat.)

You can earn EXTRA entries too:

1 entry ~ “Like” ShayBee’s on Facebook 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.

Happy entering! This giveaway will end on Saturday, April 9th at midnight MST.

All SassyScoop giveaway winners are notified via email.

Special Promotion!

ShayBee’s is offering SassyScoops.com readers their very own special promo: One (1) free Chocolate Delight and 10% off your purchase! Just tell them you heard about ShayBee’s on SassyScoops.com!

ShayBee’s invited us to visit their boutique and sent us home with a cute St. Patrick’s day “Luck” magnet, which we crafted, a caramel apple and a delicious old-style soda. All thoughts, opinions, and goodies purchased from ShayBee’s are our own. But you can borrow them if you’d like.

So what did the Sassies and guest Sassy Becky think of ShayBee’s, a sweet little boutique in Springville? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Becky: Holy cool location…and fudge!!!
Emily: Why is this little treasure of a store not in Salt Lake County? Oooh, super cute earrings…and look at those headbands. Wait, did you see this awesome wooden sign?
Jen: I loved the atmosphere. That giant painted wall is awesome!!!
Jenny: Ugh. Another boutique. This is not my scene, not in any sense.
Stephanie: I was concerned that the store was going to be very high priced because of its upscale look. But I was so surprised to see how inexpensive everything truly was.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Becky: The fudge. Great quality and not-your-everyday-flavors. The store itself. Those brick walls and beams were so awesome. ShayBee’s sells adorable wrapping paper too! I bough three rolls and can’t wait to use them. The owners were extremely hospitable and sincere; I would love to be a regular and just chat with them each visit. You can tell they love what they do.
Emily: The owners—the kindest, most sincere, fun couple! I adore the rustic, original interior (I want a brick wall and exposed beams like those in my home) and the wonderful, affordable selection of jewelry. The fudge was delicious and the unique candy gifts were awesome. Wait, was I supposed to narrow it down to one thing?
Jen: I loved the cozy feeling in the shop.
Jenny: The surprise of it all: I had a great time and found that I would return to the shop.Their chocolate-covered strawberries were wonderful, and I love the case of bottled pop near the door. And everything was really reasonably priced, which is not always the case with the boutique scene.
Stephanie: The prices. And that they support local entrepreneurs by featuring their products in the store.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Becky: Location…I never find reason to go down to Springville. Though this fudge may be reason enough.
Emily: Honestly the location only because I visit Utah County so rarely BUT I’m already planning another visit just to hit ShayBee’s again!
Jen: Nothing!
Jenny: The location. It’s not really close to any place I already frequent.
Stephanie: That it is so far away from my house. They need to franchise to Herriman.
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QUESTION

Would you refer ShayBee’s to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Becky: You bet, especially if they were in South Utah County.
Emily: I have already told so many friends about ShayBee’s I can hardly count them all!
Jen: Yes, I already have!
Jenny: Yes, I would.
Stephanie: Yes. In fact I have had a few refer it 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

Becky: Get your fudge on at Shaybee’s in #springville #utah! It may be the best in Utah County!
Emily: Get your boutique on at ShayBee’s in #Springville #Utah. Best hidden treasure in Utah County!
Jen: Adorable, quirky, must-see boutique! Something for everyone at ShayBee’s in #springville!
Jenny: Shaybee’s is an All-Inclusive Boutique. Spend some time w/the owners, they’re great. #UT
Stephanie: ShayBee’s is a diamond in the heart of #Springville.
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

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

…

Return to SassyScoops.com on Wednesday for our follow-up post on ShayBee’s! We will have a super duper sweet giveaway for our readers!

…
…
Here’s the scoop on our guest Sassy. We’d consider it a real treat if you’d visit her super sweet blog!
…
Becky

Becky is a Utah native and proud of it. Whether it’s scoping out a local bakery to try their signature item, attending an art exhibit or joining the nearest CSA, she loves to support local. She believes you can discover native gems everyday. Becky authors two sweet-centric blogs: Utah Loves Cupcakes—the voice of cupcakes in Utah—where she breaks the latest cupcake news, reviews cupcake bakeries and cupcake-related items, and her original blog, Project Domestication, which chronicles her journey in baking and all things domestic. She loves using high-quality, local ingredients, especially if it means learning something new and being able to enjoy a special treat with those she loves. You can connect with Becky on Twitter at @DomesticBecky.

Disclaimer: The Sassies and their guest Sassy were given a sampling of ShayBee’s fudge and participated in a crafting moment (yes, even Steph) in exchange for a review. Steph’s “Luck” magnet was awesome—and she didn’t even have to use glue!

On historical Main Street in Springville sits a treasure trove. Housed in a building which itself could be considered a beloved antique, ShayBee’s isn’t your typical boutique; spend a little time inside and discover a varied reserve of inventory sure to please even the most skeptical of shoppers.

ShayBee’s is owned and run by Lisa and Clint Montague, a married couple who named their shop after their two daughters. A kinder and more business-savvy couple you’d be hard-pressed to find, and they’re more than happy to take the time to show you the different items they have for sale, their bestsellers or to make recommendations for the latest prizes to land their way into the shop.

With jewelry, home décor, fashion for adults and babies, a fully-stocked pastry shelf and an amazing block of several flavors of homemade fudge, not to mention their craft kits AND schedule of crafting classes, PLUS wedding and special event planning,  I’m going to just go ahead and pin ShayBee’s as an All-Inclusive Boutique.

On Wednesday you’ll learn more about the evening we spent at ShayBee’s, and what we thought. In the meantime, please check them out:

ShayBee’s
284 South Main Street
Springville, Utah 84663
(801) 491-1100

M-F: 10-6
Sat: 10-4

www.shaybees.com

Facebook.com/shaybees