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.

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

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.

So what did the Sassies and guest Sassies Carina and Sue think of the new Station 22 Cafe in Provo, Utah? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Carina: Cool downtown vibe with great art on the walls.
Emily: Oooh, love the atmosphere and the location. Is that live music I hear?
Jenny: Cool atmosphere. Impressive that there are many people here on a Thursday night. And subtle live music is a great touch.
Kim: Loved how clean, open and inviting the space was. I loved that the walls weren’t overly crowded with decor, loved the simplistic design that allowed the natural architecture of the old building to shine through. I also loved that the setting felt like you were eating outside on a patio, when in fact you were inside in the comfort of an air conditioned building. Especially nice in this hot summer weather.
Kristina: The place was very cool and trendy. I loved the exposed brick, and they super tall ceilings. I felt like I was in a hip NYC joint, and yet, the people didn’t look at me like I was a complete loser and didn’t belong there, which usually happens.
Lindsey: The large, funky photography hanging on the exposed brick wall is totally intriguing. The live music is inviting. The food looked intoxicating.
Stephanie: I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. Lots of lighting, cool photography and artwork, exposed brick. It seemed very hip… Not that I know hip… but if I did I imagine Station 22 would fit the bill.
Sue: Quaint, cute atmosphere.
Vanessa: Could this be too trendy and stiff for me to come with my family and feel comfortable? Wow! Look at that salad bar! Love the fresh produce placed all over the place. The spot and layout of the restaurant is just gorgeous.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Carina: The reuben sandwich. I’m a reuben connoisseur, it’s my favorite sandwich, and this reuben was good. I’m also impressed that they buy local produce and have a dedicated chef to prepare seasonal ingredients.
Emily: The Memphis chicken sandwich, Reuben AND their French fries. The fries alone are worth the drive from Sandy.
Jenny: The food. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like. Their salad bar is my favorite, it varies with what’s fresh/seasonable/available, and isn’t so big that it’s too overwhelming. My ‘usual’ is the Ratatouille Sandwich, but I will be going back for a Reuben. The dessert – honeycomb with a slice of maple smoked cheese – was a pleasant surprise. I loved to hear that Station 22 purchases its items locally as much as is possible, going to farmers’ markets and even going by trade for those who’d like to sell their produce from home gardens.
Kim: Everything. Truly. I loved the fries. OH the fries, and I am not a fry eater. The fries were the perfect shape for optimum dipibility as well as getting optimum crunch with soft potatoey goodness inside. (How many words did I just make up?) The fry sauce was divine, I even ventured to try the Truffle Ketchup (and if you know me at all, I never…NEVER eat ketchup). The verdict? I actually liked it. My favorite sandwich was the Memphis Chicken. The chicken literally melts in your mouth. A close second was the Meatloaf Sandwich, both of which I would drive all the way to Utah County to experience over and over on date nights.
Kristina: The Memphis Chicken Sandwich was to die for. The chicken literally melted in my mouth. This chicken was like the M&Ms of the poultry world. I also loved the salad bar. It was deceiving, because it looks small, but the choices were awesome. Walnuts, blue cheese, pickled onions, etc. The homemade dressings were also delicious. Oh, and the fries!! Heavenly.
Lindsey: The Reuben sandwich blew me away. There was an unexpected buttery crunch to the bread that was delightful. The sauerkraut was not pungent, but the perfect compliment to an amazing amount of meat. I couldn’t get enough of it. Oh yeah, and the fries were delish as well. Beer battered, need I say more?
Stephanie: The french fries. Weight Watchers be darned that night. I may have eaten an entire basket to myself. They are seasoned, crispy, and good even 20 minutes later. That is the sign of a good fry.
Sue: The Reuben sandwich.
Vanessa: The owner and his passion for community, American downtowns and provo. The food; boy, that chef knows how to cook! The ingredients are of a very nice quality, fresh and most importantly she knows how to combine flavors to make things just melt in your mouth. The fries, honeycomb treat and Memphis chicken sammie were my fave.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Carina: Nothing.
Emily: Their homemade truffle ketchup wasn’t my favorite but their fry sauce more than made up for it. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the Ratatouille (sorry, Jenny!). And the desserts? Didn’t much care for the peach cobbler or the honeycomb. Textures just didn’t sit right.
Jenny: There isn’t anything I didn’t like, but their house-made truffle ketchup will take some getting used to for me.
Kim: The desserts. I did not like them at all. I tried the honeycomb and the peach cobbler. The honey itself was delicious, but I guess I am not cultured enough to eat the entire thing. The peach cobbler had good flavor but was mushy and it didn’t have enough sweetness and crunch like I think a good cobbler should.
Kristina: The Ratatouille had entirely too much spinach on it. In fact, most of the spinach ended up on my plate and Emily thought it was my salad. I also think the prices are a little on the high side for a college town, but fortunately for me, I graduated from college years ago and am super wealthy so I can afford them.
Lindsey: I did not like the desserts. I felt like there wasn’t enough varying texture in the cobbler and the idea of the wax in the honeycomb made me a little queasy.
Stephanie: I swear I am a broken record when it comes to this but… parking. I love revitalizing downtown areas and bringing in business. But it is hard to park on Center Street in the daytime. Weekday evenings can sometimes even be challenging. I obviously grew up in a small town with abundant parking… that and I am lazy.
Sue: The chairs were uncomfortable. Didn’t lend themselves to sitting and visiting much.
Vanessa: Now, just as a suggestion, I might say with the staff and place looking very trendy and artsy like that, they need to make sure they pair it with very warm and friendly customer service so all types of people can feel at home and comfortable in their restaurant.
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QUESTION

Would you refer Station 22 Cafe to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Carina: Yes, we need to support the independently owned businesses in Provo’s downtown to keep the unique vibe.
Emily: Yes! That night I posted on my sister-in-law’s Facebook wall that she and her husband needed to give it a try ASAP!
Jenny: I would, and I do. I love supporting great Provo businesses.
Kim: I would most certainly refer this business to a friend. I loved the food. I dare say you can not go wrong with any of the sandwiches on the menu, they were all so fantastic. I wished my tummy was bigger to hold more.
Kristina: Definitely. And I would even make the trip to Utah County more often for these sandwiches, which, if you knew me, is a tremendous endorsement.
Lindsey: Yes. In fact, I just showed their website to my husband and told him I wanted it to be our go-to place before all the BYU games.
Stephanie: Yes. I told my husband and his work friends to go in there for lunch. He is always looking for a good place to eat around where he works.
Sue: Yes.
Vanessa: Yes, Station 22 is at the top of my list of places we have reviewed for SassyScoops. I would recommend it to my friends who live near me, even with it being a 45-minute drive.
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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

Carina: Seriously knock-out sandwiches at Station 22 are worth the trek to downtown Provo. Go immediately!
Emily: @Station22Cafe has THE BEST chicken sandwich and Reuben and fries and fry sauce EVER. Go. #provo
Jenny: Hey, Provo, want the best sandwich of your life? @Station22 is the place to go. (OH, and the fries…GET THE FRIES.)
Kim: Totally craving a sandwich from @station22cafe. I may convince Hubbs to buy me a house in Provo if these cravings keep up. Open one in Salt Lake? Please?
Kristina: Make sure that @Station22Cafe is one of your stops on the Utah County train of life.
Lindsey: Sandwiches & fries that will surprise your taste buds at Station 22. Oh yeah, and if you don’t get the Reuben, you are a fool.
Stephanie: The fries @station22cafe are a reason to hit up downtown Provo.
Sue: If you want a sandwich that could change your life, try the Rueben at Station 22.
Vanessa: @Station22Cafe is a breath of fresh air, genuinley cares about the community and makes killer food. Worth the drive from SLC I promise you.
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for Station 22 Cafe.
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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 Station 22 Cafe!

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Disclaimer: The Sassies and guest Sassies were treated to a sampling of Station 22 Cafe’s menu in exchange for a review on SassyScoops.com. All opinions, thoughts and cravings for their French fries are 100% honest.

The gals of SassyScoops have reviewed almost 100 places and I have meet more business owners than I can remember. Buying local, biodegradable, organic, eco-friendly—all catchphrases they spout off but I don’t buy that all of them really believe in (and when it comes down to it) actually do what they say. Those terms have become good for marketing because they are what customers like to hear. But I believe I have become pretty good at calling the owners’ bluffs and know when it isn’t true.

I can tell it’s different and can tell people are being honest when I can hear and feel and see their PASSION. It is in the way they cook, in the way they talk, in the experiences they share with us and in that spark in their eye.

The owners of Station 22 in Provo DO buy local, DO understand and have a love for their local community, DO care about their customers, DO care about the environment and DO mean what they say.

Man, you guys; it was just refreshing to see. I can’t even tell you.

Let me give you some specific examples:

• After watching the documentary TAPPED and learning about other countries’ struggles with water, the owner, Richard Gregory, decided water would always be FREE at their restaurant. They offer water (flavored with lemons, herbs, cucumbers, etc.) to their customers free of charge, which does end up hurting their bottom line, but they do it because it’s important to them. It also helps them educate their customers.
• They allow local farmers to bring in their produce in trade for food at their restaurant. They are supporting many local farmers or families with gardens by allowing them to do this.
• After moving to Utah to help is mom with real estate she owned in Provo, Richard noticed downtown Provo was having a hard time trying to generate a sense of community with a good atmosphere and an engaging environment. So they decided to create what they wanted and to help start a movement by opening up Station 22 on Center Street, live music and all.
• The way Richard talks about how essential downtowns are to America and to our communities is just beautiful. Let me quote him for you:
  

  The downtown is an asset that belongs to everyone and if you don’t take care of it, these businesses, these buildings will not stay here forever. … It is vitally important that people spend their money downtown, that they understand what their dollar does. … That what little more they pay here for independent business, they are investing in a system that allows everyone to participate in owning their own business. Living your own dreams. I feel very strongly about this. Provo isn’t my downtown but it is an American town and it has a lot of value and these buildings are amazing.

Station 22 Cafe in Provo

22 West Center Street
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 607-1803

Website: http://station22cafe.com/

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/Station22Cafe

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

Alright, alright you say! That’s all great but HOW WAS THE FOOD?! Well, you’ll just have to come back on Wednesday for our review!

Today’s post brought to you by our guest Sassy Becky of Utah Loves Cupcakes.

There aren’t many places all three generations of your family can go to have a great time. But Bickenstaff’s toy, game and candy store in Provo is just that, and that’s exactly what it was created to do.

Grandparents can relive memories through wooden toys and Fruit Stripe Gum while their grandchild is playing with the latest and greatest modern toy like HEX bugs. And if you’re a parent from the 70s or 80s they sure as heck have Nerds, Bottlecaps and Airheads.

The Sassies loved Blickenstaff’s all-around interactive experience. Unlike other toy stores where you are just in and out, Blick’s wants you to explore and encourages you to play with the toys (and decor) of the store.

And no, the owner’s name isn’t Willy Wonka or Kris Kringle. But you wouldn’t be surprised with the life-size gum drop Christmas tree that stands next the bulk candy all year long.

Did we mention much of the decor in the store is for sale? You want a giant hot air balloon hanging from the ceiling? You got it! How about a giraffe the size of your teenager or funny stretch mirror? You bet.

We’ve already told you how much we love their commitment to finding the best toys and games (so you don’t have to) for our families. They travel around the world to toy shows, play with the toys and games themselves (Lagretto, anyone?) and now they are gearing up to include a section on their blog with review videos.

Blick’s has something for every boy and girl. Wooden boomerangs, check. Spud guns, check. Fold & go dollhouse, yes please!  Callico Critters, of course! The Sassies were spread all across the store in their favorite nooks, or scooping out a favorite or newly discovered candy. It’s as if with each scoop we were rediscovering our childhood and creating new memories.

So head on down to Blickenstaff’s! Whether you’re looking for a few minutes to kill before that movie (don’t forget to buy some clod hoppers to sneak into the theater), looking for the perfect birthday gift, or just wanting to spend some time with your kids in a magical place—Blick’s has it all.

Watch this video of Kyle, Blickenstaff’s marketing manager, tell us Blick’s story and take us through the store.

Blickenstaff’s
4801 North University Ave. #470
{in the Shops at the Riverwoods} in Provo, UT.

Website: Blickenstaffs.com
Facebook: Blickenstaff’s
Twitter: Blickenstaff’s

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NOW for the part you have been waiting for . . . the GIVEAWAY!

One (1) lucky SassyScoops.com reader is going to win a CUSTOM treasure hunt through Blickenstaff’s store complete with treats and prizes! We’re talking a treasure hunt through the most fun toy store ever, designed especially for your family!

Entering is super easy. Just leave a comment telling us your all-time favorite toy or candy on this post for your chance to win.

You can earn EXTRA entries too:

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

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

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway 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.

3 entries ~ Blog about this giveaway and include a link to your post.

Happy entering! This giveaway will end on Friday, April 8th at midnight MST.

All SassyScoop giveaway winners are notified via email.

So what did the Sassies and guest Sassy Becky think of Blickenstaff’s “Fun for Everyone” candy and toy store? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Becky: Memories of childhood fun flooded my eyes and mind. The bright cheery atmosphere automatically made me happy and ready to explore.
Emily: I feel just like a kid in a candy store! Wait, I am a grownup kid in a candy store surrounded by fun, fabulous toys. Woo hoo!
Jen: I thought it was very clean and so much to see!
Jenny: *sigh* I love this place. It’s so happy. What a perfect place for a date with my kids.
Stephanie: Stick unicorns? They have stick unicorns?!?!?! (What? I like Unicorns.) That and I couldn’t believe how charming everything was, from the planes hanging from the ceiling to the fridge that looks like an old English phone booth.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Becky: Their passion for connecting families through nostalgic candy, toys and games. Blickenstaff’s commitment to finding the highest quality and most unique toys is impressive. I saw games and toys I could only find online or abroad. Kudos! Plus they’ve got anise gummy bears and grapefruit sours that I adore.
Emily: Though I love, love, love a good Charleston Chew, which they had on tap, my favorite thing about Blickenstaff’s was the toy selection. They had everything from modern toys like Hexbugs to old-school wooden toy guns.
Jen: I loved the variety of toys and the quality of the toys.
Jenny: The atmosphere. I love that the aim is to create an experience of shared nostalgia with kids and their parents.
Stephanie: The perfect mixture of classic toys and some of the new “classics.” And they had an amazing Lego selection that my 13-year-old would die over.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Becky: That it took me this long to really discover how wonderful it was. I’ve always liked the store and visited, but after this review I feel more aware of what they have to offer. More or better in-store signage would be super helpful in educating customers about why Blickenstaff’s products are unique.
Emily: Probably for me the location. I don’t make it down to Utah County very often. Then again, I’d seriously consider a special trip south just for a fun date with my kids!
Jen: I don’t think there was anything I didn’t like!
Jenny: The prices. I understand that what they offer is top-of-the-line (and often rare finds/imported), but when it comes to affordability, it’s a reality that I could get some of those things elsewhere for a lower price.
Stephanie: Parking. They are doing construction in the area and it is a little hard to navigate in the Riverwoods complex.
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QUESTION

Would you refer Blickenstaff’s to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Becky: Absolutely, already have and will continue to spread the fun!
Emily: Totally! I’ve already talked it up to friends. Can’t wait to go back!
Jen: Yes, definitely.
Jenny: Yes.
Stephanie: Yes! The prices are right and the store is magical.
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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: Relive childhood fun in the form of nostalgic sweets, toys, games and discovery at @Blickenstaffs in Provo.
Emily: I simply adore @Blickenstaffs in Provo #utah. Classic & modern toys & candy. SO. MUCH. FUN!
Jen: Come to @Blickenstaffs Toy Store for a glimpse back at your childhood.
Jenny: @blickenstaffs is the toy and candy store of your dreams. Your kids will thank you for spending time together there!
Stephanie: @blickenstaffs is a whimsical toyland… Complete with Unicorns.
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for Blickenstaff’s in Provo’s Riverwoods shopping center.

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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 Blickenstaff’s! We will have one of our sweetest giveaways yet for our readers!

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Here’s the scoop on our guest Sassy. We’d consider it a real treat if you’d visit her super sweet blog!
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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 tour of Blickenstaff’s and a goody bag full of their choice of bulk candy in exchange for a review.

Blickenstaff’s Toy Store is a magical place. Opening the doors for the first time will make you remember the magic of being a child. Many of my favorite toys when I was a child are among the treasures on their shelves. They have a huge selection of imaginative play toys, from dollhouses and pretend cooking to dress-up costumes and hats. There is also a section devoted to scientific games and experiments for your budding scientists. And another entire section devoted to board games—perfect for family game night!

Everywhere you look in Blickenstaff’s, there are toys out on display to be played with. They also had some scooters, cars and bikes out for kids to ride around the store! The kids that were in the store were having a ball trying out all of the different toys and showing them off to their parents.

Kyle, Blickenstaff’s marketing manager, also told us they stock many toys that are not easily available at other stores in the U.S.. Blickenstaff’s owner travels to a German toy fair and orders many toys directly from the manufacturers. This selection really makes Blickenstaff’s unique and adds to the store’s whimsical, fun experience.

Another wonderful part of Blickenstaff’s store is their Vintage Candy Wall. They have candy from every decade from the 1930′s through present day! This candy selection will bring a smile to anyone’s face. And Blickenstaff’s has baskets that can be filled to make personalized gift baskets for anyone in your life. I saw candy there that I had only heard my parents and grandparents talk about!

Everyone who came in the store while we were there were captivated by Blickenstaff’s vintage charm. I can’t wait to bring my kids to Blickenstaff’s!

Want to know what the SassyScoop girls thought of Blickenstaff’s? Come back on Wednesday for the review!

Want to know what YOU think about Blickenstaff’s? Check them out for yourself:

Blickenstaff’s is located at 4801 North University Ave. #470 {in the Shops at the Riverwoods} in Provo, UT.

Website: Blickenstaff’s.com

Facebook: Blickenstaff’s

Twitter: Blickenstaff’s

It’s that time of year again! The evenings start to cool down, families start their back-to-school routines and the memories of summer start to fade. That’s why this time of the year is perfect for the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival! Taking place in the parks of beautiful Provo Canyon, the festival is a family-friendly event that caters to the enjoyment of all ages while you sit back, breathe in the crisp mountain air and soak in some great entertainment!

Storytellers of all types (puppetry, music, juggling) from all over, gather together during this scheduled weekend to share their various stories. But these aren’t just “stories,” these are performances. Each storyteller is so animated, vivacious and passionate about their tale that it comes through with so much emotion. They’ll have you doubled-over in laughter, tearing up or in awe with amazement; you’ll feel as though you were just lifted up and transported to another world.

This year from September 2nd – 4th, the Storytelling Festival will take place in Orem and Provo, UT.

Cherish Bound, a proud sponsor of the event, is selling discount tickets from their website.  Be sure to purchase yours now and plan on spending the weekend with your family and friends for an event you’ll soon make a tradition!

And for more information, check out SassyScoops’ preview and review of last year’s festival.

After living in Utah for most of the past 10 years I’ve attended my fair share of wedding receptions and catered events.  The food is usually sub-par, the presentation equally lackluster, and you KNOW how wedding season can be around here… It’s always a gamble for the guests who never know if they should stop for a burger first because the wedding party is only serving cake and nuts.  Lame.

Enter Rockwell Catering and Events.

Rockwell Catering is the delicious brainchild of Ethan Ingram, a Southern California transplant with a wealth of catering and service experience thanks to growing up in the family business.  Ethan has also trained under Executive Chef Michael Reyes in Los Angeles, CA and has personally catered to an impressive list of clientele who are now repeat customers.

Rockwell is on a mission to incorporate as many local and fresh ingredients into their menu as possible in order to provide their guests with the absolute best flavor, unique selection, and presentation that will truly impress.  Serving all of Utah and Salt Lake Counties and including the surrounding areas, Rockwell Catering is the new face of how catering and service can be done right.

You can contact Rockwell Catering and Events for your next big (or small!) party at:

801.361.3001

ethan@rockwellcatering.com

take a look at their website: www.rockwellcatering.com

keep current on the blog www.rockwellcatering.blogspot.com or on twitter @rockwellcater

The Sassies were lucky enough to give Rockwell a tasting.  Stay tuned to Wednesday and Friday’s posts for our deep thoughts on prosciutto wrapped asparagus, tender filet mignon, and seriously drool-worthy cajun chicken sandwiches.  We take food very seriously around these parts so you’ll certainly want to hear about this!