VISIT GARDNER VILLAGE #GardnerVillage

I was invited to #gvpartyontheplaza event hosted by Gardner Village in West Jordan, Utah. I have been to Gardner Village once before at halloween time for WitchFest to run a 5k and it was so fun.

There is a new Mill Plaza around the historic Gardner Mill that just opened and is a great venue for your future parties/events. It is a beautiful area with charming brick walkways and great views. There are other venues (Archibald's Restaurant, the Gathering Place, and the Naborhood Bakery & Cafe) that are equally as fabulous. 

 The restaurant and bakery has delicious catering that I was able to get just a hint of that night. 

Everything tasted so wonderful...I wish they would cater my dinner every night.

If you like shopping, you will enjoy the many locally-owned shops available at Gardner Village.

 The wishing bridge is probably my favorite find of the night. The shop next to the bridge has ribbons that you can get to tie on as you make a wish.

 Right now, the Woodland Fairies are part of a scavenger hunt around the village. 

It is reported that the fairies will come around and take your ribbon wish and grant it.

Then don't forget to get your fairy wings!

#gvfairywings

There are so many cute backgrounds for fantastic photo opportunities all around the village.

One final surprise, there is a petting zoo there that will allow you to bottle feed the animals and pet them. Can this place get any cuter?!

So grab your family, friends, date, or go for a night out alone and visit Gardner Village.

ZOORIFIC DAY

It's almost summer and the perfect time to visit the zoo.

 I grabbed my friend Rachel along with her baby Claire and we headed to Hogle Zoo in SLC.

We were able to see 3 new baby lion cubs wrestle,

a family of orangutans play,

 large elephants eat,

 sea lions swim,

and some hilarious otters do this:

This is my favorite part of the zoo (it took me a bit to appreciate them).

"People forget the good that zoos do. If it weren't for zoos, we would have so many species that would be extinct today."

-Betty White

MORE THAN POTATOES

What is the first thing you think of when I mention Idaho? Well, I'm here to tell you this state has more than just good potatoes.

Well, at least in Boise. It is a super charming city for me.

It might be because it is so artsy.

 I'm a sucker for cool street art.

Even the electrical boxes around town are decorated.

Apparently, it is the birthplace of Albertson's Supermarkets.

It is also the home of some super yummy food (featured on the television show Man vs Food). 

The Flying Pie Pizzeria might be THE best pizza I have ever had.

The city also hosts a fun farmer's market every Saturday starting in April

where you can buy awesome local food and goods.

Plan a trip to Boise if you haven't already been and walk around the super fun city.

WALLS

But you got a heart so big

It could crush this town

And I can't hold out forever

Even walls fall down

-Tom Petty ~ Walls (Circus)

I am obsessed with cool walls lately.

There are lots around Provo

especially on Center Street.

 I might have even recently driven an hour to Ogden

 just to take a photo or two by this wall.

And some things are over

Some things go on

And part of me you carry

Part of me is gone.

PROVO BAKERY

I recently discovered Provo Bakery and their delicious croissant donuts.

It was love at first bite.

Your taste buds will not be disappointed in you for trying one.

ZOORASSIC PARK 2 at HOGLE ZOO

I used to have a bad attitude about zoos. I had a bad attitude about a lot of things.

But I have learned that Hogle Zoo is a home for some animals who were harmed and could not survive in the wild. Aww...I love this.

 The zoo has pretty animals, 

entertaining shows,

 fun train rides,

 learning experiences, 

carousel rides, 

 and dinosaurs.

 That's right, Zoorassic Park 2 is at the zoo and there are 14 different dinosaurs for visitors to find throughout the park.

 It is fabulous. I have already been twice.

The Zoorassic Park event runs until September 2015 and is totally here in time for all of you who are excited about the new Jurassic World movie out in theaters.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHOPS

I like to help out my neighbors and friends so I am a big supporter of buying things local. I just think it is more fun, trying new things at unique shops or restaurants. I'm not saying big chains are bad, it's just sometimes fun to shop local and help the little guys (or ladies) out.

 With the popularity of subscription boxes rising, I decided to try Mercobox. 

The welcome note explains that with every box purchase, your dollars go right back into the community. That means you are supporting local jobs, families, and mom-and-pop shops.

What is inside April's box?

I'll go through it one item at a time:

 3 tea samples and a filter from Fit Me Tea.

They come attached by tiny carabiner I'm sure you can a reason to reuse.

 3 madeleines (like a fluffy cookie) from Les Madeleines.

OM Power Protein with a yummy shake recipe. 

 Ashley's Apothecary healing salve (great for scrapes and bruises).

 Meals that Transform power bar (totally tasty).

 Colombia Guatica coffee sample from Mason Jar Coffee Roasters

 A super cute pouch of Eco Treasures soap nuts.

These are organic berries used as an eco-friendly alternative to store bought detergents

(instructions how to use included).

Finally, some coupons/gift cards (Downtime Yoga free class, Rodizio Grill $10 off,  Ballet West buy one get one 1/2 off, Our Children's Earth $5 off) and a few flyers telling you more info about some of the items in the box...all made in Utah.

Super fun stuff and a great way to try out a new place/item you might not have heard of otherwise.

Anyone want 25% off to try out Mercobox?

Use code iheartutah at checkout.