By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

With the temperatures dipping below freezing in our neck of the woods, we Utahns are seeking places of shelter from long, chilly days of holiday shopping, working and general busy-ness. If said shelters can hook us up with fresh food, hot drinks, and downright charming atmosphere, we won’t complain either.

One place we don’t mind chilling (or thawing) out for lunch is Toaster’s Deli in Salt Lake City. With a cheery yellow reading nook stocked with plenty of magazines and giant windows that flood the restaurant with light, Toaster’s is a perfect place to relax and recharge. The menu includes a selection of breakfast items, coffee, tea and cocoa, as well as fresh sandwiches made with quality ingredients, and filling salads loaded with delicious toppings.

We felt obliged to try the most popular sandwich on the menu: the turkey avocado. It’s an instant classic served on grilled bread and made special by the addition of sweet balsamic vinegar. The soup of the day during our stop was a delicious chicken enchilada topped with crispy tortilla strips, and alone made our drive from Utah County worth it. Our salad of choice was the “Frenchy”: a savory mix of crisp romaine lettuce tossed in feta dressing, topped with tomato, cucumber, avocado, red pepper, onion and Swiss and provolone cheeses.

If you find yourself in need of physical and emotional refreshment during what will inevitably be another long winter—or simply during this rushed holiday season—head to Toaster’s for a pick-me-up. Whether it’s for caffeine or sustenance, it’ll be served up with style.

{Nice ‘n Toaster’s}

151 W. 200 South
and
30 E. 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
www.toastersdeli.com

By Caroline King

Today’s Sweet: Homemade Marshmallows
Recipe From: Alton Brown via Food Network

Turns out, around here, we like marshmallows. The team has tried and shared before, but I’ve been wanting to put some recipes to the test for a while now. I’ve been holding off because I thought it would be hard and intensive. As it turns out, it’s easy—just incredibly messy. And I’m a messy cook to begin with. Let’s just say that my kitchen might be covered in a thin layer of cornstarch and powdered sugar.

Since this is the season for cozying up with a blanket (Snuggie, anyone?) and a hot beverage, homemade marshmallows made the perfect kitchen experiment. They make darling gifts, and you can take it up a notch by adding some to a jarred hot chocolate mix.

I searched high and low for the right recipe, and by George, I think we’ve found it. Alton Brown’s does it just right. It’s simple and he explained everything so well. Just don’t forget a candy thermometer or a clean-up crew.

Ingredients:

3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
non-stick spray

Directions:

Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by. In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.

Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat. Turn the mixer on low speed and while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the mixer speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very think and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping, prepare the pans as follows:

For regular marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use. When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly-oiled spatula for spreading evenly. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight. Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in airtight container for up to three weeks.

For miniature marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line 4 half-sheet pans with parchment paper, spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray and dust with the confectioners sugar mixture. Scoop the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round piping tip. Pipe the mixture onto the prepared sheet pans lengthwise, leaving about 1-inch between each strip. Sprinkle the tops with enough of the remaining cornstarch and sugar mixture to lightly cover. Let the strips set for 4 hours or up to overnight. Cut into 1/2 inch pieces using a pizza wheel or scissors dusted with confectioners sugar. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining sugar mixture and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

And while we’re at it, here’s a recipe for a hot chocolate mix:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch

You can also add crushed candy canes, or for spice, throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper. My personal favorite is a sprinkling of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Some fine furnishings, courtesy of your local classifieds:

Sit pretty cool in this pair of Bertoias. See them here.

Put on a little Frank Lloyd Wright with this coffee table. See it here.

Open the place up with this window-size mirror. See it here.

Make a place for these easy-to-match chairs. See them here.

Place this kidney-shaped original atop a big, fluffy rug. See it here.

Yet another handsome zebra rug. See it here.

Give your home classic appeal with this clawfoot tub. See it here.

With Christie Somers
Photography by Alisia Packard

When it comes to evening makeup for holiday festivities, you’re going to have to choose between your eyes and lips. Onlookers will only get lost in one or the other—both would be too much to handle. If your plan is to lure him with your bedroom eyes, here’s a how-to:

Eyes For You: First, brush a neutral color all over the lid, from the lashes to the brow. I like Mac Pure Pigment Vanilla (great for seriously any skin tone). Then, equipped with a nice and even neutral surface, pick any dark shadow and brush it onto the outside corners of your eyes. Keep the color heavy in the corners and lighter as you get to the center of the lid. Dark pink and plum shades will make green and blue eyes pop. But if you want to add even more drama, layer the dark color to deepen the contrast or use a gray or black shadow for the corners. Top it all off with a few coats of your favorite mascara. Mine is Bourjois Volume Glamour.

If you’ve decided to play up the eyes, keep your lips simple with a light pink or flesh-toned lipstick that’s not too shiny.

Lips For Kissin’: If you’re keeping lips at centerstage for that mistletoe moment, think color and think plenty. Find a dark red or pink shade that suits you. For lips that will stay ready and alluring all evening, steer away from the gloss—not only is it totally out, it smears and runs like crazy. Your best bet is to use a lip crayon or lipstick. Jane Iredale has some great hues for the holidays. You’ll get longevity and keep your lips looking perfectly kissable (and polished) at all times … or at least all evening.

If you’re going for luscious lips, be sure to keep your eye makeup minimal with a neutral shadow over the entire lid and, as always, a few coats of mascara to finish it off.

By Lacey Jane Pappas

It’s more than officially time to turn up the carols. But if you’re wishing for more options than the FM dial can provide, this is the holiday mix for you. This year, I’ve compiled some non-traditional Christmas tunes. You can preview this festive mix here.

1. “Christmas Song” by Mogwai
2. “The Blizzard” by Camera Obscura
3. “When I Get Home for Christmas” by Snow Patrol (listen here)
4. “Icicles” by Let’s Go Sailing
5. “Christmas” by Rogue Wave
6. “Anorak Christmas (Piano Mix)” by Sally Shapiro
7. “O Come O Come Emmanuel” by Rosie Thomas
8. “Evergreen” by The Fiery Furnaces
9. “Holiday Song” by The Finches (listen here)
10. “Jeanette, Isabella” by Tori Amos
11. “Carol of the Bells” by The Bird and the Bee
12. “What Child is This?” by Don Peris

If you still need more, you can check out the holiday mixes I’ve compiled in years past here and here. And if you’re behind a computer all day long you can still get into the holiday spirit by streaming Woxy’s Holiday Mixer right here.

Enjoy! And happy holidays.

The winner of the dapper Dolman dress by Shade Clothing is Jamie who said, “The perfect dress for the holiday season.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Jamie, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “doorprize winner” in the subject line to learn how to redeem your winnings.

Thank you, Shade!

With Christie Somers
Photography by Alisia Packard

Of course, it’s the last minute. What to do with those messy tresses for the office party, the once-a-year high school re-hash, the fete with extended family? Don’t overthink it. Whether your hair is short and sassy or long and luscious, it’s easy to glam up your locks for holiday festivities. All you need: five minutes, a curling iron, a handful of bobby pins and, of course, hair spray. A few of my favorite hair accessories could never hurt, either.

Short ‘n Sweet: (Above) Grab your curling iron and wrap a few small sections of hair around the barrel of the iron. It usually works best if you wrap the curls away from your face from the mid-shaft through the ends, a la Farrah Fawcett or Joan Crawford. This trick actually works great on any length of hair.

Side Swept: (Above) If you would rather have your hair out of your way altogether, comb it into a low side ponytail. Once it’s pulled smooth, twist your hair into a bun on the base of your neck and pin. I like to do the bun a little low and off center to keep the look more modern and less ballerina.

Fauxhawk Fab: (Right) If your hair doesn’t cooperate with curls, grab your flat iron and straighten away. To give yourself a look that’s sleek and sexy, take a mohawk section of hair, back-comb at the roots, and smooth out the top and then pin. The sexy Elvis pompadour for the ladies is always killer.

Bejeweled: On a final note, hair accessories are all the rage and add some easy holiday dazzle. Jeweled headbands or decorated bobby pins will perfect your ensemble. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Make your holidays a grassroots, local effort. Here are some easy ideas:

Mod Blue Baby Bird Slippers / $28 / By Piddies

Woodland Screenprint / $25 / By Valerie Jar Makes Things

Bike Poster / $12 / By Bad Circle

Flower Leaf Necklace / $28 / By Green Ruby Designs

Pleated Wristlet / $26 / By Hayden J

Pick Me Letterpress Card / $2.50 / By Elizabeth & Homer

Lovely Lace Onesie / $13.50 / By Rae Gun

Rosette Bobby Pin / $10 / By Brydferth

Singalong: Show off your pipes with Maria and the Von Trapp crew when the Tower Theatre hosts its Sing With Maria singalong this Saturday afternoon and evening. You’ll get gift bags and complimentary tea and cookies. Learn more here.

Sweet Shows: The Salt Lake Film Society kicks off its Wassail and Waffle Film Series this weekend with none other than “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Get your brew and breakfast at 10 a.m. on Saturday; the show starts at 10 a.m. More info here.

Crack It Open: Ballet West’s top-heavy Nutcracker Prince is already pirouetting and plie-ing around the Capitol Theatre stage. It’s not too late for you to get a crack at it, too. Do so here.

Give and Get: Still looking for ways to share some holiday bounty or spread some seasonal cheer? Be a volunteer. Read through the comments on this Ask Your Heart Out post for ideas.

Start your celebrating, early. Here are three reasons why:

1. Shade Clothing has a handful of cute gifts priced under $30, for your shopping pleasure.
2. Starting today, check out 12 Days of Giveaways on the Shade Blog.
3. Get 25% off all sale items through this Saturday, and free shipping through December 20.

And….

{Doorprize!} Have you checked out the latest arrivals? We’re hooked on the Dolman Dress, which would aptly adorn any holiday fete, and we scored one to handout to one of you. Don’t we make good little Santa’s Helpers? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, December 13 if you want a chance to win.

The winners are in. That’s right, winners, plural. Cody was feeling good and decided to tack on an extra prize, just for fun.

Without further adieu, our winner of the family shoot is Annie W. who said, “Absolutely, positively, gorgeous stuff!” And a couples shoot will be going to Mandy who said, “I seriously need this, because I am getting married soon.”

Annie and Mandy, please send an e-mail to ali {at} yourheartout.com to learn how to redeem your prizes! Congratulations to you both.

And last but not least, thanks to Cody!

By Stephanie Brubaker

Spotted: Gorgeous leather handbags in a handful of attractive colors like pale blue, mustard yellow, chocolate brown, black and grey.

Good For: Matching almost any winter ensemble

Where: Sundance Outlet (2201 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City)

How much: Just $99