Yes, sirs and madams. We know we deserve a slap on the wrist and a good dose of the What-For from Ms. Pimpleton, our resident Hall Monitor, regarding our recent truancies. We do have a good excuse, though—a big ol’ bout with a little appendix that left our MacBooks unloved and our blog very neglected. Boo hoo.

We promise to be back next week, as long as we can get a hall pass. Hopefully we’ll get by on charm. We’ve missed you.

We’ve been brewing up something extra special over here, just for you photography enthusiasts. We’ve already told you all about our boy Jonathan Canlas and his photography prowess, and how generous he is with his knowledge via his Film is Not Dead workshops.

Now, hold onto your pants. Here’s the good news: Jonathan is really showing his home state some love (Go Utah, go!) and will be awarding one YHO reader with a photography scholarship to his workshop in Park City, Utah, October 5 through 7. (a $2,000 value! See why we warned you about your pants?)

Here’s the scoop: Here at Your Heart Out, we’re all about spreading the Utah love. “Film is Not Dead” is all about keeping film alive. Thusly, we bring you the “Film Your Heart Out” scholarship project. Like anything worth fighting for, you’ll have to pull on your thinking cap. Jonathan wants you to capture, on film, the essence of the Beehive State. Go out and shoot that quintessential Utah story, send your film to a lab like Snelsons, get it scanned, and e-mail one photo to jonathan {at} jonathancanlasphotography.com before August 31 with “Film Your Heart Out” in the subject line. After he selects his top five favorites, we’ll have a vote-to-win throwdown right here on YHO.

(*Updated) A few caveats:

• In order to win, you must be a Utah resident. We might even ask for your electricity bill to prove residency.
• Entries are limited to one photo per person.
• The scholarship cannot be transferred to anyone other than the entrant.
• All submitted images must be shot between August 17and August 31, 2009.
• Submit images as jpgs at 72 dpi and no more than 600 pixels wide.

The fun starts now. Start snapping!

{Free for One}

“Film Your Heart Out” Scholarship Project
Enter by or before August 31, 2009
E-mail entries to jonathan {at} jonathancanlasphotography.com

Film is not Dead
Jonathan Canlas Photography
October 5 – 7, 2009
Park City, Utah
www.jonathancanlasphotography.com/workshop
www.filmisnotdead.blogspot.com

The winner of one copy of “Rose and the Bald-Headed Elephant” is commenter Kendahl, who agrees that this book sounds “super cute.”

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

The rest of you can find out where to pick up this local gem locally, in this post.

It’s that time again. We think you guys tend to have all the ideas. So share them below. It’s your turn to get word out about what’s going on in the next week!

Get Crafty: Those lying south of the border can head to Mindy Mae’s Market for some one-of-a-kind shopping, tomorrow and Saturday. The northerners can pop into Salt Lake’s debut alternative craft fair, Craft Lake City, this Saturday from 2 – 10 p.m. at the Gallivan Center. Two cheers for more local goods.

Go West: Pull on your Wranglers and bleep-kickers and mozy on over to the Salt Lake County Fair for corndogs and carnival days. The Western extravaganza is live through August 15. Go now and you might catch the full moon on the ferris wheel. Check out the daily schedule here.

Hail Almighty: Turns out the only thing we Utans like better than a burger is a burger with more meat—spiced meat. The New York Times dishes on Utah’s pastrami burger phenomenon (and the Apollo and Crown varieties) in this fun-to-read article. Go Utah! And pastrami! And to think everyone says it’s all about the bacon, these days….

Let’s hear it for Syb! She was very first to comment on our very first pop quiz, and she came in with a 100% humdinger. Here are the answers:

1. Frosty Darling
2. Mini’s Cupcakes
3. Robin’s Nest
4. Salt Lake City Main Library
5. Beehive Tea Room
6. Abode
7. Ben’s Cookies
8. Pierpont Avenue

Thanks for playing! Syb, send an e-mail to ali at yourheartout.com and we’ll arrange your winnings.

It’s a pop quiz, ladies and gents. How well do you know your fair city? Scan the above photos, jot down your guesses and leave a comment. The first person to get all answers right will win a $20 gift cerfiticate to a cupcake bakery of their choosing.

1. You might see a wall display like this at what Salt Lake shop?
2. Who whips up these seafoam lovelies?
3. Which Salt Lake eatery serves up this lunch special?
4. Where would you find this signature park bench?
5. Where could you feast your eyes (and tummy) on this row of green books?
6. This bright green paint wraps which Salt Lake business?
7. Where would you find cookies of this magnitude?
8. On which street would you find this brick building?

Leave your comment before midnight, tonight. Game on.

Ah, isn’t it great when a holiday falls on Friday? We think so, too. Get out from behind that computer and go have some fun. We’ll see you on Monday.

Happy 24th!

One of you is going to be taking candy from a stranger, courtesy of Smile Now Photo Booths. And the lucky one (in this case) is Sheila, who’s hoping to sweeten up her September nuptials.

Sheila, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “doorprize” in the subject line for more info on how to redeem your winnings. Should any of you need/want candy and photos at your wedding (um, hello … who doesn’t?), Smile Now has got you covered!

Our lucky duckling is Meredith who said, “I love all of these.” She’ll be taking home the Bijou Market loot, and the party hasn’t even started yet.

Meredith, send an e-mail to ali at yourheartout.com with “doorprize winner” in the subject line to obtain your winnings. As for the rest of us, looks like we best be scootin’ on over to Bijou Market this Saturday to scope out some prizes of our own.

As for the FranklinCovey giveaway, congratulations are in order for Marae who wouldn’t mind having this bag “one little bit.” Marae, send an e-mail to ali at yourheartout.com with “doorprize winner” in the subject line to learn how to get this hot number slung over your shoulder.

As for the rest of us, it’s not too late to shop FranklinCovey’s Biggest Sale of the Year. Organization (and sanity) are just a click away.

Two is better than one, especially when it comes to giveaway winners. The random winners of our necklace giveaway with Elsa Bags are Tahnie, who’s been “neglecting her roots,” and Nicole, who will be moving to Pennsylvania in August.

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

Thanks, Elsa Bags!

By Lisa Van Orman Hadley

Ah, there’s nothing like those lovely blue Utah skies: snow-capped mountains looming in the distance, no clouds, fresh air.

But if you’ve experienced one day of inversion in the valley, you’ve seen it all too clearly: the dirty air hanging over the valley like a blanket, covering up the mountains and making you wheezy. And all you can do is hope for a storm to come and push the dirty air elsewhere. Pollution isn’t just a winter problem, though. We’ve recently spotted it lurking around the valley on a warm spring day, blocking those picturesque views.

Lucky for us, though, this problem is fixable. Governor Huntsman, Mayor Becker and Mayor Carroon have joined together to create the Clear the Air Challenge. The goal? To eliminate 300,000 car trips between now and July 10. Sound tough? Not really. Eliminating a trip can be as simple as running an errand on the way home from work instead of going home first. Piece of cake.

Sign up and get tips at www.cleartheairchallenge.org.

Speaking of Utah and skills, YHO photography contributor Allison Cox is in the top three for winning a photography scholarship to Italy, courtesy of Gene Higa. She composed this cool twelve-second video and, naturally, it put her in the running.

Now, she needs votes. Put this local talent on the map and go vote for her video, the first one called “Me Plus Italy.”

Vote before tonight at 5 p.m. PST here or here.

Shop those who support YHO! Here’s a word or two about our June sidebar sponsors. Read carefully for the inside scoop.

Jamie Sampson Photography: This Utah gal’s idea of fun includes scouting out twee locations, props and accessories for upcoming shoots—so her clients don’t have to. You just provide the cute kid. Easy enough. Happy, fun, and youthful, Jamie Sampson‘s images are especially cute, and now, those who like a little more control can visit her in her very own studio. See more here.

Bungalow 8 Day Spa: Within the walls of this rosy, 120-year-old cottage, you can get a pick-me-up with a customized massage or mini facial. And that’s just the beginning of the pamper list. Stop by Bungalow 8‘s open house on June 20 where you could win a $160 gift card, or gather five of your bffs for a “Eat Cake ‘n Spa Party,” and you’ll get yours free. Catch your R ‘n R here.

Simplicity Photography: Don’t let the title fool you. When it comes to the camera, photographer Angie Monson will go the extra mile in photographing your family, newborn or wedding. Her style is one part city, one part country and another part studio, so there’s something up her sleeve for everyone—especially if you want images that are warm and crisp. She’s booking for fall sessions now! Visit her here.

Kaleidoscope Boutique: Classy meets kitschy at this friendly-yet-upscale boutique, carrying some of the most unique and interesting products we’ve seen locally. Think Deborah Sweeney, Odd Molly and Faryl Robin on overload under one Kaleidoscope roof. Visit them at 4801 N. University Avenue in Provo’s Riverwoods. Get a feel here.

Jonathan Canlas Photography: If you’re in the market for a local-but-nationally-acclaimed film photographer who doubles as a great teacher, Jonathan is your guy. If you’ve always wanted to attend his Film is Not Dead workshop but have a fear of flying, you’ll be happy to know that the next on will be taking place in Utah. That’s right! A little bird told us it’ll be the October 5 – 7 in the Heber area. You can get more info (and register) by e-mailing Jonathan@jonathancanlasphotography.com.

Mickelle Weber, House Hunter: She moonlights as a scout for movies and TV shows, but what she really wants to do is help you find your location for life. The Realtor-at-large specializes in first-time buyers and million-dollar estates, and everything between. Get the search started with Mickelle Weber by calling (801) 698-8288 or e-mail mickelle@urbanutah.com.

Baby Hank Vintage: They just don’t make ‘em like they used to. If you’re looking to keep your kids as sweet on the outside as they are inside, shop Baby Hank Vintage, where yesteryear’s baby clothes become a beautiful and one-of-a-kind affair. Be sure to stop by the sale section for the best of an already good deal. Start here.

The winner of our mini giveaway with Spark Restaurant Lounge is Kim B. who begged and pleaded for Spark numero dos to be introduced in Salt Lake City. Here’s to wishing!

Kim, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com for details on how to obtain your winnings. Thanks, Spark!

Thanks to Allison Cox of Allison C. Photography for a fabulosa giveaway. Congratulations are in order for reader Monica who said, “A family photo by Allison would be beautiful.” You better your bottom dollar it would!

Monica, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “Doorprize Winner” in the subject line and we’ll get more details to you.

The rest of us can get more eye candy over here.

Happy holiday, friends. Go out and have some fun: shop, dine, barbecue, swim, relax, read, play, or catch-up. We’ll see you tomorrow.

Good things come in threes, right? As such, the all-at-random winners of the Koo De Ker giveaway are as follows….

• Mieken who “loves this store and its quaint location”
• Mio K. who “loves the necklaces”
• Stephanie F. who “will be stopping in”

Ladies, please send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “Doorprize Winner” in the subject line to learn how to obtain your winnings.

Thanks Koo De Ker!

Hip hip for Amanda C. who said, “I love her photography!” (don’t we all?) thereby winning the Christine Olson Photography giveaway.

Amanda, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “Doorprize Winner” in the subject line and we’ll get more details to you.

And if you want you and yours on the other side of Christine’s camera, it’s never too late to schedule a session. Get started here.