The expected sunshine this weekend might have you ready to pull out your picnic blanket or flip flops, but we recommend you stay inside and reach for your less-exciting Eureka. Throw open the windows, shake out your rugs—embrace your inner rubber-glove god/goddess to rid your place of all its winter skeletons (or spiderwebs).

Crank up the iPod, tie up your hair, and with your dust mop at your side, prepare to wage war on winter dust with any or all of these usually-skipped-over tasks:

• Dust/vacuum your baseboards, heating vents, windows sills and bookshelves.
• Get serious about cleaning out your piles of saved magazines and newspapers. Make an inspiration folder for ideas and looks you plan on getting around to, and a keepsake folder for snippets of things you can’t throw out. Then toss your winter stack in the recycling bin.
• Polish your drawer pulls and doorhandles—a quick and easily-overlooked spreader of germs. Make them twinkle. You should also wipe down your light switches and spot-clean your walls.
• Remove each trinket from its proper place and dust everything: shelves, coffee tables, nightstands, mantles, and don’t forget your light fixtures.
• Clean out your closet—know when enough is enough. Donate older items to the Deseret Industries, and put other still-kinda-cute pieces on eBay, or tote them to a new-for-someone-else store like Name Droppers (2350 E. Parleys Way) to see if you can’t rake in a little extra dough for spring shopping.
• Put new sheets on the bed; wash your linens. Pull off your blankets, mattress pads and pillows and run them through the dryer on the “air fluff” cycle. You can also do this with your curtains or drapes.
• Windex everything: all glass surfaces including interior windows and mirrors.
• Clean out the fridge; get rid of all those un-used jars of scary-looking syrups.
• Vacuum, and of course, mop. And then give your sink a good, hard cleaning.
• Replace your furnace filters.

Here are some of our favorite cleaning products for the day-to-day and seasonal scrub-down–the kind that might have even the crankiest cleaner whistling while he/she works:

Lemon oil: The typical furniture-polisher is also great for cleaning tiled bathroom showers and bathroom fixtures.

Method’s Tub and Tile Spray: A tough everyday cleaner with a fresh eucalyptus scent you won’t have to worry about washing off your skin.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes: Great for occasional bathroom and toilet wipe-ups.

Clorox Clean-Up Spray: Deep down cleaner is the ultimate germ-killer; it is the smell of super clean.

Greased Lightning: Use this for de-greasing appliances, stoves and countertops. We prefer the “Lemon Blast” scent.

Bar Keepers Friend: Especially great for porcelain and stainless steel sinks as well as cast-iron cookware, this product scrubs without scratching unlike powder-form cleansers. Williams Sonoma Kitchen Scrub is also a good option.

Mr. Clean Magic Reach: Great for a day-to-day wipe up, this little guy gets behind awkward and hard-to-reach areas. Though Mr. Clean provides his own wipes, a Clorox wipe will usually do the job, too.

Sprayway Class Cleaner: A truly streak-free cleaner; its foamier consistency makes it easy to see where you’ve scrubbed and what spots you might have missed.

Now, tell us, what are some of your favorite tricks and cleaning products?

Here are some seasonal/practical/beautiful things we wouldn’t mind seeing in our Easter baskets this year. We’re sure your mothers, mothers-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, cousins and girlfriends wouldn’t mind being gifted with any of these thoughtful little items, either. Just follow the image links to get your ordering done in time for your egg hunt.

It’s a little easy for the cheese-, olive-, fresh produce- and bakery-loving grocery shopper to get a little discouraged around here. Don’t get us wrong, we like not-so-commercial markets like Wild Oats, but sometimes you want something a little more like a mini Central Market—somewhere where you can dabble in an olive bar or sip on a Diet Coke from the fountain before you decide whether it’ll be Special K with Strawberries or Strawberry Cheerios for breakfast this week: A place that’s not wrapped up in exclusivity nor preoccupied with organics.

Enter The Store. A sort of Salt Lake legend, The Store (2050 E. 6200 South, and 4695 S. Holladay Blvd.) is the kind of place where both the specialty-lover and the just-get-it-done shopper can co-exist, and leave happily and not too overbudget. Not only is the store home to Schmidt’s Bakery (in-house chocolates are part of the gig) and an exclusive vendor of Meier’s Meats, they also supply their own salsas ($3.99 for 14 oz.) and house a tasty salad bar with to-go salad dressings. There’s also a convenient-store worthy soda fountain in the middle aisle—Orange Bang included.

If you’re taking the cheese party to heart, this place is a must-stop. Other shelf favorites include “home-made” pizzas and lasagnas, M.C. Rossi pasta sauces, Divina olives, Virgil’s Rootbeer and San Pellegrino’s Aranciata and Limonata—currently three six-packs are on sale for $10. From Logan, Crumb Brothers Artisan Bread ($2.89-$4.99) is a local best-seller.

And though in-store Schmidt’s Bakery is packed with goodies, don’t skip over a personal-sized vanilla cake from Cakes de Fleur (A Salt Lake “Best of”) for $4.99.

The store is a neighborly gem as welcoming as its name suggests, but it will give you all those hard-to-find and fancy shmancy products you’re in need of, with the best produce selection to top it off. You might have to plan on paying a little extra, but with service this friendly, you won’t feel too bad about it.

There’s nothing like a little stinky cheese to bring a group together. It’s conversational, interactive, interesting, and best, tasty as all get out. Before you pull out the mozzarella and crackers, here are a few tips for the introductory cheese monger.

For starters, you’ll need to know that there are six different kinds of cheeses–and the savvy cheese party host should aim to have one of each in his/her spread. They include:

• Fresh: These rind-less cheeses should be enjoyed quickly. Examples include Ricotta, Burrata, and of course, Mozzarella.
• Bloomy: These are the cheeses that form a light white mold over a rind or skin. Examples include Brie, Triple Créme and Camembert.
• Washed Rind: Say hello to the stinkiest of the stinky cheeses. After developing a rind, these are usually washed in salt water or wine. Examples include Munster, Taleggio and Harvest Moon.
• Semi-Firm: These cheeses develop a healthy rind because they’re given a lot of time to mature. They sometimes have a wax coating. Examples include St. Nectaire, Pyrenees Brebis, Asiago and Ementhaler.
• Hard: These cheeses age even longer which gives them a sharpness and a crumblier texture. Examples include Parmigiano Reggiano, Grafton Cheddar and Goudas.
• Blue: This is a category unrelated to all the others. They age for about a month, and are then “needled,” which allows air inside so mold will form in the cheese’s interior. This gives Blue cheeses a punchy quality. Examples include Point Reyes Original Blue, Roquefort and Gorgonzola.

You’ll need about an ounce of cheese per guest, and we recommend using dessert plates so the unattentive cheese lover isn’t encouraged to take more than his fair share. Pull the cheeses out of the fridge about an hour before serving, and allow them to sit in their wrapping until just prior to show time.

Display your cheeses on a wooden cutting board or similar, and arrange them in a row or circle from lightest to darkest (white, yellow, orange), with the blue cheese at an end. Provide a separate knife for each cheese, and cut a “display” wedge that sets an example for the other soon-to-be cheese eaters.

Thinly slice a couple of baguettes to enjoy the cheeses with (these are a good match for almost any kind). Other nice complements include almonds, dried apricots, Craisins and naturally, red grapes. These can be arranged together on a platter or placed in separate bowls, rammekins or baskets.

For an extra bit of flair and educational value, label the cheeses with their name and type on a business-card-sized piece of paper (or smaller), and attach with a toothpick.

Sipping choices include Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Martinelli’s Apple Cider or Aerial’s non-alcoholic Zinfandel (available at Emigration Market, 1706 E. 1300 South).

If you’re looking for a cute and affordable invitation, try this option from Real Simple, best printed on deep yellow or soft orange paper and marked up at random with a hole punch.

And, to appear extra in-the-know, here are some words frequently used to behold the power of cheese (flash-card ready):

Texture: melting, sturdy, sandy, piquescent, striates, delicate, fudgy, luscious, ripe, mouthfilling, velvety, pillowy.

Flavors: grassy, tangy, lingering, fruity, nutty, buttery, mean, sweet, barnyardy, dominant, caramelly, gamey.

Great free cheese resources on the Web include Artisan Cheese and Murray’s Cheese. Local stores with great cheese selections include Caputo’s Market, Granato’s, Wild Oats and the “gourmet” deli section at your local grocer.

April showers bring … live music, of course. More bands venture to Utah to play for your eager ears. Here are some highlights:

Hailing from Seattle, Panda & Angel is a newly-formed group that plays at Urban Lounge on April Fool’s Day. If you like Low or even breathy Cat Power, you’ll enjoy Panda’s jumping, lingering sound. Also electrifying and slow, the mix should make for an exciting live show.

Bringing much experience and musical proficiency, John Vanderslice will play at Kilby Court on Monday, April 9. As a recent convert to his catchy and addicting tunes, I’ve noticed his interesting subject matter to include bunnies, Dance Dance Revolution—even shooting bluebirds. Given the use of electronic mixes that support most of his songs, the show could also be a technological learning experience.

Aqueduct might sound familiar if you ever witnessed the Light Parade at Disneyland with its buzzing electronic music—a sound singer David Terry has seemed to embrace. I first heard the one-man band (think Bert from “Mary Poppins”) play on Conan O’Brien and thought the singer didn’t have an ounce of training as far as his vocals were concerned. Turns out it was that very lack of training that made his music interesting. Terry seems to rely on jumpy beats and humorous lyrics to carry his voice, and it works; his music is fun. I’m sure that after leaving his show on Tuesday, April 24 at the Urban Lounge, you’ll think he’s got one of the best—or at least most interesting—voices on the indie scene today.

More not-to-miss shows include, in support of their recent album releases, Maria Taylor and Bright Eyes. Also visiting: Kristy Kruger, Mos Def (only $5 for U of U students!), Elf Power, and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.

Still not sure if any of these artists are worth venturing out for? Listen to my Finetune mix which combines songs from most of the bands passing through (mixed with a few other goodies I’ve recently discovered).

Or if you’d rather stay in and have the TV do the work for you, make sure to catch Kings of Leon and Bloc Party on David Letterman this week, or performances from Death Cab for Cutie and My Morning Jacket on Conan O’Brien. (Next week Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Albert Hammond Jr. also stop by Conan’s set.) For other upcoming TV appearances, be sure to bookmark Interbridge.

Remember to click on each band name in the table below to hear more music; there’s enough for everyone to find something new to enjoy. Promise.

Watch for an extended music guide later this week.

Here’s our second installment of our monthly budget ritual. It’s not easy, but it sure is fun. Even if we were billionaires, we’re pretty sure that we’d still get a thrill out of getting a good deal.

Just like before, one outfit was put together by Maeve, the other by Ali. We think that this time around, you could do some serious mixing of the two outfits and come out with three ensembles for under $200. Sweet! (Just don’t pair the red shoes with the orange jacket. The red belt and striped dress, on the other hand, would work well.)

Enjoy the bank account-friendly profiles we scouted out.

Outfit 1

Outfit 2

And if you’re up for the challenge, take a guess at who did which, just for fun. We dare you.

There are three reasons you might head to James Anthony Gallery (241 E. Broadway) this weekend.

1. You have a Hollywood crush on a) Zooey Deschanel, or b) Emily Deschanel.

2. You like to spend your leisure time supporting good causes, and proceeds from the current James Anthony Gallery exhibit will benefit the Utah Domestic Violence Council, an intervention organization. (Sorry, we don’t have any chocolate to couple the evening with, this time.)

3. You realize that the photography of clout-carrying Chris Anthony isn’t to be missed. Anthony, a Los Angeles-based once-rock photographer who has worked with such heavy hitters as The Dandy Warhols and My Chemical Romance, is bringing a photographic series titled “Victims & Avengers” to Salt Lake City—a collection that explores domestic violence through 27 photographs, with the Deschanel duo as his models.

The exhibit also includes a limited number of giclee prints, signed and numbered by the artist.

Victims & Avengers runs through April 17. The James Anthony Gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

We’re positively growing to be bigger fans of cute non-leather bags, satchels and wallets made by Canada duo, Matt & Nat.

It’s hard not to be in a good mood when you’ve got a bag this cool/functional slung over your shoulder or a wallet/pouch this soft and organizable tucked inside your pocket. First, Matt & Nat products are guilt-free (as long as you tell your significant other that you’ve worked a little splurge into your monthly budget) in that they’re an animal-free company, meaning that the “leather” they employ is synthetic, but Matt & Nat gear doesn’t look or feel anything like the cheap sofa sitting in your grandpa’s den.

Better yet, they’re durable (Maeve has a wallet she’s been carrying around for 2+ years that still looks brand-spanking-new) and they come packed with with an inspirational punch. Each purse is lined with a “positivity message”–something like, “choose life choose positivity choose the golden rule choose to be at peace with yourself choose to be a rebel choose to be funky”–a nice reminder for the average woman on-the-go.

Some of our favorite pieces from the online store include youthful “Sabre Tooth” wallets and a fun “Trench” satchel. Around here, you can pick up Matt & Nat goodies at Hip & Humble (1043 E. 900 South) in Salt Lake, and Mary Jane’s (613 Main St.) in Park City.

You can be prepared for some feel-good shopping.

Just because we can’t buy all the beautiful clothing we want at Neiman Marcus doesn’t mean we can’t cook up all the Neiman Marcus cookies we can handle—at least that’s how the story goes.

Neiman Marcus recipe or no, these are pretty much the best chocolate chip cookies of all time. And we weren’t kidding about the “all you can handle” bit. This recipe can yield upwards of 120 cookies, so we recommend halving it. (Don’t worry, you’ll still get 60 out of it.) Despite the ease of the recipe, maybe the best part is that these cookies are the kind that have people (or at least Ali’s husband) yelling “These cookies are awesome!” from the rooftops. Hopefully your guests will do the same.

Ingredients:

2 cups butter
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
5 cups old-fashioned oats, ground to flour in food processor or blender.
2 11.5-ounce packages semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 8-ounce milk chocolate Hershey bar, crushed (or 1 11.5-ounce package milk chocolate chips)
2 cups chopped nuts, optional

Directions:

Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Mix flour, salt, soda, powder and ground oats, then gently fold in chocolate and nuts.

Roll into balls with a cookie scoop and bake on greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees.

And then enjoy handfuls of the best chocolate-chip cookie ever!

Download recipe card here

Wallpaper already on its way out? We think not. Whether you’re looking to add some pattern to an accent wall or frame a piece to hang above your bed, the selection of chic/pretty/whimsical wallpaper designs is likely to put plain old paint on the endangered list.

If you’re in the market, we wish you luck. We don’t think we’d be able to decide on just one with designs this good.

Here are some links to designers and shops offering the latest (and cutest/coolest, in our opinion) from the big world of wall coverings—sure to give your bedroom, office, kitchen or nursery a colorful or textural boost.

Absolute Zero: Click on “The Boutique” to see what this design-for-contract firm is inventing and selling on their own—like wallpaper and other patterned textiles. The “Playtime” line for kids is our fav, hands-down.

Anthropologie: Check out the growing list of Orla Kiely-included designer wallpapers. We love the “Sunburst” variety.

Brian Yates: Diversity of design is key with Brian Jones wallpapers. Purchasing might not be easy as only overseas numbers are provided, but still a good stop for gathering inspiration.

Cole & Son: Our favorite collection of simple and refined patterns.

Deborah Bowness: Wallpaper becomes must-have art with Bowness’ unique ready-made and hand-printed wallpapers. Photographic collections like her “Wallpaper Frocks” are a must-see for the sartorial decorator, while the “Salvage” and “Books” groups are ideal for creating attractive illusions of space in small areas.

Hanna Werning: We’re big fans of Hanna’s “AnimalFlower Paper-posters” that are cool standalone pieces for framing or gifting.

Jocelyn Warner: Subtle and sublime creations that nod to nature and geometrics from this architect’s-daughter-turned-wallpaper-designer. We like her metallic finishes, too. Orders made by overseas phone only, as far as we can tell.

KWID: The “Top Design” judge’s selection is a little sparse, but like her colorful past, hard to overlook. We especially like the “Imperial Trellis” pattern in “Citrine.”

Nama Rococo: These guys can do no wrong, and there’s practically something for everyone buried in their five collections—from very playful to retro-yielding. Just click on “Collections” to get started.

Palace Papers: Asian-inspired prints, some appropriate for kids’ rooms, available at Salt Lake’s very own Walls (1465 S. 700 East).

Secondhand Rose: Search “piles” of op-art vintage wallpaper by “Rare and Unusual,” “Novelty Wallpaper,” and even “Mylar.”

Selina Rose: Check out the “Flutterby” wallpaper in the dropdown “Products” menu. Pop-up books go wallpaper, fit for nurseries and refined bedrooms, alike.

Studio Printworks: Regal damasks, ’60s-era illustrations and even trendy plaids find a place here. We like “Baa,” “Polkadots,” and “Cars Go Beep II,” for staying young at heart.

Ugly Home: There’s an almost overwhelmingly fun and dainty variety at this not-so-ugly Parisian shop. (“Ugly” and “Parisian” don’t seem to belong in the same sentence.) Check out “Garden Birds” and the picture-esque “Anabell.”

Walnut Wallpaper: You can browse beautiful prints at this online shop by color, style or designer. Walnut features a vast selection of only pretty things; much of the weeding-out is already done for you.

Our favorite local spot for unique wallpaper is Walls (1465 S. 700 East). You can also try eBay for fun vintage scraps.

When you head out to enjoy cabbage, potatoes and green beverages of sorts this St. Patrick’s Day, don’t leave home without your green garb or you’re apt to be victim of many a painful or perilous pinch.

Save yourself from unfriendly fire with any of these fun pieces for the big green day. Or, just thumb through the image links to gather up some think-green spirit.

You know the cute Kenzie clothing you keep seeing advertised in the pages of your shopping/fashion magazines? And how they’ve been impossible to track down? Well, for the past few months, many a Kenzie blouse, dress and sweater have been propped right under our noses at none other than Salt Lake’s Whimsy (2005 E. 2700 South). We should have known better.

Since Whimsy opened its boutique doors to East Millcreek shoppers nearly four years ago, it has changed owners (partially) and expanded to three retail locations: one in Draper (12197 S. Draper Gates Drive) and another in Park City (1685 Bonanza Drive). It has also become a little friendlier to the bank account. Thankfully.

When we stepped foot inside back in 2003, we were a little scared off by price tags that were more fitting for a Park City clientele. We’re happy to report that today, Whimsy is the kind of place where you can stop to pick up something special for yourself every once in a while—something with playful, feminine details; graphic patterns and soft fabrics.

You can pick up cute smocked tunics by Hazel, flouncy shirtdresses by Jaloux, and lace-trimmed jackets and tees from Kenzie’s Mac & Jac and KenzieGirl lines. You’ll see denim from Rock & Republic and Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice, we refuse to let her live down her tween days). All the jewel-toned jewelry surrounding the cash register is provided by local designers, and don’t forget to slip your feet into some of the season’s trendiest wedges and platforms at the rear of the store—some for as little as $36.

According to Dictionary.com, “whimsy” means: “capricious humor or disposition; extravagant, fanciful, or excessively playful expression.” Our Whimsy certainly fits the bill.

When we compiled our list of our favorite places for lunch, we purposefully left this one off. Not because it isn’t a favorite, but because it’s too much of one. It deserved its own pretty little space, we decided.

As our friend Marta would say, Bakers de Normandie (4679 S. Holladay Blvd.) is absolutely twee. Lori introduced us to the picture-perfect pastry shop years ago, but it wasn’t until semi-recently that we really took a liking/loving to it. The cute Holladay bakery serves up fresh everything: deli sandwiches on focaccia bread, intricate salads with cranberry and pear, cheese-topped French onion soup—and a meal will usually only cost you somewhere between $5 to $10.

At Bakers de Normandie, it’s impossible to skip dessert. The display of sweet delicacies like brownies, triple-thick Hello Dollies and sizeable new cupcakes is enough to make you want to skip lunch, instead. (Though you shouldn’t.) Try the “Butterdream” cookie: a soft and sweet sugar cookie topped with a walloping dallop of buttercream frosting. You won’t regret it. But if your stomach is too full, the gals at the counter will be happy to box something up—even a fruit tart to share with friends—and send it home with you. Enjoying it later is like giving yourself a cute little present.

Sushi: It’s fun, fashionable, light, healthy, conversational, and perhaps best of all, tasty. Here’s a list of our favorite places to pick up the chopsticks and a roll or two or three or six around our city:

Benihana: (165 S. West Temple Suite 1) Prices during happy hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. are unbeatable—and the place is usually empty but full of good eats.

Ginza: (209 W. 200 South) Hip little downtown spot is considered the trendy place to pick up your tuna roll.

Go Sushi: (2015 E. 3300 South) Fun Millcreek location and a set-up that makes sushi a social thing. The fish tastes super fresh, too.

Happy Sumo: (153 S. Rio Grande Street) An obvious choice that has to be listed: a fun shopping location with a Sunset Roll that a friend says “makes life worth living.” Join the Happy Sumo VIP Club and get coupon deals via e-mail.

Ichiban Sushi & Japanese: (336 S. 400 East) Tasty rolls served up in a cool old church.

Mikado: (67 W. 100 South and 6572 S. Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd.) Cool Latitude joint makes rolls a little on the pricey side, but things start to pay off once you join the Latitude Diner Program and eat enough Pink Flamingos. Also nearly half-price rolls and salads during Toshio Hour on Mondays and Tuesdays between 5 and 7 p.m. Turns into a sort of sushi club on Thursdays after 9 p.m. when a live DJ takes the floor.

Shogun Restaurant: (321 S. Main Street) Good “old-fashioned” sushi; we recommend the Dragon Roll.

Samurai Sushi: (6196 Highland Drive) Though the site is nothing pretty to look at, Samurai serves up authentic rolls at prices that are easy on the pocketbook.

Wasabi Sushi: (856 E. 900 South) Tucked-in little restaurant where rolls are prepared right before your eyes.

Wild Oats: (1131 Wilmington Avenue) Great for a little roll on-the-go.

And though we’ve never been, we hear that Takashi (18 W. Market St.) is pretty delicious, too.

“Patrick who?,” you might ask—and understandably so. Patrick “What’s-His-Name” Robinson has Target’s next GO Interntional line ready to, well, go, though he’s not one of the most well-known faces in the big fashion world.

According to a little research on FashionOffice.org, we learned that Robinson went to Parsons School of Design in Paris and New York and worked as design director for Giorgio Armani in Milan and creative director of Anne Klein in the early ’90s. He then started up his own self-titled line, but continued to work as the creative director of Perry Ellis and most recently, Paco Rabanne.

The Target-specific line screams summer with light fabrics like twill and linen and wide-knit crochet pieces. Medallion and rosette prints take center stage, though this time around, in natural shades like muted browns and soft pinks. Though most of the separates seem day-inspired, many pieces look ready to shift into night- or even office-wear like a Poet Blouse and khaki Linen Jacket. Also be prepared for lots of gauzy sundresses, brown-toned swimsuits, and of course, sunshine come May, when the line is said to hit the shelves.

Though it’s always a bit of a guessing game, we’ll do our best to keep you posted.

Again, we turn to Lacey for the latest and greatest from the big music world:

Need a little pick-me-up to pull you through March? Your ears are going to be pleasantly surprised by a handful of new albums out this month.

This week, many fans who waited more than two years were rewarded with Arcade Fire’s new album “Neon Bible.” This band has become increasingly popular in the years that followed their debut album, “Funeral,” which is considered by many to be the decade’s best rock album.

Soon Arcade Fire tunes landed on the “Six Feet Under” soundtrack, the band recorded a live iTunes session with rock legend David Bowie, and more recently, they appeared on “Saturday Night Live” as the musical guest. (Even showing up in a skit with Rainn Wilson.)

Arcade Fire’s newest feat seems to have been worth the wait, as it’s already getting top ratings from music critics and fans, alike. Listen here.

Also out this week is Bright Eyes’ “Four Winds” CD single featuring six new tracks. It seems that frontman Conor Oberst always has something passionate to say, and this album is no exception. He receives help from guest performers M. Ward, Gillian Welch and Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney. Listen here.

Or, if you’re looking for something entirely different, RJD2′s new album, “The Third Hand,” might be your best bet. A fusion of electronic beats and vocals create a hip hop-reminiscent sound. The mastermind behind the album—who is a former DJ—recorded, performed, arranged and introduced the entire album. For someone who can only hip hop in small doses, this album is one I could listen to by the heaping spoonful. Listen here.

I was also delighted to see that Maria Taylor released another solo album, “Lynn Teeter Flower,” (named after a family friend). Her voice takes me back to my “Felicity” viewing days, where I first heard her band Azure Ray. She’s got an incredible harmonizing voice, but you’ll see that it’s strong enough to stand on its own. (This is a good album to listen to when you’re up for locking yourself in your bedroom and scribbling furiously in your journal.) Listen here.

Other albums released this week include:

Son Volt’s “Search”: Listen here.

Air’s “Pocket Symphony”: Listen here.

Albert Hammond Jr.’s (Strokes guitarist) self-titled album: Listen here.

And on to next week. Kerin Peris, with her angelic voice, returns with the Innocence Mission’s tenth(!) full-length album, “We Walked in Song.” Their reputable sound continues as expected. Track titles include “Brotherhood of Man,” “Into Brooklyn Early in the Morning,” and “My Sister’s Return From Ireland.”

If you haven’t fallen for Innocence Mission yet, (I have a feeling you might), start with “Now the Day is Over,” which is a beautiful compilation of lullabies like “Moon RIver,” “Edelweiss,” and “Over the Rainbow.” It also makes a great gift for a baby shower. Listen here.

If you like Innocence Mission, you’ll definitely enjoy Rosie Thomas’ new album, “These Friends of Mine.” I’ll admit, I usually plug in a little Rosie when I need a boost in the creative department; she’s very inspiring.

Her newest album features a slower-paced cover of REM’s “The One I Love.” Like previous works, the sound is stripped down, relying mainly on piano and guitar. “These Friends of Mine” also features a duet with Sufjan Stevens. I’ve only heard one snippet of this track, but I can’t wait to buy it. Although Thomas’ albums tend to be on the mellow side, they’re still enjoyable. Listen here.

Last but certainly not least is Modest Mouse’s new album: “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank,” which lands on shelves March 20. Naturally, a lot of buzz has surrounded the album since legendary John Marr (the former Smiths’ guitarist) became the band’s newest member. On the newest single, “Dashboard,” you can definitely hear Marr’s influence, as the song is pretty much popping with pop. Hopefully this album will live up to the pre-album hype. Listen here.

Also worth noting is Joss Stone’s untitled album out March 13. Listen here.

And finally, for your listening pleasure, turn to AOL’s feature of new releases you can preview in full length each and every week. Listen here. (Unfortunately, none of the albums I mentioned are featured this week.)

Click the above links, sample the songs, and hopefully you’ll find something to keep you humming all month long.

Start rolling up your furniture-assembling sleeves, modern- and utilitarian-design enthusiasts. The Draper Ikea store is set to open on Wednesday, May 23 at 9 a.m., complete with rumors of grand opening specials on the big day.

At the corner of I-15 and Bangerter Highway in Draper, the 310,000-square-foot blue and yellow box is still looking for employees. We’re half-tempted to apply, though this type of furniture isn’t necessarily the kind you need a discount on. First dibs, though, could make it worth it.

According to a sign posted in the windows of Mazza’s new digs on 9th and 9th (912 E. 900 South), the Middle Eastern restaurant we came to know and love from the quaint Harvard/Yale neighborhood is ready to open its doors tonight at 5 p.m. Finally.

This should mean shorter lines and a little more elbow room to enjoy your falafel or tabooleh with.

For safe starters, we recommend Mazza’s twice-baked fries (just like Martha says you should cook ‘em) with aioli sauce for dipping ($2.99) or the lemon juice-, garlic-, and tahini-infused hummus served with pita bread ($4.99). For something a little more adventurous, you can’t go wrong with the lamb sfiha—a “Middle Eastern mini pizza”—with lamb, onions, tomatoes and pine nuts ($2.75). Mazza also serves up cups of an amazing lentil and roasted tomato soup.

For main dishes, you can always try classics like kebobs ($5.99), falafel ($4.99) or shawarma ($6.50). You can add any side to your sandwich for an additional $2.95. Or, for a good introductory meal or a nice fit for an indecisive diner, you can try any three of the above-mentioned sides for $7.99, or any four for $9.99. The lemon and olive-oil topped house salad is another no-brainer ($5.99).

You have the option of washing all that spiciness down with fresh limeade.

To top it all off, for dessert, you get to choose from such authentic delicacies as baklawa squares with walnut stuffing, baklawa fingers with cashew stuffing, ma’mool with date or pistachio paste, cream phyllo rolls or a nice and simple apricot cream turnover.

Meandering through Millcreek’s Second Hand Chic (900 E. 2006 South, Salt Lake City) is as fun as rummaging through local estate sales or vintage collectibles on eBay, only it’s a whole lot easier. You’ll find teacups that could have belonged in your grandmother’s hutch, colorful John Derian platters, classic velvet pillows, refinished lamps and the cutest collection of old timey aprons.

It’s said that about half of the products at Second Hand Chic are consignment, but it feels a little bit more like 25 percent. Found objects—pieces that have been scouted-out by antique hunters or just D.I. shoppers with good eyes—seem to have taken precedence over cutesy, refinished dressers and tables you see at most area consignment shops.

Displays here are color- and theme-coordinated and easy to shop, despite nooks and crannies that are practically packed to the brim. Vintage cookbooks sell for $6, a clear glass bird goes for $3, a set of pretty indigo china bowls are $12 for a set of six. Fun antique birthday and get-well cards go for $1 each. You’ll also see cake stands, glass buckets, and old chairs, desks and settees—even beds—and maybe an Elvis poster or two.

Little treasures at Second Hand Chic can give a little legacy or maybe just a nice quirky twist to any typical Salt Lake living room, kitchen or bedroom. Sometimes things are better the second time around.

As the marketing plan for the “It’s Just Lunch” dating service shows, nobody can shy away from a good lunch date, meeting or get-together. For many working souls, lunch is the favorite part of the day. So relish in it, and try something new. Here are some of our favorite places for passing by the beloved lunch hour—long lunch hours with friends, in particular.

Bambara: (202 S. Main St.) Upscale dining experience takes a nice turn for lunch. Menu items include Pan-Seared Atlantic Salmon, Grilled Chicken Caprese Wrap and Beef Tenderloin Tip Fettuccini.

Cafe Trio: (680 S. 900 East) Quaint cafe puts a nice twist on regular lunch favorites with BLTs with parmesan aioli and club sandwiches with fontina and pesto.

Citrus Grill: (2991 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake and 219 E. 12300 South, Draper) Great half-size plates of pastas and salads. Tasty selection of wraps and grilled-cheese sandwiches, too.

Finns: (1624 S. 1100 East) This no-dinner diner has great little sandwiches. We’re especially fond of the Reuben.

House of Bread: (2005 E. 2700 South) Fresh deli sandwiches (served on freshly baked breads) and salads at a fair price. Soda served in the can, only.

Kyoto: (1080 E. 1300 South) Lunch specials include tasty tempura and must-have noodle bowls. Cute building, too.

Paradise Bakery: (1010 E. 2100 South) Get the tomato soup and Caesar salad. The meal comes with a chocolate chip cookie!

Red Rock Brewing Co.: (254 S. 200 West) Guys and gals alike can’t go wrong with a Red Rock Burger and a side of carrot chips.

Salt Lake Pizza & Pasta: (1063 E. 2100 South) Despite the name, we like to head here for the variety of sandwiches and salads—like the “Chopped” salad with salami, fontina, Cajun chicken and tomatoes in basil vinaigrette dressing.

Sawadee Thai: (754 South Temple) Cool new digs and a great lunch special, too.

Settebello: (260 S. 200 West) Um, did we mention how good the pizza is here?

Thai Siam: (1435 S. State St.) Serves up fantastic lunch specials for as little as $6.95. Fast service and ample portions of an authentic cuisine.

Zinn Bistro: (2020 E. 3300 South) A little finnicky place, call to make sure shop’s open before you head over. And making a reservation is never a bad idea. We love the bread selection.

Who’s hungry?