Summer’s a-brewin’. While its pending arrival is a most celebrated time, there is usually some unpleasantness associated with the season, thanks to staples like shorts, sundresses and swimsuits which put out in the open all that our winter layers have thankfully concealed, if only temporarily.

There are officially 42 days before summer’s official arrival on June 21. That means we have 42 days to get our bods in ship–as in Cruiseliner—shape.

Just in time, Your Heart Out and RYKA come to the rescue with a Great Workout Gear Giveaway. What better way to get gym inspiration than new workout clothes? RYKA makes workout clothing and footwear specifically designed for women. Check out their cute-and-breathable Fluid Tees and flattering Bottom-Line Cropped Pants. In the spirit of good health and cute clothing, RYKA will by handing out a head-to-toe outfit to a lucky Your Heart Out reader.

All you have to do is leave us a comment that tells us what inspires you to work out (1-10 words; be brief). It could be your new baby or the Nanette Lepore dress you’d like to fit into before summer is over. The winner, chosen at random, gets to pick her three favorite RYKA pieces. That’s right, you pick. Be quick, the “lines” close at 10 p.m. on Friday night.

You can find RYKA clothing on the online shop. Thanks, RYKA!

As you may or may not know, we recently asked for submissions: photos of a shower you held or attended recently. We also asked for your ideas to be shared among all Your Heart Out readers. Hurry up, up, up; we want to brag about you and the deadline for entries is May 31. The winner (our favorite) gets a special shower-themed prize: think Martha Stewart. (Who else?)

Send entries to hello@yourheartout.com with “May Showers” in the subject line, pretty please.

We loved this one from Jamie Anne, so detailed it knocked our socks off:

I’m not a huge fan of theme-based parties (unless they’re simply carrying a lovely color theme throughout.) I just like fanciful, elegant, ribbon-adorned florally-abundant get-togethers that feel nice and sweet.

At such occasions, I often like to separate the meal table and the sweets and treats (aka dessert) table. I think a distinct separation between the two (if, of course, you are going with buffet-style serving) is the only way to go.

Here are my reasons:

• It makes it look like there’s a lot more food to be had.
• It shows more attention to detail and allows one to go into cute overload.
• If you only have one set of plates, and one buffet table, do you really expect people to sandwich their mint chocolate brownie and heart-shaped chocolate dipped cookie between the dressing-drenched salad and watery melon bits?

Mostly, I want things to pair up nicely: I’ve always wanted to create a dessert meal, if you will. Like some herbal tea with your lemon cookie. Or hot cocoa with your minty brownie. But, what to do in the summertime? Hot drinks will not do, and spritzy lemonade is gross with sweets. I think I found the ultimate solution: Drumroll, please: cupcakes (my specialty) and mini milkshakes. Who doesn’t love a good, fresh, fruity milkshake? And a cupcake to boot?

I’d do pink frosting with little white pearls or sprinkles—you could even do the cupcakes mini-size, just to make them more twee. Whip up some fruity milkshakes (for instance, strawberry) and pour them into small and skinny glasses. Top with a dallop of fresh whipped cream (or puff in a pastry bag), and insert color-coordinated straw. Ta-da!

A little web research taught me that I thought of the pairing (of course Martha was all over the mini milkshakes for a children’s party … and the doily, too, she really does think of everything). Still, since the combo of cupcakes and milkshakes is mine all mine, I’m claiming it as my own.

But thanks to Martha for the pictures!

If only our desks were as pretty as those featured over at See Jane Work. We’re lucky if we get a vase of fresh flowers or a postcard of a favorite artwork nestled between our stapled employee directories and stacks of paperwork.

But it doesn’t mean a working girl (career girl and/or mother of three) doesn’t appreciate a little inspiration. And See Jane Work gives us plenty of it: we get as giddy as schoolgirls just looking through the pages. The shop opened up when CEO Holly Bohn left Office Depot feeling both “frustrated and dissatisfied.” Now, her store keeps an inventory of all things organizable and pretty. And we and our cubicles are so grateful for it.

We’ve linked to some before, but here are eight of our favorite items at See Jane Work:

Here’s to organization at its best.

Whether you call her Mother Dear or Monster-In-Law, you’ve got to come up with a gift that will capture the heart of at least one woman this Sunday. And since Mother knows best, you need something she’ll approve of—something that not only shows you appreciate her, but something that will fit right in a Mama’s house.

Pretty and proper, here are some of our local and online favorites; follow the image links to get started on your shopping before you find yourself in a pickle.

Here are the addresses to the local spots whose items we linked to:

• Artichokes & Co: 1790 S. 1100 East
• Basket Loft: 1400 Foothill Drive, 219 Trolley Square, and 1941 Murray-Holladay Road.
• Details: 1993 S. 1100 East
• Nest: 4699 S. Holladay Blvd.
• Walls: 1465 S. 700 East

They’re hitting tack-, cork- and pinboards (and soon-to-be ponytails) from coast to coast—at least that’s what we figure because they’re so cute. Fabric-covered buttons are all the rage, and so fun and easy and affordable to make, that it’s seriously addictive. Better, we found that they open doors for loads of little would-be doodads for friends and coworkers.

We saw fabric-covered thumbtacks on several blogs and traced them to what we think are their origins. We took Jessica’s tutorial one step further to include larger buttons (for larger pins) and—enter genius idea, if we do say so ourselves—the cutest, fabric-covered elastics, and also, stylish magnets.

We’ll start with a tutorial on fabric-covered thumbtacks:

First, you’ll need a “Buttons To Cover” kit—usually $1-$2 at most craft stores. We spotted them at Hancock Fabrics and JoAnn’s, though the brands vary. You’ll need size “20″ buttons to cover typical, fingernail-sized thumbtacks. We also hunted down larger “Quilter’s Thumbtacks” (spied at Robert’s) to make larger, more-fun pushpins. To cover those, you will need to buy a size “30″ button kit. The quilter’s thumbtack should fit inside the button perfectly.

Using the pattern provided with the kit, trace circles onto the fabric you want to use. Be creative: We used old napkins and tablecloths from Maeve’s grandmother along with some quilting squares picked up at local fabric stores. Then cut out the circles.

You’ll also need to employ a pair of needlenose pliers to remove the loops on the backs of the button-backing pieces. If you squeeze the loop together until it folds and then twist lightly, the loop removes pretty easily.

Follow the directions on the back of the package and the image links above (from left to right) to make your own thumbtacks. It’s a cinch, and so much fun. You’ll use the tools provided with the kit to cover the buttons and secure their now-loopless backs. Then use a high-temp glue gun to attach thumbtacks to the backsides of the buttons. Ta da! A perfect gift for your cubicle-mate.

To make your own fabric-covered bobbin elastics:

To make these little sayonara-bad-hair-day elastics, you’ll follow the same instructions above, only don’t remove the loops on the button-backing pieces. You’ll need them to tie your elastics through.

Your ponytail bobbin will look best if you buy a larger button-covering kit than size 20. We used size 30. Once your buttons are covered in fabric, simply pull the elastic through the loop, and then pull the elastic through itself. You can use just one button to decorate the everyday elastic, or secure two buttons on either end of the elastic and wrap it around your ponytail like you used to when you were a wee one.

Other ideas: Secure a mini magnet to the back of the button to further personalize your fridge door, or actually use the buttons as they were intended to spiff-up a getting-old top. If you come up with any other ideas of your own, tell us about it, and send us photos. We’ll be sure to share your brilliance with everyone else. We can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Gear up, faux-designer lovers. The Patrick Robinson line for Target is scheduled to debut at “most” stores this Sunday, May 6. But experience has taught us that this often means the racks will be rolled out on Saturday, May 5. But don’t take our word for it.

If anyone makes a sighting, do us a favor and let the rest of us know!

Just in the time for the fiesta that is Cinco de Mayo (do you have your chips and salsa ready?), we thought we’d do a little feature on one of our favorito Mexican markets.

You might know Rico from the aisle of your local Salt Lake grocer, where many a Rico burrito or salsa hides out in the chilled cheese-and-pickles or cold beverage cooler. Rico burritos are ideal for on-the-go lunches and work as a nice alternative to the typical Lynn Wilson. At home, Rico tortillas can give your homemade Southwestern fare a little authentic flair.

We popped into Rico headquarters earlier this week (779 S. 500 East) to see what was in store. Literally. We found out that you can dine in the cafe and order things like tacos, enchiladas with rice and beans, or a chicken enchilada with mole sauce (all range from about $5-$7). You can see a full menu here.

Though the food was enjoyable, we decided it’s best to get Rico to go. Though the shop is cute with its checkered floors and colorful walls, the cafeteria-ishness makes it less attractive as a lunch-with-friends locale. We were most enamored with the “market” part of the delicatessen, where shelves are stocked with all the hot sauces and spices you can dream of.

And best news yet: rumor has it that Mexican Coca-Cola is currently being sold at Costco in honor of the holiday (and who doesn’t want to buy Mexican Coca-Cola in bulk?)

Enjoy your weekend!

p.s. Sorry for the headline. We couldn’t resist.

Ever had that guilty feeling after a shopping binge? That “oh-no-I-think-I’ve-overdone-it” inkling in your heart of hearts? The one that says, “(Insert your name), you have come to be a little too concerned with (insert your name.)” Ouch.

Well, here’s a Salt Lake clothing company that’s turning that shopping frown upside down. It makes shopping a win/win experience. ONEiTY makes twee attire for the little ones in our lives: smocked sundresses, smart skirts, ruffly blouses and soft layettes for kiddos—the kind you love to buy.

But, on top of cute kids clothes,there’s a catch—a good one. ONEiTY is out to save the world, one onesie at a time. With each and every purchase you make, ONEiTY sees to it that some of your money is replanted in communities where the clothing was manufactured. It has delivered things like vitamins and computers to third-world countries, has installed water wells and has employed non-working mothers in Madagascar. It also contributes to local non-profits in our backyard like the Utah Food Bank, YWCA women’s shelter and the Salvation Army.

Sign us up!

Best part: Finally, shopping feels good again. ONEiTY is debuting its spring line at the grand opening of its flagship store this Saturday at 4010 S. 2700 East from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Get there early; ONEiTY clothing comes in limited quantities and you want to get your hands on the best stuff. Snatch up a $5-off coupon here.

Sad that you weren’t in Indio, California last week? Bands and songsters like the Jesus and Mary Chain, Tilly and the Wall, Bjork, Andrew Bird, Regina Spektor plus many more “I’d-pay-anything-to-see-that-band” types played the Coachella Festival last weekend.

Dont worry Your Heart Outs! Many fun—even BIG—names are visiting our happy state this month to play for you.

If you’re in the mood for wishful, heart-wrenching, dreamy music, turn to Irish crooner Damien Rice. A blend of strings, piano and breathtaking vocals give him his wistful sound. Although performing at the McKay Events Center, I have a feeling Rice will still create an intimate atmosphere. One drawback: the stunning back-up vocals by Lisa Hannigan will be missing as she no longer sings with Rice. But, afterall, it’s Damien whose vocals leave you longing for more. Listen here. Suggested track: “The Animals Were Gone.”

Who’s the legendary artist behind titles like “America Is Not the World,” “Don’t Make Fun of Daddy’s Voice,” “Glamorous Glue,” and “You’re the One For Me Fatty?” It’s the Smiths’ former front man, Morrissey, of course. He’ll be playing at the E Center on Tuesday, May 8. Who wouldn’t want to see “one of the most influential figures in alternative rock” play live? It’s a no-brainer. Tickets are still available. Listen here. Suggested track: “In the Future When…”

Country/folk group Nickel Creek will play at Abravanel Hall on Saturday, May 12. Besides the symphony, seeing a band play this venue will be well-worth the ticket price. Plus, Nickel Creek is so easy to fall for. Their sound is made up of a variety of “honky tonk” instruments including the fiddle, mandolin, banjo and bouzouki (similar to a mandolin, not a rocket launcher), but most of their songs are slow and reflective. Country/folk queen Alison Krauss even helped produce their first album. Listen here. Suggested track: A cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic.”

Also playing with Nickel Creek? Producer extraordinaire Jon Brion. Brion has created soundtracks for great films like I Heart Huckabees, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love and (my personal favorite), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He has also produced albums for Fiona Apple, Aimee Main—even Kanye West. This guy knows his music.

Other bands worthy of a live viewing: DJ Shadow, The Fratellis (who you might have heard on a recent iTunes commercial, lucky ducks), Cursive, Hot Hot Heat, The Shaky Hands, Animal Collective, Minus the Bear and the Killers.

Lots to see and hear in May. But, you can take full advantage of your Tivo and capture live performances by Tori Amos (tonight!), Wilco (May 15) and Rufus Wainwright (May 17) on David Letterman. And don’t miss Feist next Tuesday on Jay Leno. More info here.

Who needs Coachella when you can have all of this? At least thats what we can keep telling ourselves.

Wait. Are we having a sweet case of deja vu or is it another ice cream giveaway day–and all in the matter of a month?

Though not quite free this time around, you should know that any scoop of Baskin-Robbins 31 flavors will go for 31 cents tonight. 31-cent Scoop Night honors the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the ice cream maker will be donating $100,000 to it.

Scoop Night goes down tonight from 5-10 p.m. Get more info here (though the page doesn’t currently seem to be working; we thought we’d post it for the curious and persistent cat in you. The page also features a store locator.)

In Salt Lake, you can visit your local 31 Flavors at any of these locations:

• 576 E. 400 South
• 3873 W. 5400 South
• 3490 W. 3500 South
• 1465 E. 2100 South
• 4655 S. 2300 East

Remember how you always wanted to dine at places like Butterfly, Caffe Molise and the New Yorker but decided to wait until the time was right?

Well, the time is right. And it’s not even Valentine’s Day, your birthday or your dog’s birthday. In a smart move, Downtown Salt Lake City has expanded its Dine O’Round into spring and now includes lunch! Yessss. No dine-out excuses needed.

Salt Lake’s Spring Dine O’Round runs from this friday, May 4, to May 19. Two-course lunches are $10 and three-course dinners are $15 or $25 at any of the 30(!) participating restaurants. You can see a list here, and keep in mind that some might not be open on Mother’s Day.

Some of our favorites include Bambara, the Metropolitan, Faustina and Takashi. This time around, we’re also taking special interest in Cedars of Lebanon and Cannella’s.

Enjoy!

‘Tis the season for showers: bridal and baby—love must be in the air. (Or at least it was eight and nine months ago….)

Just in time, Maeve’s favorite shower recipe for oh-so-lovable Herb Tomato Cheese Bread comes to the rescue. Download the Your Heart Out recipe card here. Combine it with the summer salad we recently shared, and you’ve got half your menu already done. Nice.

HERB TOMATO-CHEESE BREAD

2/3 c. milk
2 c. Bisquick mix
3 med. tomatoes, cut into slices
1 med. onion, minced
3 tbsp. butter
3/4 c. sour cream
1/3 c. mayonnaise
1 c. grated Cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. oregano
Pinch of sage
Pinch of garlic

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix milk and Bisquick together to make crust. spread on bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan. Dough will be very thin.

Spread tomatoes on top of crust layer.

Saute onion and butter until tender then mix together with sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, pepper, oregano, sage and garlic.

Pour sour cream topping over layer of tomatoes and sprinkle top with more grated cheese, paprika and parsley. Bake 20-25 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.

Download the Your Heart Out recipe card here.

{Now it’s your turn:} As you well know, a lot of time and effort goes into shower-throwing. Some of our favorite details include fresh flower arrangements—even/especially when freshly and casually cut from a spring garden—white linens, and little glass plates (Ali picked up 20 for a dollar apiece in the dollar aisle at her local Target).

Maeve recently attended a baby shower where the itsy bitsy outfits were strung on a clothesline across the room. Cute. We think it’s high time for some shower show-and-tell. Show us some photos of your most recent shower (thrown by, hosted by or attended by you) and we’ll post some of our favorite ideas as inspirations—it could be a photo that best displays your theme, your banner, your dessert, your tablespread. Tell us a little about the idea behind the photos, too.

There just might be a little prize for the detail we’re most fond of (hint, hint). Send entries to hello@yourheartout.com.