We’re almost exactly a year-and-a-half old and we’re eager to grow. To do more. To stretch our limbs. And in order to do so, we want help. From our favorite people: YOU.

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Knitting needles and balls of yarn are no longer relegated to grandma’s top drawer. Nowadays, every snowboarder-turned-mom knits her kids’ beanies, if not the sweaters and socks to go with.

But when you’re ready to take things up a notch (or just try your hand at knitting; save the snowboarding for later), we recommend you head to the Wool Cabin. The ladies inside this knits-and-needles shop are as friendly as their name implies, and knitting is a family trade passed down from generation to generation. Sisters Suzette and Alison have been keeping up shop since taking on the family business from their mother Renee five years ago.

At the Wool Cabin, cozy tables and chairs are topped with the latest in knitting trends (think adorable sweaters, striped stockings, and the cutest all-knit Mary Jane socks you’ve ever seen). Wall-to-wall yarn displays are as colorful as a candy store, and include some from recycled silk kimonos and Debbie Bliss Cashmerinos.

These ladies also keep their walls stocked with cute knitting accessories like Delia Q and Go Knit totes and they have what’s arguably the largest selection of knitting needles we’ve ever laid eyes on. Knitters will get starry-eyed.

Our favorite part? The pros at the Wool Cabin are happy to share their original patterns with you if you purchase the yarn from their store. And they offer “help time” each Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. til noon. You’ll get all your questions answered for just $5. Or, if you’re just after some knitting buddies, come to Wool Cabin’s knitting group meeting on Friday afternoons.

Suzette recommends you step it up and try a sweater or baby blanket. But if that’s too much for now, a knitted baby beanie topped with a flower should do the job. Celebrate 25 years of the Wool Cabin with a sidewalk sale beginning July 7. If you want to get all those sweaters and beanies done before Christmas, there’s some incentive for you.

{Wool of Thumb}

The Wool Cabin
2020 E. 3300 South Suite 11
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 466-1811
www.thewoolcabin.com

Some hand-picked favorites from across the state. Enjoy!

Hatch Lined Journal / $17 / By lmoss

Crank That Boombox / $20 / By Enferno

Modern Quilted Pillow Cover / $22 / By Meringue Designs

Blue Ruffle Tote / $27 / By Tweedy Lane

Lettres Card Mix / $5 / By Memrie Mare

Bird Appliqued Dish Towel / $6 / By Vintage Fern

An event that combines shopping with a party sounds like a good way to spend a Saturday. Throw in all-day doorprizes and we’re pretty much sold. (Good thing, cause there’s a sale, too.) And food. Plus, a fashion show. And did we mention live music?

Head to Soel Boutique this Saturday for all this and more, as they put on their version of a Summer Party. It’s our version of a summer party, too.

{Soel Food}

Soel Summer Party
Soel Boutique
4801 N. University Ave. #410
The Shops at Riverwoods, Orem
(801) 426-9644
www.soelboutique.com

You know it’s summer when the list of things to do and see gets longer and longer as the days get hotter and hotter. Thank goodness for those nights. Here’s what’s up this week:

Art Party: The Utah Arts Festival kicks off its fifteenth year today and runs through Sunday at Library Square. We don’t know where to begin with all that goes down in this four-day extravaganza, so we’ll just direct you to the site. Start your search here.

Look Alive: The funniest musical you’ve never seen took the stage at Capitol Theatre yesterday and stays through Sunday. It’s not too late to stay up with The Drowsy Chaperone. Get your tickets here.

Funny Guy: For a good time, hang out with Jerry Seinfeld when he takes Abravanel Hall with his live comedy act tomorrow night. Even his old material never gets old, but here’s to hoping for some new stuff. Get your last-minute tickets here.

Lavender Blues: If you’ve got a hankering for some lavender (or a paddle boat or pony ride), head to Young Living Farms in Mona, Utah, for the Lavender Days taking place Friday and Saturday. You’ll see 120 acres of lavender waiting to be harvested. More info here.

Sale Away: If you’re looking to stimulate the economy this weekend with some local shopping, here are some tips: Bastille is celebrating ten years in SLC with a 10%-off-sale-price sale beginning Saturday morning. Mode Boutique is currently holding a summer sale with 30% off items from its first spring shipment. And Ken Sanders Rare Books gives a generous 25% off everything in store beginning July 1 for its month-long sale.

Other things worth checking out include a sidewalk sale along Broadway (300 South) with live music on Saturday; the Gallivan Center’s fifteenth birthday today with free cupcakes and pizza; and Independents Week, where you can be educated on the benefits of eating and buying locally.

Assignment: City’s Best Snowcone
Stop No. 1: Island Flavor
Location: Approx. 4715 S. Holladay Blvd., Holladay

Madame, P.I. Reports:

After wearing my soles, searching far and wide for the best snowcone SLC has to offer, it has come to this: Snowcones are no good. “Shave ice,” however, is uhh-mazing.

I’ve noticed the green truck (yes, Island Flavor operates out of an abandoned van) with tiki torches and a tin roof several times as I’ve driven by. The place has just the right amount of kitsch and the right idea when it comes to shave ice. Finally shaven (no crunchy rocks of ice to scrape your mouth), plenty of sugary sweet syrup (lots of flavors), and a healthy dose of cream—or even ice cream if you please (and you should)—Island Flavor definitely knows how to do things right….

Read the entire story here.

As Utahns, we pride ourselves on the bevy of good Mexican food at our fingertips. Thanks in part to our semi-close proximity to the southern border, the local selection has never left us wanting. Save one thing: tacos al pastor.

These tacos are not your average meat-in-a-shell meal. Rather, said to have been brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants, the pork that stuffs these corn tortillas is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie (think Shawarma-style) with any number of spices, and topped with a pineapple.

Al pastor lovers, meet Pastorero. The newish taco grill in Provo’s Brigham Landing specializes in these tastys, and though you might be tempted to try other menu items like quesadillas, tortas and or even a specialty like Chido (alambre flour tortilla quesadilla with carne asada, ham, bacon, green peppers, mushrooms, and onions, $6.49), we think you should stick to the pastor variety … for now. It’s their namesake, after all.

Pastorero’s tacos al pastor are served with onions, cilantro and a wedge of pineapple on a corn tortilla and come in at $4.99. Though we wouldn’t mind paying a little less, the zesty pork is worth going back for. If you’re used to this kind of sweet taco served on the streets of Southern California and in New Mexico (where Pastorero’s other location is), we think you’ll love this place.

Give these pastors a try. Check out the menu here.

{New Taco in Town}

Pastorero
1774 N. University Parkway
Provo, Utah
(801) 373-1689
www.pastorero.com
Open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon – 9 p.m.

*Photography by Jonathan Canlas

We were thrilled to be tipped off to works by graphic designer Valerie Jar. This recent University of Utah grad (just a month out of school) has one of those portfolios that’s fun to peruse even if you’re not in the market for design work: colorful, inventive, inspiring and hip.

We were even more thrilled when Valerie tipped us off to her new Etsy shop, which made its debut over the weekend. At Cityablaze, Valerie lets her creative side run rampant. You’ll find Valerie’s illustrations turned into cool owl pillows, whimsical screenprints and relief prints—and all at reasonable prices. Our hearts went pitter-patter for her spiral-bound 2009 calendar.

Check it all out here.

There’s nothing like giving your body fat percentage the smack down in just eight weeks. Take it from Ali. During March and April, she went on a short-term program with Total Health & Fitness that decreased hers by a most welcome 3.6%. Her muscle mass got a three-pound boost in the meantime. (You should have seen her biceps, or read about it here.)

With summer nearly in full effect and your bikini knocking at your door, THF is now offering 20% off all its programs. With locations in Sandy, South Jordan, Salt Lake City and Orem, getting consultation is a cinch. Making it easier, THF is now offering online programs—meaning no meetings or finding babysitters or Utah zip code necessary.

To sweeten the deal, THF is offering an additional 10% discount exclusively to YHO readers. (Wurd!) When you make an appointment for a free consultation, you’ll get an evaluation of your current health condition and a list of healthy food options for quick reference. Just tell them we sent you. (In case you haven’t done the math, that’s a potential 30% off, total, if you decide to sign up).

Which means you’ll have a little extra cash to put toward your new swimsuit.

{Grand Total}

Total Health & Fitness
Salt Lake City, Sandy, South Jordan, Orem
(801) 858-3725
www.thfonline.com

Blast. We’re over budget. Usually we pride ourselves on our genteel thriftiness but there are occasions when throwing down a little more cash will definitely pay off. Occasions like your high school reunion, for example, where you’ll need to be pulling off all that if-they-could-see-me-now business without any (obvious) effort.

For a nice sit-down dinner on a summer evening, we recommend something along these lines: The ’70s-inspired print on this silk twill dress yields your 17-year-old retro wardrobe but shows you’ve put some sophistication in your back pocket since ’98. The thick heel on a metallic summer shoe means you still know how to have fun … and shake it on the dance floor even if you’re all grown up.

And if you’re cold or need to cover up, we found a little sweater that should do the job. Add some clanky bangles, and you’re good to go. As long as you have a hot date. Or better, a hot BFF or two.

links:

dress
shoes
sweater
bangles

p.s. With the dress at an additional 25% off and a set of budget bracelets, this entire ensemble weighs in at less than $200. And we think you’ll wear them all again (without any sneers or sly remarks from your school’s Patty Simcocks).

A few midcentury and modern buffs must be moving into smaller spaces. Lucky for us. There’s quite a lot to see on Craiglist this week. Here are a few we’re curious about:

Stroll It Out: Time for the Gallery Stroll this evening. Stealing the show this month is Present Tense: A Post 337 Project at the Salt Lake Art Center, which picks up where the 337 Project left off. More info on the rest of the stroll here.

The Masters: The UMFA gets shnazzy with its Soiree D’Art on Saturday night, a gala reigning in the arrival of its much-anticipated Monet to Picasso exhibit which finally opens on Monday. More info here.

Sale Away: Want in on discounts at favorite area boutiques? It should be cinchy this week. Hit up a moving sale at The Children’s Hour, a Bubbles and Baubles Sale at Hip & Humble this weekend, or save 20 to 50 percent when you shop Kaleidoscope through the end of June!

So You Think: Get your Mia Michaels or Mandy Moore on at RDT’s Dance All Day community workshop on Saturday. Flamenco, Brazilian, hip hop, modern, jazz … the works. Nigels not welcome. Just bring five bucks. Details here.

*Update: Children’s Hour sale doesn’t begin until Monday. And no worries, they’re just moving across the street as soon as July 1.

The Kaleidoscope crew is once again extending welcome discounts to its fabulous shoppers like you. The current sale, which runs through the end of June, is designed like a designer treasure hunt: follow the color-coded sale tags to snag the best deal on pretties from Betsey Johnson, Odd Molly, Trashy Diva and Kum Kum as well as all shoes and all handbags. Now that’s our kind of search.

Who needs Jack Sparrow when you can have Odd Molly? Hurry into Kaleidoscope before July 1 to enjoy 20 – 50% off Kaleidoscope’s hand-picked favorites.

{K Marks the Spot}

Kaleidoscope Boutique
4801 N. University Ave. #350
Provo, Utah
(801) 225-1352
June Sale
Now through June 30

We think 90-degree temps warrant summer’s real arrival. And as the temperature grows, so do the lines at the local shave ice stands. Since many of you weren’t around back then, we thought we’d reintroduce Madame P.I. and her snowcone reviews, just in time for the heat wave. We’re starting with her second stop, since we’re certain its icy doors are open for business:

Assignment: City’s Best Snowcone
Stop No. 2: Snoasis
Location: Southwest corner of Dan’s grocery store parking lot at 7200 South and Highland Drive, Cottonwood Heights

Agent Anne, here, reporting for duty. It seems lots of y’all read my mind, almost as though you knew that Snoasis aka ‘”Coolest Snow Under the Sun” was my second stop on my search for snowcones. A little shack in the southwest corner of Dan’s parking lot, Snoasis has practically been a staple in the Cottonwood Heights area for years. With a plethora of shacks in the area, locals know this is the place to go for good snow.

The texture of the shaven ice is down-right awe-inspiring. It’s just that good. Always the right ratio of syrup-to-ice (crucial to shave ice success), Snoasis is consistently good. Reminds me of that song “Time After Time.”

Don’t forget the cream if you’re the indulgent type (which I am), but forget Snoasis if an ice cream addition is what you’re after. No ice cream here, friends. And quite frankly, no place to sit and chat while you enjoy your sugary delight—unless it’s the curb….

Read the entire story here.

Like us, Salt Lake Magazine is all about supporting the local community — the local shopping community, in particular, as evidenced in its May/June issue.

Aside from the insider tips and local reviews that consistently make the mag a hip-to-the-hop resource, the current copy also houses the Shop Guide. This little booklet features local-only boutiques, and you may uncover new hotspots and be reminded of some old favorites.

To get your hands on the Shop Guide, pick up a copy of Salt Lake Magazine for $4.95 at places like Wild Oats, Barnes & Noble or your local grocer, and turn to page 177 before July 1. Or do some boutique shopping, and you just might spot your copy for free.

Plus, you’ll get a cover photo of hunky D. Will and Boozer that’s ripe for taping to your vanity.

There’s nothing like full-price designer jeans to give you a case of the blues—especially if the blues you’ve stepped into hold the rump up, streamline the thighs, and give your stems a miraculous six-inch boost. Perfect in every way, save the blasted sticker shock. It’ll get you every time. Almost.

For savvy jeans shoppers, bringing on the blues refers to stocking up on designer stovepipes that’ll put on the wow factor without breaking the bank. And if you know a savvy jeans shopper in SLC, it’s likely that Urban Blues is her—or even his—shopping secret.

Urban Blues seriously stocks up on and shows off a generous selection of goodies from faves like Paige Denim, 1921 and People’s Liberation. There are tops to be found too, as this stylish overstock outlet is packed with yesterday’s Urban Outfitters tees and extra-discounted Forever 21 blouses. You’ll see fashionable trousers, cute sundresses and a wall of affordable and colorful handbags, all from a variety of mid-range and no-name lines whose prices put the fun back into shopping on a budget.

When it comes down to it, it’s the jeans that we’re jonesin’ for. Go there for these alone. If you’re extra hip, you might like to know that we spied a wide selection of Cheap Mondays going a song. The whole shabang will have you singing.

{Beat the Blues}

Urban Blues
2919 E. 3300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 486-5326
278 E. 12300 South
Draper, Utah
(801) 676-0203
www.shopurbanblues.com

Spring is definitely over but around here, gelaterias are pushing up like daisies. Of course, this is not a complaint—more like a cause for celebration. All those who wouldn’t mind sampling different cold and creamy Italian treats each night this summer, say “Aye.” Thank you.

One of the newer kids on the block is Bellissimo Gelato. Located in the same Murray strip mall as Sports Authority on 900 East, what Bellissimo lacks in curb appeal is made up in friendly faces and uncommonly fair prices. A packed-to-the-gills and overflowing small weighs in at $2.75.

Like many of their gelato-centric counterparts, Bellissimo’s local owners fell in love with the ice cream variety on an overseas trip, and decided Utah could use some Italian love. They took classes, learned how to import harder-to-find natural and Italian ingredients, and the rest is sensory overload history.

Some of Bellissimo’s flavors: almond, stracciatella, green apple, pink grapefruit, forrest berries, peanut butter and white chocolate. Bellissimo also serves up Italian sodas (a beloved summer treat around here). Try peach, frosted mint or blackberry.

{Cool Treats}

Bellissimo Gelato
5500 S. 900 East
Murray, Utah
(801) 265-9499
Open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Utah’s got talent, yes we do. Get a sampling below: (We think we actually put together an entire nursery for you … almost, plus a bag and some cute hair accessories.)

On the Market: It’s finally arrived! Throw on your comfies and head to the Downtown SLC Farmers Market when it puts on a fresh summer face this Saturday at Pioneer Park. You can pick up meats, cheeses, salsas, and all the fresh produce you can handle from local farms and farmers. It all begins this Saturday at 8 a.m. More info here.

Twilight Zone: The lineup for the Twilight Concert Series at the Gallivan Center has been released. And who’s on the roster? Hold your breath: Andrew Bird! De La Soul! Nada Surf! Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! Broken Social Scene! Neko Freakin’ Case! ‘Nuff said. (Whoever put this together deserves a big ol’ pat on the back and a high-five with air time.) Website here.

Weekend in Paris: The Salt Lake Film Society gets chic this weekend when it debuts two French Films for SLC audiences: See “Amelie’s” Audrey Tatou in “Priceless” or get nostalgic over “Le Ballon Rouge” with “Flight of the Red Balloon.” May we recommend dinner at The Paris? Showtimes here.

Summer in S-ville: If you’re up for some small-town summer fun for the weekend, swing by everyone’s favorite little art city for Springville Art City Days. Little Bee Craft holds a crafts show, hot air balloons are standing by, flowers are on display. Get the deets here.

Learn Your APCs: Did you know that Mode is now carrying beloved French apparel from A.P.C.? We’re dying over this bit of insider info, and want to give Ryan (boutique owner) a double high-five. Who needs Paris (or NYC) afterall? Wet your palate here.

Thank you for the awesome patio dining recommendations. See how great we are when we all come together? Now, if only we could arrange for a big patio dinner for all of us. We’ll work on that. In the meantime, be sure to browse the comments on this post.

Amy wrote in with a fun question. She wants in on some cool locales for patio dining in the Salt Lake and Provo/Orem areas. While we’re at it, let’s not discount anything north of SLC. Or anywhere for dining al fresco in Utah.

We already expressed our affection for Ruth’s. And we hear good things about the new Dodo location (where L’Avenue used to be on 2100 South). We think Tin Angel is great for summer nights—don’t forget to order an Italian soda—and the Sundance Deli seems pretty ideal as far as escapes go.

Here are a very select few of our other favorites:

Trio: A little crowded with longer-than-usual waits once summer rolls into town, we still enjoy butternut squash ravioli three times as much underneath this cafe’s cool awning. Let the bustle add to the appeal at the downtown location. 680 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City

Silverfork Lodge: Canyon dining at its Utah best: affordable fare, breath-taking views, high-quality cuisine and an authentic rustic appeal. 11332 E. Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton

Gepettos: No, it isn’t spacious. No, it isn’t incredibly charming. But somehow, we love to eat our cream cheese-topped pizza under the stars or summer rain clouds on this atrium-like patio. Get there early for semi-private dining. 2340 E. Murray-Holladay Road, Holladay

Lonestar Taqueria: Grab some super-good fish tacos and drinks with pals at this low-frills local’s favorite. You’ll like the colorful chairs, salsa bar and station-wagon-as-outdoor-decor. We like a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, even if it’s smack-dab on a semi-busy road. 2265 Fort Union Boulevard, Cottonwood Heights

Fresco: Salt Lake’s cutest Italian cafe gets even cuter when you dine on its brick-paved courtyard. Treat yourself to Fresco’s A+ menu and enchanting atmosphere at least once this summer. At least. 1513 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City

Now it’s your turn. Add on, please….