We’re off making pies, mastering cranberry sauce and taking long afternoon naps. You should do the same. Thanks for another great year, fair readers. We’re thankful for you. Happy Thanksgiving.

City Ablaze: Make your way downtown on Friday afternoon to partake in the illumination of our fair metropolis. The city-wide shindig lights up at 4:30 p.m. Lights On begins with ice skating, followed by cameos from Santa and Kurt Bestor, and lighting of multiple holiday trees—especially at Temple Square. More info and parking tips here.

Old Timers: Baked goods? Kettle corn? Candied nuts and spiced cider? Try a tradition-in-the-making at the premier of the Old World Christmas Market where you can shop artisan goods in a European-inspired marketplace, opening on Friday and staying strong through December 6. Salt Lake and Ogden locations here.

Local Deals: Cruise and peruse area boutiques for getting your share of percents-off. Some to mention include Merry Days After Thanksgiving at Real Deals Holladay on Friday and Saturday, a Holiday Sale at Soel Boutique on Friday and Saturday, and a 20% off sale at both Koo de Ker and Hip & Humble on Saturday. There’s more: Get 20% off women’s coats and sweaters on Friday and Saturday at the Children’s Hour and 30% off at a 1 – 4 a.m. sale at Mode Boutique on Friday.

Spotted: Build-your-own alphabet train

Good For: Self-expression, and learning your ABC’s.

Where: Soel Boutique (4801 N. University Avenue, Provo)

How Much: $2 per letter

If you didn’t think the steals to be had at Real Deals Holladay were impressive enough as it is, swing by this weekend for prices so low, you might feel a bit criminal.

Get rebellious at the Merry Days after Thanksgiving Sale featuring special holiday hours. On Friday from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., everything you lay eyes on will be 15% off. On Saturday, plan on getting 20% off your favorite item when you bring a can of food for the Utah Food Bank. Spend $100, and you’ll get a free gift.

Plus, there will be donuts and hot chocolate. So now you can break all the rules.

{Deals and Steals}

Merry Days After Thanksgiving at Real Deals Holladay
Friday, November 28, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
4048 S. 2700 East
Holladay, Utah
(801) 272-8899
www.realdeals.net

By Lisa Van Orman Hadley

What’s better than non-toxic cleaners that are gentle on the earth? Homemade cleaners that are gentle on your wallet so you can save your pennies for more exciting things.

You’ll only need five ingredients for these recipes and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already: baking soda, Castile or other liquid soap (I recommend Dr. Bronner’s), lemon, white vinegar and oil. If you want to make them smell nice, try adding essential oils to these concoctions. Lavendar, eucalyptus and tea tree are particularly good choices not only because of their fragrance, but because they are natural disinfectants and antifungals.

Natural All-Purpose Scrub:

1/2 c. baking soda
Plant-based liquid soap
1/2 of a lemon

Directions: Pour baking soda into a bowl. Add just enough liquid saop to make a creamy paste. Spread mixtrue on the flat side of lemon and scrub. The lemon acts as a sponge and leaves a natural citrus scent. Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe away excess residue. The paste will stay moist for a few hours.

Furniture Polish:

1/4 c. distilled white vinegar
A few drops olive oil

Directions: Pour vinegar and olive oil into spray bottle and shake. Spray onto furniture and wipe clean.

Window Cleaner:

1/2 teaspoon liquid soap
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 cups water

Directions: Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. Spray onto window and wipe clean.

Floor Cleaner:

1/8 cup liquid soap
1/8 cup distilled white vinegar
1 gallon water
10 drops essential oil (scent of your choice)

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a bucket and mop as usual. For ceramic and stone floors, eliminate soap (which leaves a film) and use 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Don’t use water on unsealed wood floors. Instead, combine 2 cups of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of olive or jojoba oil in a bucket. Spread a thin coat over the floor with a mop or soft cloth. Let it soak in for 20 minutes; dry mop to absorb excess liquid. Open windows to air out the vinegar smell.

Mold & Mildew Spray:

2 cups distilled white vinegar

Directions: Pour vinegar into a spray bottle and spray on infected area. The smell will dissipate in a few hours (open a window to speed up the process). For areas with persistent mold problems, use tea tree oil instead of vinegar, combining 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.

Recipes from marthastewart.com

When it comes to holiday stocking-stuffers and gift items for lassies big and small, we’d be happy with anything that flies the Darlybird coop. This one-stop gift shop stands ready to to answer your holiday shopping woes—whether it’s the cranky landlady on your list, or your overly-creative sister that has you racking your brain or ruining your manicure.

Do your nails a favor and cruise by. The shop won our hearts for debuting everyone’s favorite rosy earrings. To stay ahead of the trend this season, try a set of cherry-red vintage cerise earrings or any other Darlybird exclusive like Art Nouveau-eque olive jade drops and guten tag posts made from antique buttons. If you want to wrap up just a little something for your lady friends, pick up a handful of Darlybird’s vintage-inspired bobby-pins at just $4 a pop.

Or, if there’s a baker in the family, peruse the collection of fun cake toppers and displays. She’ll swoon over the baby blue or milk glass green shade of her new petit four cake stand, or entertained by the prospects of twisted taper candles.

To jumpstart her creativity, a Learn to Sew kit should do the job. Or if she already has that arena mastered, challenge her with one of Darlybird’s latest additions—a blank board book stands ready for her original spin. Still stumped? Keep it simple with any number of vintage ribbons.

There are also sundries for kiddos, party-planning ideas and decorations, paper products for staying-in-touch and that’s just the beginning. Oh, and there’s a dude on your list? Well, then let him try these cufflinks on for size.

For an extra boost, use code “DARLYYHO” to get 15% off your Darlybird purchases through December 3rd. Better act fast!

{Darlyland}

www.darlybird.com

{Doorprize} Remember Rachel? She’s the once-Utahn behind Darlybird who wants to make your holiday wishes come true. For 2008, she’s handing out a set of vintage Velma earrings (we love their subtle glitz) one Robot Matching Game for holiday fun, and one classy and vintage Yasuko necklace made of graduated Japanese glass beads. Want in on the fun? Leave one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, November 30.

And remember to use code “DARLYYHO” for 15% off through December 3rd!

Plain, long-sleeved tee? Check. Casual jacquard sweater vest? Check. Supersoft purple scarf? Check. How about dark jeans? Yep, we’ve got them too. And we threw in some holiday-ready glitter-fab shoes, for extra credit. All for just over $100, and great for a day of shopping or night out with friends.

links

tee
sweater vest
jersey scarf
jeans
flats

Time to get started with holiday shopping and do it locally. It’s more fun, anyway—and you get to support the businesses on your block. Some favorite shops want to show you what they have in-store that will make the people on your list green with envy … until they find out the gift is for them.

Stop No. 1: Kaleidoscope Boutique

Not only do we love this boutique because the ladies running the shop have personalities that rival their impeccable taste, but because they concentrate on bringing one-of-a-kind, hard-to-find lines to the Beehive State. And they have a lot of fun with it.

We always find something at Kaleidoscope that we’d be hard-pressed to track down anywhere else—unless you visit the website, www.notamallstore.com, where you’ll get 15 percent off all web purchases throughout the month of December. In store, stop by and create a wishlist. For every list item purchased, you’ll get one of equal value or less for half off!

Here are some picks for holiday shopping from co-owner and could-be professional shopper, Megan Bingham. All are available right now at Kaleidoscope:

From left to right:

Cutie File Jacket: “This fabulous jacket by an up-and-coming independent design company is ideal. Even Holly Golightly couldn’t get the mean reds in this kicky number.”

MK2K Filey: “Make dressing a cinch for a lady in your life by picking up this sweater, ready to go from day to night.”

Cali Sweater: “We love this delightful sweater by our friends in California. It’s perfect for layering … and hot chocolate.”

Trashy Diva Dress: The Sugar two-piece dress is one of our favorites to come out of Trashy Diva’s sketchbooks this season. Cotton voile with a multi-use bolero, this ensemble will keep you looking like Doris Day all year long.”

{Step Inside}

Kaleidoscope Boutique
4801 N. University Avenue
Provo, Utah
(801) 225-1352
www.notamallstore.com

You guys certainly make it difficult to keep picking winners without playing favorites. But we had to stick by our guns, and our very fair friend, random.org, determined the winner of this hot giveaway. Luck is on the side of YHO reader Abby Grace and her inch-long roots.

We know the rest of you still want to see Christie, so remember to book your appointments (and see your potential) by booking a Provo session at Metropolitan Salon (at 801-374-3110) or in Salt Lake at Lunatic Fringe (at 801-465-1967).

Abby, send an e-mail to ali@yourheartout.com with “winner” in the subject line and we’ll get you on your way.

By Liz Stanley

Shop Trio: Ready, set, shop! Oh Sweet Sadie shows its pretty face in Bountiful today though Saturday. Newcomer Tom & Lucy’s Art Shoppe debuts with open doors and 50 vendors in Lehi/American Fork tomorrow and Saturday. And Bird in Hand comes around just in time for easy browsing during gallery strolling tomorrow and Saturday. And on Monday and Tuesday, head to the Avenues for the Traveling Trunk Boutique. Three cheers for local crafties. Nope, make it four!

Crew Kids: There’s another J.Crew warehouse sale in town. Though not as sizey as previous ones, this scaled-down version at Provo’s DownEast Outfitters (2255 N. University Parkway) still offers a bag-full of prepster fun, and continues through Saturday, November 22.

Let it Stroll: The Salt Lake Gallery Stroll is set for tomorrow night. You might catch us at the Signed & Numbered “This is the Place” group show featuring limited-edition prints by the likes of Leia Bell. Compete listings here.

Find a Penny: Provo’s Pennyroyal Cafe holds a grand opening tomorrow evening at 155 N. University Avenue. We assume there will be taste-testing, but musical guests, poets, art by Sabrina Squires and contests and giveaways are for sure.

Get Nutty: Ballet West’s top-heavy Nutcracker Prince makes his seasonal debut on December 5. If you haven’t snatched up your holiday tradition tix yet, do so here.

Salty Shopping: If you’re in need of ideas for Utah-specific gifts or where to pick up unusual gift items locally, give Salt Lake Magazine‘s December issue a good browse and thorough ear-marking. Their collaborative holiday gift guide is a good one.

And like we need to remind you that Edward and Bella make their on-screen cameo tomorrow night….

Ever wondered how to get your hands on eclectic gifts like alpine hats, hand-stitched skirts and felted wool purses from Nepal? Head to one of three boutiques hosted by the Traveling Trunk, and you’ll see that it’s easier than hiking the Himalayas.

With a focus on bringing unique products to Utah’s doorsteps, at the first sale taking place this Monday and Tuesday, you’ll find one-stop shopping for artisan holiday decor, and much more—like hostess gifts, art, jewelry and fresh florals. To see what else is on the roster, be sure to stop by the Traveling Trunk Boutique blog.

{Sisterhood of the Traveling Trunk}

The Traveling Trunk Boutique
November 24 and 25, Hanchett Mansion, 983 E. 3rd Avenue, Salt Lake City
December 2 and 3, Harvard/Yale, 1971 E. Yalecrest (1000 South), Salt Lake City
December 10 and 11, St. Mary’s, 1515 S. Roxbury Drive (2650 East), Salt Lake City
www.thetravelingtrunk.blogspot.com

By Liz Stanley

Spotted: Your favorite, worn-in vintage reads just as you remember them (think Nancy Drew, Raggedy Anne, Alice in Wonderland and Dick and Jane).

Good For: Nostalgic reading, collecting, decorating a nursery, topping off your vintage suitcase table. (I picked up two copies of childhood classic “The Great Brain” for $4 a piece—they sell for $25 on Amazon).

Where: Ken Sanders Rare Books (268 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City)

How Much: Prices range from $3 – $40

Insider Tip: Employees here are happy to help out, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you’re done, make sure they steer you toward the vintage map section.

You say you could never go blonde. You say Reese’s blunt bangs would never work for you. You say getting your hair done by the same stylist that handled Naomi Watts’ tresses is out of the question.

But you would be incorrect. Why? Not only because saying such things is totally silly in a time when almost anything is possible (well, OK, maybe with the exception of that last one under regular circumstances) but also because now-Utahn Christie Somers is here to prove you wrong. On all accounts.

Having called NYC home for most of the last decade, Christie has worked behind-the-scenes at fashion shoots and Fashion Week, alike. She’s been quoted in beauty mags and worked on makeovers for the likes of Lucky and Good Housekeeping. While working as a senior colorist at NYC’s posh Cutler Salon for six years, she worked with such clients as Rachel Ray and Naomi Watts. And her signature Fifth Avenue blondes brought her a bit of fame, for good reason. Christie’s colors are rich and her styles natural and flattering. She’ll whip up a mean brunette, too.

And now she’s just around the corner—University Avenue, to be exact. Christie recently relocated to Utah and she’s available for appointments in both Provo and Salt Lake City. She’ll hook you up with cuts, colors, up-dos, the works. You’ll find her at such swanky retreats at Provo’s Metropolitan Salon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and Lunatic Fringe on Parley’s Way in Salt Lake City on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

As they say, never say never.

{How Do You ‘Do}

Christie Somers
Professional Stylist & Colorist
Metropolitan Salon
230 N. University Avenue, Provo
(801) 374-3110
www.metropolitansalon.com

Lunatic Fringe
2545 E. Parley’s Way, Salt Lake City
(801) 463-1967
www.lunaticfringesalon.com

{Doorprize} Yep, it’s true. One of you is in for a serious treat—and just in time for the holiday hoopla. Christie is giving out a complimentary cut and color to one YHO reader. Want to be the one in her chair? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, November 23.

By Danny Kourianos

I recently had the pleasure of eating lunch with Johnny Cash over a platter of some of the best-smoked meat you’ll find outside of Memphis. Now, part of that statement stretches the truth a bit. Yes, the ribs and brisket I sampled at Pat’s BBQ are some of best I’ve eaten. But Johnny Cash was not riding shotgun. Roby Kap, however, was channeling him during his regular Friday afternoon set in Howie’s Hall—Pat’s back room dining area.

Eating at Pat’s is a real down-home affair with wooden picnic tables filling the large industrial space, giving it an urban-chic-meets-southern-hospitality vibe. There are rolls of paper towels on the tables alongside squeeze bottles of barbecue sauce.

Now, this is where the arguments start for BBQ purists. Your tastes fall into one of two camps: wet or dry. I’m a dry fan myself, and that’s how Pat’s serves up their expertly-smoked ribs. The yellow bottle contains their house sauce which is a tangy, mustard-based concoction that goes great with pulled pork. The red bottle houses “sweet heat”—a zippier version of traditional, tomato-based barbecue sauce. But the true test of a pit master is how well his ‘cue holds up without the mask of sauce. And Pat’s delivers.

The first thing you notice about the brisket is the pink ring surrounding the edge of the meat. That’s what they call the smoke ring and for BBQ, it means the pit master has done his job. The ribs were perfectly moist but not falling off the bone—good for making sure there’s that bite.

People, this is a war between man and meat and that little bite off the bone represents the struggle. Barbecue shouldn’t come easy. It’s dirty, mean and messy and that’s why when Mr. Kap bellowed the chorus to the Soggy Bottom Boys’ “Man of Constant Sorrow,” I could relate. As my plate turned empty.

{Pitter Pat}

Pat’s Barbecue
155 W. Commonwealth Ave. (2125 South)
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 484-5963
Open for lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; dinner, Thursday from 4 – 9 p.m. and Friday from 4 – 10 p.m.; and Saturdays, noon – 10 p.m.
www.patsbbq.com

With Jessica Baucom

Q: We recently found a gorgeous dining and buffet set on Craigslist and had to nab it up. It’s solid walnut from the ’50s. It fits our space perfectly, but the color of the seat cushions doesn’t. Our room has browns and creams with a hint of gold. Can you suggest a color that will work in our space, including the color of the wood? I’m also going to make a tablecloth and placemats, and tones like white and ivory don’t always work with my sometimes-messy guests. — Traci

A: That table and chair set make a beautiful find. They look like they’re in great shape, too—once again proving that if you buy quality design, it will last (in this case more than 50 years!).

As for the seat cushions, I think a multi-colored stripe or pattern would be nice. First off, it will add new color and variety to your room. There is often little opportunity for pattern in a dining room, so sneaking it into the upholstery will liven it up. A large-scale stripe like this one by Waverly makes for an updated, contemporary look.

This new color will also make for easy coordinating table linens. Because natural woven fabrics have variation in their color and texture, they will help camouflage the “unnatural” spots your dinner guests might leave behind. Next, you can mix in coordinating elements like these beige linen placemats from IKEA for contrast. With the pleasant price of $1.50 each, you can afford to get extras in case of any un-fixable accidents.

Top it off with a loose, natural collection of flora and you’re set for a casually-coordinated dinner party.

Send questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.

Spotted: High-quality and high-design dresses for holiday gatherings

Good For: Making a short-term investment in your wardrobe for silhouettes that will outlast December 25.

Where: Kaleidoscope Boutique (4801 N. University Avenue, Provo)

How Much: Prices range from $120 – $150

Ladies and gents, remember to shop the businesses that are doing their best to keep YHO on the up and up. They’ll love you for it; we’ll love you for it. So read up: Sales and specials included!

Kaleidoscope Boutique: You already know and love this friendly-yet-upscale boutique. Now, they’re offering more with an online shop to be updated on a daily basis. Out-of-staters and couch-surfers can visit www.notamallstore.com to get their Kaleidoscope on, and enjoy FREE shipping this month. Eureka! The rest can head to 4801 N. University Avenue in Provo’s Riverwoods for a headstart on holiday shopping. See here.

Jonathan Canlas Photography: In the market for a local-but-nationally-acclaimed film photographer? Meet Jonathan. He’s holding his final Film is Not Dead workshops for 2008. Be sure to visit his blog for print order sales almost every holiday. (Thanksgiving probably included.) And watch for the re-launch of his site next week. (Thanksgiving, again.) Get addicted here.

ModMum: These reversible baby slings come in a variety of hip patterns and are at-once useful and stylish. There’s something for everyone—or every mum—from designer, to reversible to solid to sale(!). Start your shopping (and free your hands … or your friend’s hands) here.

Wynona Robison Photography: Wynona’s light-filled photos of children are creative, honest and spontaneous—ideal for revealing young personalities. Book this Utah children-and-family photographer to capture your one-year-old or the entire crew, and you’ll walk away with a piece of art or two or three. See here.

Soel Boutique: Stock up on favorites like Ella Moss, Free People, French Connection and Splendid at this hip Utah County shopping destination. From shoes to paper products to clever onesies, Soel offers wonders big and small for all fashionable ladies—including a sale Thanksgiving weekend. Watch for updates on the blog.

Heather Gibb Photography: Heather Gibb specializes in natural, portrait photography. Her black-and-whites are timeless and classic; her color portraits happy and bright. Hurry up and book your holiday orders before Nov. 24, and tell your friends: she’s currently booking for out-of-state sessions in places like Denver, Sun Valley, Portland, San Diego and Las Vegas. Check out her blog here.

Total Health & Fitness: With nutrition and exercise consultants on-hand, THF acts as a coach whether you’re interested in fat loss, gaining muscle, firming, toning … the works. You choose the goal, they help you achieve it. Ward off extra holiday pounds with the help of this team of experts. Sign up here.

Oh Sweet Sadie: The Oh Sweet Sadie crew is really outdoing themselves with two more shows before the end of the year. For handmade and homemade gifts, head to Bountiful this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, or South Jordan Dec. 4 -6. Or both. Why not? Get a taste here.

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Provo, Utah: A chic, urban destination with gourmet dining, sleek style and a buzzing social scene. What? Not the Provo you know? Well, I can think of one spot that fits the bill. Meet Spark Restaurant Lounge.

Located in the Wells Fargo Building on University Avenue, Spark serves up hip, gourmet eats and sophisticated atmosphere unlike anyone in Utah Valley. You can enjoy a delicious meal at a table, or drinks and appetizers at the bar, or cozy up in the lounge and loft areas.

One of the first things you should know about Spark is that it’s a teetotaler’s paradise. A playful drink menu includes such fun refreshments as mango mojitos, peartinis rimmed with cinnamon sugar, and even Shirley Temples topped with clouds of cotton candy—and all non-alcoholic but still delicious. Particularly interesting was what they call the “hot and cold:” a layered beverage with a warm, lemon base and cold Coke on top.

Appetizers are equally novel with options like cumin fries with garlic aioli and house-made pasta with lamb ragu. One of our favorites was the “dueling edamame,” feauturing soybeans two never-had-before ways: vanilla-steamed and bacon-sauteed. The chef also whipped up some just-for-us fancy mushroom and swiss profiteroles (kind of like a cream puff, but without the cream). We hope to see them on the menu soon.

For dinner, we ordered roasted black cod with spaghetti squash and crispy mashed potatoes, and flat iron steak and short rib with fingerling potatoes. The cod came topped with garlic foam and was cooked to flaky perfection. The flat iron was tender with a great crust on the outside, and the short rib literally fell apart it was so well-cooked.

Dessert, anyone? Choices range from delicate to decadent with pink grapefruit frozen mousse and poppyseed cake with lavender foam, to almond-coated fried chocolate pudding with orange coriander ice cream. Despite their complex sounds, these sweet options taste oh-so-right at the end of a meal of this kind.

Here’s the deal: Don’t let Spark’s chic decor (did you see that chandelier?) and gourmet options scare you into ordering small. Even when it includes appetizers, drinks and dessert, the bill won’t hurt too much. Specialty drinks range from $3 – $4.50, appetizers from $5 – $10, salads from $8 – $11, entrees from $14 – 20 and desserts from $6 – $7, so you can impress your date and still make rent. In style.

{Spark’s Flyin’}

Spark Restaurant Lounge
86 N. University Avenue
Provo, Utah
801-701-6780