By Lacey Jane Pappas

On the eve of 2009, I thought I’d share some of my favorite sounds of the last year. Though the year is (almost) up, it’s not too late to give some of these beauties a good spin. Then tell us some of your favorites, too, and preview my all-inclusive playlist here.

10. Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue

This album features great storytelling and what’s perhaps my favorite song of 2008 altogether: the title track, “Acid Tongue.” The melody is catchy and the chorus is beautiful—much like the rest of the collection.

9. Flight of the Conchords: Flight of the Conchords

If you’re a fan of the show, you already know how crucial these clever tunes are to each episode. On their own, the songs are smart both lyrically and musically, and the album has grown into my go-to CD whenever I’m in need of a good laugh. (And for the record, I’m a bigger fan of Jemaine.)

8. Death Cab For Cutie: Narrow Stairs

As a longtime admirer of Death Cab, I always get excited for their new releases. Admittedly, it took me many listens to warm up to this album, but I soon came to love the always-reliable, sophisticated song-writing.

7. Thao: We Brave Bee Stings and All

This collection came out early in the year and was one I was slow to listen to. Soon, I realized that Thao’s imperfect voice, accompanied by staggered, bluesy rhythms made for a new, refreshing sound.

6. Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend

These boys have topped many best-of lists for 2008. For me, it comes down to Vampire Weekend’s refreshing and reinvented pop vibe, reminding us of long-ago influences like Paul Simon and the Beach Boys. It’s a happy album that can be listened to on repeat.

5. Nada Surf: Lucky

Ever since Nada Surf’s release of “Let Go,” I’ve been a sucker for this group’s beautiful melodies. It’s easy for this band to get lost in the indie-rock shuffle, but if you focus on them alone, you’ll soon find a favorite.

4. Someone Loves You Boris Yeltsin: Pershing

This band-with-a-long-name runs a gamut of soundalikes from Weezer to Rogue Wave, but they’re talented enough to stamp it and make it their own. “Pershing” is a good, catchy collection, even if it takes some getting used to.

3. She & Him: Volume One

What a lovely project this turned out to be! (Did we expect any less?) M. Ward and actress/songstress Zooey Deschanel—soon to be Mrs. Ben Gibbard—released this charming album. Influenced by that smooth, 1950s girly-pop music that’s hard not to enjoy, each and every song leaves you with a smile.

2. Mates of State: Re-Arrange Us

I fell hard and fast for this album. Not only was it on constant repeat throughout summer, it also joined me at the gym. The fast-paced rhythms and sing-along lyrics stick with you, and leave you tapping your feet.

1. Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago

I’ve got a weakness for beautiful ballads, and this track-list is packed with them. Justin Vernon created a romantic album filled with fragile but genuine songs. If you’re new to the group, debut “Skinny Love.” It’s a good representation of the album as a whole.

Now, you tell me. What were some of your 2008 favorites? And here’s to an even better 2009!

Here’s a shark you’d like to get bitten by. Based out of Draper, Utah, Card Sharks whips out greeting cards that are—in their own words—”tasteful, whimsical and different.” We also find their products to be humorous, cheery and often, downright cute, though there’s a definite cool factor making its mark, too. (Sharks have a way of doing that.)

Check out Card Sharks’ “Little Beasties” series, our personal favorite, designed by Californian John Hersey. Or, browse through Michael Bartalos’ “Animal Alphabet” for nursery-decorating ideas. The illustrated “Animal Science” box set would make a nice gift for a mom-to-be, while the airy “Ailes” series will give you nine timeless ways to say hello, thank you, or I’m sorry on paper.

See more and make a purchase or two at www.card-sharks.net.

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

There’s a street in Downtown Provo that’s quickly becoming the epicenter of Utah Valley’s artistic and cultural scene. Home to such hip haunts as Muse Music, Velour, Coal Umbrella, Mode Boutique and the Sego Art Center, University Avenue recently welcomed a new member to its painfully cool ranks: the Pennyroyal Cafe.

Aside from a dose of shabby-glam style complete with exposed brick, chandeliers and tons of local art, Pennyroyal serves delicious sandwiches and salads that also happen to weigh on the healthy side. We started out with a roasted pepper and tomato soup that was velvety and rich without any added heaviness—perfect for warming up from the inside out on frosty nights without going the typical chicken-noodle route.

We followed up the soup with Pennyroyal’s “Flower Power” salad, topped with sliced pears, candied pecans, dried cranberries, feta, honey-yogurt dressing and—you guessed it—pretty flowers that are actually edible. We also enjoyed “Gwyneth’s Girl” which mixed grilled chicken, sliced apples and feta with creamy tarragon dressing.

To round out our experience, we had to sample the sandwiches too. Our first taste was of the “Pennyroyal Classic:” a grilled panini on focaccia with turkey breast, roasted red peppers, tomato, pesto and toasted cheddar. This concoction is crispy, melty and utterly divine. “The Sweet Adeline” features turkey and cranberry cream cheese and also proves to be a tasty and semi-sweet option for sandwich-seekers.

At long last, Provo culture-seekers have a fitting place to rest their feet and fill their tanks after a night of gallery-strolling or concert-going. You can bring a date for an affordable dinner (nothing on the menu is over $8), tote along some homework during lunch, or swing by for a late breakfast (think all-you-can-eat cereal). Home to music shows, indie movie nights and fundraisers, you never know just what you’ll be treated to. For us, it was an impromptu acoustic jam session. And the not-to-be-missed homemade chocolates located near the register.

{Find a Penny}

The Pennyroyal Cafe
155 N. University Avenue
Provo, Utah
(801) 341-0120
Open 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
www.pennyroyalcafe.com

It’s almost here. We hope you’re ready. We hope we’re ready. And in a rare turn of events, we’d like to see you spending time with friends and loved ones rather than hanging out here with us … at least for a day or two. Here’s to a white Christmas! May your days be merry and bright.

In the meantime, marshmallows, anyone?

Here’s a black-and-gray combo that’s anything but drab. Details like oversize gold buttons and pockets—not to mention tights with bow patterning—only have a cheery effect at this time of year. ‘Tis not the season to be buying for yourself, but that F21 dress is ringing in at just $22.80, which gives your holiday wallet some welcome wiggle room.

links:

dress
shirt
tights
boots

Time’s almost up. If you’ve managed to get the big names crossed off but slipped up on some still-important people (your next-door-neighbor, your office-mate, your manager, your hairdresser-turned-friend), here are some ideas—and most are available at your local grocer or the click of a button. We love technology … and Harmon’s.

left to right:

Bonne Maman: Who doesn’t love classic, gingham-topped jam with a fancy name? You can find Bonne Maman preserves on the shelves of your local grocer, as well as a baguette for extra French flair.

Printable Calendar: Head to Little Hut’s Etsy Shop to print out this practical-but-pretty calendar. She’ll thank you every day of the year, and all you’ll need is a full ink cardtridge, cardstock and your paper cutter.

Clementines: These little oranges are propped right at the front of the produce section, and are the best alternative to holiday vices like chocolate … and chocolate. He’ll reach for ‘em til they’re gone. Plus, they peel nice ‘n easy.

Holiday Mix: By now, everyone’s wearing out on holiday tunes. Freshen up their selection with YHO’s Merry Music Mix, or whip up a collection of your own.

Printable Personalized Stationery: Get stationery for two at Back Alley on Etsy. Designs like this can be customized and “mailed” to you within 24 hours of your order.

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Bars: Whether melted for a fancier ice cream topping or nibbled on bit by bit, a milk chocolate Scharffen Berger bar never disappoints.

Gouda Cheese: Sharpen up his sandwich or smarten up a cracker with the help of this tasty Holland export. We spied a round of gouda at Harmon’s in the $6 range—and hickory smoked was on-hand, too.

iTunes Gift Card: Give the gift of music. Since she gets to pick which kind, you know she’ll like it. All you have to do is cruise by the convenience store on lunch break.

Root Beer: It’s hard to turn down soda in a glass bottle, even if it’s just root beer. IBC’s is classic and kid-proof.

Lindt Excellence Bar: What makes this chocolate bar so special? A hint of chili pepper, for spicing things up.

Gift Tags: Give her the gift that keeps on giving. Ladies love to have gift-wrap supplies on-hand, and these from Jungae will keep her presents looking tops all year.

Red Nail Polish: Ask any ’40s movie star and she’ll tell you the power of red nail polish. Not enough? Throw in some lipstick, too—a drug store brand will do. She can keep the set at her desk for last-minute fixes.

Printable Bicycle Stationery: This set from Salamander Store is fun on wheels. Purchase a few sets, print, and tie the bundle with string.

Stephen’s Hot Chocolate: A step up from Swiss Miss without the pretty penny price tag, Stephen whips up a hot cocoa mix he’ll reach for til the cup runneth dry. This Utah original is especially good in mint and white chocolate flavors.

Evergreen Gift Set: Set your toner and let your printer shoot out this all-inclusive design from Easy Print. If you can’t find a cellophane bag large enough for the gift-wrap sheet, opt for a shallow box instead.

Sleepytime Tea: This no-frills blend will make her feel like a kid again when sipped on during Conan. Throw in a sleep mask if you have one in-mind, otherwise, a partnership with a cute bow should do the job.

Pretty Poppy Headband / $10 / By Iona’s Closet

Print-at-Home Holiday Cards / $10 / By Ello There

Snip Shirt / $21 / By Phipp’s Art

Wool Applique Pillow Cover / $35 / By V.Lou Textiles

Table Lamp Silhouette / $21 / By Tasty Suite

Jezabelle Necklace / $25 / By MD Sparks

The Wolf Tee / $18 / By Goodness Clothing

Bold Filagree Perfume Locket / $17 / From She’s Fancy

Shortcomings: Celebrate the shortest day of the year with Red Butte Garden on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Winter Solstice Festival boasts a wish cauldron, fortune-telling, and complimentary hot drinks to be enjoyed with artisan holiday treats. Get shorty here.

Truckin’: Remember the 337 Project? The cool adventure continues with 337′s Art Truck, where art by Dan Steinhilber and Maggie Michael hits the road. Subscribe to 337′s newsletter for tips on where this art-on-wheels might show up next. Find out here. If you’re not up for the chase, visit the BYU Museum of Art now through June 6 to see Steinhilber’s installations first-hand. Learn here.

Get Mad: Seats at Midnight Mass are officially a no-go, but you can still get a dose of Christmas spirit at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. The Choir puts on “A Ceremony of Carols” tomorrow afternoon at 12:15 p.m. Check out the schedule here.

Bust a Move: So you think you can dance like Gev? The Fox reality TV star, Utahn and bad-A dancin’ machine shows his moves (and teaches) at a dance workshop on Saturday at Riverton City Hall. Cut some rug for $25, or sit back and watch for $5. Registration required; catch the deets here.

Light It Up: Make it an old-school Christmas and visit This is the Place Heritage Park’s “Candlelight Christmas,” where you can sing carols, carry out crafts and sip on cider, just like when Grandma was a kid. See here.

Wonder Full: For a classic Christmas Eve, head to The Tower Theater on Wednesday afternoon to catch Jimmy and Frank in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” There will be waffles and wassail, too. The film also shows on Christmas day. Times and info here.

Or, you could always catch up with the Jazz Singer himself tomorrow night at Energy Solutions Arena.

By Rachel Jones

Are you a fan of paper products? Gifts tied up with string? Or how about ribbon, cardstock, wrapping paper, markers, albums or various scrapbook supplies?

If these things sound like you, then I’ve got just the sale to make your holiday merry. I don’t even scrapbook, but the American Crafts warehouse sale is the kind that can make a girl giddy. I picked up canvas 8.5 x 11 albums for $5 apiece and 80 (yes, eight-oh) spools of ribbon for $30. You’ll also see Christmas-themed wrapping paper, bags, cards and tags. Check out the website to get a feel for the kind of items I speak of. My only warning? A paper-crazed spender could do a lot of damage to her holiday budget here. Give yourself limit before you set foot in the door or else things could get dangerous fast.

Tip: If you call three people while you’re at the sale and let them in on the news, and then leave your cell phone log at the register, you’ll get $5 off your entire purchase and another $5 to use on your next visit. And sometimes you’ll get an extra gift if you spend over $50.

{Stock Pile: Updated!}

American Crafts Warehouse Sale
Now through December 23, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; closed Sunday
476 N. 1500 West, Orem
Exit I-15 at 800 N. in Orem and turn west, then turn south at 1500 West
www.americancrafts.com

So you’re ready to hop on the vintage train. Or maybe you’ve been riding that train since high school. Whether you’re a new convert or old pro, there are a handful of reasons to shop vintage now—and not just because Hollywood tells us it’s cool. Aside from one-of-a-kind appeal, bringing history into your home and thinking green, here are five favorite local reasons to keep up the old habit:

Moriarty’s Antiques & Curiosities: In a day when faux-vintage runs rampant, Moriarty’s gives a rare opportunity for a style- and history-conscious urbanite to scout-out treasures and knicknacks of her own. Moriarty’s serves up eclecticism and culture—if not a little oddball-ishness. It’s the kind of place we can see Brooklyn dwellers being wild about, but we prefer that it be kept one of Salt Lake’s little secrets. Read the entire post here.

Abode: The bright turquoise box-of-a-building on 900 East is filled (almost to the brim) with colorful items from yesteryear, both found and consigned. Alongside vintage aprons, dishes and serving trays that will brighten any living quarters, you’ll see antique hutches, retro lamps and mirrors fit for your grandmother’s parlor … and now yours. Read the entire post here.

Second Hand Chic: 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. Read the entire post here.

Elemente: Elemente has been around for 20-odd-years, providing Salt Lakers with nearly one-of-a-kind items spanning the thirty years from 1940 to 1970. Offbeat and unusual, this treasure trove serves up a hard-to-find touch of nostalgia minus the cutesy, cottage-esque feel of your average antique shop. Read the entire post here.

The Green Ant: Green Ant is packed with original designer furniture from such heavy architectural hitters as Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen. While some pieces might require a little TLC—a sanding or a new coat of fresh white paint—many of Green Ant’s originals are in near-mint condition. Read the entire post here.

Photography by Lacey Jane Pappas

Sampled: Cookies ‘n Cream Cake Bites (left at your doorstep rather than under your pillow—though you wouldn’t mind finding them there, too)

Where: The Sweet Tooth Fairy (opening soon at 1227 S. University Avenue, Provo)

High & Low: The white chocolate shell surrounding these bite-size cake pieces is tasty and substantial, keeping a good hold around the treat’s soft center. At the very least, a cake bite is like a deluxe donut hole going to the ball—all dressed-up and grown-up, made with great chocolate and yummy cake. They’re delicious and fun, and will leave a sweet impression when dropped on neighbor’s doorsteps this holiday, especially thanks to their party-perfect packaging.

How Much: $15 for box of six

Want to get her something nice without breaking the bank? She’ll cozy up to a gourmet hot cocoa machine, Her Majesty pillow or Kate Spade organizer in no time. Answers are just a click away. And be sure to click on the main page of each site to get updates on percents-off and free-shipping deals. Almost everyone is gifting shoppers with a little kickback this year.

Follow the links below:

links, left to right:

Lucky Me Necklace from Sundance, $68
Marc Jacobs Daisy from Sephora, $57
Whitney Smith Bird Cupcake Stand on Etsy, $64
Kit & Lili Cherry Flying Birds Tote from Tiny McSmall, $84
Striped Jersey Knit Scarf from Banana Republic, $59

Canvas Anne Pocket Organizer from Kate Spade, $75
Cashmere Travel Pillow and Eye Mask from Restoration Hardware, $54.99
John Derian Things I Like Tray from Design For Real Living, $88
Druggist Tissue Box Cover from Jonathan Adler, $58

Multi Stem Big Zip Wallet from Orla Kiely, $90
Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot from Williams Sonoma, $79.99
Madison Leather Wristlet from Coach, $68
Bumblebee Pendant Necklace from J.Crew, $55
The Botanist’s Bell Jar from Anthropologie, $58

Rachel Ray Cast Iron Fondue Set from Target, $59.99
Marcello Umbrella Holder from Z Gallerie, $79.95
Karen Hilton Queen With the Pink Earring Cushion on Etsy, $76
Chanel Multi-Use Makeup Palette from Nordstrom, $85

Nobody’s perfect, including us. We’re experiencing technical difficulties this morning (not bad for the first time in two years) and we hope to be back shortly. Check back soon for updates!

Maybe you’ll like the buttery tone and scale of this vintage kid’s chifforobe. See it here.

Totally Wicked: See how high everyone’s favorite witchy women fly when they head to Salt Lake in April. Tickets to Oz, err, “Wicked,” go on sale tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. at the Capitol Theatre ticket window. Not up for the trek? They’ll also be available online beginning at 10 a.m. Have your dates ready, and learn more here.

Singalong: Show off your pipes with Maria and the Von Trapp crew when the Tower Theatre hosts its Sound of Music Sing With Maria tomorrow night and Saturday afternoon. Apart from free gift bags and complimentary tea and cookies, you’ll get extra goodies if you dress the part. Learn more here.

Sweet Shows: The Salt Lake Film Society kicks off its Wassail and Waffle Film Series this weekend with none other than “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Get your brew and breakfast at 10 a.m. on Saturday; the show starts at 11 a.m. More info here.

Just Cause: Get free skate rental at the Gallivan Rink on Monday night when you donate, raffle or bid on item auctions at this virtual-gone-real Sub for Santa project. The Santa Cause goes down from 6 – 9 p.m. Details here.

Sundance Kids: A recent New York Times article gives the latest on the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, taking over Park City January 15 – 25. The 118 feature films are said to possibly put you on an emotional rollercoaster this time around—if trying to obtain tickets didn’t already. Read more about the lineup here.

By Liz Stanley

The party starts in a wee few hours. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care. The bruschetta is ready to roll, the votives set to light, the holiday mix ready to spin. When what to your wandering eyes shouldn’t appear? Cool overhead decor for setting party atmosphere.

On, dasher! Put these mod DIY ornaments, as seen on Design Sponge, to use. You probably have these household items tucked away in a drawer already, and you’ll still have plenty of time to kick back before guests arrive. (As if.)

Here’s what you’ll need:

Holiday colors cardstock
Ruler
Scissors
Stapler
Fishing wire
Ribbon or tinsel (optional)

1. Gather together items listed above.

2. Cut cardstock and ribbon/tinsel into four inch-wide strips: one each of 11 inches in length, 9 inches, 7 inches and 5 inches. If you’re using ribbon or tinsel, they’ll work better in the smaller sizes. Organize the strips into piles by size, with equal amounts in each pile with the exception of the 5-inch pile. You’ll only need half as many of that size.

3. Choose one strip from each pile starting with the longest strip, placing them on top of each other to form a new pile. When you get to the shortest (5-inch) strip, go back the way you came, picking a second strip from each pile, ending with the longest strip. With the ends aligned, staple that pile together.

4. Now that you’ve stapled one side, you can bring the other ends together by bending the longer strips and aligning their ends. The 5-inch strip in the middle will remain straight.

5. Carefully holding the ends, staple this side together.

6. Hang with fish wire from your tree, chandelier, doorway or ceiling for quick, easy and affordable modern festivity!

Check out what Ashlee Andrews in Ogden is doing to make paper prettier. It was her Elissa and Spencer design that first caught our eyes, but it looks like Ashlee and Eric (thee Ashley?) had some fun with their cheery chartreuse mailings too. And only we Utah lads and lassies would appreciate just how well one Park City bride’s winter evening idea was interpreted by this Utah paper princess.

Brides-to-be, design lovers and any curious souls can peruse more of Ashlee’s work at her website, www.ashleeandrews.com. By the looks of it, she’s also into baby invitations, menu layout and any other fun event that needs a fun invite. And she’ll do letterpress, too.

By Lacey Jane Pappas

Put on your Santa suit with YHO’s very own 2008 Merry Music Mix, compiled just for you by yours truly. Here’s a list of her hand-picked favorites for feeling the holiday cheer even when you’re stuck in 5:00 traffic … again. Or for a dose of goodness once the fruitcake’s all gone.

1. The First Noel: Sufjan Stevens
2. All That I Want: The Weepies (listen here)
3. O Come, O Come Emmanuel: Belle & Sebastian
4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Ella Fitzgerald
5. Go Tell It On the Mountain: The Papercuts
6. Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming: Feist (listen here)
7. Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas): The Decemberists
8. A Change at Christmas (Say It Ain’t So): The Flaming Lips
9. What Child Is This: Don Peris
10. River: Rosie Thomas
11. Holy, Holy, Holy: Sufjan Stevens
12. Silent Night: Priscilla Ahn
13. Auld Lang Syne: Various Artists

You can preview the mix here, and make a purchase if you so desire. But wait. We think we hear jingle bells….

{Doorprize} As if our other recommendations weren’t enough, the first three readers to leave a comment on this post will get a complimentary copy of YHO’s 2008 Merry Music Mix. Better hurry!

Stop No. 2: Frosty Darling

Frosty Darling is Salt Lake’s cutest outpost for local crafties. Every little thing in this shop on 300 South is fresh, hip and original (not to mention darling, as its name implies) and to top it off, much of it’s made by Utahns like you ‘n me. Aside from staples like sofa pillows, aprons, plates and gift cards and an eye-catching selection candies you haven’t laid tastebuds on since you were ten, Frosty Darling is at once modern and retro-yielding with the most cleverly decorated interior space in town. Stepping inside these doors this holiday season will undoubtedly make your day merry and bright.

Here are some picks for holiday shopping for owner and celebrated artist Gentry Blackburn. All are available now at Frosty Darling, if you act fast:

Clockwise from top left:

The Raven: “This swanky tote with handy pockets is handmade locally by The Rookery. We’re also carrying their hilarious letterpress cards and lovely journals. They’re selling quickly!” $35

Squirrel Pin: “Does it get more adorable than this little squirrel brooch from Little Odd Forest? Felt jewelry is unexpected and fun.” $18

Sweet Tooth Aprons: “Get in the mood for cookin’ or craftin’ with these cute butcher-style aprons with retro, girly flair. They’re handmade by yours truly.” $28

Candy: “Who doesn’t want to find their favorite old-timey candy stuffed inside their stocking? We have a wide selection ranging from bubble gum cigarettes to Zots and Fruit Stripe Gum.”

Pretty Paper Notepad: “Any gal would like receiving this collection of 60 beautiful papers from One Good Bumblebee. I use them for jotting notes, making my own gift tags, creating collages or whatever strikes my paper-loving fancy.” $18

{Step Inside}

Frosty Darling
177 E. 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 532-4790
www.frostydarling.com

Courtney Buell keeps it real. Hailing from the other Bel Air (Maryland) you’d be more likely to find this one-time lead singer pointing her sometimes-missing Honda in the direction of Target than Fred Segal. YHO’s resident Utah County foodie also takes pleasure in cooking omelets on Saturday mornings, seeking out steak fries, sipping bittersweet hot cocoa and making s’mores. Aside from diners and desserts, Courtney has weaknesses for fancy dinners, trashy TV and photographers. Well, make that one photographer—her cool husband Cody.

Whether she’s sampling hor doeuvres up the canyon or kicking back at the pit barbecue, you’ll find Courtney in her signature skinny jeans, v-neck tee and oversize cardigan. Maybe she’ll throw on a scarf. Like we said, she’s cool like that.

See posts by Courtney Buell here.