By Ali Anderson Smith

Get ‘em while they’re hot! Some treasures made in your neck of the woods include:

Quite a Catch Print / $20 / By Gumball Grenade

Moody Blues Baby Booties / $8 / By K2P2

Branch Pillows / $48 / By Modernality

Crocheted Floral Earrings / $12 / By Yarn Twisted

Hand-stitched Vintage Notebook / $10 / By Ta Ta

Kids Skull and Stars T-shirt / $15 / By V. Lou Textiles

Copper and Gold Statement Necklace / $ / By Doloris Petunia

PinkPerfect Crochet Beanie / $36 / By Lawndry

Red Flair Bag / $45 / By Foursight Designs

Ever spent an hour on the elliptical, watching the seconds tick by with reruns of “The Hills” to see you’ve burned just 130 calories? The only thing more upsetting is Speidi, themselves. What if we told you that you could burn up to 800 calories in one hour and free yourself from the vice-like grip of cable TV?

Ure Fitness is here to save your brain cells and your bod. NASM Trainer Brecke Ure will whip you into shape with a new Circuit Summer Workout Class beginning this Tuesday—just in time for swim season. In one high-intensity, fat-burning and strength-training hour, you’ll work different muscle groups at eight different work stations, equipment provided, so the story never gets old. Just hurry up and register by June 1. Get more info here.

{Ure Best}

Ure Fitness Circuit Summer Workout
Tuesdays, 6 a.m., June 2 through August 25
eMotion Dance Studios: 9119 S. Monroe Plaza (255 West), Sandy
$80 for 12 classes, plus one free class
Register via e-mail at brecke.ure (at) gmail.com with “register” in the subject line or call (801) 597-6214
www.urefitness.blogspot.com

By Stephanie Brubaker

Spotted: Authentic fruit-on-a-stick paletas, just like those you find south of the border, in flavors like coconut and pineapple—some rumored to be mixed with dulce de leche and others with pure sugar. Hay que rico!

Good For: Making good with the hot summer days stretching out ahead.

Where: Tarahumara Comida Mexicana (380 E. Main Street, Midway)

How Much: About $1.25 a pop

If you ask Allison Cox what her favorite thing to photograph is, you won’t get a good answer. Most people love to photograph what they’re good at photographing—be it a table top or mountain top. But if you’re Allison Cox and a total natural with the camera, you’re good at it all so there’s no wonder you can’t brew up a singular response.

As far as we can tell, this Utah gal can do everything. If you were looking for an affordable and extremely qualified wedding photographer, Allison comes recommended. If you wanted some soft, candid photos of your babies, you’d be sent in her direction. If you were looking for fine art to decorate your home, she’d also do the job. Or, if you’re an aspiring photographer doing some soul searching, look to Allison’s blog for a dose of do-it-right inspiration or a lesson on pink tights in motion.

With images that are “action-free” (no fussing with Photoshop), light-filled and perfectly composed—not to mention exposed just right—a photography experience with Allison Cox means more time shooting and less time post-producing (better for her, better for you). And the BFA in Photography she carries in her back pocket certainly comes in handy if you’re looking for a photographer that’s confident and capable—so capable that she prefers film to digital though she’ll do either one.

Aside from the whole film thing, perhaps what sets Allison apart is her uncanny ability to make photos seem not only natural, but personal. She operates effortlessly behind the scenes, making sure she documents every little piece of your detail-filled day. And then the detail you’ll want to frame is the snow-covered branch she found outside the church doors that you never got to see.

Like we said, she’s an artist like that.

{C More}

Allison C. Photography
allisoncphoto (at) gmail.com
(801) 349-6256
www.blog.allisoncphotography.com
www.allisoncphotography.com

{Doorprize} Allison is up for handing out one portrait session (bridal, engagement, baby, child, or family of four and under) to one oh-so-lucky YHO reader. And she’s throwing in a complimentary 8 x 10, to boot. You know you want it! So go ahead and leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, May 31.

By Ali Anderson Smith

Sampled: Chocolate-chocolate delights from Dunford Donuts, sold by the half-dozen

Where: Your local 7-11, Costco, Dan’s Foods stores, and Dunford Bakers (8556 S. 2940 West, West Jordan)

High & Low: Move over Hostess (and every other chocolate-on-chocolate convenient-store confection), there’s an old donut in this town and Dunford’s Double Fudge Chocolate Cake is one for the ages. The sugary coating on this anything-but-dry cake melts in your mouth without sticking to it. Dunford’s locally-made donut is substantial, sweet and totally delicious—and available as near as your neighborhood 7-11. Also sold by the dozen at Costco, these donuts seem to be best enjoyed in the half-dozen variety, where the potential for crumbling and melting is decreased substantially. Now, who’s hungry?

How Much: Usually around $3 – $4

Happy holiday, friends. Go out and have some fun: shop, dine, barbecue, swim, relax, read, play, or catch-up. We’ll see you tomorrow.

Good things come in threes, right? As such, the all-at-random winners of the Koo De Ker giveaway are as follows….

• Mieken who “loves this store and its quaint location”
• Mio K. who “loves the necklaces”
• Stephanie F. who “will be stopping in”

Ladies, please send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “Doorprize Winner” in the subject line to learn how to obtain your winnings.

Thanks Koo De Ker!

By Ali Anderson Smith

For your viewing/buying/refinishing pleasure:

Try spiffing up this nice-looking pair. See them here.

Fancify your kitchen with the help of this little sparkly thing. See it here.

Super-cool retro lamp for only $30. See it here.

Imagine sipping your iced tea in this one. See it here.

New office chair, anyone? See it here.

Make your living room pop with this cool fireplace. See it here.

Lots of chairs for sale in one location. Get details here.

And if you’re up for some outdoor lounging, check out the pieces Jessica tracked down in this post.

Dine Out: It’s not too late for foodies to take advantage of Salt Lake’s Dine O’ Round. Take a bite outta Tin Angel or Settebello, or any of the other participating local eateries and get more for your dollars through May 31. You can see the full list here.

Nice Shots: YHO’s own Lacey Jane Pappas made a cameo on KSL’s “Studio 5″ earlier this week, sharing nice ‘n easy photo and photo-styling tips galore. If you want prettier pictures for work or play, you’re not too late. You can catch up with our girl here.

Difference is Good: Register now to make a difference. The “I Am A Difference” walk-a-thon meanders through gardens at Thanksgiving Point and benefits Angels in Action on Saturday, May 30. Helping others is just a few steps away. Register here.

Liven Up: Options for real, live listening this week include Horse Feathers, Peaches, Jon Vanderslice and Gogol Bordello. What’ll it be? Get the scoop via Lacey’s Music Guide. (Yep, same Lacey.)

Anything else going on? Comment below!

With Jessica Baucom

The weather is turning into summer quicker than you can say lemonade. The question is, is your porch ready? Get out from in front of your computer, or let’s face it, your laptop, and give the Great Outdoors some love … from your porch swing.

Just like your interior, outdoor spaces need to be comfortable and inviting. A good place to start setting the tone is with furniture. Here are some relaxing retail options for serene lounging:

Left to right:

West Elm’s “Wood Slat Lounge”
Crate & Barrel’s “Trovata Chaise”
West Elm’s “Sydney Lounge Chair”

But if paying full price isn’t part of this year’s plan, try some lightly-used outdoor pieces found in your own backyard … almost. Keep an eye on classifieds from Craigslist and KSL, for example, and you could come across the likes of any of the contemporary set, pictured above, or the classics below.

• Adirondack chairs are not only classic, they’re the most comfortable lawn sitting chair you’ll find. If you’ve never tried one, it’s time. Click here.

• Director’s chairs often come summer-ready in preppy, striped fabrics. Click here.

• Teak furniture is always a wise choice when it comes to out-of-doors. It stays looking good despite its being exposed to the elements.

• Baltic wood is another resilient outdoor wood that will last much longer than the cute pillow you’ll find to complement it. Click here.

By Ali Anderson Smith
Photography by Cody Buell

It doesn’t really matter what you’re trolling for. Sundress for summer picnic? New denim to jazz up your jeans routine? Frock for roommate’s wedding? Blousy top for job interview? Check, check, check aaand check.

We love a cute ‘n reliable shop that offers a little something for anyone on any occasion—whether the shopping list is long or short. And if it’s easy on the wallet and the eyes, then you’ve got us hooked.

That’s how it goes with Salt Lake’s Koo De Ker. The pink outfit that neighbors Hip and Humble in the quaint Ninth and Ninth shopping area has earned a reputation for bringing together affordable and forward-thinking fashions for the last eight years. (Eight years? Surprised us too. Time flies when you’re having fun shopping.)

If you’re feeling like a boho-chic goddess today and reaching for your inner flirt tomorrow (ruffles, anyone?), this boutique has offers the hardware for building any silhouette. If the staple you’re in need of is as simple as a dress, visiting this haven for the ultimate easy outfit is a a no-brainer. This shop is crawling with one-piece wonders: sleeved, spaghetti-strapped, striped and smocked.

Other favorites in-store right this minute? Billowy tops perfect for high-waisted shorts and skirts. Diamond pendants for dressing up summer dresses. Stacks of premium denim from the likes of Hudson and James Jeans. And handfuls of markdowns in the sale section—as well as tops that start as low as $24.

And that’s where we say check again, mateys.

{It’s Koo}

Koo De Ker
1037 E. 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 359-4870
www.koodeker.com

{Doorprize} This one’s triple the fun! Koo de Ker is feeling the YHO love and handing out three different $75 gift certificates to three readers. Is this your idea of summer lovin’? Leave one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, May 24.

{YHO Special} Make it more than a fling and print out this coupon to get 25% off your Koo de Ker purchase through the end of June, 2009.

Hip hip for Amanda C. who said, “I love her photography!” (don’t we all?) thereby winning the Christine Olson Photography giveaway.

Amanda, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “Doorprize Winner” in the subject line and we’ll get more details to you.

And if you want you and yours on the other side of Christine’s camera, it’s never too late to schedule a session. Get started here.

By Liz Stanley

Spotted: Silhouette brooch earrings

Good For: Spicing up your jewelry box, Victorian-style

Where: Coal Umbrella (157 N. University Avenue, Provo)

How Much: Around $10

Brit B. who needs something fun for summer, you’ll be sitting pretty in one of Shade’s new Bright Side tees, courtesy of our Bright Side giveaway. That’s right, you’re one of our lucky winners. Next up: Lindy P.S. who said, “Pick me!” (Random.org was smiling on you.)

Ladies, send e-mails to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “Doorprize Winner” in the subject line and we’ll get more details to you.

Thanks, Shade. Things are looking Brighter already.

By Ali Anderson Smith

We can’t get enough of you guys. This place is brimming with talent. Here’s a mere sampling:

Train Engine Onesie / $15 / By The Full Spectrum

French Alphabet Poster / $38 / By Bibitty

Crystal Earrings / $18 / By GlamKate

iPod Cozy / $13 / By Salt City Designs

Manatee Card / $6.95 / By Stitched Cards

Layered Fabric Headband / $20 / By The Urban Trends

Zoo Animals Finger Puppets / $10 / By Wee Knit

Ocean Party Kit / $90 / By Parties by Hardie

Button Headband / $15 / By Brooke Bowen

Flower Power: See flowers take form when the UMFA puts on annual favorite “Art in Bloom” this weekend. Top floral designers take on high art for the event, which benefits various local art programs. The museum looks good, and smells good too. Get the low-down here.

Bubble Licious: Locals make light of Utah’s “bubble effect” at new-ish site, Utah Bubble. Share your favorite Jello-O-related stories and vote for Utah-only favorites, then read about the Greatest Utahns of All Time. Click here.

Get Innovative: Or take it easy and let Ballet West do the work. At this season-closer, the dancers themselves take on the choreography for brand-spankin’ new creations aptly named “Innovations.” Get tickets here.

Vegetarians Welcome: Eaters of all types are invited to carnivore-centric George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park this Saturday from 3 – 8 p.m.. At a Carnivorous Carnival, events include games, prizes, food and, you guessed it, dinosaurs. Details here.

Magic Number: Turns out three is the Houdini of digits, with the help of its pal, 50. We challenge each of y’alls to participate in the 3/50 Project. Visit three of your favorite local businesses, spend $50 at one or three of them, and save your local economy! It’s three-conomics. Learn more here.

And it’s that time of the month! Salt Lake’s Gallery Stroll, or “roll” for the bike-friendly, lights up tomorrow night. The lineup is here.

Look on the bright side, ladies. It’s easy to do with the help of Shade Clothing—even if the dog ate your laptop and you walk to work uphill both ways. A new collection of graphic tees for easy wearing (and easy buying) will help you help families in need. At just $20 a pop, you can sport a positive message and cute design like Look Up or Bloom, and 50% of your purchase will go to United Way. Things are looking up already.

Feel good, look good and start shopping here.

{Ms. Brightside}

The Bright Side
Shade Clothing
www.shadeclothing.com

{Mini Doorprize!} Shade Clothing is going to treat two YHO readers to a Bright Side tee of your choosing. Need something to wear? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Friday, May 15 for your chance.

By Liz Stanley

Spotted: Stylish grocery bags that fold up for easy storage

Good For: Green-ifying your shopping and leaving plenty of space in your purse

Where: Serendipity Consignment and Boutique (90 E. 2030 South, Salt Lake City)

How Much: $7.99

Christine Olson did her best to become a science nerd. But after two years of punching out Punnet Squares and pouring over protein synthesis, our girl’s inner creative genius was dying to climb out of its cage, so to speak. So she pulled a switcheroo, trading a lab coat for lens, and has never looked back.

When you know what you’re supposed to do, it hits you with a flash of light. Or simply a flash from the camera. Obsessed with light for who knows how long, Christine says that’s just how it happened for her. After all, she had a point-and-shoot practically glued to her palm throughout high school and (eureka!) her beginner photography class was always her favorite.

A few years after the science stint, Christine found her place and found it well, graduating with a BFA from California’s prestigious Brooks Institute with an emphasis in portraiture. She’ll photograph everyone under the roof from Grandma Flo to Fido. And as soon as June 27, this California resident will be taking up a Utah address, which means she’ll be around to photograph your event whether it’s a new baby, birthday party or wedding. (But really, who says there has to be an event?)

Aside from the fact that her professionalism and training are top notch, we dig that Christine’s photos come out warm and happy—like they’re giving you a hug. It doesn’t matter if it’s an table-top spread or smiling baby, the images are beautiful and bright. We also applaud her habit of including 4×6″ prints of all the images she shoots, because, as she says, “Photography is meant to be viewed and touched.”

People who love what they do tend to excel at it. Christine is case-in-point. But she could probably tell you how little Lily’s baby blues came to be, as well as capture them “on film” perfectly.

{Smile}

Christine Olson Photography
(801) 694-4518
www.christineolsonphotography.com
www.christineolsonphotography.blogspot.com

{Doorprize} Strike that pose, honey. Christine wants to treat one YHO reader to a portrait sitting of your choice (Grandma Flo, Fido or the wo-man in the mirror) as well as prints of the images and a CD. Want in on this $400 giveway? (Need we ask?) Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, May 17.

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Blue Lemon Cafe isn’t the first restaurant built around the idea that fresh, wholesome food can come at affordable prices, but it’s definitely one of the coolest. Add up the sleek minimalist decor, freshness of ingredients (literally no freezer in the kitchen), and an innovative variety of both vegetarian and meat-centric dishes, and you’ve got a one-stop shop for all your health-conscious culinary curiosities.

The veggie lasagna is packed with grilled onions, mushrooms and artichokes and topped with alfredo. The “fiery fish tacos fajita-style” are grilled up with salmon, shrimp, peppers and onions with a side of cabbage slaw, plus a sweet ‘n spicy honey chipotle sauce for dipping—though the quality of the tasty meat rendered it hardly necessary.

Entrees can be upgraded with yummy sides like crispy sweet potato fries with southwest fry sauce, hummus with pita wedges or couscous salad. Your standard soda steps aside for natural options from Blue Sky Sodas (try the cherry vanilla). Even if you’re eating healthy, there’s always room for dessert. Don’t miss out on the beautiful pastries placed strategically near the register.

Next door at Blue Lemon Bistro, there’s an entire menu of hot and cold coffee and tea options, as well as sandwiches and delicious-sounding creme freezes—making it a perfect spot for lunch. And if you still want more from Blue Lemon, look into its demonstration kitchen where local chefs make appearances several times per month. We think there’s even a class on chocolate coming up soon….

{Get the Blues}

Blue Lemon Cafe
11073 N. Alpine Highway
Highland, Utah
(801) 756-7993
www.bluelemonutah.com