Our friend “E” is looking for a specialty cake, ala “Cake Boss” or “Ace of Cakes.” We’ve dished about plenty of area bakeries that whip up tasty treats and might dabble in this kind of confection, but we weren’t sure of any that specialize in turning a birthday cake into a Fendi handbag or Fender guitar, for examples.

Anyone have any ideas? Please share below.

With Jessica Baucom

This one’s for all of you north-facing, apartment, or basement dwellers (or, worse, north-facing basement apartment dwellers who no doubt have the brunt of it) that don’t have enough light in their lives. Before you knock down any walls, consider any of these tips and tricks for bringing in more of that lovely light.

Mirrors:

Mirrors are your friends when it comes to dispersing light throughout a space. Trick your eye, and use one over a large piece of furniture in lieu of art or lean one against the wall where you have some space to fill.

Mirror links, left to right and top to bottom: BDDW “Captain’s” mirror,  Apartment Therapy DIY Project, Ochre “Gesso and Verre Englomise“ mirror, Pottery Barn “Eleanor“ frameless mirrors, Room & Board “Loft” leaning mirror, Room & Board “Studio” leaning mirror, Sundance “Hudson” mirror, BDDW “Leather” mirror, Uhuru “Antique Mod” mirror, Oly “Natasha” mirror, Crate & Barrel “Mix Mirror Set,” Sundance “Factory” mirror.

Window Coverings:

How you treat your window coverings will have a big affect on the light that’s coming in, not just what you’re keeping out. Try to focus on light fabrics that will help illuminate and diffuse your light source if you’re out to make the most of what little you have.

Window coverings links, left to right and top to bottom: Parma Lilac “Perspex Shutters,” Pottery Barn “Paxton Roller” Roman shade, Pottery Barn “Ribbon” Roman shade, West Elm Jute/Poly Roman shade, Castica “Sonoma” shade, IKEA window panel.

Lighting:

Lighting is so important. Even if you’ve poured money into making your space look just how you want it, the wrong lighting can make the entire project fall flat. The bulbs you choose will make or break the effect each light fixture can have. For task lighting, use a true color bulb like GE’s “Reveal Line” because they are designed to let off a cool, bright light that’s great for detail work. For overhead lighting, try halogen bulbs that will let off the best white light, which not only make your space look great, but last longer than the standard incandescent. Also, just as a handful of the fixtures pictured below show, a beautiful historic bulb will give a fresh look to any fixture. Try www.rejuventation.com for a myriad of options.

Lighting credits and links, left to right and top to bottom: IKEA “Kulla” ceiling lamp, “Edison Bulb” via Google images, Pottery Barn “Architect’s Table Lamp,” Circa Lighting “Serge” single sconce, CFL bulbs via Google images, Gus “Modern Vintage Swing Arm” lamp from Design Public, Schoolhouse Electric “Alabas Surface” fixture, “Angel de Mountain” table lamp via Remodelista.com, refurbished vintage fixture via Remodelista.com, IKEA “Kulla” floor lamp, Restoration Hardware “Wine Barrel” chandelier.

By Ali Anderson Smith

These locals are putting Utah on the map. Check out the selection from your neighbors:

Ivory and Gold Flower Hairpiece / $35 / By Anne Michelle Heirloom

Yellow Polaroid Camera Print / $17 / By Nourishing Flourish

Pleated Mini Zip Bag / $8.50 / By Tweedy Lane

Me Plus You Quilt PDF / $10 / By Kelly McCaleb Handmade

Teardrop Crochet Earrings / $8 / By Emily May Sparks

Artists Drawing Book / $45 / By Huish Books

Yellow Letter Wax Seal Pendant / $28 / By Ritzy Misfit

T-Rex Linen Fabric Basket / $15 / By V. Lou Textiles

Our lucky duckling is Meredith who said, “I love all of these.” She’ll be taking home the Bijou Market loot, and the party hasn’t even started yet.

Meredith, send an e-mail to ali at yourheartout.com with “doorprize winner” in the subject line to obtain your winnings. As for the rest of us, looks like we best be scootin’ on over to Bijou Market this Saturday to scope out some prizes of our own.

Tweet Heart: We’ve stepped out of our nests to join the big birds! That’s right, we’re in on the Twitter fun. Tuh-weet! You can follow us at www.twitter.com/yourheartoutslc.

Cash Only: If you like boutique shopping, we’ve got thee Saturday of your dreams: a Cash & Carry Boutique Warehouse Sale where Park City and SLC boutiques join forces to give you 20 – 50% off—think Got Beauty, Mary Jane’s, Whimsy, Apt. 202, Q Boutique and more. It’s this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at City of Seven Gates Warehouse (2904 W. 500 South, Salt Lake City). Swing by the ATM before heading west.

My Valentino: Ah, Broadway Cinema, you shouldn’t have. But since you did, we wouldn’t be caught dead missing Valentino’s appearance in our fair city. You can see what’s being touted as one of the year’s greatest documentaries, “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” right now at the Broadway in Salt Lake City. Show times here.

Swede Deal: Head to IKEA Draper this Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. to celebrate Swedish Midsommar with traditional Swedish song and dance, face painting (and the real humdinger:), an all-you-can-eat Swedish smorgasbord for $9.99.

Perfect Strangers: Meet all of Justin Hackworth’s “30 Strangers” at the photographer’s exhibit next Thursday (July 2) in Provo. We daresay mothers and daughters … and granddaughters and great-granddaughters never looked quite like this. And if you come on Thursday and make a $25 donation to the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, you’ll get a free mother-and-daughter portrait session, plus 8×10 print. Get the details here.

And don’t forget the premier of Bijou Market this Saturday in Orem!

By Liz Stanley

Spotted: Brand new eclectic furniture consignment shop. Now & Again mixes yesterday’s vintage with today’s modern and opened just last week.

Good For: Getting a good deal whilst mixing and matching Grandma’s style with more streamlined, midcentury modern pieces.

Where: Now & Again (501 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City)

How Much: Prices vary as much as the selection

Thinking about a summer fling? We think we’ve found a match for you—and this one won’t leave you flying solo at the barbecue or rejected at the picnic table. Play your cards right and head to the newly-named Bijou Market this Saturday in Orem. You’ll get to trade emotional baggage for bags full of locally-made and handmade items like hip and cool cupcakes, apparel, headbands, purses, jewelry, shoes, even letterpress prints and cake stands—stuff even the most non-committal shopper can’t say no to.

Bijou Market goes live this Satuday from 2 – 8 p.m. with live music from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. And there will be plenty of dance partners.

{Summer Market}

Bijou Market
Saturday, June 27, 2 – 8 p.m.
202 E. 1800 South, Orem (map)
www.bijoumarket.com

{Doorprize} These crafty ladies have something up their sleeves, for just one YHO reader. This Bijou Market bundle includes (pictured above from left to right) one lovely ring by Tom Design, a cute baby hairclip by Tarabelle, a whimsical floral headband by Motley Handmade and a sweet little onesie by Rachelli. Wanna get your hands on these goodies? Leave one comment on this post before Thursday, June 25 at midnight.

As for the FranklinCovey giveaway, congratulations are in order for Marae who wouldn’t mind having this bag “one little bit.” Marae, send an e-mail to ali at yourheartout.com with “doorprize winner” in the subject line to learn how to get this hot number slung over your shoulder.

As for the rest of us, it’s not too late to shop FranklinCovey’s Biggest Sale of the Year. Organization (and sanity) are just a click away.

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Waffles and french fries. Though not always paired together, these are staples in restaurants and kitchens from coast to coast. We buy them, we eat them, and we Americans can probably make them just as well as the next guy, right? That’s what I thought too, until I happened upon Bruges Waffles and Frites in Salt Lake City. Bruges offers a little taste of Belgium right here in Beehive State and one thing I learned from my visit is that Belgians take waffles and fries very seriously.

At Bruges, you basically have one decision to make: Waffle or fries. Or both. We began our culinary excursion across the Atlantic with traditional frites (fries) in a paper cone with your choice of sauce. If a vegetable is ever going to obtain transcendental status, these potatoes might be on their way. Double fried for an extra crispy outside that audibly gives way to soft, pearly innards and simply-seasoned, these fries are perfect. Our favorite complimentary sauces were the “Greens” sauce with chive and green onion and the “Andalouse”—basil with some kick.

Bruges also serves up a dish of frites smothered in Flemish beef stew, slow-braised in ale. The result is a hearty and satisfying combination of crispy potatoes and spoon-tender meat, mingled with herbs and seasoned to perfection.

This culinary gem is named after a town in Belgium that is considered the “waffle capitol of the world,” where waffles are sold by street vendors and eaten at lunch, dinner and any time between. The waffles are made with a yeast dough that’s dotted with chunks of pearl sugar. These melt and caramelize to give the waffle a crispy exterior and a soft middle that’s more substantial than the average Eggo. We loved our served “plain,” but you can have yours dusted with cinnamon, dipped in chocolate or topped with creme fraiche, fruit or ice cream.

Whatever you choose, your tastebuds will thank you.

{International House of Waffles}

Bruges Waffles and Frites
336 W. Broadway
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 363-4444
www.brugeswaffles.com

Two is better than one, especially when it comes to giveaway winners. The random winners of our necklace giveaway with Elsa Bags are Tahnie, who’s been “neglecting her roots,” and Nicole, who will be moving to Pennsylvania in August.

Ladies, send an e-mail to ali at yourheartout.com with “doorprize winner” in the subject line to learn how to obtain your winnings.

Thanks, Elsa Bags!

By Liz Stanley

Here are some of this week’s finds:

Get organized with this cute bookcase. See it here.

Four good-lookin’ chairs for $50. See them here.

This colorful chaise might have some potential. See it here.

Fall in love with this blue desk. See it here.

Give this cabinet some TLC. See it here.

Spruce up your kid’s room with this vintage-y hutch. See it here.

This pink tweed number could be uh-mazing. See it here.

Or give this MCM sofa a try. See it here.

We’re big fans of state-themed charm necklaces by local Etsy seller, Elsa Bags—the “Utah” ones, in particular. (Yes ma’ams, we’re a little biased.) No matter where in the world you find yourself, you’ll always feel close to home with this dainty design dangling from your neck. And check out her made-from-vintage-upholstery bags, while you’re at it. After all, they’re what the shop is named for.

{Mini Doorprize} Nicole of Elsa Bags doesn’t want you to forget your roots. And neither do we. Show your UT pride! Want one of these beauties, on the house? Nicole will be handing out two “Utah” necklaces to two different YHO readers. Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Friday, June 19 for your chance to win.

With Jessica Baucom

Q: My walls are dark beige, my carpet is dark beige. I have alder floor boards and alder doors. We’re not investing in paint because we’re going to eventually sell the house. In the meantime, I need color! Especially in our bedroom. What are some colors that work with beige? How can I modernize a space that’s far from it? Headboard? Bedspread? Furniture? — Sarah

A: Oh, beige. How did you come to take over our lives? You’re our safety zone. You’re warm, homey, comfortable, and let’s be honest, a bit boring. Snooze.

Sarah, the good news is that with a neutral background, you have a lot of flexibility for spicing things up. If a modern twist is what you’re looking for, I would focus on adding lights and brights. Crisp white will give beige some life. From there, don’t be afraid to mix in some color. If I know beige like I think I do, you’re definitely needing it.

Art: Whatever art you choose—whether it’s photos of the kiddies, a colorful print by Joseph Albers or a lovely drawing like this one from local artist Gheybin Comish—try using a crisp, white square frame with a white matt to make a beige background pop. (For tips on locating art, see here.)

Left to right: Ribba frames from IKEA, baby image from Jim Franco Photography, Joseph Albers print from Room & Board, and sketch by Gheybin Comish.

Bedding: Again, when it comes to bedding, go for contrast. Adding white will help freshen up your space. This bedding by Dwell adds both color and a crisp quality. Or, try a solid white bedspread and let the pillows do the talking. The key here is brighter equals better.

DwellStudio “Chinnoiserie” bedding from Layla Grace, Hayward Pillows from Crate & Barrel.

Furniture: Let furniture be the dark, sturdy contrast to your poppy accessories. A clean design like this headboard from West Elm will give balance and structure to a modern look. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, try a canopy bed like this one from Pottery Barn.

Left to right: Platform Headboard and Nesting Hexagons from West Elm, Farmhouse Canopy Bed from Pottery Barn.

Basically, it’s not so hard to keep beige from bringing you down. A balanced combination of whites and colors will keep your bedroom (and you) healthy.

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

Remember waaay back in January when you jotted down that list of goals … with organ-eye-zation at the top of the list? Somehow that resolution trickled it’s way to the end of that hopeful piece of paper, which is no doubt sitting in the bottom of your hobo bag with all your discarded gum wrappers and unrequested phone numbers.

So where did you wrong? Any professional organizer can tell you that getting your life in order starts with adequate storage. And if that storage gets stylish, then all the better. Lucky for those of us who dropped the ball the second day of January (or even last week), now is FranklinCovey’s Biggest Sale of the Year.

Stop forgetting about those business breakfasts and missing out on lunch with the girls. It’s time to turn things around. Right now, you can snag the best deals on planners, binders, laptop bags—and everything else you need to store all your ideas and appointments.

Snatch a sleek Alessandra laptop bag for $149, a not-to-be-lost Passport cover for $5, or a saucy Sausalito binder for $39, for examples. The fun starts here.

{Tidy Up}

FranklinCovey Products Biggest Sale of the Year
www.franklincovey.com

{Doorprize} Remember that chic Alessandra laptop bag, regularly a $250 value? FranklinCovey wants to treat one lady to this awesome bag—complete with planned space for your water bottle, phone, iPod, and sunglasses, as well as a coordinating wristlet and room for a 15.4″ laptop. Want to get this one on your shoulder (and your life in order)? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, June 21.

By Lisa Van Orman Hadley

Ah, there’s nothing like those lovely blue Utah skies: snow-capped mountains looming in the distance, no clouds, fresh air.

But if you’ve experienced one day of inversion in the valley, you’ve seen it all too clearly: the dirty air hanging over the valley like a blanket, covering up the mountains and making you wheezy. And all you can do is hope for a storm to come and push the dirty air elsewhere. Pollution isn’t just a winter problem, though. We’ve recently spotted it lurking around the valley on a warm spring day, blocking those picturesque views.

Lucky for us, though, this problem is fixable. Governor Huntsman, Mayor Becker and Mayor Carroon have joined together to create the Clear the Air Challenge. The goal? To eliminate 300,000 car trips between now and July 10. Sound tough? Not really. Eliminating a trip can be as simple as running an errand on the way home from work instead of going home first. Piece of cake.

Sign up and get tips at www.cleartheairchallenge.org.

Speaking of Utah and skills, YHO photography contributor Allison Cox is in the top three for winning a photography scholarship to Italy, courtesy of Gene Higa. She composed this cool twelve-second video and, naturally, it put her in the running.

Now, she needs votes. Put this local talent on the map and go vote for her video, the first one called “Me Plus Italy.”

Vote before tonight at 5 p.m. PST here or here.

By Ali Anderson Smith

Utah’s got skills. Here’s some proof:

State-shaped Necklaces (Utah included) / $12 / By Elsa Bags

Hand-bound Journal / $100 / By Lil Bookbinder

Plaid Eye Mask / $12 / By Bib Bon

Organic Ponycorn Onesie / $17 / By Ink Pony

“Mel” Headband / $12 / By Little Shea’s

Flower Screen Print Bag / $25 / By Dela Flamant

Sunny Hairpins / $3. 50 / By Rose Marie’s Bijouterie

Purple Orchid Notecards / $9 / By Nifty Swank

To Market: Finally, everyone’s favorite taste-testing extravaganza is back for summer. The Salt Lake Downtown Farmer’s Market starts this Saturday at 8 a.m. at Pioneer Park. There are arts and crafts too, and we all know how handcrafted earrings with a fine cheese or homemade salsa. Get info here.

Get Rummaging: Public Radio listeners are handing out their hand-me-downs, including furniture, housewares and jewelry at a KCPW Rummage Sale this Saturday, 8 a.m. at Library Square. Get your thrift on to benefit the airwaves. More here.

More Mini’s: If there’s one thing that Sugarhouse stands in need of, it’s a little more sugar, with an emphasis on the little. That’s why news of a second location for Salt Lake’s Mini’s Cupcakes is especially sweet. Small cupcakes are expected to make their big debut at 1100 East and 1700 South anytime in the next couple weeks. Proof positive here.

Socialites: Wanna learn about RSS and Twitter and all the ins and outs of social media? Then take a seat with YHO’s Liz Stanley at a Hands On Kirtsy workshop, taking place next week at Les Madeleines in Salt Lake City on June 16 and again in Provo on June 17. And did we mention it’s free? Learn more and register here or here.

Free Flick: Weekend entertainment gets extra affordable with the help of Friday Night Flicks at various area parks. Bring your blanket, pizza can be provided and delivered by Pier 49, if you please. This weekend, Superman will be making an appearance at Lindsey Gardens. Other Friday lineups here.

Shop those who support YHO! Here’s a word or two about our June sidebar sponsors. Read carefully for the inside scoop.

Jamie Sampson Photography: This Utah gal’s idea of fun includes scouting out twee locations, props and accessories for upcoming shoots—so her clients don’t have to. You just provide the cute kid. Easy enough. Happy, fun, and youthful, Jamie Sampson‘s images are especially cute, and now, those who like a little more control can visit her in her very own studio. See more here.

Bungalow 8 Day Spa: Within the walls of this rosy, 120-year-old cottage, you can get a pick-me-up with a customized massage or mini facial. And that’s just the beginning of the pamper list. Stop by Bungalow 8‘s open house on June 20 where you could win a $160 gift card, or gather five of your bffs for a “Eat Cake ‘n Spa Party,” and you’ll get yours free. Catch your R ‘n R here.

Simplicity Photography: Don’t let the title fool you. When it comes to the camera, photographer Angie Monson will go the extra mile in photographing your family, newborn or wedding. Her style is one part city, one part country and another part studio, so there’s something up her sleeve for everyone—especially if you want images that are warm and crisp. She’s booking for fall sessions now! Visit her here.

Kaleidoscope Boutique: Classy meets kitschy at this friendly-yet-upscale boutique, carrying some of the most unique and interesting products we’ve seen locally. Think Deborah Sweeney, Odd Molly and Faryl Robin on overload under one Kaleidoscope roof. Visit them at 4801 N. University Avenue in Provo’s Riverwoods. Get a feel here.

Jonathan Canlas Photography: If you’re in the market for a local-but-nationally-acclaimed film photographer who doubles as a great teacher, Jonathan is your guy. If you’ve always wanted to attend his Film is Not Dead workshop but have a fear of flying, you’ll be happy to know that the next on will be taking place in Utah. That’s right! A little bird told us it’ll be the October 5 – 7 in the Heber area. You can get more info (and register) by e-mailing Jonathan@jonathancanlasphotography.com.

Mickelle Weber, House Hunter: She moonlights as a scout for movies and TV shows, but what she really wants to do is help you find your location for life. The Realtor-at-large specializes in first-time buyers and million-dollar estates, and everything between. Get the search started with Mickelle Weber by calling (801) 698-8288 or e-mail mickelle@urbanutah.com.

Baby Hank Vintage: They just don’t make ‘em like they used to. If you’re looking to keep your kids as sweet on the outside as they are inside, shop Baby Hank Vintage, where yesteryear’s baby clothes become a beautiful and one-of-a-kind affair. Be sure to stop by the sale section for the best of an already good deal. Start here.

The winner of our mini giveaway with Spark Restaurant Lounge is Kim B. who begged and pleaded for Spark numero dos to be introduced in Salt Lake City. Here’s to wishing!

Kim, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com for details on how to obtain your winnings. Thanks, Spark!