Mention names like Monique Lhuillier, Augusta Jones and Melissa Sweet, and we might get a little tipsy. Now add price tags as low as $400 – $1000, and you’ll have to be putting us back in our chairs.

You can expect some bewilderment this weekend when favorite bridal boutique Alta MODA puts on its annual sample sale. To make room for new arrivals, they’ve marked down over 50 designer dresses at 50 – 85%. Seriously. The once-a-year sale is first-come, first-serve and begins at 10 a.m. You best throw on your comfies and grab some hot cocoa, but rest assured you’ll wait for your turn in style: the front parlour will be open and refreshments will be served.

As for light-headedness, we can’t make any promises. News of this kind just has that giddy effect. In the meantime, take a deep breath and grab a glass of water.

{See Stars}

Alta MODA Annual Sample Sale
Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Alta MODA Bridal
637 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City
(801) 531-1215
www.altamodabridal.com

Get ‘em while they’re hot:

Hang around with this vintage mirror. See it here.

Gather the fam around this immoveable piece. See it here.

Put a poppy pattern on this cozy chair. See it here.

Make room for this cheery radio console. See it here.

Have some coffee, or soda, on this MCM number. See it here.

Shopportunities: Snatch up your one-of-a-kinds at The Beehive Bazaar in Provo, the Sassy Cupcake Boutique in Weber, and the Art Market in Salt Lake City. Get your crafty on this weekend.

Go See: Only fourteen theatres nationwide get ‘em, and lucky for you, the Broadway is one of them. You can see the Best of Sundance Film Festival Shorts starting tomorrow night in SLC. Learn more here, and get showtimes here.

Attack It: Remember Card Sharks? These locals are feeling jaw-ly this holiday season and offering YHO readers 40% off. Do some shopping, and use code YHOCARDS at checkout. Start here.

We prefer red velvet and vanilla-on-vanilla, but here’s a cupcake we wouldn’t mind biting into. At a sass-alicious affair called Sassy Cupcake Boutique going down (or shall we say up) this weekend in South Weber, ladies in Davis and Weber Counties and feast on all kinds of locally-made goodies. (Or ladies anywhere that have a little wanderlust.)

Savor the flavor with some of the best-designed baby crocheted hats you’ve ever laid eyeballs on, antique-inspired aprons, cute magnets, tempting gumball jars, and, you guessed it, a whole lot more. Right now, cupcakes like this only come around once a year.

{Sass for Masses}

Sassy Cupcake Boutique
Friday, noon – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
7977 S. 2310 East
South Weber, Utah
www.thesassycupcake.blogspot.com

She hails from the Midwest and New England and lives in Utah, but don’t be surprised if you find Stephanie Brubaker shacking up in France or tip-toeing into Italy. Our favorite Francophile doubles as a Chalet-owner in the French countryside but in this neck of the woods, you’re likely to run into her at the market where she’ll recommend a good gruyere for your grilled cheese, or thumbing through Sevens at the Rack. (Go with the high-waisted boot cut, she’d say.)

What we love most about this Odyssey-drivin’ hot mama is her good sets of eyes … and ears. She knows it all, and around here, she shares her favorite local finds—be it Tulie Bakery or TV personality. Get more tips from Stephanie at her blog, www.stephmodo.com. You can follow her posts here.

At long last, it’s December. We’ve been waiting all year. And we’re not just talking candy canes and Christmas carols. We’re talking three days of crafty goodness whipped up by a handful of super-talented local artists. We’re talking a hip and hand-picked inventory of jewelry, paintings, bags, clothing and accessories. We’re talking good gifts and good times for all.

Especially if you visit tomorrow when an opening night celebration comes complete with treats and music. And now we’ll stop talking. Spreads of this kind can speak for themselves.

{How Bazaar}

The Beehive Bazaar
Thursday, 9 p.m. – midnight; Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Women’s Cultural Center
310 W. 500 North
Provo, Utah
www.thebeehivebazaar.com

Win a bet with your dad, and you might score his Canon A1 you’ve been eyeing for years. Combine that with stunning views of the California foothills just waiting to be documented, and you might be on the road to a career in photography.

It’s definitely a gamble that worked out for YHO photographer Cody Buell. California bred and self-trained, you’ve seen a lot of his work around this place (see here, for a handful of good examples).

But we figure it’s time we tell you about the other Cody. Or at least the other side of him: The guy who snatched a magazine-worthy image of blue bridesmaid’s shoes lined up in a row, but who can also turn a desert horizon into a work of art. The guy with a photojournalistic approach to photography that makes him an ideal choice for documenting your big day.

First off, Cody’s favorite thing to photograph is people. We’ve heard him say that documenting a relationship is the best part of photography. This will certainly come in handy when everyone you love comes together to celebrate you and your beloved, or when you get the family all together for a one-time portrait.

Secondly and thirdly (and fourthly too), Cody has perfected a soft, clean style and his images are filled with warm, natural light. He’s got the whole composition thing down-pat and doesn’t rely on software to get the look he wants. We love a good pola or vintage effect as much as the next bride, but in the long run, natural photos are the ones that will stand the test of time.

Cody will capture yours with film or digital, should you prefer one or the other. So really, going with this guy isn’t much of a gamble at all. Just ask Courtney.

{Buell It Up}

Cody Buell Photography
Cody (at) codybuell.com
(801) 361-4309
www.codybuell.com

{Doorprize!} Cody is feeling generous and will be handing out either one engagement session or one small family shoot (up to six people) to just one winner. Want in on the fun? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, December 6.

From fun images (owls in love and yellow umbrellas) to cheeky names and cute fonts, Etsy seller Ello There will have you at … hello. This Salt Lake-based shop spins out semi-customizeable save-the-dates and wedding invitations that allow you to choose your own wording and color schemes. Cheery and just a bit campy, we dig designs like the chalkboard-inspired Jackie & Robert and the eye-catching Big Red Balloon.

As an added bonus, Ello There works on a wind-powered press so your invitations can come guilt-free. And they’ll throw in rounded corners for free, if you like.

{Say Hi}

Ello There
www.etsy.com/shop/ellothere

Happy Thanksgiving, turkey lurkeys. As always, we’re grateful for you guys this time of year … and every time of year. Enjoy your family time and Black Friday extravaganza. And of course, your feast.

Til Monday….

Dear Santa,

We know you’re busy this time of year, but if you could pretty please squeeze it in, we’d appreciate it if you swing by the exclusive Pamper Yourself Trunk Show in Heber next Wednesday. We’ll have one of those delicious handbags we saw featured in Elle and Vogue. Or, if you’d rather, that beautiful necklace we spied in In Style will do the job. While you’re at it, grab some of those letterpressed thank-you cards for our stockings.

We’ll be sure to send you one.

Xoxo, YHO

{Pamper You & Yours}

Pamper Yourself Trunk Show
Wednesday, December 2, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sycamore Street Press Shop
904 S. 300 West, Heber
(435) 671-3001

When Friday comes a day early, so does Thursday. Three cheers for turkey, tofurkey and an entire day dedicated to giving thanks. Here’s what’s up for next week:

Hurry Up/Stock Up: If you stop by Broadway’s Slow Train today for their Biggest Sale Ever, you’ll pick up any in-stock album for just $9.99. Downloads are what, $1.25, these days? You do the math. Sale details here.

Light It Up: The magic happens at 5:25 p.m. on Friday. Aside from the old favorites like Temple Square’s million strong, this year, Grand America boasts “A Grand Holiday Festival” and the new 222 Main unveils three holiday-themed window displays. Get the rundown from the Des here.

Ice For You: The Gallivan Center rink is ready for you to carve it up on Thanksgiving Day at noon. Bring a can of food and get free skate rental. Check it out here.

The Strokes: Language and artistry come together with writing by Chinese calligraphy artist Ma Weihua, now on at the Main Library. Writing/painting since age ten, he also takes it out on wood and stone. Info here.

In the Trunk: The UMFA hosts its first-ever Trunk Sale on Wednesday, December 2. Local artists and consigners come together, along with free admission, gift wrap and holiday music. Shopping starts at 4 p.m. More here.

And if you’re still stumped with the turkey lurking, visit this archived post for some last-minute inspiration and know-how.

By Caroline King

One of the reasons I love Thanksgiving so much is all pie. You name it: pecan, apple, rhubarb, chocolate banana cream, and of course, pumpkin. Pumpkin is practically obligatory, but oh-so delicious. It’s such a simple pie, but when made right, it’s really tough to beat.

This pumpkin pie recipe from my very own mom has the best flavor and texture of any I’ve tried. Then I saw a link for a dulce de leche pumpkin pie on recipegirl.com via foodgawker, and it looked pretty amazing. So, to marry two great recipes, I added the dulce de leche that this recipe calls for to my mom’s. It’s a fantastic twist on an old classic.

Ingredients:

1 unbaked pie crust
3/4 can of dulce de leche (I microwaved for about 20 seconds to soften)
1 1/4 cup pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 tablespoon flour
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup evaporated milk
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and move the rack to the second-to-bottom position. Scoop softened dulce de leche in unbaked pie shell and set aside. Combine pumpkin, sugar, salt, spices and flour in a mixing bowl. Add egs; mix well. Add evaporated milk, water and vanilla. Mix well. Pour mixture into shell, on top of dulce de leche. Bake for 45 – 50 minutes until center jiggles only slightly.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. It’s all about making a good impression. And just in time for the card-crazy season ahead, Eva Jorgensen of Sycamore Street Press is squeezing in two more Beginning Letterpress Classes this very Saturday!

On November 28, head to Heber and get impressed by letterpress. In four hours, you’ll learn the jist of this cool, ages-old printing method, and leave with your own set of 50 handprinted, made-by-you holiday cards plus envelopes and liners.

The class size is limited to ten, which means you need to sign up soon. (Like, today or maybe tomorrow.) It also means you won’t get stuck staring at the tall guy’s back.

Register by sending an e-mail to eva (at) sycamorestreetpress.com.

{Impressed?}

Beginning Letterpress Class
With Eva Jorgensen
November 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 3 – 7 p.m.
Sycamore Street Press Studio
Heber, Utah
$50 class fee, plus $45 materials fee
www.sycamorestreetpress.com
www.sycamorestreetclasses.blogspot.com

Here’s the latest from around the state:

Elk Thread Sketch / $30 / By Baumcat

Faux Bois Clock / $46 / By Faire Houre

Vintage Secrets Necklace / $17.50 / By Liv(e) and Love

Mini Blue Journal / $10 / By Green Flag Design

Baby Boy Shoe Pattern / $4.49 / By Lady Bug

Futuristic Wolf T-Shirt / $20 / By Dela Flamant

Checked Leg Warmers for Baby / $8 / By Princess Boutiq

Drumset Onesie / $15 / By The Full Spectrum

Sometimes the weekend comes a day early. Or at least it feels like it. Case in point: Tom and Lucy’s Art Shoppe kicks off tuh-day … along with Tuh-wilight once midnight strikes. (Don’t worry; Tom & Lucy will have Team Edward and Team Jacob goodies on-hand, to tie your day together nicely.)

The crafty energy strikes up at a clubhouse in Lehi. You’ll see pressed monogram pendants, locally-made graphic prints, mod diaper bags, handbags crafted with vintage materials, feather-ridden hairpieces and a whole lotta more. See it all as the show continues through Saturday night.

{Shoppe It Up}

Tom & Lucy’s Art Shoppe
November 19, 4 – 9 p.m; November 20, 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and November 21, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Ivory Ridge Country Club
32 E. Clubview Lane, Lehi (directions)
www.tomandlucysartshoppe.com

Newcomer Angela (welcome!) is looking for somewhere special to celebrate her visiting nephew’s very first birthday. Aside from making sure the man of the hour has the time of his life, she’s hoping for a restaurant that the adults can enjoy while the kids stay busy. So … maybe something beyond the Chuck E. Cheese routine.

You’ll get bonus points if you find a place that’s locally-owned. Chime in below!

If you’re gonna go for a natural high, we figure a design high is a good place to start. And since we all love our designy blogs (think interior design, decorating, DIY-ing, fashion, photography, graphic and product design, to name a few), we’re thrilled to spread the news about what might be the end-all, be-all design blogger high.

Aptly named, the Altitude Design Summit, selected Utah as its home for 2010. Overlapping with the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Alt goes down (or up) January 21 – 23 in Salt Lake City. Aside from shmoozing with your favorite artistic types, you’ll get smartened up on the likes of marketing, monetizing, and growing your blog community in a series of courses spread over three days. So you can feast both sides of your sexy brain.

Register today and you’ll get $100 off. Learn more here.

{Design for Higher}

Altitude Design Summit
January 21 – 23, 2010
Salt Lake City, Utah
Register TODAY to get $100 off
www.altitudesummit.com

More introducing of the YHO team….

There are scientists and there are mad scientists. And then there’s Caroline King. Make no bundts about it, you know you’ve got the whole baking thing down pat when you can brew up your very own concoctions in your very own laboratory (aka kitchen.) Hailing from a small town near San Francisco—her favorite metropolitan mecca—Caroline knows how to put the hip in pumpkin chocolate chip cookie.

In a pinch, you never know what she might be out for: It could be vintage or modern, hip hop or soul, Kitchen Aid or Bosch. And this low-key gourmand is as likely to reach for the Cheerios as she is yams sauteed in coconut oil with pine nuts and gruyere.

And in case you were wondering about that whole Kitchen Aid or Bosch thing, this girl has both.

Caroline tests recipes and shares her very own favorites at www.carolinesbakeshop.blogspot.com. Right now she’s whipping up a whole lotta Nigella goodness.

Follow her “Sweet Caroline” posts by clicking here.

The totally sweet show is back just in time for holiday shopping, and better than ever. What’s new, you ask? We’re excited about the debut of must-haves like mineral makeup, vintage cake plates and handmade quilts, for starters. Others like notions, potions and sugary confections also sound particularly appealing this time of year. Or any time of year.

Of course, there will be a whole lot more when the Oh Sweet Sadie Art & Gift Show goes overboard for its fifth anniversary. Pencil in some serious stock-up shopping November 18 through 21 in South Jordan.

{Sweet Spot}

Oh Sweet Sadie Art and Gift Show
November 18 – 21, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. with a wrap-up party on Saturday from 3 – 5 p.m.
SoDa Row at Daybreak (South Jordan)
www.ohsweetsadie.com

By Stephanie Brubaker

You might have heard of Utahn-turned-New Yorker Kelsey Nixon. Perhaps you saw her on one of two Food Network Shows: “Next Food Network Star” or “By the Book & Off the Hook.” (For the record, she’s a book girl.) And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ve met her. She’s the likable type—her positive, energetic and ambitious nature mixed with a true blue “down home” attitude made her the fan favorite on “The Next Food Network Star.”

But if you’re really lucky, you might have had a bite of her home cookin’. Kelsey pursued her love of food at an age when most of use were focusing on what to wear to prom. When she began her education at Brigham Young University, this go-getter thoughtfully went about making her dreams come true. As a sophomore, she created a college cooking show called “Kelsey’s Kitchen” (now the name of her blog, www.kelseyskitchen.blogspot.com). From there, she interned with Martha Stewart Living with “Everyday Food” and, of course, NBC’s “Martha.” She also stayed busy working as a production assistant on Sandra Lee’s “Semi-Homemade Cooking,” where she she prepped food and ironed cloth napkins on the beach. Yep, on the beach.

After wrapping up her degree in Broadcast Journalism and many internships, Kelsey jumped to the West Coast and completed culinary school in Los Angeles. She also squeezed in a well-styled wedding to her college sweetheart and a fine cooking certificate from the prestigious French Culinary Institute of New York. This Utah gal is also the Pyrex Representative, and we’d like to congratulate her on her recipe recently published in none other than Bon Appetit.

If you can catch up with this lil’ whirlwind, be sure to say hi. She’s the talkin’ kind.

Here’s the rest from this Utah lady:

Name: Kelsey Nixon Egan

Occupation: Cooking Personality and Recipe Development

When I grow up, I want to be: Someone who inspires people in the kitchen, a food writer and a really great mom

The best thing about growing up in Utah was: Being surrounded by a tight-knit family

If/when I have 24 hours in Utah, I always:

• See my family and stay up way too late talking about nonsense
• Admire the mountains
• Eat at a local favorite (Pizzeria 712, Communal, Hires Big H, Tin Angel, Grappa)
• Work … unfortunately

Utah has the best: People

Now I live in: New York City

New York City has the best: Restaurants and shopping

If I could be anywhere right now, it would be: At dinner with my husband, someplace charming

Five hearts:

• My husband
• Vanilla bean paste
• Dishes (preferably from Fishs Eddy)
• Eating really great, simple food
• Chocolate-covered cinnamon bears

Five hates:

• Cream cheese
• Being either too busy or too bored
• Rent
• Embarrassing moments
• Messes

I can’t live without my: iPhone

The last party I went to was: A launch party from Food2.com

And I wore: A snazzy little Betsey Johnson shrug with jeans and a pretty yellow blouse. A flowery something was pinned in my hair.

Favorite product featured on your site: Vanilla bean paste

Favorite product on earth: Fresh, old-fashioned, unsalted, straight-from-the-churn butter