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Friday, September 30, 2011

Nielson's Grove Park in Orem

 I think Nielson's Grove Park in Orem is one of the prettiest parks in Utah County.  It's pretty new, big (21.4 acres), and well maintained.


 Lily and I parked on the south side of the park, although there is plenty of parking on the north side as well.  First we walked to the fountain & reflecting pool.  Lily was excited to see the water.


There are signs everywhere warning not to wade or play in the water because the water is untreated.  Lily did a pretty good job just looking, but I think this part of the park might be harder with older toddlers, or more than one.  I can just imagine some of my nieces and nephews wanting to play in the water, and it being a constant struggle to keep them out.

 On the north side of the park there is a duck pond.  Lily and I sat and watched the ducks, and then a very nice little boy and his mom gave Lily some bread to feed them.  I think feeding the ducks was Lily's favorite part of this park.

 The ducks were very friendly.  You can tell they are used to human interaction.


The playground, also toward the north side of the park, is pretty big but probably better suited for older kids.  The slides and walkways are high and steep.  Older kids would love this playground, but there wasn't a playground more suited for littler kids.  There were a few swings just outside this picture, with 2 baby swings, but the swings were all being used the day we came so we just watched for a minute and moved on.


On the south side of the park they have another swing structure, one that is much higher.  Lily loved swinging in her baby swing.  Since the swing is so much higher, you go a lot farther back and forth without going higher off the ground.  The pro:  These swings are fun.  They are new and exciting.  The con:  There aren't very many swings.  If you go on a busy day, you may have to wait your turn.

The park also has a large, open, grassy area.  We have played softball and frisbee in this open area before.  There are picnic tables surrounding the grassy area.

There are some gardens on the north west side of the park.  There weren't many colorful flowers when we went, but we did wait until the end of September to take a look.  Also, did you know this park has a museum during the summer?  I'm going to have to try that out sometime soon.

Nielson's Grove Park
Sandhill Road 2000 S in Orem

Total Acres: 21.4

The Large Bowery is available for rental and amenities include 12 tables/10 per table = 120 people and 6 electrical outlets. This Bowery is not covered. There are no barbecue braziers available at this site.
The 8 picnic areas are not available for rentals but available for drop-in visits. One electrical outlet is available at each picnic area

Featured Amenities:
Restrooms
Reflecting pool
Fountains
Pond
Greenhouse
Swing
Barn/maintenance shed (not available for rentals)

Museum Hours:
The museum will be open during the summer from 1-3 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and on Wednesdays from 11 am - 1 pm and 4-6 pm. The museum is open thanks to the help of our volunteers. If you would like to volunteer contact the museum volunteer coordinator, at 229-7099. The museum is open by appointment only from November 1 through April 30. Please call 229-7099 to schedule a time to visit the museum.

Mohawk Home Rug - Review and GIVEAWAY for rug up to $150 (ENDED)

I was thrilled when Mohawk Home offered to sponsor a review and giveaway for one of their fabulous rugs.


 To be honest, I wasn't really even in the market for a rug, although apparently I should have been.  Look at the before picture above - doesn't it look kind of boring and lifeless?  I thought my front room was just fine, but I guess I was just used to how dull the room was.


Bottles and sippy cups have not been kind to my carpet.  See the spots?  So embarrassing.  Once I ordered my rug, I was looking forward to covering those up.


We got the rug in the mail, vacuumed it, and laid it out and I AM AMAZED at what it did for my room.  It completed the whole thing - don't you think?  It just ties everything together.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, and so does my husband.  It looks so inviting and home-like.  Looking at the before/after I don't know why I didn't think of something like this before.  I have since been going through my head thinking of all of the other rooms that a rug would look amazing in, and looking online to find the perfect one for each one.

I love the shag feel, but am impressed that this rug doesn't shed like most do.  The color hides things well, so I am not as worried about the spills my little one will almost inevitably have.

Do you love it?  Do you want one?

Mohawk Home has agreed to give 1 very lucky reader a RUG OF THEIR CHOICE (up to $150 value)!!!

THE PRIZE:  The winner may choose any Mohawk rug up to size 5x8 and under $150 from any of these retailers.

TO BE ELIGIBLE: You must be a public follower of this blog. (To follow me, just click "Join this site with Google Friend Connect" on the left column of my blog.)


TO ENTER:  'Like' Mohawk Home on facebook, and leave a comment on their wall telling them I sent you!


EXTRA ENTRIES: You can get 1 extra entry for each of the following:

-Follow Utah County Mom on facebook

-Follow Utah County Mom on twitter

-Follow Utah County Mom on pinterest

-Share this giveaway on your blog, twitter, or facebook with a link to this post (1 entry each)

-Subscribe to Utah County Mom via email (enter your address on the left sidebar)

-Follow Mohawk Home on twitter

Leave a separate comment for each entry for this giveaway.

This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM (Mountain Daylight Time) on October 21, 2011.


Fine print: Although I received a free product for reviewing this product, the opinions on this post are 100% mine. The giveaway is for US entries only.

CONGRATS TO AUBREY WHO WON THIS GIVEAWAY!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

BYU LaVell Edwards Stadium Farmer's Market

 Lily and I went to the LaVell Edwards Stadium Farmers Market today to check it out.


This farmers market was smaller than ones I have been to in the past, but it wasn't as crowded either which I liked.  There were a few craft booths, a booth with honey, a booth with jalapeno jelly, a few booths for bread, and a lot for produce...the usual farmer's market atmosphere but on a smaller scale than Provo's.  They had a booth for the BYU creamery, BYU bookstore, and one where a BYU chef was giving a demo which were all fun.  The prices were good; in fact I was kicking myself for buying peaches at a local fruit stand just minutes before for $4 more than the price at BYU's farmer's market.


I LOVED that they had shopping carts here!  It's hard to go to a farmer's market with a little one, because you can't carry the baby AND all of your stuff, but they figured it out and provide you a cart to take around with you.  Bless you BYU - the carts sold me.


Lily and I had a great time just browsing and snacking on samples.  (In the picture above we are sampling some scrumptious pancakes.)  I loved this farmers market because it was kid friendly (with the samples, lack of huge crowds, and carts) but don't go expecting booths and booths of things to choose from.

I parked in the Museum of Paleontology parking lot just west of the farmer's market, but there was closer parking just east of the farmer's market in the same parking lot.

BYU LaVell Edwards Stadium Farmer's Market
http://dining.byu.edu/farmers_market.html
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm or dusk (whichever is earlier)
Thursdays July 28 - October 27
BYU LaVell Edwards Stadium South Parking Lot

For questions email dining@byu.edu or call Amanda at 801-422-9444

The Sweet Tooth Fairy in Provo - Review and Giveaway (ends Oct 13)


I took Lily on a mommy-daughter date to the Sweet Tooth Fairy last week in East Bay in Provo.  Lily was so excited to pick out her own cupcake to take home with her.


 Lily picked the strawberry one, which the cashier said was the most popular flavor.  She LOVED it.  I have never seen her that intent on eating before.


I have to admit, after initially walking in and seeing the prices I thought it may be a one-time outing for us.  But after tasting the cupcakes and cakebites - they are AMAZING!  The frosting is incredible and the cake is very moist.  It got me to thinking - if I go to a restaurant I easily pay $6 for a sub-par dessert...why not get something I really want for just a couple of dollars?  (And less than I'd pay for icecream)  Yep, I'm convinced.  We are going to start having these mommy-daughter outings to get cupcakes more often.


What really got me was the coconut cakebites I picked up.  I can't even describe it, except to say that it is probably one of my top 5 favorite treats ever.  My husband (who I've mentioned before is a food snob - he knows it's true) took one bite and just said "WOW" which is a big deal for him.


 I have a meeting at my house in about a month with some ladies and you better believe I'll be serving these for dessert.


East Bay
1227 S University Ave.
801-375-3484

University Village at University Mall
1064 S 750 E
801-224-7551

Ok, now that I've got your mouth watering (because mine literally is as I write all about this) do you want to try some of your own?

The Sweet Tooth Fairy has generously offered to host a GIVEAWAY for 1 lucky reader!  The winner will receive a 6 pack of cake bites, and 6 gourmet cupcakes.  ($20 value) This giveaway is for PICKUP only from the Provo or Orem store, so you need to be in the Utah County area to win.

TO BE ELIGIBLE: You must be a public follower of this blog. (To follow me, just click "Join this site with Google Friend Connect" on the left column of my blog.)

TO ENTER: Leave a comment telling me which cake bite flavor you might choose if you win

EXTRA ENTRIES: You can get 1 extra entry for each of the following:
-Follow Utah County Mom on facebook
-Follow Utah County Mom on twitter
-Share this giveaway on your blog, twitter, or facebook with a link to this post (1 entry each)
-Subscribe to Utah County Mom via email (enter your address on the left sidebar)

Leave a separate comment for each entry for this giveaway.

This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM (Mountain Daylight Time) on October 13, 2011.

Fine print: I did not receive any free product for this review, or any form of monetary compensation.  The opinions on this post are 100% mine. The giveaway is for Utah based entries only.

Singers Company in Provo - 1 month FREE tuition!



Camille Anderson from the Singers Company recently contacted me about an opportunity for young girls in the Provo area.  Camille has agreed to give all of my readers 1 month of free tuition!

Singers Company provides a non-competitive opportunity for girls to perform, a fun way to inspire confidence, make friends and share joy through music & dance.

With practice once a week and 2-3 performances at the end of each Singers Company season, these young girls develop talents and skills that last a lifetime. It is inspiring to see a young girl, once afraid to leave her mother’s side, get up in front a large audience and sing a solo with confidence.

Singers Company provides a fun environment for young girls to sing, dance, make friends and rock out. There is so much good that comes from these groups it is time to share it with the world!

Camille has agreed to give all of my readers 1 month of free tuition!  Just email Camille at camille@singerscompany.com to sign up and tell her I sent you!  You'll get a month free just for mentioning my blog.  Visit the Singers Company website for more information about this program.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Primary song birthday cards (FREE template)

Looking for an easy, homemade birthday card for kids?  I love these Primary song birthday cards!  They are easy, and you can't help but smile when you read them.


To make the card, use 1/2 a sheet of white cardstock folded in half.  Then print each message out on colored cardstock, and cut to size. 
(I cut it to be 4" wide so there was a little white edge on each side.)   


Cut a patterned sheet of paper or cardstock for the top, and add a birthday sticker or die cut!


The "You've had a birthday shout HOORAY" free printable can be found HERE.

The "One year older and wiser too..." free printable can be found HERE.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Chocolate Chip Cheeseball Gift - Free Printable and Recipe


This chocolate chip cheeseball is INCREDIBLE!!  It tastes like cheesecake in your mouth.  I have yet to meet someone who didn't rave about it.  Serve it with graham crackers, and I promise you won't be able to stop after just 1 taste.

Chocolate Chip Cheeseball
1 8-oz package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 c butter, softened
3/4 c powdered sugar
2 T brown sugar
1/4 t vanilla
3/4 c mini chocolate chips
3/4 c finely chopped pecans (or more mini chocolate chips)

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese & butter until smooth.  Mix in powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Cover.  Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Shape chilled cream cheese mixture in a ball.  Wrap in plastic wrap.  Chill in the refrigerator about 1 hour.  Roll the cream cheese ball into pecans or mini chocolate chips before serving.  Serve with graham crackers.  Refrigerate leftovers.

Below are some free printables to help make this a perfect and creative gift.  Just right click on the picture to save.





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Today's Creative Blog Blackberry Vine  Tip Junkie Not Just a Housewife Hope Studios Coastal Charm The Thrifty Home Savvy Southern Style   Blue Cricket Design Tea Rose Home  The Thrifty Home Women Who Do It All The Shabby Chic Cottage Beyond the Picket Fence Fireflies and Jellybeans House of Hepworths  A Glimpse Inside  The Brambleberry Cottage  Thrifty 101 Elements-interiors Sweet Peas and Bumblebees Shabby Nest 30 Handmade Days  Tatertots and Jello By Stephanie Lynn Cherished Treasures Be Colorful Between Naps on the Porch Craft-o-maniac GingerSnapCrafts

Vitamins Baby - Review and Giveaway (ENDED)


Lily was so excited when a package arrived, and inside was a Blankie Buddy Giraffe just for her! She promptly took it out of the box and put it in her stroller to talk on a little walk.


I think Blankie Buddies would be perfect for a newborn. I like that they are small and not bulky, so if when your kid gets attached you don't have to lug around something huge to comfort them. I really think it is the perfect size for comforting a small newborn.


I think Blankie Buddies would be an awesome baby shower gift. I love that it comes in a 2 piece set so you can wash one while your baby still has the other one.





Lily loves her Blankie Buddy!

Would you like a Blankie Buddy too? Vitamins Baby has generously offered to give 1 blankie buddy set to a reader of my blog!

TO BE ELIGIBLE: You must be a public follower of this blog. (To follow me, just click "Join this site with Google Friend Connect" on the left column of my blog.)

TO ENTER: Leave a comment telling me which Blankie Buddy Set you'd choose if you won

EXTRA ENTRIES: You can get 1 extra entry for each of the following:
-Follow Utah County Mom on facebook
-Follow Utah County Mom on twitter
-Share this giveaway on your blog, twitter, or facebook with a link to this post (1 entry each)
-Subscribe to Utah County Mom via email (enter your address on the left sidebar)

Leave a separate comment for each entry for this giveaway.

This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM (Mountain Daylight Time) on October 11, 2011.

Fine print: Although I received a free product for reviewing this product, the opinions on this post are 100% mine. The giveaway is for US entries only.

CONGRATS TO BETH WHO WON THIS GIVEAWAY!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Growums Review and Giveaway (ENDED)

I was super excited with Growums offered to send me their Taco Garden to review. I can't wait to plant my seeds next Spring!

Growums Garden Kits come with everything you need to start growing your own delicious vegetables and herbs. They even have an interactive gardening tool online to help teach you every step along the way.

This is a perfect family night idea! I can't wait to plant my Taco Growums Garden Kit in a few months. I am looking forward to helping Lily learn about gardening, and then preparing a meal together using all of the vegetables from our garden.

Growums also has fundraising programs for schools & organizations available.

My Growums Garden Kit came with enough seeds and Coco Pellets for 2 Jalapeno Pepper plants, 2 Iceberg Lettuce plants, 2 Tomato plants, and 2 Cilantro plants.

Doesn't it sound fun? Do you want to win a Growums Garden Kit of your own?

Growums has generously offered to sponsor a GIVEAWAY for 1 of my readers!

1 winner will receive a Growums Garden Kit of their choice!


TO BE ELIGIBLE: You must be a public follower of this blog. (To follow me, just click "Join this site with Google Friend Connect" on the left column of my blog.)


TO ENTER: Leave a comment telling me which Growums Garden Kit you'd choose if you won


EXTRA ENTRIES: You can get 1 extra entry for each of the following:

-Follow Utah County Mom on facebook

-Follow Utah County Mom on twitter

-Share this giveaway on your blog, twitter, or facebook with a link to this post (1 entry each)

-Subscribe to Utah County Mom via email (enter your address on the left sidebar)


Leave a separate comment for each entry for this giveaway.

This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM (Mountain Daylight Time) on October 10, 2011.


Fine print: Although I received a free product for reviewing this product, the opinions on this post are 100% mine. The giveaway is for US entries only.

CONGRATS TO ROBYN WHO WON THIS GIVEAWAY!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Utah Down Syndrome Foundation



Lily has a second cousin, Alea, who has Down syndrome. Alea's family is hosting a fundraising page for the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation.


Alea couldn't be any cuter, don't you agree? Take a look at Alea's site and if you have a little to give, consider donating to her cause.


A non-profit organization established in 1977, the UTAH DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION provides outreach, contact support, activites, eduction, and infomation for individuals with Down syndrome, their parents and families as well a community awareness. This volunteer organization has grown to become Utah's largest support organization in Utah with 14 chapters throughout the state. The UDSF continues today to link families together, to share common challenges, and to educate parents and the public in understanding and appreciating the needs of individuals with Down syndrome.

Things to do in Utah County with kids this week: September 25 - October 1

Updated post for this week can be found HERE.

Looking for fun (and sometimes free) things to do with your kids in Utah County?

Monday, September 26
Fall session of swimming lessons begins at Orem Rec Center
Seasonal flu clinic in Eagle Mountain 3:00 pm
Willy Wolverine Corn Maze at UVU 5:00 pm
Family night on the farm at Thanksgiving Point 5:00 pm
Museum Mondays at Thanksgiving Point 5:00 pm
Family night at Springville Community Pool 6:00 pm
Free Film at Orem Library: The Straight Story 6:30 pm

Tuesday, September 27
Exceptional Kids Club Activity for special needs children 4:00 pm

Wednesday, September 28
Free opera screening at Orem Library 9:30 am
Willy Wolverine Corn Maze at UVU 5:00 pm

Thursday, September 29
Spanish Fork/Salem Scarecrow Contest Entries Due
BYU Stadium Farmers Market 3:00 pm
Fine Art Flamingo Fundraiser at Tracy Aviary 4:00 pm
PG Promenade 5:00 pm

Friday, September 30
Stories from around the world at BYU 11:00 am
Education in Zion Music Friday at BYU 12:00 pm
Kids in the Kitchen: Let's party with Apples - Provo Maceys 4:30 pm
Willy Wolverine Corn Maze at UVU 5:00 pm
BYU football vs. Utah State in Provo 6:00 pm

Saturday, October 1
Farmer's Market in Spanish Fork 8:00 am
Provo Farmer's Market 10:00 am
Lowe's FREE Build and Grown Kinds Clinic 10:00 am
Willy Wolverine Corn Maze at UVU 5:00 pm

(A complete list of events for all dates can be found at our calendar)

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Wikki Stix - Review and Giveaway (ENDED)


On my way to Lake Tahoe this summer, we stopped at a restaurant in Carson City where Lily got her first kids meal.  In addition to crayons, this restaurant gave her a small package of Wikki Stix to play with.  Since she was content with the crayons, I gave the package to my little brother who made this (pictured below) out of them.  (Less than appropriate, but very creative.)  I wish more restaurants here had Wikki Stix for the kids.  They aren't messy and they wouldn't have to worry about kids drawing all over their tables with their crayons.


 I was thrilled when Wikki Stix offered to let me review their product and sponsor a giveaway for one of my readers!  Wikki Stix sent me a Trick-or-treat pack and a Halloween Fun Kit to review.  Right now they are having a special and if you buy a Trick-or-Treat pack they will send you a Halloween Fun Kit for free! (A $7.50 value.)


 The Trick-or-Treat pack came with 50 individual bags which each have 8 Wikki Stix, and a Halloween themed play sheet.  The trick-or-treaters at our house this year are going to be so excited when they get some Wikki Stix of their own to play with!


We all had a ton of fun one night playing with the Wikki Stix making a whole bunch of things.


Each pack comes with at least 1 template.  You can use the template to make a shape, then peel it off if you want to. Each Wikki Stick is just yarn covered in wax, so they are easy to mold and no mess at all.


 The Wikki Stix stick to windows easily but don't leave any residue when you take them off.  My brother made this spider and web and stuck it to the window.  What a great Halloween decoration!


 The boys really got creative with this project.  (See my brother's Wikki Stix glasses above?)  We put off the rest of our plans for the night to keep playing because we were having so much fun.


 My husband made a motorcycle.  We were pretty impressed with his creativity.


My sister-in-law came over last night and made a digger while we sat and talked.  I'm not even going to post the 3-D cat I tried to make - apparently sculpting things with wax strings isn't one of my gifts in life.


 As I was checking out the site I saw Wikki Stix for school - below is their DNA pack.  How cool would it have been in class had my teacher handed out these low-cost teaching tools and let us make our own double helixes?


Don't these things look awesome?  It's genious.  Do you want to play too? 
Lucky for you, Wikki Stix has generously offered to sponsor a GIVEAWAY for 1 lucky reader!
1 winner will receive a trick-or-treat pack and Halloween fun kit just like I received!

TO BE ELIGIBLE: You must be a public follower of this blog.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment telling me what Wikki Stix product you like best. 
EXTRA ENTRIES: You can get 1 extra entry for each of the following:
- Like Utah County Mom on Facebook
- Like Wikki Stix on Facebook
- Follow Utah County Mom on twitter
- Share this giveaway on your blog, twitter, or facebook with a link to this post (1 entry each)
- Subscribe to Utah County Mom via email (enter your address on the left sidebar)
Leave a separate comment for each entry for this giveaway.
This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM (Mountain Daylight Time) on October 8, 2011.

Fine print:  Although I received a free product for reviewing this post, the opinions are 100% mine.  This giveaway is for US entries only


CONGRATS TO CHELLE WHO WON THIS GIVEAWAY!