book review: the maze runner ...

i actually read this book a few months ago, but i am just now getting around to writing a little book review.

if you liked the hunger games , and want some fast easy reading, then you'll enjoy this book, the maze runner by james dashner.

here is a brief library summary:

Thomas wakes up in an elevator, remembering nothing but his own name. He emerges into a world of about 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies from below. A new boy arrives every 30 days. The original group has been in "the glade" for two years, trying to find a way to escape through a maze that surrounds their living space. They have begun to give up hope. Then a comatose girl arrives with a strange note, and their world begins to change. There are some great, fast-paced action scenes, particularly those involving the nightmarish Grievers who plague the boys. Thomas is a likable protagonist who uses the information available to him and his relationships (including his ties to the girl, Teresa) to lead the Gladers.

******

the plot is definately interesting, and a fast read. there will definitely be a sequel, so you are left with some unanswered questions, so i hope they are answered in the next book.

plus, i heard the author is a local guy, so that is good. i'm all about supporting locals!

so, have you read it?

did you like it?

and, what are you reading?

food trucks ...

my husband thinks i'm insane, but i just love food trucks! the food is cheap and good!

so, it has been fun to come across some really cute food trucks around the web for the past little bit. here are my favorites.

the MIHO gastro truck, via oh joy

the darling enjoy cupcakes trailer, via unruly things

tin can treats, via party perfect

so, do any of you know a good food truck in the salt lake city area?

do share!

i saw the chow food truck here in slc, via life at 123 house. is it any good?

zara kids ...

i was thrilled to see on black eiffel that zara kids will available to buy online beginning september 2nd!

spotted: mrs. meyers ....

i spotted my favorite cleaning products, mrs meyers at the wal-mart the other day.

huh!?

basil is my favorite, with lavendar as a close second! it makes cleaning a whole lot easier when your house smells amazing afterwards!

a cherry birthday party ...

i absolutely loved this cherry birthday party by stephanie of stephmodo.

it didn't suprise me in the least that she would come up with such a darling party.

the theme is just perfect for this time of year. and those cherry suckers are to die for, right?

corn fritters ...

my mom used to make these corn fritters for me when i was little. i remember taking a break from running through the sprinklers to enjoy one of these tasty snacks.

now that corn is at it's peak, these corn fritters are a must on your menu.

check out the recipe i am sharing on the zupas blog today.

click here.

{photo by me}

chairs ...

so, i finally picked the chairs for my desks in my studio.

i went with these eiffel style chairs, since really, they were the most comfortable. and, i had a $100 credit at overstock that helped make my decision.

as for the office, i wish i had more to share. i am super slow at getting things done. i have everything, i just need the motivation to finish painting a very large piece that is sitting in my hot hot garage, and when that is moved down, i will be able to hand my horizontal built in cupboards above my desks.

sheesh, i need to get my act together.

'til then..

silky apricot butter {jam} ....

this week i did something i have never done before.

i made apricot butter {jam} all by myself! and, it even turned out really good! which i was happy about, after all the effort. and, isn't it just pretty?!

i've taken advantage of my mom making jam for me over the years, but i thought it was high time i tried it out. so, ezra and the hubs picked a ton of apricots off my parents tree, and off i went.

apricot butter, in comparison to jam is silky smooth, and spreads on toast like a dream. i am new to the fruit butter world, i used to think it was somehow made with butter, but in reality, it has the name because it really spreads like butter. i don't think i'll ever go back now!

i was considering giving away some as gifts, since they look so cute all packaged up.. but after peeling 8lbs of apricots and all the effort, i think i'm going to hoard it for myself. maybe i'll give my parents one...

anyhow, to learn more about fruit butters, and to get this amazing recipe for apricot butter, check out my post on the zupas blog today.

click here.

{photo by me}

free shipping, my birthday, + free golf ...

just a reminder that FREE SHIPPING ends tonight [august 9th] at midnight in my shop.
be sure to take advantage. and, thanks to those of you who already did.

also, thanks for all the nice birthday wishes. i had a great 29th birthday!

i even got to cheat on our no sweets thing, [we've been off sweets since memorial day] and got an amazing raspberry tart from my favorite pastry place, gourmadise.

we also went to the new blue lemon location for lunch downtown, and walked around temple square and reminisced about our wedding day seven years ago.

norah and ezra had fun running wild.

we parked near the salt lake city art center, and they were having an exhibit where 18 contemporary masters each designed a miniature golf hole. it was fun! some of the holes were a little crazy. the children loved it of course.

the exhibit is going on until september 16th. it is worth checking out! and, it's free! so, take the kiddos, they'd love it!

i finished off my birthday with a great birthday nap, a movie, and all you can eat sushi!

a perfect day!

anyhow, today is my 7th wedding anniversary. so, i'm off to celebrate some more...!!

august is a busy month for us!

hip hip hooray! ...

if you haven't checked out the new blog, hip hip horray! then you are in for a treat!
it is all about fun children's parties, which you know i am a fan of!

the blog has some great contributors like founder suann song, of simplesong, and jordan ferney of oh happy day. just to name a few.

go check it out here.

also, my little ezra's circus party invitations were featured on their site today.

check it out in case you missed it a year and a half ago. and, if you missed the party, check it out here.

yum ...

i think the only reason i came across this tart recipe is because i'm currently off sweets.

it looks to die for.

someone, please make it.

recipe here.

birthday weekend = free shipping for you! ...

did you know it's my birthday on saturday?!

i thought you'd like to celebrate with me!

i am offering FREE SHIPPING** in my armelle jewelry shop all weekend from now until monday august 9th until midnight! {which just happens to be my anniversary!} **USA orders only.

so, if there's been a little something you've been eyeing, now is your chance!

here's a few of my favorites in the shop.

the coraline necklace, $32

gloria earrings, $24 {14kt gf}

the sierra necklace, $32

the annette horn necklace, $29

the tiffany necklace, $36 {antiqued sterling silver}

and, the paisley earrings, $23

see them all here!

and, don't forget, FREE SHIPPING ends monday august 9th!

chemistry ...

so, who knew there was so much chemistry invovled in cooking?

my curiousity got the better of me, and i found myself researching the difference between baking powder and baking soda. i guess only a nerdy foodie like myself would find a topic so intriguing.

anyhow, check out my post all about baking powder vs. baking soda on the zupas blog today.

do you know what the difference is? when to use which?

check it out here.

{photo by me}