The Beaded Puma

Lindsey checking out some glittery glass beads.

As part of our audition for SassyScoops (you may have seen our ridiculous audition videos here and here), Kimsey (Kim + Lindsey) headed to her favorite local bead shop, Beaded Puma.

Beaded Puma holds a special place in our hearts, as they helped the r house couture get well-stocked and taught us the basics of beading when r little shop was in the infant stage. They continue to offer endless support, answer questions and welcome us (and everyone!) as family when we walk in the doors.

Margo, Owner of Beaded Puma

Margo and her husband Ray are the owners of Beaded Puma which has been around in one way or another since 1993.

Margo opened Beaded Puma to help her sister (who loved beads) work through "a frumpy mood." They later learned that this "frumpy mood" was leukemia which took her life 2 years later. By then, Margo was in love with beads and stayed in the business.


We were dying to know about the name "Beaded Puma."

The name was inspired by one of Ray and Margo's treasures, this hand beaded Huichol (an Indian tribe in Mexico) puma head.

If you are looking for beads--anything from pearls to garnet to jade--at a great price with a knowledgeable and approachable staff that seriously treats you like family, then you are looking for Margo and Ray of Beaded Puma.

(Kimsey witnessed this family treatment first-hand during our review, as a widowed man approached Margo and asked if he could get a deal on two lapis beads that he wanted to purchase to make a memorial piece for his wife. Of course she said yes. Kim cried.)

Beaded Puma
1227 E 3300 S # G
Salt Lake City, UT 84106-3078
(801) 466-5607

Let us give you a tour of this beloved shop.

In this video Kimsey gives a tour of Beaded Puma including their favorite parts and first impressions.

If you are serious about color and selection, you will love Beaded Puma. Just look at this variety and please, allow your heart to go pitter-patter with all the color!

Pre-World War II Vintage Glass Beads

Precious and Semo-Precious Genuine Stones

Pearls

Sterling Silver Chain

Swarovski Crystals

Turn of the Century size 22 seed and steel beads (haven't made them since 1900) from France.

Genuine Stones

Margo's Favorite (and every girl's!): Diamonds

Precious and Semi-Precious Stones

Margo is passionate about jewelry and wants to share her passion with you. She offers classes in the shop every Saturday! (80's references, shout outs to the pioneers and dry humor are thrown in by Margo for free.)

In this video, Margo shares how her passion for jewelry is rooted in being an accessory junkie! She also talks about the basic beading and stringing classes she offers in the shop every Saturday morning at 10:15am.

Here's The Scoop on The Puma:

What was your first impression? Very clean and well organized store. The set up and displays only invite you in further to experience every thing they have to offer.

What did you like the most? The bead strands. I love to run my hands through them, listen to the clinking and the tapping, it makes me want to buy all of them!

The open case in the middle of the store holds individual beads that you can manipulate and even smell! We wish the lighting was a little better over this area so you can see every sparkle that each bead boasts.

What didn’t you like? The lighting over the open case beads could be a little better, and it is devastating to travel to The Puma and not have Ray there. We love Margo, but Ray, he just can't be beat.

Would you refer a friend? Most definitely. I already have, YOU!

Best selection is right! They even have a BeDazzler!

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say? For the best selection of beads and jewelry making supplies on the Wasatch Front, it is only Beaded Puma for me: 1227 E 3300 S #G

Our favorite part of Beaded Puma allows you to get your creativity on!

In the center of the shop are the open cases where you can handle the beads. The Puma offers this snazzy little trays to their shoppers as well. They trays help you organize your design, compare colors and keep track of what you like. This area ignites your creativity. We promise. (Plus, you can run everything by Margo--she will tell you if it's ugly or not.)

Margo invites you to tap into your creativity--whether it be through beads or through smashing Coke bottles. (Isn't she a hoot?)

*All photos courtesy of Kim Orlandini Photography, 100% film.

Disclaimer: No one was compensated for this post in any way.

A Public Service Announcement from Kimsey

Only three more hours to "Like" Kimsey.

Enjoy:

Blue Lemon

Be still my heart. The Blue Lemon is one of my favorite places to eat. It has been since I was happily introduced to them two years ago. Until now, the only way for me to enjoy it was to hop in my car and drive an hour and a half to get there. Believe me, their tomato bisque soup was worth every second of that car ride, and then this week I discovered there is one just 12 minutes from me.

12. Minutes. That is: 720 Seconds until I can have my mouth on some soup, or sweet potato fries, or the steak griller.

Do you understand the beauty of this?

To make my life even better, this past week I, along with a handful of other Utah bloggers, was invited to come and tour and taste, and be treated to the beauty that is their new downtown Salt Lake City, City Creek Location.

Their first restaurant is beautiful, but this time they may have outdone themselves.

(In the craziness of my week, I completely walked out the door without my camera, or my stack of business cards. The following photos are courtesy of Lindsey, Vanessa and Stephanie. Thank you for sharing guys.)

Me, deciding what to eat. This is hard in that EVERYTHING is good. I am being 100% truthful when I say you cannot order something bad off of this menu. If my tummy was big enough I would eat it all.

Me in awe over the 'not quite pebble' ice. Yummy.

Me, being silly inside the walk in refrigerator. Loved being able to see the 'behind the scenes'. Everything is so clean and organized and fresh. Just what you like to see when you go out to eat.

Me, sitting next to Lindsey devouring my favorite dish on the menu.

Tomato Bisque Soup.

Stephanie and I both ordered the Blue Lemon Steak Griller. Bacon, Gorgonzola cheese, garlic mashed potatoes.

Heaven. Divinity. I am not sure what else I can say, other than I ate every bite. AMAZING.

The portion sizes are generous, yet not over the top.

I felt like I could finish my entire meal guilt free. I like that in a restaurant.

The lovely ladies from the evening. Me, with everyone's hands on my shoulder. I am truly loved. :)

The Blue Lemon folks have been generous enough to offer a coupon to my readers for the next week only! Be sure to copy the coupon now, as next Saturday it will be gone, gone, gone. (Only one per blog reader please. Let's be nice.)

All I ask for you to do is to like the Blue Lemon on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Lemon/118845631471495

Then leave a comment letting me know that you did so. Then you may copy and print off the following coupon.

***Coupon has been removed.***

Good at this location:

Salt Lake City:

801.328.BLUE (2583)
55 W South Temple, SLC, UT 84111

Heber Valley Railroad North Pole Express

Last week my family and I had and amazing opportunity to drive to Heber to ride the North Pole Express.

We eagerly arrived at 15 minutes to spare before the train boarded. I didn't tell the kids where we were going. I think childhood needs to be FULL of surprises. When we arrived the kids were ecstatic and over joyed to be in such a magical place.

We sat in the very front of our car. I wished later that we had been more toward the middle, as I felt like that is where all of the action was.

The train was decorated beautifully for the Christmas holiday. We were given cookies and hot cocoa (that was THE perfect temperature, even Millz was able to partake). Our hostess was such a delight. She led us in singing Christmas songs. The classics. Like, "Up on the Housetop" and "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer". There were stories like T'was the Night Before Christmas and funny elf jokes. Even Hubbs got in on the action.

Mrs. Claus even made an appearance. She sat down with my kids and gave us her secret special recipe for Christmas cookies.

Then the big moment arrived. We stopped at the North Pole. My kids, along with about 7 other kids piled into one seat to catch a glimpse of Santa. During the huge pile I hear someone exclaim, "Ew! Someone farted!" After which the seat cleared out to about 3 kids. I'm guessing the farter stayed, because, my kids were still sitting near the window waving at Santa. Yes, it was my kid. My oldest kid if you must know. (On the way back he shared his goodness as he was sitting next to me.) Sigh.

Santa boarded the train and we were off. He sang some songs to the kids, ran up and down the isle (but didn't quite make it to us). Then he took time to talk to each girl and boy. He didn't ask my kids what they wanted, but we did get to take a photo with him, which was so so so fun for Joth and Memms. Millz was a little freaked out, which is completely normal at her age.

Santa gave each child a wooden top. Which Millz promptly put in her mouth.

We arrived safely back to the station. The kids were on cloud nine. The Christmas spirit had bitten them. We finished up the night with a visit to Dairy Keen, where the train whooshed around above our heads reminding us of the train ride that night.

Want to give your kids the magical experience of the North Pole Express? Here's how.

Families Experience a Magical Holiday Journey Aboard The North Pole Express

Heber Valley Railroad’s “North Pole Express” Gives a New Twist to a Family Tradition

HEBER CITY, Utah — Heber Valley Railroad’s “North Pole Express” is a magical journey Utah families will treasure this holiday season. As a new twist on an old tradition, the North Pole Express will feature a live reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” a classic holiday favorite that will come to life as families enjoy a festive ride to the North Pole.

Guests aboard the North Pole Express will enjoy singing carols, sipping hot chocolate and eating cookies while reading along or listening to the “The Night Before Christmas.” Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa and his sleigh will greet the children and give each child a special Christmas gift.

Tickets are now on sale for this popular holiday train, which is a long-standing tradition for thousands of Utah families. First class service is available most weekends during the North Pole Express schedule. Due to the high demand for tickets, the Heber Valley Railroad is offering two matinee excursions on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 23-24, 2010.

The North Pole Express will depart every Monday through Saturday through December 24, 2010.

Nightly Excursions

• Depart 5 p.m.; return 6:30 p.m.
• Depart 7:30 p.m.; return 9 p.m.

Matinee Excursions (December 23-24 only)

• Depart 2 p.m.; return 3:30 p.m.

Schedule and Fares

Family Night: December 1, 2, 6, 13

• $29 adult, $26 senior (ages 60 and above), $18 child (ages 3-12)

Coach: December 3, 4, 7-11, 14-18, 20-23

• $32 adult, $29 senior (ages 60 and above), $21 child (ages 3-12)

First Class: December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 20-23

• $47 adult, $44 senior (ages 60 and above), $36 child (ages 3-12)

Matinee: December 23, 24

• $29 adult, $26 senior (ages 60 and above), $18 child (ages 3-12)

Tickets can be purchased by calling SmithsTix at 800-888-TIXX, by calling the railroad at 435-654-5601, online at www.HeberValleyRailroad.org, or at the Heber Valley Depot, 450 South 600 West, Heber City. For more information and directions, contact the Heber Valley Railroad at 435-654-5601 or visitwww.HeberValleyRailroad.org.

**Full disclosure: My family was given free tickets to ride the train. This post and the opinions contained herein are my own.**

The winner of the Thanksgiving Point Annual Pass is:

according to www.random.org the winner of 93 comments is commenter #46:

The Snellie's said...

I am a follower now!!! Still crossing my fingers!!!

Wednesday, December 08, 2010 5:03:00 PM

Thanks so much for all of the fun comments and ideas of things to do at Thanksgiving Point. I wish I had a pass for everyone to have the opportunity.

Have some Happy Holidays everyone!

Thanksgiving Point 2011 Annual Pass Giveaway

Due to being censored for the next 29.5 days (completely looking forward to that birthday present), you may enter this giveaway HERE.

All previous entries and comments are still in affect. Thank you!

Utah Museum of Natural History

A few weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to hang out with some of my favorite local bloggers and friends. The Utah Museum of Natural History invited us on a tour of the construction site of their new museum.

The day started out bright and early and beautiful. It was a hard hat tour, so needless to say we donned our finest boots, safety goggles and hard hats. We all looked super stunning and fabulous. You want to know what was truly stunning though?

This museum. Breathtaking.

It sits at the foothills of the Wasatch mountains just east of the University of Utah campus. The panoramic view from this space is awe inspiring. Being a photographer, I can appreciate the beauty that my eye sees both from this building and this building itself. It is going to be amazing folks. Amazing.

I may or may not have gotten a little crush on the tour guide. I am sure he is my dad's age, but he was just so handsome and funny and sweet in that 'dad' sort of a way.

Truth be told, a few times a year I try to drag my kids out and up to the current museum. I somehow always talk myself out of it. "Parking will be a nightmare, I can't do Traxx with three kids, yada, yada...". This new museum will have none of those excuses. I am so excited to take my kids there all the time. It will be the perfect venue for my dinosaur/science loving 7 year old. They will even rent out the venue for parties and weddings. (I can't wait to photograph my first wedding there.)

The builders and planners thought of everything, from the coat check at the front door, to the Canyon Room to the walkways that lead you over the canyon. It is just beautiful. Words cannot do it justice, and even though it is a severe construction site, you can get an idea of its grandeur and beauty here.

Seriously though, construction and hard hats run in my veins. I look pretty stunning in this photo with Lindsey don't I?

Emily, thank you for this hawt photo, next time tell me to stand up straight. Oh I have such a mighty hump.

P.S. If you don't read Emily's blog, you should...she is one of my most favorite people in this world.

I hope it will geek you guys up as well. Make plans to visit the grand opening, you won't regret it.

Afterward, we all were treated to lunch at the Corner Bakery. The manager was so nice and helpful when it came to ordering. I love sandwiches and always have the hardest time deciding. I went with a BBLT. Double bacon. The world is truly a better place when it comes to bacon in my face, you double that? I am a happy queen. Next time I have a sitter, I am definitely going back. Especially now that there is one by the mall...double bonus.

I am going to leave you with one last shot of myself and my lady friends in all of our glorious orange-ness. I forgot to mention the vest above. So slimming.



***Full Disclosure: I was given the amazing opportunity to see the new museum under construction and was then given a delicious meal with my friends at the Corner Bakery. I was given the opportunity to blog about this experience if I so desired, which I did desire, therefore, here you see me posting about it. I truly hope you will all visit both places in the future, to experience the awesomeness for yourself.***

Give Health

What have you done for yourself today?

Me? I am about to take a shower. Probably a five to ten minute shower in nice hot, CLEAN water. I have had 3 glasses of deliciously ice cold water today, and guess what? That was clean too. I also had breakfast and lunch, and I have so many extra pounds on my body I can't stand it. I am lucky.

What have you done for someone else today?

Me? Right now I am hoping to change the life of someone if even for a day, with your help.

I just got home from BlogHer '10 in New York. While there I had the AMAZING opportunity to meet with P&G to learn more about their Give Health Clean Water Blogivation. I was astounded and teary eyed learning about what this company is doing to provide clean water to those around the world who need it.



We are all SO blessed. Especially those of us who wake up each day without thinking one second about our water supply. I chose to write this blog to you so that we can help change the lives of so many in need.

As a mother, my heart aches at the thought of not being able to provide essential necessities for your child. One like clean water at the top of the list is excruciating for me to think of. I want to do everything in my power to help another mother provide this simple thing for their child.

This information is astounding as well.

I am asking you to vote! For every vote I get from this post, P&G will donate a day of clean water for someone who probably has never had it! How amazing is that?

So...lookie over there ---------------------------------------------------------------------->

With a simple click, that is all we need to helps someone in need! (Let's do this thing and rock it out of the park! Come and vote every day until next Friday!

You may also click here as well, vote EVERY day until next Friday! Thank you!

Bye!

photo by moosh in indy on my 35mm

I am leaving today, to attend BlogHer. Remember how I won that ticket? I feel so lucky! The fun thing? I will be gone for more than just the conference. I just wanted you to know that I may not be able to post much while I am away. I have some sweet posts lined up in the form of what I like to call, "Love letters to J-Man." Mostly because the next two posts are about him, and his ginormous heart. He truly is the best.

So, as I leave on a jet plane, I just want to say thank you! Thank you to all of those who come here and read, and share their thoughts and feelings. This is why I blog. To be me, to meet you, to get to know me better through you. May you all have a wonderful few weeks!

xo

If I can be a tenth of what she is...

...her incredible beauty, inside, and indeed out...inspire me.
Lift me.
Help me to reach and stretch to be better.

I hope she knows just how highly I think of her.
How much she has changed me.
Thank you Nie.
Thank you.

Grab a tissue.
You will most certainly need it.

Casual Blogger Conference...are you going to go with me?

Friends!
I just signed up to attend the CBC with mrs. r in May.

I am STOKED for this conference.
I want you to come with me!
It is going to be LEGIT.

Some RAD local bloggers will be speaking, people like CJane and Loralee...and Vanessa, and Kristina,
and, AND, A N D
My! BFF! CASEY!
as well as loads of other really rad bloggers.

Two of whom I have met IRL already...one I can't wait to meet.
We all need a party...so come and hang out with me. I need a jolt awake back into my blogging groove...don't you?
Also, who doesn't like swag and to party it up away from the kids from time to time?

<--------sign up to come with me over there! Let's meet IRL if we haven't yet. xoxo