I Am Grateful...

for teachers that coordinate the kids' crafts for my Thanksgiving photo. Just kidding.

I am thankful for these two. So so thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

So Eva and So Samuel

Today, Eva had ballet class. I was doing my usual, "Hurry, get in the car! We have to go!" Eva was busy in her room doing her usual, making something. She walks out, hiding something behind her back. In the car she shows me that she has made construction paper bracelets for everyone in her dance class. She said she made them like peppermint. They had red stripes. She even had a roll of tape in her bag so they could tape them on. After class, all the moms were waiting and the assistant came out and said, "They will be out in a minute, they are passing out bracelets". All the girls came filing out super excited, "Mom, she gave me a paper bracelet!" As we were walking out little girls kept saying, "Thanks for the bracelet!" So Eva, so sweet.

And Samuel? This is how we went around in the grocery store. I finally had to kick him out when the groceries got too heavy in my arms.

Mornings

Love those lazy mornings of bed head and pajamas...

Good, Better, Best... Bitty Cakes

Hi, today, I am still thankful for food...

I guess cupcakes are all the rage because shops are popping up all over. There are still a few that I need to try but of the ones I have tried:

Good: So Cupcake 3939 S. Highland Dr.

The Goods: The shop is super cute and they have a really sweet story behind the whole store. They have a huge variety and each one is unique and colorful.

The Okays: I feel bad saying this but I haven't loved any of them, even though I keep trying to. They are just a little on the dry side.

Better: Nothing Bundt Cakes 10389 S. State Street

The Betters: The cake is so moist, dense and tasty and the shop is very cute.

The Okays: I didn't realize that this is a franchise. Kinda takes away from the charm.

Best: Diva's Cupcakes and Coffee 1560 E. 3300 South

The Bests: The shop is neat inside. The cupcake was so moist and so good.

The Okays: I didn't buy two :).

Good, Better, Best... Mexican

Okay, I probably shouldn't admit it but I just realized why every one has been blogging about what they are thankful for. Um, hello.

Okay, so, me too! I am thankful for... FOOD! I am going through all my photos and have tons of food that I want to blog about, that is why all the food reviews. At least for this week.

Good: La Puente 7301 S 900 E

There are a few locations, but this one is my favorite.

The Goods: The chips and salsa they bring out when you sit down. The salsa is in this big ketchup-esque squeeze bottle and you get to squeeze as much as you want. The thin but strong, and delicious (ooo, and who wouldn't want to be described that way?) chips are dusted with chili powder for a little kick. Sometimes I get an order of chips and salsa to take home. The smothered burrito with cheese no onions cannot be beat. The sauce, the thick tortilla, the cheese... I scoop up every last drop with the great chips.

The Okays: The above mentioned things are the only things I like there. The rest? Can you say, "Taco Bell?"

Sue, the girl who introduced me to this place, proudly displays her dish.

Better: Trompos 2265 E Fort Union Blvd

The Betters: A drive through. They have a drive through. That means so much to a mommy of two. Fast food, delicious Mexican food, fast food, delicious Mexican food... you know who wins for me! Their flour tortillas are so fresh, chewy, and oh so yummy. If you choose to dine in, some of their dishes come on this cool wooden thing. I love thoughtful presentation. They have a great variety... their tacos al Pastor (which they always recommend) and smothered burritos are worth trying.

The Okays: I feel bad for them but they are located in kind of crappy place. Seems like restaurants always go out of business here. Help them out! The cheese and chorizo dip was so greasy it made me feel kind of heavy and guilty... but probably not guilty enough to not get it again.

Best: Restaurant Morelia 6098 S State St

The Bests: Maybe it is because I have fond memories of this place because, growing up we used to go there after we went shopping or maybe it is because everything tastes better slathered in melted cheese... I don't know but I just love this place. The staff is super friendly. I have probably tried almost everything on the menu and I love it, especially when it is topped with their super fresh salsa. They are super consistent, you always know what you are going to get. My favorites? The loaded nachos and the fajitas.

The Okays: I am not the only one that loves this place, therefore it is usually very crowded. To make the wait more bearable, I usually hop on over to the nearby Cotton Shop. They have two kinds of ice, I haven't figured out how they decide which one you are going to get and I keep forgetting to ask for the crushed kind.

Once upon a time, we all fit in a single booth. My, look how we have grown.

Bonus- the Bestest: Lone Star Taqueria 2265 Fort Union Boulevard

The Bestests: Drive through. You know how I appreciate a drive through. Their carne asada salad is a great way to get in your veggies. Things I love, let's see, their giant burritos, their fish tacos and the sauce that comes with it, their fun decor... Hey, if it is good enough for Food Network's, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, it is good enough for me.

The Okays: Can get crowded, but I guess that is part of the experience.

Good, Better, Best... Girl Food

Food, Food, Food...

When it is time to go out to lunch with friends, I always want the perfect place with "girl food." In my mind, girl food is fresh and pretty with an ambiance to match.

Good: Zinn Bistro 2020 E 3300 S

The Goods: The famous bread/pastry basket is amazing. There are about 7 different treats in there to get your appetite going.

The Okays: The "I can't believe my mom is making me work here" attitude of the staff. I acted too annoyed to even talk to us. No thanks, I have my own kids to treat me like that. Seems like they price the entrees to cover for the enormous bread basket so, we're talking $15 (over dressed) salads and $12 soups.
Better: Oasis 151 S 500 E

The Betters: I liked the whole "I love the earth" atmosphere of this place. I have had the veggie sandwich, the brie panini, the veggie burger and I can't remember what else and they have all been super tasty. You don't feel all oafy after eating here because the ingredients are so fresh and light.

The Okays: The food takes a while but maybe people that love the earth like it that way.

Best: Food for Thought 12640 Fort St, Draper

The Goods: This place takes the cake for girly atmosphere... The wait staff was so nice and let us sit and chat for a really long time after our food was gone.

The Okays: It isn't super kid friendly, they didn't really like it when Samuel ran into the kitchen, um, but who would? It just seems like a great place to go with girlfriends where you don't have to yell to have your conversation. So, it kind of makes sense that it isn't kid friendly.

The Experience: The second time I went, Paula ordered hot chocolate and it came in this huge bowl looking thing. Samuel stuck his straw in to have a taste and before we knew it all four kids had their straws and they downed the whole thing. Paula only got a sip.

This is the only photo I can find from all three of these places. Us in front of Food for Thought.

Good, Better, Best... Sandwiches

Good: House of Bread 2005 E 2700 S

I love local little shops and sometimes I go just because I want them to "make it."

The Goods: The giant wheat grinder in the dining area, the Veggie Triple Cheese Delight on Squaw bread

The Okays: The mini cinamon rolls that they offer with every order and the broccoli cheese soup.

The experience: Eva cracked us up when we realized that she was sneaking all of Karl's cinamon roll. Found some (daring for now but I will wear them when I get used to them) boots for $10 at Whimsy, the store next door.

Better: Robin's Nest 311 S Main

(don't make the mistake I did and go to 33rd S, that location is closed)

Karl goes here all the time and I have wanted to try it out.

The Betters: The cute (yep, cute) tri colored chips, the decor, the Dessert Bites for 75 cents

The Okays: The Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate, sound gross? Well, that's because, uh, well, it is.

Best: Village Baker 1658 W 9000 S

This place has pizza, salads, and sandwiches.

The Bests: Good Ranch (maybe its the Utah in me, but I consider good Ranch dressing one of the finest seasonings out there), awesome chef salad (and many other great salads), they will make your pizza on whole wheat if you ask. Oh, and yes, they have many delicious sandwiches, my favorite is Turkey Breast and Provolone on squaw bread.

The Okays: They don't have any inside seating! You have to get take out.

(Sorry, sandwich was devoured before I remembered to take a picture. That happens a lot)

Triple Threat

This was a night of lessons for me:

Don't leave a box of packing peanuts in the basement.

If you notice the kids with a few, stop them and put the rest away.

Packing peanuts do not vacuum well, you have to sweep them, then vacuum.

Packing peanuts get static and stick everywhere .

The kids (along with play date friend, Sara, not shown) found a whole box and scattered them everywhere. I didn't think to get the camera until it was mostly cleaned up. I was too upset.

After cleaning for what felt like forever (actually me cleaning and trying to make the kids think they are cleaning) I asked the kids if it was worth and they said, "Yes! It was totally worth it!" Apparently, my, "I'll make them clean it up so they won't want to ever do it again" lesson didn't work. Look how happy they are. Katie and Eva are singing the "Five dollar foot long song" and for some reason, I think it is so funny when they sing this song.

Having cousin stay over was such a treat that I took a few photos.

Goodbye, Tooth

The cause (she was trying to pry the candy corn off with her teeth)

The pain (the initial loosening caused a lot)

The tooth

She is so proud

Dear Tooth Fairy,

Thank you for your visit and your generosity.

I am sorry to inform you that one dollar is not longer sufficient.

When cousin gets a Littlest Pet Shop for her tooth,

Eva also expects a toy, also (much to the dismay of her parents).

We were expecting to run out of her room,

excited over the dollar that you so kindly left her.

Instead we found her in her bed, holding back tears.

We have since used the dollar to purchase a toy and she is very excited.

I am not asking you to do anything differently next time.

I just thought you might want to know.

Thank You,

the mom