The fall is when I love to get out and hike. The temperatures are usually perfect, the leaves are changing, and I feel an urge to see as much as possible before snow flies! So grab your favorite hiking buddy and hike away.
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* Lake Blanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon: about 7 miles roundtrip. Pretty steady incline throughout but lots of good places to stop. Beautiful views and lake at the top. Length: about 5 hours in perfect 70 degree weather with a long lunch at the top. Difficulty rating: 7/10  |
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* Provo River Trail at Bridal Veil Falls: you can go as long as you want on this trail and it is a 1/10 difficulty -- flat, paved and beautiful throughout. ♥ Perfect to bring a stroller to run/walk on or to bring lunch to the picnic tables. We put Bridal Veil Picnic area into Google maps to get to the parking lot. |
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* Squaw Peak in Rock Canyon: 7 miles round trip. This is a favorite hike in the spring or fall. I was expecting a rocky, exposed trail but it is actually shaded for most of it. The incline is pretty steep and persistent throughout. A great workout with killer 360 degree views at the top. Difficulty 7.5-8/10 |
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* Bells Canyon Falls in Little Cottonwood Canyon: 4.6 miles Go left when you get to the reservoir and you'll see the signs to get to the falls. Lots of rocks and really steep for the last half mile or so but those rocks and the falls at the end are worth it! A mix of pine and shade trees throughout. It took about 3 hours total for us. Difficulty rating: 6/10  |
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| * Maple Mountain (Spanish Fork Peak) Goodness, this one is hard! We've done it 3 times now and I feel myself getting older and slower with each one. The lake/pond has been dried up when we've gone in September, I think I prefer this one in June. It's SO green and lush. I have not hiked Timp yet (on the list for sure!) and my 4 kids that have done both think Maple Mountain is harder. I clocked 12 miles total from the campground to the Summit and back. It took us 7.5 hours and these boys were hiking pretty fast and I was trying to keep up as the adult supervision (ha!) Difficulty: 9.5/10 |
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| * Horsetail Falls Trail: 4.5 miles -- another beautiful falls trail! This one reminded me of Bells Canyon except this one is in Utah County in Alpine. It has some steep parts but nothing too crazy and also has beautiful views of the valley. It took us about 2.5 hours with a lunch break at the falls. |
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| * Primrose Overlook via Horse Flat Trail above Sundance: this is one of our family favorites! Gorgeous views of the valley and Mt. Timpanogas, it doesn't take all day, and isn't as crowded as Stewart Falls. It has some steep parts but then it levels out for a rest with a pretty steep part at the end right before going out on the overlook. Put Horse Flat Trailhead into Google Maps to get there and if you go at peak fall season (usually about last week in Sept-first week Oct) you will get the splendor of the Alpine Loop. So, so beautiful in the fall. Exactly 2 miles to the overlook and 2 miles back on my watch. It took 1.5 - 2 hours at a fast pace or I would plan 2-3 hours with family or kids. If you can hike the Y you can do this hike -- promise. Don't forget to bring $6 cash for the envelopes at the parking lot! |
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When you get to the top of the really steep part it looks like there are two trails but just stay left to go out to the overlook. We went up one time and had to backtrack back down.   |
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| * if you're feeling adventurous you'll see a trail in one of the meadows (can you see it behind them?)^^ and you can follow it (it's actually Lame Horse trail and it will give you a different route with lots of foliage and greenery back to the parking lot if you go left at the fork or you can take it down to Aspen Grove. I had reception and GPS the whole time so I could see where we were. Thanks for coming along! Hopefully there will be many more to share in the future! If you want more ideas here are some more family friendly hikes and outings in Utah. Happy exploring! |
Here are some great deals I spotted:
and here are some others not pictured:
AND some of the holiday lines are starting to appear. Here are a few that are available that caught my eye:
* 28" asymmetrical cedar wreath with bells $39.99 -- I got the smaller one a few years back
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I hope this helps if you are in the market for something -- good luck!
"When you go out into the woods, and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree.
The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying ‘You are too this, or I’m too this.’ That judgment mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are." -Ram Dass
Just a friendly PSA on a Saturday morning: if you see a ZZ plant aka Zamioculcas zamiifolia in stores just get it. I've seen them at Walmart, Lowes, Ikea because they are they best indoor plant! I haven't been able to kill one and they actually do best with indirect light (like on the opposite side of the room of the window) or in an office with only flourescent lights! They also grow quickly. You can actually buy them online now but they tend to be less expensive in stores so keep your eyes open. This is what they look like.
At Lowe's:
Walmart! (around $13 I think)
We have two in our bedroom -- one on each nightstand. This one is about a year ahead of the other one.
And I do have to tell you that these curtains behind our nightstands are never open. We usually just open the main one so they really don't get much light. I just opened them today for a better picture :)
For care I just water every 7-10 days and that is about it. My husband has a reminder to fill up a regular plastic water bottle on his phone at his office every week (top picture).
I guess they are toxic (?) if eaten in large quantities so you may want to keep them up higher if you have children or pets. Our cats have never touched them.
Here is one in the Parade of Homes:
I've seen them in West Elm as well with no natural light!
Just wanted to pass this along if you want a great indoor plant that is really hard to kill! Good luck.
* it seems all the pictures at the Maple House Co are warm and cozy like this one:
* the best exercise for beating back Alzheimer's
* from ceiling space to playroom -- look at how they used their foyer space!
and DEALS! These are the prices when I hit publish, they can change or run out at anytime:
* this is HOT if you are a Target Red Card holder -- get 10% off Target gift cards! If you are planning a big purchase there or holiday shopping this will automatically save you an additional 10% by using gift cards to shop.
Apparently, these are two hot-super popular-sure to sell out-items this year (we'll see?)
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| * Bonne Maman advent calendar -- 24 mini fruit spreads and honey $34.99 |
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| and my nieces tell me that this is the HOT toy for this year? Just mix your potion and your pet will magically be created. Order now in time for Christmas -- it looks like there is free returns. Magic Mixies Misting Cauldorn with pet $69.99 |
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| * lowest price: Duracell 28 count AA batteries $7 when you clip the coupon for 40% off and choose subscribe & save. |
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| * 10 pack Swedish dishcloths only $12.32 when you clip the coupon and add the additional promotion! My mom shared these in her favorite things |
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| * Aveeno skin relief body wash $5.48 |
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| * Voluspa Goji Tarocco Orange Candle only $22.50 with free shipping + free returns The same candle is $34 on Amazon |
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| * Electric balloon pump + air nozzles + balloons + glue dots only $12.99 (brown only) with code 50Q1EISW -- Use it for a balloon arch like I shared here! |
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| * Surge protector with two USB charging ports only $11.02 |
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| * pickleball set only $39.99! |
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| * Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is only $155 |
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| * Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena hand soap refill $5.24 when you clip the coupon. Use it to refill your foaming soaps! |
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| * Sonicare toothbrushes are $59.95 today only! |
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| * adorable hanging growth chart $14.99 |
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| * high-waisted body shaper shorts $10.79 when you clip the extra savings coupon |
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| * portable Bluetooth speaker and remote only $18.85 with code 548GY9JU |
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| * Maybelline Master Conceal $4.49 |
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| * Cherokee snowpants are only $16.99! |
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| * if you despise pumpkin carving these may be for you!! 46 ct pumpkin stickers $4.49 when you use code BBHV9D5O at checkout |
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| * 4 tier shoe rack is only $19.45 when you use code 30YMCDYB at checkout |
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| * The Pink Stuff bundle only $12.74 |
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| * 3 pack lightning cables only $6.99 when you clip the coupon |
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| * Dayquil & Nyquil 24 ct $5.34 |
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| * you're not going to regret the washable. 100 markers $12 |
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| * LOL Surprises are Deal of the Day! |
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| * Fun Toys Marble Run only $20 when you use code 60NUDI3Z at checkout |
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| * Open the barn door board book $3.99 |
I love getting good recommendations from friends! Here are a few that I have loved this past year. You may find these as old news but they were great discoveries for me!
Podcasts:
* How I Built This with Guy Raz -- my friend Jaimi got me hooked on this one. Fascinating stories of how companies were built and came to be. Chances are you'll find your favorite company among the episodes!
* About Progress with Monica Packer -- she's got some great episodes that have really helped me view progress in small, do-able steps. She has great guests as well -- I especially love her episodes with Dr. Finlayson-Fife.
* You know I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and ALL IN is still my go-to podcast. I love it so much -- such great guests and faith filled insights. I have also started to listen to Latter-Day Saint Women podcast and that has been really uplifting -- especially Virginia Pearce, Neal Marriott, Michelle Craig.
Books --most of these I listened to on Audible. I love listening while puttering around the house and on errands.
* Giver of the Stars by Jojo Moyes -- this is the author of Me Before You (which I did NOT like) but I loved listening to this story of these women in Depression era that are determined to bring books to their neighbors in the mountains and all of the relationships that are intertwined.
* You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy -- oh goodness I needed this book. I realized how much I hear but don't listen. She helps you understand how listening is key in relationships, understanding, and healing. I need to listen again to remember how to listen.
* Essentialism by Greg Mckeown -- you've probably read it but chances are you need it again. :) Reminders to pare down to what is really most important. As he says: "Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done."
* Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd -- historical fiction based in South Carolina in 1740 -- I loved listening to the story of Eliza Lucas and how indigo dye was introduced in the south with plenty of politics, good story telling, romance, and intrigue woven in.
* I Like Me Anyway by Brooke Romney -- such good reminders from Brooke told like she's a dear friend -- I love that she narrates the book.
* The Promised Prince by Kortney Keisel -- you'll be hearing more from Kortney at Favorite Things but if you want a fun, witty, romantic read I love this series!
Shows:
* I'm hooked on Virgin River and Crash Landing on You. They are my go-tos when my boys are all watching baseball or college football.
ALSO during my knee surgery my saving grace was ^^^Erkenci Kus (Early Bird/Day Dreamer)! It's a Turkish rom-com with English subtitles that I had to subscribe (like $10 for the month) on Watch It! app but it has the most beautiful people in it and just a funny, sweet, clean romance with all of the family drama intermixed.
I would love to hear any favorites you have!! Please share in the comments or on FB/Instagram.
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