{Lifestyle} Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Ashley Evanson - May 10, 2012

You still have three days to buy or make your mother a gift--don't forget!

Every year I’m in a panic Saturday night before Mother’s Day because I’ve procastinated getting her a present yet again. This year I’m thinking about it three days ahead of time—a new record! I usually like to combine a store-bought gift with something homemade or a type of service. I found these beautiful items and clever ideas that would make great Mother’s Day presents and thought I’d share. What do you like to get your mom?

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Photo from Anthropologie

Farmer’s Market Baskets, $14

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Photo from Deseret Book

Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith, $23.99

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{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Modest Swimsuits 2012

Kate Ensign-Lewis - May 03, 2012

Swimsuit season: there's no need to dread it anymore because cute and modest swimsuits not only exist – they seem to be everywhere! Check out this season's offerings.

Only two years ago I felt stymied in my attempts to find a modest swimsuit for a family cruise – they all looked like they were meant for someone 40 years my senior or someone who really wanted to live in the 90s. I stumbled upon one of the few beautiful and modest pieces out there just in time.

But now, it seems fashionable, feminine suits are everywhere! Polka dots continue to be popular, but there are also a few cute plaids out there this year. I bet you’ll find something you’ll like here.

Note: One person’s idea of “modest” might not exactly square with someone else’s, but these are swimsuits I think might generally be considered modest.

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Photo from Downeast Basics

Retro Revival Suit, $49.99

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Photo from Old Navy

Women’s Twist-Front Control Max Swimsuit, $44.94

{Lifestyle} Planting an Edible Garden

Joy Bossi and Karen Bastow - May 03, 2012

Whether you have two acres or two containers, it is possible to harvest crops nearly year round in your own little slice of garden heaven.

“Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, I wonder where the veggies is?”

Planting an edible landscape gives room for all the veggies and fruits any family would love. In many areas, spring planting may start as early as March—or even February in warmer climates. Here in the Intermountain West, we are pushing the freezing envelope if any warm season crops are planted before the middle of May. Okay, okay . . . it’s even better if we wait until around Memorial Day.

Whether you have two acres or two containers, it is possible to harvest crops nearly year round in your own little slice of garden heaven. The downsizing of home lots can cause some concern about available space.

Instead of just choosing plants that provide ornamental delight, try planting some yummy edible substitutes that are beautiful in their own right. Lawn has its place and important function, but if the only sunny area in your yard is now lawn, maybe that is the space you should be aiming at for food production. Gardens can be planted in rather unconventional ways that add interest and surprises throughout the entire yard.

In our book, The Incredible, Edible Landscape, we help gardeners explore new ways to produce food in the most local place of all—their own yards! There are many reasons we feel this is an important part of provident living, and here are a few:

{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Knee-length Shorts

Ashley Evanson - April 19, 2012

We've scoured the stores to find you this season's best knee-length shorts – just in time for that delicious spring weather.

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Photo from DownEast Basics—Heart Throb Shorts $44.99

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Photo from Old Navy—Distressed
Denim Bermudas $24.94

{Lifestyle} Roundup: Forget Me Not

Ashley Evanson - April 05, 2012

President Uchtdorf's talk "Forget Me Not" was an instant classic, resulting in "reminders" of all sorts - from statuettes to pretty rings, and even a book. We've found the very best the Mormon marketplace has to offer.