Summer is here and in a big way! We have finally made it to consistent high 80’s and 90’s, which after a recent trip to Phoenix I am actually feeling grateful for. I am definitely a person who enjoys avoiding the heat, but I do have a love for a lot of summer activities. So, I decided to write another checklist. I had a lot of fun writing my spring checklist. It was really great considering ways to celebrate the season.

Here is my list to help you squeeze the most out of your summer!

• Go on lots of walks with my pup, Willow (Especially now that she isn’t a fool on her leash all the time thanks to Scotch Pines Dog Training!!)
• Eat all the ice cream
• See the fireworks show at Snake River Landing
• Go listen to the live music happening outdoors all summer ( My favorite is the Live United concert series)
• Shave ice ( I really dig the Tiki Hut off of 25th)
• Try something new ( I’m taking Hip Hop and Latin classes with Kenia at Motion Dance Academy 🙂 )
• Ride my bike everrrrrywhere
• Go on a hike (Last year we went up around the Palisades area)
• Go camping
• Make some of my go to summer recipes

Mexican Street Corn Nachos

Knock Ya Naked Margaritas That’s what my mom calls them! 😂 We sub the water for 7-up and it gives it a lil somethin extra.

• Try this boozie popsicle recipe
• Cook something over a fire This is such a cool idea!
• Watch a movie outside
• Drink on a patio ( Tap N Fill after a bike ride or Sandpiper where I can people watch near the river are my faves)
• Eat some delicious BBQ
• Stroll at the farmer’s market
• Get my tickets to see The Offspring at the Eastern Idaho State Fair
• Go on a roadtrip
• Go to a festival ( We are going to Reggae Rise Up in Heber City, UT in August!)
• Keep my lawn alive! Luckily, I have found The Yard Butler to help me out this summer.
• Date nights downtown. Downtown is perfect for date nights! My husband and I like to ride our bikes down grab dinner at any of the wonderful restaurants, go to a movie at Centre Twin theater, and then grab a drink or ice cream at Pop’s!
• Move my bod outside (Have you checked out Ashley Curry’s Zumba on the pier? You should!!)
• Reread Wild. It’s the perfect summer-time read full of adventure and self-discovery.

I hope you all have an incredible summer and make tons of memories!

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Recently I had the pleasure of attending a Scotch Pines obedience class. It is a 9 week course that covers everything from sit to off-leash exercises around a live goat!

I really enjoyed the trainer, Sarah Crozier, who was incredibly knowledgeable and easy to work with.

The class was definitely a challenge. Our pup is a year old hound/collie/shepard mix, so high-energy is her game! But with all the practice and awesome training advice from Sarah we have actually been able to walk her on a leash without constant pulling! It’s truly amazing considering where we started (my arm felt like it might fall off).

Scotch Pines class gives you the tools and the help that you need to successfully train your dog. I am so happy that I took our pup Willow there and plan on stopping by again to keep up with the progress we made.

Check out Scotch Pines on Facebook to know when their next classes are and get any information you need to enroll.

With social distancing, spring this year is a little…weird. The things I would normally do need some working around to make happen. I wanted to update my list to share things that you can do to bring some extra joy to your springtime and support our amazing local businesses.

Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate the spring time:

• Go on tons of walks especially those that include ice cream or coffee. I definitely love going to the Greenbelt. Pop’s Ice Cream is near there and so is Villa and City Bagels. However, Community Park is really lovely too and Reed’s is over that way. Also, I really want to try the gelato at Manwaring Cheese.

• Spring clean your casa! With all the extra time in your house spring cleaning is an excellent way to make you feel productive or just make the space your in more enjoyable.
• Save your items and donate things you aren’t using anymore. Your home will thank you for it!
• Plant something. Sunnyside Gardens is bound to have what you need. I’ve been getting a lot of joy from caring for my indoor garden 🙂

• Try some seasonal recipes. Here are some on my mind:
  • Spring Cheesecake Cake
  • Creamy Spring Tortellini with Peas, Asparagus, and Bacon
• Go somewhere new! A couple new places that I want to visit are:
  • Pie Hole downtown
  • Burger Theory
• Read: I am rereading the Redwall series right now and it’s perfect. The feasts described in these books are mouth-watering. You need to get the Redwall cookbook too! These books might be possible to find at The Book Shelf.
• Plan your summer vacation. Thinking about future plans, in which life feels normal again is really important! I am dreaming about my trip to see Weezer, Green Day, and Fall Out Boy in CO this summer. Talk about nostalgia!
• Upgrade your bike and decrease your footprint while toning those calves, yo. I’m planning on getting a new bike from Dave’s this summer!

• Try a new look. I am thinking about adding some rose gold and chopping this mane. I love Urban Nook for this! I am really excited for salons to be open again…
• Get your mama something nice. She deserves it! Love at First Bite has some great gifts for Mother’s Day.
• Soak up as much sun as possible. This has been saving me with all the covid craziness. Get it wherever/whenever you can.
• Be kind to yourself and everyone else. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be doing all the things or be the most successful at home. Take it day by day. Some days you are going to bake some sourdough bread and work on your YA dystopian novel about covid times. Other days you are going to be like a human hot dog on the couch all day watching as much TLC as humanly possible. Both are fine.

Hope you all have a wonderful spring! Can’t wait to see you all out and about sometime 🙂

Do you live a little local?

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I grew up in Blackfoot, so “The Fair” has always been a big part of my end of summer activities.

I really loved going as a kid. We had early days off from school and spending all afternoon into the evening eating buttery scones, drinking limeades, and being peer-pressured into getting on rides was a way I made lots of memories.

My favorite thing to do at the EISF is eat. I mean what else would it be! So I am sharing with you my TOP 5 favorite fair foods in no particular order.

1. Dutch oven food from Let’s Go Dutch

The dinner plate from Let’s Go Dutch is a no brainer. It includes BBQ chicken, cheesy potatoes with or without jalapenos (WITH!), and green beans. I think the only time during the year where I am blessed with dutch oven food is during the fair, and IT’S SO GOOD. It also helps that it doesn’t make you feel as junky as most of the other things you will come into contact with at the fair!

2. Scone Nuggets from Kiwanis Club

Scone nuggets are so closely tied to all my fair experiences. It was always tradition to have them and for good reason. They are DA BOMB. Pieces of sweet dough covered in cinnamon sugar and dripping with honey butter. Ain’t nothin better than that!

3. Literally Anything from Fresh Lime

I remember blowing most my money at this booth when I was younger. I was hooked on those cherry limeades! I still love the fruity beverages that Fresh Lime serves up and it is a fair MUST.

4. Funnel Cakes from Snappy’s Funnel Cakes

Fried dough, sugar, and covered in fruit. What could go wrong with that!? My favorite funnel cake booth is across from Let’s Go Dutch. They have strawberry, peach, mixed berry, etc. funnel cakes, and you can get them with a side of whipped cream or ice cream. YUM!

5. Teriyaki Bowls from Good Wok

Definitely one of my fair go tos! The chicken teriyaki bowl is always delicious, and the service is so friendly!

Only picking five fair foods is so hard! There are so many others that I enjoy and others that I haven’t even tried yet (like those turkey legs!). I am especially excited to check out the new ice cream baked potato and peach churro donuts. Photos to come!

What is your go to fair food?

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Keep up with the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

Do you live a little local?

Have you seen our new MERCH?

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Idaho you are one fine mammacita.

I love the times where I am able to fully appreciate all the natural beauty this state has! My husband and I went camping in the Falls Creek area of Swan Valley, Idaho a few weeks back and had an amazing time.

Falls Creek has individual campsites and group sites to reserve, as well as individual spots available first come, first-served. We went for the individual sites just down Falls Creek Road. There are a lot of great spots down that way! Most of them have places to start fires (although, I am not sure if you can right now). Ours had a wonderful tree-covered place to put our tent and a little creek flowing behind. It was so nice to look at all the stars and sing around the campfire at night.

TIP: Make sure you bring bug spray! The campsites next to the creek have so many mosquitoes.

I love Palisades, because there is just so much to do.

We went hiking on the Lower Lake Trail – it’s about 4 miles one way. Or, if you are feeling particularly great, you can hike to the Upper Lake (6.2 mi. one way). The Upper is a beautiful, enclosed lake that you can swim out to an island from. The water was really chilly when I went!

However, the Lower Lake has plenty of awesome wildlife (moose, eagles, etc), and is beautiful no matter what time of year you go see it. I hear the fall leaves are gorgeous though!

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Related: While you are in Swan Valley go to Rainey Creek for square ice cream!

We like to take the 40 min. or so trip and head in to Victor and then onward to Jackson (about an additional 40 min.).

My favorite stops in Victor:

• Brakeman Grill
• Big Hole BBQ
• Knotty Pine
• Grand Teton Brewing

Also, if you are there on a Thursday, the Music on Main summer series is so much fun!

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My favorite stops in Jackson:

• Cowboy Coffee
• Made
• Valley Bookstore
• Moo’s Ice Cream
• Snake River Brewing
• Toystore with the Range

Related: SUPER coffee and hang out day in Jackson and Rendezvous Fest

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Where are your favorite places to eat, camp, and hike in Palisades, Victor, Jackson area? What is your go to summer trip in Idaho?

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Idaho Escape Rooms

If you are anything like me the term “Escape Rooms” conjures images of being locked in a dark, uncomfortable room while frantically trying to solve Saw inspired puzzles. So uncomfortable!! I was quite wrong.

Idaho Escape Rooms is epically bad ass and fun.

How it works

I’m not going to give you details about the puzzle we solved, but I will let you in on the jist of things. You are in a room, but you aren’t locked in.

You are asked to solve a series of puzzles, but they aren’t delivered by a puppet on a tricycle.

All of our teammates entered their own groove. Exploring the room and trying to help each other think through things.

It was such a great experience. I think trying this with your friends, family, or as team-building for work would be an awesome time.

We ended up finishing with 12 minutes left! BOO YAH.  I felt like we might not make it, but we totally did! With zero hints too which made us feel particularly cool!

Post escape room success

The couple that runs this business ( Jennifer and Steve) are so helpful, and fun to talk to. You can tell that they are passionate, and I am so glad that they are bringing something new to Idaho Falls! They are puzzle masters.

Follow Live a Little Local, and like their page on Facebook for deets.

Do you live a little local?

Have you seen our new t-shirts?

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

We’ve compiled a list of events that promise to be memorable—no matter how many green beers you have!

Idaho Falls:

3/15 Irish Tasting @Bear and Blue

3/16 Ireland come to Idaho wine dinner @Diabla’s

3/17 St. Paddy’s Day @The Celt with Happyville

3/17 St. Paddy’s on Park

3/17 Shamrock Shuffle and Fun Run

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day @Keffer’s Island

3/17 Ó Aois Caite Irish Dance Academy Performance

Pocatello:

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day Party @Club Charlie’s

Boise:

3/16 Watch Leprechaun @Woodland Empire Ale

3/16 St. Patrick’s Party Weekend @McLeary’s

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day @Ha Penny pub

Ogden:

3/17 St. Patty’s Irish Buffet @Two Bit Street Cafe

3/17 St. Paddy’s Day with Grits Green @Lighthouse Lounge

3/17 Punk Rock Paddy’s Day @Kamikazes

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day Reggae @Brewski’s

Have a fun and safe St. Paddy’s Day!

Do you live a little local?

Coming soon an online store!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

Hey all! Valentine’s day is coming up here quick, and despite how you feel about the holiday there are a ton of great events in our area to check out!

Idaho Falls

2/12 Valentine’s dinner @Arugula Deli

2/14 Drinks and Brother Coyote @The Celt

2/14 All the single ladies dinner @Diablas

2/14 Valentine’s dinner @The Cellar

2/14 Valentine’s Day Dinner @Keefer’s Island

2/14 Yes, You Can Live a Happy Marriage @ Iglesia Centro Evangelistico

2/14 Be Mine Valentine Dinner @ A Street Soup Market

2/14 Valentine’s @ Bee’s Knee’s w/Idaho Muscle

2/14 Super Valentine’s @ Kids Town at the Falls

2/14 Ryan King Live! With Special Guests Jonny and McKenzie Willmore@Blackrock

2/15 Casablanca viewing

2/16 Valentine’s Dinner for You & That Special Someone @ Grandpa’s Southern Bar-B-Q

Pocatello

2/14 Valentine’s Wine & Cheese Tasting @The Tasting Room

2/14 For the love of chocolate @Idaho Museum of Natural History (Three chocolate fountains…Nuff said)

2/14 Valentine’s Day @PV’s

Rigby

2/16 Valentine’s Dance @ The Loft Reception Center

Jackson

2/17 Partner Yoga @ Akasha Yoga

Victor

2/14 The Brewleywed Game

Downey

2/14 Valentine Dinner @ Downata Hot Springs

Harriman

2/17 Winter Stargazing (Not associated with V-Day, but sounds like a realllly cool date!)

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day whatever you do!

Do you live a little local?

If you do and are interested in decals ($4) or beanies ($15). Please email to kenziejo2121@msn.com to order. Coming soon an online store!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

Planners and Journals

Recycle

Western Recycling

Western Recycling has been supporting local recycling efforts since 1976, and currently serves 6 locations in Idaho: Boise, Nampa, Fruitland, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello. Visit their website to get started today!

Bingham Curbside Recyclers

There are many ways to get organized for your 2018 resolutions and recycling can be one of them. Bingham Curbside Recyclers is a great local business that started in 2009. They service Bingham county, which includes: Riverside, Moreland, Groveland, Blackfoot, Wapello and Firth. They make is super easy and convenient to keep your goals. For $5 a month they provide the container, pick it up twice a month from your driveway, and you don’t even have to do any separating. It can all go in the one bin. With it being so easy and stress-free, it’s easy to start recycling. Call  (208)681-8597 to start!

Bingham Curbside Recyclers Facebook

Donate

There are many thrift stores worth supporting with your donations. Below are two that I frequent:

Idaho Youth Ranch

The Idaho Youth Ranch provides support for children in our area that are in need. You can help support this mission by donating money or your gently used items to thrift stores that are found through-out the state. To find one near you visit the link below.

Idaho Youth Ranch Locations

Idaho Falls

The Haven

The Haven provides women and families with short-term housing when they are in need. Call The Haven to see when donations are needed (208) 523-6413.

 2480 S Yellowstone Hwy

Pro Tip – Team Up with Friends

This post in the Live a Little Local resolution series is to READ MORE! 

This is a resolution that I can get behind. I have always been an avid reader and prone to enter any bookstore I see.

This list below will help you support your year of bibliophilia! Hoorah!

Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls Public Library

If you have a long list of books to read and don’t want the financial/clutter commitments, a library card is for you, my friend. I love the Idaho Falls Public Library. They have a great selection, and it is so easy to go in and check out books yourself. They have a lot of nice places to hang out and read too. No coffee shop yet, but hey The Villa Coffeehouse is within walking distance!

457 W Broadway St. Idaho Falls, ID

https://www.facebook.com/idahofallspubliclibrary/

Eastern Idaho Book Swap

This is a fantastic outlet to buy and trade books with people in East Idaho. I have made some excellent trades already! You should definitely join. I need more people to trade with… 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1834852833451478/

Pocatello

Walrus & Carpenter Books

In my opinion there aren’t enough local bookstores around these days! So, I am absolutely enthralled with Walrus and Carpenter. This bookstore is crammed with used books at really great prices. They also have new and popular books at the front of the store. I would have a hard time believing that you can’t find something you need. Perfect for the book-lover on your list!

251 N Main St. Pocatello, ID

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walrus-Carpenter-Books/693713047333621

Boise

Trip Taylor Bookseller

Trip Taylor Bookseller is a bookshop straight out of your favorite indie movie. With two stories of used books assembled in a bit of a maze, it is certainly possible to “get lost in a good book”…store. The upper level of the shop includes a rather cozy couch to browse your stacks of possible purchases. My favorite part of Trip Taylor? The long row filled with leather bound classics, which are great for reading as well as setting on your coffee table for company to admire.

210 N 10th St. Boise, ID

https://www.facebook.com/triptaylorbookseller/

Trip Taylor Bookseller

Rediscovered Books

8th Street in Boise is filled with a lot of great resturaunts, a wonderful yoga studio, and a few cute clothing boutiques. It also has a fantastic bookstore! Rediscovered books has a wide selection of new and used books, and many books from local authors, whom you can read about on their website. They also offer ongoing book clubs for kids and adults, and frequently host book readings/signings with some incredible authors. Also, the staff is top notch at helping find just the right book to suit your interest!

180 N 8th St. Boise, ID

rdbooks.org

https://www.facebook.com/rediscoveredbooks/

Ogden

Booked on 25^th

This is probs my fave bookstore, and that makes me sad, because I rarely am able to go there! It boasts as being Ogden’s Uncensored Bookstore which appeals to me on so many levels. The shop features interesting reads and has a great selection of both used and new books. They also hold events and book clubs. Once a month they hold a social justice book club that sounds amazing!

147 25th St. Ogden, UT

https://www.facebook.com/Bookedon25th/

Join a Book Club!

Being part of a community is a fantastic way of holding yourself accountable in reaching goals! Book Clubs also offer the opportunity to reflect in-depth on the books you read and hear different perspectives. You can start your own through your local library’s Book Club Kit or join one that is already happening! A few of us in the Live a Little Local community are part of a Book Club crew that meets once a month  at A Different Cup (amazing coffee) in Pocatello (typically 10:30am on a Saturday)! It is a new group, and we have read Secret Life of Bees and Sold. We are currently reading Kite Runner and have The House on Mango Street and All the Light we Cannot See in line next.

Supporting your 2018 reading goals and supporting local is easy and AWESOME!

Thank you to my fellow writers and Live a Little Local team: Sharece Mecham and Jordan Wixom

Do you live a little local?

If you do and are interested in decals ($4) or beanies ($15). Please email to kenziejo2121@msn.com to order. Coming soon an online store!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

https://www.facebook.com/LiveaLittleLocal/