Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake City

If you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful way to spend an afternoon, a visit to Red Butte Garden is in order. Nestled in the foothills above Salt Lake City, on the University of Utah campus, Red Butte is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West, with a focus on regional horticulture. It covers more than 150 acres, featuring 18 acres of gardens plus walking paths, hiking trails, ponds, and a children’s garden.

Highlights of this stunning botanical garden include the Herb Garden, Fragrance Garden, Medicinal Garden, Four Seasons Garden, Rose Garden, Courtyard Garden, Terrace Garden, Waterfall Display Garden, and the Children’s Garden. The Children’s Garden features a snake maze, fountains, and "flower beds." Be sure to stop by the Koi pond as well.

Pack a lunch and relax at one of the round, wooden picnic tables nestled under the trees along the main walking path. It’s easy to get lost in the moment here, a place where you just want to stretch out on the ground with a good book, or take your time, slowly strolling amongst flowers in full bloom or beneath the spectacular display of seasonal colors. Relax, take your time--it’s worth it! Red Butte Garden offers beauty and serenity, perfect for quality family time or a romantic date. It’s also a great place to bring visitors, to show off the spectacular vistas and city views. Don’t forget your camera!

Red Butte Garden offers a variety of programs throughout the year including concerts, family nights, art and horticultural exhibits, plant sales, educational programs, and more. Upcoming events include free admission on Friday, April 29, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in honor of Arbor Day. Visitors can stroll around the gardens, bursting with colorful spring crocus, mini iris, snowdrops, hyacinth, blossoming trees, and more than 230,000 daffodils, plus participate in activities and Exploration Stations throughout the gardens. Visitors will even receive a free commemorative tree to take home, while supplies last. The annual plant and bulb sale takes place on May 6-7, 2011.

Red Butte Garden is located at 300 Wakara Way in Salt Lake City. Call 801.585.0556 for more information, or visit http://www.redbuttegarden.org./

Just Between Friends Spring 2011 Consignment Sale

I like to shop. Unfortunately, my shopping bags are much bigger than my wallet. But fortunately, I can recoup some of what I spend each spring and fall at the Just Between Friends consignment sale.

Just Between Friends, also known as JBF, is a twice yearly consignment sale held in Davis and Utah Counties. The locally-owned company is part of the nation's leading children's and maternity consignment franchise. Different than your traditional brick-and-morter consignment shop, JBF sales truly are an event. It's a great opportunity to clear out the closets and earn some extra cash, and pick up some great bargains along the way.

At JBF sales shoppers will typically find gently-used children's and maternity clothing, shoes, toys, baby equipment and more. Consignors set their own prices using JBF's convenient online tagging system and drop their items off during a designated time. Items are inspected for quality at drop-off. Since consignors set their own prices, shoppers will usually find great deals on items far below retail value.

Consignors, volunteers, military, and first-time parents are invited to presales before the shopping event opens to the general public. Consignors can opt to discount their items for JBF's 50-percent off sale on the final day of the sales event, donate their leftover items to charity, or pick them up at the end of the event. Consignors should receive their checks, minus the consignment fee, within two weeks.

For more about Utah JBF sales, visit http://layton.jbfsale.com/

First-hand experience:
I've been consigning at JBF for four years. Prepping your items for the sale is simple, and I'm always happy with my check. I always find great deals when I shop, too.

Here's what I picked up today at the Davis County sale, for a grand total of $66:

2 pairs Gymboree shorts
1 pair nwt capri leggings
1 pair nwt silver sandals
1 pair euc pink crocs
21 books (about half hardcover, mostly Barbie, Tink, and the Daisy Meadow's fairy books)
1 Melissa & Doug magnetic doll set
2 Groovy girls
1 Barbie puzzle
A school planner
and a cute little designer purse tagged at just $2!

Here's what I've picked up in the past, for around $60:

There's still time to shop the Davis County sale this weekend. There's also an upcoming sale in Utah County.
 
Happy bargain hunting!