Miralax Beware * Sweet Family Life

WARNING do NOT give Miralax to your children!

I am disgusted to learn that doctors are prescribing the use of Miralax to children for long term use. It is a common practice and the side effects are horrifying.

This is my sweet niece Asia. My brother and sister-in-law have been searching to find out what is happening with Asia for over 5 years. Season started the blog Chips, Cheese and Sometimes Marshmallows to talk more about the research they are doing for Asia to share with others in hopes of helping other parents. In their research they found some very disturbing information about the use of Miralax in kids as well as found some relief for Asia after taking her off a long time prescribed use of Miralax.
Visit Asia's blog for more information about Miralax links and how it has improved her life after stopping the use of it.
If you go to the Miralax home page this is the exact text you will find...

"

Don’t wait to feel great^™.

Try MiraLAX®.

MiraLAX works naturally. You can take it with confidence at your first signs of constipation, since it's clinically proven to provide gentle, effective relief with no harsh side effects."

The problem with this statement is that it is in direct conflict with the side effects of the main ingredient PEG 3350 laxative products...
"In some situations, metabolic acidosis can be a mild, chronic condition; however, it may lead to shock or DEATH in severe cases. Neuropsychiatric adverse events may include seizures, tremors, tics, headache, anxiety, lethargy, sedation, aggression, rages, obsessive-compulsive behaviors including repetitive chewing and sucking, paranoia and mood swings."

In Asia they believe it lead to "seizures, tremors, headache, anxiety, lethargy, sedation, aggression, rages, obsessive-compulsive behaviors including repetitive chewing and sucking, paranoia and mood swings." This poor sweet girl who can not communicate at this time with words had to suffer these side effects because doctors are prescribing a medication that has not be tested for use on kids and was never intended for kids. 

I hope this post find help and relief to someone and who knows could even save a life.

xo

April

Now Sweet Life in the Green Mountains * Our Big Move

It's official we are now Vermonters living in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont (for now.) Vermont is full of green trees which turn a vivid rainbow of colors in the fall, big old barns, white churches, Victorian homes, towns that are over 200 years old, dairy farms which means the best cheese, good kind people, old and young men who have long beards, harvest balls, tons of rivers, lakes and ponds, great skiing, green mountains, pure Vermont maple syrup and good food. We'll still keep you updated with good food, home, garden, and travel posts.

{maple syrup grading-photo by Season Atwater photography}

Until then... It's spring here in Vermont it's time to sugar which means the sap is flowing and the sugar houses are boiling up some of the finest maple syrup in the world.

After all Backwoods is the new black!
xo
April

Welcome * A-1 Driving School Utah * Happenin in The Valley

{sweet photos by Season Atwater Photography}

It comes to every parent and no one prepares you and no one tells you how terrifying it will be and it sneaks up on you because you are so busy raising your kids you hardly have a chance to stop and think about it. TEENAGE DRIVING!  I love having twins but there is no way I was ready for double first time drivers and double first time dating teens. It makes me wonder what is in store for me when we hit the days of college and marriage. Yikes. I will not think about that for now-overwhelmed!

I went searching for a school that could take over the lessons after having a few panic attacks after the driving permits where obtained and I was left to the job to teach my TWIN TEENS to drive. A-1 Driving School-Call us... and I did! I love that they offer online classes as well as online registration and online driving time scheduling.

A-1 Driving School has several options to choose from for your Driving School needs.

• 9 Day Classroom Course- it only takes 9 day BUT you can do it at your own pace
• Internet Study Course- this is for the written part of  Drivers Ed from your laptop or other computer{Sha' took her online course using her iPad!}
• Home Study Course- 
• Deluxe 7 day Course- for those who are in a hurry to get their licence!
• Drive Only- if you only have the driving portion of Drivers Ed left this is for you!
• Adult Drivers Education- if you are 19 and over and want to get your first drivers licence this is a great course for you to become a confidant skilled driver.

Visit A-1 Driving School on Facebook

The mission of A-1 Driving School is to help people get a Utah Drivers License as quickly, conveniently, and safely as possible.

Check out A-1 Driving School Locations in Utah

In The Valley
Orem, Utah
930 South State Street #140
801.226.5500

Provo, Utah
441 North 900 East
801.226.5500

American Fork, Utah
59 East Main Street
801.226.5500 

Spanish Fork, Utah
740 North Main Street
801.226.5500

Outside The Valley

West Jordan, Utah
8937 South 2700 West
801.943.2525
Sugarhouse, Utah
1090 South 1100 East
801.943.2525
Sandy, Utah (Main Office)
8088 South 2000 East
801.943.2525

Riverton, Utah
2364 W 12600 S. Suite 1D
801.943.2525 801.446.6739

Holladay, Utah
4568 South Highland Dr Rm 130
801.943.2525
Draper, Utah
949 East 12400 South Suite A3
801.943.2525

Layton, Utah
360 South Fort Lane Bld. B-107
801.393.4116

Centerville, Utah
200 West Parrish Lane
801.393.4116

Ogden, Utah
860 West Riverdale Rd, Suite D-8
801.393.4116

A-1 Driving school is the newest sponsor of Sweet Life in The Valley. Would you like to be a Sweet Life in The Valley sponsor? Email us at sweetlifeinthevalley@gmail.com

Sweet Family Life * We're HUGE Nintendo Fans

We are huge Nintendo fans in our family. I love that most of the games are family friendly including the Mario Party games. New Mario Party 9 makes it more fun for the whole family to join in. Some of the new features include the four player game board and the group cart that all the characters ride in together to go to each mini game on the game board.

Since it is more of a game of luck than skill it makes it easier for the younger members of the family feel like they have just as much of a chance of winning as the older ones. It would be a great birthday gift or a great game to play when friends are over on a rainy day. We give it a 4 thumbs up at our house.

Sweet Eats in The Valley * D Boys BBQ Orem

I have found BBQ heaven right here in Orem. D Boys BBQ makes amazing smoked meats but they don't stop with the meats. They also know how to serve up the savory smoked morsels. For the salad lovers a delicious smoked turkey with pecans and cranberries over a bed of lettuces is very satisfying. See the thick slice of garlic bread on the side? Most if not all the time when a meal is served with some garlic bread or bead its a second thought, almost, just a mediocre filler item, not with D Boys BBQ. Their thick slice of garlic bread is perfectly toasted and BOTH sides garlic buttered making it a nice even balance of flavors.

{The smoker at D Boys BBQ}

The smoked meats a sooo good! D Boys BBQ uses cherry wood. If you have smelled cherry wood smoke you will know the sweet smell that brings memories of summer camping, winter evenings by the fire and a good smoked meat. It is the kind of smoky smell that is mellow. The kid you don't mind lingering in the air. The Diamond boys have created a great blend of smoked meats with their own rub mix and a very special BBQ "nasty" sauce.
At D Boys BBQ even the kids menu items are great. I love it when a kids menu offers more than chicken nuggets. We tried the kids Wrangler Dinner that included a side of choice such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw, baked potato and other such goodness. This is what a kids menu should look like.
How about the Shooters? They are only $1. Time to trade up your dollar menu meal to their tasty smoked pulled pork or beef. Try it. I know you will love it. I tried all the meats and everyone of them was perfection.
Have a look at the whole menu, click here: D Boys BBQ Menu 

Sweet Tip:
ValPak has some great coupons for D Boys BBQ including a free shooter and 2 BBQ Sandwiches for $10


D Boys BBQ
294 N State Street

Orem, UT

Facebook: D Boys BBQ




{food provided by D Boys BBQ for review but as always I only write about the products and food I like. }

Good Eats * Roll Up Cafe * Crepes in Orem

Sweet or savory you are going to love the crepes at Roll Up Cafe. I sampled the Chicken Alfredo {bottom left} filled with Chicken, Bacon, Ham, Cheese with Spinach, Mushroom, Tomatoes & Alfredo Sauce. It's a tasty lighter version of the traditional Chicken Alfredo filled with heavy pasta. I love all the fresh veggies on it. My daughter tried to Turkey Bacon Avocado {top left} filled with Turkey, Bacon & Tomato with Avocado & Cheese. Did you see those large slices of avocado? Yum! and the bacon was delicious. My son went for a sweet crepe, the Stuffed French Toast Crepe. It's made with Fresh Strawberries and bananas with sweet cream cheese and powder sugar on top with a side of maple syrup. We shared and tasted all three crepes and the tasting was unanimous. We loved them all! Roll Up Cafe makes all their ingredients fresh everyday. They buy locally grown, free range and fresh when ever possible which means everything taste great and it's good for you too. To top it all off we tried their milk shakes. Guess what my kids and I have been craving ever since our visit? It's the Nutella milk shake. It is the perfect blend of vanilla ice cream and Nutella {you can order it with chocolate ice cream too.} Check it out.  Roll up cafe is now on our list of Favorite Sweet Eateries in The Valley.

Visit Roll Up Cafe

1605 S State Street

Orem, Utah, 84097

Facebook: Roll Up Cafe

Mother's Day * Azalea Spa and Salon

Did you get your Mother a gift for Mother's Day yet? No? Head over to Azalea Day Spa & Salon's Facebook page to get 10% off a Gift Card for Mother's Day- Less Stress and More Love!
Facebook: Azalea Day Spa & Salon 


Thanks to Azalea for sponsoring Sweet Life in The Valley. Do you want to be a Sweet Sponsor email me at sweetlifeinthevalley@gmail.com

Happenin' in The Valley * Grand Opening of Utah Valley Convention Center

The Grand Opening celebration for the NEW Utah Valley Convention Center is tomorrow, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Grand Opening is an entirely FREE event filled with fun activities for the whole family. Aside from entertainment and free food, local venues and businesses are providing need-to-know information for attendees in order to plan their entire summer.

For more information visit UtahValleyConventionCenter.com

Good Eats * Tillamook Light Yogurt

I have professed my love of Tillamook cheeses, ice cream and yogurt and I am thrilled to announce their new Tillamook Light Fat Free Yogurts sweetened with Truvia (stevia)!! Yay! I am allergic to artificial sweeteners. They give me massive migraines. I knew if Tillamook was to come out with a new Light Yogurt it would be great and true to their brand and it is. One of my favorite flavors is the Marion Berry. I also love the lemon of course. As you remember I am a lover of almost anything lemon. Oh and one more thing, they actually balanced the sweetener right so it is good. What is your favorite flavor of yogurt?


p.s. Tillamook sent me some yogurt to try but I only write about things I really like. I promise.

Sweet Fashion * Summer Clothing

Since having twins 16 years ago my wardrobe has been clothing I can throw in the wash and not worry if kids have spit-up, muddy hand prints or spilled food on it type wearable items. Not much has changed in the past 16 years. I am always surrounded by kids {which I love} from my little nieces and nephews to those I work with in my professional life. A big plus is those clothing items are comfortable and work with my active lifestyle.

Fresh Produce sent me one of their lovely dresses to try. I decided to choose something for my sweet 16 year old daughter who loves dresses and is an excellent baby sitter. She looked so cute in Fresh Produce's Augustine Sunshine Dress. Are you looking for some cute summer casual clothes? Check them out.

Earth Day Balloon Pop at Azalea Salon and Spa * Happenin in The Valley

Azalea Day Spa & Salon 

Join us for our Earth Month Fundraiser!!

 -Ever $10 donation gets you a balloon to pop 

-Every balloon prize is valued between $10-$100 

-All donations go to the Western Resource Advocates which helps sustain clean land and water here in Utah. Refreshments, hand massages, henna tattoos and other fun prizes!

Enter to win our prize basket as well!


Saturday, April 28, 2012
11:00am until 5:00pm

*Please bring cash to the event for donations* We will also be selling our Earth Month candles at the event! Bring your friends!

{Azalea is one of our Sweet Sponsors. Would you like to be a Sweet Sponsor too? email me at sweetlifeinthevalley@gmail.com}

Bijou Market * Happenin in The Valley

Next weekend is the Bijou Market. There will be an amazing selection of items from local artist and artisans including my friend and designer Heather Carson.


Location:
Historic Soutworth Hall
116 West Center Street
Provo, Utah

Happy Easter!!
xo

The Hunger Games Event with Azalea Salon and Day Spa

Azalea Salon and Day Spa in American Fork is hosting a super fun pre-movie event. 


The Hunger Games

Join us for the Games March 22... This is what you will get:

* Exclusive early viewing of The Hunger Games -No waiting in line!
*20% off Aveda products the day of event - with a ticket
*Pre movie primping- makeup touch ups, etc.
*Entered into a drawing for prizes (see below)
*A goodie bag

Hunger Games starts at 7:p.m. on March 22. Be one of the first to see this epic series.

Call for details  801.756.9619

Space for the Azalea event is limited- Reserve your seat today!

Pre-Movie Events
Must have movie ticket

10:00-4:00: FREE makeup appointments. Get fresh spring ideas and tips
5:00 -6:00: Prepare yourself for The Hunger Games with FREE makeup touch-ups, hand massages and styles
6:30-7:00: Let the Games begin as we draw for door prizes in the theater

Drawing Prizes:
The Hunger Games book set, Services to Azalea, Aveda product, Hunger Games signature nail polish, and more...

Tell your friends and join us for an exciting evening.
Space is limited so reserve your spot now.

(No one under 12 years of age, please - due to movie rating)

Azalea Salon & Day Spa (right next to the theaters)

741West 100 North

American Fork, Utah 

Cinemark American Fork
715 West 180 North
American Fork, UT 84003

Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Utah * Local

{Our new Favorite in The Valley}

Do you know what Upper Cervical Chiropractic is? Have you ever been to a chiropractor? I have seen a chiropractor off and on for years, sometimes 2 times a week for months.

When I had my twins and I nursed both of them my back started to twist and go out of place holding and lifting the twins all day long. That was 16 years ago. The problem is my back was out pretty much daily. I could have seen a chiropractor daily. I wish I had one to visit me every evening. Reality is that it is way too expensive to see a chiropractor everyday plus who has time for it?

I also have some health issues surrounding my good 'ol hormones like a lot of the women I know including my thyroid. I started doing some research on hormones, health, healing wellness and repairing my body not just medicating it.
I came across a different type of Chiropractic and I never experienced- Upper Cervical Chiropractic. My aunt once told me about how you can see a Chiropractor and all they do is gently press on your upper neck.
YES, I was skeptical since I knew what it took to get my back, neck and hips back into place. BUT when I came across Upper Cervical Chiropractic again in my searches I look it all over a bit closer. Much to my surprise it's kinda GREAT!

First, Dr.Ashleigh Stockwell takes ex-rays of our neck and head to see what is happening to the upper disks of your spine. She uses these images to measure and determine how to adjust your upper vertebrae of your spine so your whole body can align itself.

This is what we found.... along with my head and neck twisted to the side and to the right a bit. Plus a scary thing- some degeneration in my vertebrae in my neck! I am way to young for such things!

Second, she weighs you to see how balanced you are carrying your weight on each side of your body.
Third, she measures your legs to see which side of the body is higher.
Fourth, she has you lay on your side with your head resting on a head rest. She softly presses down on our head/neck just near your ear. She adjust the head rest as she is adjusting your upper cervical disks of the spine to the correct placement. She will also have you get up a walk to allow your body to align it's self and then tweeks the upper cervical disks again to get it just right.

My first reaction was surprise because it was so gentle. No twisting and popping and cracking of the back. In fact you won't hear anything. At first I wondering if anything was happening. Then as I walked down the hall I could feel my body falling into place. I also noticed my body was staying aligned for 2-3 days at a time not just till a few hours like I experienced with other chiropractic techniques.

I am going on my 3rd treatment and I am feeling a lot better. One thing I noticed is that after my first adjustment I lost 5 lbs in water weight. I could also breath better. I have heard some amazing things come from Upper Cervical Chiropractic from family and friends. I will keep you updated with how it is going for me and my kids. We are all visiting Dr. Ashleigh Stockwell.


Dr. Ashleigh Stockwell
801-224-1121
309 N. State St.
Orem, Ut 84057
Facebook


Here is a little video that explains it all a bit.

Sweet Life in The Valley-Utah Blog on Facebook

I would LOVE to have you "like" Sweet Life in The Valley on Facebook. I will be giving some behind the scenes update, fun mini posts and extra photos in our Facebook updates. Sweet Life in The Valley is also in the middle of a site re-design. The logo and images above are a little sneak peek. 

xo

Simply the Sweet Life's Sweet Valentine Giveaway

.

We have an amazing Sweet Valentine Giveaway on my Simply the Sweet Life's Facebook Fan Page. Our first giveaway is a Years Supply of The Sweet Tooth Fairy's Cake Bites. Once we reach 2,000 fans we will give it away so hurry don't miss out!

We are also giving away some awesome items including a Trip to New York City from CityPASS, a super sweet home automation system from Vivint with an iPhone4s, a crafters dream package including a Craftbox from The Original Scrapbox, a bundle of American Crafts products and an Epic letterpress die cutting and embossing machine from Lifestyle Crafts and so much more!! 

Go enter now! The sooner you enter the sooner we giveaway all wonderful Sweet gifts and a mega Grand Prize Package!

Simply the Sweet Life's Sweet Valentine Giveaway on Facebook

Station 22 Cafe in Provo * Good Eats

{all photography by Season Atwater}

Utah Valley has a pretty great food scene happening. One that I hope can be supported so it can thrive and grow. One of my favorite restaurants in addition to Pizzeria 712 and Communal is Station 22 Cafe in downtown Provo. The food is fresh, delicious, seasonal and a really great price.

{a few of our blogging friends left to right top to bottom me- Frieda Loves Bread- ISLY- Keeping Up with MOM- Busy Mommy Media- Cute Culture Chick}

A group of our Utah Bloggers met up for a holiday dinner at Station 22 Cafe and had the chance to sample the menu.  As you can see their menu is amazingly delicious!

This is some seriously amazing food!
1. Winter Squash with Brown Sugar and Pecans
2. Smashed Potatoes with Station 22 signature gravy even non-gravy lovers will love
3. Sweet Potato Fries
4. I can not remember the name of this one but it was delicious
5. Memphis Fried Chicken best of the sandwiches!
6. Chicken Salad yum!

Now for the turkey legs. Have you tried the turkey legs at Disneyland or Disney World? You know the ones you have to wait in a long line to get. Stations 22's turkey legs blow the Disney turkey legs out of the water. They are so tender and fall off the bone goodness. I crave them all time and I am not much of a meat eater.

Another star of the Station 22 Cafe menu is The Adventist, a very flavorful veggie burger. I know you are thinking there is no way a veggie burger can be describe as good or flavorful. It is! You must try it to believe how good it really tastes.

Station 22 Cafe is social. Check them out here:
Website- Station 22 Cafe
Facebook- Station 22 Cafe
Twitter- @station22cafe
Blog- Station 22 Cafe

Stop by for some Good Eats
Station 22 Cafe
22 West Center St
 Provo, Utah
801.607.1803

{food provided by Station 22 Cafe for review}

CENSORED

WHY?

Click Here

Oh Christmas Tree * Happenin in The Valley

Every year we choose a fresh Christmas tree from a local Christmas tree stand. This year we noticed a new Christmas tree stand that we learned is not so new. This past year Mr. Fred Parker of well known and loved Fred Parker Christmas Trees passed away. After working with Fred and learning the business cousins Mr.McCullan and Mr.Greenland took over the Christmas tree business and added the name McGreen's Trees which is a combination of their tow names. They are continuing the tradition of the freshest trees from Oregon. Yesterday when we visited the Mc Green's Christmas tree lot new trees had arrived. No sitting in a warehouse or sitting on the lot for a month already these were freshly cut 3 days before.

Our tree is so fresh! I think it maybe one of the freshest trees we have ever bought. The only fresher trees we've had are the ones we went and cut down ourselves on our family property. Be sure to have them cut the bottom off your tree so the cut is super fresh and ready for the Christmas tree stand full of water. The quicker you get your tree in water the better. We had ours in water within 15 minutes after it was cut. 

TIP: Be sure to use warm water not cold or cool when watering your fresh real Christmas tree. The cold water will make the sap seal the bottom of the tree trunk. 

After placing the tree in the tree stand check the water level about an hour later. Our tree had a good drink and the water level was low and needed to be refilled.

You may have noticed McGreen's with the Santa Mator truck out front. There is a story behind Mator as well. He is there for the kids and photos but he also is there to help collect money for hospital bills for Cole who is in the hospital. The family is without insurance. You can read the story on Mators hood which is propped up next to Mator.

If you are looking for a lovely gift for friends and neighbors McGreens sells bunches of branches priced to sell that you can use to make fresh garland. Add a little wild sage and juniper berries for a sweet Holiday gift.

You will find McGreen's Christmas Trees on the corner of Center Street and 220 West right across from Wendy's in Orem.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how lovely are they branches.
Our Christmas tree is near perfect. We are so happy we visited McGreen's Christmas trees this year. {The photo doesn't even come close to showing how beautiful it is!}




Christmas tree for story provided by McGreen's Christmas Tree

It's Here!

Simply the Sweet Life Magazine Holiday issue is here! It is full of Christmas goodness. Enjoy!
Merry Christmas!
xo
April-Living the Sweet Life

Happenin in The Valley * Markets and Christmas Lights

Bijou Market is this weekend. Stop in to buy some lovely handmade gifts for Christmas from these talented handmade artists.

In The Valley...

Historic Southworth Hall 

116 West Center Street

Provo, Utah

This Friday night November18th  The Shops at the Riverwoods will be turning on their Christmas lights with fun and activities including free carriage rides. 

The Shops at the Riverwoods

4801 N. University Ave.

Provo, Utah

Happenin in The Valley * Zoobie Pets for those in Need

All this week and next week Zoobies is giving away Zoobies Blanket Pets to families in need for the Holidays. All you have to do is stop by the Zoobies offices in Provo, Utah and tell them the story of those they are wanting to help, and they will send you away with free product to give! I love that the kids who might not have a Christmas present this year will have one thanks to the generousness of Zoobies. Thanks for making life Sweet!

xo

p.s. Zoobies Blanket Pets are a sweet stuffed animal that is first a toy then a pillow then a blanket. Love them! They are great for traveling too.

Zoobies Blanket Pets
Hours: 9am-5pm Mom-Fri
Address: 1111 W. 100 S. #2 Provo, Utah