Happy Friday friends! Thank you for joining us today as we recap Part 1 of our week in Utah where we celebrated our 10th birthday kick off! We could not think of a better place to start than with our industry partners and we saw many over the week! I have so much to share with you about this great week so grab a cup of something wonderful (you know me, it’s a non-fat, no foam latte!), put your feet up (you totally have permission!) relax and know that at the end of this long post, there is something wonderful! No tricks, just treats here! And please excuse the iPhone photos. Quick and easy here :)
The trip started the moment I left the airport. If you’ve never been to Utah its 360 degrees of mountains and it’s pretty spectacular. Right down the road is the Doodlebug Design office so you know that’s where I headed. There is no way you could miss the building as it’s a pretty building with Doodlebug green across the outside. As I stepped into the office, here is what greeted me, Cynthea, the owner and a beautiful sign!
How incredibly thoughtful! There was also a delicious lunch waiting from Zuppa's (the gourmet grilled cheese was the best!) which we had in their cute kitchen with 50’s style tables and chairs. Of course the chairs were all different Doodlebug colours! The offices themselves are full of colour, artwork, pretty furniture and the nicest people ever.
I was given a full tour of the building and warehouse and what was so prevalent was not only the clever design of the building but the beautiful light from the floor to ceiling windows. Each office is a Doodlebug colour and the showroom was so pretty! I also was given a sneak peek of some new designs the included some cute icons I fell in love with. Here is a picture and while I could not show you exactly what’s headed your way, how pretty is this space? Wouldn’t you love to craft here? I know I sure would!
I was also treated to a weekend tour of Utah with Cynthea and Tonya. On Saturday morning they picked me up at 9:00 am sharp and shared some of their favourite boutiques with me. I loved spending time in a store called Dear Lizzie. I just had to share a picture from there as we ate the best sugar cookie EVER in their little cafe on the other side of this showroom.
Next we headed to other boutiques at Thanksgiving Point and then off to Witch Fest at Gardner’s Village. This reminded me of a pioneer village with many cute boutiques. I especially loved a quilt shop called Pine & Needle where Cynthea found a Christmas quilt on display with Doodlebug’s new holiday collection! To see that hard work both in the design of the fabric and then the hours to quilt it was a great moment.
On Sunday they whisked me off to show me Park City and a drive through the canyons. It was another fun day of sightseeing and visiting great shops. Imagine my surprise when I picked up a great coat only to realize it was $18,500! And...I quickly put it down. The air was crisp, clean and it was a perfect day to be outdoors. Here’s a little selfie on main street Park City.
We ended the day with a great Greek dinner at Aristo's in Salt Lake City and I think we all slept well after a weekend of fun.
Monday morning it was back to business with our first stop to see our friends at My Mind’s Eye. This group is as genuine as it comes and I loved getting a tour of their offices. You can see the inspiring chalk art design and little displays set up around the office. We chatted for quite awhile about what they have coming up behind the scenes and in usual My Mind’s Eye fashion, it’s pretty fabulous!
We’ve worked with this group a long time and it was great to meet their designers and of course with their group, there is always lots of laughter!
Next it was off to visit Jodi, Jared and Lisa and Fancy Pants Designs. Jodi treated me to lunch at El Matador, a small Mexican restaurant in Ogden where they serve their salsa warm with cheese. Different and oh so delicious! Not to mention the best Chile Verde ever. Did I mention I ate my way through Utah? The treadmill is calling!
I also picked the best day to visit the Fancy Pants office as they were unpacking their new lines!!! Look what came home in my suitcase! And since you know I’m the sharing kind, this is for you!
We talked industry trends, upcoming ideas and the classes Jodi will be teaching at Crop & Create Calgary. We can’t wait to welcome her back again!
Last stop of the day was Simple Stories and what a welcome I had there! But before we could even hug I had to admire their new offices and of course was snapping pictures to share with you!
Marketing Director, Layle then led me to the boardroom where they had their brand new Carpe Diem Planners all laid out. They are BEAUTIFUL! A stunning array of and so many different accessories to decorate and help you keep track of things! Of course I may or may not have brought one home in my suitcase for a lucky reader! More on that later.
Layle (in the middle) and Amber, owner of Simple Stories to the right, whisked me off to a great dinner at a local Ogden, Utah restaurant called Roosters! Great food especially the "Naughty Fries" which were TO DIE FOR! And worth an extra bit of exercise right?
And the nice part, this was sitting in their showroom which they assure me was not done because I was visiting, they just love it :)
Thank you Doodlebug, My Mind's Eye, Fancy Pants and Simple Stories for letting us in to your world for a bit! That's a wrap on the first part of the week. Join me tomorrow as I have Part II which includes our visit to American Crafts, Echo Park, Bo Bunny and more!
And as I mentioned above, if you've stayed with me and read until the end, I have a surprise for you! Well two actually! I have a sweet box of goodies from my trip that needs a home! Would you like that home to be yours? Leave a comment below by Thursday, November 5th!
Hope you enjoyed a behind the scenes peek! Join me tomorrow!
~ Catherine Tachdjian, Publisher, Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine
So glad you had a great
time in Utah! We have the
best companies here and
lots of inspiration from
all of them. Just send
that goodie pile to me
won't you!
Carla from Utah
Posted by: Carla Hundley | October 30, 2015 at 01:49 PM
I'm so excited to see more about your planner!
Posted by: Maureen W. | October 30, 2015 at 02:00 PM
Sounds like a fun trip!
Posted by: LouAnn V | October 30, 2015 at 02:10 PM
I have the perfect spot on my craft table for one of the boxes!!! Can't wait 'til tomorrow!
Posted by: Janet Cobb | October 30, 2015 at 02:12 PM
What a fun trip ... and this is only part 1! How exciting for you! Your comment about the $18,500 coat reminded me of when we went to Rodeo Drive in L.A. Saw a really simple, but cute outfit in the window. Well, hubby wanted me to go try it on ... I said no way as it probably costs more than our car! haha Just window shopping, please.
Posted by: Rebecca Yahrling | October 30, 2015 at 02:12 PM
It looks and sounds like you had an outstanding time in Utah! Thanks for sharing such wonderful photos and stories from your trip. It must be so great to be abe to visit with the many partners you have worked with over these past 10 years and who have surely become friends. I especially loved reading about the Doodlebug Designs' office as I am a huge fan. The photos of their office depict exactly what I would have imagined their working space to look like: bright, cheery and full of color! Each company's offices look to be brimming with inspiration and beautiful displays. Thanks also for thinking of us while you were away and for bringing back fabulous goodies that we will have the chance to win. Your kindness and thoughtfulness are amazing! Looking forward to reading about the second part of your journey!
Posted by: LC | October 30, 2015 at 02:15 PM
Wow! Your trip to Utah was full of fun and amazing meetings! Wonderful sneak peeks from your partners :)
Posted by: Helen Gullett | October 30, 2015 at 02:15 PM
It looks like you had an amazing trip! Of course I would like to win a box of goodies! Thanks!
Posted by: Amy Cooley | October 30, 2015 at 02:17 PM
Not only do these companies have great products, it looks like they have great people and would be a great place to work. Very jealous of your trip! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: SusanDR | October 30, 2015 at 02:18 PM
Thank you for sharing your trip! Who wouldn't love to win a box of goodies!!!
Posted by: Tara W | October 30, 2015 at 02:20 PM
The offices look great
Love that quilt.
Congratulations on you anniversary.
Posted by: Mary Holshouser | October 30, 2015 at 02:23 PM
Wow, that looks like an amazing trip ... looking forward to part 2!
Posted by: Lynne in NI | October 30, 2015 at 02:24 PM
Wow! Sounds like a crafter's dream adventure! Love your insider look of all these company homes!
Posted by: Gramma Dee | October 30, 2015 at 02:26 PM
How exciting it must have been to visit all these amazing companies! Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures!
Posted by: Alexandra Tompras | October 30, 2015 at 02:29 PM
Sounds like quite the trip with lots of treats for the soul and the body!!! Looking forward to hearing more!
Posted by: Sandra | October 30, 2015 at 02:31 PM
Wow looks like you had a great trip, the food sounds yummy and of course everyone was so welcoming - we are all paper crafters - the friendliest people in the world :)Looking forward to hearing and seeing more tomorrow.
Posted by: Charmaine | October 30, 2015 at 02:32 PM
I really am thrilled to see the behind the scenes photos. That doodlebug quilt was amazing. I want to win THAT!
Posted by: Rebecca B. from FL | October 30, 2015 at 02:32 PM
WOW...you traveled to so many AWESOME places....Fabulous product from them all....almost makes you wish you lived in Utah! Thanks for the tour!
Posted by: Sandy R | October 30, 2015 at 02:35 PM
What an amazing time you must have had! I would have been in heaven! Thanks for the chance to win one of your goodie boxes! I promise it would be happy in my home!
Posted by: Angela A | October 30, 2015 at 02:39 PM
looks as if you had such a fun trip! you sure went to some great places!
as for the giveaway, I am holding my hand up REALLY high.... can you see it?! ;)
enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Jennifer Scull | October 30, 2015 at 02:40 PM
How excited to go and see these wonderful companies and their owners. I am sure you hit to see a lot of eye candy. Have more fun.
Posted by: Deepa Lakshman | October 30, 2015 at 02:40 PM
I"d love to go to Utah and visit some of the scrapbook companies that are there. I"m always jealous of the various warehouse sales. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Pam Sohan | October 30, 2015 at 02:41 PM
What an incredible trip & your pictures are fabulous! Lots of wonderful crafting goodies from those companies & now I want to take a food tour through Utah--haha! Thanks for a chance to win!
Posted by: Greta H | October 30, 2015 at 02:42 PM
Thank you for sharing your trip to Utah. Some scrappy friends and I have plans for a road trip their someday. Your photos and descriptions have reinforced that desire. Thank you Catherine for everything that you do for SCT and your readers - it's been a wonderful 10 years! Pam
Posted by: Pam Lewis | October 30, 2015 at 02:42 PM
Wouldn't it be fun to work for one of these companies?! Or get into their warehouses!! Thanks for the chance to win a goodie box.
Posted by: Karen Smee | October 30, 2015 at 02:42 PM