In the Pink

You know that here at Second Hand Chic, pink is our favorite color. No matter what age, a girl never outgrows pink. So feast your eyes, ladies:

Johnny Kolache

In my never-ending search for merchandise for the shop, I am always on the look out for a quick and affordable snack. Imagine my excitment upon discovering Johnny Kolache's. A kolache is a flaky, sweet fruit or cream cheese filled pastry which originally hails from the Czech Republic. Johnny adds his own hearty twist by filling them with tasty meats, eggs and cheese. It's the perfect on the go treat for today's rushed American.

Meet Johnny Boots, the man responsible for bringing the Kolcahe to Utah by way of Texas.

Johnny's kolaches are hand-rolled and baked fresh everyday. Buy a dozen and freeze what you can't finish today.

On a side note, ladies, Johnny just happens to be single. With a great sense of humor and a way with food, what more could you want in a fella?

Johnny Kolache

900 South 248 West

SLC, 801.326.8376

http://www.johnnykolache.com/index.html

The best part is, it's on the way to the Welfare Square D.I!

Love, Kelly

Let's Go Shopping...at George's Architectural Salvage

When customers come into my shop looking for vintage architectural elements I always send them to George's Salvage. George has been recycling building materials and reclaiming them since 1984.
Meet Melanie and Chris, the friendly staff at George's. They can help you find what you are looking for.

George is passionate about recycling, "When we reuse building materials it reduces manufacturing pollution and waste while preserving natural resources."

Be sure to check out George's website for ideas on reusing materials. Better yet, stop by and brouse the expansive inventory of doors, windows, hardware and fixtures.

George's Architectural Salvage

470 East 900 South

SLC, 801.539.1140

http://www.georgessalvage.com/

Love, Kelly

Jar of Smiles

We all seem to be taught very young to have a different face for all sorts of occasions, and situations. As I have gotten wiser, which is really a nice way of saying older, and much more authentic with myself, it has become apparent to me how often I have worn the faces that others have selected, or demanded for me.
Often not very well I might add, since it hasn't really been who I was. I have worked really hard over the last several years to discover once again who I really am, and want to be. We all change over time whether we are trying too or not, but if I think for myself I stop questioning certain traditions, habits, and especially belief systems for myself long ago.

But as life puts us in completely surprising circumstances, and adventures that maybe we did not see ourselves ever experiencing we have the opportunity to re-inventory ourselves to see where we stand with OURSELVES.
I have received lots of great wisdom in my life from those that love me...three statements stand out for me in my mind always ...especially in my treatment of myself and mankind. One is: "You are born alone, and you die alone," "Never take advice from someone more screwed up then you." And last but not least is: "You are the final authority in your life." Look behind the smiles you may wear around others based on caring what they think, and make sure first you are REALLY happy, and second that the smile is based in your authentic passion, love for life, and love for yourself.

I wish you much self-discovery.

Love, Connie

I Love Lavender

Ah, lavender...it conjurs images of luscious fields of purple sprawling over the French countryside. The aroma is heavenly. In addition to it's beauty and wonderful scent, lavender has many practical uses. According to the website, lavendercentral.com:

You may already appreciate lavender for its aromatic fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes. However, this herb is also considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments, from insomnia and anxiety to depression and mood disturbances. Recent studies bear out years of anecdotal evidence showing that lavender produces calming, soothing, and anticonvulsive effects. According to some research, lavender may be as effective as certain barbiturates in treating sleep disorders.http://www.lavendercentral.com/uses.htm

In the spirit of water conservation, my husband and I have planted tons of lavender in our yard.

It's such a hardy, drought tolerant plant it's the perfect choice for our dry Utah climate. The lavender plant brings lots of bees to our yard. John and I sit in the garden every morning with our coffee, watching the bees flit from flower to flower.

Since lavender is a natural moth repellent, I use sachets tucked into drawers and hung in my closet to ward off the pesky insects. And it smells much better that moth balls!

Lavender Lovers of Utah can celebrate the harvest by participating in this year's "5K Run Through the Lavender" at Young Living Farms in Mona, Utah the 11th of July. Run or walk through 200 acres of fragrant purple blossoms. For more information:http://www.younglivingfarms.com/

Love, Kelly

Let's Go Shopping...at Home Again

Today we'll be visiting Home Again, a hip home furnishings consignment shop in the heart of Sugar House. In operation for 11 years, it's a Sugar House institution. Here's store manager, Kathryn Blomquist, placing the final touches on the sidewalk display.

The merchandise assortment at Home Again combines high quality and up to the minute fashion for Salt Lake shoppers. They always carry a large selection of case goods, upholstered items as well as the most stylish home decor.

According to Kathryn, bestsellers this year are sofas, dining sets and armoires. "Today's customer is looking for ecclectic pieces for her home."

Home Again has 2 locations:

2100 South 1019 East

SLC 801.487.4668

7490 Holden Street

Midvale 801.255.5457

Love, Kelly

Art for Art's Sake

When did the decision to purchase a piece of artwork become motivated by it's possible resale value? In my opinion, the purpose of art is to provide the world with beauty and insight. Too many times, a customer comes into my shop, scrutinizes the selection of original art, closely examining the signature and then determines if the painting has any "value". I determine the value of a painting based on the fact that it speaks to me. Am I moved by this very personal revelation placed on canvas by the artist? This is a painting I bought 15 years ago at a yard sale. The artist, an art student at the U of U had just graduated and was selling off some work she had done while a student. I suppose there was something in the subject's melancholy expression that moved me. It cost me $20. It has been hanging over my sofa and providing me with joy on a daily basis ever since. When people come over, they look at the signature and suggest that we "Google" the artist to see if she has become renown because maybe it is "worth" something. To me. the painting is priceless. It's the best $20 I have ever spent.

Love, Kelly