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!

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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. 

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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!   

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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!

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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! 

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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!

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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.

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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 :)

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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