Utah Road Trip, Ikea and Park City Visit, Free Autumn Printables

Utah Road Trip-
Well it's great to be back home but I'm happy to say we just took a road trip! Dave and I were really needing a vacation since we haven't had one in several years. We didn't want to drive to Portland or  the Oregon coast since it was too far. I came up with the idea to go to Salt Lake City since it's only about a four and a half hour drive from here and there is an Ikea! I also discovered there's a wonderful University of Utah science museum with tons of huge dinosaur bones! I always loved paleontology. I think it's a great field and they have a wonderful multi level, state-of-the-art museum. We left Saturday morning and came back Monday afternoon. I took Tuesday off work to unpack, get groceries, do laundry, etc. It was nice to have the extra day off.

We went to the University of Utah first Saturday afternoon after we got into town. I will say it's  one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. Just gorgeous buildings and landscaping right up against the mountains. We went through the exhibits which included Native American history in the area and of course the dinosaur bones. Here's a few shots-

It was really cool that they had a lab open where you could see the scientists working on their current bones-

I bought a gorgeous, heavy paper botanical print for $5.00 at the gift shop! I'll get a frame locally-

After that we met one of Dave's work buddies and took a tour of the office where he trained. We went out to dinner after that and crashed early. We got a great deal on a hotel S. of SLC, nice.

My autumn craft in a steel Ikea plant pot

Ikea and Park City Visit-

Sunday morning we went out to breakfast and then took my long list to Ikea. I got their yearly catalog in the mail and that helped me look to see what I might use, and could afford. It's been impossible to find apple green bath towels like the ones we bought at Ikea. Ours were about 5 years old and really needed to be replaced. When we went I was told that color was being discontinued, but luckily I was able to score some. I bought bath towels and washcloths but they were out of hand towels. Luckily I went to Ikea.com and bought some there. We should be good for another four or five years! Here's a rundown, with photos from Ikea, unless otherwise noted-

I love their towels as they really hold up and you won't end up with 10 lb. of lint in the dryer each time you wash them. Nice and soft! 

Bought 2 steel plant pots, 1 above w/cotton branches and moss from Hobby Lobby, $4.00-

I bought some other miscellaneous things, a big purchase was a new medicine cabinet with a mirror for our small bathroom. Our medicine cabinet is about 10 or more years old and it's getting pretty funky looking. I've repaired it a few times but it was time to replace it. Ikea had the best price and perfect size for over my sink. The master bath is actually just a half bath which is where it will go, great deal, $89.00-

I'll add an new knob

I also got a solid wood step stool, I may add some blue blanket stripes, $20.00-

A  lot of people "hack" them, my fave is this-

From Pinterest, couldn't find link to post, cute paint!

Other items were a large gorgeous embroidered, Swedish country folk art pillow, $25.00, my real splurge!

For winter a faux sheepskin throw for my desk chair, $15.00-

New duvet cover-

A kids step stool for grand boys, fits perfect under our Ikea master bath cabinet, $4.00-

The other items for miscellaneous kitchen supplies, $7.00 for instant thermometer-

I stocked up on some dry goods in their food section, Lingon berry juice, etc. to bring home.

Sunday afternoon we went to Park City, a gorgeous ski are. Home to the SLC Winter Olympics! Sadly I did not see Robert Redford. We did get to see the large ski runs off in the distance. Some closer shots of the other runs-

Autumn colors starting!

We had a great time, relaxed, saw some sights, shopped and spent some quality time together. Perfect trip for 3 days!

Free Autumn Printables-

There's a touch of Autumn in the air and I found these cute prints! Apples Eucalyptus Free Fall Printable   and Never Met A Pumpkin... I printed mine above and fit in an existing frame. I like it!!!