All I want for Christmas: Missionary edition
When your full-time “work” is spreading the gospel — and when all your belongings fit inside two suitcases — writing a Christmas wish list is no easy task. To find out what LDS missionaries most want for Christmas this year, we polled two elders, one sister missionary, three missionary moms, one mission president’s wife (and […]
Heroines in history: 4 scriptural role models for women
If you flip through the pages of your scriptures, you’ll have no trouble picking out dozens of male role models. After all, there are about 2,900 men mentioned in the LDS standard works. But what about the women? “It’s men who are doing the writing, and they’re writing from their perspective,” said Camille Fronk Olson, […]
From ‘Johnny Lingo’ to ‘The Singles Ward’: 8 memorable Mormon movies
For almost as long as there have been movies, there have been movies about Mormons. The LDS film genre — which is enough of a niche to have its own Wikipedia page — got its start in the early 1900s with two movies financed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1940, […]
Laughing at our peculiar selves
As Mormons, we’re a little . . . peculiar. There’s no way around it — we’re different. Our doctrines are different. Our scriptures are different. And our culture is very, very different. And while those differences have provided plenty of opportunities for others to tease us (“The Book of Mormon Musical,” anyone?), they also give us a […]
What’s in a Mormon name?
They first referred to themselves as “the disciples.” Outsiders called them “the new sect” or “Gold Bible apostles.” But within a year of the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its members were widely known as “Mormonites.” Now, almost two centuries later, the Church’s nickname is much the same. Name change […]
10 LDS websites that will make your pathway bright
Looking for a new tool to enhance your scripture study? Need to find that perfect video for your family home evening lesson? Want to hear inspirational stories about faithful saints all over the world? The Internet has it all. “These online sites, used in addition to standard resources like scriptures and general conference talks, are […]
Faith of our fathers (and mothers)
At the start of her freshman year at BYU, Hannah Wheelwright decided to read through the entire LDS standard works from cover to cover. As a member of a devoted Mormon family, she had read the scriptures closely during her growing-up years in Northern Virginia. She had come to believe God is real. But just […]
Is the church really the same everywhere you go?
When Sister Clark walked to the podium in bare feet and bore her testimony sans shoes, I knew our new ward would bring us a very different church experience. I had grown up hearing that the LDS Church is the same no matter where you are in the world. But at age 11 I learned […]
5 businesses Utah Valley still lacks
We’ve got mountains. We’ve got college sports teams. We’ve got water parks. Sometimes it seems like Utah Valley has it all. But there are still a few holes in Utah Valley’s perfection. Here are five businesses we’d be happy to see in the valley. 1. Gourmet groceries Macey’s and Harmons are nice, but the true foodie […]
Fabulous 50
By Ashley Dickson Fabulousness is cropping up all over Utah Valley. We’ve got do-gooders who remain down-to-earth, innovators who thrive by going against the grain, and great minds gaining ground in their fields. And the best part of all? Our 50 most fabulous people are all homegrown — they live and work locally, blooming where they’ve […]
Clean Slate
By Ashley Dickson Now’s your chance. The blank pages of your 2010 calendar are begging you to forget last year’s unfulfilled resolutions and make a fresh start. And whether you’re looking for a new beginning for your health, relationships, finances or appearance, we’ve got all the tips you need to make this your year for […]
Seeing Fit
By Ashley Dickson, photos by Kenneth Linge For Sherri Tomlinson, Scott Crockett and Stephanie Shurian, 2008 was all about gains and losses. Collectively, they lost 107 pounds and 42 percent body fat. They gained healthy habits and valuable fitness advice. When we introduced our three fitness challenge participants a year ago, they admitted they’d tried […]
UV Seen: Teddy bears, dancing celebrities and pretty poinsettias
Compiled by Ashley Dickson Dancing Starzz The stars were aligned at the first annual Dancing with the Starzz Gala, a benefit event for Best Buddies Utah. On Nov. 8, Miss USA Crystle Stewart, a vocal advocate for the intellectually disabled, was the honored guest and featured dancer along with her dance partner Brett Banford, a […]
Choose Your Own Adventure
Relaxation begins the moment you step into the Sagestone Spa waiting area at Red Mountain Spa. Whether you’re scheduled for a treatment or not, the peaceful room and unmatched views are available for all resort guests. Recreation plus relaxation equals options, options at Red Mountain Spa By Ashley Dickson The words “adventure” and […]
Surefire Design
Pleasant Grove kitchen undergoes fiery makeover After: New, light-colored cabinets brighten the room and make it more inviting. Interiors Unlimited recruited Burrows Marble & Granite to replace the dated orange countertops and Mountainland Design to install a new kitchen sink and faucet. By Ashley Dickson When the Hales family moved into their home 18 […]
2008 Utah Valley Magazine Fitness Challenge
By Ashley Dickson Stephanie Shurian, Scott Crockett and Sherri Tomlinson are making a public commitment to health. Our three 2008 Fitness Challenge participants are submitting their will and their weight to three accomplished personal trainers. You’ll get to know them through their struggles and successes. You might even pick up a few healthy habits to […]
Fancy Plants
Alan and Teresa Clark When the tropics meet the desert, fascinating flora blooms in Lindon By Ashley Dickson A few years ago Alan Clark wasn’t much of a gardener. Then he noticed his neighbor’s Joshua Tree. “I saw that and thought, ‘That’s not supposed to be able to grow here,’” Alan says. “So […]
How does your garden grow
The Kroes’ half acre in Cedar hills is a yard act to follow By Ashley Dickson Steve Kroes is a businessman for Utah Foundation by day, gardener by night and weekend. Raised by a flower-and-vegetable-gardening mother, Steve helped in the yard and designed a few flowerbeds as a teen. But he says it didn’t become […]
A Storybrook Home
Al and Nancy Young Inspirational literature and creative design influence this richly eclectic home By Ashley Dickson The Youngs are artists, writers, builders, bakers, readers, gardeners, musicians and collectors — and each of these talents is reflected in their Orem residence. But the one thing that has influenced their home more than anything else is […]
Go for Bold
Meri, Nathan and Solee Simpson Confident colors and fashion-forward furnishings brighten this Springville home By Ashley Dickson After a walk through the Simpsons’ Springville home, you might wonder where the family found such a creatively stylish interior designer. But this non-traditional decorator isn’t for hire. Meri Simpson is the woman behind the work — […]
Hit Or Myth
BY ASHLEY DICKSON, utahvalley360.com 6 health myths debunked by the experts Butter is better than margarine. “It’s hard to say one is absolutely better than the other,” says Dr. Lora Beth Brown, associate professor for BYU’s nutrition, dietetics and food science department. “But the scale tips in favor of margarine.” There are pros and cons […]
A Continuing Battle
BY ASHLEY DICKSON, utahvalley360.com One local student uses education as his cancer relief Steve Brown isn’t your average 21-year-old college student. He doesn’t waste time watching television or playing video games. And he actually enjoys going to classes, studying and working toward a degree in physics. He’s had a mature outlook since his youth. He […]
A Unique Perspective
BY ASHLEY DICKSON, utahvalley360.com One survivor uses cancer as a look at human nature Jim Lindow would have liked a motorcycle for his 48th birthday. Instead, he found out he had an advanced stage of melanoma. Within a week doctors had amputated Jim’s right ear and removed dozens of lymph nodes and a saliva gland. […]
A Caregiver’s Miracle
BY ASHLEY DICKSON, utahvalley360.com Local hospital workers care for one of their own After working in hospitals for more than 15 years, Lisa Jolley knows a thing or two about health care. A registered nurse, the 42-year-old practices what she preaches to her patients when it comes to personal health, exercising and eating right. So […]
A Child’s View
BY ASHLEY DICKSON, utahvalley360.com Leukemia shows one Orem girl how to bounce back “I got chemo for my seventh birthday. Yesterday Dr. Yaish told my parents that I have Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He said that’s the ‘good kind.’ It seems weird to me. Today’s my birthday and I feel awful.” — Nov. 27, 2006 To […]
Bringing Health Care Home
Before rushing to the doctor at first sign of illness or injury, try treating ailments at home By Ashley Dickson You’ve been battling a fever, sore throat and body aches for days, and the end doesn’t seem to be anywhere in sight. It’s time to get help. Do you head to the local pharmacy to […]
Vineyard City Confidential
By Ashley Dickson, utahvalley360.com For many Utah Valley residents, the town of Vineyard means little more than a green sign on the side of I-15. But the area known for its farmland and Geneva Steel will soon become one of Utah Valley’s fastest growing areas. Namesake The sand hills and fertile soil were once coveted […]