1

Managing Unmet Expectations in Relationships

Expectations Graphic.jpg

 Are unmet expectations causing conflict in your relationship? Read on for four tips to manage this problem and strengthen your relationship.


Expectations are beliefs about the way things will or should be. They come from the family we grew up in, the relationships we have had, and the culture that surrounds us (i.e., family traditions, religious or ethnic backgrounds, media, etc.). While we all have expectations, unmet expectations can lead to conflict, frustration, and relationship dissatisfaction. On the other hand, learning to manage expectations is one of the keys to healthy relationships. Consider these four tips to managing unmet expectations.

1. Identify your expectations as well as those of your loved one.

Unspoken expectations and expectations that you may not even be conscious of are often at the root of conflict. Take a step back to examine what expectations might exist that you may not have considered before. Consider the common topics of conflict.

2. Be reasonable.

Step back and look at your expectations from another perspective. Is it reasonable for the current situation? Just because you would prefer it or it may have “always been done that way” doesn’t mean that it is the best and most realistic solution for current circumstances.

3. Be clear.

Express your preferences using “I” messages and take time to listen to other’s desires. We may not always agree with their expectations, but validating each other’s perspective can set a positive tone for finding a realistic compromise that is acceptable for everyone.

4. Seek for a win-win solution.

Remember, if the solution is not win-win everyone loses. If a win-win solution does not seem possible, then find a way to equally compromise or take turns compromising. Be sure to get back together after an agreed upon time to evaluate, discuss and make adjustments, if needed.

 

While unmet expectations create frustration and conflict, following these four tips will provide opportunities to grow closer and build happier and healthier relationships.

 

Learn more great tips to strengthen your relationships at www.relationships.usu.edu.

 


Naomi Brower NewThis article was written by Naomi Brower. Naomi is an Extension Associate Professor in Weber County specializing in helping others improve the quality of their lives through creating and strengthening their relationships. She earned her master’s degree in Family and Human Development from Utah State University and she is a Certified Family Life Educator. She enjoys hiking, traveling (especially anywhere green) and playing with her husband and adorable little boy.  Contact Naomi at naomi.brower@usu.edu or check out videos and other content at relationships.usu.edu.

Find more contributor bios here.

References:

Markman, H.J. Stanley, S.M., Blumberg, S.L. (2010). Fighting for your marriage. Jossey-Bass: San Francisco, CA.

Markman, H.J., Stanley, S.M., Blumberg, S.L., Jenkins, N.H., Whiteley, C.W. (2004). 12 hours to a great marriage. Jossey-Bass: San Francisco, CA.

 




Fall Bucket List

fall-bucket-list


Cooler temperatures and colorful leaves are on their way. We’re welcoming fall with more than 50 fall things to do around Utah. Pick and choose your favorites to create your own custom fall bucket list. 


The weather is starting to cool off, the leaves are changing and there is so much fun to be had.  Utah is full of great experiences, whether you want to spend time out in the crisp fall air or stay home working on simple projects.  Whatever mood you are, in it is nice to have a list of exciting ideas to choose from, and we have more than 50 suggestions for you to build your own fall bucket list.

Outdoors

  • Drive the Alpine Loop or other local canyons to see the leaves
  • Explore a corn maze
  • Visit the local farmer’s market
  • Go on a hike to see the fall colors
  • Go camping in the colors
  • Go apple, pumpkin, squash, pepper or tomato picking at a local “pick your own” farm
  • Go pick your own pumpkin from a pumpkin patch
  • Practice recreational shooting
  • Go hunting
  • Go Trick-or-Treating
  • Tell scary stories around a campfire
  • Go on a hay ride
  • Join in a family and friend turkey bowl football game

Entertainment

Home

  • Do fall cleaning
  • Decorate the house
  • Host a football watching party
  • Host a Halloween party
  • Gather family for Thanksgiving dinner
  • Rake up and play in the autumn leaves
  • Clean out garden beds to prepare for next year
  • Plant spring bulbs
  • Plant a tree — Autumn is a great time to plant a tree, but be sure to water well if it is a dry autumn.

Food

  • Do a chili cook-off
  • Make apple cider
  • Harvest fall produce and preserve it by freezing, drying or canning (jams, jellies, whole fruit, etc.)
  • Throw a homemade doughnut party – invite friends and family over for fun and doughnuts everyone can enjoy. Try them  baked or fried.
  • Make caramel apples
  • Try a new recipe for Thanksgiving (pie, stuffing, etc.)
  • Throw a party where everyone brings a different kind of pie
  • Host a crock pot party
  • Try a new homemade soup, like  Apple & Butternut Squash Soup (page 7) to help keep you warm as the days get colder.

Crafts

  • Pumpkin carving – A tradition that never gets old. Find your favorite printable template or draw freehand to make your pumpkin carving creation.
  • Decorate/paint pumpkins to look like a favorite book character – Painting and decorating pumpkins is just as fun. They also last longer without wilting.
  • Boo” ding dong ditch the neighbors – Leave a bag of goodies on someone’s front porch and run away – once you have been “boo-ed” you hang an image of a ghost near your front door so others know you have been “boo-ed.”
  • Start a fall gratitude journal
  • Create a new autumn decoration
  • Make a new Halloween costume
  • Sew homemade hand warmers

Books 

This is a way to transport yourself and your little ones into another world of fun, adventure and fantasy. Cuddle up with a blanket and enjoy some of these favorites this autumn.

  • Scary chapter books:
    • Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz
    • The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
    • Coraline by Neil Gaiman
    • Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Halloween picture books:
    • Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
    • The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams
    • Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michal Rex
    • Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson
    • Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman
    • In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz
    • The Hallo-wiener by Dav Pilkey
    • Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
    • Frankenstein by Rick Walton and Nathan Hale
    • Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden by George Levenson and Samuel Thaler
    • A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee and Harry Bliss
    • One Witch by Laura Leuck

    • Curious George Goes to a Costume Party by Margaret Rey
    • Where is Baby’s Pumpkin? by Karen Katz
  • Thanksgiving picture books:
    • ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
    • Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
    • The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz
    • A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman and Jeff Shelly

 


This article was written by Kirsten Lamplugh, Intern at the Salt Lake County USU Extension office, BS in Family and Consumer Sciences 




Preparedness Ideas You Might Have Forgotten

preparedness


 

  • How many phone numbers do you have memorized? If your cell phone is down, so is your phone list.
  • How can you help? When you get to an evacuation gathering site, do you have skills to help take care of frightened children? Computer skills to help take down information? Carpentry skills to help rebuild or stabilize homes?
  • How many people do you know by name on your street? Can you recognize their children—more importantly, can their children recognize you?
  • How long can you stay cheerful?

The current buzzword in community help agency circles is resilience. It’s the ability to cope and overcome problems. Resiliency in a community is key in recovering from disasters, or just plain hard times. Community resilience is built on a foundation of people knowing each other. If you don’t know the people who live next door to you, or behind you across the fence, or on the other side of town, you can’t help them and they can’t help you. I’ve heard that when a natural disaster first hits an area, everyone bands together—the first week. By the end of the month, everyone is “all funned out,” as Cuzco says in The Emperor’s New Groove, but the rebuilding has only just begun.

Popular Mechanics has a special edition of “The Ultimate Survival Guide” on newsstands, so you can “adapt like the Special Forces.” Ultimately, survival depends on how a community can work together using the knowledge and experience of everyone in it. That sense of community starts now: know the people around you, know the people on the other side of town, know what you can do to help once you’ve been helped.

It’s not the Apocalypse we have to worry about: it’s each other.

Interested in learning more about preparedness? Come to the Utah Prepare Conference and Expo this Friday and Saturday, September 8 & 9 at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy.


This article was written by Cathy Merrill, USU Extension Assistant Professor, Utah County

                 

 




Farmers Market Salsa Showdown

Salsa ShowdownFarmers markets: we’ve told you where to find them, why to shop them, and how to meal plan around what you find there. Many have special events and activities to help create a community around the farmers market. At the USU Botanical Center Farmers Market, there is a children’s activity each week, and some sort of free, special event. Some weeks they have Aggie Ice Cream tasting, other weeks a cooking demonstration. This week, on August 31, they’ll be having a salsa showdown. Check it out Thursday— you can bring your best salsa to enter, or just come and sample the different entries. Can’t come on Thursday? Use those garden fresh tomatoes and try one of these recipes from the 2016 Salsa Showdown.

 

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Recipe by Shawn Olsen

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 ripe tomatoes, diced (approximately 5 cups)
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 Anaheim or Big Jim pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons vinegar
  • Up to 1/4 cup salsa seasoning mix (Mrs. Wages or Ball Fiesta Salsa)

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine diced tomato and cucumber. Remove seeds from pepper, and chop finely. Add pepper, onion, cilantro and vinegar to tomato and cucumber, and mix well. Add salsa seasoning, to taste. Start with a small amount of seasoning, taste salsa, and add more if desired. Store in refrigerator.

 

Fresh Peach-Mango Medley Salsa

Recipe by Shelley Ekman

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup diced peaches, skin removed
  • 1 cup diced mango, skin removed
  • 1 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup diced Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced Berns yellow pear tomatoes
  • 3 bell peppers, seeded and diced (red, yellow, and orange)
  • 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup lime juice

Directions:

Place all diced fruit, vegetables and cilantro in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients with a whisk, and pour over salsa. Stir to combine, and adjust seasoning and vinegar to taste. Store in refrigerator.




Home Preserving Resource Roundup

Home Preserving RoundupAre you interested in canning and preserving your own food? Check out these upcoming classes, or learn about the dos and don’ts of home preserving from this roundup of videos and blogs from USU Extension.


Canning Resources

Shelf-life of Home Preserved Foods

7 Foods You Shouldn’t Can at Home

5 Tips for Failproof Home Preserving

Steam Canning Uncovered

Freezing Vegetables

Making Homemade Jams and Jellies

Plan Today to Preserve Tomorrow

5 Fruit Freezing Tips

How to Preserve Wild Game

Home Canning No-no’s

4 Tips and Reminders for Harvest Preservation

How to Can Apricots

Where to Go for Safe Canning Recipes

Master Preserver Program

Do you enjoy the art and science of food preservation and canning? Become a Master Food Preserver. Register here for the Salt Lake County Master Preserver Program, July 25, 26 and 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Contact your county USU Extension office to find out about the Master Preserver Program in your county.

Weber County Master Food Preserver Classes (can be taken individually or as a series)

Canning Pickles and Relish, July 11 — 11:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Canning Fruits, July 13 — 8 – 11 a.m.
Jams, Jellies and Spreads, July 13 — 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Freeze Drying and Dehydrating Veggies and Meats, July 18 — 8 – 11 a.m.
Dehydrating Fruit and Fruit Leathers, July 18 — 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Pressure Canning Low Acid Foods, July 20 — 8 – 11 a.m.
Freezing, July 20 — 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Canning Tomatoes and Tomato Mixtures, July 25 — 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Wrap Up and Final Exam, July 27 — 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

All classes will be held at Roy High  School, FACS kitchens, North West side of school. Find out more and register here

Individual Canning Classes

Weber County

 

Canning Tomatoes and Tomato Mixtures (salsa included)
August 15 — 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Pressure Canning September 19 — 6 p.m.

All classes will be held at USU Extension Weber County office — 181 North Fairgrounds Dr., Ogden.

Davis County

Freezing/Dehydrating July 26 — 9 a.m.-noon
Jams/Jellies August 2 — 9 a.m.- noon
Fruit Canning August 9 — 3 – 6 p.m.
Tomato Canning August 16 — 9 a.m.-noon

All classes will be held at the USU Botanical Center, Utah House — 920 South 50 West, Kaysville

Utah County

Canning: Safe, Easy Basics June 20 — 7-9 p.m.
Canning: Tomatoes and Salsas June 27 — 7-9 p.m.
Canning: Pressure Method for Meats and Vegetables June 27 — 7-9 p.m.
No Can “Canning”—Freezing and Dehydrating June 29 — 7-9 p.m.

All classes will be held at Utah Valley University To register, call 801-863-8012 or visit uvu.edu/ce


Visit canning.usu.edu for more online canning resources from USU Extension. Find more classes near you at http://extension.usu.edu/calendar.




4 Reasons Date Nights Matter

Date Nights MatterNeed an excuse for a date night? We’ve got four— that is, four ways date nights can strengthen your relationship.


Make Date Night a Priority

Summertime is a great time to build memories as a family, but don’t forget to also take time for a one-on-one date with your sweetheart too! While it can be a challenge to make arrangements or take the time to get away together, research has shown that having date nights can strengthen your relationship in the following ways:

  1. Increasing communication. Time to talk can provide opportunities to reconnect and discover your partner’s newest interests and dreams.
  2. Having fun together. Date nights provide an opportunity to get out of the routine, build happy memories and rekindle the spark that can help sustain couples through the tough times.
  3. Strengthening commitment. Setting aside time to go on a date demonstrates your commitment to each other and sets an important example to children and others that you value your relationship.
  4. Providing stress relief. Date nights allow couples to enjoy time together apart from the pressing concerns of ordinary life.

 

Make Date Night a Success

In order to make the most of your time together, consider the following tips:

  • Make an effort to plan your date, and if needed, budget so you can put money toward nice evenings out. For date ideas, check out 10 Tips for Romance on a Budget.
  • Make an effort to look your best by wearing something special for your date (cologne, jewelry, special clothes, etc.).
  • Get ready to music that pumps you up!  When you’re listening to music you enjoy, you’ll begin to feel good and radiate positive energy.
  • Give compliments. Compliment yourself and your spouse to build self-esteem.
  • Make the car ride special. Use the time driving to get to know your partner better and discover their current hopes, dreams and interests.

Join us for a Date Night

Looking for a fun date night? Come to the Take a Hike! Reaching New Heights in Your Marriage Date Night on June 23, where you will explore the great outdoors as you hike together in the beautiful mountains near Salt Lake City. Reach new heights as you participate in additional relationship enhancement activities along the way to the top. Click here for more information.


This Article was written by Naomi Brower, Utah State University Extension professor

For more information, see “The Date Night Opportunity” by Brad Wilcox and Jeff Dew found at http://nationalmarriageproject.org/resources/the-date-night-opportunity/

 




2017 Farmers Market Roundup

Farmers Market Graphic

Looking for fresh, local food? Find a Farmers Market near you and support the people in your community producing food. Quick tip:  bring cash and a few reusable grocery bags so you can shop to your heart’s content. 


9th West Farmers Market*
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June through October, International Peace Gardens, 1060 S. 900 W., Salt Lake City
http://9thwestfarmersmarket.org

25th Street Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June through October, 475 E. 2500 N., North Logan
http://www.northloganmarket.com

Ashley Valley Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
July through September, 225 E. Main St., Vernal
http://avfarmersmarket.wix.com/avfarmersmarket

Benson Grist Mill Historic Site
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
July through October, 325 State Rd. 138, Stansbury Park
www.bensonmill.org

Bountiful Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3 p.m. –  8 p.m.
June 11 through October 15, 100 S. 100 E., Bountiful
http://www.bountifulmainstreet.com

Brigham City Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June 17 through September 30
Bill of Rights Plaza and Box Elder County Courthouse
http://www.historicbrigham.org/farmersmarket/43-farmersmarket

BYU- LaVell Edwards Stadium Farmers Market
Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
August through October, 213 E. University Parkway, Provo
http://dining.byu.edu/farmers_market.html

Cache Valley Gardeners Market*
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
May through October, Logan Historic Courthouse, 199 N. Main, Logan
http://www.gardenersmarket.org

Cedar City’s Downtown Farmers Market*
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
July through October, Hoover & 100 W., Cedar City
https://www.facebook.com/ccdowntownfarmersmarket

Downtown Farmers Market*
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., June through October
Tuesdays, 4 p.m. – dusk, August through October
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., November through April
Pioneer Park, 350 S. 300 W., Salt Lake City
http://www.slcfarmersmarket.org

Downtown Farmers Market at Ancestor Square*
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon
May through October, 2 W. St. George Blvd., St. George
http://www.farmersmarketdowntown.com

Farm Fest Market – Sevier County
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
June through October, 370 E. 600 N., Joseph

Farmers Market Ogden*
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June 25 through September 17, Ogden Historic 25th Street, Ogden
http://farmersmarketogden.com/

Gardner Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
July 8 through October 28 , 1100 W. 7800 S., West Jordan
http://www.wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.org

Harrisville City Summer Farmers Market*
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – dusk
August 3 through September 21, Harrisville Main Park, 1350 N. Hwy 89, Harrisville
https://www.cityofharrisville.com/farmer-s-market

Happy Valley Farmers Market*
Fridays, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
June through October, 100 E. Main Street, Orem
www.happyvalleyfm.com

Heber Valley Farmers Market
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
June 8 through August 31, Main Street Park, 250 S. Main St., Heber City St.
http://www.ci.heber.ut.us/community/events/farmersmarket

High Desert Growers Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
July 15 through October 31, 100 E. Main Street, Price
http://extension.usu.edu/carbon/home_family_food/farmers_markets

Long Valley Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
Mid May through Mid October, 475 N. State St., Orderville
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Long-Valley-Farmers-Market/1397811127154513

Mapleton Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
July through September, Mapleton City Center, 125 E. 400 N., Mapleton
http://www.mapletonmarket.org

Moab Farmers Market*
Fridays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
May 5 through October 27, Swanny City Park, 400 N. 100 W., Moab
http://www.moabfarmersmarket.com/

Murray Farmers Market*
Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
July 29 through October 29, Murray City Park, 200 E. 5200 S., Murray
https://www.utahfarmbureau.org/Agriculture/Farmers-Markets

Park City Farmers Market
Wednesdays, noon – 6 p.m.
June through October, 4000 The Canyons Resort Drive, Park City
http://www.parkcityfarmersmarket.com

Park Silly Sunday Market
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
June 8 through September 21, 900 to 200 Main St., Park City
http://www.parksillysundaymarket.com

Provo Farmers Market*
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June through October, Pioneer Park, 500 W. Center St., Provo
http://www.provofarmersmarket.org

Richmond Harvest Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June through Mid-October, 563 S. State, Richmond
http://richmond-utah.com/harvest.html

Roosevelt Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
June 22 through September 28, 130 W. 100 N., Roosevelt
facebook.com/groups/101217766689683/

South Jordan Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
August 6 through October 29, 10695 S. Redwood Road
http://www.southjordanfarmersmarket.com

Spanish Fork Famers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
End of July – November, 40 S. Main St., Spanish Fork
http://www.spanishforkchamber.com

Sugar House Farmers Market*
Wednesdays, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
June 8 through October 26, Sugarhouse Park, 1500 E. 2100 S., Salt Lake City
http://www.sugarhousefarmersmarket.org

Syracuse City Farmers Market*
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – dusk
July 5 through September 27, Founders Park, 1904 W. 1700 S., Syracuse
facebook.com/SyracuseCityUtahFarmersMarket

Thanksgiving Point Farmers Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
August through September, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi
http://www.wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.org

USU Botanical Center Farmers Market*
Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (dusk)
July through September, USU Botanical Center, 920 S. 50 W., Kaysville
http://www.usubotanicalcenter.org/events/farmers-market/

University of Utah Farmers Market*
Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mid-August through Mid-October, Tanner Plaza, 200 S. Central Drive, Salt Lake City
http://sustainability.utah.edu/resource-center/get-involved/farmers-market.php

Urban Farm & Feed
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Open year round, 8737 South 700 East, Sandy
http://www.urbanfarmandfeed.com

VA Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
August 2 – September 6, VA Medical Center, 500 Foothill Drive
Lawn and patio outside the Building 8 Canteen.
https://www.saltlakecity.va.gov/SALTLAKECITY/features/vaslchcsfarmersmarket.asp

Wayne County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
May through October, Center and Main Street, Torrey
http://www.facebook.com/WayneCountyFarmersMarket

Wheeler Farm Market
Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June through October, 6351 S. 900 E., Murray
http://www.wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.com

Year-Round Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon, Year-Round
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., May through October
50 W. Center St., Cedar City
http://yearroundmarket.weebly.com/

Zion Canyon Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
Late April through Mid-October, 1212 Zion Park Blvd., Zion Canyon
http://www.zionharvest.org


*Markets marked with an asterisk utilize electronic benefit transfer (EBT) machines, allowing Food Stamp participants to use their benefits to buy fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets.

Did we miss a market? Let us know in the comments!




Welcome Farmers Market Season // Tossed Salad with Citrus Dressing

farmers market seasonWarmer weather means it’s farmers market season. Read up on some of the great benefits of shopping at a farmers market, and don’t miss the recipe  at the end!


After an especially long and snowy winter, the opening of farmers markets around the state is certainly a welcome sight. There are many individual, community and environmental benefits associated with shopping at local farmers markets. Markets often offer a wide variety of reasonably priced, high quality fruits and vegetables that are at the peak of their nutritional value. If you receive SNAP benefits, many markets offer a matching incentive program called Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB). For every $10 in SNAP benefits used at the market, you will receive up to $10 in DUFB tokens to spend on fruits and vegetables, making them even more economical.

The produce at farmers markets is often harvested within a couple of days or hours of the market, so the consumer has more time to use it before it spoils. Shopping at farmers markets also helps support farmers in your area, as well as the local economy. On average, food in the United States travels about 1,500 miles to get to your dinner plate, which can have various negative impacts on the environment. Fruits and vegetables sold at farmers markets have generally travelled just a few miles, which means savings in both your wallet and your environment. In addition to these benefits, farmers markets are a fun place to spend a few hours. Many offer free music, games and events for children and tasty food samples. The opening day of farmers markets varies around the state. Check with your local USU Extension office to find the farmers market in your community.

Here’s a great recipe for some of the first items to show up at Utah’s farmers markets. This is a great recipe to add any other fruits or vegetables that look good at the market.

Tossed Salad with Citrus Dressing

Yield: 8 servings.

From eatwellutah.org

Ingredients:

  • 4 c. torn fresh spinach
  • 4 c. torn leaf lettuce
  • 2-11 oz. cans mandarin oranges
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 T. thinly sliced radishes

Dressing:

  • ½ c. orange juice
  • ¼ c. lemon juice
  • ¼ c. olive oil
  • ½ t. seasoned salt
  • ¼ t. paprika (optional)
  • pepper, to taste

Directions:

Toss spinach, lettuce, oranges and radishes in salad bowl. Combine dressing ingredients and whisk together until blended. Serve with salad. 


This article was written by Heidi LeBlanc, Food $ense State Director, and Casey CoombsRD, CD; Policy, Systems, and Environments Coordinator, Utah State University Food $ense




Sliding vs. Deciding for Better Relationships

Sliding v Deciding.jpg

Find out why it’s important to make clear decisions instead of just going with the flow.


One of the reasons relationships can be difficult is that people don’t make clear decisions together about what they’re doing or where they’re headed. There are times in life when it’s easy to slide, or go with the flow to enjoy life. However, sometimes we need clear decisions that make it easier to follow through.

Sliding vs. deciding means people do best when they make decisions about important things in life rather than sliding through life without thinking carefully about what they want. For example, after coming home from work and the business of the day, instead of sliding into watching TV, decide to plan an activity with your partner or child. Another example would be deciding to save up for a trip or large purchase and setting up a savings plan, rather than just hoping there will eventually be enough money for the trip you’d like to take.

USU Extension – will be teaching Within Our Reach curriculum as part of our Healthy Family Fun Nights. One of the core themes of Within Our Reach is based on this idea that we do best in life when we make clear decisions, instead of sliding through choices. The course will teach critical life and relationship skills to help create a better environment for your family. Participating families will also learn how to make a healthy, quick, delicious dinner and enjoy it together. We are currently recruiting for a series in Logan, UT that will be held in the evenings on May 16, May 23, May 30, and June 6. Register for the event in Logan here.

Check out our website to find a Healthy Family Fun series near you!


This article was written by Carrie Durward, PhD RD Assistant Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist

 




Giveaway // Baby Animal Days at the USU Botanical Center

Baby Animal Days Blog ImageBring your family to see the adorable baby animals at the USU Botanical Center, Mother’s Day weekend, May 12 & 13. Read on for a coupon code, and enter to win a family pass to the event!


Spring is here, and so are Baby Animal Days at the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville! Individual tickets and family passes are available now, and include one FREE horse ride and one FREE miniature train ride, with additional rides available for purchase. There will be reptiles, sheep shearing demos and food vendors.

Proceeds from the event support 4-H programs and the botanical gardens. Events will happen rain or shine, and refunds will not be given due to inclement weather.

Kaysville Baby Animal Days Show Schedule

Friday, May 12
3:00PM – Sheep Shearing
3:30pm – Wild Wonders
4:00pm – Scales and Tails
5:00pm – Goat Milking
5:30pm – Sheep Shearing
6:30pm – Wild Wonders
7:00pm –  Scales and Tails

Saturday, May 13
11:00am – Sheep Shearing
12:00pm – Wild Wonders
1:00pm – Scales and Tails
2:00pm – Sheep Shearing
3:00pm – Wild Wonders
4:00pm – Scales and Tails
4:30pm – Goat Milking
5:00pm – Sheep Shearing

We’ve got a discount code especially for you Live Well Utah readers. Use code blog5 for $5 off your purchase, and enter to win a family pass good for Friday or Saturday. Giveaway ends May 9 at 12 midnight, and the winner will be notified Wednesday, May 10.

Enter Giveaway

Buy Tickets

 

For more information, visit babyanimaldays.org.