Get to Know the Stars of HGTV's Old Home Love

Audiences are falling in love with the stars of HGTV's new hit series Old Home Love - and it's no wonder why. These Provo locals are charming, hilarious, and darn good restoration experts. Plus their seven children are an absolute hoot to watch. 

We caught up with Candis Meredith, one part of the couple who star in the show, and had the chance to talk about what drives her and her husband Andy, how they got into the restoration business, and what they love most about Utah. Read on to see what makes this dynamic duo (and their family) tick!

Q: How did you both get into home restoration and building?

A: "When I was a little girl, my grandmother sold her historic farmhouse, and I said, 'When I grow up, I’m getting that house back.' At the age of 21, I did just that. I bought the house from another family and restored it. I’ve always had a real love for historic spaces, and my grandfather is a huge influence when it comes to restoration.

Andy also has the bug for old homes and hands-on work, but he was working in a corporate setting when we met. After we got married, he quit his job so we could pursue our dreams."

Q: Why is home restoration important to you?

A: "Homes aren’t built the way they used to be. Years and years ago, every house was built to last because resources were slim and many people were doing their own work. Although Andy and I do love modern homes, it seems like the craftsmanship of these older homes was so much better."

Q: In your opinion, is the process of restoring homes more difficult than building new? Why?

A: "Absolutely! With new homes, I know what to expect. Generally, the materials, some of the design elements, and layout are consistent. When restoring historic homes, you never know what you’ll find behind its walls. There’s a lot of problems solving involved, but, overall, the feeling of saving something is so rewarding."

Q: What do you love about historic homes in Utah? Do you think our market is different from other states?

A: "Homes in Utah are some of the most interesting and beautiful. Utah has a lot of varying architectural styles from many of the immigrants and pioneers who settled here. These people had to be resourceful, and Andy and I appreciate the amount of hard work and love that went into these homes."

Q: Can you briefly describe one of your favorite restoration projects?

A: "One of our favorite projects is called Skyline—We name every home we renovate. When we signed on to the project, the home was missing a roof, and the city was going to tear it down. Although it had a great deal of water damage from the rain and snow that poured inside, Andy and I knew we had to save it. Skyline turned out to be one of the most beautiful renovations we’ve ever done, and the family who purchased the home is so grateful."

Q:Can you describe your personal design aesthetic?

"I appreciate all aesthetics if they’re in the right setting. However, I do love modern style mixed with Victorian elements. Think clean and sleek mixed with the perfect antiques."

Q: Briefly describe a favorite moment during filming Old Home Love.

A: "Our producer for the show surprised Andy and I by driving our grandparents down to see one of our renovation projects in person. My grandma and grandpa have always been supportive of me, so it was such amazing moment to share with them. I think Andy would say his favorite moment was me going into labor the last day of filming!"

Q: What advice would you give a homeowner who wants to restore parts of their older home?

A: "Do your research! If you do things right the first time, even if you’re starting small, it will save you a lot of time and money down the road. If you’re on a budget, spend the money on projects that could become safety issues, such as electrical. If you can’t afford a total renovation right away, try to make your home as comfortable as you can."

Q: During the January Home Show, what do you want your audience members to learn?

A: "Andy and I want our audiences to understand that they don’t have to be afraid of renovation ideas or projects. It’s all about making your space your own because you are the one living in it every day. Your dream home doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive and time-consuming process. Start small and build up."

Q: What is your favorite thing about living in Utah?

A: "Andy loves the mountains and the access to the outdoors! If you live in Utah, it’s right at your fingertips. However, I love all of the historic sites and the abundance of old homes. Together, we try to go out into the world with kindness and that includes kindness toward the homes we restore."

Andy and Candis Meredith will be taking over the Design Stage at Salt Lake City Home Show January 8-10, 2016. With tons of tips and tricks to help with your next home improvement project, their presentations are not to be missed! Check out our Stage Schedule to help plan your visit to the show.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 8-10, 2016.

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How To Cook Like a Gentleman

Get ready for local chef Ryan Hogan to sweep you off your feet with sweet treats, but hold the sugar! Ryan is an ambitious entrepreneur, author, chef, and health-minded influencer. As CEO of the non-profit, The SweetLife Movement, Ryan provides health and wellness information to educate today’s youth about lifestyle nutrition. After debuting his skills as a guest chef on local television show ABC 4’s “Good Things Utah” – Ryan released his health-oriented cookbook, Gentleman’s Bistro. Get his healthy and delicious recipes from his book or see him live at the first Salt Lake Home Show of 2016.

Can't wait until Ryan's appearances on January 8th, 9th, and 10th? His recipe for sugar-free candied almonds should tide you over! Try making them tonight and get ready for more delicious recipes when you see Ryan at the Salt Lake Home Show.

SUGAR-FREE CANDIED ALMONDS

Ingredients

• 1 lb alomnds (can also use walnuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup of XyloSweetⓇ
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 egg white
• A dash of salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prehead oven to 352 F - place baking rack in the middle position.

Step 2: Prepare a 9" x 13" baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly spraying it with cooking spray. Spread out almonds, walnuts, or pecans in a single layer onto the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Lightly toast the nuts for 4-5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix cinnamon into XyloSweetⓇ and set aside.

Step 5: In a deep bowl, beat egg white with a dash of salt until stiff - fold in the XyloSweetⓇ/cinnamon mixture and lightly toast nuts. Slowly drizzle butter over mixture and fold until incorporated.

Step 6: Pour mixture back into baking pan and spread out to form an even layer.

Step 7: Bake at 325 F for another 10 minutes - stir to ensure even baking. Bake for another 10 minutes and stir again. Taste to make sure the nuts are not overcooking. Bake again for an addition 10 minutes and stir a final time.

Step 8: Remove from heat and spread out onto parchment paper. Mixture will be sticky and somewhat wet.

Step 9: Allow to dry for several hours or overnight. Depending on humidity, it may take longer to dry completely.

Step 10: Enjoy! 

The Salt Lake Home Show takes over the South Towne Expo Center January 8 - 10, 2016. With hundreds of experts ready to help with everything from roofing to cooking, home improvement projects, landscaping, and more, it's a must-attend event for Salt Lake City homeowners. 

Don't have tickets yet? Save big when you buy online! Click here to get $2 off tickets to the Salt Lake Home Show.

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 8-10, 2016.

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Utah Home History & Design

Design is constantly changing as it is influenced by history. Stylistic contexts from the social, the cultural, the economic, the political, the technical, and the aesthetic have all affected design in one way or another. Provo locals, Andy and Candis Meredith, are exploring historic home restoration on their new show Old Home Love on DIY Network. These two have a passion and talent for rehabilitating historic homes, mostly from the 1800s.

There couldn’t have been a better couple for the job… Andy and Candis are all about family! Raising their six boys and now a baby girl, one could say that this is a family with appreciation for the generations. Old Home Love brings together family, history, love, and design.

We spoke with Candis about home restoration, check out our brief Q&A:

Q: Why restoration?

Candis: "Although Andy and I do love modern homes, it seems like the craftsmanship of these older home was much better."

Q: Is it easier to restore or build new?

Candis: "With new homes I know what to expect. When restoring historic homes, you never know what you'll find. There's a lot of problem solving involved, but overall the feeling of saving something is so rewarding."

Q: What advice would you give homeowners looking to restore their homes?

Candis: "Do your research! If you do things right the first time, you will save a lot of money down the road."

Andy and Candis will be on the XFINNITY Design Stage at the Salt Lake Home Show on Friday, January 8th at 7pm, Saturday, January 9th at 3pm and 7pm, and Sunday, January 10th at 1pm. Don't have tickets yet? You can save big when you buy them online! Click here to get $2 off your tickets!

For more home renovation advice and pictures of their latest projects follow Andy and Candis on Twitter at @OldHomeLove. And to stay in the know about the Salt Lake Home Show, follow @SLCHomeShow on Twitter. 

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 8-10, 2016.

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Comfort. Style. Bliss.

Meet Taniya Nayak in person as we kick off 2016 at the Salt Lake Home Show this January. Taniya is a tastemaker of the interior design community, after becoming a household name as a design expert on HGTV and Food Network. She has a sharp eye and a talent for giving any space a fresh and clean look.

One could say that Taniya has design in her blood. Influenced from an early age by her father, who worked as an architect, Taniya pursued a master’s degree in interior design to fulfill her undeniable desire to create. Fresh out of design school, she made her television debut as a designer on ABC Family’s show called Knock First. The show ended after two years and she made the jump over to HGTV. Taniya has since been featured on many HGTV design shows over the last 10 years. The show that really launched her career was called Designed to Sell. Taniya is now living her dream. She’s in her 12th season of Restaurant: Impossible on the Food Network, while running her own design firm out of Boston.

We spoke with Taniya and got first hand insight about her upcoming appearance at the 2016 Salt Lake Home Show.

Q: What is your design philosophy?

Taniya: "My design philosophy is to make comfort and style go hand in hand to create bliss."

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their space?

Taniya: "I would say don't worry about following trends; do what makes you happy!"

Q: What can you tell us about your upcoming Slat Lake Home Show appearance?

Taniya: "I would like everyone to come prepared with lots of questions! I will be sharing my best tips and secrets on design. Including, where to shop, how to plan, and what to look for - and how to get the most bang for your buck!"

See Taniya on the XFINITY Design Stage at the Salt Lake Home Show on Friday, January 8th at 5pm and Saturday, Januayr 9th at 1pm and 4pm. Don't have tickets yet? Buy 'em online to save big and skip the box office line. Click here to get $2 off tickets!

Get more design and decor tips when you follow Taniya on Twitter: @TaniyaNayak! And make sure to follow @SLCHomeShow on Twitter to stay in the know about the Salt Lake Home Show.

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 8-10, 2016.

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Far and Beyond Baking at the Deseret News Home Show

Meet Nettie Frank, chef, mother of two, and food lover. This Utah local is a private chef, and the inspired creator behind Beyond Glaze Doughnuts – however, you might know her from her prime time debut on Food Network’s, Cake Wars. Nettie loves to share her passion for cooking with others by hosting cooking classes that teach the basics and inspire others to cook with confidence. Nettie has built her career with a passion for food, and a hunger to learn the ins and outs of the business!

See Nettie live at the Deseret News Home Show October 9-11, 2015. She will be a featured guest at the kitchen stage, sharing her secrets and recipes for the holiday season. Get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook today and treat a friend or family member to samples of Nettie's cooking!

Can't wait to see Nettie at the show? Sweeten up your wait time with this delicious coffee cake recipe Nettie shared with us. Check it out below!

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Ingredients

Cake

• 3/4 cup butter (soft)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 1/4 cup flower
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Cream cheese filling

• 1-8oz. cream cheese (soft)
• 3/4 cup fruit
• 1/4 cup sugar

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbs. of juice (from the fruit)

Directions

Step 1 - Making the cake batter: In one large bowl, mix butter and sugar together with a paddle until smooth. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla to butter mixture. Mix until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to butter mixture. Don't over mix.

Step 2 - Making the cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, fruit, and sugar. Mix until smooth.

Step 3 - Making the glaze: In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar and juice. Needs to be a loose consistency.

Step 4 - Grease bundt ban.

Step 5 - Pour half the cake batter in the ban. Pour the entire cream cheese filling on top of the batter. Pour in the other half of the cake batter. 

Step 6 - Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Step 7 - Let cool for 5 minutes. Flip bundt pan onto a plate.

Step 8 - Use a pastry brush and spread the glaze all over the coffee cake.

Step 9 - Sit down with friends and family and enjoy!

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
OCTOBER 9-11, 2015.

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It's Hammer Time for this Mother-Daughter Duo!

Mother-daughter duo, Karen E Laine and Mina Starsiak are the faces of HGTV’s new show Two Chicks and a Hammer. The show is based in their hometown of Indianapolis, where they transform rundown properties into impressive urban homes, improving neighborhood all across their city.

The pair got their start in renovation after Mina purchased her first home – a shabby-chic cottage with more shab than chic and not in the best part of town. The girls decided to do most of the restoration on their own! They had so much fun that it soon became a small business. With Karen’s legal background and Mina’s mind for real estate, these brainy-babes get the job done from start to finish, and they aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

It takes a special relationship to work so close with family, but these chicks understand that the benefits far outweigh the challenges. This powerful relationship and their unique style and willingness to work is an unstoppable combination. The chicks have stayed true to their style. Karen said, “It’s important for us to stick to timeless design choices with a fun twist that fits the vibe of the house!”

Catch Two Chicks and a Hammer on HGTV and see them live at the Deseret News Home Show! Everyone's favorite home and garden event will take over the South Towne Expo Center October 9-11, 2015. The chicks will be on the Design Stage on Friday, October 9th at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you visit the Home + Garden Events' Facebook ticket deals! Treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
OCTOBER 9-11, 2015.

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The Best in Log + Timber Homes at the Deseret News Home Show

From cozy log homes and timeless timber homes, to beautifully restored and redecorated old homes, Log and Timber is a place for avid enthusiasts. It provides a unique opportunity to bounce ideas off of builders and designers and even provides informative workshops that could turn you into an expert. You can find everything you need from land for sale to decorations that can turn your log and timber house into a home. Samantha Waters gives us a feel for what Log and Timber will be bringing to the Deseret News Home Show this year in these three questions:

Describe your design style in 5 words or fewer.

“Elegant, Rustic, and Back to Nature.”

What are your featured products this season?

"Attendees can walk through a log home base structure, feel and see some of the different types of logs and timbers available, purchase rustic furniture for their homes, discover the difference between a log, timber frame, or hybrid home, & lastly, but most importantly, they can discover and bring their dreams to life."

What types of techniques will you be teaching?

"Our exhibitors are teachers at heart. They will have demonstrations, pictures, etc. in their booths to help teach you log and timber home terms including what chinking is, what a hybrid home is, what a handcrafter is, and more. When you leave the Log and Timber Home area at Deseret News Home Show, you will have learned something. We are more than just entertainment; we will give you education from the experts."

This is Log and Timber’s 20th year traveling the United States connecting buyers with the right manufacturers, builders, restoration companies, etc. to fulfill their needs. Attendees are encouraged to bring their floor plan designs and questions to the Show. At Log and Timber, they equip people to achieve their dreams. To find out more about Long and Timber, please visit their website.

Discover rustic living at its finest at this year's Deseret News Home Show, featuring the Log + Timber Home Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the South Towne Expo Center October 9-11, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
OCTOBER 9-11, 2015.

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A Design to Remember

Teresa Collins Webber is a local Utah designer, traveling the world and inspiring others to create from the heart. This creative trendsetter is the owner of Teresa Collins Studio. Her designs include eye-catching stationary, apparel, crafts, party, home and office products - all available worldwide.

Teresa has a powerful personal story that she tells through design. Each product is carefully created to protect a memory. That’s why Teresa encourages people all over the world to not only take photos, but print photos! She takes it one step further, challenging you to at the very least put your photos in a page protector album. Or if you’re the crafty type, Teresa has everything you need to create custom, heartfelt, visual reminders of these special moments. She even makes clean up easy with efficient, well-organized storage systems.

3 Design Tips from Teresa:

1. Spray paint is the best way to alter anything!
2. Create to tell a story.
3. The number one rule of design is "THERE ARE NO RULES!"

See one of Teresa’s fabulous designs here:

Teresa will be sharing her design ideas and inspiration at this year's Deseret News Home Show. Everyone's favorite home and garden event takes over the South Towne Expo Center October 9-11, 2015. Teresa will be on the Design Stage on Saturday, October 10th at 4pm. 

Buy tickets now to save big and avoid box office lines. You can get 2-for-1 tickets when you visit the Home + Garden Events Facebook ticket deals. Get yours today!

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
OCTOBER 9-11, 2015.

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Deseret News Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: SunFire Defense

We're thrilled to have SunFire Defense joining us at this year's Deseret News Home Show. This innovative company creates products to help protect families and homes in case of fire. SunFire Defense SPF3000 fire blankets, sealants, and sprays help lower energy consumption, increase energy efficiency, improve agriculture, scale up enzymatic transformations, and protect what matters most.

SunFire Defenses uses only the best eco-friendly fire protection materials to help ensure the best future for our planet and its people. To learn more about this revolutionary company and how it can help protect your loved ones visit them in booth #1743/1745 at the Deseret News Home Show.

But before you see them at the show, check out our brief interview below to see what they have planned for this event!

Please describe your products.

"SPF3000 degree clear spray fire retardant for homes and fire retardant escape cloak for families."

What are your best safety tips for homeowners?

"Treat your home if you are in a wildfire area to prevent burning embers from burning down your home."

Will you have any show specials?

"Free fire escape cloak with SPF3000 fire stop treatment to your home."

What's the strangest client request you've ever received?

"Spraying blankets for horses to keep them safe during an evacuation from wildfires."

What's your favorite part of the Deseret News Home Show?

"Visualizing all of the applications for our fire spray."

Is there anything else you think folks should know about your company?

"Jim Moseley is the 2014 Patrick Soon-Shion Los Angeles Business Journal innovator of the year recipient for saving lives and property."

The Deseret News Home Show takes over the South Towne Expo Center October 9-11, 2015. With hundreds of home improvement experts ready to help you with your latest project this is a must-attend event for Salt Lake City homeowners.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
OCTOBER 9-11, 2015.

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Intelligent Design with HGTV's John Gidding

John Gidding can simply be described as an architecture and design expert. After graduating from Yale with a BA in architecture and completing a master’s program at Harvard School of Design, you could say he has the knowledge to prove it. He has gone on to become the host of HGTV’s Curb Appeal and works to enhance the outside of a home by incorporating design techniques into the exterior space.

As owner of the New York City-based John Gidding Design Inc., John has had success with design and construction projects all around the world and he isn’t planning on scaling back any time soon.

We talked to John to about upcoming trends for this year and even tried to get some hints about this year’s Deseret News Home Show.

What are some of your favorite interior or outdoor design looks this year?

"Outdoor living is skewing away from massive planting beds and horticultural expressions to hardscapes, overhead pergolas and projections, and interesting seating styles, be it hammocks and swings or large collections of whimsical seating options. In other words, both in front and back yards, people are focusing on creating courtyards and patios with a real focus on seating and comfort. This is a huge departure from when I first started Curb Appeal and everyone would chastise me for putting a few options for seating in the fronts of homes! As for interiors, I'm in love with everything Ken Fulk is doing."

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

"I'm a modernist at heart, but the more I work, the more I'm adapting to a softer approach. Finally, the most successful tenet of modernism is open-plan living - we are no longer hampered by structure defining every space, and instead find ourselves in open floor plans that allow life to flow easily from one space to another. This is easily married with color, pattern, and comfort; elements which mean more and more to me with each project."

What is one piece of advice you would give a homeowner who wants to improve the look and feel of their space?

"The key to improving the look and feel of your space is to identify needs that will be newly met by the redesign. If all you're looking to do is breathe new life into your home, playing with fabrics and colors will be the least expensive and most effective way to do it - but if you want to take your project to new heights, identify some needs you've always had (need more storage? more seating? more light?) and make the design address your needs if you want your project to be 'next level'."

Since you’ve been to Salt Lake before, is there anything you love about the city, or is there anything you would like to experience while you’re here?

"I love SLC because of the people. I've met some life-long friends there and look forward to visiting every time. I'm definitely going to stop by to check out the latest pieces by The Mandate Press when I'm there - I've always been a huge fan of letterpress artwork and one of the foremost studios in the country is in SLC."

Join John Gidding at the Deseret News Home Show October 9-11, 2015. John will be appearing live on the Design Stage on Friday, October 9th at 7pm and Saturday, October 10th at 3pm. Don't miss him!

Haven't bought your tickets yet? Get 'em early to save big and avoid box office lines! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets when you visit our Facebook ticket deals. Click here to grab yours today!

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
OCTOBER 9-11, 2015.

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Deseret News Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Klein's Custom Countertops

This Father's Day treat Dad to a kitchen upgrade. With a little help from the folks at Klein's Custom Countertops you can make a substantial impact and transform your kitchen without undertaking a huge project. Don't overhaul your kitchen or replace costly appliances, simply redo your countertops. Using state of the art technology combined with quality craftsmanship done by people who care about what they do, Klein's will custom manufacture and install your countertops to your specifications.

We sat down with the Klein's Custom Countertops team to talk about their services, how they help homeowners, and what they can do for your kitchen. Check it out below.

What are your featured products this season?
"Pental Quartz, Silestone Quartz, and Dekton Ultraompact Surfacing."

What home design and decor trends are you anticipating for the rest of 2015?
"Individual styles. Whites, marble looking patterns, grays and neutrals. Simple edges."

What advice would you give homeowners?
"Follow your heart. If you like it, that's all that matters. Never worry about what anyone else thinks."

Is there any additional info you'd like to give homeowners?
"It is our promise to our customer to show through service and quality, that the value of our products will be greater than that of any other purchase they could make for their home. No gimmicks, no sales, just a fair price, always. Klein's believes that if you put something on sale, it was too expensive to begin with."

Need more Father's Day gift ideas? Check out our list of DIY Father's Day presents. Show Dad how much you care with something homemade!

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Deseret News Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: WaterPrepared

Being a Dad can sometimes be a thankless job. This Father's Day say thank you with a water storage tank. Is it a traditional gift? No. Is it a useful and necessary product that your Dad needs? Yes. We chatted with the folks at WaterPrepared about how water tanks factor into emergency preparedness and the difference they can make in a natural disaster. Check out our interview below to learn more about this important product.

What are your featured products this season?
"160 Gallon Water Storage Tanks."

What can we look forward to from you at the Deseret News Home Show?
"We've recently created a 100 gallon stackable tank that allows people to build up their storage with a smaller investment."

What home design and decor trends are you anticipating for the rest of 2015?
"Emergency preparedness is growing. It certainly isn't design and decor, but with growing awareness and increased natural disasters, more homeowners will be looking to have peace of mind in the event of an emergency."

What inspires your products?
"Initially, it was frustration. There wasn't a residential water storage company that made emergency water storage easy or convenient. Now, it's helping to prepare homeowners for disasters."

What is your favorite part of the Deseret News Home Show?
"What love the small 'what the?!' products. Things you only see at shows. And presentations by great performers."

What advice would you give homeowners?
"Don't be impatient. Often the saying 'you pay for what you get' is true when it comes to your home. Don't settle, it's worth the wait to save and get the right product the first time. And don't forget about what's important, a house is a place to keep your family safe."

We hope this helps you get a jump on your Father's Day shopping. Need more ideas? Make sure to watch your inbox for our Father's Day Gift Guide! If you aren't already receiving our community emails, subscribe now. We'll send you timely, valuable info as well as exclusive ticket deals and more.

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Charity Begins At Gnome

Gnomes have always been misunderstood. Are they prankster with a mean streak? Or benevolent woodland creatures sent to protect people? Fresh off their century-long ban from the esteemed Chelsea Flower Show, (lifted in 2013), gnomes are making a comeback - and they're brighter and bolder than ever!

Ty Pennington, host of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and TNT's On The Menu, made this sweet little guy.

We are pleased to announce that the 2015 Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival will be participating in the Better Gnomes & Gardens DIY exhibit. Show attendees will have the opportunity to bid via silent auction on these quirky keepsakes: whimsical garden gnomes decorated by 12 personalities from HGTV (including Ty Pennington!) and Utah's local TV and radio shows. All of the proceeds will go directly to Primary Children's Hospital. Before you see them at the show, get a sneak peek at all the gnomes on our Facebook page - you can even vote for your favorite!

The Good Things Utah team made this gnome and Barbie versions of themselves - that's right, you can go home with Nicea, Jessie, Brian, Michelle, and Reagan.

The KUTV2 News team made some of these fun guys.

This project was designed as a way to promote sustainable urban farming and social enterprise initiatives in a unique and interesting way. Check out the fun gnomes at the show and bid on your favorite. You'll go home with something truly one-of-a-kind and help support sick children in our community. The silent auction will run during the Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival, March 6 - 8, at the South Towne Expo Center. Don't have tickets yet? Buy 'em early to avoid box office lines and get the best deals. Right now you can get 2-for-1 on Facebook.

MARCH 6 - 8, 2015.
SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER

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Utah's Own Classic Jack: Have Your Garden & Eat It Too!

Classic Jack is Utah's own construction and landscaping guru. His commitment to honesty, reliability, and excellence is really what separates him from the competition. His top-notch precision and skill in both commercial and residential construction matched with his creative flair for landscaping makes Classic Jack a one-stop-shop for the ultimate home renovation here in Utah.

Classic Jack has joined us for several of our Salt Lake Home Shows, and each time his display is more elaborate than the last. This year at the Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival he will be creating his edible table, including a water feature. What is an edible table? It's a combination of the beautiful, the practical, and the delicious! This large picnic-style table has a variety of tasty herbs planted down the middle and on each end. The table includes built-in planter boxes for the herbs, as well as a water feature that runs down the middle. With Classic Jack's edible table you can have your centerpiece and eat it too!

Don't miss Classic Jack and his edible table at the Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival. The show takes over the South Towne Expo Center March 6 -8, 2015. With hundreds of exhibitors and local experts like Classic Jack ready to help you with your next home improvement project it's the perfect place to get ready for spring. Haven't bought tickets yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 on Facebook. Treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

MARCH 6 - 8, 2015.
SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER 

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Learn To BBQ Like A Pro: Local R&R BBQ Shows Us How

Spring is upon us, and summer cookouts are just around the corner. Have you ever wanted to really learn how to make delicious barbecue? According to grand champion BBQ team and owners of local SLC eatery R&R BBQ, Rod and Rodger Livingston, you "don't need secret ingredients - just some smoke, fire, and a little patience."

One could say that it runs in the family; this brotherly barbecue duo was raised to BBQ "just right". The boys grew up learning all about top-shelf cuts of meat from Dad. Then there was Mom, with her words of wisdom, "If you're going to do something, you do it right or you don't do it at all." This powerful combination of quality and patience led the boys to win several BBQ competitions. After taking claim to the title of Utah's best competition BBQ team, Rod and Rodger decided to open up their own business, R&R BBQ.

Would you like to learn how to BBQ from the best that Utah has to offer? Hone in on your smoking skills with the pros at this year's Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival. That's right, R&R BBQ will be teaching a BBQ class!

Details:

• March 7th OR 8th from 11am - 3pm
• 4-Hour class
• Meat Selection, trimming, seasoning
• Fire box control, cooking times, and how to know when it's done

Cost fee:

• $99

Includes:

• 4-Hour class
• 2 tickets to the Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival
• A chance to WIN a Traeger Smoker
• R&R's rib, pork, and chicken rub samples and more!

Join R&R BBQ Saturday, March 7th or Sunday, March 8th from 11am-3pm at the Southe Town Expo Center in Room 400 in the North-West corner. To enroll in the class, please visit the R&R BBQ website and select the date you'd like to take the class (either Saturday or Sunday) - it's under "Register for Pit Master Class".

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Get The Backyard Of Your Dreams With A Little Help From Matt Blashaw

Do you have the backyard of your dreams? DIY Network's Matt Blashaw has tricks to help you create an innovative and eye-catching backyard design. His background is in construction and DIY. After graduating from Chapman University in California, he went on to receive his contractor's license, pursuing home remodeling and real estate. Matt is currently the host of the hit series Yard Crashers, on both the DIY Network and HGTV. On the program, he shows us what it takes to dig up, rebuild, and ultimately transform barren and boring yards.

3 Questions for Matt:

Q: What has been one of your greatest challenges on Yard Crashers?

Matt: "My biggest challenge is coming up with innovative designs that are both spectacular and simple enough for any homeowner to attempt on their own. My team and I have to design and rebuild amazing outdoor spaces in just two days, so we all had to perfect speed building. Although our construction process is much shorter than average, I still want viewers to understand how the overall process works."

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to a homeowner who is planning on starting a new outdoor project?

Matt: "First of all, don't bite off more than you can chew. Many homeowners are eager to get a large project done, so they try to renovate an entire space all at once. Split the big project into smaller pieces and accomplish one step at a time. This gives homeowners an opportunity to plan, budget, design, create, and eventually enjoy their space with ease."

Q: What do you plan on discussing at the Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival?

Matt: "I want the Salt Lake audience to learn how to start any outdoor project like a professional - from materials to budgeting and every fundamental in between. Everyone deserves the backyard of their dreams, and I have five simple projects homeowners can do that will totally impact the look and feel of their yard."

Don't miss Matt Blashaw at the Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival. The landscaping expert will take the Design Stage, presented by XFINITY, on Friday, March 6th at 7pm, Saturday, March 7th at 1pm and 7pm, and Sunday, March 8th at 1pm. Don't have show tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

MARCH 6 - 8, 2015.
SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER

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The Girls With Glasses: Style Icons For Young Moms Everywhere!

Meet The Girls With Glasses, Brooke White and Summer Bellessa, lifestyle bloggers and mommy-fashionistas! Meeting on MySpace, their friendship grew as they bonded over their passion for fashion. Their style has grown together and is a mix between tradition and innovation.

"We want to inspire women everywhere to live a fashionable, creative lifestyle while juggling an everyday one as well." - The Girls With Glasses

You may recognize Brooke from her debut on the hit TV series American Idol. This energetic blonde has an unforgettable raspy voice that landed her in the top 5 on Idol. The show opened the doors for Brooke to independently pursue her music career, and release five albums since her appearance. In May 2012, Brooke and her husband Dave welcomed their first child together, daughter London, into their lives. Now Brooke has the opportunity to bring her interests into this new phase of her life: motherhood.

The sassy red-head of the duet is summer. She began her modeling career at age 17, traveling internationally to work in the top fashion capitals of the world, including New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, and more. Her time in the industry allowed her to diversify her talents. As an entrepreneur she pulled together a talented team to create ELIZA magazine. Summer continues to produce creative content for various projects, including, but not limited to, The Girls With Glasses. She is also enjoying motherhood, raising two rowdy boys with her husband, Kerry Bellessa.

Together The Girls With Glasses have been generating lifestyle, home, family, fashion, and entertainment creative content for over five years. They have videos on ULIVE, The Design Network, and on their YouTube channel as part of the KIN Community multi-channel network. Brooke and Summer will be reveal their fashion forward mommy secrets live at the 2015 Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival. Make sure you see them at the show, they'll be gracing the Design Stage presented by XFINITY on Friday, March 6th at 3pm and 6pm.

The Salt Lake Tribune Home + Garden Festival takes over the South Towne Expo Center March 6-8 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and bring a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!

MARCH 6 - 8, 2015.
SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER

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