Crafty Bloggers’ Valentine Tulle Challenge!

February 2, 2015 - posted by Amy Griffiths

For many of us, we get just about as excited for Valentine’s Day as we do for Christmas. It’s not so much about the gifts as it is about decorating! Reds, Whites, and Pinks, oh my!

I found some incredible ladies who love it just as much as I do. I call them the crafty bloggers because they are so talented and have their own darling blogs in which they share their ideas and creations with others.

The Challenge

Here’s what I told them: We’ll give each of you 3 rolls of tulle (pink, red, and white of course) and you can be as creative as you want with it. You can use other items but the tulle should be a main supply/focal point used. The trick is to see the fun ways you can use tulle for Valentine’s Day or decorating.

I’ve been so excited to see what they’ve come up with! Ready for the unveiling? Let’s check them out!

The Reveal

Click the image to get step-by-step instructions on how to make a tulle valentine bunting of your own!

Next we’ve got Staci from The Potters-Place.

Click on the image to find out what she did to create this look.

Last but not least we’ve got Natalie from The Creative Mom.

Click on the image to get a tutorial on how you can make a wreath like this one.

Nice job ladies! Thank you so much for taking the Crafty Blogger’s Valentine Tulle Challenge. I feel even more inspired to get out the tulle and start crafting!

Your Turn

So what about you? What do you think about these projects? Are there any that you want to try? Let me know in the comments below. Send pictures if you try something on your own. I’d love to show them off on our brag board!

You can check out my Valentine’s Project Idea here to find out how to make this fun, quick, and easy tulle ornament. You get step-by-step instructions that will hopefully help inspire your creative juices to flow as well as the great ideas above.

If you would like to be a part of our next bloggers’ challenge, leave a comment below. Happy crafting!

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Clever Valentine Ideas for Your Sweetheart

January 30, 2015 - posted by Amy Griffiths

Flowers? Chocolates? That’s so been done. This year give your sweetie something that not only declares your love but that’s clever and useful too. Keep scrolling for our top picks that are bound to bring a smile to his or her face.

His & Hers Giveaways

But first – enter to win these sweet His & Hers Valentines’ Giveaways from us!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special Gifts for your Sweetheart from Smith and Edwards

What says I love you more than Smith and Edwards gun mugs? Okay, there might be something out there, but you know your Valentine will love these! Tell her, “Shoot, I’d marry you all over again!”

Find the black one here and the pink one here.

Tell him you couldn’t survive without him with a very cool and high quality survival kit by Ultimate Survival Technology.

Find more 1st aid kits and supplies here.

Tell her she’s the light of your life with a Lumaspot Rhythm lantern she’s going to love. Not only is it durable and dependable, it comes with color changing LED disco lights with MP3 compatibility. I love this thing!

Find more lighting options here.

If you know your Valentine loves to fish, tell him that out of all the fish in the sea, you’ve made a great catch! Then give him a box of new fishing lures and jigs you know he’ll love.

Find more fishing tackle and bait here as well as the perfect Smith and Edwards compartment box here.

For the avid outdoorsman, tell him he’s found the way straight to your heart. Then give him a high quality compass like this one from Brunton.

Find more compasses here.

To really spice things up, tell her she’s one hot mama and give her some Hot & Spicy jerky seasoning from Nesco. You may want to throw in some Supreme Hot Sauce as well!

Find jerky guns here and more seasonings here.

If he’s a good ole western boy, tell him he makes your heart sing and give him some classic western music.

Find more western music CD’s here.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. With this heart mold from Tovolo you can remind him how much you love him all year long.

You can’t go wrong with a Stainless Steel Magnetic Bracelet by Sabona® for him or her. When you’ve got a gift this classy, there’s no need to write something clever! The bracelet speaks for itself – top quality, well made, and gorgeous!

Find more styles of Sabona® bracelets here. And make sure you entered to WIN one a Sabona bracelet at the top of this post!

Hope this gives you some new ideas for your Sweetheart. Got some clever valentine ideas of your own? Please share them by commenting below. We’d love to hear what you’ve done!

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Cisco Fishing Nets are Here!

January 15, 2015 - posted by Chris Jacobson

It’s coming to Bear Lake, Utah… and it’s the only time this year! Are you ready?

The Bear Lake Cisco Run happens 1 time a year and it’s unique in how you fish for them. And it’s only a couple weeks out of the whole year.

This fish, the famous Bonneville Cisco, can only be found at Bear Lake. During this time, they can be caught by using a dip net from a boat.

(Be careful not to net the Bear Lake MONSTER, though!)

And if you’re participating in the Cisco Disco, a cisco net is a MUST!

Get your Cisco Fishing Net today

This Ranger 173 wire smelt net is perfect for Cisco! Get yours before you miss the season.

What’s the Cisco Disco? This year on January 24th, start fishing at sunrise at Cisco Beach on the east side of Bear Lake. There will even be prizes for largest catch of the day!

From now through the first of February, get your chance at a cisco with a cisco net! My Cisco fishing nets just arrived here at Smith & Edwards, I’ve got the Ranger 173 wire smelt net for you here in the Fishing department.

It has a telescoping handle, and an 18″ net perfect for cisco. Plus, it’s got a handle on the bottom so you can empty your catch easily!

Exclusively available in-store at Smith & Edwards (not online), come in & get yours today for just $29.99.

More Information about the Cisco Disco

Click for all the details about the Cisco Disco & Polar Bear Plunge on BearLake.org, and make sure to Like the Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau on Facebook!

Plus – New Lures online

Before you go, check out the new Maniac Lures I just added to our web store. New colors of Gizzybugs, Gizzillas, Cutterbugs, and new Vertigo. Give these jigs a shot and let me know how they work for you.

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Easy Valentine’s Craft Idea

January 9, 2015 - posted by Amy Griffiths

February is right around the corner and you know what that means….Valentine’s Day! I’m a sucker for Valentine’s Day. It’s not so much the presents as it is the colors, decorating, and celebrating those I love.

To share my love for the season I’m going to share an easy Valentine’s craft idea. It’s made with one of my favorite supplies to use…..tulle! It’s so versatile, never loses its shape, and the colors are so vibrant! Adults and kids alike will have fun making these. They are fabulous for 4-H craft projects as well as many other youth groups activities.

Back in December I gave you a peek at this tulle project idea, but in honor of those sweet ones in our lives you now get a step-by-step tutorial. This one is designed for Valentines but it’s a terrific project anytime of year by just mixing up the colors.

Supplies you need:

5 colors of tulle (I used Silver Gray, Fuchsia, Flamingo Pink, Pink, and White)
Regular size canning jar lid and ring
Scissors
Ruler

To begin this project you need to cut:
Eight 6″ pieces of Silver Gray, Flamingo Pink, Pink, and White
Six 6″ pieces of Fuchsia
One 12″ piece of Fuchsia

Let’s get started!

The first thing you’ll want to do is make a loop with one of your 6″ pieces of tulle. Place it outside the ring and thread your ends over the ring, through the loop, and pull. This knot is also known as a Larks Head Knot.

Continue making knots in the pattern of colors you want to use.

I like to make the hanging loop after I’ve tied about half of the knots on the ring. You make this by tying both ends in double knots over the ring. The knot will look different than the others but it blends in beautifully when it’s all done.

Tie more lark head knots in between your double knots, just like you were doing in the beginning. Continue to follow your original color pattern.

Finish tying until all your tulle is used and your ring is completely covered. They should fit nice and snug so you can no longer see the ring.

Now is the time that I cut out my picture to place in the ornament. It needs to be about 2.5″ in diameter. You can fasten the photo to the center of your lid with a scrapbooking adhesive, but I prefer without.

Before I insert my picture I like to pull all the knots forward, towards the top of the ring. Then I insert the picture from the back end, pushing the lid in behind it for a nice backing. Not a big deal, but I like the look better when it’s done.

You’re almost done! Now all you need to do is “fluff” your tulle. For each knot I pull the ends of the tulle in opposite directions til you are happy with the overall look.

Now that’s a Valentine to be proud of!

Now what?

Now that you’ve found a source of inspiration for a project of your own, check out our tulle here for a bigger selection of regular and glitter tulle that will make your projects pop with color. Then send us pictures of your finished projects to info@smithandedwards.com so we can show them off!

Come play with us on Pinterest! Follow us to get more creative ideas and be sure to pin this image so your friends can get inspired too. Share the love this Valentine’s Day!

Hugs & Kisses!

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Outfit Inspiration: Cozy Winter Monochrome

January 6, 2015 - posted by Misti Kosoff

It’s January and winter’s in full force! Stay warm with a country, cozy look with anything-but-basic black and fun accessories.

As the women’s clothing buyer at Smith & Edwards, I see my customers wearing lots of great outfits. I had to share this winter fashion inspiration outfit so you can recreate your own basic black with some fringe and bling!

How to create this Winter Fashion Inspiration Look!

Sweater weather, get cozy but still look fabulous with this perfect outfit for a cold day!

You can’t go wrong with this darling chunky striped sweater paired with these amazingly awesome Rock Revival jeans.

Adding a faux leather jacket and bag give the outfit a more put-together look while still looking casual.

Top it off with the perfect accessories like this necklace & earrings set from Montana Silversmiths, bangles from Rock 47 by Wrangler, and trendy Skechers booties, and this will be your go-to outfit for winter.

Where can you get this look? Exclusively in-store at Smith & Edwards in Farr West, Utah! Call 801-731-1120 for availability.

Misti’s outfits were featured in our Miss Rodeo Utah recap – if you miss summer weather, check out the fun dresses and skirts in fierce & fun Aztec prints here!

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Everything to make Ice Fishing FUN!

January 2, 2015 - posted by Chris Jacobson

OK, so last month we talked about 5 Things to do while waiting for the ice to freeze.

Well, it’s January and Mantua is FROZEN! Utah’s ice fishing season has arrived. Strawberry Reservoir and Birch Creek are frozen too, and Causey and Pineview. All right!

So I’ve made a checklist of everything you need to go ice fishing in comfort. And if you’re getting ready to go ice fishing for the very first time, scroll down to the bottom of this post for a printable ice fishing gear checklist just for you!

Checklist for Ice Fishing in Comfort

If you’re ready to invest in a Clam tent to really enjoy fishing, here are the items you want to make sure to have on your trip this weekend.

Staying Warm in Comfort

It’s all fun and games til you get wet and freeze! Have fun by staying warm & dry:

Carhartt has lots of great beanies and ways to keep your head warm, including this Pull-Down Face Mask (click the picture)

Clam Ice Fishing Shelter at Smith and Edwards

This Clam Vista shelter will fit up to 3 people.

Good-quality coat, snow pants, boots: There’s a good bit of advice for a lot of winter activities: dress in layers. If you’ve got a tent, which I’ll talk about in a bit, all you need is a good-quality coat and pair of boots to get you out on the ice and get the tent set up – then you can hang out in a hoodie. If you don’t have a tent, a good pair of snow pants can really keep out the cold.
If you already have a good Carhartt coat or Carhartt bibs, put a little waterproofing on them and they’ll work nicely. Our Western guy Marty recommends Duck’s Back waterproofing for dusters and canvas clothing. Or, look for nice waterproof snow bibs & a jacket.
ICE Trekkers: One of the best brands of treads out there, choose from Chains or Diamond Grip. These treads slide right on to your boots and will let you walk on ice just like pavement.
Ice Shelter & Sled: Yeah, you can go Ice Fishing without a tent – definitely! But if you want to enjoy ice fishing (or your kids & wife!) – get a Clam ice tent. They start right around $200.00 and you can even upgrade to one that would hold all your buddies from work or your whole family.
And to haul all your gear, get a nice Ice Sled. I like Otter sleds, and you can even hook up your ATV or snowmobile. Some ranches use these to haul newborn calves. Upgrade from just your bucket: fit all your gear and a folding chair, and make life easy for yourself!
Gloves, Hand warmers, Beanie or Hat: Heat rises – keep that heat in with a good hat, beanie, or face mask. A ball cap works for some guys, and others need all the fleece and lining they can get.
Plus, a good pair of gloves goes a long way. If you get waterproof gloves you won’t have to rotate pairs. One trick I learned from a skiing buddy is to wear a pair of knit glove liners, put in a handwarmer pad, and then wear good gloves on top of that.
Snacks: Make sure and pack in jerky, Twizzlers, candy, and drinks!

Man could we all be as lucky as Marty with this 20″ Tiger Trout at Causey Reservoir! Nice!

Ice Fishing Tackle for the Experienced Angler

OK, now that you’re set up on the ice, let’s start catching some fish!

Ice Auger with a Motor on top… nice.

This ice rod holder, “Tip Up Tip Down”, lets your rod jig up and down with just a push.

Power auger: Lots of guys start out with a hand auger because 1, they work well enough, and 2, they start at $59.99. Your Power Auger is for us guys who want to get out there and fish without the workout first – taking 15 minutes of drilling through 6″ of ice! I’ve got Strikemaster power augers starting at 499.99 and you’ll love yours to pieces. And remember to have a set of replacement blades with you. Check out ice fishing augers online here.
Jigs: If you’ve been out before, you’ve got a feel for what you like. A lot of my customers love the Ratsos and Ratfinkees. I’ve had good luck with them too.
Metro Tungsten Jigs are a new lure out there for ice fishing and they’re a lower price than other options. And they’re just as good. Give them a try and let me know how they work for you!
Rod: Shorter than your summer fishing rod, get a good ice fishing rod and reel. I’ve got combos as well. If you’re serious about ice fishing, you might have 2 or more poles going at a time! If you’ve got good rods, make sure and protect them in a Rod Case.
Ice Skimmer to clear the ice.
Ice Fishing Line to take the colder temperatures. I carry clear, clear blue, smoke and green ice fishing line: Fireline, Trilene, Stren – and you can even get it shipped to you. Monofilament as well as braid line for you to choose from.
Terminal Tackle: Can’t catch a fish without a hook. Plus I’ve got sinkers, swivels, and everything you need for the end of the line.
Rod holder: Yeah, here’s how you fish without needing 5 hands. Set it up and let it go! With cool inventions like the Hook Setter and the Tip Up, you can keep jigging with just a poke – some models set the hook for you!
Use a Spring Bobber to keep the ice off the top of the rod and detect bites.
Bait: Most people like to use wax worms or night crawlers as live bait. Those wax worms are sure tricky for us to keep in stock – too warm and they’ll turn into moths, too cold and they won’t make it! I’m trying my hardest to keep new wax worms coming in from our supplier so you’ve got the live bait you need. I’ve also got spikes and mealworms for you.
If you don’t need your bait to wiggle on its own, I’ve got Powerbait, Trout Dough, Waxies, and Lunker Lotion for you. It’s also on the website if you want it shipped.

Fish finder: Just like summer fishing, see those puppies under the ice. Ice fishing fish finders are more temperature-resistant.

Budget or First-Time Ice Fishing Gear Checklist

Enter your email address and I will send you a free PDF checklist you can print out so you remember all the gear to take with you to the reservoir! Nothing worse than pulling up to the shore and remembering your jigs and lures are back on the kitchen table…. been there, done that!

Get your Ice Fishing Gear Checklist!

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Did I miss anything? Do you have questions on ice fishing? Leave a comment and let me know, and have fun fishing!

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13 Outdoor Cooking Gifts they’ll Love!

December 18, 2014 - posted by Rose Marion

Your husband, your sister, your uncle – they’re the type that as soon as the snow melts, they’re planning the getaway.

Whether it’s just a ways out of town or out to Bryce Canyon in the RV, they’ve got nature in their blood.

And the reason you love going with them on their getaway trips isn’t just for the experience of getting out there or the stories & adventures had – but the delicious food with that smoky taste that can only be found by cooking outside.

We know – among the thousands of items we have at Smith & Edwards, the outdoor cooking gear has been flying off the shelves – and also getting sent across the country for gifts through SmithandEdwards.com!

There’s just something about a campfire and a cast iron Dutch oven that makes food taste so good. For that special person, here are gifts they’ll LOVE you for giving them this Christmas.

Outdoor Cooking Gifts

1: Camp Chef Cast Iron Cleaner, $7.99 Get Cast Iron Cleaner online Since you don’t want to put your cast iron in the dishwasher (ever!) just wash your skillet or Dutch oven out after each meal. But food can build up with even careful cleaning. This bottle breaks down food and residue to give your cast iron a good cleaning.
2: Camp Chef Cast Iron Conditioner, $7.99 Get Cast Iron Conditioner online Made from 100% natural oils, this conditioner will season your cast iron, giving it good nonstick and protects it from rust.
3: Dutch Oven Lid Stand, $9.99 Get your Lid Stand – perfect for resting your lid on and even works as a grill if you want to cook scrambled eggs on your lid.
4: Camp Chef Dutch Oven Dome, $29.99 Get your Dutch oven dome online! This dome traps and circulates heat around your Dutch oven. Safe to use on your stove or gas grill, it comes with a heat diffuser, too!

1: Mini Steak Branding Irons Get your Mini steak brands online 5.99 each. Great gifts for your family: get everyone’s initials! Make cute 1/2″ tall brands on your steaks, shish kabobs or even wood decorations. Special characters available too! – including star, bar, rocker, and rafter.
2: Steak Brands, 8.99 each Get your BIG steak brands online! Bigger than the mini counterparts, these 1-1/4″ tall brands are the serious way to label your steaks.
3: Fire Pit or Dutch Oven Cooker (Military surplus from WWII!) Get your Fire Pit online – bargain at $12.99
4: Leather Heat Gloves, $14.99 Get your barbecuing gloves online Ideal for Dutch oven cooking, or firepit or chuck wagon cooking in general, this pair of heat resistant gloves will help you keep cooking, even when it gets hot!

So whether they love barbecuing, camping, working the chuck wagon, or tailgating, they’ll have a blast with the outdoor cooking goodies you got them!

And for your brother or sister you know would LOVE to get into backyard or camp cooking…

Gifts for Getting Started with Outdoor Cooking

1: Camp Chef Backyard Stove (shown: Pro 60 Deluxe 2 Burner, DB-60D, $179.99) get backyard stoves online! The beauty of backyard stoves is that you can take them practically anywhere – campsites, Scout trips, take it to your cabin, or even – and this is a GEM – do your canning outside on a Camp Chef stove in the summer, so you don’t tax your AC even more! These stoves work great for your Dutch oven cooking outdoors.
2: Spices are a MUST! Starting at $1.49. Get your spices online You’ll find salt-free spices from Flavor Mate as well as J R Watkins premium spices and a huge range of spices and herbs at bargain prices from Spice Time.
3: Cast Iron Skillets Get a skillet online! Starting at $13.99 for an 8″ skillet. Cast iron will give you an amazing sear on your steaks, work like a charm on just about any surface – electric, gas, campfire, or induction – and they’ll last a lifetime.
4: Enamel plates Choose Red, Green, or Blue online Nothing says outdoor cooking like enamelware plates, mugs, bowls, kettles, and silverware! Fun for your camping trip, your cabin, or even your kitchen.
5: Cast Iron Dutch Ovens. Get your Dutch oven online! starting at $26.99. Click here for a fabulous guide to Dutch oven cooking & a great recipe! There are thousands of Dutch oven recipes out there and you’ll be hooked once you start. 12″ is a great size for a small family, 14″ for a large family (or a group of Scouts or hunting buddies!)
Tip: The difference between Dutch ovens with legs & without legs, is, the legs are designed so you can put your Dutch oven in the campfire, directly on the coals. If you have a backyard stove, you’ll want the flat-bottom Dutch oven. You can use both kinds in your kitchen oven at home, just rest the Dutch oven on a cookie sheet.

They are sure gonna love the thoughtful outdoor cooking gifts you got them at Smith & Edwards! Hmm, maybe they’ll even make you some yummy Dutch oven apple pie or seared elk steaks as a thank-you!

Remember to grab some hot dog roasters for the kids!

Merry Christmas and good cooking!

***Prices listed good through December 27, 2014.

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Last Minute Gift Ideas – Under $10!

December 12, 2014 - posted by Amy Griffiths

It’s getting close. You can almost hear the faint jingle bells from Santa’s sleigh. Are you ready?

If you are anything like me you’ve still got some last minute gifts to look for. There are neighbors, co-workers something for the babysitter, and especially those stockings. Why did we think it was such a good idea to have such big stockings!

Time may be running out but you can still find some really fun gifts that they’re going to love. And all under $10!

Pez Dispensers

The kids will go crazy for Pez in their favorite characters. Frozen’s Elsa, Anna, and Olaf along with other favorites like Cars, Toy Story, Rudolf and more will be the hit of the morning. They are only $1.29 each in-store or get the set of 3 Frozen characters of online only for just $3.79 through 12/27/14.

Redneck Repair Kit

This clever gift is as humorous as it is useful! On sale now for only $9.99 through 12/27/14. In-store and online

Poo-Pourri

Nope. Not a misspelling. This ultra popular gift is the gift that keeps on giving. Sure it brings a chuckle when the gift is unwrapped, but when it’s actually used you’ll be glad you have it and be back for more! Lots of scents to choose from. In-store only

Red Santa Hats

These are not your ordinary Santa hat! These adorable caps have a velcro closure in the back so you can stuff them with sweet treats, small gifts, or any fun little surprise. They are also a darling decorations just by themselves. You’re not going to believe it. Only $.99 for a set of 4 through 12/27/14!

Fingernail Polish/Makeup Kits

We have some darling kits that your girls both young and old are going to love! They’re a great bargain starting at only $3.99 through 12/27/14. In-store only

Mini Branding Irons

What a fun way to monogram! Don’t think these are just for the kids. Your super stud will start branding everything he owns, starting with his steak with these cool irons. You may not want to turn your back to him for the first week though, to make sure you’re not next! In-store and online for just $5.99-$8.99 through 12/27/14.

Camouflage Bandages

Always a winner, these camo bandages are just what the doctor ordered. My kids actually ask for bandages in their stockings! In-store only

Flashlights

Okay, the idea isn’t new but they are always a favorite. It seems the kids and dad can never get enough, yet they’re never around when we need them!

At Smith and Edwards you’ll be able to find any flashlight you need, with tons to choose from. The mini ones are great for stockings and the kiddos, while dad will really get excited about a mighty King’s Camo Mongo, or maybe something big and bright from Mag-Lite. You just can’t go wrong with a flashlight. Prices start at 2/$5 through 12/27/14. In-store only

Spatulas

You can never have too many spatulas, especially when they are so pretty! You won’t believe the selection of colors and styles we’ve got. In-store you’ll find 33 colors of this one style alone! You’re sure to find her/his favorite color. In-store and online

Bonus Gift Idea: DIY Tulle Ornament

And for those of you who like to add a personal touch, try out this super easy and inexpensive tulle ornament. All you need is some rolls of 6″ tulle, a regular canning jar ring, a canning lid, and a photo you want to use. That’s it!

Update: Due to requests, I made this project into a tutorial! Click here for the Sweetheart Ornament How-To.

Start by cutting 21 pieces of tulle 8″ long, and one 12″ piece. I used three different colors, so I cut 7 pieces of each.

Hold your ring upside down and make a loop on the back side with your tulle. On the front side, pull your 2 ends through the loop and pull. Both ends should be facing down.

Keep tying your tulle around your ring until it is full. Take your 12″ piece of tulle and tie in a regular knot by the sides of the corresponding color you chose. (Here I used the green, so I tied it right next to the greens so it would blend in.)

Cut your photo just smaller than the canning ring. Glue it to the ring and push it in place from the back.

Ta-da! You’re done. They’ll love it and you’ll want to make more for your tree next year! (Wouldn’t it be darling with cute little Christmas sayings inside all over your tree?!)

You’ll find a terrific selection of glitter and regular tulle at great prices both in-store and online

Hope this gives you some fun last minute gift ideas! May you be able to rest soon, sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of the Christmas season with friends and family.

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5 Tips to get Ready for Ice Fishing

December 6, 2014 - posted by Chris Jacobson

Alright y’all, it’s that time of year again. It is getting colder and that means crazy weather, crazier drivers, and of course (my favorite) ice fishing season!

It won’t be long now and all the reservoirs will be ice capped. Here at Smith and Edwards, we have everything you need if you’re looking to get into ice fishing or if you are a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade.

(Shop Ice Fishing on SmithandEdwards.com!)

Now, to get ready for ice season, I wanted to share a 5 good ice fishing preparation tips that have helped me get ready to go.

1. Patience is a virtue! Even though you can safely fish on only a few inches of ice, I prefer to be safe and wait for at least 4-6 inches before venturing out.

There are a few reservoirs around that have under water springs and just because there will be spots with plenty of ice doesn’t mean it’s safe everywhere.

2. Make sure that you charge your gear before going out. The first outing can be so exciting that anglers forget that some of their gear runs off of batteries.

Make sure that all of your gear is charged and ready to go before you head out. There isn’t anything worse than getting out on the ice and realizing your gear isn’t ready!

3. Layers!! Make sure that you dress in layers. You never really know what kind of weather you are going to have out on the ice. The best way to prepare for any weather is to have layers on. You can always take layers off, but you only have so many that you take with you.

Start with a good pair of thermals – find men’s thermals here, and shop ladies’ thermals.

4. One of the best pieces of advice I have ever been given is to have a plan. By that I mean, plan your fishing trip out. I know its hard to believe that the advice your friend gave you about how great the fishing is at a certain spot wasn’t exactly accurate. Also, a lot of times the fish move and you miss the great bite.

I like to have at least one backup spot that is near my original planned area, and it doesn’t hurt to have a couple backup spots.

5. Have some snacks and drinks on hand. If you are like me, you are so excited to get out and go fishing that the last thing on your mind is food or drinks. It is no fun to be out on the ice and not have anything to eat or drink all day! This tip is a must if you are taking your family with you!

Get your Ice Fishing Gear Checklist!

I know I for one can’t wait for ice season to get here. It can’t get here fast enough! Be sure to check back with us for more tips and tricks on ice fishing. We really want to get out and test some new gear we have in stock as well as to just get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

I would love to hear from you guys as well. What are your favorite tips or techniques to get ready for the ice season? Let us know in the comments below. Be safe out there!

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Simple Christmas Gifts

November 6, 2014 - posted by Rose Marion

It’s so easy to turn the holidays into stress and chaos! I know a family that had to put a limit on presents for the kids because it turned into a competition for all the aunts and uncles! And another family stopped hosting because it was so challenging accommodating the entire family as it grew – just became too much, especially with the winter travel.

For a lot of people, a simpler, slower pace is ideal for the holidays. That’s what they should be about, anyway – spending real time with loved ones, taking pictures for the scrapbooks, enjoying each other’s company, and celebrating the season.

With none of the stress and running-around that the media tells us we need to get caught up in.

So if you’re looking to have a simple Christmas this year, we’re right there with you. You’ll find frugal and simple Christmas gifts for the most important people in your life at Smith & Edwards in Farr West and SmithandEdwards.com.

Take a look…

For Him: Carhartt Jackets

Guys, it’s straightforward. You know if you want outdoor or work clothes that hold up for years, you go to Carhartt. So ladies, if you want to give your husband or your father something he can really use, get him a Carhartt jacket.

Carhartt jackets are always priced competitively at Smith & Edwards! Jackets range from $79.99 to 119.99. See Carhartt workwear online. Plus, there are also vests and hoodies that will keep him warm, too.

One newer item from Carhartt is the Quick Duck jacket, which is even more repellant than other Carhartt jackets. It has 3M Thinsulate with Rain Defender finish to give him the warmth and durability he loves in his Carhartt clothes…. plus it’s lighter-weight and rain-resistant. Carhartt Quick Duck Jefferson Traditional Jacket, $119.99.

For Her: Kitchen Basics

Some cooks like and welcome help from their guests when they’re cooking for the holidays. Others of us would rather the guests stay in the front room and visit, while we try to calculate the turkey or cry over onions!

If your wife loves to cook but you’d like to make it easier for her, check out these simple but oh-so-valuable kitchen gadgets from Progressive. Each bundle below has essentials that are just beyond the basics but will make her life so much easier.

Super Savings Progressive® Kitchen Gadget Gift Set – see it online
$24.99

Super Savings Progressive® DELUXE Kitchen Gadget Gift Set – see it online
$48.99

And, if your daughter is moving out of the house, help her remember the time she spent baking with you with this sweet baking bundle! It’s just $34.99 (online-only!) See the Baking Bundle here.

For a Home Chef: Seasonings & Fermenting

Whether your Christmas tradition involves a Ham, a Turkey, or if Frosted Cookies are the must-do family tradition, you’ve got to have the right spices, extracts, and of course food coloring on hand!

Get your herbs, salt-free seasoning, vanilla extract, and much more delivered right to your home, no matter how rural your homestead is. See spices online!

Pickling and fermenting is a fun way to preserve pickles, make sauerkraut, kimchi, and more sour-but-so-good food. For the serious gourmet in your family, or the person who loves finding the results of a months-long project… a pickling crock or fermentation crock set is the perfect gift.

SmithandEdwards.com is your source for pickling crocks AND the matching weights and lids to get your fermenting start. Plus, we guarantee that your American-made stoneware crocks will arrive in perfect shape – no cracks or broken crocks here! Shop pickling crocks here.

Simple Gifts for the Kids

It’s difficult not to give your kids everything they hope for! Here are some great simple toys to give your children for Christmas that don’t even take batteries.

Paracord + Buckles: Give your teenagers a fun project to keep them busy over Christmas Vacation: there are hundreds of videos on YouTube showing how to make paracord bracelets, knots, monkey fists, keychains, and so much more!

100-foot hanks of paracord start at just $6.99 at Smith and Edwards and you can find buckles here to go with your paracord bracelets.

Hanks of Paracord (over 150 colors!)

Paracord Buckles

Arrowcopter (in-store only) toys are the flying toy you can spin with your hands! These fun flying toys are a blast on sunny days in the snow. And they start at just $3.99 a package! In-store only.
Wooden rubber band toys & swords are great ways for your kids to use their imagination and creativity! These toys make great gifts and are super-cost-effective: this Jumbo Marshmallow Shooter is only $7.99! Find it online.

Gabriel and the 16″ tall giraffe!

Ty Beanie Boos: Every child loves their own special stuffed animal. Ty’s so-adorable Beanie Boos have HUGE glitter-rimmed eyes, cute smiles, and so-soft plush coats.

Available in 6″ – 16″ heights, you’ll find the perfect snuggle buddy for your child. Click here to see Ty Beanie Boos.

For the Family

Have new neighbors? Is this your son or daughter’s first Christmas as a new family with their spouse? Give a thoughtful gift of Food Storage. You’ll fill their pantry with freeze-dried meals that will provide for them, like you have all those years before. Choose from baking mixes, vegetables, and freeze-dried meal pouches they can use in an emergency or on camping trips!

Food Storage Baking Mixes

Freeze Dried Vegetable Cans from Honeyville Grain

Freeze Dried Food Storage Cans

Freeze Dried Meal Pouches

Wrapping it Up

Bonnie’s fun gift wrap designs…. on PAINT CANS!

When you need wrapping paper for Christmas or any occasion, you’ll find both tulle and locally-produced gift wrap by All Wrapped Up online here and in-store in the Housewares department. This gift wrap is printed in the USA.

All Wrapped Up is based in Layton, Utah. Bonnie’s gift wrap always has fun designs… plus she makes HUGE rolls of wrapping paper – 150 square feet – that will last you for ages!

In fact… check out Bonnie’s great Neighbor Gift ideas with her All Wrapped Up gift wrap from when she stopped in at Smith & Edwards last year!

Bonnie and Leslie with their fun Neighbor Gifts made with paint cans wrapped in All Wrapped Up wrapping paper!

Each of these gifts is sure to delight your friends and family – as well as be absolutely useful. You’ll love giving these simple Christmas gifts. We hope we can help make your holidays even better this year!

Happy Holidays!

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