After a grueling five hour staff meeting at work, I needed some fuel. And for some casual healthy lunch the best option is Wild Root Cafe on 8th St. in Boise.

The staff is friendly, the decor is beautiful, and the food is like nowhere else!

I recommend the Indian “Nacho” Flatbread (which is a wrap you can carry to go), the Market Melt (which changes seasonally. I got the cardamom pear with brie), or the PB&B (peanut butter and banana with fresh local peanut butter from City Peanut).

They also have a selection of fresh squeezed juices and kombucha from Idaho Kombucha Co.

Wild Root Cafe is a must if you want to eat locally and eat well!

Wild Root Cafe Facebook

Thank you Sharece Mecham for writing about this fantastic location!

Do you live a little local?

Have you seen our new t-shirts?

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

We’ve compiled a list of events that promise to be memorable—no matter how many green beers you have!

Idaho Falls:

3/15 Irish Tasting @Bear and Blue

3/16 Ireland come to Idaho wine dinner @Diabla’s

3/17 St. Paddy’s Day @The Celt with Happyville

3/17 St. Paddy’s on Park

3/17 Shamrock Shuffle and Fun Run

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day @Keffer’s Island

3/17 Ó Aois Caite Irish Dance Academy Performance

Pocatello:

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day Party @Club Charlie’s

Boise:

3/16 Watch Leprechaun @Woodland Empire Ale

3/16 St. Patrick’s Party Weekend @McLeary’s

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day @Ha Penny pub

Ogden:

3/17 St. Patty’s Irish Buffet @Two Bit Street Cafe

3/17 St. Paddy’s Day with Grits Green @Lighthouse Lounge

3/17 Punk Rock Paddy’s Day @Kamikazes

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day Reggae @Brewski’s

Have a fun and safe St. Paddy’s Day!

Do you live a little local?

Coming soon an online store!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

Abracadabra’s Breakfast and Bistro

Voted best breakfast in Idaho Falls, Abracadabra’s magical menu is a must-try. It features your favorite breakfast classics, but also creative and delicious dishes, from their Captain Crunch Encrusted French Toast, Deep Fried Monte Cristo, and the oh so delicious Breakfast Nachos!

Breakfast nachos—would you just look at that!?

And I’ve got some good news, peeps! A second Abra’s just opened in Pocatello!

That way you can now have breakfast in Idaho Falls and quickly get on the road for lunch at the store in Poky or vice versa 😉

A peak inside the new location (Credit to Abracadabra’s)

Alright! Let’s rate this bad boy and see see how many bad magic puns I can make…

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 Oh, ho, ho, it’s MAGIC, you know?)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience:4

TASTE:

When you go to Abracadabra’s you’ll see that the name isn’t the only thing reminiscent of magic. The food itself will conjure a smile to your face!

I’ve been to Abracadabra’s several times and never been disappointed. Let me list some of my favorite things 1) Mini belgian waffles 2) Fried chicken and biscuits and gravy 3) Cap’n crunch encrusted french toast.

I COULD GO ON.

The fried chicken with biscuits and gravy is to die for!

ATMOSPHERE:

Abra’s is a really unique dining experience. There restaurant is so much fun and you can tell that a lot of thought was put into decor, menu items, etc.

NOTE FOR POKY ABRA’S: Seating is a bit different than you would expect. The restaurant is first come first serve, no reservations allowed!  When you go to the Pocatello location, grab a menu and top hat as you enter and it will make a server appear at your table.

EXPERIENCE:

I’ve never had a bad experience at Abra’s. The food is ALWAYS on point, and same with the service. It’s consistently wonderful! NOTE FOR IF ABRA’s: The only thing that you should be aware of is the possibility of long wait periods during the weekends. Calling ahead probably wouldn’t hurt.

The experience you’ll have at Abracadabra’s is unique from others and something that you’ll love. “Abracadabras, where the food is magic!”

Abracadabra’s Pocatello Facebook

Abracadabra’s Idaho Falls Facebook

Thank you so much to the enchantingly talented and spell-bounding Alexis Goodwin for sharing the magic.

Do you live a little local?

If you do and are interested in decals ($4) or beanies ($15). Please email to kenziejo2121@msn.com to order. Coming soon an online store!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

Hey all! Valentine’s day is coming up here quick, and despite how you feel about the holiday there are a ton of great events in our area to check out!

Idaho Falls

2/12 Valentine’s dinner @Arugula Deli

2/14 Drinks and Brother Coyote @The Celt

2/14 All the single ladies dinner @Diablas

2/14 Valentine’s dinner @The Cellar

2/14 Valentine’s Day Dinner @Keefer’s Island

2/14 Yes, You Can Live a Happy Marriage @ Iglesia Centro Evangelistico

2/14 Be Mine Valentine Dinner @ A Street Soup Market

2/14 Valentine’s @ Bee’s Knee’s w/Idaho Muscle

2/14 Super Valentine’s @ Kids Town at the Falls

2/14 Ryan King Live! With Special Guests Jonny and McKenzie Willmore@Blackrock

2/15 Casablanca viewing

2/16 Valentine’s Dinner for You & That Special Someone @ Grandpa’s Southern Bar-B-Q

Pocatello

2/14 Valentine’s Wine & Cheese Tasting @The Tasting Room

2/14 For the love of chocolate @Idaho Museum of Natural History (Three chocolate fountains…Nuff said)

2/14 Valentine’s Day @PV’s

Rigby

2/16 Valentine’s Dance @ The Loft Reception Center

Jackson

2/17 Partner Yoga @ Akasha Yoga

Victor

2/14 The Brewleywed Game

Downey

2/14 Valentine Dinner @ Downata Hot Springs

Harriman

2/17 Winter Stargazing (Not associated with V-Day, but sounds like a realllly cool date!)

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day whatever you do!

Do you live a little local?

If you do and are interested in decals ($4) or beanies ($15). Please email to kenziejo2121@msn.com to order. Coming soon an online store!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

Hey all! This is the FINAL post in the Live a Little Local Resolution series.

Thank you so much for participating. It’s been fun creating the first series post for this blog.

The final message I want to leave you with is to LIVE A LITTLE LOCAL! There are so many wonderful places that can help you achieve this goal, and living local is such a great resolution.

Included is a gallery with some of my favorite places/experiences I’ve had living local. I would love to see some of yours! Send them to kenziejo2121@msn.com and I might feature them on the Live a Little Local Facebook.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Supporting your 2018 living local goal is easy and AWESOME!

Do you live a little local?

If you do and are interested in decals ($4) or beanies ($15). Please email to kenziejo2121@msn.com to order. Coming soon an online store!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

Like the Live a Little Local Facebook page!

Planners and Journals

Recycle

Western Recycling

Western Recycling has been supporting local recycling efforts since 1976, and currently serves 6 locations in Idaho: Boise, Nampa, Fruitland, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello. Visit their website to get started today!

Bingham Curbside Recyclers

There are many ways to get organized for your 2018 resolutions and recycling can be one of them. Bingham Curbside Recyclers is a great local business that started in 2009. They service Bingham county, which includes: Riverside, Moreland, Groveland, Blackfoot, Wapello and Firth. They make is super easy and convenient to keep your goals. For $5 a month they provide the container, pick it up twice a month from your driveway, and you don’t even have to do any separating. It can all go in the one bin. With it being so easy and stress-free, it’s easy to start recycling. Call  (208)681-8597 to start!

Bingham Curbside Recyclers Facebook

Donate

There are many thrift stores worth supporting with your donations. Below are two that I frequent:

Idaho Youth Ranch

The Idaho Youth Ranch provides support for children in our area that are in need. You can help support this mission by donating money or your gently used items to thrift stores that are found through-out the state. To find one near you visit the link below.

Idaho Youth Ranch Locations

Idaho Falls

The Haven

The Haven provides women and families with short-term housing when they are in need. Call The Haven to see when donations are needed (208) 523-6413.

 2480 S Yellowstone Hwy

Pro Tip – Team Up with Friends

This post in the Live a Little Local resolution series is to READ MORE! 

This is a resolution that I can get behind. I have always been an avid reader and prone to enter any bookstore I see.

This list below will help you support your year of bibliophilia! Hoorah!

Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls Public Library

If you have a long list of books to read and don’t want the financial/clutter commitments, a library card is for you, my friend. I love the Idaho Falls Public Library. They have a great selection, and it is so easy to go in and check out books yourself. They have a lot of nice places to hang out and read too. No coffee shop yet, but hey The Villa Coffeehouse is within walking distance!

457 W Broadway St. Idaho Falls, ID

https://www.facebook.com/idahofallspubliclibrary/

Eastern Idaho Book Swap

This is a fantastic outlet to buy and trade books with people in East Idaho. I have made some excellent trades already! You should definitely join. I need more people to trade with… 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1834852833451478/

Pocatello

Walrus & Carpenter Books

In my opinion there aren’t enough local bookstores around these days! So, I am absolutely enthralled with Walrus and Carpenter. This bookstore is crammed with used books at really great prices. They also have new and popular books at the front of the store. I would have a hard time believing that you can’t find something you need. Perfect for the book-lover on your list!

251 N Main St. Pocatello, ID

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walrus-Carpenter-Books/693713047333621

Boise

Trip Taylor Bookseller

Trip Taylor Bookseller is a bookshop straight out of your favorite indie movie. With two stories of used books assembled in a bit of a maze, it is certainly possible to “get lost in a good book”…store. The upper level of the shop includes a rather cozy couch to browse your stacks of possible purchases. My favorite part of Trip Taylor? The long row filled with leather bound classics, which are great for reading as well as setting on your coffee table for company to admire.

210 N 10th St. Boise, ID

https://www.facebook.com/triptaylorbookseller/

Trip Taylor Bookseller

Rediscovered Books

8th Street in Boise is filled with a lot of great resturaunts, a wonderful yoga studio, and a few cute clothing boutiques. It also has a fantastic bookstore! Rediscovered books has a wide selection of new and used books, and many books from local authors, whom you can read about on their website. They also offer ongoing book clubs for kids and adults, and frequently host book readings/signings with some incredible authors. Also, the staff is top notch at helping find just the right book to suit your interest!

180 N 8th St. Boise, ID

rdbooks.org

https://www.facebook.com/rediscoveredbooks/

Ogden

Booked on 25^th

This is probs my fave bookstore, and that makes me sad, because I rarely am able to go there! It boasts as being Ogden’s Uncensored Bookstore which appeals to me on so many levels. The shop features interesting reads and has a great selection of both used and new books. They also hold events and book clubs. Once a month they hold a social justice book club that sounds amazing!

147 25th St. Ogden, UT

https://www.facebook.com/Bookedon25th/

Join a Book Club!

Being part of a community is a fantastic way of holding yourself accountable in reaching goals! Book Clubs also offer the opportunity to reflect in-depth on the books you read and hear different perspectives. You can start your own through your local library’s Book Club Kit or join one that is already happening! A few of us in the Live a Little Local community are part of a Book Club crew that meets once a month  at A Different Cup (amazing coffee) in Pocatello (typically 10:30am on a Saturday)! It is a new group, and we have read Secret Life of Bees and Sold. We are currently reading Kite Runner and have The House on Mango Street and All the Light we Cannot See in line next.

Supporting your 2018 reading goals and supporting local is easy and AWESOME!

Thank you to my fellow writers and Live a Little Local team: Sharece Mecham and Jordan Wixom

Do you live a little local?

If you do and are interested in decals ($4) or beanies ($15). Please email to kenziejo2121@msn.com to order. Coming soon an online store!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

https://www.facebook.com/LiveaLittleLocal/

It’s that time of year again! Time for planning and resolutions. I LOVE it. Nothing better than that new planner smell!

To kick off the year Live a Little Local is going to feature a resolution series. All the posts will be geared towards how to keep your resolutions with help from local businesses.

This first post is about how to support your Be Healthier goal.

We all know how this goal works. Every year we decide to be healthier. We go to the gym and eat salad every day for 2 weeks. Then we are over it.

Included are some ways to support your resolution in less stressful ways.

Idaho Falls:

Idaho Yoga Co-op

The Idaho Yoga Co-op has been a huge benefit to me. It helps me get my MIND and my body right! One of my favorite classes there is the Restorative yoga class. It is usually offered on Friday and Sunday nights which is perfect. It helps me end and start my week on a good foot. The class is very relaxing I often feel like I have had a nap after, and the atmosphere is wonderful!  Low lighting and essential oils, ya’ll. The co-op is a must to get feeling great this coming year. Check their Facebook for New Year deals!

https://www.facebook.com/Idahoyogacoop/

The Persnickety Lemon

This is a fantastic place to come grab some healthy grub. Everything is delicious and flavorful, and it is a co-op so you can support local people by shopping here. The service is quick and friendly with some delicious options in their grab and go. That’s right you can get healthy food fast!

https://www.facebook.com/ThePersnicketyLemon313ParkAve/

The Edge Climbing Gym

Rock climbing is as fun way to get your heart pumping! This is an activity that you can do with the whole family.  A little extra support for you. The gym has all skill levels, so no need to worry if you’re a neophyte. No gear? You can rent it from the gym. Reasonably priced, this gym is a great way to go for someone who doesn’t like the traditional workout. But, if you are feeling extra motivated, they also have exercise equipment and yoga classes.

https://www.facebook.com/edgerockgym/

Red Clover Herbs & Market

Red Clover Herbs & Market is located in Idaho Falls, and owned by Tim and Liesl Vosika. Tim greeted me when I went inside and showed me around, introducing me to his products. Not only do they sell herbs and locally made products, they make their own tea blends of different sorts for health problems. Their signature product is a tea Liesl hand-blends called Red Clover Blend. Made with red clover (in case you couldn’t guess), red raspberry leaf, nettle, chamomile, wintergreen, and spearmint, it contains all the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy body. Stir in some of Cox’s Honey (conveniently sold in-store) to slightly sweeten it and you’ve got a delicious herbal tea that is good for you!

https://www.facebook.com/RedCloverHerbsAndMarket/

Shelley

Shelley’s Fresh Produce & Cut Flowers

Shelley’s Produce and Flowers is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) opportunity. It is such a wonderful and beautiful thing. Brent and Shelley make CSA easy and fun to do. They will deliver to your door (for a small extra fee) a basket of fresh and varying produce. Last year was my first time doing CSA and I learned what kohlrabi was. Yeah, I had no idea, but it is delicious and you can make a fantastic slaw out of it! Besides the produce you can get homemade jams, syrups, and other yummies. Don’t wait to sign up, because it will fill up quickly!

https://www.facebook.com/ShelleysFreshProduceCutFlowers/

They also have a Go Fund Me started to help them afford the weed barrier that they need to keep this excellent service going! Please check it out and help as able.

https://www.gofundme.com/support-local-healthy-produce

There are so many ways to support local and small businesses and achieve your resolution of getting healthier this year.

Best wishes to you in 2018!

Thank you to my contributors: Alexis Goodwin

Do you live a little local?

If you do and are interested in decals ($4) or beanies ($15). Please email to kenziejo2121@msn.com to order. Coming soon an online store!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

https://www.facebook.com/LiveaLittleLocal/

Hi everyone!

Shop Small Saturday passed and it left me thinking… Where do I go to shop small during the holidays? It is very easy to get caught up in the corporate frenzy of the holiday season. I don’t even want to count the number of emails I received on Black Friday for cyber deals! Therefore, I wanted to work on compiling a list of some of my faves to share.

Idaho Falls:

Love at First Bite

I have been here countless times for gifts. They are especially great if you are looking for some tasty treats(cupcakes, candies, you name it!). They also have specialty cooking items, lotions, decor, and more!

Bear and Blue

This place is so unique and I am absolutely in love. They have handcrafted wood items (like coasters, wine tags, decor). They also have artisan food items and other local fares. To top it off they have a bar called The Hollow. If you get pooped from shopping recoup with a drink. Please don’t miss their Whistle Stops! They have tastings and pairings for local companies. The next is a Cider Tasting (12/14) and it features great local music.

WeeBee Toys

This shop is so much fun, and an incredible option for shopping small for little ones (and for big ones that like toys!).

The Book Shelf

I was really excited to learn that we have an independent book store in Idaho Falls! This is the perfect place to find gifts for your friends who love to read. The books here are really affordable, so you can pick up a new read for yourself too!

Boise: 

Olivin Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom

This shop features fresh olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar from around the world, but is bottled in store. Samples of mild to robust olive oil can be paired with fresh bread, as well as, a variety of balsamic. You can try a basic balsamic or one of the many infused balsamics. They include lavender, champagne, and a personal favorite the cranberry pear white balsamic. The olive oil also has infusion options, such as rosemary, basil, and lemon. There are over 30 different options, and you can find them downtown on 9th Street!

Pocatello:

Walrus & Carpenter Books

In my opinion there aren’t enough local bookstores around these days! So, I am absolutely enthralled with Walrus and Carpenter. This bookstore is crammed with used books at really great prices. They also have new and popular books at the front of the store. I would have a hard time believing that you can’t find something you need. Perfect for the book-lover on your list!

A Different Cup

Owned by an adorable family from California, A Different Cup has some of the BEST coffee you will find in east Idaho. I cannot say enough about how great it is…you need to try it for yourself. In addition to their amazingly fresh hot and Nitro coffees, they have bottled Cold Brew and house-made Kombucha prepared and ready to gift your family and friends.

Salt and Honey

If you are looking for gifts that are more conscious this place is perfect for you! They specialize in sustainable, organic, fair-trade, and eco-friendly products and carry locally crafted items. What is even more fun is that you can make your own lotions, balms, and essential oil roller bottles.

Blackfoot:

Collecting Americana

If you are looking for truly one-of-a-kind gifts, this is your stop. A business new to the area in 2017, Collecting Americana offers a great variety if vintage, 70’s contemporary, mid-century, political, collectibles, and souvenirs. They currently have a WHITE ELEPHANT room where you can find gifts that you won’t be able to find anywhere else! Support local and make a statement with your gifts by shopping here.

Ogden:

The Queen Bee

I love this store so much! Not only does it always smell like fresh bread (it is connected to a Great Harvest), but it has my other favorite things! Books and chocolate. It is the perfect store to wander through and see what adorable and unique things you can find.

The Art Box

The Art Box is a really cool store. Not only will you find beautiful items, but you can make them in their classes! During the year they offer art classes like painting and pottery or you can stop in and make candles or reserve for a candle-making party. While you are there wander through the gift shop in the front of the store. I’m sure you will find a treasure for you or a loved one.

The Needlepoint Joint

Gift your loved ones a new hobby! This store is the perfect place for beginners or experienced fiber artists. Not only do they have quality yarn and supplies, they also have books and classes. Join them for the classes and get in person guidance and make some new friends.

I hope you have some favorite places to shop small. It is so important!

Thanks to my contributors Sharece Mecham and Jordan Wixom.

Do you live a little local?

Have you seen our MERCH?

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

Hey all!

It is Cinco de Mayo today. A perfect day to enjoy the warming weather , and maybe enjoy a margarita or two!

I wanted to give you some of my restaurant suggestions to enjoy this evening, weekend, or anytime at all.

Idaho Falls

My favorite place to go is Morenita’s! I love Morenita’s. My favorite thing to get there is the mulita. It is like a small quesadilla sandwich with your choice of filling (adobada or asada is my go to!), cheese, cabbage, lime, onion. It is to die for! They make really amazing posole on the weekend too, and offer delicious desserts like flan and churros.

Oh ya. No denying the deliciousness of that! I would have more pics, but things disappear quite quickly at Morenita’s. NOM.

Check out Morenita’s Facebook page to keep up with their promotions: Morenita’s

Blackfoot

El Mirador is always my go to when I am in Blackfoot! They have great service, margaritas, and sopapillas.

Check out El Mirador’s Facebook page to keep up with their promotions: El Mirador

Pocatello

Mama Inez

If I’m in Pocatello hands down I want some Mama Inez. They have tasty margaritas, nachos (I really like the flour tortilla chips they make there), or the gordos.

Check out Mama Inez’s Facebook page to keep up with their promotions: Mama Inez

Salt Lake City

The Blue Iguana

I highly recommend The Blue Iguana. My favorite dish is the tinga tacos, which are deliciously spicy, washed down with a 32oz MEGA MARGARITA! As seen in featured image.

Check out The Blue Iguana’s Facebook page to keep up with their promotions: The Blue Iguana

I hope you have an amazing day. I will be at Tap N Fill tonight drinking Coronas, and eating the street tacos that Pachangas is providing.

Be sure to like Live a Little Local on Facebook, and follow livealittlelocal on Instagram to keep up with local businesses and events.