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Local Favorites

Social Media Influencers Recommend Their Favorite Businesses

Natalie Plummer, Social Media Strategist and Creative Director of the Instagram page Hello Meridian

@hellomeridian

I’ve been working in Social Media for close to 15 years now. With all its struggles, I find it a fantastic way to encourage engagement, discussion and creativity. I love being able to offer local companies a way to get their name out to the community in such a relevant way. I’m a mom of three and wanted to create a career that allowed for time with them and my husband.  Also, the entrepreneur community in the Treasure Valley is incredible and participating with such talented individuals is hugely inspiring. 

We love Idaho and plan to call it home forever. We travel into the mountains on a regular basis and are so grateful for the public land. We love the food and music scene of downtown Boise and the incredible array of parks available throughout the valley. It’s just a great place to live, raise a family and own a business. 

 Wind River Lawn, WindRiverLawnCare.com

Jake and Kayla Williams started Wind River Lawn Care with the goal of providing the highest quality full-service lawn care and landscaping. With that goal always in mind Wind River Lawn Care specializes in maintaining your oasis weekly and customizing your yard into a living space you want to show off!

“I have had the best experience with Wind River Lawn Care. When doing our patio, we knew we wanted it to be a place for entertaining but had a really hard time catching a vision. The owner, Jake, is incredibly gifted at knowing what will look good and what steps are needed to improve the look of your property.

We were so impressed with the detail of this project! They also specialize in sprinklers, fencing, total custom patios and lighting.”-Natalie

Tidy Style Home, TidyStyleHome.com @tidystylehome

Tidy Style is a whole home organization company. We specialize in transforming cluttered and dysfunctional spaces into spaces that are highly functional, intuitive and beautiful with organizational systems in place that make maintenance a breeze!  Whether it’s a whole room or just a closet Tidy Style can get you organized!

 “Tidy Style Home has had an incredible impact for our home. We’ve had our pantry, master bathroom and two closets professionally organized by owner, Heather. It is been incredible how much easier it makes our routine. Heather can create beauty out of chaos, can see the path through the clutter. She has a true gift. 

We can’t recommend this company enough.”-Natalie

Sweet n Savory, 1767 Broadway Ave, Boise

"Thanks to local Sweet n Savory, we are officially Charcuterie Board obsessed. We have ordered from Savory N Sweet for events as large as a networking party, to as small as a weekend getaway for two. From Charcuterie boxes to family style service, owner Catherine takes any event to the next level. Seriously no one walks into a room without gasping when they see these spreads. Ever. From their hand pickled sweet jalapeños, fresh made jams to their perfectly selected cheeses, fruits and crackers. We could eat this way every single day.

It’s food presented in the most artistic, simple, and appetizing way imaginable. That takes some talent and we are so happy Savory N Sweet is available for us to enjoy! And the news is out. There is rarely an event that happens in the Treasure Valley they aren’t hired to cater!”-Natalie

26th Street Studio, 310 N. 26th Street Boise, @26streetstudio

This fresh and airy guest house located a mile from the center of downtown Boise, is owned and operated by Idaho native Sara Vandenbos. Opened in 2018, this boutique rental has welcomed couples celebrating their weddings, families on a staycation, and photographers shooting cozy in home sessions. 

“I can’t think of a place to stay in Boise that is more lovely than the Airbnb 26th Street Studio. It’s one of my favorite places in the entire world and represents all things calm and peaceful to me. Owner Sara has made it a goal to provide the unlimited oasis, at a great price. Every detail of the studio as perfect and inviting as could be. If you need a place to stay in downtown Boise, this needs to be it.”-Natalie


Kari Johnson

@GalvanizedChicBoutique 
@galvanized_chic_boutique 

I absolutely love home decor, decorating and design. If its rusty, chippy and old I'm hooked! I love taking something old and making it new. 

My husband and I DIY a lot of my decor.  A dream day would be finding "treasures" on an old farm or in a barn and giving it a new life. 

What are you passionate about?

Although I love design and decor, I’m most passionate about my family. I love watching my kids sporting events, spending time with family hiking, paddle boarding and vacationing.  Most recently I enjoy being a grandma watching my sweet little grandbaby grow and learn.

What do you love about living in Idaho?

I love the people! Idahoans are amazing. I love that we get to enjoy all four seasons.  I love our gorgeous mountains and lakes.  Idaho summers are my favorite. 

RC Willey, 3301 E Lanark Street

“RC Willey has amazing customer service and  of course I love a great bargain. I love the RC Willey clearance room!!”-Kari

Margaret Wilson, 208-850-6960, Margaret@hunterofhomes.com

Margaret Wilson is an energetic, personality-plus real estate agent working at the top of her industry. For the second year in a row, she is Hunter of Homes’ top producer. Margaret says it’s all about her Boise-fireman husband and two children. Together, they enjoy their DIY home renovations, camping, snowboarding, and working on community, church and school programs and events.

 “Margaret is not only an amazing realtor, but I love that she also flips houses and truly knows the market.” -Kari

Texas Road House, 3801 E. Fairview Drive

“Let me start off with the delicious rolls! Then of course the amazing food and incredible customer service.” -Kari

Fashion 15 Below, 143 Main Ave. E, Twin Falls

We feature over 10,000 trendy boutique style selections for $15.00 or below! We cater to all sizes with a wide selection of fashion forward clothing from sizes small-3x! You can shop us locally or have items shipped out to you when you shop online at Fashion15Below.com or download our free app to see daily updated items! We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service as we strive to make every woman feel special and help them choose outfits that can fit any girl’s budget!

“Where do I start:) I love fashion and I love that everything is so Affordable. My husband even likes the prices haha!” -Kari

Sara Wells of OurBestBites.com

@Sara_OurBestBites

Sara Wells is the co-author of 3 bestselling cook books and co-founder of the wildly popular website OurBestBites.com.  She specializes in recipes and food tutorials for the everyday cook, and helping families gather around the dinner table with ease and efficiency.  Sara has a degree in horticulture and loves to combine her love of food and cooking with tips about gardening and beautifying spaces, both inside and out.  She also runs an online boutique where you can find her line of Artisan Olive Oils, and also her hand-poured candle line, Wells+Co. 

What are you passionate about?
What I love most about food is its ability to bring people together.  I’m passionate about family mealtimes and the value that adds to our homes.  As a busy mom of 4 growing boys, I know that can also be a real challenge!  I love creating real, doable plans to help families create meal-time routines that are both simple and flexible.  At OurBestBites.com we dedicate a lot of time to creating our seasonal meal plans to help families do just that.    

What do you love about living in Idaho?

I grew up in the Seattle area, and always thought I’d end up back there one day.  After marrying an Idaho native and relocating here right after college, I quickly fell in love with the area and knew this would be our forever-home.  I love the close-knit community feeling of the Treasure Valley and the proximity to so many outdoor activities my family enjoys. 

Sodalicious, 1035 E Fairview Ave.

Sodalicious was born to bring the best flavored sodas, treats, and cookies to a drive-thru window for the customer's convenience. From our classic pink sugar cookie to our signature drinks (try the Your Mom!), we love serving happiness to humanity one cup at a time. 

“If you haven’t discovered this gem, I’m about to change your life. It’s my favorite place to grab a caffeinated pick-me-up as I’m running errands, or celebrate with my kids after a football game, or grab a quick treat to take a friend.  I also swing in just to scarf down a cookie on a regular basis as a reward for getting through a busy day!”-Sara
 

Old Valley Nursery, 4557 W Old Valley Rd, Eagle

Old Valley Nursery is family owned and operated and has been in the business of growing quality plants since 1990. We specialize in Perennials, but also grow a wide selection of Ornamental grasses, Flowering Shrubs and Roses for local landscapes. In the early Spring you will also find our greenhouse full of annuals, veggies and beautiful hanging baskets grown for us by another local grower.

“Hidden off the road down Linder, Old Valley Nursery offers one of the best selections of locally grown plants.  It’s one of my favorite places for their broad selection of shrubs and perennials, and the friendly and helpful staff. I love that everything is grown here in the Treasure Valley so it thrives in the climate of the Inter-Mountain West.  They also have regular sales throughout the season.  Get on their email list and you’ll be notified when those happen, and you’ll probably run into me there!”-Sara

Classi K9 Clips, 453 N Main Street

 “We became first-time dog owners a couple of years ago and in my search for a regular groomer, I was surprised at how expensive it was. I first ended up at Classi K9 Clips because it was in a great location in downtown Meridian, and their prices were very reasonable.  I’ve continued to be a customer all this time because the staff there is fantastic. Not only do they do a wonderful job with grooming, but I’ve been impressed at how warmly they interact with both dogs and their owners, and they have taught me so much about caring for our pet.  When we pull up to Classi K9 Clips, my little Havanese, Finn, starts going crazy because he loves going there so much!  He never wants to leave, and I think that’s the best referral you can get!”-Sara
 

Porterhouse Market, 600 S Rivershore Lane

Although many are already loyal fans of this Eagle market and deli, I’ve found it’s still a bit of a hidden gem.  I head to Porterhouse Market when I need something fantastic for a special meal, a great cut of quality meat, or a quick lunch.  I love their walk-up counter where you can order a custom sandwich (get the pastrami!) and great sides to go along with it.  It has the feel of a great neighborhood deli and some of the best food and local products you can find.”-Sara 

HowDoesShe.com

Missy Smith, Shelley Coates and Alison Prince

@howdoesshe 

HowDoesShe.com is a site created by women, inspired by women, and dedicated to empowering and embracing motherhood and womanhood. As the site’s founders, we have often marveled at the amazing talents and abilities of women around us, asking, “How does she…?” From balancing children, budgets, jobs, a healthy lifestyle, and implementing creative ideas, we are astounded by what it means to be a woman. Whether you are a busy stay-at-home mom, a career woman, entrepreneur, aunt, grandma, or all of the above, HowDoesShe is committed to bringing you the most fabulous DIY projects, crafts, delicious recipes and inspiring ideas!

What are you passionate about?

 We recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Guatemala with Operation Underground Railroad and have since become abolitionists because we are passionate about doing all we can to help send light into the darkness and end child slavery.

What do you love about living in Idaho?

Shelley moved away several years ago for grad school, and it took her 7 long years to get back “home” to Idaho. She has been back for about a year and it just feels right. The people, the food, the communit, it was all worth the wait. 

 F45 Meridian South, 3068 E Overland Rd

“I’m often lost at a typical gym, not knowing what weights to use or how to use them. I’d most often find myself hopping from equipment to equipment, just trying not to make a fool of myself. Not at F45. It’s a non-intimidating environment where I’m shown exactly what to do, how to do it, and always walk out with a full body workout. I push myself so much harder than I would on my own. Having a trainer and a group of familiar faces definitely motivates me to show up for class. Did I mention there is often a music DJ at Saturday morning classes? Talk about a pumped-up workout!”-Shelley

Fat Guys Fresh Deli, 1626 S Wells Ave

“Fat Guys is unlike any deli I’ve ever eaten. While it certainly is a deli, the word “deli” just doesn’t seem to do it justice. I’ve never been disappointed with a menu item, but I highly HIGHLY recommend the Trevor Melt, The Bleu Bronco (if you’re a bleu cheese fan) and go out on a limb and try the Triple decker Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly. You’ll never be the same.  If you’ve been to Fat Guys Deli, you know the owner. He takes pride in his food, his restaurant, and his customers. There has been a handful of times when he has walked up to my family while dining to offer them complimentary cookies or chips. Okay, Fat Guys you’ve won us over.”-Shelley

Sweet Zola's, 917 N Main Street

Our company exemplifies our motto that the only disability in life is a bad attitude. Through inclusion in the workplace, my employees have created an environment that is not only fun, but functional. Each employee works hard every day to show the world that they can do the same work as anyone else. 

“Sweet Zola's Candy Shop is a unique and amazing store that employs teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Their motto is: Candy for inclusion. How cool is that?! I think it is brilliant. I cried the first time I read their mission. Every time I drive by that store it makes me happy. People opening businesses like this, give me hope for humanity and it makes me proud to live in Meridian.”-Missy

The Griddle, 2310 E Overland Road #130

“My friends take me out to breakfast every year on my birthday and I choose the Griddle every time! It has a welcoming, retro atmosphere and their food is incredible! I have tried and love almost everything on the menu, but my two very favorites are the coconut crusted french toast and the eggs benedict.”-Missy