We can’t guarantee geese a-laying or swans a-swimming, but whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year (see No. 1), you deserve a little holiday fun. There’s a lot to do in and around Denver. So here’s our 12 days of Christmas. 1. Say “hi” to the big guy What’s Christmas without Santa Claus? Everyone’s favorite present-slinger will hold court at several locations this season, including Larimer Square (Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas Eve) and Fort Collins’ Old Town Square (Wednesdays-Sundays through Dec. 9 and daily Dec. 11-24). Find Santa through Dec. 24 at the Cherry Creek Mall, FlatIron Crossing in Broomfield and Park Meadows in Lone Tree. 2. Go back in time
There are a lot of things my husband and I talk about now that we never did before having kids. There are reasons why this happens long after the first infatuation. Example One [takes place at the present time]: Him: What’s that on your shirt? Me: Poop. I can say this as if having fecal material on my clothes is the most normal thing in the world and all he does is ask me who I think will win tomorrow evening’s football game. Example Two [takes place during the very first date]
You never know what a kid is going to find. Perhaps that is why stay-at-home moms stay so busy. Between cooking, cleaning and stretching the family dollar, it’s no doubt why more and more stay-at-home moms are looking for an extra boost to the family budget. It’s one of the reasons why Suzanne Miller, mom of two, took a friend’s suggestion. Her business of taking photos has taken off. Amber Johnson of the Denver Post’s MileHighMamas.com says there are more options than ever for stay-at-home moms who want to make a little extra money. CLICK TO WATCH THE 9NEWS VIDEO CLICK TO READ ON AT 9NEWS! Calling all entrepreneurial moms. Be sure to share a link to your home-based business!
Santa may already be at area shopping centers and special events through town. Here are some planned events that may appeal to you. Town Center of Aurora – Visit Caring Santa on December 2 before the mall opens if your kids have sensory issues. Caring Santa is an event that provides a low stress environment for the families of children with special needs. Families can visit and take pictures with Santa in an atmosphere that is more quiet and calm with few people and lines. Families can take their time as they visit with Santa and take pictures. No rush. No pressure. Just Family. If you are interested in attending our Caring Santa event, please visit Abilitypath.org to set up a reservation. Town Center of Aurora also offers bilingual Santa every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
I survived! I did the crazy shopping thing on Friday morning after Thanksgiving. It really wasn’t that bad. I may even do it again next year! And as if I hadn’t had enough to eat the day before, on Saturday I did a food tour (top restaurants tour) with my sister as celebration of her birthday. I just love the idea of giving someone an experience (especially if I get to experience it with them) as a present – and food never hurts either. There are several experience gifts on Cloud9Living.com (out of Boulder, CO). While they are not a DEAL – they are really fun! Plum Consignment I’ll be honest with you. I am a bargain hunter. But I’m not really fond of shopping Goodwill or most consignment stores. No disrespect to them – but I don’t want...
“Is that real snow?” whispered my six-year-old daughter as white flakes floated and swirled to the snowy forest floor. “No,” I shook my head as I watched her face. Her eyes were wide, lit by icy blue stage lights as she watched Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and whirling snowflakes twirl and leap on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. “The Nutcracker” has returned to brighten another holiday season with the enchanting story of a young girl’s magical dream. Generations of Colorado families have made watching “The Nutcracker” a beloved holiday tradition, which is a testament to the quality of The Colorado Ballet’s clever interpretation and deep talent. I enjoyed the small details of staging, like the harried mother who appreciat...
Do you go all out decorating your house for the holidays?At Gordman’s you can save up to 60% off everything. EVERYDAY! Be a decorating trend setter (put a tree up in each room of the house) or create your own style -getting everything at Gordman’s. Or get amazing brand-name apparel or shoes as gifts or just for yourself! Contest Mile High Mamas is giving away one $25 certificate to Gordman’s. Please go here to enter. Contest deadline is December 7, 2012.
Let the holidays begin! Several communities will be kicking off their holiday celebrations this week. The Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light features a dazzling display of more than 1 million colorful lights, along with entertainment and food Nov. 30-Jan. 1 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Its counterpart Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield will have stunning lights but also an ice-skating rink for $5 per person in December. Holidays at the Astor House Museum in Golden will have holiday crafts and Victorian fun from Nov. 27-Dec. 30. Don’t miss the 9News Parade of Lights Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. with sparkling lights, marching bands, giant balloons, majestic floats and delightful characters. Start your shopping now with Mile High Holidays in downtown Denver and get great deal...
At the height of the recession, money was tight for most of my extended family. So instead of giving each other gifts that we didn’t really want or need, my sister-in-law Jane came up with a plan: “This year,” she announced, “we will give each other experiences!” She explained that our gifts would entail spending time together doing a memorable activity. This was on my mind as we treated my in-laws to The Broadmoor’s epic holiday festivities. During the resort’s White Lights Ceremony–when 260,000 lights rival the night sky–they avowed it was something they vowed it was something they’d never forget. So I fell in love with Jane’s idea. I never know what to get most members of my family; making memories seemed like a great alt...
Jennifer and Jonathan Fenske recently joined the long list of budding entrepreneurs that have hitched their wagon onto the digital gold rush otherwise known as the wide world of apps. The Thornton residents, one an author and the other an artist, created an educational children’s software program that features healthy foods. “A lot of the apps out there allow you to decorate a cupcake or a cookie, and we just thought there is an opening for having kids play with their food and play with fruits and vegetables,” said Jennifer, who has a day job in marketing for a Denver-based weight-loss company.
Independent boutiques offer what you can’t typically find in a mall store — a ’60s dress in mint condition, racks of locally designed and produced clothing, a garden under glass, a Danish modern dining room table. The boutiques along Broadway in the Baker neighborhood offer such merchandise and are alternately praised and panned for it. Fashion lovers like the improved selection and trendier styles. Less pleased are those who say prices have shot up, particularly in used, vintage or recycled goods. Fancy Tiger Crafts, which recently celebrated six years in business in the location