Month: December 2013

Denver Deal: New Years Eve, History Colorado & Free Days

Happy New Year’s!! I don’t know what you plan to do on New Year’s Day – but I will be at the stores. There are amazing deals to be had in those post-Christmas sales. I have seen emails from too many to mention. I know I will be asked to spend some time in the Disney Store (where they are having their 1/2 yearly sales at 40% discounts), H&M for my teen (where it seems like the whole store is on sale), and an email the other day said 93% discount at the Discovery Store. Really?!?!? 93%? I love it! See you at the mall! History Colorado Center Explore Colorado’s history in the exhibit, Living West at the History Colorado Center. Zebulon Pika takes kids through the activities and sharing fun, interesting facts about life in the West. From 11/23/13-2/28/14 kids ...

The Art of Growing…and Murdering Butterflies

A few years ago, my daughter Hadley developed a butterfly obsession that began when my parents bought her a butterfly net and book. She was not quick enough to capture even one. That’s why I wasn’t too surprised when she announced she wanted a butterfly kit that Christmas. It seemed like a brilliant strategy: if you can’t catch ‘em, why not grow your own? My younger brother used to capture butterflies and watch them die, sending my sensitive heart into a tailspin at the thought of God’s beautiful creatures succumbing to my brother’s demonic Collection of Doom.

2013 Denver New Year’s Eve Celebrations for Families

Looking for something to do on New Year’s? Here’s your guide! Bovine Metropolis Theater Annual “On the Spot New Year’s Eve” game-based improv shows begin at 4 (for families), 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 for the 4 p.m. show, $30 for the 7:30 and 10 p.m. shows. 1527 Champa St., 303-758-4722, bovinemetropolis.com The Celtic Tavern The Ancient Order of Hibernians and Fr. Joseph Carrigan Division (AOH) present the fourth annual Irish New Year’s Celebration with music, food and family entertainment, 2-7 p.m. Festivities, honoring the Dublin, Ireland, time zone at 5 p.m., include a special toast, bagpipe salute and party favors. $10 suggested donation at the door. Proceeds benefit the Catholic Samaritan House and St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. 1801...

Denver Deal: History Colorado Center, Comfort Dental, Discounts and FREE Days

I can honestly say that for me I do have stronger memories of gifts I have given to people than those that I have received. I am glad to be able to give to you every week great deals and tips. Enjoy being with your friends and family – no matter how you celebrate this holiday season. History Colorado Center Explore Colorado’s history in the exhibit, Living West at the History Colorado Center. Zebulon Pika takes kids through the activities and sharing fun, interesting facts about life in the West. From 11/23/13-2/28/14 kids ages 6-12 gain a free admittance when they participate in this at-home craft and wear it to the Museum (children ages 5 and under get in free with an adult). Plus, there are special activities scheduled over “fall break” including: Thurs., Dec. 26...

My $1,000 Christmas Almond Rocha Recipe (and let’s hear your favorites!)

Christmas Baking Week is upon me. I approach it each year with great alacrity, as Christmas Baking Week = Christmas Eating Week. My bakefest generally consists of egg nog snickerdoodles, cream cheese cutout cookies, homemade chocolate suckers, caramel toffee squares, sugar ‘n spice cookies, white chocolate snowball cookies and of course, my $1,000 Almond Rocha. Not familiar with the latter item? Let me take you back, back, back to this infamous recipe’s christening. About twelve years ago, I was having major problems with a certain tooth (that still gives me headaches toothaches today) and had pumped more than $1,000 into it. First, there was the root canal. Then the crown. Then the painful abscess. Then the retreatment surgery. Then the filling to repair the retreatment. I had...

When your season is not about believing

When I came out to Colorado to go house-hunting, I noticed three things at nearly every house I viewed: Xeriscape – What’s with all the rocks? Front-facing, three-car garages – Is the house really just one big garage? Displays of religion – Crucifixes, sculptures, framed scripture, and more (although not a single mezuzah, which wasn’t much of a surprise). I now understand the reason for the rocks, and I was just initially overwhelmed by the garages, considering we had only one car and no lawnmower to store. But the homogeneity and pervasiveness of religion…well, it still makes me uncomfortable. Any fellow atheists out there? Bueller?

No chimney full of toys? How to handle holiday disappointments

In a recent interview with Dr. Jeffrey I. Dolgan, PhD, Senior Psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, we asked how to manage children’s expectations during the holidays. Here’s what Dr. Dolgan had to say about how to deal with holiday let-downs if Santa, Mom or Dad come up short. What do kids expect at Christmastime or Hanukkah? Kids are very precise about what they want. Their Santa list doesn’t include just a video game, it’s a particular video game, or a specific action figure. Children expect these precise things, especially if they wrote it down or visited Santa Claus. This is especially true if the ads on TV instruct kids to “tell Mom and Dad” or “whisper this in Santa’s ear.” What should parents do when a child doesn’t get what h...

Family Events: Golden’s Candelight Walk, Blossoms of Light & Zoo Lights!

Warm to the Glow of Blossoms of Light. Nightly, Nov. 29, 2013 through Jan. 1, 2014, 5:30-9:30 p.m. More than one million colorful lights are on display at Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield throughout the holiday season. At York Street, seasonal entertainment is presented on select evenings. A synchronized holiday light and music showcase illuminates the UMB Bank Amphitheater, and themed gardens enhance the experience. At Chatfield, twinkling lights illuminate a variety of paths throughout Colorado’s countryside; a shorter route takes visitors directly to the children’s play area, while an extended path allows visitors to explore the Green Farm barn and silo before continuing to the children’s area and homestead. Also featured: seasonal entertainment and hayride...

Naptime Wars: Your Guide to Less Stress, More Sleep

The rubbing of eyes, crying over a tumbled block, and more whining than usual… it’s nap time! Even when it is obvious your child is exhausted and in desperate need of a rest, sometimes they still kick, scream and fight when it’s time to go down for their nap. By two years old most children have transitioned into only needing one nap a day, typically in the afternoon. As they get older, 25% of children by the age of three will no longer need a daily nap. Another 50% of children will no longer require a nap by the age of four and the remaining 25% of children may still need a nap until the age of five or six. Mayo Clinic in Minnesota recommends that toddlers get 12-14 hours of sleep, in a 24-hour period. If your child sleeps 10 hours at night, then aim for approximately a 2-hour nap. I...

HoneyBaked Ham Contest Winner & Dinner Soiree!

Thank you for all who entered our HoneyBaked Holiday Contest. Congratulations to Joni B. who won a $50 gift card from HoneyBaked Ham! My favorite kind of failed-Thanksgiving/husband birthday/early-Christmas dinner is one that does not require a lot of preparation. While my daughter was at an appointment, I had a very small window to run over to the HoneyBaked Ham store and grab my fully-cooked half ham (available in various sizes), scalloped potatoes, hickory honey mustard (to die for) and fresh-baked rolls that I had reserved online. Apparently I need to get out more because I didn’t realize the  multitude of grab-and-go items (over 20 side dishes!) like sweet potato soufflé, green bean casserole, delicious desserts or that you can stop by for lunch.!–more–> I raced home...

Dealing with Holiday Grief: How One Widow Learned to Appreciate Christmas

"My kids don’t know what a struggle it has been to make sure that their holidays are as magical as mine were when I was young, before I was changed by loss. They don’t know how hard I’ve searched for my Christmas spirit – only to find it buried in the sands of time that has become my healer."

Staples’ Dr. Dre Wireless Headphone Review and Win a Set of Your Own (a $150 value!)

**CONTEST CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO ELAISHA T.! ** My technological tendencies frustrate my husband Jamie to no end. I constantly view videos vertically instead of horizontally on my iPhone. I’d rather watch movies on the small TV in our bedroom versus his 84-inch HDTV in the basement. And I buy cheap headphones from (wait for it) the dollar store or Big Lots. I’ll probably keep doing the first two but my life has been forever changed after experiencing Beats By Dr. Dre Wireless On Ear Headphone from Staples. I had originally intended to give them to my husband this Christmas but I may just keep them for myself (sorry, Honey). These are a few of my favorite things: Sound. My first thought when I put them on was “whoa, listen to that bass!” Music sounds crisper, cle...