Month: November 2014
Gun training for teachers a hot-button issue
The issue of whether teachers should be allowed to carry guns in schools is not going away anytime soon in Colorado. On Saturday, more than 400 educators — two-thirds of them women — from throughout the region will gather at the Centennial Gun Club for a free conceal-carry class, the largest one-day training session ever in Colorado, organizers say. While politicians are reluctant to announce any bills before the legislative session begins in January, it is expected that a measure or two that could allow teachers to carry guns in school will be introduced. This past session, a bill that would have left it up to school districts to decide the issue was killed by Democrats in committee. A similar proposal was defeated the year before. “I think it is definitely a political topic, and ce...
Where’s the beef? On your dinner table with these recipes!
I grew up as the granddaughter of cattle ranchers, which meant our freezer was always stocked with beef, every Sunday dinner was a pot roast and grilled steak was our go-to meal for special occasions. Since becoming a mom, I’ve realized my love of beef goes beyond the delicious taste. My husband and I recently completed a month of Paleo where our diet consisted of meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and oils. Though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss sugar, carbs and more sugar (I more than made up for it during Halloween), I learned that the statistics don’t lie: When I eat a higher-protein diet (about 30% of daily calories from protein), I’m not hungry, which helps me stop overeating. And that is a beautiful thing, particularly as we head into the holi...
Considering Open Adoption? What You Should Keep in Mind
What do parents need to consider when entering into an open adoption? What about contact agreements? How has social media changed open adoption? Q&A interview.
Time Saving Tips For Working Mamas
Have you ever walked into a room only to discover that you can’t remember why you went there? Gone to a store for something specific and gotten a bunch of other stuff but not what you actually went there for? Working moms are challenged with thinking of what they have to do at work and what they have to do at home that sometimes your brain can become one giant jumble. So, we have assembled a list of tips and resources that will help you save time and maybe even your sanity. (These tips, by the way, are in no particular order). 1. Find pockets of time. If your weekends are less hectic, take the time then to pre-pack parts of lunches for the whole week. Put snacks in their baggies so they are an easy grab when you are making lunches. Or if your evenings are less hectic, do ...
Denver Deal: Free Days, Ski Expo, Arts Week, Turkey and More
I spent last week lounging on a beach in Cancun and it was totally relaxing. So relaxing in fact, that I missed my flight back to Denver! But I did get a few days at home – so I feel like I am relaxed and excited to share some great deals this week with you! FREE DAYS. The Denver Zoo has several free days this month – Nov 3, 14 and 20. Denver Botanic Gardens is free on Nov. 14 and 15 (with their holiday sale). Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is free on Tues., Nov. 4. Children’s Museum of Denver host their monthly free evening on Tues., Nov 5 (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) Cash in on candy. If your kids brought home more candy than you want them to eat (again), consider donating any excess to the Halloween Candy Buy-Back. From Nov. 3 to 7, children can bring Halloween c...
The Giant Pumpkin of Horrors: How to Terrorize the Neighborhood
Our evil plan was hatched quite by accident. TaRhonda Thomas, a 9News reporter, interviewed my husband Jamie a.k.a. The Pumpkin Man last week. As a fun kicker to the end of the story, she decided to climb inside the 1,292-pound beast. Though Jamie has been growing giant pumpkins for years, it’s the first time anyone ever climbed into it and Jamie shared an idea with me. “I could do that.” “What? Climb into the pumpkin in high heels?” “No, I could hide inside the pumpkin and scare people on Halloween.” When you grow The Giant Pumpkin, your house becomes a popular stop on Halloween but I was doubtful about turning it into a Little Shop of Horrors Giant Gourd of Horrors. Undeterred, Jamie made assignments. My role was the cannibalistic witch in Hansel...
“Maleficent” coming out on DVD!
Is it just me or was this year bereft of any notable family-friendly blockbusters? In my opinion, the one exception was “Maleficent,” the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty, which is being released on Blu-ray and Digital HD on Nov. 4, 2014 When my family was at Disneyland at the Disney Social Media Moms Conference last spring, we were treated to an extended preview of the movie. To top it off, we sang happy 16th birthday to Elle Fanning who played Aurora a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty in the film and Maleficent crashed the party. My daughter Hadley knew then-and-there she wanted to see the movie on opening day for her birthday and we had a blast! (The theater even gave the birthday girl a Maleficent poster and T-shirt). This enchanting fantasy...
The Sad Truth About the End of Daylight Savings Time
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back and enjoy that extra hour of sleep. Unless, of course, you have kids. Is anyone else awake?
Family volunteer opportunity: Rake-up event to help seniors
The Volunteers of America Handyman Program has a wonderful, one day service opportunity to rake Seniors’ yards on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. The program is in great need of volunteers and will help rake leaves for Seniors 60 and older living in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. Many of these Seniors can no longer complete this task themselves and need your help. This event is in it’s 12th year and they need YOU to make it a success! Date: Saturday November 8th Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Volunteer check-in at VOA office 8 a.m.-9 a.m.) Where: Near your neighborhood (VOA will attempt to place you in an area/zip code of your preference.) Volunteers and kids of all ages are welcome! *They ask that you supply your own rakes and gloves for this event. Tra...
