Month: February 2017

Flex Mom: How to pursue your own passion while juggling motherhood

Moms, you know that feeling where you’re ready to scream in frustration but you feel so lost that you don’t think anyone would hear you anyway? Maybe you had a reservation at Sushi Den because you desperately needed to get out two months into maternity leave, and the babysitter cancelled. Maybe you had just cleaned up the house, and you turn around and both kids spilled food all over the floor. Again. After seven years of stay-at-home parenting, I’ve certainly felt like my mind was going to blow. At one point, I ended up handing the baby to my husband, running to my room, and screaming into a pillow. So nobody heard me. While what I’m about to say might also apply to working moms, I know for certain that stay-at-home motherhood doesn’t come with warnings about the frustrating endless repet...

Deals: Starbucks, Spring Skiing, Rocky Mountain Train Show & More

The Oscars are a big deal at our house. For several years now my mom, dad, sister and I bet on who will win each category. The loser has to buy everyone else ice cream. This is a fun and great tradition (probably more fun since I’ve not had to buy one round yet). But, even more – I love now that my teen kids who don’t always want to hang out and watch TV with me for a full evening are into it to. I guess the old bribery of “if you do this I’ll give you ice cream or a cookie” doesn’t make me as bad a parent as I once thought.   Starbucks. Every once in a while, Starbucks will offer a buy one get one free promotion. They are at it again March 2 through 6. Share a Macchiato with a friend.   Belly Bliss. It’s big news! Lauren Williams, owner of Belly Bliss is having another baby…sort...

Denver Summer Camp Guide 2017

Summer camp season is upon us!  To help you navigate the many wonderful camps in Denver, we have compiled a Colorado Summer Camp Guide for 2017.  In addition to this directory, we will be featuring a variety of Denver camps over the next few months that give a more in-depth glimpse of camp life.  Also, don’t procrastinate–many spots are filling up quickly! Camp Categories Arts Camps (music, dance, etc.) Academic Camps Outdoor Camps General Camps Sports Camps Featured Camps CU South Denver and Coding with Kids CU South Denver and Coding with Kids have partnered together to offer a wide variety of camp programs for children and teens from 5 to 16 years old. From Little Coders camps for early readers, to Minecraft Modding for gamers, to Game Development in Scratc...

Summer Camp at Denver Botanic Gardens

Summers spent outdoors are so much fun! Denver Botanic Gardens offers week-long camps at York St. and Chatfield Farms that go outside to explore plants, nature, food, art, pollinators and so much more! Your kiddos will look forward to spending a week at the Gardens full of plant explorations, games, activities, cooking and potting plants to take home. Each year we introduce several new camp themes while continuing the most popular ones. Nothing says summer like sunscreen, hats and lots of water. Water is a 2017  programming theme at the Gardens so each camp will find a creative way to incorporate education about where our water comes from, why water is such an important natural resource and how everyone can conserve water at their house and garden. There are three camp options at the ...

Momma Chef’s Homemade “Snow” Cones

Now that winter has made its return, most kids are happily playing in the snow. But here’s one way to get rid of the snow – eat it! Try my recipe for homemade “snow” cones. It’s made with real outdoor snow and homemade syrup that takes just minutes to make. Your kids are going to love being in the snow and eating it with this yummy recipe! Momma Chef’s Homemade “Snow” Cones 2 c. of snow per each snow cone 1 c. water 1 c. sugar Kool Aid liquid (I like cherry and grape) **see “tips” below In a saucepan, mix the water and sugar and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally for about 2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.  Remove from the stove and divide the liquid into two bowls. In one bowl, squirt about 8 drops of Kool Aid Liquid cherry. In the other bowl, do the same with the grape un...

Family Travel: On Top of the World in Leadville

I was driving the rutted, icy streets of Gunnison a few weeks ago, bemoaning the endless winter, the ever-present cold and the seemingly endless gray skies. Normally, Gunnison is sunny and bright, although very cold. Not this winter. It felt as if I had been transported to the Midwest and I was over it. I wanted sun and warmth…and streets that didn’t require a 4 wheel truck to navigate. So I packed up the kids and went to Leadville for a weekend. I realize that Leadville is a curious choice given its altitude- 10,000 feet above sea level- and copious amounts of snow. Despite that, Leadville was full of sunshine and affordable activities for my family and yes, even that elusive warmth we had been seeking. Turns out we didn’t need to go to Mexico for a break from winter- we could find ...

Friends

I had many great friends in my younger years.  My parents still marvel at their social, spunky little daredevil who jumped out of the crib before they even contemplated the possibility.  I always made a friend shortly after we parked our popup camper at a campsite.  I can look back at elementary, middle, and high school fondly and recall some great people in my life who have grown into accomplished women and men.   My friends in college were basically my family for four years, and I think I took those connections for granted at the time–many of which remain today.  You don’t have to speak to a good friend very often to have him or her pop into your mind from time to time. I have very little contact with friends from my youth because I made the decision to mov...

11 things to do in Denver this weekend

There are plenty of fun events in Denver this week including the Denver Baby & Kids Experience, Circus 1903 and Inside the Orchestra. Go to our event calendar for the full listings.  Denver Baby & Kids Experience at the National Western Complex Feb 25  Baby & Kids Experience is an educational and entertaining consumer show for parents, babies and kids. This year we’re featuring the Baby Box Company (free baby boxes!), Dora the Explorer with Rocky Mountain Honda, a photo lounge with Honest Kids, free professional photo with Moments in Focus Photography, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Bounce Houses. Parents $10; Military/Senior $8/ Kids are FREE!  Ballet MasterWorks at Ellie Caulkins Opera House  Feb 17  – 26  Colorado Ballet will present a collect...

Spring Break in Denver 2017: Over 50 activities listed!

The countdown is on for Spring Break 2017! If you’re staying in Denver, no need to dismay as we have updated last year’s popular Spring Break guide. Whether you want to hunker down indoors, get outside or explore something new, we have you covered with these fabulous Spring Break offerings, categorized by geographic area.  Also, don’t miss 12 Colorado Spring Break Vacation Ideas and Deals.  CENTRAL DENVER Denver Museum of Nature & Science–The largest collection of Viking artifacts to visit North America is at the DMNS March 10-August 13.  Experience a myth-busting exhibition that has captivated a million people around the world. Vikings: Beyond the Legend lays waste to the one-dimensional stereotype of bearded barbarians with horned helmets. ...

Colorado Spring Break Vacation Ideas and Deals!

Warmer temperatures, blue-bird skies, stellar snow conditions and an itinerary packed with one-of-a-kind events and activities ensure Colorado is the perfect setting for an unforgettable spring break vacation. Whether it’s the whole family looking for downhill thrills or fun on the ranch, Colorado is the perfect destination to welcome a new season of fresh adventures.  Staying closer to home? Don’t miss Spring Break in Denver 2017: Over 50 Activities Listed!  Ski Swim Stay (Glenwood Springs). For families with pre-teen children in tow, Sunlight Mountain Resort gives parents an affordable skiing excursion where kids 12 and younger ski free with a paying adult. After conquering the slopes, there’s no better way to après than at the world’s largest hot springs pool. The Ski St...

Baby & Kids Experience: A day of fun for the whole family!

  It’s not often that your kids get to meet some of their favorite princess impersonators (think snow & ice), Dora the Explorer, Toothy the Comfort Dental character, real live animals, and bounce around while you get to meet staff from some of the best camps and baby and kids businesses in the Denver area! The Denver Baby & Kids Experience is happening Saturday, February 25th from 10:00-4:00 at the National Western Complex (indoor facility). For Those Who Are Expecting The highlight of this year’s event is the Baby & Kids Experience partnership with The Baby Box Company. The Baby Box Company will be giving away FREE Baby Boxes full of supplies to up to 1,000 pregnant families and families with newborns. The Baby Box has proven to be one of the safest beds to put newborns t...

Deals: Denver Restaurant Week, Free Pre-screening and More

  This last weekend, the kids and I went to Before I Fall movie (you can too – see below) and then we headed over to Lucky Strike and FTW. I recall my parents taking me to a bowling alley before – it was typically a low-brow beer and fried foods excursion but Lucky Strike is different. It is high end and felt a bit like a night club. There are great lounge/seating areas, an awesome bar, awesome lanes and then it is attached to FTW. For the Win (FTW) is an upscale arcade with all kinds of interactive carnival style games. Fun to do if you are going downtown or want a different experience with a date or your kids (or both).   Denver Restaurant Week. The 13th annual Denver Restaurant Week will take place from Feb. 24 – March 5, 2017. More than 250 of Denver’s top restaurants offer m...

  • 1
  • 2
  • 4