13-year-old girl’s inspiring monologue on peer pressure goes viral

“Why am I not good enough?”

The words of a seventh-grade student at Queen Creek Middle School have left many speechless and even some in tears.

Olivia Vella choked up as she stood in front of her class last week, delivering a powerful six-minute monologue about the reality of being a teenage girl today.

The 13-year-old openly discussed the struggles young people face during those “awkward” middle school years. The peer pressure to look and act a certain way, the bullying, all the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. The presentation left her class speechless, and the internet in awe. The video of her presentation online has garnered thousands of views and it is still growing.

26 fun things to do in Denver this week

Judging by the length and quality events on our calendar, summer is officially underway. A few things to look forward to include Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA, the Colorado Medieval Festival, free days, the People’s Fair and more. See our event calendar for the full listings.

Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA Debuts in Denver June 1 Under the Big Top Tent! at the Pepsi Center
June 1 – July 9
Delightfully-imaginative and visually-stunning, Cirque du Soleil’s production LUZIA is a waking dream of Mexico. Families are invited to a redesigned white-and-gold Big Top in Pepsi Center’s Parking Lot to escape to an imaginary Mexico – a sumptuous world suspended somewhere between dreams and reality.

Inspire Arts Week in Lakewood at Lakewood, CO
June 1 – 11
The 11-day event offers a broad array of free and discounted events with twenty-plus local organizations producing more than 30 events. June 1 at Lakewood Cultural Center is the kickoff and opening of the 15th annual sculpture exhibit, then stay for “The Planets,” a concert with the Lakewood Symphony. Another highlight is First Friday art walks, hosted by 40 West Arts District and Belmar’s Block 7.

Tesoro Cultural Center’s Living History Experience at The Fort
June 2 – Oct 15
Tesoro’s Living History Experience will be hosted on the grounds of The Fort restaurant and will feature engaging family-friendly activities, dynamic enrichment opportunities, and immersion into the past. Highlights include: Rotating theme weekends, including American Indian, Spanish Colonial and Western, with corresponding art, music, dancing, demonstrations and workshops.

Colorado Medieval Festival
June 2 – 4
The Colorado Medieval Festival will be June 2nd, 3rd and 4th just west of Loveland in The Savage Woods with the landmark of the Devil’s Backbone as a breathtaking backdrop. For the 2nd year they are proud to host official games for the Rocky Mountain Scottish Athletes. The games will be June 3rd and 4th.

District-wide Family-friendly Art Walk at 40 West Arts
June 2, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join 40 West Arts for a district-wide art walk celebration. During these art walks, every location in the district opens to the public including multiple galleries, creative businesses, 40 West Studios, and more! Bring the entire family and take part in the fun. As always they’ll offer free beer & wine, light bites, and tons of artwork to enjoy and purchase.

Birthday Bash at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
June 2, 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
The Birthday Bash is the Children’s Museum’s most significant annual fundraiser. Whimsical yet elegant, this year’s theme Beyond the Wild Wood is inspired by The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Please note, this is an adults-only event.

Music on the Plaza at Belmar
June 2 – Aug 25 at 8:00 pm
Jam out to pop, folk, indie, jazz, swing, rock music and more this summer at Belmar’s Music on the Plaza outdoor concert series. Throughout the summer, watch 13 live performances by Jimmy Buffett cover band Mango Brothers Band; Santana tribute band Soul Sacrifice; jump, jive and swing band Bluzinators; and Colorado natives Branden Sipes, John Weeks Band, Karl Ziedins, The Constant Tourists, Tin Brother and more!

Highlands Street Fair at Highlands Square
June 3, 10 a.m.6- p.m.
This quintessential summer event is a celebration for all ages, with three stages, a bike parade, slack-line instruction, kid’s art area, local vendors, beer garden, craft cocktails and more. One of Highlands Square’s largest events of the year, the Highlands Street Fair attracts Highlands Square residents, local Denverites and visitors to enjoy Highlands Square’s laid-back, family-friendly vibe

Into the Wild Running Festival at The Wild Animal Sanctuary
June 3, 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
This is a fun 5K or 10K walk/run for individuals, families or groups of friends that want to spend a Saturday morning across the Sanctuary’s 720 acres of open grassland – as the course weaves between natural habitats filled with rescued animals.

Free Day at the Denver Art Museum
June 3, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
General admission is free on the first Saturday of the month thanks to Your 6 Hometown Toyota Stores and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

Taste of Louisville
June 3, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
An opportunity to taste the “Quality of Life” in Louisville. Come and enjoy excellent food served by our fine restaurants, craft booths, kids entertainment and informational booths from local merchants. You won’t want to miss the Louis-Palooza which features local bands performing at the Steinbaugh Pavilion. The Louisville Farmer’s Market will be also be open during the Taste.

Free Day at Molly Brown House Museum
June 3, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
There are loads of things you can do for free in and around Denver thanks to the funding of SCFD (Scientific Cultural and Facilities District) which is funded by your tax pennies. With this awesome funding you can take the family to see facilities for FREE.

Capitol Hill People’s Fair at Civic Center Park
June 3 – 4
The People’s Fair is one of the largest two-day festivals in the country with over 200,000 fairgoers, and is one of Colorado’s longest-running outdoor urban festivals featuring handmade arts & crafts, food from local restaurants, kids’ activities, live local entertainment, and more!

Annual Spring Yarn Knot-out and Crochet Community Event
June 3, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Celebrate local artisans; fibers, yarn, roving, handmade gifts of crochet, knit, felting and roving in our locally owned Yarn Shoppe in downtown Denver! Sit and Knit, stay and Crochet. There will be free door prizes every day.

Community Baby Fair at Aviator Park and Pool
June 3, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
The 2nd annual Community Baby Fair kicks off summertime fun and connect Stapleton and Lowry families with local health and safety resources to help give their children a happy, healthy beginning.

The Oddest Sea: Greek Gods and Giggles at the Chautauqua Picnic Shelter
June 3, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Odysseus learns the hard way that one shouldn’t anger Poseidon. Ten years after the fall of Troy, our hero is still unable to make it home where, unbeknownst to him, his wife is being courted by 108 suitors! Set sail up the trail with us and encounter gods and goddesses, a cyclops, a whirlpool, a sea-witch, and more in this humorous adaptation of the Greek classic that would please even Zeus himself.

Denver Chalk Art Festival at Larimer Square
June 3 – Jun 4
More than 200 professional, amateur and student artists will show off their incredible talents in what has become one of Denver’s most treasured events. Over the course of two days, the artists will take to the streets armed with vivid pastel chalks and spend hours recreating major masterpieces or sharing original works of art.

Free Day at Denver Museum of Nature and Science
June 4, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District is a voter-approved special district in the seven-county metro area that provides a stable source of supplemental funding to more than 300 scientific and cultural organizations inside the district’s boundaries. A fee still applies to IMAX films, Planetarium shows, and temporary exhibition.

Free Day, Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys
June 4, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys (DMMDT) was founded in 1981 through the support of a grass-roots community coalition of miniature doll artists, business owners and civic leaders.

Putt-Putt on the Plaza at the Denver International Airport
June 1-30
PUTT-PUTT ON THE PLAZA. Denver International Airport presents a custom, sponsor-themed 18-hole miniature golf course. The course will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Participants simply provide an ID at the onsite “DEN Clubhouse” in exchange for a putter, golf ball and scorecard. In addition, on June 16 and 17, you can join us at our VIP lounge on the plaza to watch the U.S. Open and test your own skills on the DEN course

Music Train Family Concert Series at Table 6
June 1, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
All age family-friendly concerts! Grab your friends, families and neighbors for an afternoon of great music, BBQ, wine, beer, juice boxes and fun. This month they will feature Milestone with a BEATLES REVUE.

City Summer Fest in Colorado Springs
June 2 – 18 at 9 p.m.
City Summer Fest is 17 days of family fun celebrating the beginning of summer and the southern Colorado community at the Colorado Springs Event Center. June 2nd through June 18th will be filled with music, food and fun with one of the best carnivals in the United States. Crabtree amusements will fill the parking lot in front of Colorado Springs Event Center with everything from kiddie rides to the newest extreme thrill rides.

Camp Go
June 5, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy Colorado’s great outdoors with Camp GO, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl at Jefferson County Public Library’s Golden Library. Bring the family and learn outdoor safety tips while building skills for a fun and adventurous summer.

Mile High Magicians Society–Close Up Show
June 5, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Mile High Magicians Society presents their 7th Annual Close-Up Show at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 5 at the Lumber Baron Mystery Mansion. Two solid hours of exciting close up magic performed by six of the best sleight-of-hand artists in the state. Appropriate for all ages.

Free Day at the Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farm
June 6, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free Days occur throughout the year at both York Street and Chatfield Farms, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). No tickets are needed for admission to Free Days. Free Days are for regular Gardens hours only and do not include ticketed events.

Target Tuesday Free Nights at Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
June 6, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Target is committed to giving back to the communities where their guests and team members live and work. Through their generous sponsorship of the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, families can play for FREE the first Tuesday* of each month from 4 – 8 pm.

Colorado Family Vacation Guide: Top 7 for Summer 2017

Welcome back to my annual summer TOP VACATION IDEAS IN COLORADO. I’m honored each year to round up some of the best of the Centennial State. There is no better place to explore and enjoy family. This first installment includes my top seven for 2017, and later this week we will have the full guide online. Here’s to another happy, healthy, and safe summer from Julie Bielenberg.

If you’re staying in the Mile High City, don’t miss our 2017 Summer Activity Guide for Denver Fun with 150+ ideas and scroll down to find even more resources for Colorado activities.

NUMBER ONE

Canon City has found luxury—seriously! On May 18 this year, Echo Canyon River Expeditions opened nine new single and double Colorado contemporary cabins, complete with down comforters, flat screen TVs, kitchen, spacious bathroom with rain shower, dual-glass sided fireplaces for transparency inside and out, and lots of thought in design, angles and blends. These are stunning, and I was blessed to christen one of the cabins named after the local rapids on the Arkansas River. Echo Canyon resort also installed four new luxury glamping tents that sleep up to five, and share access to a brand new shower house and wash area.

Venture across the road to Echo Canyon’s 8 Mile Bar and Grill and their rafting headquarters. Echo Canyon is the largest outfitter on the Arkansas River, and has been for 15 consecutive years! For the wee ones, there is the family float trip (http://www.raftecho.com/trip/family-float/) (prices start $65 per person), for ages six and up, look into the Big Horn Sheep Canyon trip (http://www.raftecho.com/trip/first-time-and-family-whitewater-rafting-trips/) (prices start at $62 per person), and for teenagers, and the advanced, there’s the Royal Gorge Float Whitewater Trip (http://www.raftecho.com/trip/royal-gorge-rafting/#NaN) (prices start at $79 per person), an apex of float rafting trips in the United States, and always ranked in the top 10 rapids to raft. Check out Canon City in my round up for more incredible ideas from this surprising little hamlet. (http://www.raftecho.com)

NUMBER TWO

Ouray. Bless you! No, it’s a town in the Southwest of Colorado renown for ice climbing in winter, and come summer, their amazing hot springs, Main Street, hikes and outdoor paradise are truly standouts in ALL of North America. Dubbed the Switzerland of America, this mountain hamlet packs a punch and is worth the trip from the Front Range. If you are on the Western Slope, than there’s no excuse not to visit. I adore Box Canyon Springs right off the Main Street. It has a unique set of hot tubs on property that draws warm waters from its spring. In town, there are plenty of restaurants, and shops all in the shadow of impressive red canyon views. The Ouray Alchemist Museum on Main Street is always one of my favorite stops, Lower Cascade Trail and Falls are popular hikes, ATV and off-roading are big draws in the summer, and there is a fantastic jeep trek down Red Mountain at dusk on the 4^th of July each year ending up on Main Street. Good spirits, brews and food can be found at Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing Company in a must hit as well. (ouraycolorado.com) and (www.boxcanyonouray.com)

Photo: OurayColorado.com

NUMBER THREE

It’s a sin not to include one of Colorado’s dude ranches in the VIP list each year. We have the largest association of guest dude ranches in the world. Yup, Colorado rocks. Lost Valley Ranch is one of the closest dude ranches to the Front Range, yet it is miles and miles from anything or anyone. There are babysitters for every age group, family rides, incredible cuisine, entertainment, and a staff and culture extremely unique and exceptional. The accommodations are some of the nicest in the dude ranch realm and the onsite pool is open May through September. There’s also three hot tubs onsite, a pool pavilion with ping pong and pool, recreational facilities with tennis court, hiking, fishing, trap shooting, archery and so much more. Word on the street is that there are still summer weeks available. INSIDER TIP! Lost Valley is open nearly year-round and is one of the only dude ranches to offer weekend accommodations and riding for families during the school year. Remember to bring your helmet for riding, Lost Valley does not provide any nor do they have any for rental. (http://www.lostvalleyranch.com)

NUMBER FOUR

The Sand Dunes. These insanely unique and shifting masses of sand have got to be some of the coolest formations on the planet, and they’re here in our backyard. I know each year it’s probably on half of your bucket lists, but this year, try and make it happen. There’s nothing more to be said—Sand Dunes—VISIT! PS – – – for the wee ones, the summer gets super hot, try and hike in early morning or early evening on the sand dunes to avoid dangerous temperatures. (www.nps.gov)

NUMBER FIVE

Fort Fun, or Fort Collins as others might refer to it, is extremely accessible for even a day trip for many Colorado families. I have an affinity and passion for the bison. I snipped stories about them in newspapers for my first internship in Colorado. Fast forward two decades and Fort Fun has a new herd of bison in their pastures. Springtime is calf time for the Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd that calls Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space home. Currently, there are 22 animals, all descendants of genetically pure Yellowstone bison. An additional Yellowstone bull joined the herd briefly this year to diversify the genetics and nine calves are expected this spring. Summer and early fall are the best time to visit Soapstone and view the bison in their 1,000-acre enclosure from the road in Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, which is open during daylight hours.

NUMBER SIX

Colorado State National Monument. My husband and I believe this to be one of the most underrated places in all of the State, and the least visited next to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This place is pretty spectacular. Located on the extreme Western Slope of Colorado, basically, it’s almost Utah. Here is the large designated area of the Colorado Plateau massive canyons cut into sandstone, views for days, colors of the rainbow reflected in the incredible rock formations, wildlife viewing , hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and more. There’s a visitor center, loads of recommendations for hikes, family-focused hikes, scenic drives, etc. Plus, you can get an insanely cool holiday card photo like I did … LOL J (www.nps.gov)

NUMBER SEVEN

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is iconic, and an opportunity to view some remote and beautiful landscape in Colorado. Its notoriety is no mystery. And now, the owners of the legendary railroad, have opened up a hotel in Silverton! The Grand Hotel Imperial was originally completed in 1883 and was “The Grand Lady of the San Juans.” She now can reclaim the title after massive renovations, upgrades and a new owner 135 years after birth. Call for the family suite on the second floor. Silverton is special, and I don’t need to explain its myth and mystique. If you find yourself available for an overnight in this mountain hamlet, the views and solitude are worth every moment. Plus, there are a handful or stores, restaurants and museums in Silverton. You mostly come for the incredible hiking and outdoor adventure. We actually hopped on the Million Dollar Highway right outside of Silverton and is always listed as one of the topic scenic drives in America. (http://www.grandimperialhotel.com/)

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Additional Resources

This is only the beginning of summer fun in Colorado. Don’t miss these articles:

Guide to Denver’s Splash Parks and Spray Fountains

Best Hikes for Kids in the Denver area

Great Wolf Lodge Roars in Colorado Springs

Where to pull of I-70 when you’re stuck in traffic (fun activities and restaurants)

10 Beautiful Places in Colorado You Didn’t Know About

Borrow a Colorado State Parks Pass from Your Library

Yurt Village at Snow Mountain Ranch is Star-lit Fun

Cool Off This Summer at Colorado’s Best Beaches

A Local’s Guide to Gunnison’s Magical Summers

Best Denver-area Parks for Beginner Trail Runners (and hikers)

10 of Colorado’s most scenic waterfall hikes

New Living History Experience Brings 20 Summer Weekends of Educational Fun

Step back in time and become a part of living history with Tesoro Cultural Center, a Colorado nonprofit based in Morrison that’s dedicated to the cultural preservation of the early West.

For the first time, Tesoro will open its doors every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer, beginning June 2, for Living History Experience weekends. Hosted at The Fort restaurant, the three-day mini markets will utilize the authentic adobe building, courtyard and tipi to create an immersive experience for guests.

Each weekend will feature a different cultural theme – including American Indian, Spanish Colonial, Western and more – with corresponding art, music, dancing, demonstrations and workshops. Each day, award-winning artists will display, sell and demonstrate their work. Historical interpreters in period dress will roam the grounds, interacting with guests as they would have in the 1830s – bartering and telling stories. Children and adults alike can touch and examine historical objects and explore their stories at Tesoro’s Hands-On-History cart.

Tesoro Cultural Center has proudly produced three short educational films, documenting the oral histories of the Kiowa People, the Ute Indians and the early Spanish settlers of Colorado and New Mexico. These films, available to the public at no cost and accompanied by classroom activity packets for students, explore the history, art and culture of the early American West. The three films will be shown throughout the weekend, along with showings of “Shinin’ Times,” a film about the connections between Bent’s Old Fort and The Fort restaurant, narrated by the late Sam Arnold, founder of the iconic Colorado restaurant.

In the past, Tesoro has produced just two large annual events – the Indian Market & Powwow and 1830s Rendezvous & Spanish Colonial Art Market. Still active, these festivals will now be one-day special engagement events, wrapped into larger Living History Experience weekends. The 17th Annual Indian Market & Powwow will feature contest powwow activities on Saturday, June 3, and the 1830s Rendezvous is scheduled for September 16-17.

“The decision to create the Living History Experience, in place of just two large annual market events as we’ve held in the past, was based on our desire to provide more opportunities for people to visit this vibrant, cultural space in the heart of The Fort,” said Holly Arnold Kinney, executive director of Tesoro Cultural Center. “Our mission has always been to create community-based events and educational programs designed to enrich and celebrate our cultural heritage. We are excited to present the Living History Experience, as these 20 summer weekends will help us to educate the public on a continuous basis, making more of an impact in our community.”

Admission to the Living History Experience is $5 per person and free for children ages six and under.

Guide to Summer Reading Programs, Free Events

Nothing says welcome summer to me more than the BolderBoulder 10K which I ran/walked yesterday. The Memorial presentation is amazing with flyovers and parachute jumpers. It is a wonderful way to kick off summer and spend a day outside (if not for the fact that I realized how out of shape I am – not really ready for summer yet). You, however, can get ready for summer with these awesome summer reading programs and other great deals.

Library Summer Reading Programs

Denver Public Library launches its Summer of Reading program on June 1. Register at any Denver public library and any child, from infants to high schoolers, may participate for FREE. Voracious readers will be rewarded with prizes that include Chipotle coupons, day pass to Elitch Gardens, and age-appropriate books. As a reward for finishing the program, kids will be netered to win tickets to the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science or a Denver Outlaws lacrosse game. Kids can sign up through July 29 and redeem prizes through August 12.

Boulder Public Library will help to “Build A Better World” for their summer reading program at the Boulder Public Library. Starting May 31, kids can register to participate at any Boulder Public Library location or sign up online and pick up your reading log or teen card deck the next time you’re at your local library. Three levels of prizes will be awarded at sign-up, half-way and completion of either activities. Cool reading incentives include coupons to Lakeside Amusement Park, hand-crank flashlights, coupons for Rio Nachos, Cold Stone Creamery and the Colorado Rapids and books. All prizes must be collected by July 31.

Jefferson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off on June 1 and runs through July 31. Everyone gets a gift just by registering for the Jefferson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, and readers will re rewarded for the half-way make and for when they cross the finish line. Awesome freebies include tickets to Lakeside Amuseument Park and Elitch Gardens, coupons for meals from Chipotle and books. You can register online or at your local library branch.

Arapahoe Public Library. Giddy up and head on over to Arapahoe Libraries‘ cowboy-themed FREE summer reading program from Saturday, June 3 through Sunday, July 30. Those who complete their reading record will receive rewards including a book, stickers, collectible pins, and coupons from local businesses. There are also perks for grownups who will be entered in a drawing for even more prizes. June 3 to 9, mosey on down to pick-up your reading record and on June 3, there will be cowboy entertainers, panning for gold and a bounce house at Smoky Hill Library, You can register for Summer Reading here.

Non-Library Summer Reading Programs

Barnes and Noble summer reading program. Looking for more summer reading programs that will score your kids some freebies? Barnes and Noble’s summer reading program gives kids a free book when they read 8 books over the summer. In the reading log, your child will need to record the title and author, along with their favorite part of eight books to get their free book. Bring the completed and signed reading journal into your local Barnes and Noble book store between May 16, 2017, and September 5, 2017. Present it to an employee and they will let your child choose a book from the free book list.

Chuck E. Cheese. Even the man, the mouse, the legend is getting in on the summer reading fun! Kids can earn 10 free Chuck E. Cheese tokens for reading each day for 2 weeks. As a bonus: this reading program is year-round.

Scholastic Summer Reading Program. Are you ready to take a reading adventure this summer? Get started with Scholastic May 8-September 8, 2017! Kids read and then go online to record the minutes they’ve read this summer. They’ll also be able to take weekly challenges to earn rewards like Klutz books.

Sync Summer Reading Program. Summer reading isn’t just for little kids. Sync has a summer reading program just for teens that will get them two free audio books each week this summer. Each week there will be a current young adult book as well as a classic title that teens will be able to download for free through the OverDrive app through August 16.

Sylvan’s Book Adventure. Reading is an adventure of the mind so it’s only appropriate that Sylvan’s reading program, Book Adventure, encourages children to read books and then take online quizzes over the books to earn points. These points can then be redeemed for prizes like books, magazine subscriptions, tattoos, candy, CD’s, and games.

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Other great deals include:

9th Annual Safe Summer Kickoff. Free food and entertainment? Sign us up! The Southwest Denver Coalition, the Department of Public Safety’s Gang Reduction Initiative of Denver (GRID) and Denver Public Safety Youth Programs will host the 9th Annual Safe Summer Kickoff at Kepner Legacy School on Saturday, June 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about community and government services at this FREE family-friendly event while enjoying free food, live entertainment, prize drawings and a variety of activities such as face painting and games. The event is also an opportunity to connect youth with alternative activities during the summer to keep them busy and safe.

AmazonFresh. While I normally write about deals. I will say that sometimes there is a much bigger deal in saving time. Amazon fresh does just that. If you have an AmazonPrime account you can now add AmazonFresh for $14.99/month and have fresh items like groceries delievered to your door. fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, baked goods, and dairy. You can also get pet supplies, baby items, beauty products, meal kits, and foods made exclusively for AmazonFresh.

Parker Days. The fun in downtown Parker includes shows, parade, carnival and a headlining concert with Brett Michaels ($35) on Friday and country band, Midland on Saturday (FREE). The food, fun and music is June 9-11 in downtown Parker. For more information visit http://parkerdaysfestival.com/

People’s Fair. The annual People’s Fair will be at Civic Center Park on Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a schedule packed full of FREE entertainment — two dozen bands, dance troupes, children’s activities and countless vendors of food and arts and crafts.

JeffCo Fair & Festival. The fun event at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds will be back again this August. Fun concerts all weekend, 4-H exhibits, rodeo (hello cowboys!), tons of special events and vendors. This is one you don’t want to miss! Get your tickets now. For more information visit:http://www.celebratejeffco.com/

BaskinRobbins. Mark your calendars for the 31^st. in 1953 BaskinRobbins introduced the concept of 31 flavors of ice cream every day – but now they really celebrate when a month has a 31^st day – by offering scoops for just $1.50 on that day. We have one this Wednesday!

Macaroni Grill. For one day only (today – Tuesday, May 30) Macaroni Grill is offering 30% off. Yum!

Lice&Easy. Lice & Easy is offering a $10 pre-registration camp head check certification (A $25 value) for the month of June. Must mention this offer. We also have 10% off all our prevention products and have several trail size products that are perfect for camp.

Garbanzo. Last year, falafel fans from all over the country requested new falafel flavors. Now, it’s time to taste their genius. Get 20 bonus V.I.B. Rewards points when you try the delicious NEW Red Curry Falafel from May 29th through June 4th. Plus, remember to swing by during the week of International Falafel Day (June 12th-16th) for free falafel, with the purchase of an entrée, all week long!

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Email me if you know of any great Denver deals!

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Overdue pregnant mom creates hilarious Moana-inspired parody

Move over Frozen’s “Let It Go,” devotees, there’s another song that will undoubtedly get stuck in your head!

Mom of soon-to-be five girls Danielle Murray was officially way past her April 17th due date with nothing but time to kill so she created a parody of Moana’s ballad “How Far I’ll Go”….only she adapted it to the hilarious “How Long I’ll Go.”

Any mom who is SO OVER being pregnant will surely relate!

September vs. May Parenting

Let’s face it: the end of the school year is tough for everyone. What are you doing to cope?

The following video should be watched while blaring the song, “I WILL SURVIVE” in the background.

Momma Chef’s Tip: The Dangerous Cooking Mistake Many of Us Make in the Kitchen

Many of us have learned from the days of Julia Child, when you unwrap raw poultry, you must immediate take it to the sink for a good wash down–WRONG!

When handling raw chicken or turkey, you absolutely do not need to rinse it first before cooking, that is just a myth. Rinsing poultry only spread bacteria and the chance of salmonella and campylobacter into your sink!

Instead, just take the raw poultry straight from the package into the cooking pan. Then simply clean up any splashes and wash your hands with soap and hot water.

For an in depth video on this, click here: http://mommachef.com/do-not-wash-poultry.

About Momma Chef… I am a Chicago mom of three active boys (ages 12, 8 and 5). Although I often feel like I’m struggling with some aspect of parenting, my one sanctuary is the kitchen. My children liked different foods and were constantly requesting a variety of things for dinner. Over time, I figured out a way to make food they all love by developing easy, quick recipes. That led to the creation of my blog www.mommachef.com for parents like me. My recipes are simple and delicious, using no more than six ingredients and under six minutes of prep time. It will look like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen with help from Momma Chef.

Summer, camps and lice, oh my!

Summer brings on some of our favorite childhood memories: camping, slumber parties, lazy days at the pool and summer camp. Unfortunately, all these summer hits can bring on bummer nits! When kids increase opportunity for head-to-head contact by sleeping under the stars or in camp bunks, sharing towels at the pool and covert giggling under the covers, the chances of contracting head lice surge as well.

Further challenging is that most lice have become resistant to the most common store-bought treatments, deemed “super lice” in a 2016 study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology.

Head lice do not transmit disease, but they are a pain, and having them has nothing to do with good hygiene or a clean house (or good parenting)! Many camps perform head checks at registration, and kids who have lice may be deferred or sent home to be treated.

To avoid issues, perform a pre-camp head check.

Examine your child’s scalp under a bright light by parting their hair, and look for movement. Lice will move quickly away from the light.
Use a metal lice comb, available at most drugstores, divide up the hair, and work through small sections, looking for white specks.
Lice eggs look like dandruff and attach themselves to the hair shaft that is within a half-inch from the scalp. If you can drag the white particle down the hair strand, it could be lice; if it’s easily brushed aside, it’s likely dry skin or dandruff.

Treat Any Infestation.

If you find an infestation, the fastest and simplest way to get rid of lice is to take your child to a lice clinic that uses an FDA-cleared device such as AirAllé^® Lice Device, such as Lice & Easy. “These devices basically dehydrate not only the lice, but more importantly, the nits or eggs,” says owner Kelli Boswell. “A single treatment, which takes about an hour, kills 99.2 percent of head lice and nits; we also guarantee results, and will re-treat free of charge if there are any issues.”

For parents who prefer DIY, most clinics offer effective topical treatment products that work on the new strain of “super lice,” professional lice combs and instruction on how to perform the comb out. These treatments do require follow-up procedures.

Send kids to camp with lice-prevention products

To avoid contracting lice at camp, give your kids lice-prevention hair products, such as shampoo, conditioners, styling gel and/or mousse. Encourage campers to keep their brushes and hair accessories separate, and to pull long hair into a ponytail to minimize contact.

Lice & Easy is offering a $10 pre-registration camp head check certification (A $25 value) for the month of June. Must mention this offer. We also have 10% off all our prevention products and have several trail-size products that are perfect for camp. In partnership with Mile High Mamas.

Wonder: The Tear-jerking Movie Trailer That Will Make You #ChooseKind

Why Blend In When You Were Born To Stand Out?

Based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie’s extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

I don’t know about you but after watching the trailer, I’m counting down until November 17 when this is finally in theaters.