14 things to do in Denver this week

The holidays are almost in full swing! A fun events to look out for this week are Santa’s Big Day on Saturday at the Outlets at Castle Rock and Hillary Rodham Clinton will discuss her new memoir at Bellco Theater. See our event calendar for additional details and full listings.

Santa’s Big Day at Outlets at Castle Rock
Nov 18, 8:30 am – 11:30 am
To celebrate the arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick, Outlets at Castle Rock will be hosting a special family-friendly celebration on Saturday, Nov. 18 dubbed ‘Santa’s Big Day.’ The morning will begin at 8:30AM with a pancake breakfast with Santa in the Food Court for $5 per person (purchase tickets here); all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics of Colorado. After posing for photos and meeting with attendees, Santa will move to an outdoor courtyard at 10AM to announce the launch of the season-long ‘Run, Run Rudolph’ scavenger hunt activities.

Hillary Rodham Clinton to Discuss New Memoir at Bellco Theatre
Nov 16
Following sold out engagements across North America, Innovation Arts and Entertainment, an industry leader in the field of producing intelligent live entertainment programming, is proud to announce that Hillary Clinton will be appearing in Denver at the Bellco Theatre on Thursday, November 16.

The Rink at Belmar
Nov 16 – Dec 28
Belmar kicks off its 13th season of ice skating at the coolest place in town: The Rink at Belmar. Whether it’s a family tradition or a first date, the 7000-square foot outdoor ice rink.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Colorado Railroad Museum
Nov 9 – 19
The story of The Polar Express is being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the holiday season!

Denver Christkindl Market at Downtown Denver
Nov 17 – Dec 23
Celebrate the season at Denver’s only authentic German Christmas Market. The Christkindl Market brings old world Christmas char to downtown Denver with music, beer & Gluehwein, entertainment, gifts, crafts and of course holiday spirit. Vendors from Europe and the Colorado area share their unique wares with Denver – so be sure to come and join us at Colorado’s only authentic Christkindl market!

Mary Poppins
Nov 17 – 19
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is brought to life in this full-length musical adventure based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film. The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family where young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing.

Holiday PJ Night with Santa at Park Meadows Retail Resort
Nov 17, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
It’s a PJ Party at the North Pole! Who said that pajamas were only for bedtime? Dress up the whole family in their favorite festive PJs and take an unforgettable photo with Santa. Whether it’s silly or sweet, it will be the perfect picture to share with all your family and friends.

9th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival at The Streets at SouthGlenn
Nov 17, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Join us as Santa ushers in the season and lights the giant holiday tree. This free event for the entire family will feature kids’ activities, live reindeer meet-and-greet, carriage rides, ice sculptures and lots of holiday surprises. Plus, The Cube Ice Rink opens for the season.

Winter Lights at The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Nov 18
In 1947, a tradition began at Seven Falls to promote the canyon at night when alternating colored and white lights illuminated the waters, much to the delight of locals and visitors worldwide. On Saturday, November 18, the much-loved, multi-colored display returns for the holiday season as Seven Falls celebrates the third annual Winter Lights event.The Broadmoor Seven Falls lights up the entire canyon with more than 100,000 individual white lights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Winter Wonderlights at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra
Nov 18 – Jan 7 , 2018
Each night, visitors and locals will revel in holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures, the only 20’ LED mappable Christmas Tree in the state and 30-minute music and light shows. Special weekend programming include Colorado’s largest inflatable igloo, weekend food and retail vendors, and exceptional performances sprinkled throughout the event calendar.

5 Dollar Day at the Butterfly Pavilion
Nov 18, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Experience Butterfly Pavilion and all of our small wonders for only $5.00! Journey through our new and improved Crawl-a-See-Em, hold Rosie, touch a starfish and make your way through our Tropical Rainforest with 1,600 fluttering butterflies.

Holiday Alpaca Extravangaza
Nov 18 – 19
The South Eastern Colorado Alpaca Breeders (SECAB) will host the 12th annual Alpaca Holiday Extravaganza. This free, educational event will showcase the entire cycle of products made from alpacas. Garments, fashion apparel & accessories just in time for holiday shoppers. Hand-spinners & artisans/crafters will love the fleece, roving, batting and yarn available for sale.

Yoga for Kids at Barr Lake State Park
Nov 18, 10:00 am
Studies prove that yoga for kids boosts focus, stress-relief, and overall happiness. Start your child with the basics in these yoga poses and sequences. We’ll also share a story Sally’s Hard Day that will teach kids how to manage negative feelings. Recommended for ages 4-9, and parents are welcome to attend too.

Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
Nov 21, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Ready. Set. Skate. Skyline Park is the place for fun this holiday season. The Downtown Denver Partnership invites you and your family to join us for FREE skating at the Skyline Rink, located at 16th & Arapahoe in Downtown Denver. Ice skating is free! You may bring your own skates or rent a pair for just $2. Through February 14.

Santa’s Big Day at Outlets at Castle Rock Kicks Off a Month of Festivities!

To celebrate the arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick, Outlets at Castle Rock will be hosting a special family-friendly celebration on Saturday, Nov. 18 dubbed ‘Santa’s Big Day.’

The morning will begin at 8:30AM with a pancake breakfast with Santa in the Food Court for $5 per person (purchase tickets here); all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics of Colorado. After posing for photos and meeting with attendees, Santa will move to an outdoor courtyard at 10AM to announce the launch of the season-long ‘Run, Run Rudolph’ scavenger hunt activities.

The ‘Run, Run Rudolph’ scavenger hunt is a self-guided tour around the center to find all 9 of Santa’s reindeer – including Rudolph – that will be on display throughout the holiday season. Participants are given a map and reindeer stickers at Customer Service and, after going on the hunt, those that return with the stickers placed over each correct location will receive a special treat from Cinnabon.

The animated reindeer installations are new for the 2017 season and were designed specifically for Outlets at Castle Rock. Each reindeer is programmed to have individual movements and the herd was built using the same control systems as the animatronics displays at Disneyland. Special effects will include moving their heads to look around at shoppers and shaking their necks draped with hand tuned sleigh bells that emit a perfect Christmas jingle.

“With this new extra special decor, Outlets at Castle Rock is going above and beyond to transform into a winter wonderland,” said Andrea Nyquist, Marketing Director. “It’s the perfect place for families to take their family photos, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and build magical memories this holiday season.”

Additional Santa Claus activities scheduled for the 2017 holiday season are detailed below:

Dec. 3 – ‘Santa Cares’ Creates Holiday Magic for Children with Special Needs

Outlets at Castle Rock is proud to host a ‘Santa Cares’ event on Sunday, December 3 from 9AM-11AM, welcoming families with special needs children to a photo environment supportive of their sensory, physical and developmental needs. The sensory-friendly event will take place in a comforting and physically accommodating setting designed to reduce behavioral triggers associated with this bustling time of year. The center will be providing a warm and quite space, eliminating the need to stand in line and providing special activities like coloring books and special sensory books from the Douglas County Library that will keep children engaged and prepare them for their visit with Santa. Registration is encouraged; however, walk-ins are welcome.

Dec. 6 – Pet Night with Santa

On Wednesday, December 6 from 6PM-8PM, shoppers are invited to bring along their furry, feathery or fuzzy friend for a special “Pet Night with Santa” photo opportunity. Guests are asked to be sure pets are on leashes or appropriate harnesses. All friendly and safe pets are welcome.

2017 Santa Claus Schedule

Santa Claus will be posing for complimentary photos from Nov. 18 until Christmas Eve. Professional photo packages will also be available for purchase. Hours vary and can be found at www.outletsatcastlerock.com.

Outlets at Castle Rock is conveniently located between the Denver Metro Area and Colorado Springs region at I-25 and Exit 184 in Castle Rock, Colorado. For more information please visit www.outletsatcastlerock.com. To join the Outlets at Castle Rock community, please follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/OutletsatCastleRock, Instagram @outletsatcastlerock, Twitter @OutletsCR or Snapchat @outletscr and search #CastleRockIt and #HolidaysAtOCR.

Deals: Justice League, Glenwood Caverns, Outlets at Castle Rock

I love Thanksgiving and my kids do too. I usually get invited to my sister’s house and she does all the cooking (which is why my kids like it). I’ve given up pretending that I cook the rolls that we pick up from Kneaders or the pie we get from my realtor (even though I bought my house from Kim a couple years ago now – we still get the pies). But the one thing that is authentically me is the games. I am the person who brings the game that we all play after we’ve eaten. I’ve heard much about Watch Ya’ Mouth. I even found a coupon for 15% off (15Throwdown). Has anyone played it? Thoughts? Best games?

Castle Rock Outlet Breakfast with Santa. Saturday, Nov. 18, Outlets at Castle Rock will host ‘Santa’s Big Day’ starting at 8:30AM. This event will include a pancake breakfast with Santa for $5 per person with all proceeds benefitting Special Olympics Colorado, the official launch of the center’s new herd of animated reindeer displays and a ‘Run, Run Rudolph’ scavenger hunt for kiddos (or kids at heart).

ATT Grand Opening in Lakewood. On Tues., Nov. 14, AT&T will celebrate the first Colorado opening of its new store design concept from 4-7 p.m. at 14195 W. Colfax (across the street from Colorado Mills) They are giving away 100 tickets to a private screening of the new “Justice League” movie at our Entertainment Takeover Party. In addition to the ticket giveaway and Entertainment Takeover Party attendees can walk the red carpet, enjoy popcorn and food, and enter to win Samsung devices.

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Black Friday Braces at Risas. From now until Nov. 24, Risas Dental and Braces is offering its Black Friday Deals, including $2,000 braces – and a retainer, which is $1,300 less than their regular price (and more than 50-percent less than other dental offices). For more information and additional deals, call 844-651-5278 or visit www.risasdental.com. Tell them you heard about it from MileHighMamas.com.

Denver Pavilions in Downtown Denver is offering a great PARKING DEAL on Black Friday, November 24 and Small Business Saturday, November 25. Come Downtown on either of these days and park for FREE in our underground parking garage. *Spaces limited. First Come, First Served. It’s that simple, no proof of purchase required, no receipts to show. We’re making spending time with your family after Thanksgiving just a little bit easier! The entry ramp to the Denver Pavilions Underground Garage is located off the right hand lane of Welton between 15th and 16th Streets. More than 40 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues await you!

prAna Deal Extended! prAna isn’t just for yoga — you can do lots of things in lots of places in your prAna. Here’s an incentive to shop the prAna site for yourself — a 15% discount. Take a look at the versatile and fashionable options for men and women as well as accessories and other items on the site. After you’ve made your choices, enter this code at checkout to get 15% off: MHMLH15. Good through November 22.

Ski Deals. Yippee! Ski areas are opening! Finally! There are still a few ways to get deals if you think your family is going to ski. Get season tickets. Really they seem like a lot of money now – but when you break it down by day most them are an amazing deal! Get your 5^th Grader the 5^th Grade Passport (it’s free and allows 3 days of skiing at the participating ski areas plus a beginner lesson). Larson Ski Swap is this weekend. Score deals there. Did you know there are consignment stores for ski equipment? (Breckenridge has one of my favorites).

Glenwood Caverns. Get a 50% OFF Tram Ride Admission to the ‘Winter on the Mountain’ experience at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs. Check out one of the Western Slope’s largest displays of dazzling lights, holiday displays, a giant musical tree, fire pits for roasting s’mores and other family attractions to celebrate the season. Rides, cave tours, mountain-top dining and more. Go to glenwoodcaverns.com for seasonal hours then enter promo code MHMAMA. Or, call 800 530-1635 for more information.

Central California: A Wonderland of Untouched Beaches, Castles and Dunes

We leaned into our strokes, our kayaks carving across Morro Bay and onto the flanks of Morro Dunes Natural Preserve. In a flash, Hadley and Bode were gone. It took them a few minutes to resurface and I chuckled as I saw them jumping, rolling and skiing down each peaked dune. Since entering middle school, I’ve mourned that their childhood is slipping away but for this eclipse in time, they were kids again.

(Madonna Inn)

My family traveled to San Luis Obispo County along the coastal Highway 1 for fall break. When I told people where we were going, they queried “San Luis Obispo…where?”

Located halfway between San Francisco and Orange County, this untouched region in Central California is known for the dramatic Hearst Castle with the Pacific to the West, 100+ wineries in the San Joaquin Valley to the east and a smattering of quaint coastal villages in between. With the recent announcement of United Airlines’ direct flights from Denver to San Luis Obispo (SLO to locals), it’s more accessible than ever.

San Luis Obispo and the Madonna Inn

From the moment my friend Jennie told me her parents honeymooned at the Madonna Inn, “the quirkiest, pinkest hotel in the world,” my bucket list was formed. This outlandish landmark hotel in San Luis Obispo looks like the Mad Hatter was set loose in Casa Bonita with 110 themed rooms, a world-famous waterfall urinal and an onslaught of hot pink everything–carpets, marble, lamps and leather booths and their fluffy Pink Champagne Cake made with Guittard pink chocolate. Not everything here is sensory overload; located on 1,000 acres of coastal hills, you’ll find a serene horse pasture, the Secret Garden bursting with flowers and a European-style pool with a 45-foot waterfall.

Our mantra was Go Big or Go Home so we blew half our travel budget to stay in the rooftop Sky Room, a two-story muted-blue family suite with textured white clouds and a carved staircase to the second level that looked down on flamboyant chandeliers. The real show-stopper was the bidet in the bathroom; potty breaks have never been so…refreshing! This 50-year-old kitschy inn shows signs of its age but guaranteed, it’s one stay you’ll never forget.

Not far away, you’ll discover a gem among the historic Spanish California missions. Named after Saint Louis of Anjou, the bishop of Toulouse, the Mission San Luis Obispo is a must-see for history buffs. We stopped by the famed Bubblegum Alley in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo for bubblegum graffiti that is every germaphobe’s worst nightmare and left our own sticky mark on this collective work of art. The city is home to Cal Poly and downtown SLO’s tree-lined streets, unique cafes and the Thursday night Farmer’s Market cater to that cool college-town vibe.

Day 1: Charming Cambria and a Castle on a Hill

I like my oceans like my mountains: wild, untouched and au naturel. San Luis Obispo’s quirky coastal villages and large stretches of the Pacific Ocean devoid of development are in stark contrast to the glitz and glam of California’s big cities. A local proudly told us, “This area is what Santa Barbara was 30 years ago and we want to keep it that way.” Even the tourists are different here and mostly consist of Californians or visitors passing through while driving the Pacific Coast Highway.

We only had an afternoon tour of the Hearst Castle scheduled so our plan was no plan of all. We drove north on California State Route 1 and soon stumbled upon Cambria, a seaside village nestled in the pines that was brimming with a brigade of 400 whimsical scarecrows for the Cambria Scarecrow Festival. And these weren’t just my genre of straw-and-farmer’s-clothing scarecrows. These were masterful works of art–Rip Van Winkle and cyclists with motorized wheels–a testament to this Victorian community that is teeming with artisans, unique shops, eateries and bed and breakfasts.

All the beaches in the 20-mile segment north of Cambria are part of Hearst San Simeon State Park with thirteen different beaches from Santa Rosa Creek on Moonstone Drive in Cambria to the southern Big Sur Coast. Many of them are hidden gems including Moonstone Beach’s brown sandy coves where you’ll find tide pools and semi-precious jasper stones of all colors. We followed the ridgeline, winding down to the beach where the wild spray elicited sheer glee. For land-locked kids, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark perched above the clouds atop The Enchanted Hill. Built by publishing magnet William Randolph Hearst, this 165-room castle is a must-visit destination with various guided tours available. Our jaws were agape as we marveled at the opulence of his personal art collection and stunning architecture. The Refectory was reminiscent of the Great Hall of Hogwarts and its very own home theater broadcast (you guessed it) Heart’s news specials. As we strolled the 127 acres of terraced gardens and fountains with wraparound views of the sunny Central Coast it was no surprise this is one of California’s most visited state parks.

A mere four miles north of Hearst Caste on Highway 1, the Elephant Seal Rookery is home to about 15,000 Northern Elephant Seals that migrate thousands of miles twice each year where they breed, birth, molt and rest between trips. We chuckled at the laziness and middle-school drama between the seals but after learning about the perilous conditions they endure for 8-10 months in the ocean, they’ve earned it. Teenagers? Another story.

We drove south and checked in to the newly redesigned and renovated 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites, home for the next two nights. After the ostentatious Madonna Inn, this 33-room boutique hotel was a refreshing juxtaposition and we were delighted to learn its ties to Colorado–the owner spent a number of years in Durango. Our spacious two-bedroom family suite overlooked Morro Bay and the town’s quaint shops and eateries were all within walking distance. We fell asleep that night to the lull of the waves and the harbor seals barking at the yellow, gibbous moon.

( 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites’ Ideal Location)

Day 2: Morro Bay’s Magic

Morro Bay is best known for Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic mound that stands sentry over Morro Bay State Park, home to lagoons, trails and a bird-rich saltwater marsh. The next morning, we met John Flaherty of Central Coast Outdoors for our half-day guided kayaking tour. Locally renowned for his kayaking, biking and hiking tours of San Luis Obispo, Big Sur and the Central Coast, we were in good hands.

After a thorough skills debriefing, we navigated around sea otters to a heron preserve with crows wheeling overhead. John pointed out the crustaceans’ indentations in the mud flats. “Morro Bay is one of the few estuaries left in California,” he divulged. “Thanks to the many state parks along Central California’s coastline, these areas have been preserved. That’s what makes it truly special here.”

Understatement. CLICK TO KEEP READING

Mile High Mamas Veteran’s Day Wishes and Events

As you enjoy your Veteran’s Day with family and friends….

Just take a moment to remember what it is all about.

Love,
The Mamas

Be sure to go here for Veteran’s Day weekend events.

Making Pie 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Next to over (or under) cooking the turkey, a succulent pie is the top of my Thanksgiving stressers (particularly since I’m a crust snob and nothing short of flaky will do). However, making pie crust can be so overwhelming so I was thrilled to find this “Pie School” tutorial from Studio 5 on how to make the perfect pie crust.

Best Basic Flaky Pie Crust

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening
½ cup very cold water
Method:

Mix flour and salt. Cut in shortening with pastry blender or knives. Add water.

Fold with fork until flour is absorbed and dough comes together. Flour surface and rolling pin well. Flatten dough gently with hand to make round shape. Roll out from center to about 1/8” thickness. Fold in half, lift onto pie plate. Open and shape to pan.

Tips:
-Dough may be easier to handle if chilled for an hour or so.
-Try rolling the dough around the rolling pin and then unrolling right onto the plate.
-Try ½ regular and ½ butter flavor Crisco.
-Some people like to “cut” the flour in with their fingers.
-Don’t cut the flour and shortening too much, the pieces of shortening are what make the crust flaky, you want to have pebble size pieces of dough before adding the water.
-If your pie is getting too brown on the edges, but not on top, take a piece of foil, fold in half to make a square then cut a half circle out of the middle. Unfold and put over your pie.
-Brush beaten egg white over your pie dough before filling with pumpkin to avoid soggy bottom crust.
-If baking for a single cooked crust, prick the entire bottom crust with a fork (to allow steam to escape). Set the oven to 500 and bake for about 6-10 minutes on the middle rack, watching carefully to insure the crust doesn’t burn. Remove the crust when done and let cool, then fill with custard or other filling. This is for a single cooked crust only. Do not prick the bottom of the crust when baking a filled single crust pie (such as pumpkin or pecan).

A Denver mom’s book about bipolar disorder

Guest blogger Erin is a Denver mom of three children and recently write about a book about bipolar disorder.

When I wrote All of the Rogers, it was an emotional experience for me. It wouldn’t have happened if my teenage boyfriend, Nick, hadn’t posted on social media about his struggle with mental health issues on April 20, 2014. Nick and I’d dated for a few months in high school (for a teenager, that feels like a lifetime – and now it feels like a lifetime ago), but we’d grown apart after graduation. We barely spoke until I joined Facebook. It was there I got to know him better as an adult.

I want to thank him for being brave enough to post openly about his struggles. He expressed ups and downs with his medication and diagnosis. He felt, at times, he was misdiagnosed. His post raised concerns for me. I was worried about him, but I didn’t feel brave enough or feel as if our relationship was strong enough for me to say anything. It’s something I regret because, not much more than a month later, he died.

Not being close with his family, I never knew exactly why he was gone, but I had my guesses. I was only left with my imagination and assumptions, which led to research. For a writer, that can be very powerful. He was, without a doubt, my inspiration for All of the Rogers. At times, while writing, I even drew from personal experiences with him in high school. I brought myself back to being a teenager.

My hope was that my book accurately addressed the issue of early signs of bipolar disorder and how they too often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed. I wanted to address the dangers of misdiagnosis, wrong medications, and refusing medication. But, most of all, I wanted to share how subtle symptoms could seem to a young outsider. I wanted to show the mystery many survivors were left with after a loved one had passed–the puzzle piece left that sometimes didn’t seem to fit together.

I had to put on so many hats while writing All of the Rogers, and “mom” was one of them. There are so many incredible characters and relationships in the book. But one thing I really wanted to touch on is parenting. The main character, Kerri, struggles with her relationship with her mother. There is very little communication in her overbearing ways. Meanwhile her best friend has a much more free-range life with her parents.

What I wanted to showcase is, no matter your parenting methods, how important communication is. It’s how Kerri was able to evolve. Roger, coming from a broken home, didn’t have the option of communicating with his parents. Maybe that would have made a difference in his life the way it did for Kerri? Maybe he would have had a mature sounding board to help identify and battle his mental illness?

You can find All of the Rogers on Amazon here and read more of my blog posts at www.erinlockwood.com

28 things to do in Denver this week

November is a busy month in Denver and the fun includes Denver Arts Week, Colorado Ski & Snowboard Festival, the Polar Express and more. Go to our event calendar for additional information and full listings.

Denver Veteran’s Day Parade and Festival at Civic Center Park
Nov 11, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Denver Veterans Day is a family-friendly event offers FREE admission to the Parade & Festival! We’ll have a music stage, kids & family activities, military displays, tons of vendors, and a wide variety of food. The Parade & Festival serves as a celebratory “Thank You” to our Veterans who have fought to ensure our freedoms.

Christmas with the Colorado Children’s Chorale at Boettcher Concert Hall
Oct 31 – Nov 11
Hop on the Polar Express with the Colorado Children’s Chorale! From winter songs and lullabies at the stable to Santa and Willie, the Christmas Elf, this concert will kick off your holiday season with a song in your heart and a SparkleJollyTwinkleJingle in your step! Tickets to this magical concert are only $26.40 when purchased during Denver ArtsWeek.

Denver Film Festival
Nov 1 – 12
Denver Film Festival is the city’s premier cultural event of the fall, selling more than 55,000 tickets to more than 250 films: Blockbusters, docs, shorts and indies.

Santa’s Flight Academy at Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Nov 9, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Santa is looking for cadets to help Santa prepare his sleigh for the big day. Create memorable moments with the Flight Suit Visualizer, a magical snow and light show inside Santa’s sleigh, and, of course, a visit with Santa Claus. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind interactive experience through Dec. 24.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Colorado Railroad Museum
Nov 9 –19
The story of The Polar Express is being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the holiday season!

“A Bad Mom’s Christmas” – Mom’s Night Out at Harkins Theater at Northfield Stapleton
Nov 9, 7:30 pm
A special event for Denver-area moms/women to view “A Bad Mom’s Christmas” at Harkins Theater at Northfield-Stapleton. Every attendee receives a swag bag with offers from local businesses and $9 from every ticket will be donated back to the school PTA of each attendee’s choice. 270 seats are being sold for this event.

Free Days at Denver Botanic Gardens
Nov 10 – 11
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.

Denver Arts Week
Nov 3 – 11
Denver Arts Week is an nine-day celebration of all things art in The Mile High City, featuring more than 300 events at a wide variety of art galleries, museums, theaters and concert halls, many of which are deeply discounted.

43rd Holiday Art Market
Nov 10, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Foothills Art Center opens its 43rd year of HART, the premier venue for local handmade shopping in the Denver metro area. HART is an exceptional event showcasing over 100 local artists while supplying visitors a wide range of prices and unique items to buy during the holiday season. Admission is free to the public and it runs approximately 7 weeks making it the longest holiday show in the area, giving you plenty of opportunities to pick up those gifts for family, friends, and loved ones.

Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo at Colorado Convention Center
Nov 10 – 12
Serious snowfall has already arrived in the mountains! It’s officially time to begin planning for the 26th annual Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo Nov. 10-12 at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. This is the place to get gear for adults and kids with skis, boards, boots, clothing, and accessories up to 60% off.

Four Mile Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park
Nov 10, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Take a tour of the Four Mile House Museum, check out historic demonstrations, explore our 12-acre grounds, sample a treat from our summer kitchen, and greet our farm animals. We’ll also be offering our Hay Bales & Tall Tales story and activity time from 12:00-1:00 pm.

Grandparent’s Night with Santa at Park Meadows at Park Meadows Retail Resort
Nov 10, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
We are happy to invite all grandparents to join in on the fun! Schedule a visit with the whole family. You’re never too old to let Santa know what is on your list. Santa loves Park Meadows! He wants you to know about the NEW 3D interactive set and 35-foot tree. Everyone who visits will receive a pair of 3D glasses to make your visit more fun! When we told him about it, Santa got so excited he almost spilled his hot cocoa! He can’t wait to see you!

Movie Night – Cars 3, Vehicle Vault
Nov 10, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Please join us for Vehicle Vault’s Movie at the Museum. We’re hosting it on Friday, November 10th with doors opening at 6:00 pm. The entry fee is $25/per person($15 each for kids 12 and under), which includes entrance to the museum, food, beverage (alcohol for 21 and up), entertainment and of course the movie. This month we will be featuring Cars 3.

Open House at Montessori School of Denver
Nov 11, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Come visit and see for yourself how MSD delightfully engages, inspires, and challenges students from Toddler to Middle School! Children are welcome. You will have the opportunity to visit the classrooms, explore the outdoor learning environments, and meet our amazing teachers. We welcome all families!

Family Discovery Series: Opera Colorado’s touring production “Cinderella” at PACE Center
Nov 11, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Is a wicked Stepfather like a wicked Stepmother? What about a wise advisor instead of a fairy Godmother? Inspired by the traditional fairytale, Rossini’s Cinderella is a twist on the classic story.

Girl Scout Craft Fair at Bethany Lutheran Church
Nov 11, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Support youth entrepreneurs in your community by shopping at the Girl Scout Craft Fair! Pick up hand-made crafts, baked goods and other goodies just in time for the holidays. All gifts will be valued at $20 or less and all proceeds benefit local Girl Scout Troops.

Starlight Market – A Holiday Pop-up Shop for Families at Skylight
Nov 11, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Please join us for the 2nd annual Starlight Market on November 11, 2017 at the new Skylight Events. There will be plenty of shopping from indie brands, crafting (like holiday wreath-making), and photo-taking (it’s what they say… Instagrammable).

Urban Holiday Market
Nov 11, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Urban Holiday Market is a holiday shopping spectacular not to be missed, featuring an awesome selection of one of-a-kind seasonal items, high quality handcrafted goods, fabulous holiday gift ideas, delicious specialty foods, and more, made from a diverse collection of local artists and crafters. Enjoy an open air Holiday Festival in the heart of Downtown Denver. This unique holiday shopping experience will includes live entertainment and a whole lot of family fun.

Denver Handmade Homemade Market
Nov 11, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
We had such a great lineup of vendors for the October Market, but this round is expected to be even better! Also expect Pony Treats vegan food buffet, stick & pokes from Uproot Tattoo and more details to arise soon.

Junior League of Denver Mile High Holiday Mart
Nov 11, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Enjoy a unique boutique shopping experience while giving back to the Denver metro community. Avoid the crowds and get first dibs on the merchandise by attending a VIP Private Shopping Event on Friday, November 10 before shopping opens to public at noon. Proceeds support the League’s efforts to develop the potential of women and improve the community.

LoDo Walking Tour at Denver Union Station
Nov 11, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
From Union Station to Wynkoop, Tattered Cover to Warehouse Row, learn how the largest collection of historic warehouses in the West transformed from railroad hub to skid row to urban hot spot. Tour includes an exploration of Denver’s transportation history, commercial architecture, preservation efforts, and more. The tour starts and ends at the historic Denver Union Station, lasts approximately 90 minutes, and covers about a mile.

14th Annual Great Candy Run at Washington Park
Nov 12, 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Join thousands of runners and walkers at a sweet race for a sweet cause! The 14th annual Great Candy Run, benefiting the Fetal Health Foundation, features a 5K Run/Walk a competitive Stroller Division for those pushing little ones and a free Jelly Bean Kids Fun Run. Plus, lots of sweet extras: on-course entertainment, costume contests, prize money, sweet medals for every finisher, a fun expo, mascots and Lolli’s Candy Village with sweet treats for all.

Free Day at Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Nov 13, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Enjoy the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for free!

MSU Denver BFA Thesis Exhibitions
Nov 3 – 17
MSU Denver’s BFA Thesis students will showcase two two-week-long exhibitions that are a culmination of their study and work in studio art and communication design. These exhibitions will feature a broad range of artwork including painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, ceramic, photography, multi-media and interactive.

Early Release Day Adventure at Colorado Adventure Point
Nov 3, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Throughout the year our various schools have several early release days. Colorado Adventure Point is available to make these days off more exciting by offering half day classes in various fun skills. Some of these classes include archery, rock climbing, art, cooking and robotics.

Supernova at Denver Pavilions
Nov 3 – 11
SUPERNOVA Digital Animaion Festival and the Denver Pavilions team up for a special, free encore presentation of works from the 2017 edition of the festival. Taking place on the Pavilion’s LED screen besides the UA Cinemas, each day will present looping animations from this innovative program, coinciding with Denver Arts Week and the 40th Edition of the Denver Film Festival.

Healing Power of Art at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Nov 3 – 10
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel and Children’s Hospital Colorado are celebrating the healing power of art during Denver Arts Week through two exhibits that will be on display at the hotel. The transformational powers of art therapy will tower 18 feet tall outside the entrance to Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. The iconic ballerina sculptures will be adorned with dresses decorated by Children’s Colorado patients as part of therapy.

Hillary Rodham Clinton to Discuss New Memoir at Bellco Theatre
Nov 16
Following sold out engagements across North America, Innovation Arts and Entertainment, an industry leader in the field of producing intelligent live entertainment programming, is proud to announce that Hillary Clinton will be appearing in Denver at the Bellco Theatre on Thursday, November 16.

Colorado Family Ski Directory 2017/18

Mile High Mamas is a top resource for planning Colorado family ski/ride vacations. A few years ago, we launched the Colorado Family Ski Directory that focuses exclusively on families–from daily lift ticket prices to the cost of childcare to where to get the best deals. But we’ve taken it one step further! Click the hyperlink for each resort name below for more in-depth details including additional deals, at what ages kids ski free, lessons, family-friendly activities, area attractions for playtime off the slopes and more.

This is just the basic information you’ll need to get started. To give you a true taste of Colorado’s winter, follow our adventures as we visit area resorts this season in our ski section and look for the button below for our fun insider tips and informative narratives.

Colorado Family Ski Directory 2017/18

Resort	Adult	Kids	Childcare	Ski/Ride School	Deals
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area	$95	$79 (ages 15-18)l $47 (ages 6-14); Kids 5 and under ski free every day.	No.	Kids class lessons start at $135 for half-day, $160 for full-day. Multi-week programs start at $335. available for kids of all ability levels, age 3 and up.	Arapahoebasin.com. Check out their Snowsports and hot deals pages.
Aspen Highlands	$155	$92; kids 6 and under ski free	No on-site childcare	Ski and ride school for children ages 5-6 and 7-12. Rates start at $224.	aspensnowmass.com; Kids Ski Free program for kids ages 7-12. Details: (800) 290-1326
Aspen Mountain	$155	$92; kids 6 and under ski free	No on-site childcare	Private children’s ski and snowboard lessons offered on Aspen Mountain. Rates start at $615 for a half-day.	aspensnowmass.com; Kids Ski Free program for kids ages 7-12. Details: (800) 290-1326
Beaver Creek Resort	$154*	$106*	Half-day $125; full-day $163	Starts at $229+	beavercreek.com
Breckenridge Ski Area	$141*	$92	On-site childcare starts at $128.	Starting at $199.*	breckenridge.com
Buttermilk	$155*	$92; kids 6 and under ski free	No on-site childcare	Starting at $224	aspensnowmass.com; Kids Ski Free program for kids ages 7-12. Details: (800) 290-1326
Crested Butte Mountain Resort	$117	Kids 6 and under ski free, Child (7-12) : $64 Teen (13-17) $105	There is a nursery for 2 months to 3 years old. Full-day starts at $130.	Group lesson with lunch starts at $175.	skicb.com deals. Kids ski free Nov. 23-Dec. 15; April 1-8, no strings attached
Cooper \| Chicago Ridge	$54	$34; kids 5 and under ski free	Childcare $14/hr; $55 for half-day; $72 for full-day	Child (5-12) all-day Panda Patrol group lessons start at $119 (get 10% off if you reserve online.)	Deals offered at local rental shops, lodges, and grocery stores. Best deals are at skicooper.com.
Copper Mountain Resort	$98*	Starting at $61. Children 5 and under ski/ride for free.	Belly Button Babies & Bakery for daily childcare. Kid’s Night Out is a FREE 3-hour childcare on the condition parents spend at least $30 at the resort.	Starting at $210. Pre-purchase most lessons online and save 20%!	Purchase your tickets at CopperColorado.com and save up to 53% on window prices. You’ll also find lodging steals and vacation packages.
Eldora Mountain Resort	TBD	Starting at TBD	No on-site child care	Group lesson starts at TBD	Eldora.com
Keystone Resort	$114*	Starting around $66.*	Starts at $125 for full day	Pricing starts at $189	Keystoneresort.com
Loveland Ski Area	$61	$29 – peak child (6-14) rate. Children 5 & under are free	Full day with lunch and two snacks is $80. Half day (morning only) with one snack is $65. Hourly rate is $20/hour.	Full day lesson with lunch and lift ticket is $129.	skiloveland.com; lovelandreservations.com; liftopia.com. Any child (4-14) that completes three full lesson packages is eligible for a FREE season pass.
Monarch Mountain	$89	Teen (13-15) $59, Junior (7-12) $43, Children under 6, Free	The Children’s Center Rates: $50 half-day; $90 all-day	Group ski lessons: $89 non-peak and $99 peak	Monarch ski packages with lodging participants. skimonarch.com
Powderhorn Mountain Resort	$71	Youth (13-17) $60; Junior (7-12) $35; Child (6 & Under) $18	No on-site childcare	Children’s Learning Center starts at age 3. Group lessons start at ages 5-7, with prices starting at $78 for a half-day lesson.	powderhorn.com
Purgatory Resort	TBD	Teen (13-17) TBD; Child (6-12) TBD; Children 7 & under FREE	Cost: TBD	Half-day lessons TBD (lesson only) Full Day Packages 6-12 year olds (lesson, lift ticket, rentals (including helmet) & lunch)	Purgatory Resort’s website features deals on lodging packages that include discounts on lift tickets. PurgatoryResort.com
Ski Granby Ranch	$73	$44. Kids 5 and under ski free	No on-site childcare.	Starting at $179.	GranbyRanch.com
Snowmass	$145	$92	The Treehouse Kids Adventure Center. Rates start at $174.	Offered for kids ages 2-4, 5-6 and 7-12. Rates start at $224 for full day.	aspensnowmass.com; Kids Ski Free program for kids ages 7-12. Details: (800) 290-1326
Steamboat Ski Area	$145*	Youth: $135; Child: $90.	Kids’ Vacation Center full-day $139.	Kids’ Vacation Center lessons start at age 3. Prices start at $179 with advanced online purchase.	www.steamboat.com or call 800-922-2722
Sunlight Mountain Resort	$66	$45; 5 and under ski free	Childcare is $100 full day; $55 half-day; $25/hourly.	Super Tots: Full Day lesson, lift, helmet, lunch for ages 4-6 is $155. Half-day is $105. Regular ski school: 2 hour lesson, lift, rentals is $105.	Kids 12 and under ski free. Affordable Ski, Swim Stay Packages with Glenwood Hot Springs. SunlightMTN.com
Telluride Ski Resort	$119*	$79*; Kids 5 and under ski free	For infants and toddlers, half day is $110 and a full day is $150.	Ski/Ride school starts at $200 for a lesson, lift ticket and lunch for ages 3 to 14.	tellurideskiresort.com
Vail	$154	$106. Kids ages 4 and under ski free.	Small World Nursery offers daycare for children 2 months-6 years starting at $158.	The Vail Ski & Snowboard School lessons start at $229.	Visit Vail.com and purchase tickets 7 days in advance for best prices.
Winter Park Resort	$119	Approx. $79. Kids 4 and under ski free.	Childcare for kids 2 months to 6 years. Half day is available for $109, full day is available for $139.	Full day lessons for kids (ages 3-14), including lunch, are $179.	Call Winter Park Central Reservations for latest deals and special promos. 800-729-7907.
Wolf Creek Ski Area	$70	$36. Kids 5 and under $6	No	Starting at $84 for full day (4 hours)	Visit wolfcreekski.com.

*Note: Information and prices are subject to change and most resorts offer discounted rates if you purchase online seven days in advance. Many resorts do not publish a set lift ticket price. When compiling our list, we used the date January 9, 2018 as our base to compare prices.

Featured image: Loveland Ski Area

Shopping On A Budget: How to Save Money and Help Denver

‘Tis the season of giving and if you’re like me, you’d like to help those in need but your budget is maxed out every single year.

Enter: Give10Back.com, the perfect marriage between great online deals AND giving back at the same time. The concept is simple. Find your favorite brand name products at deeply discounted prices (up to 75% off) on Give10Back.com and they’ll automatically donate 10 percent of your purchase price to your favorite school, church or charitable organization. Part deal site, part fundraiser, and part environmental surrogate, Give10Back offers consumers products and brands they actually want and need at prices they love while supporting causes that are near and dear to them – all while saving the planet!

When I first heard of this company, I thought of purchases I’ve made on AmazonSmile where the behemoth online retailer donates a percentage of eligible purchases to charity but was dumbfounded to learn it was only 0.5 percent of the price of eligible purchases. Contrast that to Give10Back’s 10 percent donation (on every item including deeply discounted items) and there is no comparison.

What You’ll Find

Give10Back has a great selection of brand name toys & games (Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, etc.), home & kitchen, baby products, designer apparel & shoes, health & beauty, & more. It obviously doesn’t have the sheer volume of options of its competitors but is steadily growing every day.

The signup process took me less than a minute. I then spent about a half-hour perusing the different categories and purchased some fun board games for the kids, a shelf organizer for myself and CamelBak waterbottle for my husband. I price-checked each item and was pleased to find the prices were almost half what they are on Amazon! Plus I love that they offer free shipping for orders over $49.

Here are a few examples:

Baby Jogger City Mini Gt Travel System In Charcoal $599.99 MSRP

Amazon’s price = $579.99

ONLY $331.49 on Give10Back.com! (Save 45% OFF Everyday!) That’s a $268.50 SAVINGS

Playskool Heroes Star Wars Galactic Heroes Millennium Falcon and Figures $39.99 MSRP

Amazon’s price = $25.49

ONLY $19.99 on Give10Back.com (Save 50% OFF Everyday!)

Pampers Cruisers Baby Diapers Economy Plus Pack, Size 6, 104 Count $41.58 MSRP

Amazon’s price = $39.50

ONLY $19.99 on Give10Back.com (Save 52% OFF Everyday)

How It Works

When hosting a dinner party you know the Golden Rule is to make more than you need, you’d rather have leftovers than disappointed guests. Big Box Retailers follow this SAME rule – they’d rather ‘overstock’ than have empty shelves and disappointed shoppers. Give10Back.com takes this excess merchandise (their leftovers) and offers it to you and your supporters for 30%, 50% even 75% OFF. PLUS they donate 10% of every sale to your school, church or charity – every time you shop!

Fundraiser

I’d love to live in a world where butterbraids and cookie dough are forever banished. GiveBack10 offers the easiest fundraisers ever: 1) Do your supporters a favor…tell them how they can save lots of money on Give10Back.com. 2) Your organization earns 10 percent of every sale. 3) Cash your monthly fundraising check. The end. Simply download the free customizable marketing templates, use Facebook or Twitter to share the link to your online shopping fundraiser and then sit back and relax. There is nothing to inventory, nothing to fulfill and nothing to track.

When I made my purchases, there was a drop-down box at check-out where I selected my charity of choice: Denver Children’s Home, which helps kids who have survived trauma, neglect and abuse. I would love to see many more Colorado charities, non-profits and schools in the mix! You can learn more about how to register your cause here.

Give10Back’s founder, Walter Engelbrecht, created the company with a goal to give back $50 million to U.S. schools through their unique Give10Back online shopping fundraiser. “We help people save lots of money on things they already buy while giving schools, churches, and charities 10 percent of the sales. I, along with everyone at Give10Back, won’t rest until we’ve accomplished our mission.”

Before you do your online shopping, check-out GiveBack10 first to see if there is anything on your wish list…and know you are helping someone along the way.

In partnership with Mile High Mamas