7 Ways to Help Your Daughter Love Her Body

One of the most freeing feelings in the world is loving yourself just as you are — but in a world where girls are constantly bombarded with messages about what their bodies should look like, raising them to be body positive can feel like an impossible task. A study by the Girl Scouts found that 80% of 10-year-old girls are afraid of getting fat, and other studies have found that 85% of women and 79% of girls have opted out of activities due to a lack of body confidence. With kids and teens being exposed to narrow standards of beauty in media, marketing, and online, many adults may wonder what they can do to turn the tide.

Fortunately, there are ways for parents, educators, coaches, and other caring adults to support girls in developing a positive body image! By establishing a healthy lens for looking at bodies — both their own and others’ — we can help girls recognize their bodies for what they are: an amazing vehicle that helps carry them to their successes, but doesn’t define them or their worth. By talking to them about how marketing frequently uses dissatisfaction with your appearance as a sales technique, we can help them untangle the subtle negative messages that surround them. And by teaching them how to stand up against body shaming, we can help establish a culture that recognizes that all bodies have unique talents and beauties worth celebrating.

Acknowledge and Celebrate that All Bodies Look and Work Differently

Parents may hesitate to talk to girls about diverse bodies because they don’t want to draw attention to differences, but the Girl Scouts Developmental Psychologist Dr. Andrea Bastiani Archibald asserts that it’s important to recognize that bodies aren’t meant to all look or work the same: “We’re all different in so many ways, and it’s counterproductive to pretend that we’re not.” Humans come in a wide variety of skin tones, heights, and weights; we have birthmarks, hair loss, visible disabilities, and many other distinguishing features. Those differences are real, and by acting as if they don’t exist — or shushing a child who asks about them — we inadvertently teach them that body diversity is shameful and off-limits for discussion. CLICK TO KEEP READING

-Mighty Girl

Colorado’s unique wellness getaways, retreats, programs & clubs

In Colorado, wellness is not just a trend. Historians estimate that as many as one-third of Colorado’s early settlers moved to the state for reasons associated with health. Several historic Colorado destinations and landmarks such as The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and the Colorado Chautauqua in Boulder were originally founded, and are still sought after, as places for wellness retreats and individual healing.

Colorado’s outdoors, active lifestyle, fresh air and sunshine continue to appeal to visitors in search of wellness offerings.

Destination: Wellness

These one-stop wellness spots will give visitors the opportunity to refresh, recharge and reconnect.

Boulder: In the late 1800s, John Harvey Kellogg founded the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium and Hospital promoting ‘hydro-therapy, exercise and a vegetarian diet’ as the way to good health. The area, Mount Sanitas, derived from the word sanitarium, is home to popular hiking trails today. In 1898, the Colorado Chautauqua was built at the foot of the Flatirons as a family retreat focusing on nature, culture and music. Today, Boulder offers 45,000 acres of unspoiled outdoor beauty for visitors to explore via 300 miles of hiking and biking trails. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks offers Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing, a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Shinrin-yoku has been scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones in the body, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, boost mood and more.

Buddhist-inspired and nonsectarian, Naropa University is rooted in contemplative education and is the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement. The Boulder Shambhala Center is a cultural institution established by Tibetan Buddhist master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and offers classes and meditation instruction for both beginners and people with years of experience.

Breckenridge: In recent years, Breckenridge’s county was ranked for the highest life expectancy in the country according to the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Wellness is the way of everyday life in Breckenridge with more than 60 miles of trails taking off from downtown historic Main Street for year-round adventures, a newly-renovated 17-million dollar recreation center, welcoming yoga studios and innovative spas (complete with grottos, reflexology, CBD, TCM, reiki treatments) peppered throughout town and local makers creating tinctures, salves and elixirs from native Breckenridge plants (including workshops to even make your own). The first annual Breckenridge Yoga Festival will take place over Labor Day Weekend.

Colorado Springs: As far back as 3,000 years ago, the indigenous Ute people lived near Garden of the Gods Park. The area also served as a Native American crossroads, where numerous nomadic tribes gathered in peace. Beginning in the early 20th century, the city’s dry air, nearly year-round sunshine and high altitude attracted those afflicted with tuberculosis. Following the Gold Rush, Colorado Springs’ first major economic driver was wellness tourism. More recently, Colorado Springs became known as Olympic City USA and is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. The city offers athletes a mild climate, incredible natural training grounds and awe-inspiring beauty.

For decades, members and guests have come to Garden of the Gods Resort and Club not just to disconnect from the outside world, but to reconnect with the best that life has to offer. Strata Integrated Wellness Spa is a destination for holistic wellbeing that is multilayered and all encompassing. This wellness spa offers energy practice, psychotherapy, acupuncture, mindfulness work and more.

Crestone: This picturesque mountain town in the Mystic San Luis Valley region of Colorado has emerged in the last few decades as a spiritual mecca for world religions. What began as a small mining town now accommodates a Hindu temple, a Zen center, a co-ed Carmelite monastery and several Tibetan centers. Visitors can experience nearby Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa for a soak in secluded mineral hot springs and a full-service spa treatment. Joyful Journey offers a variety of accommodations ranging from classic hotel rooms to Tipis, all-season yurts and campsites.

Glenwood Springs: Therapeutic healing via hot springs and wellness treatments have a long and storied history in Glenwood Springs—a Rocky Mountain town historically called “Colorado’s Spa in the Mountains.” A wellness paradise, Glenwood Springs’ global reputation as a healthy destination dates to the 1880s, and the healing tradition continues with numerous spas offering an ever-increasing array of exceptional treatments and services. With its ample geothermal amenities and outdoor activities, Glenwood Springs is a Colorado wellness hot spot for relieving stress and restoring balance.

Glenwood is home to one-of-a-kind wellness attractions that include the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, considered the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool; Iron Mountain Hot Springs with its 16 soaking pools situated along the banks of the Colorado River; and the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, the only known vapor caves in North America that offer therapeutic steam naturally.

Unique Wellness Getaways and Therapies

The Botanique, Fort Collins: The Botanique offers ancient ritual treatments, conscious retreats, educational experiences and a variety of gatherings to foster community. Wellness rituals range from lymphatic flow and detox baths, to gemstone facials and energetic openings. There’s also vibrational sound healing paired with cranial sacred massage and more spiritual offerings, like energy medicine and intuitive spiritual guidance. Each treatment uses herbs, flowers, therapeutic oils and teas customized from the in-house apothecary.

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort, Ridgway – Chipeta Resort Spa offers a serene space with treatments inspired by the southwest and experienced therapists intuitive in the healing arts. Chipeta features four treatment rooms, a circular cedar sauna, steam room, mirrored yoga room and two outdoor, solar heated thermal pools. Chipeta Resort offers exquisite treatments from ancient East Indian Ayurvedic medicine and Alpine tradition therapy. Unique treatments offered at Chipeta spa include the Himalayan Heaven therapeutic massage, Colorado CBD Wellness massage, Alpine Herbal Dream Steam and Southwestern Stone Massage.

Dark Skies Vacations, Custer County: Improve your wellness by stargazing in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado’s first International Dark Sky Association designated dark sky community and highest in the world. Stargazing is a free, constantly changing show that allows for great conversation and bonding. It fosters inspiration and imagination, alleviates stress and increases happiness. More importantly, it’s an activity enjoyed by people of all ages in all parts of the world. Dark Skies Vacations hosts travelers in comfortable vacation homes to experience the amazing night sky views of the dark sky community. During the day, guests can explore views of nearby wildlife, verdant grassland valleys, rolling hills and the majestic Sangre de Cristos, with a half-dozen nearby fourteeners.

Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, Gateway: Visitors can unwind at Gateway Canyons, nestled in the Mountains and Mesas travel region of Colorado. Surrounded by adventure, natural wonderment and untouched discoveries Gateway Canyons offers restorative spa treatments with natural ingredients, state-of-the-art technologies and custom treatments. Gateway Canyons also offers private and group yoga for guests to enjoy during their stay set amongst the vibrant high-desert landscape and ancient Colorado canyons.

Sacred Spaces, Cañon City: Sacred Spaces, an apothecary in Cañon City, provides nourishment and healing through yoga/herbal medicine/gardening classes, 1:1 herbal medicine consultations, and personalized plant sanctuary or homestead creation. Products for purchase include but are not limited to teas, essential oils and tinctures.

Salt 360 Float Studio, Durango: Ninety percent of the brain is consumed with the effects of routine environmental stimulation including light, sound, temperature, touch and gravity. Salt floatation voids all external stimuli, in a space where guests are able to completely quiet the mind and find ultimate relaxation. At Salt 360 Float Studio, guests experience a state-of-the-art custom designed floatation room. The float pool is filled with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, 12 inches of water and the saline solution is warmed to about 95 degrees. Guests are effortlessly suspended, and the restorative effects, both mental and physical, begin to take hold.

Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront, Avon: The Westin Riverfront now offers free Sound Bath Meditation Sessions twice monthly at Spa Anjali. These free 45-minute group Sound Bath sessions feature Himalayan singing bowls and light meditation. Tibetan Singing bowls are placed on and around the body as guests’ energy fields are balanced and enhanced through the resonating sound and vibrations. Sound Therapy produces profound relaxation, bringing the receivers brain wave frequencies into an alpha or theta state; these are frequencies used to heal on a cellular level. Sound reinstates health and wellbeing by restoring the natural frequencies of our body, mind and energy.

Vista Verde Guest Ranch, Clark: This ranch, situated at 7,752 feet in the Elk River Valley and surrounded by the National Forest, is a unique blend of AAA Four Diamond amenities and authentic western hospitality. Vista Verde offers several programs to help the whole family unplug, including a robust kid’s program that now includes a new mindfulness component. Activities like horseback riding, fishing, scavenger hunts, panning for gold, paddleboarding and more now include mindfulness exercises where kids are encouraged to be aware of what they can discover when they’re observant.

Wellness Retreats, Programs & Clubs

Awakening Together Retreat House, La Veta: The Awakening Together Retreat House is located next to the Wahatoya Lake in La Veta near the legendary Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Guests are invited to come to the Retreat House for respite, solitude, enlightened teachings and spiritual communion. Awakening Together offers personal retreat led by one’s inner calling as well as special events.

bRUNch Running, Denver and Fort Collins: bRUNch Running is a social fitness community that uses restaurants and parks and trails as their studio and playground. The community is made up of individuals known as bRUNchatarians, those who enjoy all things running and fitness related and eating brunch. The organization offers a supportive and welcoming environment, where individuals can get their sweat on and meet new people. Participants are welcome to walk, jog, run, skip or even ride their bike. The events fit any budget, with several free events offered in addition to the $5 community events in both Denver and Fort Collins.

Mt. Carmel Center, Trinidad: Mt. Carmel is a wellness and community center that brings a holistic approach to wellness. Mt. Carmel partners with the Las Animas County Health Department and the Mt. San Rafael Hospital and offers programming on five key areas of wellness: nutrition and exercise, behavioral health, community wellness, community outreach and spirituality.

Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes: Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies in a serene 600-acre valley surrounded by rocky peaks and pine and aspen forests, Shambhala Mountain Center provides a safe and supportive container for the teaching of paths of personal health, deepened awareness and transformation. Offering over 100 different programs per year, taught by a remarkable array of accomplished practitioners and teachers, Shambhala Mountain Center combines natural beauty with the comforts of a modern retreat campus. The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya crowns a meadow at the upper end of Shambhala Mountain Center’s main valley. Standing 108 feet tall, it is one of the most significant examples of sacred Buddhist architecture in North America.

Shoshoni Yoga Retreat, Rollinsville: Shoshoni Yoga Retreat invites guests to participate in their yoga and meditation retreats and connect with nature. Guests can stay for one night, a weekend or more. Each day, two yoga and two meditation classes are offered and vegetarian meals are sourced from the organic gardens on the grounds. During free time, visitors can relax in the sauna or hot tub and explore hiking trails and meditation shrines. To personalize the retreat, one-on-one classes may be scheduled.

Total Wellness Retreat, Mount Princeton Hot Springs: A partnership between Mount Princeton and Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC), the Total Wellness Retreat is an all-inclusive, lifestyle-changing program that spans five days and four nights. Led by medical providers and staff from HRRMC, the program is designed to spur a lifestyle change for better health with focus is on preventing disease down the road as opposed to treating illness. The retreat includes daily meditation, group counseling, tai chi, hiking and a healthy cooking class to help participants not only learn to prepare food, but to understand what and how to eat. Participants have access to the pools, spa services, mountain bike rentals and fitness classes. This retreat is held twice per year with the next retreat scheduled Nov. 3-7, 2019.

True Nature Healing Arts, Carbondale: True Nature is a little slice of heaven in the Rockies. It is a sanctuary for inspiration, connection and self-discovery offering a therapeutic spa, organic cafe, conscious gift boutique, full schedule of classes, workshops, events, retreats, bio-dynamic peace garden and more.

For more information, go to Colorado.com.

Gretchen’s Great Grabs: Cool podcast, bento box trend & more

I love this time of year. It is a fresh start. For me, it always included birthday gifts that were often my first day of school outfit or fresh new school supplies. I love shopping for supplies. Finding just the right folder, or a new pen that is perfect. That is why finding my favorite things at this time of year is difficult – maybe because something as simple as a fresh box of crayons (which you can now get personalized) or new pencils hit my hot button. But life goes beyond school supplies, there are some great new things out there that you should check out.

Twenty Thousand Hertz Podcast. I have often had conversation of things that our kids won’t experience. You know, things like a dial-up modem, actual film strip (especially as it is done on one wheel and going around on another), the clank and ding of a typewriter or even chalk on a chalkboard. Sounds that most of us recognize but out kids won’t have context for. That is one of the reasons I love listening to the podcast, Twenty Thousand Hertz which explores some of our most recognizable sounds. Maybe this will preserve the memories of our kids for our grandkids who wouldn’t otherwise know these sounds. Maybe you can listen in on the way to school?

Spatty. I recently discovered this tiny spatula in the cosmetics department of my WalMart. The Spatty is kind of like a small kitchen spatula with a hard handle and a flexible silicone spatula at one end. This little tool really helps you “get to the bottom of things.” Yes, you can get that extra scoop of lotion at the bottom of the bottle/jar or use the last drop of your makeup. (Plus, if you start stocking up on what could be stocking stuffers now – this is a great one for your teenage daughter).

BH90210. For all us moms out there that grew up watching Kelly, Donna, Brandon and Dylan – we get to see them again in a super fun, campy re-boot-ish show. The original cast of Beverly Hills 90210 (sadly, less Dylan) are set to do a reunion – but the show is not about the characters, rather the actors that play the characters playing heightened, fictionalized characters of themselves. It’s a super fun twist on all the re-boots out there.

Bento Box Trend. Who has time to make these amazing lunches for their littles when we really are just trying to get out the door? My kids loved lunchables. But really, aren’t lunchables kind of expensive for what is in it? The cheap mom in me loves when frugal meets fashionable. Get a box here. Then pinterest all the great ideas you can include in it.

What awesome new things are you finding out there? What is on trend? What is the latest podcast you’re loving? Book you can’t stop talking about? TV show that you’d binge? Send me an email if you find something we have to check out!

Why I Stopped Body Shaming Myself In Front of My Daughters

It happened when my older daughter, Violet, was not quite two years old. We were sitting around the dinner table, and I’d begun a tirade to my husband about how none of my pre-baby clothes fit right (and spoiler: They never would again!). I couldn’t figure out what size jeans to buy, I couldn’t imagine putting on a swimsuit… “I’m just not very happy with my body right now,” I said. And Violet, from her high chair, began patting herself all over. “My body! My body!” she said.

I froze. I wasn’t sure how much she understood, but I stopped talking negatively about my body within her earshot pretty much that minute. This doesn’t mean I automatically turned off my own negative feelings. When Violet was four, and asked “why is your tummy still so big?” I had to take a deep breath before I could explain, cheerfully, that it had made lots of room to grow her and her baby sister. Which, for the record, delighted her: She wasn’t criticizing me. She just wanted to hear again how she had once been tiny enough to fit inside me. She likes that my body still carries proof of that. I’m learning to like it too.

We still don’t know enough about what causes eating disorders, but the research is fairly clear that most patients have genetic predispositions to them, which matter just as much (and likely more) than the conversations they hear about bodies, weight and food. So if your kids overhear one stray moment of fat shaming, you haven’t fast-tracked them to an eating disorder. But—you have reinforced the idea that some bodies are better than others, and that our self-worth should be tied to our aesthetic appeal. That isn’t good for any kid—or any parent—to believe.

But we don’t show up for parenthood with all of our own personal body image demons sorted out. And we mostly learn by failing. So if this is hard for you, give yourself grace. I don’t know if my decision to stop body shaming myself will protect my daughters as they grow up and absorb all that diet culture can throw at them. But I know that deciding to stop verbalizing every unkind thought I have about my body has helped me let a lot of them go. Which gives us a place to start having different conversations.

Virginia Sole-Smith is the author of The Eating Instinct: Food Culture, Body Image and Guilt in America. She’s also a contributing editor with Parents Magazine and co-host of the Comfort Food Podcast. She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband and two daughters.

Inspirational Model Making Denver Fashion Week History

This year’s Denver Fashion Week is making history thanks to a model with a lot of courage. And chances are, the runway will never be the same.

“What girl doesn’t want to be in a fashion show?” Kate Nelson said with a big smile.

Photo: CBS

Contest: The perfect gift for hard-to-buy-for people (win $100 from Happy Cards!)

Who doesn’t love gift cards for the holidays? But let’s face it: finding the right gift card for the right person is sometimes a struggle and it feels impersonal.

Enter: Happy Cards.

Do you have a fun-lover? How about a foodie? Or a shopaholic? These nifty gift cards bundle your favorite brands together, depending upon your interests and passions.

I’ve been stumped with what to buy my mother-in-law this year so when I saw their Happy Lady card (Lord & Taylor, Sephora, Bed Bath & Beyond, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Panera Bread, Cheesecake Factory and Spafinder), I knew I had found the perfect fit. A few of my other favorites:

The Happy Her gift card is a delightful way to make her day! Jump start the day with a beverage from Peet’s Coffee. Swing by Under Armour for new workout gear. Snap up the freshest looks at EXPRESS and Ulta. Enjoy lunch at PF Chang’s, then head to Godiva for a sweet treat. A memorable shopping spree all in one card! Use the Happy Her gift card at any Peet’s Coffee, PF Chang’s, Ulta, EXPRESS, Under Armour or Godiva location in the US.

The Happy Guy card is the gift that will have him on cloud nine! Let dad pick out a new power tool at The Home Depot. Get your brother that new computer he’s been talking about from Dell. Treat your uncle to a delicious meal at McCormick and Schmick’s, or your son to a juicy burger at Burger King. Is your husband trying to decide between a new suit or new wipers? Now he can get both with Lord & Taylor and Autozone on the same card! The Happy guy gift card and gives him the freedom to choose across his favorite brands in home, fashion, food and auto. Use the Happy Guy gift card at any The Home Depot, AutoZone, Dell, Buffalo Wild Wings, Lord & Taylor, Burger King or

This is just a sampling of the many different gift cards and brands:

Do you have a specific budget? Gift cards are sold in increments of $25, $50, $75, $100 of you may enter in your customized amount!

Make buying the perfect gift as easy as giving it. Avoid the chaos of holiday shopping, and the stress of wondering what to give that special someone. Get happy, give Happy. The only gift card that pairs them with their favorite brands. Go to Happy Cards to start browsing the many different categories today. They are also available wherever Kroger products are sold (King Soopers, City Market), Albertson’s and Safeway.

Contest

Mile High Mamas is giving away a $100 Happy Cards Your Happy Teen with favorite brands American Eagle, Sephora, Regal Cinemas, Jamba Juice, Nike and Dave & Buster’s. You may enter as many as five times. Contest deadline is Dec. 19, 2018.

In partnership with Mile High Mamas.

Win custom jewelry from Mauzie’s Fine Jewelry Store in Centennial

Are you looking for the ultimate gift for your loved ones (or even better, yourself?!)

I am a huge fan of Mauzie’s Fine Jewelry in Centennial. Denver mom of two, Martha Mays (Mauzie) designs and creates one-of-a-kind pieces, along with popular jewelry from many major brands.

Heavily influenced by a wide variety of avenues that result in a very eclectic style, Mauzie takes inspiration from the surrounding mountains and Colorado nature as well as the architecture of the city.

She loves combining mixed metals with a variety of different textures in the same piece. “I like to think of my pieces as wearable sculptures,” she says. “As a result, my designs are one-of-a-kind and unique. Which is one reason why we’ve been able to grow over the years- my customers have often noted that my unique designs are what keep them coming back!

We sat down with Mauzie to find out more about her creations, as well as her advice for mompreneurs.

How did you get into jewelry design?

I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and metalworking from Miami University in 1990. I have been designing custom jewelry ever since. Jewelry design has always been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember!

Tell us about starting your own business and what advice would you have for mompreneurs?

I worked for two prominent jewelers in the Denver area until 2005 when I realized it was time for me to branch out on my own. Of course, it was scary but it was also exhilarating! I was able to start my business with $1,000 and a lot of hard work. Thirteen years later I believe that Mauzie’s Fine Jewelry is one of the best jewelers in Centennial!

Throughout the years, I’ve been able to add incredible employees and keep updating my jewelry shop with new floors, cases, and displays. I’ve been able to keep those cases fully stocked with my original designs throughout the years.

As far as advice for other mompreneurs, everyone is different, but for me, growing gradually allowed me to maintain control while keeping my creativity, (and sanity,) intact! Being comfortable with slow growth also gave me the family time I needed.

My only regret from opening in 2006, is that I didn’t take advantage of a group of other mompreneurs or female business owners to get advice from. Support like that would have helped me from having to learn a lot of things the hard way. I love that now there are so many more avenues for women in business (like the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce) and I strongly recommend that newcomers take advantage of those opportunities.

If I wanted something personally customized to me, what is the process?

I love working with my customers on their custom pieces! We start by just having a conversation about your hopes for the project. Together, we would figure out what kind of piece it will be made: a ring, necklace, pendant, bracelet, etc.

Because there are so many options for any piece, I generally ask clients to have a general idea of the budget for the project: Do you want to spend $300 or $3,000? We can work with most budgets but having an idea already in mind helps us narrow down our options. I can also give you an estimated budget based on our conversion and once I have a feel for the design.

Once we’ve completed that, I start with hand-drawn sketches to be approved by you. Which very few jewelry designers do these days but we think its an important part of the process. Next, you’re shown 3-D Computer-Aided Designs to give you an even better picture of the piece. Upon your approval, I get to work and deliver a beautiful new piece that looks exactly like the original hand sketch.

Our jewelry design process is one of the things that separates us from other jewelers not only in Centennial but across the metro area!

What are your favorite Colorado activities to do with your family?

I LOVE anything outdoors. Living in Colorado provides me with opportunities to get out and enjoy nature with my family. Skiing, hiking, and biking are a few faves. But the city has plenty to offer too and I love spending Sundays at Centennial Center Park with friends and family.

CONTEST

Mile High Mamas is giving away $125 in store credit at Mauzie’s Fine Jewelry.

Back-to-school shopping? Don’t miss these fall trends for 2018

Back to School is around the corner and with all the fashion and styles come many super fun and cool back-to-school trends. The Outlets at Castle Rock shares these 10 fun ways to ROCK your 2018:

Distressed looks. Jeans and shorts and skirts…and some are exaggerated with patching details and petticoat or metallic hems.
Leggings, pants and matching tops. Plaids, stripes, polka dots, layers, mix-and-match coordinates are big looks for fall.
Accessories. Earrings, bangles, lariat necklaces, backpacks, lunch totes, water bottles, and many with patterns and graphics showing who you are.
Colors. Are still bright and bold–from beachy pinks to reds and greens. Anything goes and never forget that denim! Fringe bottoms are still a necessity on jeans.
Layering works best for our Colorado weather…jean jackets, sweaters, tees, button-down shirts and bows galore.
Jump suits and rompers are still hot and in!
Metalics. Don’t forget those amazing metalics in shoes, backpacks and jewelry.
Lace and ribbons, bows and fringe details are definitely the way to go.
Athleisure is here to stay with great patterns and coordinating tops and tanks…from Pilates and Barre to out-to-lunch.
Off-the-shoulder and cold shoulder/sleeve detailing are still a huge shout-out.

YOUR BIGGEST AND BEST SHOPPING TIP OF THE DAY (DEAL + CONTEST)

A huge shopping secret at the The Outlets at Castle Rock to help you ROCK your STYLE is our first commandment to saving. GO TO THE FOOD COURT AT THE OUTLETS AND ASK FOR YOUR ELITE SAVINGS BOOKLET. IT WILL SAVE YOU HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS AND IS TOTALLY FREE.

Chart out your shopping journey and know which stores will honor these additional discounts…making your back-to-school dollars go even further. Great brands like…Osh Kosh, Carters, Nike, Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Puma, North Face…at savings of 30% – 75% off everyday..

The biggest thing is that we’re having an additional 20% off Aug 1-31 at participating stores, details are available at Customer Service.

Also, we’re giving away a Google Chromebook! Be sure to enter at Customer Service.

Contest: Win Elements Massage AromaRitual Treatment (a $110 value!)

Everyone knows being a mom is one of the toughest and most stressful jobs on the planet! With Mother’s Day swiftly approaching, many are searching for the perfect gift to give the number one lady in their lives. Luckily, Elements Massage just announced AromaRitual™, their brand-new line of exclusive aromatherapy massage treatments available at studio near you.

With AromaRitual, Elements clients will experience a personalized, immersive aromatic treatment. In addition to this new service offering, Elements partnered with Shankara, winner of the 2017 iSPA Innovate Award, to create a unique, sustainable and results-oriented line of essential essences, including:

Energize – comprised of lemon, ginger and geranium, this scent provides a stimulating and invigorating experience that uplifts the senses, while providing balance and air purification for a deep cleanse.
Refresh – eucalyptus, peppermint and patchouli are combined for an enlivened, yet balanced and soothing experience. This naturally purifying and cooling scent freshens the air and supports deeper breathing for total relaxation.
Calm – lavender, nutmeg and black pepper come together for a treatment that is not only uplifting, nurturing and relaxing, but it also actively helps to relieve muscle pain and treats headaches.

The three new aromatherapy essences are all-natural, 100% chemical-free and exclusive to Elements Massage. Further, this new service has been meticulously crafted to deliver a truly differentiated massage experience featuring application of these aromatherapy essences to powerful pulse points, traditional inhalation therapy and more.

“The intention of AromaRitual is to create a personalized, aromatherapy experience for our clients, especially those hard-working moms. Our approach combines olfactory, energetic and dermal absorption techniques based on modern research and ancient principles,” said Eric Stephenson, Chief Wellness Officer of Elements Massage. “At its very core, aromatherapy taps into our sense of smell, which is tied directly to the part of our brain that processes emotion and controls our breathing, heart rate and stress levels. This treatment helps stimulate and balance the human nervous system, often leaving individuals with an overall greater sense of well-being.”

We all know moms could use a little less stress in their lives. Research shows that aromatherapy is a natural remedy for relaxation. In fact, one study showed that the inhalation of lavender is capable of reducing sympathetic nervous activity and decreasing blood pressure, while the inhalation of rosemary is capable of increasing sympathetic nervous activity and providing mental/psychological refreshment.

So this Mother’s Day, give your mom a present that is both relaxing and beneficial to her health. For more information or to book an AromaRitual session, please visit www.elementsmassage.com.

Contest

Mile High Mamas is giving away THREE AromaRitual sessions to three lucky moms! You may enter as many as five times below.

Contest: Toddlers, Sensitive Skin, and Science Behind This Colorado Skincare Company

The Reason I Started My Colorado Skincare Company

My company, Brevity, launched in August but It really started long before that. I was raised in Colorado by a nature-loving artist who would give me chicken soup, chamomile tea and comfrey compresses before resorting to medicine, or store-bought creams. I was always curious about how these things worked, and why an aloe leaf felt better than the green aloe goo from Walgreens. This same curiosity led me to choose Biology as my undergraduate major. I’ve been creating products ever since.

When I became a mom, this little passion of mine became more of a lifestyle. I wanted to put only the best, natural things on my son’s sensitive skin. He has eczema and is prone to itchy dry spots. The defining moment came after a camping trip. The weekend in the elements did our little guy no favors. He had some pretty angry outbreaks.

Nothing is more motivating than having a child who needs something. So, I developed my first and favorite skin care product. Renew is made with food-grade aloe vera juice, natural sweet almond oil, and rose absolute essential oil. I tried at least 25 different recipes for this product, with different oils and essential oils, but nothing compared to this blend. I knew I wanted to use juice (rather than gel) because it is lighter and absorbs into the skin without that sticky, stiff feeling that aloe can have. And nothing compares to the benefits of rose absolute. Everything in Renew has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being ultra light and moisturizing. The best part is, I put it in a spray bottle. So I don’t have to play WWE to apply it to my squirmy toddler.

I ended up loving it so much I went through two bottles in a week. I put it under my makeup, use it on my son’s sensitive skin, bug bites, sunburns, and dry patches. I gave it to my mom-friends to try, and they loved it, too. We can all use some extra moisture in Colorado’s climate. A few months later, and five months into my second pregnancy, I started my company. I wanted to share these products, and share everything I’ve learned about natural skincare.

Bare is my second favorite product, and my most popular. It’s an organic coffee and cane sugar body scrub made with coconut, olive and jojoba oils. I have never tried a scrub I like more. My husband uses it on his hands and feet, and they have never been so soft. Dream, lavender essential oil therapy spray is another household favorite. I put it on my sheets before bed. Soothe, is a must-have mustard bath that smells like heaven, relaxes sore muscles, and relieves rashy skin. My candles are made with natural beeswax, organic coconut oil, and an organic cotton wick. They will not off-gas and smell incredible!

Every single product I make in small batches with my family in mind. I spend months researching every ingredient, and it’s benefits to the skin. If I don’t use it, I won’t sell it. It is a labor of love, just like motherhood, well, second to motherhood anyway.

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-Crystal Siljenberg