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Denver kids: be sure to sign up for free access to pools, rec centers

In the first year of the MY Denver Card program, the city says more than 42,000 youths signed up for the free pass to municipal libraries, pools and recreation centers.

That’s nearly half of the estimated 90,000 5- through 18-year-olds who are eligible. Denver Parks and Recreation said on Thursday, the one-year anniversary of the program, that its first-year goal had been to sign up 25,000.

Parents can fill out applications at any Denver rec center or print one online on Denvergov.org.

The city says it will announce more card benefits later this year. Costs for the $1.2 million-a-year program have been covered by voters’ passage in 2012 of Measure 2A, which allowed the city to keep more tax money by opting out of the spending cap set by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. “The overwhelming success of this program in just the first year gives me great hope that we are on the right track to fighting childhood obesity and giving our kids the benefits of a healthy, active and productive lifestyle,” Mayor Michael Hancock said in a statement.

Jon Murry

Denver Deal: LobsterFest, Free Whole Foods Cooking “Guiltless Chocolate Treats” and IHOP

Despite the fact that I have always lived in land-locked Colorado I have always been a fan of great seafood. To great fanfare, Red Lobster introduced the 31st annual event – Lobsterfest. I was invited to try several new (and some returning) amazing lobster loaded dishes as part of a tasting of this year’s menu. The meal was served family-style with myself, my sister and five others who were invited to try the new stuff (one couple was invited because they dine there often; the other three ladies responded to a Yelp review). It was great because we got to try so many things! Appetizers: Sweet Chili Shrimp, Lobster-crab and seafood stuffed mushrooms and Lobster Pizza (which I believe my kids would have loved); Entrees: Dueling Lobster Tails, Lobster Lover’s Dream, Lobster in Paradise, Ultimate Surf & Turf as well as the Bar Harbor Lobster Bake. Then we finished the night off with Red Velvet Cake in a Jar, Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Cake. If anyone walked away hungry it could only be their own fault.

Whole Foods Tamarac

On Thursday, February 6th The Whole Foods at Tamarac Square will host a Cooking Class: Guiltless Chocolate Treats. The event held 6:30-7:30 p.m. is free! Battling with sugar? Come to a cooking class taught by Family Wellness Specialist, Traci Carpenter, MNT about how to satisfy the chocolate cravings without deprivation or guilt.  Learn how to create chocolate treats that are gluten free, paleo, grain free, plant strong™, and good for you! This class will feature Traci’s famous gooey brownies and sea salt chocolate truffles.  Reserve your spot at customer service.

Burger King Free Coffee

Get a free coffee at Burger King with any breakfast sandwich purchase.

 IHOP All You Can Eat Pancakes

IHOP is bringing back their All You Can Eat promotion. Through February 9 treat yourself to classic Buttermilk pancakes — as many of them as you can eat. Order them as part of a combo or just as a stack of pancakes. Either way, if you’re still hungry, they’ll bring you more!

Winter Park Lesson Deal

Even though learn to Ski and Snowboard Month is officially over (it was January) Winter Park still has a great deal!  With the purchase of at least one night of lodging, you can buy one of three adult group lesson packages (lesson; lesson and lift ticket; or lesson, lift ticket and rental) and get second one of equal or lesser value for free.  With 10 programs from which to choose, including Learn to Ski/Ride, Snowboard Cruising, Perfect Parallel Skiing, and Bumps & Steeps, Winter Park’s renowned Ski + Ride School has a lesson geared for every ability that is designed to not only improve skills, but enhance the fun of skiing and snowboarding.   Lesson packages can be used anytime throughout the season and have no blackout dates, but they must be purchased from before February 10. 

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Email me if you know of any great Denver deals!

Don’t want to miss any of Mile High Mamas’ contests and events? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you can forward these great deals to your friends.

If you’re a twit follow me on Twitter (GeeWhy93).  If I find a great deal during the week, I’ll tweet it out.

5 Free Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays can be expensive, between the gifts, parties and travel expenses. My favorite gifts are those that don’t cost a lot of money, yet are personal and meaningful and maybe even a little playful. So, the ideas below will save money, and they also encourage thoughtful gifting for loved ones. Whether for adults or kids, add a personal twist on an idea or two below and have fun making gifts this year. You can definitely enjoy a Happy Holiday that doesn’t have to demolish your bank account!

1. Coupon Book: There is a reason department stores and food chains use coupons – people like them. By making your own unique coupons, this gift will be a hit for any age. Think of what the recipient would appreciate and design a page for each coupon. Ideas for kids can include a game night, extra book at bedtime, dance party, choosing the dinner menu, making a special food item, or a soccer play date with mom/dad. For the adults on your list – a massage at home, having date night in-house (wine, movie, or game), making a favorite dinner/dessert to share together, coupon for cleaning the house (kids can help). Have fun designing each coupon and keep the coupon list short as you need to hold true to redeeming your coupon book.

2. Picture Frame: Designing a one of a kind picture frame for a memorable photo is a wonderful gift for that someone special on your list. Collect and cut out old photographs or words and photos from magazines.

Denver Deal: Denver Zoo, Jamba Juice & Ski Deals

Santa has arrived at several malls (last weekend) and I’m starting to get information on Black Friday deals. If you have any great insider scoop, please share it with me. Apparently, there won’t be much in the way of Black Friday this  year – as several stores are planning their openings on Thanksgiving Day and of course, there is always online shopping. Deals are not so secret anymore – as Target has already published a spoiler and I’m just waiting to see what other big Black Friday retailers are going to offer. Look for trends this year like bundling and gift card with purchase (especially at stores like Target).

FREE Days

The Denver Zoo will host FREE Days for Colorado residents on Friday, November 15 and Thursday, November 21.

Symphony Discount

Mile High Mamas readers can now receive a discount-rated ticket for any of the Colorado Symphony shows through the entire season! Super Group Discount will give you 20% Discount for Masterworks (Friday/Sunday ONLY), Pops (No Holiday), Family, and ITS. To purchase tickets use Code: MILEHIGHMAMAS. http://tickets.coloradosymphony.org/single/EventListing.aspx?promo=4170 Group tickets are also available for your group (school/church etc). For more details contact Harrison at 303-308-2462.

Scrooge

Denver Center presents A Christmas Carol based on the Charles Dickens tale at the Stage Theater November 29-December 29. Plus, you get a 20% discount when you use the code: HolidayPerk when you purchase tickets before December 1.

Jamba Juice Wellness Bowls

Jamba Juice introduces their new Wellness Bowls make a delicious and nutritious breakfast, lunch or snack! Made to order, each Wellness Bowl comes in a convenient on-the-go bowl and is a good source of Vitamin C. Pick from five Whole Food Bowls and three Dessert Bowls, and get ready to be bowled over. Grab a spoon and find your smile! For a limited time only, enjoy the Wellness Bowls at 50% off. Only in select markets from 11/8-11/17/2013. (Denver is included). Discount requires coupon.

CiCi’s Pizza

Cici’s Pizza is offering their buffet for just $5 per person through November 30. Cici’s pizza is all you can eat pizza, soup, salad, pasta and desserts.

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel at Park Meadows is hosting a special Thanksgiving event on November 16 from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. At the event they will give tips on hosting an amazing Thanksgiving celebration including: Centerpiece demonstrations, Setting the holiday table, exclusive recipes, cutlery 101 and a special Thanksgiving giveaway.

Supper Solutions

Follow Supper Solutions Cherry Creek and like them on Facebook then get a coupon for a half-price Pumpkin Cheesecake. The dessert is a deliciously rich and creamy blend of a couple of great desserts – pumpkin pie and cheesecake. A perfect addition (and one you don’t have to cook yourself) to your Thanksgiving table. Call ahead for availability at 303-388-1745 and they will have your cheesecake ready for pick-up. Limit one per person/household. Expires 11/23/13.

Ski Deals:

  • Arapahoe Basin – Kids 14 and under ski free December 1 through December 20. No strings attached. (Plus, $10 off lessons til Dec. 20 as well).
  • Crested Butte – Free Skiing on Opening Day (also great deals on lodging).
  • 5th Grade Passport FREE for 5th Graders. Send in application and photo.
  • 5th & 6th Grade School Of Shred – Free Skiing at Vail Resorts + beginner lesson. Get pass at Colorado Ski & Golf Locations (Colorado Ski & Sport by Park Meadows).
  • Aspen/Snowmass – Kids free with adult. Ski free with adult lift ticket, Rent free with adult rental, eat lunch free with adult meal purchase.
  • Copper Mountain – One, Two, FREE! Third night lodging FREE, third day rentals FREE, third day lessons FREE, Kids 12 and under ski FREE with adult secret pass purchase.
  • Loveland – Four-packs available through November 24 for just $129 (making each ticket just over $33 each). Four-packs are transferable (meaning you can bring the whole family on one day or use all four for yourself).
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Community Feel-Good:

Colorado Gives Day began as an initiative to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Colorado Gives Day presented by Community First Foundation and First Bank will take place during a 24-hour period on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 and it is your opportunity to support your favorite nonprofit a chance for you to find out more about Colorado’s nonprofit community and identify nonprofits you’d like to support either through charitable giving or through volunteerism.  CLICK HERE to find out more about Colorado Gives Day.

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Email me if you know of any great Denver deals!

Don’t want to miss any of Mile High Mamas’ contests and events? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you can forward these great deals to your friends.

If you’re a twit follow me on Twitter (GeeWhy93).  If I find a great deal during the week, I’ll tweet it out.