I dedicated 26 days of intentionality toward myself. To be honest, about halfway through the process I was surprised at what was being uncovered about the state of my relationship with food and me. I was set for losing pounds and inches, prepared to workout really hard, and ready to feel more energy physically and mentally. What actually startled me though were the thoughts and feelings that came up through having to eat good food, five times a day, seven days a week. I think I was about 10 days in, my initial momentum waning, and it was clear that several times a day I was beyond annoyed at having to eat…AGAIN! This particular day, I was throwing a tantrum as I marched up the stairs to the kitchen. I opened and slammed shut the refrigerator door numerous times, just heated that I had to “...
Today’s inspirational quote: Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings. ~J. Robert Moskin Today’s not-so inspirational quote, as shared by Mile High Mama Connie via Twitter: Ordered my Fresh Free Range Thanksgiving Turkey…feel good knowing it was raised in a caring environment before it was beheaded. We’re grateful for your continued support of Mile High Mamas. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Mom: I am not sure how to begin a letter to someone who is responsible for my existence here. We have so many memories and I learn more from you in my adulthood than ever (having more than something to do with my maturity). Some of my favorite memories from childhood involve parties, food and always something creative. One of my first memories with you, was of the smell of clay as you were throwing pots in the garage of our house. I loved the smell and I was captivated by the graceful movement of your hands, molding the clay. You would squeeze the sponge and I would stare, trying not to blink, as a big lump of mud would magically form into a beautiful bowl or a vase or be pulled into a plate. I was amazed at how your thumb would create a groove around the outsi...
Whether you want something casual or more formal, we have plenty of restaurants that mom will love for Mother’s Day. All events are May 11, 2014. Bonanno Brothers Pizzeria Special menu includes carne frittata, vegetable frittata and breakfast pizza, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $9 bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary bar. Complimentary mimosa for moms with brunch/lunch order. Call for reservations. 8439 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree, 303-799-8900, bonannobrotherspizzeria.com Cañon City Queen Anne Tea House Seventh annual Elegant Royal High Lunch Tea, seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $31.99 adults, $15.99 children under age 9. Reservations required. 813 Macon Ave., Cañon City, 719-275-5354, thecanoncityqueenanne.com Capital Tea Eighth annual three-course Mother’s Day Tea. Seatings at ...
A couple of years ago, there was a large fire at my parent’s house that destroyed years of memories and decorations but was also motivated us to action. They have lived in their home for almost 45 years. Between my mom’s crafting career, the closure of her beloved tea room and gift shop, inheriting mementos of loved ones who have passed and her love to shop, the house is literally busting at the seams. The closets in every room are jam-packed with treasures, many of which haven’t been opened. My mom’s craft area/laundry room/storage room were the worst culprits and were literally floor-to-ceiling with boxes upon boxes of beautiful ribbons, outdated lace and flowers, sequins, fabric, glue guns, dishes, baskets, unfinished wreaths and over 50 straw hats. Growing up, m...
Somewhere someone has just found out she is going to become a mother. Somewhere someone has found out she won’t. Somewhere a mother is crying for the loss of a pregnancy. Somewhere a mother isn’t ready to be a mother. Somewhere a mother is giving birth. Somewhere a mother is sleep deprived. Somewhere a mother is staring into the eyes of a newborn. Somewhere a mother is picking cheerios up off the floor. Somewhere a mother is making sacrifices. Somewhere a mother is watching her baby learn to walk. Somewhere a mother is gently cleaning a booboo and covering it with a band aid. Somewhere a mother is rocking a sick child. Somewhere a mother is finding out she has cancer. Somewhere a mother is dying. Somewhere a mother is caring for her own mother. Somewhere a mother is ready to gi...
I spend a lot of my time striving to create for my kids the solid foundation my parents gave me. It’s a lot of pressure because I had a great childhood. One of seven kids, there was never a dull moment. Endless memories were made in the house we grew up in and sometimes I wish I could go back and hang out with that motley crew again, just for a day. Or that my kids could. Our house was “the place to be” and on any given day you could show up unannounced to join in on a game of whiffle ball, kickball, basketball or football. Flashlight tag nights at our house were the stuff of small town legend. On a good night, at least thirty kids could be found running after each other in the dark, laughing hysterically until it was time to go home. My sisters taught me everything I needed to...
Mother-daughter relationships can be complicated. That said, when many women grow up and reflect back upon their moms, they realize that maybe mother did know best. We are dedicating early-May to stories about your mom. What are some of your favorite memories growing up? What lessons that she taught you do you hold most dear? And even now, how is your mom still influencing you for the better? Write in whatever format you’d like–a letter to your mother or as a blog post. Stories should be under 500 words and and be written in Word or cut-and-pasted in an email. Please include a horizontal jpg 600×399 (easily resized at picmonkey.com) and include your 2-3 sentence bio. Deadline is April 24, 2014. Please submit to amber [at] milehighmamas [dot] com.
When I was pregnant with my first, I swore I’d be one of those women who wouldn’t let her running fall by the wayside. Sure, I’d take six weeks off, but then I’d throw those running shoes back on. I’d read about women like that. It was just a matter of determination… …then the baby arrived… I’d been put into a shoebox, flipped over and spun around. Every single thing I had done previously seemed impossible now. It took me 45 minutes to prepare to meet a friend three blocks away. I couldn’t figure out how to make food and actually eat it. I braced myself for toe curling pain every time my tiny insatiable being dared need nourishment. When I was “cleared for physical activity” I gave it a go, desperate to climb out of my...
It’s finally here! Twice a year, Mile High Mamas does a round-up detailing Colorado’s popular children’s consignment sales. Thousands of shoppers find bargains on kids’ clothing for newborn-preteen, toys, strollers, furniture, baby equipment, books, shoes, maternity items and more…all at 50-90% below retail. And for the seventh season in a row, Tracey Gifford–a mom of two boys and owner of the Just Between Friends sale in Denver–has compiled this year’s schedule. As a word of thanks, I’d like to offer a little shout-out to Tracey’s sale March 20-23, 2014, which is the largest kids’ gear and clothing resale event in Metro Denver. Mention Mile High Mamas and get in FREE! Be sure to also check out the following fabulous sales: *March 1 Supertwins of the Rocky Mountains (STORM) Sat...
‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving, and all through the movie-house … Well, you get the picture. Starting Wednesday, movie theaters will be stuffed. And with a very few exceptions, turkeys don’t seem to be on the menu. Far from it. Here are some of the goods film studios — big and indie — are serving up this holiday season. “Black Nativity Writer-director Kasi Lemmons updates Harlem poet Langston Hughes’ 1961 Christmas musical with more than a little help from Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett. Jacob Latimore plays manchild Langston Cobbs, sent by his mother to her estranged parents’ home over the holiday. Nov. 27 Philomena Judi Dench enters the Oscar fray with this moving portrait of a birth mother searching for the son taken from her...
My husband and I recently decided we’re ready for kid #2, which means I’ve been trying to relearn all the dos and don’ts of preconception health and pregnancy. Since I’m actively trying to get pregnant, I’ve decided I am “pre-pregnant” and, thus, have been following most of the nutrition, exercise and environmental guidelines that help to ensure a healthy start for my future child. (An added bonus is that “pre-pregnancy” gets me out of cleaning the cat litter, which just might mean I’ll be pre-pregnant for the rest of my life.) Most moms know that it’s never too early to ensure kids get a healthy start in life. That’s why we hear advice to take prenatal vitamins, to avoid alcohol and cigarettes and to exercise regularly.