When someone starts a comment with, “It’s been one of those days…,” what is the first thing that comes to your mind?   From my experience, that statement often leads to a rant about all the things that went wrong and usually ends with a list of excuses for why that person either did or didn’t do something. Have you ever witnessed this? When my husband came home on Friday afternoon his first words to me started with, “It’s been one of those days…”  I held my breath for a moment waiting for what he was going to say next.  He finished his sentence with,” When everything has... Read More

While proper knowledge on which knives to buy is essential as there are so many choices in today’s society, knowledge of the food you are making whether it is at home or in the restaurant is easily of the utmost importance. A good portion of the list provided below is based on books I use at home and at work, and I have included a few suggestions by Chef Dylan Montanio and Jeremiah Gray; to make the list easier to follow I have broken it up into the following categories: Essential References- 4 books Alternative Cuisines- 2 books For The Advanced Cook- 3 books Others Worth Noting- 7 books The... Read More

False Positive is streaming on Hulu In 2016, the World Health Organization estimated that around 830 women die on a daily basis due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. If you read that number and were floored by the lethal math on display, it’s probably because you’re a man. The fact of the matter is, the process of pregnancy has always been tied up with risk. Three hundred years ago, along with the distressingly normal dangers associated with birth, a pregnant woman had to contend with barbaric practices that barely met the definition of medical, as well as an insanely misogynistic... Read More

You might want to start planning trips to visit Colorado’s National Parks. Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison are must-do’s when in Colorado, but the Great Sand Dunes is often overlooked. It’s our small but mighty National Park, and well worth a visit. It may not look like much from the highway, but once you hike over that first ridge of sand, you’re engulfed by the enormity of the place as you gaze out over 30 square miles of sand, with dunes rising as high as 755 feet. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains serve as a grand backdrop and provide a mythical ethos, shrouded... Read More

Tucked away in the Boulder Valley is the historical Eldorado Canyon State Park. It may be small, but it’s one of my personal favorites. As many times as I’ve been, I’m always awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the quartzite cliffs and the vastness of the canyon. South Boulder Creek runs through it, adding to the wild-west feeling that emanates from the place. Best of all, now is the perfect time of year to visit. The parking lot is always at capacity during the summer, but it should be clear for a few more weeks. The park is especially famous for its rock climbing routes – there are... Read More

Very few believe me when I say that I wake up at 5 am each morning to practice yoga. But it’s true. When the alarm sounds, I slowly wake for a couple minutes, drink a glass of water, and then hop onto my mat. I do this with intention, for very specific reasons. Sure, I enjoy going to yoga studios, and still do. Yet my at-home practice is my saving grace. It sets me up for success in the long run for everything that I seek to accomplish. Here’s why: IT CULTIVATES DISCIPLINE AND POSITIVE HABITS Discipline is an art form in and of itself. As with anything worthwhile, it’s difficult at the start.... Read More

If you have been hiking or camping at all this summer, I am sure you have seen the signs that read “Be Bear Aware.” And if you are like most people, you see the sign and think…what are the odds I actually see a bear. Well this last week I was hiking and I rounded the corner to find a black bear snacking on berries. My first thought…what did that sign say I should do if I encounter a bear. Hiking and camping are wonder Colorado activities, especially this time of year. It is always good to be prepared for anything including wildlife encounters. Today’s post is going to be a quick recap... Read More

Hike Responsibly It might be tempting to venture off the trail, but doing so not only risks injury or getting lost, you could be trampling protected habitats. Even if the trail is muddy or icy, don’t veer off into the grass. It might seem harmless, but when hundreds of people start doing it…you get the idea. Oh, and those narrow, dirt paths that seem to be shortcuts? Those are most likely deer migration paths. Best to stay off of them. For those hiking with friends – make sure you communicate and have an emergency plan. Earlier this year in Vail, a backcountry skier died when he and his... Read More

I was already up the mountain when it hit. Out of nowhere, it came rushing in—dark, gray, ominous clouds. At first, I was hopeful that it would all blow over quickly so that I might enjoy my rendezvous longer. It was noon, and based on my earlier report, the storm wouldn’t approach until 3 pm. But alas, what was now boiling up in the sky was here to stay, and at the first flash of white, I knew I had to get down the mountain to safety. No sense in remaining at what was close to being the highest point. No point in being stagnant. It was either stay or leave, so I retrieved my pack and descended... Read More

Colorado is an amazing state. While it may sound trite, there really is something to do for everyone. But you don’t have to go to the far corners of it to experience the best. Here are some Colorado must-do’s close to Denver. Relax in some Hot Springs How would you like to soak in natural hot springs in an underground cave? Indian Springs is just an hour west of Denver. While famous for the indoor pool, the lush botanic garden feels more like Hawaii than Colorado. For something a little more adventurous, opt for the lesser-known geo-thermal caves. The pools are carved into the rock and filled... Read More