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JANUARY 2021
Get it Together ORGANIZATION SOLUTIONS to help jumpstart your 2021
Take a tour of
MERRITT GROTHE’S astutely designed home
10
easy ways to upgrade your weekly
MEAL PLAN
WELLNESS RITUALS
tips for finding peace and tranquility
JANUARY 2021 | $8.95
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COLORADO Residential • Commercial • Leasing • Property Management • Mortgage • Relocation kentwood.com | instagram.com/kentwoodre
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TWO MORE UNDER CONTRACT IN GREENWOOD VILLAGE
SALE PENDING IN ORCHARD HILLS III • GREENWOOD VILLAGE
A MODERN HOME WITH PRIVATE GUEST HOUSE $2,200,000 • 5660SBERRYLANE.COM
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) nor Kentwood Real Estate shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless.
SALE PENDING IN ORCHARD HILLS II • GREENWOOD VILLAGE
CUSTOM HOME POISED ON A BEAUTIFUL CUL-DE-SAC LOT WITH MATURE TREES, MOUNTAIN, AND CITY VIRES $1,425,000 • 5403SOUTHCHESTERCOURT.COM
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CONTENTS
// january 2021
departments
10 12
FRESH START Insights on how to make the most of the new year. By Hillary Locke Mujica
ON THE AGENDA Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Mexican Modernism, some winter time fun and more!
local f lavors
14
MEAL SOLUTION RESOLUTIONS Cooking classes, delivery services and food waste tips, plus a sweet recipe. By John Lehndorff
22 24
THE ART OF STEEPING Grow a tea garden at home. By Dionne Roberts
DRY JANUARY Zero-proof cocktail recipes. By Kimberly Lord Stewart
dwelling well HOME DESIGN BY FORREST AMES LIFESTYLE (PAGE 26); PHOTO:CHAD CHISHOLM
FEATURED
26
HOME DESIGN Step into Merritt Grothe’s home, where fitness and design live in harmony. By Heather Shoning
STYLE WATCH The latest trends in lighting, color and textiles. By Heather Shoning
32
ready to wear
54 56
HEALTH MATTERS Mind-body techniques to destress―and find wellness. By Kimberly Lord Stewart WINTER SKIN Expert advice to keep your skin glowing all season long. By Courtney La Marine
influencers
38
Get your house in order with tips from experts on the top three pain points in any home: the office, the closets and storage in general. By Kathryn O’Shea Evans
58
LET’S RAISE THE BARN Tall Tales Ranch’s plan for a more diverse and inclusive future for all. By Hillary Locke Mujica
62
UNLOCKING US Laugh, cry and hope with Dr. Brené Brown. By Hillary Locke Mujica
wayfarers
ON THE COVER: KIO STORAGE | PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM 6
january 2021 // AvidLifestyle
64
JUST RELAX A few of our favorite nearby wellness retreats. By Courtney La Marine
CLOSE TO HOME,
A WORLD AWAY.
COLORADO APPRECIATION OFFER Make our home your getaway. As a token of our appreciation, The Broadmoor is extending exclusive rates starting as low as $159 per night to our Colorado neighbors for the months of January and February 2021. Offer includes: • • • •
Complimentary golf greens fees (cart rental not included) Complimentary outdoor tennis and pickleball court time (rentals not included) 20% discount on select spa services Suites starting as low as $279
Savor delightful meals in our award-winning restaurants. Or take on an adventure with some of our Broadmoor experiences such as falconry, zip lining, mountain biking and more. It’s all here, just a short drive away, waiting for you and your family. Visit broadmoor.com for additional information, as well as other available offers. *Rates and special discounts are based on space availability for select dates Sunday–Thursday only January 3–February 28, 2021. Not applicable to groups. Rates do not include applicable taxes and fees. Valid for new bookings only.
866.285.2440
BROADMOOR.COM
January 2021 // vol. 2 // no. 10 PRESIDENT/GROUP PUBLISHER Allen J. Walters PUBLISHER Chris Phillips EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Anthony Cotton sales, marketing & advertising VP OF SALES & MARKETING Lori Perry DIRECTOR Of Sales Mike Carver DIGITAL SPECIALIST Lacey Colvin BUSINESS MANAGER Cindy Palmer art & editorial EDITOR Hillary Locke Mujica CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jani Duncan Smith ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Chelsea Oglesby CONTRIBUTORS E.J. Carr, Chad Chisholm, Courtney La Marine, John Lehndorff, Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Dionne Roberts, Heather Shoning, Kimberly Lord Stewart ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: chris@avidlifestyle.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES AND LETTERS: hillary@avidlifestyle.com CUSTOMER SERVICE: 720.493.1729 MAILING ADDRESS: 7200 S. Alton Way #A-180 Centennial, CO 80112 AvidLifestyle (ISSN 2642-0562) is published twelve times a year by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC, and printed by Publication Printers Inc. volume two, number ten. 7200 S. Alton Way #A-180, Centennial, CO 80112. Order your personal subscription to AvidLifestyle by calling 720-493-1729. Subscriptions are available at the rate of $12 per year. Copyright © 2021 by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to AvidLifestyle, 7200 S. Alton Way #A-180 Centennial, CO 80112. The magazine welcomes editorial submissions but assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material.
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TWO ICONIC BRANDS - ONE ROOF JAGUAR LAND ROVER FLATIRONS
Jaguar Land Rover Flatirons is committed to the principles of quality, consistency, precision, luxury, and accomplishment. In everything we do, we strive to provide you with the very best dealership and auto ownership experience possible. That is why we have become one of the leading dealerships serving from Denver to Boulder.‡ Jaguar Land Rover Flatirons 11420 Via Varra Broomfield, CO 80020 720-457-2033 www.jaguarflatirons.com www.landroverflatirons.com Vehicles shown: 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE & 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar . ‡ Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. *Class is cars sold by luxury automobile brands and claim is based on total package of New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance, 24-Hour Roadside Assistance and Jaguar InControl® Remote & Protect™. For complete details regarding offer shown or Jaguar EliteCare coverage, please visit jaguarflatirons.com or landroverflatirons.com, call 720-457-9063 or visit your local Jaguar Land Rover Flatirons. © 2020 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
SETTING THE STAGE
PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM
Delivering Clarity In Any M arket
// editor’s letter
TALK OF THE TOWN
KNOW SOMEONE who should be featured in AvidLifestyle? Tell me about them at hillary@avidlifestyle.com.
A FRESH START JANUARY 2021—we actually made it! It was touch and go there for a little while, but we’re now ready, willing and able to appreciate every breath and dive into this new year with hearts full of gratitude. New Year’s resolutions take on a whole new meaning in 2021, and we’re here to offer insights on how to make the most of the next trip around the sun. Cleaning up your diet might be on your list this year, so we spoke to local experts about tips for making dinner “great again” with home chefs, meal planning services and health-focused kitchens that don’t skimp on flavor (pg.14). And if you’re like the 75% of adult Americans who imbibed in “pandemic pours” in 2020, check out some of the marvelous mocktail recipes we found (pg. 24). To increase your calm this year, you’ll want to read about how to create an herbal tea garden with zen-producing results (pg.22). After all this time at home, chances are you might need a refresher in the art of organizing! We’ve brought in the big guns with expert advice to declutter every room in your house, curate the closet of your dreams and even offer ways to rethink your space to create a productivity-boosting home office (pg. 38). Take your design—and body—to new heights. Forest Ames Lifestyle's inspring use of color, function and fun to create a home and body with heart will change the way you look at home fitness (pg. 26). And don’t miss our roundup of 2021 design trends, including textiles, colors and materials that reflect the mood of the moment (pg. 32). The past year certainly put a toll on our mental health, and we are actively learning how to increase our mental stamina and let go of past traumas. To do just that, check out our story about breath work, body work and even sound baths (pg. 54) to reduce stress.
Fresh Perspectives Unparalleled Client Service Experience the 8z Collective Maritt Bird, 8z Realtor 8z Real Estate | 303.579.1420 MBird@8z.com MarittBird.8z.com
lux
If you’re in need of some R&R, take advantage of bespoke spa services from some of the top spas we visited (pg. 64) and beat the winter skin blues with effective must-try treatments of the season (pg. 56). Finally, the folks at Tall Tales Ranch update us on their community for all (pg. 58) and we wrap things up with a look (and listen) at Dr. Brené Brown’s sanity-saving podcast series to set the tone for a productive and purposeful year ahead (pg. 62). With Gratitude,
Hillary Locke Mujica
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OOPS! In our last issue, on the agenda of December events it was stated that musician Gerald Albright was a six-time nominated GRAMMY® artist but he has in fact been nominated eight times. Find out what Albright and his band are up to in 2021 at geraldalbright.com
THERE ARE NO LIMITATIONS TO
Dreams CLOSETS • HOME OFFICE • ENTERTAINMENT • WALL UNITS • WALL BEDS • PANTRY • CRAFT ROOM • LAUNDRY • MUD ROOM • WINE ROOM
FREE Virtual or In-Home Design Consultations Available Call (303) 872-4346 for a free virtual or in-home design consultation and estimate or visit us online at closetfactory.com Showroom: 8480 Upland Drive, Suite 200, Parker, CO 80112
©2021 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.
the art of organization 38
ON THE AGENDA
// can’t miss events
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country. With majestic peaks in every direction, wildlife roaming the valleys and some of the most incredible backcountry skiing on the planet, it is no wonder more than three million people flock to the park each year. ROCKY MOUNTAIN PARK, Estes Park, visitestespark.com
FOLLOW THE LINK
PHOTO: COURTESY DENVER ADVENTURES
Throughout The Season
VIVALDI’S THE FOUR SEASONS This special acoustic performance of Vivaldi’s perennial favorite (and more) was recorded live with limited audiences in autumn 2020 at Colorado’s beloved Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Whether you were one of the lucky few able to experience this concert in person or seeing it for the first time, this is an astounding virtual performance you’ll return to again and again. Featuring remastered sound and intimate, up-close viewing angles, you’ll feel like you’re part of the orchestra! COLORADO SYMPHONY, Virtual, coloradosymphony.org
PHOTO: @WEEKENDFOX
KALEIDOSCOPE SEASON Enjoy music, theatre and dance on your own schedule. The Kaleidoscope Fall Package of all five virtual shows is available for $80 for two or more viewers in a household or $50 for one viewer; individual events are available for $16 single viewer, $32 for 2 or more viewers. OVATION WEST PERFORMING ARTS, Virtual, OvationWest.org
NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW Although this year’s event has been canceled, one of the flagship events of the National Western Stock Show and one of the largest fundraisers for the National Western Scholarship Trust, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale is proud to continue the show’s dedication to contemporary Western art even during these uncertain times. NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW, Virtual, nationalwestern.com
Through Jan. 31
Throughout The Season DOGSLEDDING ADVENTURES Dogsledding in Colorado is a feast for the senses: the wind whipping against your face, barking dogs eagerly speeding you along the trail, you at the helm shouting “mush!” It’s a memorable experience for the entire family. STEAMBOAT DOG SLEDDING, Steamboat Springs, steamboatdogsledding.com
Throughout The Season SNOWSHOE TOURS Whether you just want to escape the city for a few hours or for a full day, snow shoeing through the Rockies is always a good time. Check out Denver Adventures for guided hikes throughout the season. DENVER ADVENTURES, Denver, denveradventures.com
// what’s online
IN LIEU OF ZOOM Virtual “happy hour” gets an upgrade
NEED A BREAK from the same ol’ same ol’ Zoom get togethers? We discovered some ways to support local small businesses and foster meaningful connections at the same time, right in the comfort of your own home. AvidLifestyle.com
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@avidlifestylemag
LET’S GET SOCIAL
THESE FURRY FRIENDS sure know how to jump for joy this January! Take a cue from these pals and head outside to increase your energy and decrease depression. Follow us at @avidlifestyle for more winter wellness tips and lots more!
PHOTO: AEG, COURTESY COLORADO SYMPHONY VIA FACEBOOK
Through Jan. 31
Jan. 17―Jan. 24
PHOTO: COURTESY COORS WESTERN ART EXHIBIT & SALE
FRIDA KAHLO, DIEGO RIVERA, AND MEXICAN MODERNISM From the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection, explore the Mexican modernism movement through more than 150 artworks. the exhibition takes a closer look at the role that art, artists, and their supporters played in the emergence of national identity and creative spirit after the Mexican Revolution ended in 1920. DENVER ART MUSEUM, Denver, denverartmuseum.org
PAINTING: DIEGO RIVERA, COURTESY DENVER ART MUSEUM
Through Jan. 24
JANUARY
M ore than an Acre o f Fin e Fu r n it u re
2550 East County Line Road | C-470 & University
(303) 741-4240 | www.coloradostyle.com
LOCAL FLAVORS
// let’s eat
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LOCAL FLAVORS
// let’s eat
Meal Solution Resolutions
Classes, personal chefs and delivery UPGRADE EVERYDAY MEAL PLANNING. Plus food waste tips and a healthy-ish recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth. By John Lehndorff
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LOCAL FLAVORS
// let’s eat
A roster of notable local food businesses has risen to the occasion to make dinners happier― by offering personal chefs who cook in our houses, virtual cooking classes, meal kits and meal delivery services. Friend That Cooks One solution is to welcome a chef into your home. Denver’s Friend That Cooks sends a chef to your house for a half day once a week to plan, shop, cook and clean up. The visit fills your refrigerator with pre-made meals ready to reheat and serve. Most can be prepared for special diets and food allergies. Friend That Cooks entrées range from seasoned pork chops with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts to roasted tomatoes stuffed with quinoa, mozzarella, basil and spinach. weeklymealprep.com/denver
LISA COHEN AND KELLY HOLLINS
WE HAVE DISCOVERED so much about ourselves at home in the past year, especially when it comes to our kitchens. Some of us learned that we really have to master more than the seven dishes that are in our family’s dinner repertoire. Others tried out online grocery shopping, only to find that what they ordered was not necessarily the food items that were delivered.
For 2021, we’ve made a resolution to get our kitchen life in order and we’re calling in professional help. Home cooks committed to feeding their families in a healthier and more sustainable way are turning to home meal answers such as Good Clean Food, the new Denver-area service specializing in delivering sustainable―vegan fare. “Since the pandemic started, we have started serving many more families. They say that it has gone from a luxury to a necessity for them,” says chef Lisa Cohen, who co-founded the business with nutritionist Kelly Hollins.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Judging by social media, most of America tried to bake sourdough bread in 2020 with varying degrees of success. However, some folks fell in love with baking—everything from macarons to croissants―and watching “The Great British Baking Show” and dreaming of becoming pastry chefs. The Boulder campus of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts offers a hybrid online/in-person professional courses in culinary arts, including courses like Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry. escoffier.edu/about/campuses/boulder Sparrow Kitchen Denver’s Sparrow Kitchen offers prepared meals for pickup or delivery, plus private chef services in your home and cooking classes for gatherings of family members or friends. The wide menu of meal choices include pork green chile, bacon mac-n-cheese and flank steak with a balsamic reduction and creamy mashers. sparrowkitchendenver.com
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DINNER ON THE DOORSTEP: Meal delivery services Good Clean Food: Home meal service delivering vegan, gluten free, dairy free, non-GMO and sustainably packaged fare. goodcleanfoodco.com SupperBell: Chef Frank Bonanno’s home meal delivery service. supperbell.com The Spicy Radish: Meal prep and delivery. thespicyradish.com Peak Fitness Meals: Meal prep and delivery with an emphasis on dietary needs. peakfitnessmeals.com Prefare: Chef-prepped meal kits. prefare-denver.com Five Eggs: Meal prep and delivery. fiveeggsmeals.com PHOTO: COURTESY GOOD CLEAN FOOD
Many of us tried to cook tasty, healthy meals every day but, frankly, we hit a wall balancing the demands. We admit we don’t have the time, energy or bandwidth to do all that planning, chopping, preparing and clean-up every day, and restaurant delivery isn’t a practical solution.
Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar Centennial’s Uncorked Kitchen is well-known as the go-to spot for in-person wine and food fun. In the past year, the chefs and wine experts have focused on answering a need for upgrading any cooks’ culinary skills with online interactive food experiences. Classes are available one-on-one or with small groups. Each participant picks up a kit that includes a full three-course meal to prepare during a live-streamed or pre-recorded chef-led cooking class. uncorkedkitchen.com
PHOTO: SUPPERBELL VIA FACEBOOK
PHOTO: COURTESY GOOD CLEAN FOOD
The company’s customers are very smart about healthy eating, but challenged by reality. “They told us that after a long day of work or teaching kids at home, it’s hard to cook from scratch. It can be easier to just pull some processed foods off the shelf they can make quickly,” Cohen says. Good Clean Food delivers tasty ready-to-eat meals without the tons of boxes, wrapping and packaging that come with delivered meal kits.
STAY IN SHAPE. STAY HEALTHY. THERE IS NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW TO ESTABLISH A HOME FITNESS ROUTINE:
EXERCISE because it has the ability to boost your immune system EXERCISE because it's been proven to relieve stress EXERCISE because you are practicing social distancing EXERCISE because it burns calories (for those who want to offset the increased convenience of snacking that home confinement provides)
denverhf.com | 720.253.3537 6801 S. Dayton St. | Greenwood Village, CO 80112
LOCAL FLAVORS
// let’s eat
DON’T THROW food waste tips THAT AWAY! By John Lehndorff
USE LEFTOVER FLAT BEER to replace water in yeasted or sourdough breads, to oven-braise meats, in cheese fondues, beer can chicken and stews, to steam mussels and make beer batter.
IF YOU HAVE TOO MUCH FRESH FRUIT, cut it in chunks, freeze on a sheet and bag. Leftover fruit juice can be frozen in cubes. Use them in slushies, smoothies or cocktails.
PERFORM ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SALVAGE. Throw the bones, fat and juice into a pot, cover with water (or vegetable both) and simmer. Strain and freeze in cubes for future use. The same is true for beef or pork trimmings and bones, as well as shells and skin from fish and seafood.
SLIGHTLY WILTED CARROTS, CUCUMBERS, BROCCOLI, RADISHES AND CELERY can be cut in small pieces and simmered briefly in pickling liquid for quick pickles that will last in the fridge for a long time. You can even use the juice left in the jars of store-bought pickles.
DO NOT WASTE THE EDIBLE RIND ON HARD CHEESES like Parmesan. Instead, simmer it in a pot of chicken broth to give the flavor an extra boost.
DON’T POUR EXPENSIVE ORGANIC ESTATE-GROWN COFFEE down the drain because it was brewed yesterday. Put it in a bottle and call it iced coffee. Freeze it in an ice cube tray and use it to serve creamy iced coffee or cocoa. Coffee can also be added to stews, chilies, ice cream and redeye gravy.
DO NOT TOSS SOUR MILK! Use it like buttermilk in pancakes and biscuits or to marinate and tenderize chicken before frying.
DAY OLD AND DRY BREAD, whether it’s sourdough, English muffins or tortillas and bread heels, pieces and crusts cut off sandwiches, are destined for bruschetta, croutons, French toast, bread crumbs, stuffing and bread pudding.
THE LIQUID IN CANNED BEANS AND VEGETABLES can be added to soups.
GOT TOO MUCH SOURDOUGH STARTER? Add flour, salt and olive oil and seasonings, roll it out thin and bake briefly to make crackers.
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LOCAL FLAVORS
// let’s eat PHOTO: ERIKA OSBERG UNSPLASH
PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES {Gluten-free + Vegan} Recipe courtesy Good Clean Food INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
dry
Make the flax egg, in a small bowl mix one tablespoon ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let sit in your fridge for 15 minutes to set up and thicken.
¾ cup almond flour ¾ cup rolled oats (gf) ¼ cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut ¼ cup vegan dark chocolate chips (We like HU Chunks.) ¾ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp sea salt
In a large mixing bowl, stir together almond flour, oats, coconut, chocolate chips, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice and coconut sugar. Add the pumpkin puree, almond butter, cocnut oil, maple and vanilla to the flax egg, whisk to combine.
½ cup coconut sugar
Add to dry ingredients and mix until combined. You should have a firm, semi-tacky dough. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
wet
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 batch flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 Tbsp water, refrigerate for 15 minutes) 2 Tbsp pumpkin puree 1 Tbsp almond butter 1 Tbsp maple syrup 2 Tbsp melted coconut oil 1 tsp vanilla extract
Scoop chilled dough into roughly 2-Tablespoon amounts and place onto prepared baking sheet. Press down slightly to form a disc. Leave about a 1-inch gap in between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn towards the end. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. They will firm up the longer they cool.
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“I now get to sit outside in subzero temperatures to protect my health.”
“Social distancing still works in malls but not here. Interesting.”
“The interior is spotless and super cool. You can look at it through the window.”
“On the bright side, you can take their booze to-go.”
RARE BY GRIST • 9535 PARK MEADOWS DR, UNIT F LONE TREE, COLORADO 80124 • GRISTBREWINGCOMPANY.COM
LOCAL FLAVORS
// taking root
The Art of Steeping
GROWING BREW-FRIENDLY PLANTS at home to make infusions that soothe and restore. By Dionne Roberts IT’S FAIR TO SAY that 2020 has given us all some lemons, and during difficult moments in time, many of us gravitate towards enriching hobbies as a positive way to channel our energetic processes. Growing an indoor herb garden or integrating aromatic plants into your home is scientifically proven to be good for your mental health and works as a rewarding way to invite some peace of mind back into your personal space. “To have something that depends on you feels good, and to have success in growing and having that little bit of control can be helpful,” says Ellen Kerchner, flower farmer and owner/operator of Ellen’s Flowers. “If you get to eat it or drink it too, it just brings it full circle, and it’s a tangible result you don’t often get in our tech-heavy lives.” For a homeopathic approach: mint, chamomile and lavender are three great options that Kerchner says you can sweep your hand over as you pass by to release their fragrant oils. “Those three are also really hard to kill and to have that smell wafting through the room helps with stress reduction.” Or, opt for herbaceous blends that also transition usefully into the kitchen with basil, thyme, lemon balm, rosemary and specifically, cilantro, which Kerchner says actually grows better inside due to Colorado’s climate. So whether you’re in need of a mood-boosting culinary mixture or some soul-soothing perfume, bringing a slice of greenery inside is a mindful and gratifying method of self-help. “I think the biggest factor to appreciate about growing plants is that it’s really grounding,” says Kerchner. “Take maybe 10 minutes a week to pay attention to it, see how it’s doing, get your hands in the dirt and bring a little bit of nature, contemplation and quiet inside to take you away from the day to day.”
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Introducing the Landmark Lincoln Mobile Service Van!
Lincoln Motor Company has chosen Landmark Lincoln to premiere this program and we are very excited to bring our service department to you! With this new Mobile Service Van we can bring our Lincoln trained & certified technicians to you - be at your home, or office! This van is outfitted with everything needed to perform a routine oil change, tire rotation, and even some recalls along with a complimentary multi-point inspection. Our technicians explain everything on their tablets prior to service and after completion. Our customers’ expectations are always changing and we want to make it as convenient as possible for you. We are excited to offer the best experience possible to you, either at our state-of-the-art service center or with our new Mobile Service Van!
Landmark Lincoln 5000 S Broadway Englewood, CO 80113 www.LandmarkLincoln.com 303-761-1560
LOCAL FLAVORS
// behind the bar
Start a New RITUAL in Dry January By Kimberly Lord Stewart
HEAT WAVE AKA Spicy Margarita
AS WE GLADLY wave (or use more descriptive gestures) goodbye to 2020, you may be thinking of ways to improve your health. A popular option is Dry January or Drynuary to curb excessive social drinking (see note about long-term, heavy drinking). For those who have tried it, many say they drink less later on and see health improvements, such as weight loss, better liver function, reduced diabetes risk, improved sleep, a clear mind and of course, less craving for alcohol. This writer gave up spirits and wine years ago for health reasons and after much trial and error, I came across Ritual Zero Proof. It’s won awards, so I am not alone in my opinions. It’s not for drinking neat or on the rocks – it’s too tame and doesn’t pack a big enough flavor. But it is remarkably good in a zero-alcohol cocktail or with traditional mixers. My personal favorite is the Ritual tequila alternative. The mild scent of agave and guava will remind you of warmer places, but what really makes it memorable is a throat tickling kick from peppercorns and a lingering charred oak and mesquite note at the end. Mix it up as you would a margarita, with a sour mix or with ginger beer ... and a splash of pomegranate juice. Ritual also makes a gin alternative that holds up nicely to tonic and lime, as well as a whiskey alternative. ritualzeroproof.com
INGREDIENTS 2 oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative 1 oz. fresh lime juice 1 oz. triple sec ½ oz. agave nectar ½ jalapeño pepper Basil Leaf Tajin or Valentina Seasoning (for rim) METHOD Pour Tequila Alternative over jalapeño and basil, sliced lengthwise, in a cocktail shaker. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. The longer, the spicier. Add lime, triple sec, agave and ice. Shake, shake, shake. Pour over ice into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with jalapeño slices and basil leaf. Recipe courtesy of Ritual, Zero Proof
Pandemic Drinking Got You Down? THIS WINTER MAY BE particularly long and isolating. If drinking too much is a daily problem, don’t stop without getting medical help. The Sober Mom Squad is online to help struggling mothers get sober through these tough times. The group is led by five recovering moms who teamed up to form a virtual recovery community. Check it out for free weekly virtual meetings over Zoom to hear discussions of motherhood, the trials of homeschooling, the new dynamics of home life, and doing it all without alcohol. sobermomsquad.com PHOTOS: COURTESY OF RITUAL, ZERO PROOF
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DESIGN PERFECTED 1038 Bannock Street Denver, CO 80204 303.777.5409
Imagine what we could design for you. KitchenDistributors.com
1309 W. Littleton Blvd. Littleton, CO 80120 303.795.0665
// by design
PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM
DWELLING WELL
STYLISH STUDY Mixing the pagoda light fixture from Stray Dog Designs with a Wayfair sofa, custom curtains from Chivasso, and an upholstered chair from Samuel & Sons, this color palette offers a soothing yet inspiring retreat for Grothe. Doubling as her office and den, it’s brimming with colors, textures, patterns and designs that inspire her. Case in point: the NYC painting she embellished to make it bolder and brighter to fit her overall aesthetics.
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DWELLING WELL
// by design
PHOTO: FORREST AMES LIFESTYLE VIA INSTAGRAM
MERRITT GROTHE
CROSSROADS SROADS A LIFESTYLE BRAND built at the intersection of one woman’s passions By Heather Shoning
WHAT DO YOU DO when your passions seem so disparate that you can’t possibly decide which is meant to be your life’s work? When Merritt Grothe lamented about choosing one career path, her friend responded with, “Why do you have to pick? Why can’t you do both?” Grothe set forth to build a lifestyle brand around her two loves: fitness and interior space design.
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DWELLING WELL
// by design
As a child, Merritt grew up surrounded by design. Her mother was an interior designer and her father a contactor. She has fond memories of redecorating and rearranging her room. “There’s a picture of me making my own layout—a floor plan with blocks,” she says. As she got older, she never lost her love of design and creating spaces, but her career took a different path. During a handful of jobs, Merritt worked as a part-time fitness instructor and felt a pull toward a career in fitness. Shortly after relocating from New York City to Colorado, she received her certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
MAKE A SPLASH Pops of color are around every corner of the home, including this powder room complete with Wall Shoppe wallpaper, faucet from Restoration Hardware, and lighting by Circa. Grothe designed the custom cabinet herself and the lush Benjamin Moore Amazon Moss Green elevates the space to functional elegance.
Merritt and her husband purchased their first Denver-area home—a dilapidated fixer PHOTOS: CHAD CHISHOLM
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS The cardio workout room boasts Rogue Fitness Equipment, allowing the entire family to workout side-by-side during the quarantine―stoking their competitive spirit. Postworkout, the Sunlighten Sauna offers next-level relaxation.
upper. She sunk her teeth into the project and discovered her knack for managing and decorating the entire home. She learned so much about the process while working with her own designer and architect. While hosting hundreds of bootcamps and being a mom, Merritt balanced career and babies—and still managed to rearrange and redecorate her home. Just as they entered the framing phase of the project—a home designed for a family of four—they found out they were pregnant with their third child.
BOTTLE SERVICE Inspired by a charming hotel bar in Charleston, SC, this blue lacquered bar is equal parts intriguing and inviting. The mysterious hidden gems in this polished “pub,” as well as the Parisian art, are tokens of Grothes’ engagement story and are woven throughout their home. Each piece has significant meaning and tells a story which adds to the bespoke design.
Fast-forward a few years: the family outgrew their home and spent a year living in a highrise before deciding to build their forever home in Cherry Hills. Merritt and her husband chose Chalet as their architect for the project and Merritt worked alongside John Mattingly, the firm’s principal architectural designer, to create a truly one-of-a-kind home. 28
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DWELLING WELL
// by design
“Chalet has this very Old-World look—everything is clean and neutral,” Merritt says. “And then I come in and I’m like, ‘I’m going to paint my pantry red.’ We had such a fun time working together because I had a definite vision of how I wanted certain spaces in my house to look.” She dressed Mattingly’s crisp Chalet style in happy colors and layered patterns, which has undoubtedly become her signature style.
LAUNDRY DAY is anything but routine in this cheerful setting. The Thibaut Design Goa wallpaper adds whimsy while the blue porcelain Daltile floor and Benjamin Moore Red cupboard make the entire room sing. The cherry on top is the Circa Ralph Lauren Drum with Samuel & Sons trim and custom barn doors.
In the fall of 2019, a friend asked Merritt to help her with some interior design projects. This led to the conversation that changed Merritt’s business trajectory. She built a brand, Forrest Ames Lifestyle, around her two passions. As she pondered what to call her new brand and honor the journey that has led her to this crossroads, she came up with cohesion around
COURTSIDE: with three boys and a thriving personal fitness business, the half basketball court is always in use. T&G Flooring created the functional space, while family friends offered up their help to execute the vision for this epic room. They installed the hoops, lighting and all the accessories to bring this vision to life. OFF THE COURT, the black-stained walls and built-ins allow you to see the rich textured wood details, which add to the drama of the space. PHOTOS: CHAD CHISHOLM
healing and making yourself feel great through fitness and in your surroundings. She calls it shining her light, illuminating. Paying tribute to her grandfather, who was a true visionary in her life, the “Forrest-Ames Lifestyle brand is what I love—designing spaces and helping people see their potential when they take care of themselves.” Today, Merritt shares fitness classes recorded in her family’s home gymnasium on her YouTube channel and hosts socially distanced in-person classes in her large, outdoor playing field. She posts free workout videos on Instagram, alongside images of her home, her projects and what inspires her. Her free online workouts are reaching people around the country, her in-person fitness classes have a waitlist and her design consultations are increasing as more people are at home longing for a space they love and enjoy spending time in. She’s sitting squarely in the intersection of her passions.
RESTFUL ROOM The master bedroom is calm and serene with gorgeous views and thoughtful lighting. The curtains and chairs were designed for their previous home by Wolfe Design House. Grothe repurposed them in the new master bedroom, proving that good design is worth the investment.
FORREST AMES LIFESTYLE Instagram: @forrest_ames_lifestyle youtube.com/c/ForrestAmes
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DWELLING WELL
// on point
Homemaking 2021 Style Trends in LIGHTING, COLOR and TEXTILES By Heather Shoning
PHOTOS: COURTESY COLORADO HOME FURNISHINGS
WE LONG FOR comforting spaces and now, possibly more than ever, crave the finer details that make our homes feel uniquely “us.” These trends in lighting, color and textiles speak to our need to bring the outside in, remind us of travel and create the comfort that will allow us to ride out the pandemic. Trend: MOUNTAIN MODERN IS A FOREVER STYLE Clean architectural lines with rich textural finishes The key to creating a sophisticated mountain style is layering patterns in warm colors with sharp lines. These armchairs merge pattern play with sleek style while the artwork creates contrast with its flowing, natural lines.
“I love the fusion of mountain and modern styling because it delivers a strong design statement while retaining the casual vibe that conveys a sense of comfort and sophistication.” COLORADO STYLE HOME FURNISHINGS 2540 E County Line Rd, Littleton 303.741.4240; coloradostyle.com 32
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–Brent Simon, Colorado Style Home Furnishings
learn more: MEADOWSCASTLEROCK.COM
DWELLING WELL
// on point
Trend: HYGGE (pronounced h(y)ooga) Lissom leathers and shearling textiles Comfort is key as we spend more and more time in our homes. The Danish and Norwegians have this style down pat. Think warm fireplace, shearling slippers and supple leather translated into furnishings. It’s all about modern lines married with the coziest of textiles.
“As we all spend more time at home [instead of traveling], we have seen our clients select more vibrant, patterned, woven and embellished fabrics. Each of these fabrics has a story to tell, bringing depth, happiness and sophistication to every area of the home.” –Caitlin Mancini, Hoff Miller PHOTOS: COURTESY HOFF MILLER
Trend: COLORS AND PATTERNS Bold colors and patterns evoke different times and places Create a bold bohemian style with bursts of colorful textiles tempered with a backdrop of black and white. These daring patterns evoke a sense of wanderlust—the colors and patterns you’d find in far-flung, exotic locales. Paying homage to Native American culture, these patterns and rough-and-tumble textures ground us in spirituality and connection to the earth.
HOFF MILLER 595 S Broadway, Denver 303.698.0800; hoffmiller.com 34
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DWELLING WELL
// on point
“In kitchens, it’s all about hard cabinets, metal appliances and the range hood. Basket shades soften a kitchen story. The bigger and the more interesting the shape, the better.” –Katie Schroeder, Atelier Interior Design
Trend: SUBTLE SURPRISES IN LIGHTING Basket shades in the kitchen; two-toned fixtures
PHOTOS: COURTESY ATELIER INTERIOR DESIGN
Introducing a soft, natural texture into a kitchen brings an unexpected element to a normally “hard” space. Basket shades come in a variety of sizes, textures and price points and make the perfect addition to an island, the dining room or a kitchen nook. A light fixture in a dark tone adds a bit of understated glam and a surprising pop when the inside of the shades are gold.
ATELIER INTERIOR DESIGN 2840 Fairfax St, Denver, 303.455.1644; atelierid.com 36
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PHOTO: COURTESY CLOSET FACTORY
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Get Tidy Expert advice on getting your house in order By Kathryn O’Shea Evans
IF YOU’VE USED YOUR AMPLE TIME AT HOME in 2020 to (finally) get the house organized, you’re not alone. But if you’re not exactly Marie Kondo—whose book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has gone on to sell millions of copies and inspire legions of clutterbusters, including the new Netflix show The Home Edit—where do you begin? Start with your biggest bugaboos, say the experts. Here, their tips for the top three pain points in any home: the office, the closet and storage in general.
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The Office No surprise that plenty of Coloradans have transitioned into a work-from-home-life this year. But if it’s not (ahem) working for you, don’t fret. Connie Artigues, creator and coowner of KiO Storage kits, which stands for Keep it Organized, has bountiful advice for making your office as productive as possible. To start? Do the obvious and eradicate the mess... slowly, à la the tortoise and the hare—so you’ll actually get it done. “Do a section at a time,” she says. “One day do your papers; one day do your calendar; one day organize all your files in the file cabinet and label them. But don’t throw everything in your office in a pile, it’s too overwhelming. Don’t try to do it all at once.” When you’re revamping your office, the most important thing to keep in mind is to make it functional for you and your needs. “So many people have to work in the kitchen or a child’s bedroom [due to COVID-19], and that’s fine, but make your office space—whether it’s a desk or table or whatever—your office. Get rid of everything that doesn’t belong on it.” And even if you lean towards stringent minimalism, be sure to keep your to-do stack, pens, notebooks, files and other office ephemera within sight. “I really believe in visibility,” Artigues says. “You need to see where your papers are, your pens.
Connie Artigues, KiO Storage
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PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM
www.hone.studio
cabinets
closets
interiors
A lot of people like to hide things so that if someone comes in, they can’t see it. That’s great and looks pretty, but it’s just not sustainable―it doesn’t work long term. You have to organize it. Get a tray and put your papers in it. Get another tray for your pens, even a silverware tray― it doesn’t have to be fancy. I also recommend getting vertical organizers to stack your papers. As long as you keep ‘like’ things together, you’ll be able to find them. The biggest thing when I created this [KiO] system was that I wanted it to be fully functional so you can utilize every inch of it. It’s translucent, so if you put something on the top shelf, you can actually see it and easily access it.” Streamlining your systems for efficiency means setting yourself up for the next day’s success as soon as the workday is over. “At the end of the day, if you have papers spread all over the place, group them together, put paper clips around them and put them on top of the basket or tray so they’re ready for the next morning. When you’re done, put them away in the filing cabinet—and have a place for everything.” And remember, beauty counts. “Have your entire desk organized so work doesn’t feel like a drudgery the minute you turn on your computer. Have some elements of design to help get your creativity and productivity flowing. Maybe you want a marble top table instead of a desk with a filing cabinet underneath. You can make an old wooden table work too. Adding things that are memorable to you will make the space more enjoyable. Flowers, a fabulous picture of your family or art from a vacation you took can all work wonders for any home office.” Spoken like a true business icon. PHOTO: COURTESY LIFE MADE SIMPLE
“... Adding things that are memorable to you will make the space more enjoyable. Flowers, a fabulous picture of your family or art from a vacation you took can all work wonders for any home office.” PHOTO: COURTESY CLOSET FACTORY
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―Connie Artigues, KiO Storage kiostorage.com
The Storage When it comes to organizing your storage spaces, Stephanie Sikora—the author, personal organization expert and efficiency strategist behind Life Made Simple—advises to keep one thing top of mind: function over form. “I just left clients who wanted to figure out how to make their space flow from a function perspective,” she says. “It’s about optimization: how to make space better for us not just aesthetically, but how does it function better? How does it flow with the natural behaviors of our home? What I’ve found is people say ‘this space makes me crazy!’ but they’re not taking into consideration the habits of their family. [Forcing them to put their shoes in an out-of-the-way place is] just not how human behavior works.” To find new storage spaces, look at your space with fresh eyes and consider the unexpected. For instance, “I’m always looking up,” Sikora says. “When you feel like you don’t have space, what vertical space can give you leverage?” One of her clients recently added shelves to maximize vertical area, effectively tripling their storage. Sikora also has organization hacks galore. Number one? Clean out your horde like Marie Kondo. “Take everything out of the space [be it a closet or cabinet] so you can see it from a clean perspective. Let go of the guilt; you don’t have to keep everything! It’s very freeing.” Decluttering is almost an extracurricular in the current pandemic; Sikora has seen drop-off lines at Goodwill that are 30 cars deep. Once you’ve purged unnecessary belongings, make a trip or two to The Container Store to outfit your space with organization systems. To use every inch of your cabinets, think like Betty Crocker. “Turntables are amazing for pantries; they maximize dead space where things get lost,” Sikora says. Bring back the lazy Susan!”
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PHOTO: COURTESY LIFE MADE SIMPLE
Seattle: 206-275-3399 Denver: 303-856-6610
www.six-walls.com
“Take everything out of the space [be it a closet or cabinet] so you can see it from a clean perspective. Let go of the guilt; you don’t have to keep everything! It’s very freeing.” ―Stephanie Sikora, Life Made Simple lifemadesimpleathome.com
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PHOTOS: COURTESY LIFE MADE SIMPLE
The Closet As Vice President of the Closet Factory, Doug Lestikow has watched closet trends come and fade as fast as sartorial choices themselves, from bell bottoms to skinny jeans. “Back when we started you could have any color [custom closet] you wanted, as long as it was white or almond,” he says. “Melamine didn’t necessarily have a very good reputation. But today the finishes are so beautiful that we’ve been doing a lot more work in that realm.” These days, the sky is the limit with their custom designs—from a Parisian boutiqueinspired walk-in closet with a handbag display and built-in vanity to a masculine wood built-in wardrobe in the master bathroom that gives it the feel of a five star destination spa. And a sleek, modern look is more popular than ever. “Embellishments today are getting away from a traditional closet look to a more modern design. A lot of homes now are [adorned in minimalistic] grays and fine lines that are taking over the landscape. Instead of doing traditional raised panel drawers and door faces and traditional crown moldings, we’ve
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PHOTO: COURTESY CLOSET FACTORY
Your own Beautiful Habitat...
Live in color, style, and comfort with design that effortlessly harmonizes how you live with what you love. beautifulhabitat.com | 303 323 4683
PHOTO: COURTESY CLOSET FACTORY
“Embellishments today are getting away from a traditional closet look to a more modern design. A lot of homes now are [adorned in minimalistic] grays and fine lines that are taking over the landscape. ―Doug Lestikow, Closet Factory closetfactory.com
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gotten into a lot more what we call textured finish products—textured melamines that are incredibly beautiful and mimic stained wood, and have some dimension to them.” Key to a closet makeover? Think of your “dressing areas like your happy place,” Lestikow says. “You go there every morning and every evening at a minimum, so it’s a nice place to walk in and be organized.” Speaking of organization: when they have room, plenty of Closet Factory clients opt to install an island in the middle of the space. An island gives them “a packing area and a folding area combined,” he says. “We do a lot of jewelry drawers, including double decker jewelry drawers with two level dividers.” Another trend Lestikow has noticed? Hanging megawatt chandeliers in these jawdropping closets to “really deck them out.” New LED lights, which can last for decades before needing to be replaced, allow you to shed a glow on every inch of your wardrobe, effectively turning it into an art gallery of sorts. “A really new trend in the last two years has been adding low voltage lighting into closets, lining the sides of panels with lighting so it shows off the beautiful shoes, or putting lighting above hangings so it highlights the clothes hanging there.” Dream home, meet dream closet.
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PHOTOS: COURTESY CLOSET FACTORY
// mind, body + soul
PHOTO: COURTESY M.A. ACUPUNCTURE
READY TO WEAR
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Destress & find Wellness READY TO WEAR
// mind, body + soul
Colorado Healers Help You
By Kimberly Lord Stewart
IF THERE IS ONE THING we’ve learned from 2020, it’s that health matters. Not just physical health, mental and spiritual health are equally important. Medical science has proven that mind-body techniques reduce tension and pain, add mental clarity and help the body heal naturally—as it is designed to do. Lucky for you, Colorado has many remarkable healers trained to unite the mind and the physiological nature of healing. All companies listed here follow COVID-19 safety guidelines for in-person therapies. Medical Intuition with Davie Fuller. Fuller* serves the Denver and global community as a medical intuitive and intuitive artist. This emerging field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine focuses on visualization and in-depth intuitive assessments on how thoughts, emotions and trauma impact wellbeing. “As a medical intuitive, the process doesn’t arbitrarily feed or push out information,” says Fuller. “Rather, my clients are given the tools they need to bring trauma or past experiences to conscious awareness, which empowers them to uncover root causes that may lead to mental and/or physical illness.” A recent study shows that medical intuition has a remarkably high success rate (94-98%) for evaluating life experiences that may correspond to health issues (Colter, 2020). Denver, 720.841.3364. *Fuller recently changed her name from Niki Stearman. M.A. Acupuncture. This locally operated franchise—in the Belmar Shopping Center – takes the mystery, cost and inconvenience out of acupuncture. “Our goal is to demystify acupuncture and make our client’s lives better,” says Danielle Remington, the general manager. Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, which alters the way a person feels pain and stress,” she says. The company has three licensed acupuncturists and can accommodate multiple patients at once in their social distanced setting. Each treatment takes 30 minutes. Military, teacher and first-responder discounts are available. 7170 W. Alaska Drive, Lakewood, 720.619.8051; modernacupuncture.com/colorado/lakewood/lakewood-belmar-co005 Blue Zen Center. If you are looking for a way to bring a new form of relaxation into your life, see Crystal Blue. She specializes in Vibrational Sound Therapy (VST), as well as guided meditations and life coaching. The Sound Therapy experience provides a passive form of meditation and deep relaxation that is reported to lower blood pressure ... slow the heart and brain waves. “It’s very gentle,” says Blue, “and most people fall asleep. All wake feeling rested yet energized.” Blue Zen Center also hosts private “sound bath” experiences for individuals and groups, as well as personalized guided meditations that can be done online from your home. Castle Rock, 720.443.2523; bluezencenter.com Amarsi. “Breathe” says, Claudia Nanino, “everything is OK.” Think you already know how to breathe? Nanino is a specialist in conscious breathwork. This simple and very effective healing practice can be done in person or online to help relieve stress and tap into your body’s ability to heal. “The experience is different for each person,” says Nanino. “Above all, conscious guided breathing is a very simple tool that provides profound physiological, mental, emotional and spiritual healing.” Online sessions typically last for up to an hour; in person may be longer. Denver, amarsi.love 55
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READY TO WEAR
// expert advice
Mile High
MOISTURE Pro tips to KEEP YOUR SKIN HYDRATED this season By Courtney La Marine, L.E. AS A COLORADO NATIVE, I know our winters are beautiful, but unfortunately for our skin, it isn’t always the most wonderful time of the year. The change of season brings dry, itchy, dehydrated skin, but lucky for you—there are ways to beat it! I have seen my fair share of dry skin in my thirteen years as a professional Aesthetician. At Clove Studios I offer Hydrodermabrasion, which combines deep exfolitation while infusing the skin with hydrating serums leaving the skin with a healthy glow. Based on my client’s needs, I am working on developing a Colorado-based line—Clove Apothecary skin care, two products are in the final testing phase now. They will be available at Clove Studios soon. CLOVE STUDIOS 121 South Madison Street, Denver, 720.272.7349; clovestudios.com I like to refer to the transition from fall into winter as “peel season”. If you love facial treatments, now is the time to indulge your skin with a deep peel or Microdermabrasion. Schedule these deeper treatments in the winter months to help restore your skin’s
beautiful glow. Elevation Med Spa in Lone Tree offers a variety of medical grade services such as chemical peels, Dermaplaning and Microneedling. Request a consultation to get the skin you deserve! ELEVATION MED SPA 9218 Kimmer Drive, Lone Tree, 303.993.6578; elevationmedspa.com Looking for a way to hydrate from the inside out? Make your way to Hydrate IV Bar; their menu of IV Therapy and injections are sure to alleviate the harshness of winter. The Signature Shot injections menu has four options to choose from—get your immunity boost with a B-12 injection or a dose of sunshine in a shot with the D3 injection. You can’t go wrong with the Anti-Aging Cocktail which features B-complex, Glutathione, Magnesium and Vitamin C. They also have a membership option which provides the best deal to this fountain of youth. HYDRATE IV BAR Cherry Creek: 2717 East 3rd Avenue, Denver, 303.248.3281; hydrateivbar.com Bonnie Brae: 753 South University Boulevard, Denver, 303.209.0989; hydrateivbar.com 56
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Another great way to maintain your skin during the dry season is to switch up your skincare routine after a treatment. Beautycounter provides a quiz to help you select the perfect products for your skin type from their line of goods. BEAUTYCOUNTER 1801 Blake Street, Denver, 720.990.7569; beautycounter.com For more options check out Aillea.com for a large selection of tried and trusted beauty lines to help with any skin issue. The Golden Hour Recovery Cream from Ursa Major provides deep hydration with ingredients that include Sea Buckthorn, Black Currant and Calendula. This rich, luxurious cream is a dream for dry skin during the winter months. The beauty section at Goop.com is a great source for advice on a variety of skin care issues. Don’t worry, beating the dryness that mile high winters serve can be just as relaxing as it is rewarding.
HOUSING MARKET IN 2021 // nancy walters
WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM THE HOUSING MARKET IN 2021? “Sales of existing homes (i.e., previously lived in abodes) are projected to increase 7% in 2021. That’s coming as folks stuck inside their homes for months on end are seeking larger residences or ones with different features. Younger millennials are competing with older members of Generation Z for starter homes, and baby boomers are downsizing. Many apartment dwellers are also seeking homes on their own.” SOURCE: REALTOR.COM/NEWS/TRENDS/ HOUSING-MARKET-2021-FORECAST
SHOULD YOU WAIT TIL SPRING TO LIST YOUR HOME? “Less competition can help fuel multiple offers and a quicker sale than in the spring when dozens more homes may be on the market in your neighborhood. Position your product to sell when demand is high, and competition is low.” SOURCE: KENTWOOD.COM/BLOG/2020/12/04/ CEO-REFLECTIONS-THE-WINTER-MARKET/
720.220.5446 NWalters@Kentwood.com NancyWaltersRealtor.com
INFLUENCERS
// the game changer
TALL TALES RANCH’S plan for a more diverse and inclusive future for all. valued for the unique ways in which they can By Hillary Locke Mujica AT A TIME WHEN discussions of diversity and inclusion is increasingly finding a place at kitchen tables, classrooms, and board rooms, Tall Tales Ranch wants you to know about a population that is too often left out of that conversation. It is the Colorado nonprofit’s deeply held belief that people of all abilities benefit when we live, work and socialize with those who are different from ourselves. Their dream to create a community that welcomes those with and without disabilities to learn, live and grow together. Tall Tales Ranch is on the threshold of building a mixed residential and retail community in Lone Tree that will serve as a vibrant hub and pioneering example of the idea that people who are differently abled deserve the opportunity to thrive and be
contribute.
TTR calls their growing family of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) their “ambassadors”, and they are at the heart and soul of their mission. “They inspire us constantly with their unfailing ability to celebrate and focus on what they can do, instead of what they cannot.” says Tall Tales Ranch Director of Programs, Sally McCance. “We are building an unapologetically different community that’s rooted in possibility, diversity, and the inherent value of all people.” Creating community is what Tall Tales is all about. When asked about what she loves best about TTR, one ambassador answered “I like yoga, I like trivia….I just like being part of the Tall Tales family.” Having had to pivot from in-person programming to a new virtual 58
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PHOTO: E.J. CARR
Let’s Raise The Barn
model in 2020, ambassadors adjusted quickly, demonstrating an incredible ability to find silver linings in this new way of gathering. In a recent Zoom class, when one young man announced that his grandfather was ill, the others rushed to comfort and console him, and let him know he was not alone. Bonds are already being made among the ambassadors, many of whom will someday live, work and find fellowship together at the ranch. Their unwavering spirit and positivity is what makes the Tall Tales community the beacon it has become for so many. The development, slated to be constructed just east of I25 at RidgeGate Parkway, adjacent to the historic Schweiger Ranch, will offer vocational training and employment opportunities at their coffee shop and community event barn, as well as a variety of fitness and life skills programming, social adventuring opportunities, and events for people with and without disabilities.
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INFLUENCERS
// the game changer
“Our vision is to build a community offering extraordinary social, educational and vocational enrichment and opportunity to an underserved population that is too often left out of the diversity discussion.” —Susan Mooney, Tall Tales Ranch co-founder and Executive Director
THE ROAD AHEAD Receiving final Site Improvement Plan approval in July 2020 made way for the January 2021 kickoff of the capital campaign that will bring this project to life. With a campaign goal of $15 million, ($3 million has been raised so far), $12 million of which is yet to be raised, TTR is hopeful about putting first shovels in the ground in 2023.
RENDERING: COURTESY TALL TALES RANCH
THE PHYSICAL PLAN
TWO SETS OF PAIRED COTTAGES will house approximately 32 residents, offering small, leased apartments for those who can enjoy semi-independent living. A central community building called The Big Blue House will be home base for meals, activities and fellowship— a space designed to encourage gathering of the residents, friends and families. A COMMUNITY GARDEN featuring raised vegetable beds and a family orchard, and walking trails to adjacent open space, will offer educational gardening and environmental opportunities to residents and visitors.
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TALL TALES RANCH talltalesranch.org PHOTOS: E.J. CARR
A RETAIL COFFEE SHOP will serve as a community hub and living example of intentional neurodiversity by providing vocational training and employment opportunities to those with and without disabilities, and to those who do and do not reside at the ranch. The public will be encouraged and welcomed to visit the ranch’s coffee shop for the experience of enjoying a good cup of coffee and treats prepared and served by people whose experience may be very different from theirs.
With the campaign now in full swing, TTR welcomes inquiries from potential partners who share their belief in the measurable community benefit of investment in an inclusive future. What makes TTR’s plan uniquely different from others is the very intentional way in which they will create a neuro-diverse community between those with and without disabilities. This forward thinking design is a departure from the isolation and separation to which the I/DD community has become accustomed. By bringing people together in a conscious way, TTR will be a place where all will be valued for their unique gifts.
TALL TALES RANCH assembled a “dream team” to create their physical vision, which includes Godden Sudik Architects, Inc., Norris Design and Merrick and Company Engineers. Ideally located on a beautiful piece of property donated by the Schweiger Ranch Foundation, and in close proximity to a new 80-acre Regional Park, the East-West Regional Trail System, and the RidgeGate Light Rail station, with the many features: A COMMUNITY EVENT BARN will offer space for programmatic activities such as yoga, dance fitness, social connection, life skills, and other educational and life-enriching classes, as well as opportunities to engage the greater community. The barn’s upstairs mezzanine is designed with office spaces for Tall Tales Ranch operations and partners (in a co-workspace way) from the community. Rental of the event barn for small weddings, conferences, and other gatherings will provide sustaining revenue as well as vocational training in catering, hospitality and events for people who are differently abled from across the Denver metro area. The ideal location—directly across the street from the RidgeGate Light Rail station—means easy access to and from everywhere the Light Rail runs.
Investment opportunities in this communitystrengthening development include the funding and naming of the community event barn, its theatrical stage, galleries, coffee shop, residential and other structures. Other opportunities include a raised garden, family trees in the orchard, benches, rocking chairs and more.
Make the Neighbors Green with Envy. It’s always greener at Colorado Turfin’. We are a family-owned and operated company, founded in 2015 by owner Brian Richmond. We specialize in creating lush, green, plots with custom synthetic turf for commercial and residential lawns, dog runs, and putting greens. You design it and we’ll create it! We are happy to take your vision and make it a reality so that you’ll have an outdoor space you can truly be proud of. With over 20 years of combined experience, we’re the turf experts. For a free estimate, call us at 303-349-2368 or visit us online at ColoradoTurfinCo.com. Colorado Turfin’ • brian@coloradoturfinco.com • 6709 Sunburst Ave, Firestone, CO 80504
INFLUENCERS
// the professor PHOTO: MAILE WILSON
Unlocking Us, One Podcast at a Time By Hillary Locke Mujica
WHEN DR. BRENÉ BROWN launched her first podcast in March 2020 BC (Before COVID-19) little did she know that these weekly 40-minute sessions would be the saving grace for the year ahead and beyond for thousands of listeners. As the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness and Dare to Lead, Brown has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy as a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation–Brené Brown Endowed Chair at The Graduate College of Social Work. Dr. Brown is also a visiting professor in management at The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. Her TED talk — “The Power of Vulnerability” — is one of the top five most viewed TED talks in the world, with over 45 million views. She is also the first
researcher to have a filmed lecture, “The Call to Courage”, on Netflix. If that weren’t enough, her Unlocking Us podcast already has a global following. She unpacks and explores the ideas, stories, experiences, books, films and music that reflect the universal experiences of being human, from the bravest moments to the most brokenhearted. And as the pandemic was taking hold of the word, the brave and brokenhearted moments she discussed were the fuel allowing listeners to hope that this too would pass. Speaking from personal experience, being able to laugh, cry, learn, scream, love, grieve and even hope with Dr. Brown and her guests (Elizabeth Lesser, Bishop Michael Curry, Glennon Doyle, Jud Apatow, Dr. Vivek Murthy and Dolly Parton, to name a few) each week has been one of the essential “tools for survival” during the coronavirus pandemic. Not being 62
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able to connect with friends and family while feeling like I’m teetering on the edge has been dramatically life altering. Yet, knowing I’m not alone has made a world of difference. These 40 minutes where I plug in my ear buds and feel connected, like ... I’m catching up with old friends. Can you even imagine? Brown’s ability to engage in conversations that “unlock the deeply human part of who we are, so we can live, love, parent and lead with more courage and heart” with her trademark mix of research, storytelling and no-BS style have made her a cultural phenomenon. “I believe that you have to walk through vulnerability to get to courage, therefore . . . embrace the suck,” says Dr. Brown. How utterly refreshing. DR. BRENÉ BROWN brenebrown.com/unlockingus
Premier Auto Museum & Event Center GALLERY
EVENTS
LUXURY GARAGES
www.VehicleVaultCO.com (303)626-8920 18301 Lincoln Meadows Parkway Parker, CO 80134
// traveler’s choice
Emotional Rescue Make a SELF-CARE ESCAPE to one of our favorite destinations for well-being By Courtney La Marine, L.E. AT THE START of 2020 we all had our own idea of what the word self-care meant. For most, it meant what we needed to do to make ourselves feel whole, alive and centered. As the year went on, that idea changed. While we have had to alter how we take care of ourselves it is still just as important. We’ve had the privilege to travel across the country visiting some of the most beautiful spas, many of these gems are just a short trip from home. So whether your focus is wellness, fitness, meditation or overall health, here are a few of our favorite escapes. Copperfalls an Aveda Spa and Salon in Castle Rock uses botanically based products and ancient rituals to provide the serenity we seek. The Wellness package includes a dual exfoliation facial with a renewing neck and décolleté treatment, eye treatment, beautifying body wrap and a 30-minute massage, as well as a spa lunch. This experience is the ultimate for overall wellness and relaxation. Copperfalls an Aveda Spa and Salon 340 Perry Street, Castle Rock, 303.814.2035; copperfalls.com
PHOTO: TEN THOUSAND WAVES VIA FACEBOOK
Next we suggest you head to Texas for a visit to Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness in San Antonio. The quality of service, treatments, environment and nutrition offered at Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness is hard to beat. The center is completely secluded which gives one the feeling of being in your own world, far away from the stresses of home. They provide a full menu of face, body, nail and hair services along with other wellness offerings. Your stay includes access to the vitality pool, Himalayan sauna room with a full Himalayan salt wall and the Eucalyptus steam room. Guests also have the option of reserving a private suite for complete solitude. This spa is a must visit.
PHOTO: COURTESY WELL & BEING SPA, THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness 16641 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, 210.558.2252; lomadevidaspa.com Arizona is home to The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess a USA Today’s “10 Best” Reader’s Choice Top 10 Winner Best Hotel. Well & Being Spa at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale provides a perfect combination of spa and wellness services. The Havasupai Falls Rejuvenation body treatment is sure to send you into pure bliss. You will be taken on a journey 64
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PHOTO: WELL & BEING SPA,THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS VIA FACEBOOK
PHOTO: LOMA DE VIDA SPA & WEKKNESS VIA FACEBOOK
PHOTO: TEN THOUSAND WAVES VIA FACEBOOK
WAYFARERS
of sage smudging, a purifying scrub using desert salts, followed by a Himalayan salt stone massage and to finish, a detoxifying Sedona clay herbal wrap. Enjoy other wellness services including acupuncture, personal fitness training and aerial yoga. Whether you spend a few days or a whole week, you are bound to leave feeling energized, enlightened and empowered. Well & Being Spa at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale, 480.585.4848; fairmont.com/scottsdale Last but not least, is a New Mexican desert sanctuary, the illustrious Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe. A world in itself, inspired by the mountain hot springs of Japan. This next-level spa experience in tranquility and tradition offers everything from eight different Japanese style indoor/outdoor hot tubs for soaking, to spa services such as massages and foot treatments. With beautiful accomodations and the upscale Izanami restaurant serving up a wide range of Japanese cuisine, this beloved retreat continues to enchant visitors time after time. A trip to this “other world” is sure to bring you back to life. Ten Thousand Waves 21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, Santa Fe, 505.982.9304; tenthousandwaves.com
E X P E R I E N C E S C H O M P AT H O M E SHOP ONLINE AND WE’LL DELIVER YOUR VEHICLE TO YOUR HOME GET STARTED AT SCHOMPMAZDA.COM/SCHOMP-AT-HOME
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