Friday, December 14, 2012

House Decorating Contest

Each year we love driving around looking at the Christmas Lights.  The house decorating contest has been really fun because so many people go all out!  This year the HRCA has opened the voting to the public.  You can vote on their website.  Voting ends December 16th.  There is also a map on the HRCA website with the finalists, so if you want to see some of the most festive houses in town, check out the map.  Enjoy :)

Breakfast with Santa

What could be better than Pancakes and Santa?  If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, bring your children to have breakfast with Santa!  Saturday, December 15th is the annual event at Eastridge from 9am - 10:30am.  Pricing is $9 for kids and $11 for adults in advance, and $11 for everyone the day of (if not sold out).  Your child can do crafts, write a letter to Santa, and then hand deliver it.  Santa will be giving away a small gift to all children attending.  Be sure to bring your camera for some memorable pictures.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Hometown Holiday

Friday, December 7th is the Highlands Ranch Hometown Holiday Celebration!  This free event will be at Town Center South.  Some of the festivities will include: caroling, live entertainment, food, and Reindeer.  The tree lighting will be at 5:00pm.  Your children will even have a chance to meet Santa!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Holiday Celebration

On Saturday, December 1st the Holiday Celebration will be held at the Highlands Ranch Mansion.  This event is from 10am - 3pm.  Santa will arrive on a Fire Truck at 10:10am!  He will be there for the remainder of the event to meet with the children.  Entertainment will include performances inside of the mansion by local elementary school choirs, a toy soldier, and a puppet show!  Horse drawn hay rides will also be available.  There is NO parking at the mansion - buses will provide free shuttles from Mountain Vista High School from 9:45am - 3:30pm.  Parents - don't forget your camera!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Max & Ruby!

Rosemary Wells will be at the Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch on Wednesday, November 14th at 3pm.  She will be reading and autographing her newest book, Max & Ruby's Treasure Hunt.  Max will also be at the event :)  I'm so excited for Jack to meet one of his favorite authors! 

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Fire Truck Birthday Party!

For Jack's third birthday party we decided to do a fire truck theme.  After looking into some options, I decided to have it at the Denver Firefighters Museum.  

It is a perfect venue for a kid's birthday party, and the staff couldn't have been nicer.  The Museum is in Denver's original Fire Station Number 1, built in 1909.  The party starts on the second floor where we setup food and tables - it's right next to the kids area. 


After everyone sang "Happy Birthday" Jack was dressed up as a fireman.  

He led a parade through the old locker room and throughout the museum, downstairs to the classroom.  (The staff does various educational demonstrations based on age group, but since we had mostly two-year-olds, they kept it simple).  During the brief presentation, Jack demonstrated "Stop! Drop! and Roll!" 

Next, all of the kids dressed up as firefighters, took turns driving the old fire truck, sliding down the pole, and exploring the museum!

The goodie bags consisted of a fireman hat, stickers, and a fire truck :)

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Halloween Candy Buy Back

We LOVE Halloween!  I feel like holidays are so much more fun when you have a child :)  However, Jack doesn't need a bucket full of candy and I don't want it sitting around my house (because I will end up eating it).  We probably won't do too much trick or treating, but I think this is the first year that Jack really gets it, so I know he will have fun going door to door.  Jack's dentist, Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry is taking part in the Halloween Candy Buy Back.  They will pay your child $1 per pound of candy, and then send the candy to the military troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  All you have to do is put the candy in a zip-lock bag, along with a picture of your child in their Halloween costume, and a note to our brave soldiers. 

Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry is located in the Highlands Ranch town center.  Check out their website for more information along with the schedule of when to drop off the candy.


By the way if you are looking for a dentist for your child, I highly recommend Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry!  Jack's first visit to the dentist went amazingly well (for both of us).  The entire staff was so kind, and they do an awesome job of making it a fun experience!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Belly Up Spa


 As another month of Breast Cancer Awareness comes to an end, Belly Up Spa, Denver's only exclusive mom spa begins their journey speaking to cancer and catering to moms affected in a different and very tangible way.  Why now? Because cancer is not partial to a month, a color, or a ribbon - one in three will be touched.

Belly Up Spa already offers unique one of a kind treatments targeted to moms in all stages of motherhood from before, during and after pregnancy, and now after recent cancer specific training, they will speak to moms affected by cancer during all stages of treatment too - before, during, and after.

A mother herself, Belly Up Owner Rhonda James, is aware of the many needs of mom, especially those who are compromised with something like cancer as many of the spas clients have directly or indirectly been affected.  But with a vision to be more than the typical spa, and cautious to not fall into the same pink robbon participation Rhonda held off outreach until it was right for Belly Up to embrace the affected community.  As breast cancer awareness month neared this year, the right opportunity finally did come.

"The hands, feet, and nails are highly impacted by cancer treatment, sometimes with long-term impact.  And manicuring services are the most chosen by women in general, even women battling cancer.  Having this kind of knowledge and tools allows us to have an amazing impact on the front line, something that's really important to us at Belly Up Spa," says Rhonda.

After recently finding NONTOXIQUE, a holistic hand, foot, and nail care line for the spa, Belly Up got more than they bargained with their new exclusive vendor relationship.  Not only is NONTOXIQUE a 100% active line that delivers results, the line was created by a health-based manicurist who knows all too well what it means to become health compromised.  As a result of personal experience, NONTOXIQUE is the first truly holistic spa hand and foot care line that delivers results safely using only ingredients proven to be effective, non-skin sensitizing, non-UV reactive and not known to build up in the body contributing to cancer, birth-defects or any other health concern.

But that's only part of the story.

NONTOXIQUE eats, sleeps and breathes wellness and to make sure its importance is understood in the spa, the company offers extensive education and insights into healthy and ultra safe manicuring services - including a department audit to make sure everything from sanitation to treatment techniques are what they should be regardless if the state required such strict standards yet or not.

Once strict requirements such as 'one per use' policy and sterilization are met, Oncology Manicuring Education is provided which allows manicurists to understand and properly act on different stages of cancer and the needs a client may have from their diagnosis into recovery.

So as Breast Cancer Awareness month comes to an end, the journey is just beginning for Belly Up Spa and those who have been touched.  With new and exclusive offerings not available anywhere else in the greater Denver area that speak specifically to the changes experienced on the cancer journey - before, during and after.

Trick or Treat OFF the Street


This weekend, October 27th & 28th, The Wildlife Experience will have their annual Trick or Treat OFF the Street from 9am - 5pm.  They will have Halloween crafts, a bounce house, and candy booths in the museum's hallway.  Considering the fact that it's snowing right now, this will be a great way to get in the Halloween spirit and stay warm :)  The event is included in the price of admission and members are free.  For more information, check out their website.

Haunted Hayrides

Stockton's Plum Creek Stables are offering Haunted Hayrides on October 26th (from 6pm - 8:30pm) and 27th from 6pm until 9pm on Saturday.  Rides run every 30 minutes.  Admission is $11 per adult and $8 per child, (children must be accompanied by adult).  Register in advance at any HRCA rec center or by calling 303-791-2500.  This event is a fundraiser for 4-H.  For more information, check out Stockton's Plum Creek Stables website.

Trick or Treat Street


Saturday, October 27th from 10am - 2pm, Eastridge rec center will be transformed into Trick-or-Treat Street.  The event is $1 per person.  Local businesses will be giving out candy.  They also have a pumpkin patch where your child can get a free pumpkin to take home! 

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Great Play of Highlands Ranch

 
 
The grand opening celebration for Great Play of Highlands Ranch is October 17th - 20th!  Great play is a children's gym that makes it fun for kids to develop motor skills, sports skills, fitness and coordination in their amazing interactive arena.  They offer classes for children 6 months - 12 years, along with an open gym for children currently enrolled in classes.  The open gym and the classes are separated by age group, so the activities offered are age specific.  It's located at 5690 E. County Line Pl (County Line & Holly).  Right now they are offering a free class - just go to their website.  Also all classes, memberships, and birthday parties are currently at a discounted price :)

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Pumpkin Patch


This weekend is the perfect time to enjoy the local fall activities and pick out a pumpkin!  The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield (8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road) is having their annual pumpkin festival.  It starts on Friday, October 12th from 10am - 5pm.  Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 13 & 14) the festival will be from 9am - 5pm.  Admission is $7 per adult, $5 per child, children 2 & under are free :)  Some of the many activities offered at this festival include a super fun corn maze, live music, amusement rides, pony rides, a train ride, and tons of pumpkins to choose from.

The Littleton Museum is having their 18th annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 13th from 10am - 3pm.  There is no admission price for the museum (they do however accept donations) and the festival is free, but there will be hay rides, food, and pumpkins available for purchase.  We love this museum!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Fall Craft Show


This weekend is the Highlands Ranch Fall Craft show.  Located at Eastridge Rec center on October 6th and 7th, from 9am - 5pm.  This event is free and open to the public.  The show will have over 100 exhibitors with one of a kind crafts for sale.  This is a great place to go for unique gifts!  For more information, check out the HRCA website.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Family Fun Day!


Treehouse Discovery is having Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 6th from 9am - 6pm.  Your family will enjoy all of the fun that Treehouse has to offer along with the opportunity to meet some local business owners.  The best part is, each business will have some sort of exciting giveaway! Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members.  October 6th is also the first day of their scholastic book fair, which will go through October 12th.  For more information on Family Fun Day, check out the Treehouse Discovery website.

Monday, October 1, 2012

It's Fall Y'all

I LOVE fall!  It's a busy time of year for us but so much fun!  PSL's at Starbucks, Broncos Games, Pumpkin Patches, Halloween, Aspen Leaves, and Jack's Birthday :)  Also the perfect time of year for an outdoor photo shoot.  The picture above is from last year at Fly'n B Park!


I always have one of these burning.

Every year we make pumpkin bread and pumpkin pancakes.  This year I was excited to find something new to add to my pumpkin menu ~ pumpkin pie smoothies!  They really do taste just like pumpkin pie.


Last week I received these in the mail, which totally made my day!
Thanks Mom :)


I've never framed subway art before but I decided to give this one a try, and it's really cute in my kitchen!  This printable is from the blog, Love Bakes Good Cakes :)


Pinterest is also filled with some fun ideas.

Happy Fall!




Sunday, September 30, 2012

Apple Pie Dumplings


Yesterday we went to Berry Patch Farms and brought home some yummy apples!  We decided to make apple dumplings, and they turned out perfect. 

For the filling:
1 apple (peeled, cored, and diced)
2 Tbsp Agave Nectar
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1/2 Tbsp Vanilla
 Combine in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate while you make your dough.

For the dough there are many options, the first time I made a biscuit dough and wrapped them up.  The second batch I made whole wheat buttermilk biscuit dough and made them into empanadas.  You can also use Pillsbury dough if you don't think you will have time to make any.  

Put the filling into the dough and wrap it up.  Take a pastry brush and top your dumplings with the liquid left in the bowl.  Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

These are so easy to bake, and best of all your house will smell yummy :)

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Berry Patch Farms


We went to Berry Patch Farms and it was so much fun I thought I would share.  It's an organic farm in Brighton, Colorado.  The farm isn't open for visitors all year round and their hours change so make sure you check their website or call first.  It was so much fun to show Jack where fruit comes from.  It's free - you just pay for the fruit that you pick.  They also have some fresh fruit and veggies that you can buy in their store.  The Farm has some animals, including ducks, chicken, turkey, and pigs.  They gave us a tractor ride out to the fields, which Jack LOVED :)

Jack had a blast picking strawberries!

Raspberries too!

We will definitely be going back :)


Friday, September 28, 2012

New to You Sale!




It's that time of year again!  Time to swap out flip-flops for boots, tank tops for sweaters, and bathing suits for holiday wear!  That means that it's also time for the semi-annual New To You Children's Consignment sale!  
CLC MOPS is holding its Fall & Winter sale at Christ Lutheran Church in Highlands Ranch on Friday, September 28th from 8am-4pm and Saturday, September 29th from 8am-12pm (half-price sale, select items).  
$1 admission at the door benefits Lutheran Family Services and gives shoppers access to gently-used items from over 150 consignors!  This fabulous sale features all things baby/kids/maternity, including fall/winter clothing and shoes (infant to size 12), costumes, maternity wear, toys, games, videos and books, baby equipment, gear and furniture, outdoor toys, bikes, sports equipment and so much more!  
Cash and local checks accepted.  
Visit NTY's website at www.newtoyousale.org for full details!

Friday Night Lights!

 

Tonight, (Friday, September 28th) Valor is playing Fountain-Fort Carson at 7pm.  The game will be at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch.  We have only been to one game so far this year, and there were SO many people there (apparently Peyton Manning was there too, but we didn't see him).  This game is sure to have a big crowd, according to the Denver Post it's the game of the week!  Valor is ranked 6th in state and Fountain-Fort Carson is ranked 2nd.  GO VALOR!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Magic Show


On Friday, September 28th, Shawn Preston aka The Magic Dude will be performing a magic show at Southridge from 7pm - 8pm.  Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.  This event is recommended for all ages.  Prepare to be amazed!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Oktoberfest 2012


The Highlands Ranch annual Oktoberfest is this Saturday, September 22nd.  The day will start off with a 5k / 100yard dash at 12:30pm.  For race information click here.  Oktoberfest will be held in town center south from 2:00pm - 10:00pm.  The annual Dachshund race will begin at 3:00pm.  This is a free event with food and drinks available for purchase.  There will be plenty of fun activities for children including music, dancing, balloons, and magic!  For more information check out the HRCA website.  Also because the 4th of July fireworks were cancelled this year, at 9:30pm there will be fireworks!

School Lunches

One of LiveWell Colorado's initiatives is improving school lunches.  Most kid's would make the unhealthy choice when it comes to food they buy at school.  However LiveWell Colorado is not only encouraging parents and teachers to make the healthier option fun, but they are working to educate students so they want to make the healthier choice.  To learn more about all of the amazing things LiveWell Colorado is doing check out their website :)  LiveWell Colorado has their 3rd annual fundraising luncheon coming up on December 13th.  Click on the picture below for more information.


This year Jack is in a parent's day out program, so once a week I pack him a lunch.  I definitely try to have Jack eat as healthy as possible, but he is a typical 2 year old that if given the choice he would fill up on foods that aren't as nutritious.  I think the best thing that works for me right now is that Jack sees me eating the same healthy foods that he does.  Below is a picture of the first lunch I packed him.  I made sure to cut up everything into small pieces,  and to give him plenty of options. 


Be sure to label EVERYTHING!




Monday, September 17, 2012

Game Day Enchilada Casserole

This easy recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Here are all of the ingredients:


First you line the bottom of your casserole dish with corn tortillas


Sprinkle black beans, corn, and cheese on top


Add half the container of green chile 
 (for this recipe I used pork, but they also have chicken and vegetarian) 


Add another layer of tortillas, cheese, and the remaining green chile
 Put it in the oven at 375 for 25 mins


Enjoy!

I always love making this because I know Jack will ask for seconds :)
GO BRONCOS!!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Wildlife Experience $1 Admission


On Saturday, September 8th from 9am - 5pm, The Wildlife Experience is celebrating their 10 year Anniversary!  We LOVE this museum :)
Admission will only be $1.  Some of the activities will include:
-Rock climbing, zip line, and bungee jump
-Pinewood derby races from the Boy Scouts
-Learn how to ice or spin fish, elk call or sink a putt at our mini golf
-Visit with Diego from Go, Diego, Go! and Smokey the Bear
 -Roast S'mores and listen to campfire stories
-See live animals including quail, raptors and tarantulas
(some of the activities may have an additional fee)

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Highlands Ranch Days!



The Highlands Ranch Days are here!  September 6th through 8th from 9am - 2pm.  Ticket prices are $4 for adults and $2 for children.  This year Highlands Ranch Days will take place in the at the newly renovated Highlands Ranch Mansion.  For more information including a map click here.  There will be fun and educational activities for children of all ages!  On Saturday there will be a pancake breakfast from 8am - 11am ($7 adults & $4 kids).  

Friday, August 10, 2012

Touch-a-Truck

Saturday, August 11th is the 1st Annual Touch-a-Truck event from 10am - 3pm.  Kids will be able to climb on and explore everything from fire trucks to tractors!  This free event will take place at Cherry Hills Community Church parking lot (Fairview Pkwy & Grace Blvd).  We have been looking forward to this event all summer, because Jack is obsessed with Fire Trucks!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Rodeo in the Ranch


This weekend (July 14th & 15th) is the Annual Highlands Ranch Rodeo.  Some of the activities will include: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and hayrides.  They will also have mutton busting and a chicken scramble for the kids!  Saturday grounds open at 9am with the rodeo starting at 11am.  Sunday the rodeo will begin at 1pm with the grounds opening at 11am.  Tickets on the day of the event are $12 per adult and $7 per child (children 2 and under are free).  They may sell out so if you want to buy tickets ahead of time (at a slightly reduced price) call 303-791-2500.  Proceeds will benefit the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund.  The rodeo location is north of the town center on Barrons Blvd. and Monument Dr.  For more information including a schedule of events click here.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Ice Cream Social


Wednesday, July 11th is the annual Littleton Fire Rescue Ice Cream Social.  All you can eat ice cream is $1.  There will also be Fire Truck displays and demonstrations, live music, face painting, and more!  This event takes place at Civic Green Park from 6pm - 9pm.

Monday, July 2, 2012

4th of July!


The Independence Day Celebration is something you won't want to miss!  It will start at 8:00am with the 5k run/walk.  The family bike and pet parade starts at 8:45am.  The community parade is 9:00am - 10:30am!  This all day celebration will be from 9am - 7pm in both town centers (north & south), and will include vendors, music, rides for the kids, hot dog eating contest, and even a pet adoption fair.  For more information and a schedule of events check out the HRCA website.  The firework display has been cancelled ~ tentatively rescheduled for Oktoberfest, September 22nd.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Kidfest

This Saturday, June 16th from 9:00am - 12:00pm, is the Kidfest in Highlands Ranch.  This free event will be held at Civic Green Park (next to the Highlands Ranch Library).  There will be music, several fun activities, and learning opportunities for your little ones.  Hope to see you all there!

Classic Car Show


The Highlands Ranch annual Classic Car show will be June 16th from 10am -2pm at Cherry Hills Community Church.  This event is free to the public!

Highlands Ranch Mansion Grand Re-Opening!


The Community Celebration for the Highlands Ranch Mansion will be held Friday, June 15th from 2:00pm - 8:30pm.  Parking is available at Mountain Vista High School, and free shuttles will be running throughout the event.  Mansion tours will be held from 2pm - 6pm.  At 6:30pm there will be a dedication ceremony.  Under a Blood Red Sky, a U2 tribute band will be performing from 6:30 - 8:30pm.  Food vendors will be on site as well as kid friendly activities.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Blissful Body ShapeUP Program


Blissful Pursuit is a brand new fitness concept in Highlands Ranch.  As part of their launch, they will be offering a fun, total body workout, fitness program on Saturdays (June 16th - July 14th) from 9:30am - 10:30am at Falcon Park.  The class will take you through body weight resistance training, cardio bursts, toning, and yoga.  Participants will receive nutritional handouts, recipes, and healthy & delicious food samples.  The price is $75 for all five classes or a drop in rate of $20 per class.  To sign up, and to check out the other services they offer, visit their website or call, 720-722-0246! 

Culture on the Green

Civic Green Park will host the following cultural performances from 6:30pm - 8:00pm this summer:

June 8th - Pan Jumbies

July 13th - Colorado Renaissance Festival

August 24th - Mile Hi Banjo Society

 Your family will be sure to have a great time!

Puss in Boots



South Suburban Park and Recreation District will host five, free performances of The Commedia, Puss in Boots in a variety of the District’s parks in June.  Performed by some of South Suburban’s finest youth actors, the play is a funny version of the familiar Puss in Boots fairy tale, with some interesting twists.  People of all ages will delight in this production.
The Commedia Puss in Boots will be performed, June 19 – 22 in the following South Suburban parks:
Tues., June 19 at 10 am, DeKoevend Park, Shelter C, 6301 S. University Blvd., Centennial.
Wed., June 20 at 10 am, Puma Park, 7900 S. Ogden Way, Centennial.      
Thurs., June 21 at 10 am, Gallup Gardens, 6015 S. Gallup St., Littleton.
Fri., June 22 at 10 am, Prairie Sky Park Shelter, 9381 Crossington Way, Lone Tree.
Fri., June 22 at 7 pm, Walnut Hills Park Amphitheater, 8443 E. Davies Ave., Centennial.
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and enjoy free, live theater.  Call 303-730-4612 or visit www.sspr.org for more information.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Yoga in the Park

 
Namaste Yoga & Wellness will be offering free yoga all summer long!  Every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:15am - 9:15am at Civic Green Park.  This will be offered until August 18th (excluding June 19th).  All participants must be 18 or older to participate and please arrive 10 minutes early to sign in.

Summer Concert Series

The Free Summer Concert Series is back at Highland Heritage Regional Park.  From 6:30pm - 8:00pm the following local bands will be performing:

June 7th - Margarita Brothers (Surf Rock)
June 14th - Swing Essence (Big Band/Swing)
June 21st - The Nacho Men (Rock N' Roll)
June 28th - Deja Blu (Variety/Dance)
July 5th - FACE (A Capella)
July 12th - Soul School (R&B)
July 19th - Black Water Band (Doobie Brothers)
July 26th - Opie Gone Bad (Funk N' Roll)

Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Spotlight on the Plaza

The following Wednesdays from 6pm - 7pm there will be a free performance from a live band at the Town Center North Plaza:

June 6th - Smokin' Joe & Bob Cooke (Classic Rock/Blues)

July 4th - Eclipse (Journey cover band)

August 1st - Down by Daybreak (Pop/Punk)

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Farmer's Market in Highlands Ranch


The Highlands Ranch Farmer's Market is held every Sunday from 10am - 2pm at Town Center South until October 28th.  I'm glad that we get the chance to meet and support our local farmers!  It's also a fun place for kids, they have different activities and booths throughout the year.  For more information check out the Denver Farmer's Market website.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Belly Up Spa - Now Open!

After months of anticipation Belly Up Spa is now open!  They are located at 7600 East Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree.  This Spa was created for Moms :)  They will offer Massage, Facials, Yoga, 3D ultrasounds and much much more!  Also for all of you Rosie Pope fans - Belly Up Spa is the exclusive carrier of her clothing line in Colorado.  If you mention you heard about them from Highlands Ranch Mom - you will receive a complimentary express manicure (not to be used with any other offers or coupons).  Enjoy!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Taste of Highlands Ranch

The Taste of Highlands Ranch is this Friday, May 4th from 6-9pm at Eastridge.  This event is a lot of fun and it gives you a chance to try samples from many of our local restaurants.  Tickets are $25 per person in advance, and $30 at the door.  Attendees must be 21, and be sure to bring your ID.  There will be a silent auction with plenty of exciting items to bid on.  All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life.  See you there!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

The Beautiful Baby Contest


The Beautiful Baby Contest starts today!  Children from 0 - 6 years old can be entered to win.  The winner receive $500 in cash prizes and be on the cover of The Baby Guide, an upscale baby magazine for Moms.  The contest is sponsored by Belly Up Spa!  To enter visit Belly Up Spa on Facebook.  Click on Beautiful Baby Contest, fill out the form, and upload a photo of your child.  You can vote once a day, and others can vote for your child too :)  The cutoff for voting will be May 1st.  Ten semi-finalists will be selected.  They will receive a professional photo shoot, and after a week of voting, the winner will be announced!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Easter Egg Hunt


The Highlands Ranch Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 7th at Northridge Park.  It will start promptly at 10:00am.  Be sure to arrive early as the eggs are usually gone within minutes.  This event is free for members; to register call 303-791-2500.  Limit of six eggs per child.  Bring your Easter basket and get ready to meet the Easter Bunny!

Monday, March 12, 2012

MOPS Sale

Saturday, March 17th is the MOPS Children's Consignment Sale at Cherry Hills Community Church from 8:00am - 2:00pm!  You won't want to miss this sale - try to get there early as hundreds of shoppers are expected throughout the day.  The church is located on Grace Blvd off of Fairview Pkwy in Highlands Ranch.  Some of the items they will be selling include: toys, clothing, baby essentials, and even maternity clothes all gently used and up to 75% off.  For more information check out their website.  There is a $2 entrance fee.

Friday, February 10, 2012

LiveWell Colorado



I've been a LiveWell Mom Ambassador since the initiative began last year.  What exactly does that mean?  Basically, I'm a volunteer who support's what they are doing.  As a Mom I feel like it's so important to show Jack a healthy lifestyle.  Jack's a very energized and active two year old, (too young for an exercise program), but he understands both of his parents workout.  Since I started at Orange Theory Fitness I wear a heart rate monitor to class, and the other day Jack tried putting it on and said "Jack workout!"  Jack's at an age where he wants to eat whatever Dan and I are eating.  Which is great because we try to eat healthy as much as possible.  I would feel really bad if I was eating junk food, while insisting that Jack eats his veggies.

From the LiveWell Colorado website:

About LiveWell Colorado
LiveWell Colorado is a nonprofit organization committed to reducing obesity in Colorado by promoting healthy eating and active living. In addition to educating and inspiring people to make healthy choices, LiveWell Colorado focuses on policy, environmental and lifestyle changes that remove barriers and increase access to healthy behaviors. Working in partnership with obesity prevention initiatives across the state, LiveWell Colorado aims to provide every Coloradan with access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity in the places they live, work, learn and play.

Obesity in Colorado
While Colorado is often touted as America's "leanest" state, we are not immune to the growing health crisis of obesity. Nearly 55 percent of Colorado adults and a quarter of our children are overweight or obese. And we're getting worse. If trends continue, only 35 percent of Coloradans will be a healthy weight by 2017. LiveWell Colorado was formed to take a leadership role in tackling the complex problem of obesity and realizing the vision of all Coloradans embracing a healthier lifestyle.

I encourage you to check out their website, it has so much information and many helpful tools.  Even if you are in the best shape of your life it's exciting to see what they are doing.  Not only are they helping out adults, but they are working to improve school lunches - which will make such a difference for children!  We're all very fortunate that LiveWell Colorado exists, it continues to help many Coloradans lead a healthier life. 



Sweetheart Teddy Bear Tea


Saturday, February 11th from 10:30am - 12:00pm is the Sweetheart Teddy Bear Tea.  This event will take place at Southridge and is $15 per person (children must be accompanied by an adult).  What could be more fun than getting dressed up and bringing your favorite teddy bear to a tea party?  Some yummy tea time snacks will also be served.  Parents - don't forget your camera.  The last 45 minutes of the event is an interactive kid's show.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Sweetheart Ball

The Highlands Ranch Father & Daughter Sweetheart Ball is this weekend!  At Southridge on Friday, Feburary 3rd from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, & Saturday, February 4th 1:30pm - 3:30pm & 6:30pm - 8:30pm.  Tickets in advance are $25 and $33 at the door.  Each little sweetheart will receive a corsage and a special gift.  Some of the event highlights include dancing, refreshments, and a commemorative photo.  What a cute way for Father's to spend time with their little Sweethearts!