A simple drink recipe is cider.
Combine:
1 gallon of apple cider
1 package Aspen Mulling Spice mix
Serve hot or cold. I prefer hot. Combine these items in a slow cooker, put on warm and walk away. Drinks will be ready in minutes.
A cider that is great for after work: simply replace the apple cider with 1.5 liters of red wine. Again serve hot or cold.
Aspen Mulling Spice packages can be found at your local Hallmark stores and at participating Tony’s Meats & Specialty Foods.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Dear Just Be: My family is coming to Denver for the holidays. What fun events can I take them to?
Denver has some fantastic activities and promotions to participate in this holiday season. Listed are just a couple of the activities available for couples, families and friends.
- Denver Zoo Lights
- Denver Botanic Garden Blossom of Lights – This is a great coupon!
- Wonderlights at the Wildlife Experience
- New Year's Eve Fireworks Downtown
- A Christmas Carol at the Denver Center for Performing Arts
- Dickens of a Christmas Train
- Denver Chophouse and Brewery – Unbelievable deal!
- Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House
- Stueben’s on New Years Eve
- Swingin’ in the New Year with The Denver Brass and Hot Tomatoes
This is just the tip of the iceberg on great ideas for holiday activities. For more ideas and information visit the following websites:
http://www.denverkids.com/
http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/museum-art/denver-new-years-eve
http://www.denver.org/milehighholidays/DealsAndDiscounts.aspx
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dear Just Be: The kids will soon be on break for the holidays, what can we do to stay active during this time?
Ah yes.....Winter Break! Much anticipated by children and somewhat dreaded by parents who aren't sure how to keep their children occupied and active versus watching TV or playing video games everyday while they are not in school. Not to worry, we have some fun ideas for the whole family this winter!
Luckily we live in a state that has a great deal of sunshine even as we head into the shortest day of the year (Winter Solstice is Monday, Dec. 21). So take advantage of the sunshine...when dressed properly it won't even feel cold to be outside! So grab some walking/hiking shoes, gloves, a hat and coat and head out to one of Denver's great parks - Washington Park is great for people and dog watching and City Park is centrally located. Check out one of the State Parks such as Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Roxborough, Castle Wood Canyon and others for a more outdoorsy, rugged feel. There is a lot of wildlife in these parks so keep your eyes peeled!
Another great idea is to walk around the Denver Zoo (Zoo Lights is running until January 3, 2010 for a fun evening activity), the two different locations of the Botanic Gardens or one of our fine museums. (Plus it can be an educational activity for everyone.)
If walking doesn't get enough energy out of your little ones, think about pulling out the bikes and hitting one of the many trails in the Denver area. If you head into downtown, stop at a coffee shop near Confluence Park and watch the rivers and the people while sipping on a latte or hot chocolate.
We can remember when there was a great ice skating ring downtown at the May D & F building on 16th Street, but is sadly no longer there. But that doesn't mean ice skating isn't available. Check into local small rings throughout town in downtown or Cherry Creek, head up to Evergreen Lake or look into public hours at local ice arenas in Lowry or at the University of Denver. (For more ice skating options, check out Belmar, South Suburan, or more.)
Another fun idea, which can burn calories is to go swimming at a local indoor pool and then warm up afterwards in a whirlpool, steam room or sauna.
And if you want real winter fun....go sledding, have a snowball fight together, make snow angels and you'll be burning calories the whole time.
All of these ideas can be great fun for the entire family and be sure to bring the in-laws and other visiting company along too! There will be plenty of time to sit around fires, eating homemade cookies, listening to holiday music - but you'll feel better if you've had some exercise each day.
Luckily we live in a state that has a great deal of sunshine even as we head into the shortest day of the year (Winter Solstice is Monday, Dec. 21). So take advantage of the sunshine...when dressed properly it won't even feel cold to be outside! So grab some walking/hiking shoes, gloves, a hat and coat and head out to one of Denver's great parks - Washington Park is great for people and dog watching and City Park is centrally located. Check out one of the State Parks such as Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Roxborough, Castle Wood Canyon and others for a more outdoorsy, rugged feel. There is a lot of wildlife in these parks so keep your eyes peeled!
Another great idea is to walk around the Denver Zoo (Zoo Lights is running until January 3, 2010 for a fun evening activity), the two different locations of the Botanic Gardens or one of our fine museums. (Plus it can be an educational activity for everyone.)
If walking doesn't get enough energy out of your little ones, think about pulling out the bikes and hitting one of the many trails in the Denver area. If you head into downtown, stop at a coffee shop near Confluence Park and watch the rivers and the people while sipping on a latte or hot chocolate.
We can remember when there was a great ice skating ring downtown at the May D & F building on 16th Street, but is sadly no longer there. But that doesn't mean ice skating isn't available. Check into local small rings throughout town in downtown or Cherry Creek, head up to Evergreen Lake or look into public hours at local ice arenas in Lowry or at the University of Denver. (For more ice skating options, check out Belmar, South Suburan, or more.)
Another fun idea, which can burn calories is to go swimming at a local indoor pool and then warm up afterwards in a whirlpool, steam room or sauna.
And if you want real winter fun....go sledding, have a snowball fight together, make snow angels and you'll be burning calories the whole time.
All of these ideas can be great fun for the entire family and be sure to bring the in-laws and other visiting company along too! There will be plenty of time to sit around fires, eating homemade cookies, listening to holiday music - but you'll feel better if you've had some exercise each day.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Dear Just Be: Recently I downsized to a smaller home and don't have room for holiday gifts. What should I do?
The holidays are upon us and it means getting stuff….I mean gifts. Yes, it is the thought that counts but majority of the “gifts” we receive aren’t needed or used. Gifts go unopened and shoved into a dark closet or the corner of a closet never to be used or seen until spring cleaning or a move. Why live like this? Below are two tips to make your life a little easier this holiday season with the exchange of gifts.
1.) When asked what you want for the holidays be honest; if you don’t want or need anything, say so. If you know that this response will not be received well, then request edible items (restaurant gift cards, food of the month clubs, etc.) or ask for one big, expensive needed item that several people can go in on – there goes all the little gifts that you would be getting.
2.)Clean house before the holidays. Go to that dark corner or closet where you store your un-wanted/un-used gifts and donate them to charity. There is always someone else who can use and appreciate your old gifts. And don’t stop with the “gift closet,” go through the rest of your closets and rooms and find those items that just collect dust and give them away. You will be amazed by all the things you have collected and rarely or never use. Keep in mind, it took you years to collect all these items, so don’t think you can get rid of it in a day. This is a project that you can tackle throughout the year. Please, when donating items make sure they are in good condition.
Incorporating these tips into the holidays will help you physically by not tripping and fussing over un-wanted/un-used items, but mentally you will feel more relaxed and free. Our possessions carry a lot of emotional weight that can bog us down from enjoying our family, friends and life.
1.) When asked what you want for the holidays be honest; if you don’t want or need anything, say so. If you know that this response will not be received well, then request edible items (restaurant gift cards, food of the month clubs, etc.) or ask for one big, expensive needed item that several people can go in on – there goes all the little gifts that you would be getting.
2.)Clean house before the holidays. Go to that dark corner or closet where you store your un-wanted/un-used gifts and donate them to charity. There is always someone else who can use and appreciate your old gifts. And don’t stop with the “gift closet,” go through the rest of your closets and rooms and find those items that just collect dust and give them away. You will be amazed by all the things you have collected and rarely or never use. Keep in mind, it took you years to collect all these items, so don’t think you can get rid of it in a day. This is a project that you can tackle throughout the year. Please, when donating items make sure they are in good condition.
Incorporating these tips into the holidays will help you physically by not tripping and fussing over un-wanted/un-used items, but mentally you will feel more relaxed and free. Our possessions carry a lot of emotional weight that can bog us down from enjoying our family, friends and life.
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